Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre park in Midtown, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, directly behind the New York Public Library’s main building. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Times Square and Grand Central.
Through the seasons
- Winter: the Winter Village turns the lawn into an ice rink with free admission (skate rental is paid) and adds rows of holiday shops and food stalls.
- Spring and summer: the lawn reopens for picnics, with movable chairs, reading rooms, ping-pong and a carousel.
- All year: the library’s reading room and the Rose Main Reading Room are worth a look, free of charge.
Skate early: the rink is busiest in the evenings and on weekends in December. Weekday mornings are calmer, and a timed reservation saves queuing.
Nearby
Bryant Park is a natural stop between Times Square, Grand Central and Fifth Avenue. From here, Central Park is about 20 minutes on foot up Fifth or Sixth Avenue.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bryant Park ice rink free?
Admission to the rink is free if you bring your own skates. Skate rental is paid, and timed reservations are recommended on busy days.
When is Bryant Park Winter Village open?
It usually runs from late October into early March, with the holiday shops open until early January. Exact dates change each year, so check the official site.
Where is Bryant Park?
In Midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, directly behind the New York Public Library's main building.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.
