Bryant Park

Another success story in the push for urban redevelopment, Bryant Park is the latest incarnation of a 4-acre site that was, at various times in its history, a graveyard and a reservoir. Named for poet and New York Evening Post editor William Cullen Bryant (look for his statue on the east end), the park actually rests atop the New York Public Library’s many miles of underground stacks. Another statue is also notable: a squat and evocative stone portrait of Gertrude Stein, one of the few outdoor sculptures of women in the city.

This simple green swath, just east of Times Square, is welcome relief from Midtown’s concrete, taxi-choked jungle, and good weather attracts brown-baggers from neighboring office buildings. Just behind the library is Bryant Park Grill (tel. 212/840-6500), a gorgeous, airy bistro with spectacular views but merely decent New American food. Still, brunch is a good bet, and the grill’s summer alfresco restaurant—the casual Cafe, with small tables beneath a canopy of trees (open mid-Apr to Nov)—is extremely pleasant on a nice day. Laptop owners, take note: There is free Wi-Fi in the park.

Le Carrousel complements the park’s French classical style. It’s not as big as the Central Park Carousel but utterly charming nonetheless, with 14 different animals that revolve to the sounds of French cabaret music. Le Carrousel is open daily all year, weather permitting (Aug–Oct 11am–8pm; Nov–Jan Sun–Thurs 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm; February 11am–8pm; March–May 11am–7pm; June–Oct 11am–8pm), and costs $2 per ride.

From late October until late February, you can skate (for free!) on a seasonal ice rink called Citi Pond. Check http://thepondatbryantpark.com for the latest on the rink.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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