NYC Parks

Madison Square Park

Park
New York
Save
Share
9.5/10
5,019
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Time Out New York and The Corcoran Group recommend this place
    • Time Out New York
    • The Corcoran Group
  • Tips
    New York D.
    "Love the birds and Squirrels :-)"(27 Tips)
    Stephanie M.
    "Great people watching and perfect for seeing the Flatiron Building"(21 Tips)
    Lily
    "Check out the art installations while you walk around."(9 Tips)
    chrissy s.
    "Lovely during the summer to walk through and people watch."(14 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon433 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • squirrels
  • flatiron building
  • barbecue
  • people watching
  • scenic views
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Nas B.heart icon on user image
    Nas BenaliOctober 20, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    A wonderful park for a sunny day with plenty of seating and tables. Loved meeting these sweet little guys (the tiny one has 3D-printed legs (wheels) and is famous because of that. Beautiful space.
    Upvote86Downvote
  • Gordon M.
    Gordon MeiJuly 25, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Home to the original Shake Shack with outdoor seating in the park, views of neighboring Flatiron Building to the south, and Empire State Bldg to the north. If you're here to relax, try the north end.
    Upvote21Downvote
  • Julio I.heart icon on user image
    Julio IbarraMay 29, 2013
    While you're here enjoy a refreshing beverage and food at the local Shake Shack that's located near to the 23rd street entrance. There is also always something new in the park to see.
    Upvote67Downvote
  • Bum Bum J.
    Bum Bum JonesJuly 24, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Best Park to visit if you want to relax, but still be steps away from all of the action. Grab a park bench along the 26th street side of the park, and write a poem.
    Upvote79Downvote
  • Michael H.heart icon on user image
    Michael HMay 11, 2018
    Been here 10+ times
    A great spot to bask in Mother Nature’s glory in the middle of the city. Big enough to accommodate many but small enough to still be able to find your own little spot for finding your Zen.
    Upvote8Downvote
  • Justin B.heart icon on user image
    Justin BretonApril 10, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Amazing views of the Empire State Building! Also, there's almost always an art exhibit on display here. Check the Madison Square Park website for details.
    Upvote7Downvote
  • Miguel d.
    Miguel de LeonNovember 3, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Shake Shack! But until it comes back you can take in some neat outdoor art, look at small dogs, or wonder how much you're gonna empty your wallet at Eataly
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Ben C.heart icon on user image
    Ben CaggiaAugust 24, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    On of my favorite NYC parks. Well kept, and usually have different art installations and events throughout the year.
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Kimmie O.heart icon on user image
    Kimmie OhhJuly 8, 2019
    Been here 50+ times
    This is my favorite park! The OG Shake Shack location is in there park! There’s also a fountain, a playground, a dog park / dog run. They lawn opens up for visitors to lay in the grass for warm temps.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Justin M.heart icon on user image
    Justin McKissickJuly 19, 2017
    Beautiful park, plenty of seating, really nice in the evenings. Shake shack always has a line, but it's worth the wait
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Alice Z.
    Alice ZulianiNovember 24, 2014
    Everyone visiting NY stops here to try their tasty burgers in the middle of Madison Square Park enjoying the Flat Iron view,so why don't do it? The queue can be long to see but the staff is super fast
    Upvote2Downvote
  • NYC Parks
    NYC ParksJuly 16, 2013
    Connect to free wi-fi using "GuestWiFi" at the dog run, playground, bathroom, benches at the Northwest and Eastern side of the park and the statue at the Southwest end, courtesy of Time Warner cable. Read more
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Evan H.heart icon on user image
    Evan HiltonNovember 8, 2014
    Very nice park to sit down and relax in. There is some nice modern art through out the park and you can see the flat iron building. The flat iron district is a very neat area!
    Upvote3Downvote
  • Kevin R.heart icon on user image
    Kevin RubinAugust 26, 2011
    Been here 50+ times
    This is a great place to hang out. The changing artwork in the main lawn is fun to see as well. It's a good place to go with a book and relax for a while, and often gets some light breezes through.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Stephanie M.heart icon on user image
    Stephanie MoyersApril 29, 2018
    Beautiful park. Great people watching and perfect for seeing the Flatiron Building
    Upvote2Downvote
  • ℳ𝒶𝓎♍heart icon on user image
    ℳ𝒶𝓎♍April 28, 2019
    Pretty, clean park right off the subway with a clear view of the Flatiron Building. There's a Shack Shack on site and Eataly is right around the block, so you'd grab a bite while enjoying the outdoors
    UpvoteDownvote
  • ℳ𝒶𝓎♍heart icon on user image
    ℳ𝒶𝓎♍December 8, 2021
    A landmark park in the Flatiron district with plenty of green and nature. Lovely views of the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building off 23rd/Broadway/Madison. New York parks never disappoint
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Cheen T.
    Cheen The CuriousJuly 24, 2022
    Been here 5+ times
    Popular dog park, especially on weekends. Cordoned safe space for smaller breeds. Great for dog-owners to swap tips too👍🏼
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Steve L.heart icon on user image
    Steve LeVineOctober 16, 2022
    Been here 10+ times
    Great place to see all dogs big and small, cats on leashes and squirrels aplenty.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Cheen T.
    Cheen The CuriousJuly 24, 2022
    Been here 5+ times
    Food. Look out for the occasional food truck operating at the fringes of the park. Enjoy your food/drink at one of the many benches in the park, or on the grass
    UpvoteDownvote
  • douglasheart icon on user image
    douglasAugust 13, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    My local public park...what is there NOT to like? perfect size, various activity spaces (dog run, fountain, park benches, green lawns, art space, etc.) AND Shake Shack. 'nuff said.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Shane H.heart icon on user image
    Shane HankinsJune 5, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    Other than the pigeons and European tourists who have apparently never seen squirrel before, it is perfect. A great place for a quick walk or bite to eat. I love the constantly changing public art
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Mitchell K.heart icon on user image
    Mitchell KaplanJuly 21, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Usually I just enjoy the park-ness (trees, benches, art) but once a year there's the BBQ Festival, and there's always Shake Shack.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • B&H Photo Video
    B&H Photo VideoJanuary 4, 2012
    One of the best places for a quick rest in Midtown. The park features large lawns, lots of art work, Shake Shack, and squirrels that come right up to you and eat from your hand. Catch that on camera!
    Upvote6Downvote
  • High Quality Tours H.heart icon on user image
    High Quality Tours HQTSeptember 8, 2015
    Was the home of the arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty for six years to raise money for construction! Learn this and so much for on a luxury tour with our professional guides today! #toursofnyc Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • The Corcoran Group
    The Corcoran GroupJanuary 6, 2012
    Besides the Shake Shack and the lines of people, check out the dog run, the views of the Flatiron, the featured art, the fountain and the Calexico Cart.
    Upvote9Downvote
  • High Quality Tours H.heart icon on user image
    High Quality Tours HQTAugust 28, 2015
    Check out all of the beautiful instillation art! Learn more about this quaint place to sit and much more from our professional guides on a luxury tour today! #hqt #tournyc #luxurytoursofnyc #iloveny Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Affinia Hotel Collection
    Madison Square Park is right next to the Flatiron Building, with plenty of benches and a Shake Shack in the center. It’s a nice place to eat or rest and regroup before continuing life in the city.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Gothamist
    GothamistMarch 12, 2015
    Home of Danny Meyer's annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, where you shouldn't be distracted by the big names and lines, as good 'cue is to be found at all the stands. Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • WhiskyAvengerheart icon on user image
    WhiskyAvengerJune 17, 2018
    Awesome park for a stroll,to feed the pigeons,eat lunch,people watch or stare at my favorite building,The Flatiron Building.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaAugust 12, 2014
    The park has become a hotbed for foodies, music junkies and art lovers alike, creating a vast array of events and things to see. Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Nadia I.heart icon on user image
    Nadia IssaBellaDecember 14, 2015
    Make sure you check out the art installations. There's always one going on and it's the best thing in the park, aside from Shake Shack.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kirsten A.
    Kirsten AlanaAugust 22, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Visit for Shake Shack, stay for the revolving art collection that always features something new.
    Upvote3Downvote
  • MJ DIEHLheart icon on user image
    MJ DIEHLJuly 31, 2013
    Centrally located to everything relevant-- downtown- yet, still a good respite, if you have some kids and need to take a break: music, art, park creative workshops--there's always something going on!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Recover Reputation, Online Management G.
    This is a jewel of a mini park. The center piece is usually the Public Art Fund sculpture, but there's a dog run, a children's area, a lawn and Shake Shack--along with benches.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • funky f.heart icon on user image
    funky flavorFebruary 2, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    They always have some great art work here. Ofc cannot ignore the beautiful fauntain in the middle of the park as well.great escape from our concrete jungle out there.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Jessica
    JessicaJuly 21, 2015
    I prefer this park over some of the other bigger parks because it is less crowded! Plus the original Shake shack is here which is always a favourite
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Felicia Z.
    Felicia Z.July 30, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    The central location makes this a park a good meeting or resting place. Overall I find this park lacking the personality that many other NYC parks have (e.g. Wash Sq, Tompkins, even Riverside).
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Honghui Y.
    Honghui YuNovember 2, 2014
    A great place for people- and dog-watching and there's a nice view of the Flatiron Building. Especially nice during the summer because of Shake Shack.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Nicole D.
    Nicole DJuly 8, 2014
    Sit. Relax. Take it all in. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and life this park offers. Oh and grab a frozen custard at the Shake Shack. No lines after 1030 pm :)
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Jessica W.heart icon on user image
    Jessica WickhamApril 29, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    Beautiful spot, especially in spring with all the trees in blossom. Great for people and dog watching!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Andrew C.
    Andrew ChoiMarch 15, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Grab a blanket, read a book, and inevitably devour something from neighboring Shake Shack because let's be real, the smell is enticing enough.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Onur A.heart icon on user image
    Onur AvcıDecember 19, 2014
    The park is always full of people and plenty of benches for conservation. If you work in the area, the park is a great place to hang out before and after work.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Michelle W.heart icon on user image
    Michelle WilesJune 13, 2017
    Been here 25+ times
    Shake shack now has breakfast sandwiches soo.. Madison square park may have eclipsed Washington square park as the spot for a breakfast stroll
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Romancing Manhattan Tours
    Did you know that the arm & torch of the Statue of Liberty was displayed here in this park in the late 1800s before the statue was unveiled in the harbor in 1886? It was used as an observation deck! Read more
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Afi Y.heart icon on user image
    Afi Yellow-DukeJune 23, 2015
    Grab a seat, grab some Shake Shack, and stick around for the cool sculptures. Don't forget to look up!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Price P.
    Price PadgettJuly 30, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Get some European cheeses/meats/bread at Eataly then sit in the park and picnic on a nice day... or save a few $ and hit up Shake Shack. Live Bait nearby has good southern food too.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Edward D.heart icon on user image
    Edward DelfinoAugust 19, 2018
    This park started out as a Potter’s field in the 1700’s. Don’t look for Madison Square Garden, cuz it’s nowhere near here. Really nice oasis in the city.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Madison Square P.heart icon on user image
    Madison Square ParkAugust 20, 2013
    Wondering how the 100,000 pounds of rope was shipped to the park? Learn this and more about Genger’s Red, Yellow and Blue a FREE public art tour tomorrow at 2 & 6pm! - http://goo.gl/IuGO99
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Michael F.heart icon on user image
    Michael Fox-RabinovitzFebruary 12, 2017
    Been here 25+ times
    One of the nicest parks in the city, small but well maintained, plenty of activities and festivities in all weather
    UpvoteDownvote
Photos13,661 Photos