Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is much more than just a green space in the heart of Manhattan: it’s a vibrant urban oasis in the Flatiron District where nature, art, and New York life converge. Known for its well-kept green areas, world-renowned public art installations, and its relaxed yet lively atmosphere, this park offers an essential respite from bustling New York City 🌳.
Located between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, and from East 23rd Street to East 26th Street, Madison Square Park is an essential stop for those looking to experience authentic local New York life. Whether it’s enjoying lunch outdoors, admiring contemporary sculptures, or simply watching the city’s hustle and bustle with the iconic Flatiron Building in the background, its unique atmosphere makes for a charming experience.
Why Visit Madison Square Park?
Visiting Madison Square Park means connecting directly with a piece of New York’s history and culture in a natural and artistic setting. It’s a historic park that combines scenic beauty, innovative art, and a strong sense of community. Here you’ll find lawns to relax on, shaded paths, a famous hamburger stand, and unbeatable views of iconic buildings.
Its cultural significance is notable: it has been a public meeting place since the mid-19th century and is now managed by the Madison Square Park Conservancy, which organizes top-tier artistic and horticultural programs. Furthermore, its strategic location next to the Flatiron Building makes it a key photo spot and an excellent starting point for exploring the Flatiron and NoMad neighborhoods.
Madison Square Park is also a symbol of the care for public spaces in New York. What is today an impeccable park full of activities is the result of community revitalization. It’s home to the original Shake Shack 🍔, hosts free concerts, children’s programs, and much more, offering a green and dynamic refuge for millions of visitors and locals each year. If you want to feel the city’s more relaxed yet equally authentic pulse, this is your place.
How to Get to Madison Square Park by Subway?
Main Stations
The main subway stations providing direct access to Madison Square Park are the various 23 St stations, located on several avenues bordering the park. These stations easily connect you to multiple subway lines and leave you just steps from the park.
Subway Lines That Take You to Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is very well connected by the New York City subway, with several lines stopping at nearby 23 St stations:
- R, W (Yellow lines) – 23 St Station on Broadway (west side of the park)
- 6 (Green line) – 23 St Station on Park Avenue South (east side of the park)
- F, M (Orange lines) – 23 St Station on 6th Avenue (one block west)
- 1 (Red line) – 23 St Station on 7th Avenue (two blocks west)
How to Get to Madison Square Park from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are in Central Park or near Columbus Circle, you can take the R or W lines southbound (‘Downtown’) from the 57 St–7 Av station to 23 St. Another option is to take the 6 line southbound from a station near the east side of Central Park (like 59 St or 68 St) to 23 St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or World Trade Center, you can take the R or W lines northbound (‘Uptown’) from stations like Whitehall St, Rector St, or Cortlandt St to 23 St. You can also take the 6 line northbound from Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall or Wall St to 23 St.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn, take the F line towards Manhattan to the 23 St station (on 6th Avenue) and walk one block east. If you’re coming from Williamsburg, you can take the L line to Union Square (14 St) and then transfer to the R, W, or 6 lines northbound to 23 St.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If you’re coming from Long Island City or Flushing in Queens, you can take the 7 line to Grand Central–42 St and transfer to the 6 line southbound to 23 St. Alternatively, from many parts of Queens, you can take the R or M lines to 23 St (on Broadway).
Harlem
From the north, in Harlem, the most direct way is to take the 6 line southbound from any of its stops on Lexington Avenue to 23 St.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, you can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E line to Lexington Av/53 St, then switch to the 6 line southbound to 23 St. From LaGuardia (LGA), you can take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the F, M, or R lines to 23 St. If arriving at Newark (EWR), take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and from there you can walk (about 10-15 minutes) or take the R or W lines one stop south to 23 St.
What to Do in Madison Square Park?
Madison Square Park is one of New York’s most beloved parks, appreciated by both locals and visitors. It offers a variety of activities and points of interest that allow you to enjoy a quieter yet equally fascinating New York atmosphere. Manicured lawns, public art, iconic food, and architectural views combine here.
Enjoy the Green Space and Public Art 🌳
The well-kept lawns and gardens of Madison Square Park invite relaxation. You can sit on a bench, lie on the grass (when permitted), or stroll along its tree-lined paths. Additionally, the park is famous for its contemporary art program, Mad. Sq. Art, which features temporary sculptures and installations by internationally renowned artists. There’s always something new to see!
Try the Famous Shake Shack 🍔
You can’t visit Madison Square Park without queuing at the original Shake Shack. What started as a hot dog cart in 2001 became a permanent kiosk in 2004 and subsequently a global chain. Enjoy their famous burgers, shakes, and fries right where it all began, under the park lights.
Relax and People-Watch
The park is a perfect place to disconnect from the city’s hustle and bustle. Bring a book, enjoy a coffee to go, or simply sit and observe the mix of office workers, families, tourists, and dog walkers (there’s a popular dog area, the Jemmy’s Dog Run). It’s a microcosm of New York life.
Enjoy Events and Programs 📅
Madison Square Park hosts a wide variety of free events throughout the year, especially in the warmer months. This includes the Madison Square Music concert series, children’s activities, food festivals, and talks on art and horticulture. Check the Madison Square Park Conservancy’s calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Photograph the Flatiron Building 📸
The park offers some of the most iconic and photographed views of the Flatiron Building. Find the perfect angle from the park paths, framing the building with trees, near the historic fountain, or next to one of the art installations. It’s also a good spot to photograph the Eternal Light Flagstaff, a 1923 monument.
Attractions Near Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located in an area rich in architecture, food, and culture. If you decide to explore the park’s surroundings, you’ll find a wide variety of interesting places within walking distance, mainly in the Flatiron and NoMad districts.
Flatiron Building
Just south of the park stands the unmistakable Flatiron Building. Completed in 1902, this triangular-shaped building is one of New York’s most iconic and photographed skyscrapers. Although its interior cannot be visited (it’s an office building), its unique architecture is impressive from any angle in the park.
Eataly Flatiron
Across Fifth Avenue from the park, you’ll find Eataly Flatiron. This vibrant Italian marketplace is a food lover’s paradise. It offers several restaurants, food stalls, a cafe, a gelato counter, and a shop filled with high-quality Italian products, from fresh pasta to cheeses and wines.
National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
A short distance north of the park (on East 26th Street) is the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath). It’s the only museum of its kind in North America and offers interactive and fun exhibits designed to spark interest in mathematics for visitors of all ages. 📐
Teddy Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
A few blocks south of the park (on East 20th Street) is the reconstructed birthplace of the 26th U.S. President, Theodore Roosevelt. You can take a guided tour through the period rooms to learn about his childhood and life in mid-19th century New York.
Gramercy Park
East of Madison Square Park lies the exclusive Gramercy Park neighborhood and its namesake private park. Although access to the park is restricted to residents who hold a key, you can admire its fenced beauty and the elegant townhouses surrounding it by strolling along its perimeter.
Shopping on Fifth Avenue and Surroundings
The area around Madison Square Park, especially to the north (NoMad) and along Fifth Avenue and Broadway, offers excellent shopping opportunities. You’ll find everything from major brands to designer boutiques, home goods stores, and unique bookstores. It’s an ideal area for exploring shops with fewer crowds than Midtown. 🛍️
Tips for Visiting Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is a charming and easy place to enjoy. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit to this urban oasis and its surroundings.
Best Time of Day to Go
The park is pleasant at any time, but each hour has its charm. Mornings are usually quiet, ideal for a relaxed stroll. At lunchtime (between 12 pm and 2 pm on weekdays), it fills up with local office workers. Afternoons and weekends have a more family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Also consider the time of year: spring brings flowers, summer brings events, fall brings colorful foliage, and winter brings a more serene atmosphere (and sometimes festive decorations).
Making the Most of the Park Spaces
Although it’s not a huge park, it has distinct areas. If you’re looking for more activity, stay near the Shake Shack or the children’s playground area. If you prefer tranquility, find a bench on the side paths or lie on the grass (respect the signs indicating whether the lawn is open or recovering). Don’t forget to visit the dog run area if you like dogs—it’s very entertaining! 🐶
Safety
Madison Square Park is a very safe and well-maintained area, both day and night, thanks to the Conservancy’s management and the regular presence of park staff and police (NYPD). However, as in any public place in a large city, use common sense: keep an eye on your belongings, especially if you’re relaxing on the grass or a bench.
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking around the park and its surroundings. On sunny days, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat, as there are sunny areas. A reusable water bottle is always useful. If you plan to relax on the lawn, a small blanket or sarong can be comfortable. You can bring your own food or buy something at Shake Shack or the many nearby cafes and shops. Review the park rules (available online) regarding things like alcohol consumption or using bicycles on paths.
