Union Square Park Tours

Union Square which includes a square or plaza, a skyscraper and a city
With a colorful past and a vibrant, food-orientated present, this is an essential stop for New York visitors.

One of New York’s great public spaces, Union Square was a meeting point for impassioned activists who campaigned for civil and women’s rights and protested the Vietnam War. Today it’s alive with activity of a more commercial kind.

If social activism is Union Square’s legacy, food is its future. In the last few years, the area has become renowned for the Greenmarket where New Yorkers flock to buy fresh produce direct from more than 100 regional farmers. Held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the market is an excellent spot to grab a gourmet snack. In September, sample one of the many tasting dishes on offer at Harvest in the Square, a one-night celebration of food and wine when chefs from popular local restaurants whip up creations from regional produce.

As with many open-air attractions in New York City, what’s available depends on the season. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, browse the holiday markets, which are similar to the Greenmarket but with handmade ornaments, clothes, toys and jewelry. In the summer months, look for the free events, including fitness and yoga classes, baby discos for the younger family members and performances of salsa or hip-hop music. 

A simple walking tour of Union Square holds its own highlights, too the space has four important memorials, including a bronze equestrian statue of America’s first president, George Washington — the oldest sculpture in the New York City Parks collection.  

Located just above the hip 14th Street thoroughfare in Downtown Manhattan and serviced by the city’s third largest subway station, Union Square is still a platform for free speech, with regular demonstrations and impromptu performances. It’s name, however, is actually a nod to the square’s central location at the union of Broadway and Park Avenue. Union Square is easily accessible by bus or subway.

Plan a trip to see Union Square Park

The Westin New York Grand Central
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
33 Seaport Hotel New York
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Best Lodging Options Near Union Square Park

31 Street Broadway Hotel
31 Street Broadway Hotel
2 out of 5
38 West 31st Street, New York, NY
31 Street Broadway Hotel
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Chelsea Inn
Chelsea Inn
3 out of 5
46 W 17th St, New York, NY
Chelsea Inn
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
4 out of 5
215 Chrystie St, New York, NY
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel
Moxy NYC East Village
Moxy NYC East Village
4 out of 5
112 EAST 11TH STREET, New York, NY
Moxy NYC East Village
Freehand New York
Freehand New York
4 out of 5
23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
Freehand New York
Heritage Hotel
Heritage Hotel
2.5 out of 5
18 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Heritage Hotel
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.