Green New York City Tour
New York City, the most visited city in the world, is known as the “Concrete Jungle”. Despite the bustle of the city, the tall skyscrapers and those picturesque taxis, New York City is also famous for its green side. This tour focuses on the idea of nature, where people discover New York’s natural beauty, forgetting about the artificial beauty of the skyscrapers. The magnificent Central Park, Bryant Park and Battery Park are those sites which form New York's green side, making Manhattan a unique island. Spend the morning at Central Park, have brunch at Bryant Park and at the end visit Battery Park and take a Ferry.
• Central Park: The starting point of the tour begins on 96th street and Park West. In order to get to the start point, travelers can take multiple subway combinations: (1,2,3 or B,C). In case a traveler prefers to do the following tour by bike, there is a bike rental store close to the start point: Metro bicycles
1) Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir: The first attraction to visit would be the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, where travelers can see the wonderful views Manhattan's skyline. In addittion to the views, this reservoir is one of the main ecological sanctuaries in the Park, housing more than 20 species of water birds.
2) Cleopatra's' Needle: Cleopatra's Needle is the popular name for each of three Ancient Egyptian obelisks re-erected in London, Paris, and New York City during the nineteenth century. It is the oldest site in Central Park. Most of the times, there is a jazz musician playing his music a few meters from the Needle. It is really spiritual to see the beauty of Cleopatra's Needle while listening to jazz music in Central Park.
3) Belvedere Castle: This authentic Victorian-style castle designed in the XIX century is situated in the middle of Central Park is the highest point of the famous park which offers one of the best views. Initially used by the City of New York Meteorological Observatory, currently still perform tasks of the department of meteorology. Travelers can get inside the Castle for free and see the magnificinet views of Central Park and the tall building on the West and East side.
4) Strawberry Fields: This small landscaped is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, member of the music band The Beatles. This spot was named after the Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever". Most of the times, there are flowers on the Imagine's mosaic and musicians like to play Lenon's tunes to remember his legacy. From this site, people may see the Dakota Building, one of the most legendary bulding in New York City where John Lenon was murdered a cold night of December in 1980.
5) Bethesda Terrace: It is one of the most beautiful places in Central Park, where travelers can feel the magic and real spirit of Central Park. It is on two levels, united by two grand staircases and a lesser one that passes under Terrace Drive to provide passage southward to the Elkan Naumburg bandshell and The Mall, of which this is the architectural culmination, the theatrical set-piece at the center of the park. The Bethesda Fountain is also a nice place to visiti; from this point people will have a great view from the Lake, the Boat House and of course the Bethesda square.
6) Boat House: During the spring and summer season, travelers can rent a boat and browse along The Lake. While sailing the lake, people will have a panoramic view of Central Park's magnitude, in addition to the emblematic buildings which surrond the park. Customade Travel strongly recommends to have a drink and try the delicious "fresh juice" at the Boat House. On the terrace, people can enjoy the nice views from the park and the lake, a piece of paradise for environmental seekers.
7) Sheep Meadow: It is a large green landscape which has a long history as a gathering place for large scale demonstrations and political movements. It is currently a favorite spot for families, sunbathers, picnickers, kite flyers, and other visitors to come relax and admire the New York City skyline. The Sheep Meadow is open from April to mid-October dawn to dusk in fair weather. This open area is very popular and can draw up to 30,000 people a day.
© Miguel Soto Gil
• Bryant Park: Bryant Park is built entirely over an underground structure which houses the New York Public Library's archives. It is located between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues. This city park is surronded by emblematic skyscrapers which make Bryant Park an amazing place to relax and see the combination of nature and buildings. Customade Travel recommends this park to have lunch.
1) Bryant Park Grill: Customade Travel recommends to have lunch at Bryant Park's Grill Restaurant, where New Yorkers and tourist's schedules math for a few minutes during lunch time. This upscale restaurants offers a great menu which contains a large variety of dishes, including brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, cafe, wines and more...
For more information click here and go directly to restaurant's website.
2) New York Public Library: The New York Public Library is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States (and third largest in the world), behind only the Library of Congress.
3 & 4) Fountain Terrace and the Carrousel: While taking a walk around Bryant Park, people will see the beauty from the combination of nature and the skyscrapers. There are mutiple sites inside the park, such as the Fountain Terrace, the Carrousel and the cafes. During fall and winter time, Bryant Park changes it looks and turns into a Christmas festivity with a skating rink and holiday shopping booths.
© Miguel Soto Gil
• Battery Park: The southern shoreline of Manhattan Island had long been known as the Battery, and was a popular promenade since at least the 17th century. At the time, it served as protection to the town. The Battery was the center of Evacuation Day celebrations commemorating the departure of the last British troops in the United States after the American Revolutionary War.
1) Museum of Jewish Heritage: is a living memorial to those who perished in the Holocaust. The Museum honors those who died by celebrating their lives, cherishing the traditions that they embraced, examining their achievements and faith, and affirming the vibrant worldwide Jewish community that is their legacy today.
2 & 3) Bryant Park's Memorial area
- WWII Memorial
- September 11th Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Inmigrants Memorial
Ferry to State Island: At end of the Green New York City Tour, Customade Travel recommends to its clients to take the ferry from Battery Park to Staten Island. This is a free ferry trip from which people can see the Governor's Island, Liberty Island and the amazing skyline of the Battery Park and the whole city of New York.