
Riverside Park
A serene urban oasis along the Hudson River, offering scenic trails, playgrounds, and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Riverside Park
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis along the Hudson River, offering scenic trails, playgrounds, and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
"Riverside Park is Central Park's relaxed cousin, offering fewer crowds and more stunning river views."

🚶♀️ Walk the Trails
Enjoy scenic walking trails with beautiful riverside views. Great for aerobic conditioning!
☕ Grab a Coffee
Pier i Café offers a great spot for a latte with a view.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Freedom Tunnel
Under Riverside Park
Discover the fascinating, graffiti-covered Freedom Tunnel, a hidden piece of NYC history.

Pier i Café
West 70th Street
Enjoy a coffee with stunning Hudson River views at this charming riverside spot.

Riverside Park Playground & Splash Pad
Various locations
A perfect spot for kids to play with accessible ramps, shade, and fun water features.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serene Strolls
Explore Beyond the Main Paths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Trails
Enjoy scenic walking trails with beautiful riverside views. Great for aerobic conditioning!
☕ Grab a Coffee
Pier i Café offers a great spot for a latte with a view.
🚇 Easy Public Transit
Accessible via the 1 train to 72nd St, then a short walk west.
🌳 Relax and Unwind
A peaceful escape with mature trees and benches for quiet contemplation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Trails
Enjoy scenic walking trails with beautiful riverside views. Great for aerobic conditioning!
☕ Grab a Coffee
Pier i Café offers a great spot for a latte with a view.
🚇 Easy Public Transit
Accessible via the 1 train to 72nd St, then a short walk west.
🌳 Relax and Unwind
A peaceful escape with mature trees and benches for quiet contemplation.
🎨 Explore the Freedom Tunnel
Discover this unique, graffiti-adorned underground space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Riverside Park for its beautiful riverside views, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and splash pads. It's seen as a peaceful, less crowded alternative to other city parks, offering a great spot for relaxation and recreation. Some minor drawbacks include occasional crowding during peak times and the challenge of finding parking.
"@ times I come here to this park HOPING the Gazebo is Empty.... When its being used, i go sit @ these benches, study some, listen to music, etc.... for what a Park is, on a nice warm beautiful day, It's a comfortable spot to be @ 👍🏻"
Agent Harrington
"Great park and good maintenance right along the riverside. Nice walking trails in a historic neighborhood."
Teresa Penbrooke
"This park is perfect for kids. Besides there is a round trail with ups and downs which is great for improving one's aerobic condition."
Marcia Federson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The 1 train to 72nd Street is a common entry point, leading you directly to the park's western edge. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk or bike along the Hudson River Greenway. For those driving, parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, so public transit is often recommended.
Yes, Riverside Park is a short subway ride from Times Square. Taking the 1 train north to 72nd Street will get you to the park in under 20 minutes.
Absolutely! Riverside Park is connected to the Hudson River Greenway, a popular route for cyclists. It's a fantastic way to experience the park and the waterfront.
Walking and biking are the most popular ways to explore Riverside Park. The park offers miles of trails, so comfortable footwear is a must if you plan on extensive walking.
Parking near Riverside Park can be difficult to find and expensive, particularly during peak hours and on weekends. It's generally advisable to use public transportation or bike to the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Riverside Park is a public park and is free to enter. You can enjoy its trails, green spaces, and playgrounds without any admission cost.
Riverside Park is generally open from 6 AM to 1 AM daily. However, specific facilities like playgrounds or cafes may have their own operating hours. It's always a good idea to check for any specific event schedules.
For most general park access, no tickets are needed. However, if there are special ticketed events or festivals happening in Riverside Park, you would need to purchase tickets for those specific events.
As a public park, Riverside Park has standard rules regarding noise levels, littering, and respecting other visitors. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed in most areas, though there are designated dog parks.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Riverside Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times, except in designated off-leash dog areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the historic Freedom Tunnel with its vibrant graffiti, the scenic waterfront promenade, and the charming Pier i Café. Families love the playgrounds and splash pads, while history buffs can appreciate the park's unique features.
Absolutely! Riverside Park is very family-friendly, featuring accessible playgrounds, splash pads, and plenty of open space for running around.
Yes, Riverside Park has a large field suitable for sports and festivals. You can also find basketball courts and areas for various recreational activities.
The park offers a mix of paved walking and biking trails along the Hudson River, as well as some natural paths with gentle inclines, making it great for aerobic conditioning.
Yes, clean restrooms are available throughout Riverside Park, making it convenient for longer visits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pier i Café is a popular spot located at West 70th Street offering drinks and light fare with great river views. You can also find food vendors during warmer months or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the park's scenic spots.
Picnicking is a popular activity in Riverside Park. There are many grassy areas and benches perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with beautiful river views.
Pier i Café typically offers coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and other light refreshments, perfect for a casual bite while enjoying the park.
The Upper West Side, bordering Riverside Park, has a wide array of restaurants ranging from casual cafes to upscale dining. You can easily find options just a few blocks east of the park.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in Riverside Park. It's a great way to save money and enjoy a personalized meal amidst the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge, and the park's lush greenery. The Freedom Tunnel offers unique, gritty urban photography opportunities.
Definitely! The western exposure along the Hudson River provides spectacular sunset views. The golden hour light reflecting off the water is a photographer's dream.
Beyond the natural beauty, look for the intricate graffiti in the Freedom Tunnel, the architectural details of the park's structures, and the diverse array of people enjoying the space.
Drone usage in NYC parks is generally restricted and requires permits. It's best to check with the NYC Parks Department for current regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Yes, you can get great views of the George Washington Bridge and the New Jersey skyline from various points along the park's waterfront.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
🚴♀️ Cyclists & Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Freedom Tunnel: An Underground Art Gallery
Accessing the tunnel can be tricky, and it's advisable to go with someone familiar with the entrances. The art within is constantly evolving, making each visit a potentially new experience. It's a stark contrast to the manicured beauty above ground, offering a raw and authentic slice of the city's creative spirit.
Family Fun at Riverside Park
Beyond the playgrounds, the park's open fields are perfect for games of tag or simply letting kids run free. The scenic walking paths are also great for family strolls, and the presence of clean restrooms adds to the convenience for parents. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for a family outing.
A Tranquil Escape: Riverside Park vs. Central Park
The park's layout, stretching along the waterfront, lends itself to long, leisurely walks and bike rides. You'll find fewer tour groups and more residents enjoying their daily routines. This makes Riverside Park an excellent choice for those looking to escape the typical tourist hustle and experience a more authentic slice of New York City life.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit