Green Amidst the City of Skyscrapers: 4 Parks You Must Visit in Manhattan

New York's most-visited borough contains plenty of green space, too. You could easily spend an entire afternoon in one of Manhattan's parks. Some of the city's parks are much bigger and more famous than others, but all of these public spaces offer up amazing attractions—no admission fees required.

Manhattan's Urban Oasis

Manhattan wouldn't be Manhattan without Central Park. It's an oasis where residents and tourists alike flock to relax, play, exercise, see the sights and take in the culture. Whether you're on a romantic getaway or taking a family vacation, you can't miss a visit to this amazing destination. Take a rowboat out on the duck pond, stroll through the Ramble, see Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater and visit the animals at the Central Park Zoo. In winter, ice skate at Wollman Rink. Any time of year is a good time for visiting one of the best parks in Manhattan.

A Glimpse into the City’s Past

The Battery, one of the most historic spots in New York City, sits at the tip of Lower Manhattan. It's home to Castle Clinton National Monument, a fortification built to defend against the British invasion. The fort later served as the place where immigrants were welcomed to America before Ellis Island served that purpose. From the waterside edge of the park you have a clear view of New York Harbor with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offshore. The park is the embarkation point for the ferry that takes you to both sights. You can buy tickets at Castle Clinton.

Revamped Railway

An abandoned elevated rail platform stood as an eyesore on the West Side of Manhattan for decades. The creative solution was to turn it into a linear park in the sky. The High Line stands as a success story of urban renewal. This Manhattan park has transformed the neighborhoods it runs through between W. 14th and W. 34th streets. The 1.45-mile pathway features gardens, overlooks, art installations and seasonal food vendors. It even has its own lawn along a one-block stretch. Ramp and elevator access are available at many access points.

A Bird’s Eye View of City History

Spotting a bald eagle is a rare thing anywhere you go, but in NYC there's a place where it's possible to do just that. Inwood Hill Park, at the extreme northwest corner of Manhattan, is that place thanks to the park's bald eagle release program. The nearly 200-acre park contains the last bit of virgin forest left on the island. If you want to get an idea of what Manhattan may have looked like when the first European settlers arrived, Inwood Hill's the spot. The peninsula setting beside both the Hudson and Harlem rivers makes for great waterside scenery, as well.

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