10 Things To Do In Bryant Park

As you’re traversing through the city that never sleeps, be sure to stop by historic Bryant Park on 42nd Street. Named after famed poet and newspaper editor William Bryant, the park has grown into much more than just a public square from the 1800’s. It has seen everything from the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in 1853 to even some pretty rough times during the 1970’s.

Today, Bryant Park is still a busy place for everyday New Yorkers (and fluffy Hollywood rom-coms). Since the square has always something going on, here’s a sample of handpicked itineraries of what Bryant Park has to offer.

Grab a bite

Don’t start your trip hungry. Venture beyond the soup-salad-sandwich hub that is midtown and you’ll find New York gourmet go-to’s in Bryant Park. There are staples such as Breads Bakery, Joe Coffee Company, and Wafels & Dinges (sweets and coffee are two of the main food groups, of course).

You also have your mainstay restaurants that have shaped Bryant Park. Bryant Park Grill is almost like a landmark. And L’Or Porch is, as the name implies, outdoor dining with a full bar, burgers, salads, and more. And if you walk a few blocks to 30 Rock, you’ll have many world-class options before you. Bon appetit.

Become a bookworm

With your belly full, you’re ready to explore the literary world. No introduction is needed to Bryant Park’s most scholarly neighbor: the New York Public Library’s iconic headquarters. Well, it’s less of a neighbor, and more of a short walk within the park. You don’t need a library card to appreciate the library’s Beaux-Arts architecture or browse their collections, either.

Aside from said impressive neighbor, Bryant Park hosts a slew of literary events at the Reading Room, a recreation of the New York Public Library’s open outdoor library from nearly 90 years ago. What reader can say no poetry readings, meetings where best-selling authors discuss their books, writers workshops, book clubs, and a ton more? On nice days, the Reading Room also offers the free use of books, newspapers, and magazines—bookmark that events calendar stat.

Learn something new

Bryant Park has always been a public square for the curious, even before the famed Gilded Age exhibitions. So it’s no surprise that in current times it also serves as a learning terminal. For example, you can trade in your midtown people-watching for guided bird watching tours — a surprising number of birds call Bryant Park home sweet home.

You can also add martial arts classes, self-defense classes, juggling courses, and Chinese ribbon dancing lessons to your itinerary. If beekeeping happens to be your dream, the park also houses two beehives in spring and summer (they winter on a farm in Connecticut, no worries). Beekeeping classes are offered in the Reading Room.

With all of Bryant Park’s courses, no experience is necessary. Depending on what piques your interest, equipment is also provided. That’s an A+ trip rating.

Enjoy the music

Your ears are in for a treat with Bryant Park’s live shows. Stop by and you could catch the American Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series or Accordion sessions where artists show off worldly styles. The piano-centric stage shows off the best ragtime and jazz in the city. The Lodge at Bryant Park hosts an intimate concert series called “Live After Dark” with a showcase of talented local artists.

If none of that has made your ears perk up yet, the park is also front row to 34th Street Partnership’s “Ensemble in Residence” program. You can catch anything from brass bands to folk fusion to Brazilian dance music.

Get in a workout

If you prefer sneakers over dancing shoes, you can also break a sweat in the park. If you’re a morning person, sign up for Boot Camp’s high-energy strength and cardio classes. If you have the guts, classes are held weekly and year-round. No equipment is necessary other than your own motivation.

For a more zen approach to working out: namaste. During the season, yoga is held on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Bring your mat and be sure to stay hydrated. On the same wavelength but feeling something different than the tree pose? Get a body and mind workout with the park’s Tai Chi class offerings.

Depending on your skill level and if you have a travel buddy, the park’s ping pong tables can also serve up a workout. During certain hours, equipment is provided but you can also bring your own travel paddle.

Play a game

Whether you’re feeling competitive or just looking for a friendly round, Bryant Park has your excursion covered. For starters, you can challenge someone to the quintessential round of New York chess. Sets are free, and the competition is fierce.

Another game that can vary in friendliness is pétanque. The games take place on the gravel on the Sixth Avenue side of the park. Word of advice: don’t call it bocce — there’s a world of difference between the two. You can also try your luck with shuffleboard. If you’re stopping by on a whim, look for the 40th Street entrance where attendants have a variety of board games available anytime.

Go to the movies

It’s not summer without movies in the park — and unless it’s raining, there’s no better theater than the summer movie series in Bryant Park.

All you need is to arrive early (on movie nights, the lawn opens at 5 p.m.), bring a blanket, and a picnic. You can also get snacks during the movie from local vendors. The park has shown everything from “Rosemary’s Baby” to “Wayne’s World 2” to “Star Trek.” It’s 10/10 for dates, hangs, and post-workday resets.

Take a breather

The Great Lawn is a beauty. Even when there are no events planned, it’s an oasis in midtown for lawn-lounging, picnicking, or sunbathing on nice days. You may even forget that you’re in one of the most crowded neighborhoods of the busiest city in the world.

Ride (or stand in awe of) Le Carrousel

This baroque-style carousel has become as synonymous with the park as New Year’s Eve with Times Square. French cabaret music, replicas of classic carousel creatures, leafy canopy, oh my. The park is worth a visit just for its little landmark alone. Le Carrousel spins all year ‘round, right ‘round.

Explore every season

Even when the temperatures drop, Bryant Park lives it up. The Winter Village has become a beloved tradition with a holiday market, featuring local vendors, yummy treats, and plenty of photo ops. There’s even an ice skating rink.

Your final stop around Bryant Park: The Travel Agency

Whether pre-gaming a day of people-watching at Bryant Park or unwinding after a particularly intense game of chess, The Travel Agency has your summer staple, cannabis, in stock. Our Fifth Avenue location is open late seven days a week — stop in for edibles, THC beverages, and other smokeless forms, since you can’t smoke or vape in Bryant Park.