Bryant Park, New York

New Yorkers love this small, sculptured park behind the library. With its French benches, colorful flower gardens, green lawn and numerous cultural events, Bryant Park is a peaceful place to take a moment to watch the world go by. Named in 1874 after poet William Cullen Bryant, the site of this historic park has played an import role in New York City. George Washington's troops fought the redcoats here during the Revolutionary War and Union Soldiers trained here during the American Civil War. In 1853, the famous Crystal Palace was built here for the World's fair, but later burned. Once the reservoir was built (it stood where the Library is today), the land was used as public space. After being officially designated a public park in 1874, the site's fortunes rose and fell with the times. During the 1970s and 1980s, drug addiction, homelessness and crime made the Park unsafe for visitors. However, a brilliant restoration in the 1990s made the Park into the beautiful midtown oasis it is today. For an event schedule and tour information, check the website. Open daily 7am onwards.