United States New York Your Complete Visitors Guide to Bryant Park How to have a fun day out in Bryant Park! By Heather Cross Heather Cross Heather Cross is a longtime New York resident who has written about the city since 2002. She is also a travel agent and NYC & Company-certified New York City specialist. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/30/19 Fact checked by Michelai Graham Fact checked by Michelai Graham Michigan State University American University Michelai Graham is a technology and business reporter who has written for The Urban Institute and Scoop News. She reports for AfroTech, Lifewire, and The Plug. TripSavvy's fact-checking TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media Bryant Park is located in the heart of Manhattan, a veritable oasis among Midtown skyscrapers and just outside of the chaos of Times Square. It's inspired by French classical style, and whether you want to relax on the lawn, catch a free movie screening, play a game of chess, or take a ride on Le Carrousel, there is something for just about everyone to enjoy in Bryant Park. Run by the not-for-profit Bryant Park Corporation, the maintenance and programming of Bryant Park is privately funded for the benefit of all. 01 of 06 Getting There GK tramrunner229/Wikimedia Commons Wondering how to get to Bryant Park? An oasis of green in midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park and the New York Public Library occupy four city blocks. Bryant Park is bounded by Fifth Avenue on the east, Sixth Avenue on the west, 42nd Street on the north, and 40th Street on the south. Take the B, D, F, and M trains to 42nd St/Bryant Park or the 7 train to Fifth Avenue. You can also take the 1, 2, or 3 train to Times Square and walk one avenue east. 02 of 06 Catching Special Events André Natta/Flickr/Creative Commons Bryant Park hosts a wide variety of different events throughout the year, particularly in the summer. Check out HBO/Bryant Park Summer Movies from mid-June through August, Broadway in Bryant Park in July and August, and Holiday Shops in Bryant Park in November and December. All winter long the ice skating rink is open (it's free to skate. You have to pay for rentals.) 03 of 06 Getting Oriented TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media Curious about the layout of Bryant Park? This helpful map and guide will show you where things are, whether you're looking for a bathroom or for the New York Public Library. It's a small park, so don't worry too much. It's easy to find most of what you're looking for. 04 of 06 Finding Things to Do TripSavvy / Brakethrough Media Even if there isn't a special activity happening in Bryant Park it's fun everyday of the week. Here are a few ideas: Relax and people watch Ride on Le Carrousel Go ice skating Play games: Chess and backgammon, ping pong, or petanque Read a book or magazine at the Bryant Park Reading Room Have a drink in the Southwest Porch. Many seats are swings so you can relax while you have a snack or beverage. Continue to 5 of 6 below. 05 of 06 Eating in Bryant Park rocks3 / Getty Images Bryant Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy lunch or dinner. There are casual and formal options, as well as plenty of spots to spread out with a feast you've brought yourself. The Bryant Park Cafe is the place to go for casual outdoor dining/drinking, and its outdoor seating area is open from mid-April to November. You don't need reservations at the cafe. Choose the Bryant Park Grill for upscale dining overlooking Bryant Park, where you can eat on the outdoor patio or rooftop garden, weather-permitting, or the dining room. Reservations are suggested for the dining room only but are not taken for outside seating. For more casual eating, check out the kiosks: Joe Coffee Company, Le Pain Quotidien, and Wafels & Dinges. And find grub from some of NYC's best restaurants at Urbanspace, at the corner of 40th Street and Fifth Avenue. It's kind of like an outdoor food court; buy your food and find a lovely place to sit outside nearby. Southwest Porch has swings and comfy furniture to just chill a little. You can eat, too; it has a restaurant with burgers, salads, and a full bar. 06 of 06 Shopping the French Way JayLazarin / Getty Images Check out the French Market from mid-April through September for produce, cheeses, olive oil, artisan breads, and cut flowers. It's fun just to look a lot and spend a little. In the winter you can find a holiday market with stands selling hot apple cider, gingerbread cookies, and more. Regardless of the season, there is something for everybody. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email