Washington Square - a man sitting on a bench surrounded by pigeons
1 / 10

Washington Square

4.7
·3k reviews·Philadelphia, United States

A vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park buzzes with street performers, artists, and diverse crowds, offering free entertainment a...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesdays, 6–9 PM

Salsa Socials & free dancing

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Washington Square - a man sitting on a bench surrounded by pigeons

Washington Square

Best Time

Wednesdays, 6–9 PM

Salsa Socials & free dancing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park buzzes with street performers, artists, and diverse crowds, offering free entertainment and iconic sights.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"A beautiful green space in an urban setting, perfect for relaxing and people-watching."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Salsa Socials on Wednesdays

Enjoy free dancing and lessons every Wednesday evening from May to October!

🚶‍♀️ Explore Greenwich Village

The park is a gateway to the charming streets of Greenwich Village. Wander and discover!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Washington Square Arch

Washington Square Arch

Center of the park

Iconic Beaux-Arts monument, a symbol of Greenwich Village and a popular meeting spot.

Street Performers & Artists

Street Performers & Artists

Throughout the park

Experience the eclectic talent of NYC's street musicians, dancers, and artists.

Fountain Plaza

Fountain Plaza

Central area

A lively gathering spot with a beautiful fountain, perfect for relaxing and people-watching.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe

Washington Square Park is a vibrant hub of NYC life. Expect street performers, artists, and diverse crowds. It's a fantastic spot for people-watching and soaking in the city's energy. Come ready to explore and be entertained!

Plan Your Visit

While the park is always open, specific events like Salsa Socials happen on Wednesday evenings in warmer months. Check local listings for pop-up markets or performances. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid larger crowds.

Best Times

When
Wednesdays, 6–9 PM
Why
Salsa Socials & free dancing
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, diverse crowds
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

There’s plenty of free things to do in Washington, DC this fall! Explore free museums and budget-friendly activities in the nation’s capital.
@visitdc
12.5K likes • 11.4M views

🎯 Salsa Socials on Wednesdays

Enjoy free dancing and lessons every Wednesday evening from May to October! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore Greenwich Village

The park is a gateway to the charming streets of Greenwich Village. Wander and discover! Instagram

This is your sign to plan a trip to Washington, DC! #travel #washingtondc #nationalmall
@jillyannekent
59.8K likes • 1.5M views
LE MEILLEUR FOOD TRUCK 🇮🇳 @nydosas (selon un classement totalement subjectif déterminé que personne ne m’a demandé). . 📍 Washington square (les jours de présence varient et sont indiquées quotidiennement sur le compte insta de @nydosas ) Les dosas : une pâte de riz et de lentilles, fermentée puis cuite jusqu’à devenir fine et croustillante. On les déguste avec du sambar (soupe de lentilles) et...
alix.grousset
7.4K likes • 201.1K views

💰 Budget-Friendly Fun

Many activities in Washington Square Park are free, making it a great budget option. TikTok

🍔 Food Truck Delights

Look out for delicious food trucks, like the highly-rated @nydosas, often found near the park. Instagram

📍Washington Square Park, New York I pullman M1, M2 e M3 che percorrono tutta la 5th avenue ti porteranno direttamente qui (la fermata è East 8 St & 5 Avenue) #travel #traveltips #tips #storytime #newyork #newyorkcity #nyc #washingtonsquarepark
territiracconta
4.1K likes • 162.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Salsa Socials on Wednesdays

Enjoy free dancing and lessons every Wednesday evening from May to October! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore Greenwich Village

The park is a gateway to the charming streets of Greenwich Village. Wander and discover! Instagram

💰 Budget-Friendly Fun

Many activities in Washington Square Park are free, making it a great budget option. TikTok

🍔 Food Truck Delights

Look out for delicious food trucks, like the highly-rated @nydosas, often found near the park. Instagram

🚊 Easy Public Transport

Accessible via multiple subway lines. The M1, M2, and M3 buses also stop nearby. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Washington Square Park as a beautiful and lively urban oasis, perfect for relaxation and people-watching. The vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and iconic arch are major draws. Some note the lack of public restrooms and the potential for crowds during peak times.

"A beautiful green space in an urban setting. Dedicated to the contribution of one of our founding fathers. A nice place to stop and get a rest on a hot day. George Washington’s statue is accompanied by an eternal flame which is appropriate. The center of the park has a water fountain as well."

Andres Ayala

"Go to city park - not too crowded, comfortable and can easily find a sliver of sun before it goes behind the buildings. Whether you sit on a bench or lay on the grass, plenty of space to relax. Not super noisy and people are considerate. Plenty of people walking their dogs or running around the square. Only downside is no public bathrooms nearby so plan ahead if you plan so sit for a while! There are restaurants around the square if you get hungry, and a Wawa around the corner for small snacks and drinks. Plus you're surrounded with history, with some placques in the park and then around the outside where independence hall is. Great spot during all seasons and decent weather."

Emily Smith

"Large, beautifully manicured park. I needrd a rest from walking around and found an empty bench. Plenty of families, dog walkers and others just enjoying the weather."

Malcolm Earhart

What People Like

Vibrant atmosphere
Street performers
Iconic arch

What People Dislike

No public restrooms
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Several subway lines stop near Washington Square Park. The W 4th Street–Washington Square station serves the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains. The 8th Street–NYU station on the R and W lines is also a short walk away. Instagram

The M1, M2, and M3 buses run along 5th Avenue and stop directly at Washington Square Park. Other bus routes like the M5 and M7 are also nearby. Instagram

Yes, it's quite straightforward. You can take the downtown 6 train from Grand Central–42nd Street to the Astor Place station, then walk a few blocks west. Alternatively, an Uber or Lyft is also an option, though potentially more expensive. Reddit

Driving and parking in this area of Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation is highly recommended for easier access. If you must drive, look for parking garages in the surrounding streets.

Yes, the park has wide, paved pathways throughout, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The sidewalks surrounding the park are also generally accessible.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Washington Square Park is a public park and is completely free to enter and enjoy. TikTok

Washington Square Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, events and specific activities may have set times.

Yes, the park frequently hosts events! Salsa Socials with free dancing and lessons occur on Wednesday evenings during warmer months. You'll also often find musicians, dancers, and other performers. Instagram

For organized events or performances, you may need to contact the NYC Parks Department for permits and regulations. Spontaneous gatherings are generally welcome.

Keep an eye on the NYC Parks Department website or local event listings. Social media accounts like @nybucketlist often highlight events happening in the park. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Washington Square Arch is a must-capture. The fountain plaza, the surrounding historic buildings, and the vibrant street life offer endless photographic opportunities. Don't forget to capture the diverse people and performers! TikTok

While some visitors have reported flying drones, it's important to check current NYC Parks Department regulations regarding drone usage in public parks, as rules can change and may require permits. TikTok

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. However, the park is dynamic throughout the day, with unique energy and subjects at different times. Midday can be great for capturing the bustling activity.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, if you plan to conduct commercial photography or videography, you may need a permit from the NYC Parks Department. Always be respectful of individuals' privacy.

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the park and details of performers. A wider lens (16-35mm) is excellent for the arch and street scenes. A prime lens can be good for low-light performances.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly inside the park. However, the park is surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries in Greenwich Village offering diverse cuisines.

You'll find everything from quick bites to sit-down meals. Look for food trucks, delis, pizza places, and international cuisine. @nydosas, a dosa food truck, is a highly-rated option often found nearby. Instagram

Yes, there is a Wawa convenience store located around the corner from the park, perfect for grabbing snacks, drinks, or quick meals.

Absolutely! You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a picnic on the grass or at one of the many benches. It's a popular spot for a casual lunch.

Greenwich Village is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes. You'll have no trouble finding options to suit your dietary needs.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Washington Square Park is a fantastic spot for families. The open green spaces are perfect for kids to run around, and the central fountain is always a hit. You can bring a picnic to enjoy on the grass, making it a budget-friendly outing. Keep an eye out for street performers, which can be very entertaining for children. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as public restrooms can be scarce. TikTok

Consider visiting during weekdays or earlier on weekends to avoid the largest crowds. The park's accessibility with wide paths makes it easy to navigate with strollers. It's a great place to let kids burn off energy while experiencing the unique atmosphere of New York City.

💰 Budget Travelers

Washington Square Park is a dream for budget travelers, as most of its attractions are completely free! You can spend hours people-watching, enjoying street performances, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere without spending a dime. TikTok Pack your own snacks and water to save even more. TikTok

Take advantage of the free Salsa Socials on Wednesday evenings for a unique cultural experience. The park is also a great starting point for exploring the affordable eateries and delis in Greenwich Village. Public transportation to and from the park is also very cost-effective.

couples

Washington Square Park offers a romantic and lively backdrop for couples. Stroll hand-in-hand under the iconic Washington Square Arch, enjoy the street musicians, or find a quiet bench to chat. Instagram The park's vibrant energy makes for a fun and engaging date.

Consider visiting during the evening for a more romantic ambiance, especially if there's a performance or the Salsa Socials are happening. Grabbing a bite from a nearby food truck or a cozy cafe in Greenwich Village can complete the perfect outing.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Greenwich Village

Washington Square Park is more than just a green space; it's the vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, a neighborhood steeped in bohemian history and artistic expression. For decades, it has been a gathering place for artists, musicians, writers, and activists, fostering a unique and eclectic atmosphere. The park's iconic Washington Square Arch, designed by Stanford White, stands as a testament to the area's enduring charm and serves as a popular meeting point and backdrop for countless photos. TikTok

The energy of the park is palpable, fueled by a constant stream of street performers, from talented musicians and dancers to captivating magicians. This lively scene, combined with the diverse mix of students from nearby NYU, local residents, and tourists, creates a dynamic and ever-changing environment. It’s a place where you can truly feel the pulse of New York City's creative spirit.

Beyond the performances, the park offers tranquil spots for relaxation. You can find a quiet bench to read a book, lay on the grass to soak up the sun, or simply people-watch and absorb the surrounding ambiance. The central fountain is a focal point, especially during warmer months, drawing crowds and providing a refreshing visual. The surrounding architecture, with its classic brownstones and historic buildings, adds to the picturesque setting, making it a photographer's delight. Instagram

A Hub for Free Entertainment and Events

One of the most appealing aspects of Washington Square Park is its abundance of free entertainment and community events. The park is renowned for its Salsa Socials, which take place on Wednesday evenings during the warmer months. These events offer free dancing and lessons, transforming the park into an open-air dance floor. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience local culture and have fun, regardless of your dancing skill level. Instagram

Beyond the scheduled events, the park is a constant stage for spontaneous performances. You'll often encounter talented musicians playing everything from jazz to classical, street dancers showcasing their moves, and various other artists sharing their craft. This constant flow of free entertainment makes every visit unique and offers a genuine taste of New York City's vibrant street culture. TikTok

For those looking for budget-friendly activities, Washington Square Park is an ideal destination. It provides a free and engaging way to spend an afternoon or evening, allowing visitors to experience the city's creative energy without spending a dime. It’s a place where you can stumble upon unexpected performances and immerse yourself in the local scene. TikTok

History and Reflection

While Washington Square Park is celebrated for its lively atmosphere, it also holds significant historical weight. The park is dedicated to General George Washington, the first President of the United States, and features a prominent statue in his honor. The eternal flame accompanying the statue serves as a poignant reminder of his legacy and the nation's founding principles. TikTok

The park's history also touches upon darker periods. It once served as a potter's field, a burial ground for the indigent and victims of yellow fever epidemics. Plaques and markers within and around the park offer glimpses into this past, encouraging reflection on the city's complex history. The tomb of the unknown soldier also stands as a solemn memorial to servicemen lost in conflict. TikTok

Despite its historical layers, the park remains a place of peace and recreation. Visitors can find benches to rest, enjoy the manicured lawns, and appreciate the blend of history and contemporary urban life. It’s a space that invites both contemplation and enjoyment, offering a multifaceted experience for all who visit.

You may also like

1 of 2