Located in the West Village at the foot of Fifth Avenue, Washington Square Park was built in 1871. Spanning an area of 9.75 acres, the park is open all year long. This park is a favorite with local students and residents. Parts of the park are surrounded by the campus of New York University.
The park has a London like feel with the white marble Washington’s Arch, providing a formal like entrance into Greenwich Village. The arch was built in 1789 to honor George Washington, the United States’ first president. The Village has zigzaggy streets and charming brown stones with a very laid back atmosphere. It is known as the center of New York gay and student communities. Funky shopping, jazzy nightlife, rock and dance clubs liven up the area while intellectuals, philosophers and reformists gather at the park. In the past, eminent writers like Henry James, Mark Twain and Eugene O’Neil used to stroll in the park to rouse their creative senses. Another outstanding feature of the park is the water fountain, where you can find various species of birds.
The park has several trees and shows off attractive flowers. You can also find playing areas for kids, picnic benches, walking tracks, gorgeous gardens and two dog run tracks. The park displays monuments of George Washington, Giuseppe Garibaldi an Italian soldier and Alexander Lyman Holley, the engineer who helped jump start the American steel industry.
For a taste of garlicky Italian food, go over to Il Mulino (212-673-3783) on 86 W 3rd St. If you are in a mood for some good laughter, few doors down on 3rd Street you will find Comedy Village.
New York attractions such as Union Square, Gramercy Park, Hudson River Park and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum are located within a mile.
The Washington Square Hotel is located on the park and offers a vibrant base for your New York stay. Those looking for chic accommodations will delight in 60 Thompson where the luxury driven styling, on-site dining and artsy lobby adds to the appeal.
Trains: A, B, C, D, E, F, Q to W 4th Street
URL: http://www.washingtonsquarepark.org/
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