Just East of Times Square is one of Manhattan’s hottest spots for everyone. Bryant Park has events all year long that appeal to everyone. It does not matter your age, interests, or background, there is something for you at some point in the year at Bryant Park!
In this article, we are going to look at the history of Bryant Park and give a breakdown of events that happen every year. 12 million people visit the park annually for a quick summer lunch, winter ice skating, and everything in between. Central Park might get more publicity among tourists, but anyone who knows about Bryant Park, knows how great it is!
History of Bryant Park
The origins of Bryant Park predate the earliest memories of this country. The first New York Royal Governor, Thomas Dongan, put claim on the land as “unappropriated” and it became public property. George Washington, back in 1776, would use Bryant Park as a place to retreat to after the Battle of Long Island. It would not be until 1822 when the land of Bryant Park would officially become part of New York City. The very next year, Bryant Park would become a burial ground for New Yorkers who would not have the accommodations for a proper funeral. For the next 17 years, this would be the case, until 1840, when the Croton Reservoir would be built using the water from the Croton River. The promenade and viewing platform from the reservoir created a popular viewing spot for many New Yorkers, including Edgar Allen Poe.
Just west of the reservoir is the location of what many consider to be the first World’s Fair on American soil. Replicating the London version from 1851, over four thousand exhibitors displayed their wares, goods, and artwork. At the time, the tallest structure in NYC, the 311-foot-tall Latting Observatory, would provide an added spectacle. The exhibition would burn down in 1858, leaving it open to be an encampment for Union troops during the Civil War.
In 1884, the park finally became Bryant Park to honor the poet, New York Evening Post, and civic reformer, William Cullen Bryant. In 1911, the Beaux-Arts building was finished with a raised terrace at the rear of the Library to form the modern-day setup of Bryant Park.
Want to get to Bryant Park?
There are plenty of ways to get to Bryant Park! It is conveniently located behind the New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
You can take the B, D, F, or M train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park. If you don’t mind walking an extra block, the N, R, Q, and W are also options at the 42nd/Times Square. Both have the 7 train option available.
Hungry?
Bryant Park is home to some great spots to eat and enjoy the scenery. Especially, on the days where you can enjoy New York fall weather! Bryant Park has both year-round and seasonal restaurants that include:
- Breads Bakery (year-round)
- Casa Toscana (year-round)
- Joe Coffee (year-round)
- Wafels & Dinges (year-round)
- Bryant Park Shop (year-round)
- Café ‘cito (Seasonal)
- Canoe Bar (Seasonal)
- Holiday Shops (Seasonal)
- Rinkside Bar by Stout NYC (Seasonal)
- S’Mores N’More (Seasonal)
- The Lodge Bar (Seasonal)
- SweetTooth (Seasonal)
Need a bathroom break?
In case of bathroom emergencies, public restrooms are open daily from 8:00am-10:00pm. They are located on the northeast corner of the park by 42nd Street. Times are subject to change.
Follow the Rules and Regulations!
There are rules and regulations that are in place. The park staff wants to make sure that everyone who comes to the park has a great experience. Visitors can enjoy the lawn with blankets, but no plastic materials or tarpaulins. Just don’t enter the flowerbeds (or pick the flowers) or get in the fountains. Animals are allowed, but keep them off the grass and clean up after them! Feel free to play in our free activity areas, but organized ball games are not allowed. You are allowed to use the designated bike racks to secure bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or scooters.
Some hard guidelines that are a not allowed include:
- smoking or vaping
- alcohol use outside the Bryant Park Grill, Bryant Park Café, and The Porch
- disorderly behavior, unreasonable noise, or personal amplified music
- sitting or standing on balustrades
- performances, parades, or demonstrations, except by BPC permit
- panhandling
- feeding pigeons
- commercial activity or selling goods, except by BPC permit
- obstructing park entrances or pathways
- riding bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, or scooters
- personal property such as carts, furniture, tents, or other structures
- drug use
- open flames, as well as cooking and grilling
So follow the rules and do not ruin the experience for everyone!
Classes Available
There are so many different types of classes available for anyone all year long. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge or pick up a new skill, feel free to check out more information on the following subjects:
- Accordions Around the World
- American Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series
- Art Cart
- Bank of America Winter Village
- BINGO!
- Birding Tours
- Broadway in Bryant Park
- Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America
- Bumper Cars on Ice
- Carousel Birthday Party
- Chess
- Club Santa
- Cozy Igloos
- Dance Party
- Games
- Garden Explorers
- Holiday Shops
- Juggling
- Kids Creative Corner
- Kids Fitness With Zing!
- Kids Week
- Knitting
- The Lawn
- Le Carrousel
- Le Carrousel Extravaganza
- Learn to Skate
- The Lodge
- The Lodge Live Events
- Martial Arts
- Midtown Music
- Moves with Limón Dance
- Nature Talks
- Overlook Lounge
- Paramount+ Movie Nights
- Park Tours
- Parties
- Percussion Playground
- Pétanque
- Piano
- Ping Pong
- Private Entertaining
- Reading Room
- Ribbon Dancing
- The Rink
- Shuffleboard
- Tai Chi
- Winter Games Celebration
- Yoga
Apartments For Rent
Bryant Park is easily accessible as we mentioned before. Feel free to see what apartments are available in the following neighborhoods.
Now that you have more information on Bryant Park, do not be a stranger and enjoy the many events and activities available! So lace up your skates, get your yoga mat, or prepare for a night of Shakespeare in the park. Bryant Park is ready for you!
