- 1️⃣ Times Square - the vibrant heart of Manhattan
- 2️⃣ Washington Square Park - the artistic soul of Greenwich Village
- 3️⃣ Union Square - a square of protests, markets and daily life
- 4️⃣ Columbus Circle - an elegant starting point for Central Park
- 5️⃣ Grand Army Plaza - a classic entrance to the green heart of the city
- 🌆 Why explore New York's squares?
- 🔚 Summary
- 💬 Opinions
New York is a city full of contrasts and constant movement, but it is its squares Are places where the life of the city really pulsates. This is where locals and tourists, artists and street performers meet, and each space has its own unique history and atmosphere.
Embark with us on a walk through the The 5 most beautiful squares in New York City, which impress with both their architecture and atmosphere. From the bustling Times Square for green corners Washington Square Park - Discover places that show how diverse and fascinating the city can be.
1️⃣ Times Square - the vibrant heart of Manhattan
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One of the most recognizable i characteristic squares New York. Times Square delights with huge LED screens, constant movement and a unique atmosphere created by tourists, street performers and colored lights, which never go out.
During the visit:
🔹 stop at TKTS red stairs And admire the panorama of the square,
🔹 make yourself photo at the center of the lights - Many screens display live passersby,
🔹 take a look at the store M&M's World or museum Madame Tussauds,
🔹 come back here evening - The play of lights and urban hustle and bustle is most impressive then.
📍 Access: metro Times Sq-42 St (lines: 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, A, C, E)
🕐 Tour time: approx. 1-1.5 hours
🌆 Best time: evening - When Times Square really comes alive
It is an ideal place to feel the energy of New York, its pace, brilliance and the unique charm of a great city.
2️⃣ Washington Square Park - the artistic soul of Greenwich Village
One of Lower Manhattan's most atmospheric squares. Washington Square Park is a favorite spot for NYU students, artists, chess players and street musicians. The centerpiece of the square is a triumphal arch modeled after Paris' Arc de Triomphe, which leads to alleys surrounded by greenery and urban looseness.
During the visit:
🔹 go under Washington arch And take a picture with the Empire State Building in the background,
🔹 Listen to musicians playing jazz or classical live,
🔹 play a game of chess on the famous Chess Plaza,
🔹 Sit by the fountain and feel the atmosphere of Greenwich Village.
📍 Access: metro West 4 St (lines: A, B, C, D, E, F, M)
🕐 Tour time: approx. 1 hour
🌆 Best time: sunny afternoon - perfect for relaxing and observing daily life
This is the place where new york freedom, art and history come together in one of the city's most charming spaces.
3️⃣ Union Square - a square of protests, markets and daily life
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One of New York's most dynamic and multifunctional squares. Union Square combines political history with the daily rhythm of the city - this is where demonstrations, meetings, fairs and artists' performances take place. The square is surrounded by stores, cafes and one of the city's most popular farmer's markets.
During the visit:
🔹 visit Union Square Greenmarket - Fresh vegetables, local baked goods and products from farmers,
🔹 take a look at Strand Bookstore - The legendary bookstore with "18 miles of books."
🔹 see Metronome installation - A digital clock with an unusual message,
🔹 Sit on the bench and observe colorful city life around you.
📍 Access: metro 14 St-Union Sq (lines: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
🕐 Tour time: approx. 1 hour
🌆 Best time: morning or Saturday - that's when the market is most diverse and vibrant
This is an ideal point to feel the urban rhythm of New York, without filters or appearances - as New Yorkers themselves see it.
4️⃣ Columbus Circle - an elegant starting point for Central Park
Located at the southwest entrance to Central Park, Columbus Circle is not only a busy traffic circle, but also one of Manhattan's most prestigious places. The square is decorated with statue of Christopher Columbus, and is surrounded by luxury skyscrapers, including the famous Time Warner Center With elegant stores and restaurants.
During the visit:
🔹 take a picture at statue of Columbus - stands on a tall column in the center of the traffic circle,
🔹 enter Shops at Columbus Circle - An exclusive shopping mall overlooking the park,
🔹 visit Jazz at Lincoln Center, if you are interested in the New York music scene,
🔹 cross the street and start walk in Central Park On its southern side.
📍 Access: metro 59 St-Columbus Circle (lines: A, B, C, D, 1)
🕐 Tour time: approx. 30-45 minutes
🌆 Best time: late morning or early afternoon - ideally for the start of your Central Park tour
It's a great landmark and a place where metropolitan splendor meets green peace Central Park.
5️⃣ Grand Army Plaza - a classic entrance to the green heart of the city
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Located on Fifth Avenue, across from the famous Plaza Hotel, Grand Army Plaza is an elegant semi-circular plaza that opens the southeastern gateway to the Central Park. Its center is decorated with an impressive statue of William T. Sherman in gold, and the whole thing exudes calm and class - despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Midtown.
During the visit:
🔹 stop by A gilded statue of General Sherman - a symbol of American history,
🔹 take a picture with Plaza Hotel in the background - one of the icons of New York,
🔹 Sit on a bench and savor a moment of silence just before entering the park,
🔹 start walking to The Pond - One of the most charming places in Central Park.
📍 Access: metro 5 Av/59 St. (lines: N, R, W) or 59 St-Lexington Av (lines: 4, 5, 6)
🕐 Tour time: approx. 30 minutes
🌆 Best time: morning - before the area fills up with tourists
This is the place where New York shows its quieter side - With a touch of gold glitter, greenery and pre-war chic.
🌆 Why explore New York's squares?
Plazas in New York are not only spaces between buildings - it's real hearts of the districts, complete history, culture and the daily lives of the residents. Walking through them, you can feel pulse of the city, see his diversity and immerse yourself in a unique atmosphereThat you won't find anywhere else. These are meeting places, artistic events, protests and celebrations - real microcosms of great metropolitan life.
Visiting New York squares, you gain not only beautiful views and interesting photos, but most importantly unique experiences, which allow you to better understand the spirit of this ever-changing city.
🔚 Summary
New York's squares are not just points on a map - they are places where history meets modernity, and daily life is bustling with energy and diversity. From illuminated Times Square, by the artistic atmosphere Washington Square Park, right down to elegance Columbus Circle - Each square has its own unique history and character.
By exploring these spaces, you gain a chance to have an authentic experience of the city, getting to know its inhabitants and feeling the unique spirit of New York. This is where the heart of one of the world's most fascinating metropolises beats.