Madison Square Park
4.6(22K)google
4.4(416)yelp
FamilyOutdoorFreeNatureSculptureContemporary Art
Overview
Boasting a rich, dramatic history and a beautifully serene neighborhood atmosphere, Madison Square Park is a sprawling six-acre historic public green space nestled gracefully in New York's iconic Flatiron district. Centered around a stunning ornamental fountain monument that provides glorious views of the surrounding architectural low-rises and corporate skyscrapers, the park features expansive lawns and mature shading trees. It serves as a favored local destination for scenic outdoor relaxation, family playground play adventures, and the original founding site of the famous global Shake Shack kiosk.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 45-90 minutes
Best TimeDelightful in spring during the bulb bloom or on balmy summer evenings. Visiting between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM is ideal to enjoy the park's rotating public art sculptures and grab dinner at the original, leafy outdoor Shake Shack kiosk.
Getting ThereLocated in Midtown Manhattan at 23rd St and Fifth Ave. Take the N/R/W subway line directly to the 23rd St station to emerge at the park edge, or use the 6 train to 23rd St and walk one block west.
Travel Tips
- Housing the original, flagship Shake Shack location, the park experiences massive lunch and weekend rushes; download their mobile app to order ahead and use the dedicated 'Mobile Pickup' window to bypass 30+ minutes of waiting.
- The central lawn undergoes routine restoration and closes temporarily during winter, spring, or immediately following heavy downpours; walking on fenced-off grass is strictly illegal and subject to heavy fines by park rangers.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- This is a prime vantage point for framing both the Flatiron and Empire State Buildings; position yourself near the southern fountain or northern gravel pathways, and use a wide aperture to blur out the heavy pedestrian crowds.
Reviews
Positive
- A beautiful midtown park offering a quiet retreat; it provides the absolute best viewing angles of the Flatiron Building and the Met Life Tower, making photos highly iconic.
- The iconic, original open-air Shake Shack flagship is located right here; enjoying a burger under the shaded trees is an incredibly pleasant and classic experience.
- Completely free, it features one of NYC's best-maintained children's playgrounds and clean public restrooms; surrounding subway networks are highly developed.
Heads up
- Being in a busy commercial hub with the famous burger shack, the park gets crowded during lunch and dinner peaks, with lines for food often stretching frustratingly long.
- The main lawns are frequently closed off for turf rehabilitation, forcing regular visitors to crowd onto the narrow concrete paths or paved stone benches.
- As an entirely open public square, homeless individuals occasionally gather on certain benches and illicit weed odors can be detected, slightly lowering the sense of security at night.