Sightseeing in New York is an amazing experience, with so many famous landmarks to visit and explore. For many, however, escaping from all the excitement and the hustle and bustle into some of the city’s green areas adds another dimension to their trip, and the parks and gardens of this magnificent city are certainly not to be missed during your visit to New York. With such a variety to choose from, you will find that they each have their own individual charms and attractions.

The Park of All Parks

Sightseeing New York of course wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the wonderfully scenic Central Park. Featured in hundreds of television programmes and movies, it is known throughout the world and has around twenty five million visitors per year who come to experience the delights that it has to offer. Lakes, ponds and woodlands make Central Park a beautiful place to go if you just want to relax, but with plenty of walking tracks and bridle paths throughout its 843 acres, it is also a great place to explore, whether on foot or horseback. The bridle track itself is over four miles in length, and walking all of the paths would lead you on a journey of an incredible 58 miles. With over 9,000 benches where you can sit and take a rest and experience the fabulous views of the city’s skyscrapers though, visitors can take it at a leisurely pace. Festivals, concerts and theatre productions are all regular features, and with more than 275 different species of migratory birds having been spotted, the park is also a great place for bird watching.

The Bronx Is Up and the Battery’s Down

Right on the southern tip of Manhattan Island you will find Battery Park, a place with a lot of historic interest. Playing a part in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War, this park attracts many visitors who want to immerse themselves in the history of the city when sightseeing New York. However, with its wide range of architecture, many interesting statues and a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty from the waterfront area, there is something to appeal to everyone. The park has a calming feel which makes it a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike and, as you stroll around the 25 acres that it covers, food and craft vendors will provide an added diversion.

Sculptures, Statues and Monuments

With statues of historic figures such as Joan of Arc and Eleanor Roosevelt and the ninety six foot high Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument to catch your attention, Riverside Park is another of the city’s green areas which shouldn’t be missed from your agenda for sightseeing. New York might not immediately spring to mind for its horticultural delights, but here you will find the Garden People’s Garden, a flower garden which has been in existence for nearly 30 years and is made up of separate plots which are tended by around 40 volunteers. Found on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Riverside Park stretches for four miles along the Hudson River and is also home to a woodland restoration project and a bird sanctuary.

So Many More

A city which offers so much in the way of sightseeing, New York is home to literally hundreds of urban oases which provide a welcome opportunity to take a break from the more traditional side of city life. Whether you simply want to take a stroll, relax on the lawns or under the trees, or pass the time of day with the locals who often use the city’s parks and gardens to while away their lunch breaks, you certainly won’t be short of places to choose from.

Author Bio: Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.com.

Category: Travel
Keywords: sightseeing. New York