New York City is a bustling metropolis—a concrete jungle that never sleeps. Yet even in Manhattan, the city’s most vibrant and fast-moving borough, there are plenty of green spaces where you can slow down and take a break from the noise.
The borough of Manhattan—home to IE New York College—is a sprawling landscape of skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. But it’s also packed with green spaces, meaning you never have to go far to find somewhere to take a break from the hustle and bustle.
From the world-famous Central Park to lesser-known spaces like Septuagesimo Uno—which, at 0.04 acres, is famously one of New York’s smallest parks—Manhattan offers a remarkable variety of public spaces for its residents and visitors to enjoy.
Must-see green spaces in Manhattan
The High Line
This elevated park in western Manhattan is built on old rail lines, originally used for delivering meat and products to factories. It stretches for over two kilometers and features art installations, gardens and panoramic views of the city. And it’s only a 15-minute walk from IENYC.
Hudson River Park
Manhattan’s second-largest park lies along the Hudson River waterfront in the West Village area. An extremely popular spot with locals, Hudson River Park features walking paths, sports facilities and piers. It also offers a year-round program of cultural, sports and community events—and don’t miss the incredible sunsets!
Washington Square Park
This historic and vibrant park can be found in Greenwich Village, just a seven-minute walk from IE New York College. It’s the crossroads of the city: a hub of culture, diversity and community. The park features a famous arch that was built in honor of George Washington, as well as tree-lined paths and lawns. It often hosts protests, artistic performances and celebrations.
Madison Square Park
In Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Madison Square Park is an urban oasis in the middle of the city. It became a public space in 1847 and is named after the fourth US president, James Madison. The park is a popular spot for workers on their lunch breaks, offering quiet and green surroundings.
Roosevelt Island
Though technically part of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is a two-mile-long island in the middle of the East River. You can get there by subway, ferry or a famous overhead tramway that offers spectacular views. Once home to hospitals, asylums and prisons, it is now a green haven of parks and tree-lined promenades.
Greenacre Park
Hidden between the skyscrapers in Midtown East is Greenacre Park, a tiny green space of only 0.15 acres. Despite its location, the park is surprisingly peaceful, due to its 25-foot waterfall, which masks the city noise. There are tables, chairs and benches throughout the park, inviting visitors to rest and take in their surroundings.
Fort Tryon Park
This park in Upper Manhattan is home to The Met Cloisters and some of the best Hudson River views in the city. Heather Garden offers four seasons of beautiful flowers and plants, and there are also walking trails and woodlands. Inwood Hill Park—the last natural forest in Manhattan—is right next door.
East Midtown Waterfront
This is an ongoing project that aims to inject new life into a large area alongside the East River, with thoughtfully designed waterfront paths that offer a slice of nature with greenery, benches, bike lanes and great views.
Elevated Acre
More proof that green spaces don’t need to be at ground level, this hidden rooftop lawn can be found above a parking garage in the Financial District and is accessed via an elevator or stairs. It has amphitheater-style seating, landscaped gardens and lawn, and great views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Central Park—an icon of Manhattan
No article about green spaces in Manhattan would be complete without giving a nod to the most famous of them all. Central Park spans around 843 acres—about 6% of Manhattan’s total land area. It offers visitors a variety of experiences, from well-known locations like the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge and the John Lennon memorial, to these more off-the-beaten-track areas:
- The Ramble: 36 acres of woodland to wander around and forget that you’re in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world.
- Hallett Nature Sanctuary: A wooded area that was opened to the public in 2016 following a large restoration project.
- North Woods and Loch: The North Woods are the largest area of woodland in Central Park. The Loch is a waterway within the Woods, featuring three waterfalls.
A city of skyscrapers & secret study spots
New York is a city full of ambition and endless opportunity, and its green spaces provide a balance in the fast-paced energy of life here. Whether you’re taking a study break or just looking for a place to disconnect for a while, nature is never far away.
Ready to immerse yourself in the green heart of the business world? Discover the programs IE New York College offers.