Updated: October 1, 2024
ByCourtney Shapiro
When I need a break from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, I head to Bryant Park, this 9.6-acre park, just a few blocks from Times Square.
As a local, I value this oasis not just for relaxing on a bench or the lush lawn, but also for the long list of free things to do here.
As a local tour guide who speaks with hundreds of guests each month, I suggest Bryant Park as a nice place to stop for a break when exploring Midtown.
For my tour guests who have the time, I tell them what free events and activities are available throughout the year.
From the Christmas market to ice skating in winter, movies on the lawn to Broadway performances in summer, Bryant Park is worth a visit!
If you visit the park, you may see me or one of my fellow tour guides (in bright orange shirts) leading guests through the park on one of our Midtown Manhattan walking tours.
Why not join us? See our calendar of all our tours here.
In this video, my fellow tour guide with Tours by Foot NYC, Katherine, gives you an idea of the great things going on at Bryant Park.
Top things to do in Bryant Park in NYC
- Winter
- Summer
- Throughout the year
Practical Information
Location: From W. 40th to W, 42nd Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues (map).
Hours: Bryant Park is open every day from 7 am-10 pm year round. (Hours can vary monthly).
Directions: The closest subways are the 7 trains to 5th Ave., the 4/5/6/S to Grand Central Station, and the N/Q/R/W to Times Square.
Good to know: There is also free Wi-Fi and a very nice public bathroom -- as Katherine shows in the video above!
Where to eat nearby: See our section below.
Things to do nearby: All these places are within walking distance of Bryant Park: the New York Public Library, Times Square, Grand Central Station and Rockefeller Center.
WINTER
Winter Village Christmas Market
Bryant Park is famous for being one of the best if not THE best Christmas markets in NYC.
At Bryant Park’s Winter Village, you can stroll along the small holiday shops with holiday lights and decorations.
The village includes over 60 shops selling everything from artisan coin jewelry to handmade winterknits. The variety and quality are excellent.
Every year, I go with friends to browse the unique goods at the artisan stalls.
Then we warm up with hot apple cider or hot chocolate.
The food vendors are fantastic and I always look forward to having scrumptious snacks at Winter Village.
In the video below, let my fellow tour guides Lori and Katherine show you around the stalls!
Read our detailed post on Bryant Park’s Bank of America Winter Village for dates, hours, and all the great things to see and do there.
Ice Skating
In the winter, the giant lawn in Bryant Park is transformed into an ice skating rink.
It’s one of the prettiest - and cheapest - ice rinks in New York City.
I confess I am not the best ice skater. I can barely stand up on skates!
But I do come here with friends and watch them skate.
I love the magical and festive atmosphere and my friends love the price. It’s free to skate!
But that is if you bring your own skates. Otherwise, skate rentals are available.
Read more about ice skating at The Rink at Bryant Park.
SUMMER
Free Movie Nights
Every summer, Bryant Park hosts its iconic Free Movie Nights.
This is a much-loved summer activity that locals flock to with blankets and picnic baskets.
I've been going to Monday Movie Night since I was in college -- and I won't tell you how long ago that was!
Movies are at 8 pm, but the lawn opens at 5 pm.
Take my word for it -- you have GOT to get there early if you want to be near the front.
They show an array of movie genres, from blockbusters to foreign films and my favorite, black-and-white classics.
Check out what is playing this year here.
Bryant Park isn't the only place to host free movie nights.
Free Broadway Performances
Also in summer, Bryant Park hosts its free Broadway in the Park program.
Performances take place every Thursday in July from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.
These aren't full performances but rather one-hour shows with the most popular songs from the best Broadway shows.
As someone who can't afford to go to Broadway shows often, I make it my business to be in Bryant Park for these performances.
I've seen the cast of The Lion King, The Book of Mormon and lots of other hit shows. See the 2024 line-up here.
The lawn opens at 11 am and I suggest you get there early. You might catch some rehearsals!
If you want to see a Broadway show in full, see our post on how to get big savings on Broadway tickets.
Learn about ticket lotteries, rush tickets and other great deals.
Free Picnic Performances
Yet another awesome summer program in Bryant Park!
The series includes more than two dozen live performances and they are all free!
You can hear top-notch music including jazz, classical, opera, and cutting-edge music.
There are also contemporary dance, ballet, and theater productions. See the schedule of performances here.
I love getting my 'culture fix' while having a picnic.
You can get food from the handful of food vendors in the park, but I recommend going elsewhere as the stalls can get crowded.
I like the sandwiches and salads from Pret A Manger at 389 5th Ave (at W. 36th St), and my favorite...bagels from Zucker’s at 1065 6th Ave at 40th Street/Bryant Park.
Free Symphony in the Park
In the summer, the American Symphony Orchestra performs on several dates.
There is limited space, so it is first come, first serve.
Find out about the dates and lineups here.
Free Concerts
Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from June to October stop by for live music including ragtime, jazz, and piano playing.
See what's on here
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Free Games
Every day (weather permitting) between April to early October, from 11 am - 7 pm, Bryant Park sets up free lawn games Pétanque, Putting, and Kubb.
Ping-pong tables are set up as well. Board games and Chess tables are available. Read more here.
I've played Pétanque there with a friend from France.
She was impressed that Americans even knew what Pétanque was!
Reading Room
Bryant Park’s Reading Room provides books to borrow, newspapers, and magazines to enjoy in the park.
They also put on a great calendar of literary events, including Books on Broadway, Authors, BookClub, Poetry, StoryTime, and much more!
Fitness Classes
Free classes with instructors include Yoga, Boot Camp, Limón Dance, and Tai Chi. See more here.
I'm not especially into fitness. Giving walking tours is exercise!
But I did try the yoga in the park. It can get very crowded to arrive early.
Classes
Learn how to juggle, knit, and ribbon dance.
Hear about beekeeping, take a birding tour, or take a writing workshop.
Read more here.
Art Cart
Located on the north end of the Fifth Avenue Terrace, near the New York Public Library, you’ll find the Art Cart.
Filled with free craft supplies and art materials for use, adults and kids are welcome!
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
Most of the above activities are suited for children, though maybe not young children.
Here are two activities they will love!
Le Carrousel
This kiddie carousel is a delight! Its 14 classic carousel animals revolve while French cabaret music plays.
It is open all year (see hours) and costs $4 per ride.
Kids Creative Corner
Open June through September next to the Carrousel, the Kids Corner invites parents and their children to enjoy coloring, reading, and other creative activities.
Find out about things to do with kids in New York City.
Where To Eat Near Bryant Park
Bryant Park Grill
Looking out onto the park through its large windows, this restaurant serving New American cuisine is a lovely place to dine.
There is a rooftop garden as well.
It is open daily from 11:30 am - 9 pm, In addition to the regular menu, the Grill serves brunch on Saturday & Sunday from 11:30 am-3:30 pm.
Reservations are suggested for the dining room. The rooftop is first-come-first-serve. Read more here.
Bryant Park Cafe
Run by the Bryant Park Grill, the cafe serves American cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
It is open from mid-April to November from 11 am-11:30 pm. No reservations are needed.
The Porch
Located in the south of the park, this casual restaurant is open daily starting at 11 am.
It closes at 11 pm in the summer and winter and at 10 pm in the spring and fall.
The Lodge Deck
Open during the winter, located next to the ice rink, The Lodge is perfect for hot drinks and snacks like sausages with different sauces and fries with cheese.
Food Kiosks
A few permanent food stalls are located in the park along the western end of 6th Avenue.
You’ll find Breads Bakery, Joe Coffee, Le Pain Quotidien, and Wafels & Dinges.
HISTORY OF BRYANT PARK
Bryant Park is known for its beautiful lawn, free programming and fascinating history.
During the Revolutionary War, Washington's troops camped on the site. In 1822, the site was used as a potter's field, a public cemetery for the poor.
From 1837 and 1842, a giant reservoir to supply the city with fresh water from New York was constructed on the adjacent land where the New York Public Library stands today.
In 1853, the Crystal Palace was erected on the site, now known as Reservoir Square.
The Crystal Palace burned down in 1858.
During the Civil War, Union army troops camped at Reservoir Square.
In 1884, Reservoir Square was renamed Bryant Park, to honor the New York Evening Post editor William Cullen Bryant, an outspoken abolitionist.
The park went through a tough patch in the 1970s as a hub for drug dealers, addicts, and prostitutes.
In 1980, the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation was founded.
The park was renovated and has become one of the most popular spots to relax in Midtown Manhattan.
What Does Reddit Think?
Reddit is one source for opinions about a variety of topics regarding NYC.
I’ve reviewed several threads about Bryant Park and below are a handful of thoughts.
While you won't always easily find answers to your question (you may have to scroll through a lot of threads!) you will find some interesting insights.
In several threads, people discussed why they loved Bryant Park.
While it is fair to say that not all Reddit users felt the same, these comments are pretty convincing that Bryant Park is a great park to check out.
In this comment, the author goes over the many reasons to love Bryant Park.
Winter brings the lovely Winter Village, with its ice skating rink and shopping stalls.
It’s a nice place to chill out. And the 'famous' bathroom plays classical music!
Here the commenter says Bryant Park is their favorite place in the world!
Bryant Park offered this visitor to NYC one of their fondest memories of the city.
So often comments use the word ‘chill’ when it comes to Bryant Park. as a peaceful place in the middle of a busy city.
This comment is no exception.
Here the commenter goes into quite a bit of detail of why they love Bryant Park.
The energy, the seasonal activities, and the bonus of the free Wi-Fi to bring one’s laptop.
One of the best seasonal activities is Broadway in the Park.
One Reddit user asked about the event and what time they should arrive.
This reply offered a pretty good answer. There’s no need to arrive early unless they want to be near the stage.
There’s lots of space on the lawn to bring a picnic.
A similar question was asked about Summer Movie Night.
This answer hits the nail on the head.
Arrive early by 5 pm to get a good spot. But if you don't mind being in the rear of the lawn, 6:30 pm is good.
As for Winter Village activities, here’s a bit of advice on the least busy times to ice skate at the rink.
Looks like weekdays before 11 am are smart, and the colder it is the fewer people show up.
About The Author
Courtney Shapiro
Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker in love with the city’s history, culture and food. She's a world traveler as well and enjoys sharing her travel expertise with others. She joined Tours by Foot in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She still leads tours on a part-time basis. READ MORE...
Updated: October 1st, 2024
