If you're looking for things to do near Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan, then Westgate New York Grand Central is your ticket to this interesting (and often underrated) public park space that so many visitors have come to know and love over the years! After a multi-year project to revitalize this storied-park with a rich historical background, the modern Bryant Park boasts a full spectrum of things to do, public events, historical park and New York City tours, music concerts, and special, seasonal themed venues that bring the surrounding neighborhood a truly unique energy, found nowhere else in Manhattan. Only a block and half away from Grand Central Station, Bryant Park is the perfect day-outing if you're looking for things to do in Murray Hill or near our hotel in near Grand Central Station!
Ready to see the stars of the stage bring the stage with them to the park? The most popular shows on and off Broadway perform their hits each summer in the park during the day time. Best of all, it features fresh air, blockbuster performances, and it's FREE. Relax in the sun and get your show-tune groove on to the latest Broadway hits!
Hours: vary according to schedule
Location: look for the main stage, usually on The Lawn
Many people will brag about how the 5 star restaurants in NYC, but nothing compares to freshly made Belgian waffles served daily at Wafels & Dinges, with custom made "Spekuloos Spread", slathered with a variety of 'dinges' (toppings) which include syrup, Dulce de Leche, Nutella or Spekuloos ice cream. Satiating citizens and visitors alike, Wafels & Dinges' mission to give “Belgian waffles” a serious upgrade is going strong!
Hours: 7am-10pm daily
Location: 6th Ave & 42st St corner of the park
See the stars under the stars on the giant screen as you cozy up with your BFFs and blankets on the Lawn to enjoy fantastic food, family/friends, and a feature film that's sure to please the cinema-goer in all. You can grab food to go on the Fountain Terrace, and there's always the ever-popular Beer & Wine Lounge on the Upper Terrace for those who like a drink with a flick!
Hours: Lawn opens 5pm and films begin at sunset
Location: The Lawn
The Southwest Porch, which is near the southern end of the Fountain Terrace, is the perfect place to chill and chat. Sit lazily on the swings or drape yourself on the comfy lounge furniture, while idly examining the full bar and restaurant menu featuring great burgers, salads and more. Pro tip - the Southwest Porch also features power outlets for those who are work-minded enough to plug in and get something done!
Hours: 11am-park closing, weather permitting
Location: South End of Fountain Terrace
Where do famous dance instructors and incredible live music collide to form an outdoor spectacle of dance and dazzling diversions? The Bryant Park weekly Dance Party! That's where! Weekly dance parties featuring a different dance genre each week, including swing, tango, salsa, and more,... are all part of the swing-of-things here at the park. Get into the action, grab a partner and dance the night away!
Hours: Typically each Wednesday evening, whenever the music gets pumpin'
Location: usually right around the Fountain Terrace area
Amplify your artistic side with this adventure in artistry as you grab some FREE drawing and craft supplies and draw upon the inspiration all around you in beautiful Bryant Park. Talk to the Art Cart host for the needed materials and some basic instruction, then get creative! Drawing pencils, brush pens, charcoal, erasers, and sketch boards are usually available. This is a great one for the kids too!
Hours: 11am-8pm daily
Location: 5th Ave Terrace
Ready to see vividly-colored animals, French classical style, and cabaret music come together in a stampede of spinning frivolity? Le Carrousel in Bryant Park, is a carousel attraction specially crafted to match the park’s French classical style. With 14 awesome animals, superb replicas of classic carousel critters, and endless thrills for all, this carousel revolves to the sounds of French cabaret music and the cacophony of laughter!
Hours: 11am-8pm daily
Location: South side of park near 40th St
Each year around the holidays, ice skating, hearty winter dining, and holiday shoppers come together to make magical winter memories as Bryant Park transforms into a Winter Village holiday wonderland with a 17,000 square foot ice skating rink providing FREE admission to skating, FREE skating shows, numerous special events, and a holiday market filled with food and artisanal boutiques. This is New York City’s only FREE admission ice skating rink!
Hours: Vary, weather permitting
Location: All of Bryant Park
