Washington Square Park in New York

Washington Square Park, located in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood, is one of New York’s best-known parks. The park lies at the bottom of Fifth Avenue, with the Washington Square Arch serving as its northern entrance. The park is surrounded by New York University, making it the green heart of the campus.

Eric's Index

1 Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village
2 Safety in Washington Square Park
- 2.1 Practical Information
3 FAQ

Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village

Washington Square Park has a rich and varied history. For instance, it once served as a cemetery for the poor and the sick before becoming a public square 30 years later, with wealthy families having their homes built around the park.

It has also been the site of many demonstrations, and this is still the case today. Over the years, workers, women campaigning for the right to vote, artists and students have gathered here to make their voices heard. The free-spirited atmosphere is still very much felt in the park.

Nowadays, Washington Square Park is known as a lively park. You’ll find street musicians, artists and lots of students there. In size, it’s roughly 425,000 sq ft (39,500 m²), which you can think of as two New York blocks wide and two high.

Washington Square Park in New York - Vibrant Park in Greenwich Village

Washington Square Arch

The Washington Square Arch was built in honour of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Through the arch, you can see the Empire State Building, with Fifth Avenue stretching out before you.

Washington Square Park Fountain

The fountain is the focal point of the park and is therefore the beating heart of Washington Square in New York. On hot summer days, many New Yorkers gather here to cool off, and some even take a dip. There is always something to see and do around the fountain.

Washington Square Park Chess

You’ll also find plenty of chess players enjoying a game at the stone chess tables in the south-west corner of the park. In fact, Washington Square Park Chess has become a household name in the city.

Eric’s Tip: “Combine your visit to Washington Square Park with a stroll through Greenwich Village. You can do this by following the “Greenwich, SoHo, Chinatown & Little Italy” walking route in my Eric’s New York App. This way, you can experience different sides of New York in a single walk.”

Washington Square Park in New York - Park with a Rich History

New York University

Washington Square Park is the heart of New York University and the place where much of the local student life takes place. The university doesn’t actually have a closed campus, and its buildings are scattered throughout Greenwich Village. Between classes, students gather in the park. Among others, Lady Gaga and Anne Hathaway were once students at NYU.

Thanks partly to the students, you’ll find plenty of cheap places to eat around the park. You can visit Washington Square Diner, for example, or grab something from one of the stalls dotted around it.

Washington Square Hotel

It’s possible to stay near the park. The Washington Square Hotel is located in the northwest corner of the park. This hotel has been here since 1902 and features classic Art Deco architecture.

But the hotel is best known for its rich musical history: Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and The Mamas & The Papas all stayed here, and the members of The Mamas & The Papas even wrote their hit ‘California Dreamin’ here.

Safety in Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a place that attracts all sorts of people: students, musicians, alternative types and parents with children. That diversity is exactly what makes the park so special, but this might also be something you’re not used to. It’s not unusual to catch a whiff of cannabis or come across someone who’s had a bit too much to drink.

Do you feel a little uneasy for a moment? Do what every New Yorker does: don’t react to anything, mind your own business and carry on walking.

Practical Information

Location: Washington Square is located at the southern end of Fifth Avenue in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Opening times: daily from 6:00 to midnight
How to get there: Take subway lines ACEBDFM to West 4 St-Washington Sq, RW to 8 St-NYU or line 1 to Christopher St-Sheridan Sq
Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible

Washington Square Park in New York - There's always something to see or do

FAQ

Washington Square Park is located in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Lower Manhattan, at the bottom of Fifth Avenue. The park is surrounded by the buildings of New York University, making it the green heart of the campus.

Yes, Washington Square Park is free to enter. The park is open daily from 6:00 until midnight.

Washington Square Park is famous for the Washington Square Arch, the central fountain and the chess players at the stone chess tables in the south-west corner. You’ll also find buskers, artists and NYU students there, creating a lively atmosphere

Washington Square Park attracts all sorts of people, which makes it unique. However, you may not be accustomed to this. It’s not unusual to smell cannabis or see drunk people. If you don't feel safe, my advice would be to simply walk in a direction that makes you feel safer.