5 Great Places to Have a Picnic Near Penn Station (NYC)

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When the weather cooperates, we all love to get outside and explore the world around us. There is nothing more refreshing and soothing to the soul than a picnic in the sun, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Every city in the United States has incredible locations for picnicking. Below are 5 Great Places to Picnic near Penn Station in New York City.

Bella Abzug Park

Bella Abzug is a unique, paved urban park with sculptures, fountains, and a kids’ play area. It is directly below The Vessel, a popular, one-of-a-kind architectural structure that visitors can climb to the top for wonderful views of the city. Bella Abzug Park itself is great for relaxed picnicking within the hustle and bustle of NYC. Adults can enjoy the tables or benches, taking an opportunity to read over lunch, or to feed the birds that gather in the park.

The High Line

In a city filled with famous parks and famous sites, The High Line is a relatively new one, but is hands-down one of the most unique. This 1.45-mile park was built on an old subway rail line. It lives 30 feet above the street, making it a special oasis in the sky. Much of the park follows a boardwalk with trees and small gardens on each side of the walkway. These parts of the park can be crowded but scattered throughout the 1.45-miles are pockets of seating areas, tree covered benches, and alcoves with glass railings that look out over the city and the Hudson River.

Greeley Square Park

On 6th Avenue, between 32nd and 33rd St, is this urban oasis. Greeley Square is a true New York City picnic spot. There is no vast expanse of green space, but instead several small gardens of flowers and sections of greenery. Plenty of trees offer shade and a hint of privacy, but ultimately this park is made for city-style picnicking. And that is its charm. There are tables and chairs throughout the entire square and several food vendors to try.

Madison Square Park

Admittedly, this park is a bit of a walk from Penn Station, but it is absolutely worth the extra steps. Madison Square Park has everything you could want in a New York City Park. There are iconic views (the Flatiron Building and Plaza), and it is surrounded by city skyscrapers. Within the park itself there are fountains to sit by, benches and tables, and open lawns with large, shady trees. 

Bryant Park

Bryant Park is also some distance from Penn Station, but is definitely within walking distance at 6th Ave and 40th St. It is also a beloved, historic New York City Park. Bryant Park is home to the NY Public Library’s main branch (a stunningly beautiful building worth visiting). But behind the library is the reason this park makes the Top 5 Picnic Spots – 4 acres of open green space perfect for a picnic on the grass. However, if you don’t feel like taking a picnic blanket along there are also plenty of small tables and chairs on the walkways at the edges of the park. No matter what picnicking mood you’re in, Bryant Park has you covered. And I always recommend stopping in the library first for some excellent reading material while you lounge in the sun.

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