Bowling Green — Attraction in New York

Historic Charm in the Heart of Lower Manhattan

First public park in NYC!!

Visit nearby Battery Park or take a stroll along the waterfront, take Staten Island ferry, take photo with bull or visit national American Indian museum while visiting this park.

Located in the Financial District, Bowling Green Park is a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City. Here's what you can expect:

Pros:

Rich History: As the oldest public park in New York City, Bowling Green offers a glimpse into the past, with its iconic fountain and historic cast iron fence.

Charming Atmosphere: The park's teardrop shape and lush greenery create a peaceful escape from the surrounding skyscrapers. Lots of food vendors around park selling even fruits and smoothies! We enjoyed mango and leeches smoothie while relaxing in park and they were good.

Iconic Landmarks: The famous Charging Bull sculpture is located at the northern end of the park, making it a must-visit attraction.

Convenient Location: Bowling Green is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines nearby.

Cons:

Limited Space: The park's small size can make it feel crowded during peak hours.

Lack of Amenities: There are no restrooms or playgrounds within the park.

Tips and Recommendations:

Visit Early: Avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful morning stroll.

Take a Self-Guided Tour: Explore the park's historic landmarks and significance.

Combine with Other Attractions: Visit nearby Battery Park or take a stroll along the waterfront, take Staten Island ferry, take photo with bull or visit national American Indian museum

Overall Experience:

Bowling Green Park is a unique and historic destination in Lower Manhattan, offering a serene atmosphere and iconic landmarks. While it may lack amenities, its charm and significance make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the...

It cracks me up to read reviews of the oldest sites in New York City written by tourists. Those for Bowling Green are great examples. It is not just a park folks (and not just the waiting area for those taking pictures of "The Wall Street Bull" ). No, it is the oldest public park in all of New York City! It became a park in 1733. Not only that---the wrought iron fence surrounding it is probably the oldest remaining wrought iron fence in the city too, dating to 1771! Sure, none of this is old by Chinese, European or Middle Eastern standards but that still makes it one of the oldest public spaces in the US built by Anglo/Dutch/European immigrants. People are also generally unaware that this is where a statue of George the III stood prior to the start of the Revolutionary War (the war that earned the US its independence from Great Britain for non-US readers). It was a lead statue and was torn down and then melted and at least part of that lead used for musket balls during the...

I used to love this park, as I was always in the area. Red tulips would be planted, sprout, and grow every Spring. The fountain in the middle was lovely. The view of the museum right in front of the building, lined with the trees from the park, was stunning.

The only downsides are how loud it is (the park is lined along Broadway to one side), and the walkway round-about the park and fountain was uneven, leaving one stepping in puddles after a rainy day, or even possibly close to hurting onself stepping in these large "holes". Another bad thing are rodents I've seen in there.

Despite these things, I still give it 5 stars because it is a nice respite from walking around, it's picturesque, it's centrally located, and close to the train station for those who don't want to walk all the way to Battery Park for a seat and...