Washington Square
A vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, famous for its iconic arch, lively street performers, and chess culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free salsa dancing!
Washington Square
Best Time
Free salsa dancing!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant heart of Greenwich Village, famous for its iconic arch, lively street performers, and chess culture.
"Washington Square Park is a must-see for its energy, iconic arch, and diverse performers."
🎯 Chess Etiquette
Be aware of potential cheating; strong players are present but not all are IMs.
🚚 Food Truck Finds
Follow @nydosas on Instagram for daily locations of their delicious dosas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Washington Square Arch
Center of the park
Iconic Beaux-Arts arch, a beloved landmark and popular photo spot.

Chess Plaza
Near the arch
Watch or join intense chess matches with local hustlers and skilled players.

Street Performers
Throughout the park
Enjoy spontaneous performances from musicians, dancers, and artists.

Salsa Social
Near the arch
Join free salsa dancing lessons and social dancing on Wednesday evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vibe
Food Truck Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Chess Etiquette
Be aware of potential cheating; strong players are present but not all are IMs.
🚚 Food Truck Finds
Follow @nydosas on Instagram for daily locations of their delicious dosas.
💃 Salsa Nights
Free lessons and dancing every Wednesday evening until late October.
📸 Arch Photo Ops
The Washington Square Arch is a must-see for photos, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Chess Etiquette
Be aware of potential cheating; strong players are present but not all are IMs.
🚚 Food Truck Finds
Follow @nydosas on Instagram for daily locations of their delicious dosas.
💃 Salsa Nights
Free lessons and dancing every Wednesday evening until late October.
📸 Arch Photo Ops
The Washington Square Arch is a must-see for photos, especially during golden hour.
🚇 Easy Access
Take the M1, M2, or M3 buses along 5th Avenue for direct access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Washington Square Park's vibrant atmosphere, iconic arch, and diverse street performers. It's a lively hub for people-watching and cultural immersion. Some note that while chess players are skilled, they aren't all grandmasters, and it's wise to be cautious. The park's accessibility and free entertainment make it a beloved spot.
"I absolutely love visiting Washington Square. That's definitely a highlight of downtown Salt Lake that you must see.
No bump into people from all over the world visiting the beautiful historic building. I often get asked questions about it from people from all over the us as well as the world.
There are plenty of paved pathways and 6 beautiful circular floral gardens. It's a beautiful building to take engagement pictures, I see a lot of high school graduation pictures taken here too.
Their security here is on point and the very best in the city. This is where the mayor of Salt Lake city's office is as well. So it is the city and county building.
If you decide to bring your dog, they will love it! Please remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times and to pick up after them."
Heidi Perkins
"The park is also the city hall, situated on a 10-acre site that served as a staging ground for newly arrived Mormon pioneers and wagon trains bound for other Western areas in the past; it was designated a public square in 1847.
There is a fair going on that Saturday, featuring food vendors, clothing, crafts, and more."
Irene Eng
"Gay pride was the best yet this year, Fearless Insanity's booth of art, real succulents, and shoe design was extremely badass. Love the locals!"
Jessica Goeller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Washington Square Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The M1, M2, and M3 buses run along 5th Avenue, with a convenient stop at East 8th Street & 5th Avenue.
The park is also a short walk from several subway lines, including the N, Q, R, W, and L trains at the 8th Street–NYU station.Parking in Greenwich Village can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport. If you must drive, look for parking garages in the surrounding areas, but be prepared for high rates.
Washington Square Park is generally safe, but like any busy urban park, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables secure and be mindful of your personal belongings, especially during crowded events.
Several subway lines serve the area around Washington Square Park. The N, Q, R, and W trains stop at 8th Street–NYU, and the L train also stops nearby. This makes it very convenient to reach from various parts of the city.
Yes, biking is a popular way to get to Washington Square Park. There are Citi Bike stations nearby, and many people cycle through the park. Just be mindful of pedestrians and follow park rules for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Washington Square Park is completely free to enter and explore. It's a public space open to everyone to enjoy its atmosphere, performances, and landmarks.
Washington Square Park is generally open from early morning until late evening. While specific hours can vary slightly, it's a public park that you can typically access throughout the day and into the night.
Most events in Washington Square Park, such as street performances and the weekly Salsa Social, are free and do not require tickets.
However, for any special ticketed events, information will be clearly advertised.While there aren't official guided tours for the park itself, you can often find informal historical walking tours of Greenwich Village that include Washington Square. Many visitors enjoy exploring the park's history and landmarks independently.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Washington Square Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet.
📸 📸 Photography
The Washington Square Arch is undoubtedly the most iconic spot for photos.
Other great locations include the fountain area, the chess plaza, and anywhere you can capture the vibrant street performers and diverse crowd. The surrounding historic buildings also offer beautiful backdrops.Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of street performers, but it's always polite to ask for permission, especially if you plan to use the photos professionally or commercially. Some performers may expect a tip if you're taking extensive photos or videos.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light for photography. However, the park is also vibrant and full of life during the day, offering unique candid shots. Evenings can be atmospheric with the lights.
There are generally no strict restrictions on personal photography in Washington Square Park. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and performers.
Yes, Washington Square Park is a very popular spot for engagement and graduation photos due to its beautiful arch and historic architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Washington Square Park is famous for its diverse food trucks, with @nydosas being a highly recommended spot for dosas.
You'll also find vendors selling snacks, ice cream, and drinks. The surrounding streets of Greenwich Village offer a vast array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries.Absolutely! The area around Washington Square Park, known as Greenwich Village, is a culinary hotspot. You can find everything from casual pizza joints and cafes to upscale dining and international cuisine. Explore the side streets for hidden gems.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity in Washington Square Park. You can bring your own food or grab something from a nearby vendor and find a spot on the grass or a bench to enjoy your meal.
The food trucks in Washington Square Park offer a variety of cuisines. You might find anything from Indian dosas
to gourmet grilled cheese, tacos, and more. It's a great way to sample different flavors.Yes, with the diverse food trucks and restaurants in the area, you'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Many food trucks are happy to customize orders to accommodate dietary needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Washington Square Arch
Many visitors find the arch particularly stunning during the 'golden hour' before sunset, when the stone glows with a warm light. It's a popular spot for engagement photos, graduation portraits, and casual selfies, making it a constantly buzzing area within the park. The sheer volume of people who have their picture taken here underscores its status as a quintessential New York City landmark.
The Chess Culture of Washington Square Park
While some online accounts suggest the players are exceptionally skilled, Reddit discussions indicate a range of abilities, with some players being quite strong but not necessarily professional. It's a fascinating microcosm of the city's diverse population, offering a unique cultural experience. Visitors can often challenge a player for a small fee, but it's wise to be aware and perhaps observe a few games first.
Live Performances and Spontaneous Art
Beyond formal performances, the park is a canvas for everyday artistry. You might see impromptu jam sessions, breakdancing crews, or even street painters. The Salsa Social on Wednesday evenings is a particularly popular event, offering free lessons and open dancing, transforming the area near the arch into a vibrant dance floor. It's this blend of planned and spontaneous creativity that makes Washington Square Park a must-visit destination for experiencing the pulse of New York City.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit