Bryant Park

Manhattan is a fast paced city made for walking and public transportation. But when not moving, New York offers also supplies thousands of benches to rest. 

These benches are not only free (a rarity in NYC), but they also offer great vantage points to experience some of the best NYC attractions. Some of my favorite benches can be found at Bryant Park, located at 40th St and 5th Ave.

Each season at Bryant Park feels unique and enjoyable, but I find that Winter in particular creates a memorable experience. I’ll admit Winter = cold and cold = indoor weather, but I’d also like to point out that park are less crowded in Winter. 

If you can, visit Bryant Park in November or December. Skip the Rockefeller Center (over-hyped, the same every year) and instead experience Bryant Park’s sparkling Winter Village. Most importantly, the park is heavily bench saturated, meaning each region of the Winter Village can be experienced via bench. 

The first decoration to appreciate is the glowing Christmas Tree adorned in colored string lights and marked with a prominent star. If you’re a casual sentimentalist with ample free time, consider attending the annual tree lighting ceremony. This event can be crowded, so make sure to arrive early and claim your bench. Pros: You can stand on your bench to get a better vantage point. Cons: You may look like a jerk. 

Bryant Park also installs a large ice skating rink that is free to use. As someone with chronic imbalance but appreciation for the grace of blades on ice, I usually find a bench and watch. (Confession: One time I sat for 45 minutes just watching the zamboni smooth the ice.) 

If you find you can no longer sense feeling in your toes, venture into the popup buildings. On the second floor, you can view all of winter wonderland without actually feeling the Winter part. 

Most importantly, find a bench and just sit on and embrace the festive atmosphere. Listen to the youthful glee as children flee from their parents and find solace in the music playing from the speakers. Feel the cool wind on your face and anticipate chapped lips. This is winter. It is nice.