Bryant Park

The thought of doing yoga in Bryant Park is a lot like the thought of going on vacation in Newark: a little confusing.

However, when I pulled a muscle on the same day my friend Steph asked me to take Bryant Park's free yoga class with her, I figured it was a sign. After all, in the same way that a vacation is still a vacation - even if it is in Newark - yoga is still good for pulled muscles, right?

Whatever, you know what I'm trying to say. I decided to give it a shot. Plus, did I mention it was FREE?

And in case you need some reminding, "free" usually doesn't come as a price tag descriptor in New York.

So, that all being said, Thursday evening came and off to Bryant Park we went. Strolling in a mere 10 minutes before "class" was to start, we were happily surprised to find about 40-50 perfectly placed yoga mats still available for the taking. After all, we had planned on using Steph's paint-laden towels as our ghetto yoga mat replacements, so this was a significant upgrade.

Our next surprise came in the form of a series of cirque du soleil-esq performances put on by the Yoga Works team, otherwise known as super-in-shape-motherf*ckers-with-mindblowing-bodies. I guess it was supposed to be an inspiring way to start the class - and it was - but it also kind of felt like having your Spanish teacher look directly at you on the first day of class and ramble on in complete foreign-language mode.

Like, lo siento, prof. No hablo espanol, yet.

Anyway, after the slightly intimidating observational yoga session was over, class got going. I had been wondering how we were all going to follow along, but it proved to be a very coordinated experience. On the loud speaker, in the middle of Manhattan, an incredibly soothing voice began coaching us through each move.

Having taken yoga a handful of times previously, we didn't have much trouble hanging in there, physically. I guess Yoga Works figures if they're leading a free class for 500+ strangers, they may as well stick to the basics (P.S. thanks for that). What we did have trouble with, though, was paying attention.

Allow me to remind you that neither Steph nor I are exactly Yogis (duh). On a good day, I have the attention span of a gnat and the energy of small chihuahua. So, between immature fits of laughter and listening to the guy next to us continuously gossip, I was having a little trouble getting into my om-zone. Then, like a namaste booby trap, Steph spotted a chick two rows ahead of us who had an AVOCADO tattooed on the inside of her arm. An AVOCADO, YOU GUYS. Naturally, we then played an unspoken game of spot-the-avocado-tat-and-snicker for about 5 minutes or so.

Moral Of The Story: partaking in outdoor yoga really slates the odds against you in terms of the whole attention span struggle.

Other Moral Of The Story: amidst all the joking and various distractions in the form of cell phones, avocados and hula-hoopers on the lawn behind us (mental note: join this group next time), it's really a good time overall. About 40 minutes into the session and sixty-seven hundred downward dogs later, my muscles were loosening a bit and I even stopped hearing the rumblings of Midtown.

Furthermore, we had originally been set on leaving at the 45-minute mark, because #letsbereal, 60 minutes is just a lot for anything. However, upon us making it to 6:45, we suddenly didn't feel such an immediate urge to leave. Instead, we took the liberty to "freestyle" a bit, if you will, stretching more to our liking and hanging out in corpse pose for a bit.

Feeling stretched and at ease, we picked up our belongings and then did what any relaxed New Yorker might do: went for a post workout beer!

Bryant Park albeit not very big has plenty to offer every single season. All though it might seem busy at times every time I have returned here I always find a place to sit and relax . Surrounded by massive trees, and plenty of coffee shops the park is located just steps away from Times Square. This park offers a nice moment of solace from the busy Manhattan streets. During the winter, there is a spectacular Winter Village which is perfect for ice skating, dining and holiday shopping... something for everyone!

I'll keep coming back and passing though whenever I am near by.

Heart of NY and a must visit place during summer season. In winters , it's not a park , and is more like a commercial place :) lots of shops , eateries and of course the winter ski area in the center of the park .

I like it in summer . Green and love to take a walk here . Very close to Times Square, NY library and other places in NY . Restrooms available and is generally crowded ! Expensive food and other things around . There is a train station near . Overall a very good place . Paid parkings around .

I was so impressed with how well groomed and well maintained the ice rink was! And it's free to skate! If you are Bank of America member you get 10% off skate rentals.
Be there a little earlier to account for the rental lines and trying your skates. That way you get your full hour. They clear the crowd and regrown the rink after every session!
Earliest morning session is full of young kids and families. If you don't want to pay for locker, bring your own pad lock as they have free ones at the back.
Only wish they have separate gender bathrooms.
After skating, head over the tented area and get warmed/ grab a bite. It's really pretty and a nice experience . Finally, unless you have your own skates, book your rental skates in advance. Once they sell out, you'll have to wait for the next available time slot.

So as a New Yorker I'm deeply conflicted about this review. Bryant Park is an integral part of NYC but this gives me an opportunity to review it for the winter wonderland it is....full of bumps, slides, and spins including bumper cars on ice, heated igloos, or ice skating. You choose!

The igloos are affordable, available for 90 minutes, and group rental packages are available. Bumper cars on ice...super affordable...ice skating? Classic...you can bring your own skates.

Street parking is super shady, the signs are confusing. I seriously wouldn't drive here...just take the MTA train....Takes you right into the park's winter wonderland.

I love it here! You get a winter experience right here in the five boroughs.

Take lots of pics.

Bryant Park was opened in 1847 but renamed Bryant Park in 1884 for abolitionist and journalist William Cullen Bryant. A "lunchroom for office workers" in the neighborhood, the park has some food stands as well as lots of tables for enjoying a meal outside on a pretty day. It also has several sculptures and a fountain. In the winter, it is the home of a winter village (with an ice skating rink and lots of shops and food stands). It's a great park. A month ago, my husband I stopped by a couple of times on a long weekend visit to NYC: once at night to take in the winter village and once in the morning to enjoy a bagel in the park. It's a wonderful place to enjoy some time or a meal on a pretty day!

Honestly, I had never heard of Bryant Park until I started looking for places that would be decked out for Christmas while in New York. Sad, but that is how NYC is, always discovering new things. When looking at it's location I was surprised to learn that it is right in front of the New York Public Library, a destination all in itself.

We got to the park late, around 10:30pm, which still had a lot of people but probably not as bad as it is earlier in the day. The only thing with that was that the surrounding pop up buinesses were closing up soon for the night, but I did get the one thing I wanted the most. A delicious cup of Belgium Hot Chocolate! Walking around, watching people ice skate or try to anyway, and just enjoying the beautiful tree on a chilly night really was perfect.

Surrounding the ice skating rink were the food shops, a two story event space, plenty of seating, shops, and igloos that normally would have been available to rent, but it was late. Igloos are fun anywhere you go, honestly, and we would do them over and over again. Breweries are the best though!

Visiting Bryant Park was a great end to a busy day in the city to just sit and relax, taking in all the sites and holiday cheer!

It's Christmas Day, me and my friends went over to Winter Village to check out the Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and grab some hot chocolate. Beautiful city park located in Mid-Manhattan. Did you know that Bryant Park is one of the world's busiest public parks in the entire world? Visited by over 12 million people a year, located between 5th & 6th Avenues and 40th & 42nd Streets right in the heart of Midtown NYC. Almost 10 acres in size, easily accessible to The MTA, by car, or by foot.

Most people may come on weekends for family fun, I've only been here during the winter time as it's very festive during Christmas time. There were many holiday shops, food halls, The Lodge, Ice Skating Rink, and surprisingly public restrooms facilities!

Whenever you're in NYC during the holidays or anytime of the year, head down to Bryant Park!

Bryant Park is my favorite place in New York City. Probably it is the most relaxing place for me. The reason is as follows.

First of all, there is New York Public Library right next. When I lived in New York, on weekends I sometimes visited the public library, and read so many books that interested me, "The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde" and "Ulysses by James Joyce" etc. While I immersed in the story, I was able to travel to different regions and to all parts of the world. It was a time when my imagination could gain freedom.

After the time of my free imagination, I left the public library and went to Bryant Park in order to drink a cup of coffee in Bryant Park Cafe. This cafe has open space, and I sit down the chair outside and ordered a black coffee. In winter season, I drank it while it was steaming. When I looked around there, there were opened a various shops and Christmas market and ice rink. And then, I profoundly felt comfortable and peaceful.

I strongly recommend this place. I think that Bryant Park is the most relaxing spot in New York City.

Bryant Park turns into a holiday village with vendors and shops in November and December. You'll find local arts, crafts, cuisine, and more. If you're looking for that special holiday gift-- look no further! I found a fun stocking stuffer while sipping on hot cocoa. If you're not in the holiday mood after Thanksgiving, take a stroll through Bryant Park and the holiday cheer will creep in. Jingle Bells will be on repeat in your mind for weeks to come.

Around the corner, you'll find an ice rink too! If you aren't up for skating or shopping, there's always the perfect holiday snack waiting for you! Check it out!

Even though I think I was here on one of the busiest nights of the year, it still left my heart with the wonderment of Christmas. The bustling of people in their winter attire and the chill in the air added the merriment to the Bank of America Winter Village christmas market which offers a ice skating rink, festive food and pop ups like cozy igloos you can rent that hold 8 and you cant miss the The Lodge with a rinkside open air place to enjoy festive cocktails and fun while you watch the ice skaters, huge christmas tree view and or the games on the big screen.
Each vendor offers a unique item like the whoopsi macaroons. The biggest filling makes them the best I've tried and grilled cheese sandwiches in colors.
The whole village is well set up and is a must to add to your bucket list. I must do this again..