Washington Square Park is a public city park located in the heart of Greenwich Village. Spanning four blocks wide and two blocks long, Washington Square Park is perfect for an afternoon rest after a long walk in the city. Street performers regularly set up camp here and a tall fountain splashes the park's center during the summer.
Parking and public transportation to Washington Square Park
There is free street parking around the park, but the best way to reach Washington Square is either by walking or by taking the A, B, C, D, E, F or M train to W 4 St Station.
Best and worst time to go to Washington Square Park
The best time to go is in the afternoon between noon and 5 p.m. Musicians and clever street performers will usually be scattered around the park at this time demonstrating their craft for passersby. While Greenwich Village is a generally safe neighborhood, it would be unwise for a single traveler to visit the park after midnight.
Admission to Washington Square Park
The park is public and free. There are four main entrances on the north, south, west and east side of the park. The east side borders NYU's campus while the west side borders the West Village area. The park is also very family-friendly.
Must see/do at Washington Square Park
For families there is a playground on the east side of the park that is fun for all. The fountain turns on in late spring to the end of summer, and both adults and children love to wade through the pool under the fountain. There are also plenty of benches to sit, eat and people-watch till day's end.
Other places to visit near Washington Square Park
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a block away and serves excellent espresso and cold-brew. Blue Note, an infamous jazz club, is also around the corner and features successful artists who sometimes spend their afternoon playing in Washington Square Park. Macdougal Street is south of the park, and boasts neighborhood staples like The Comedy Cellar, Macdougal Street Ale House and Artichoke Pizza.
Insider tip for visitors to Washington Square Park
There is often a scraggly-looking man who some call the Pigeon Man seated on a bench near the west-side entrance. He is very friendly and will teach you how to beckon pigeons onto your hands and shoulders, if you dare.
Author's bio: Emilia Navarro is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. She has worked in restaurants in the West Village for over two years and became familiar with Washington Square Park after a long day's work.