Bryant Park and Midtown

Bryant Park is a French-style park in the middle of the city in the area called Midtown. In Bryant Park, you can really imagine that you are in Paris. The carousel plays French cabaret music. Newsstands remind you of those on the streets of Paris. A canopy of leafy plane trees reminds you of the big, leafy plane trees in Paris at the Jardin des Tuileries. The French game of petanque is played at the corner of 6th Ave and 42nd Street. 

This park is deep in the busiest part of the city- there are people everywhere! And absolute chaos! There isn't a lot of space to be had in Midtown- even making your way along the sidewalk can be an accomplishment at rush hour. That's why it's nice to have this little patch of space, Bryant Park. 
The baroque-style lamp posts, benches, and decorations make this park enchanting. Even the trash bins are beautiful and of Art Deco design. The New York Public Library's vaults below ground and the reflection of the sun off the glass skyscrapers around the park makes for a warm zone. Flowers bloom early here, including hundreds of daffodils in March and April! Take a stroll with your lover- it's very romantic!
Bryant Park is located behind the New York Public Library, which is a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building with a terrace of steps where you can sit in the morning sun and admire the sculptures. Dip inside and check out the architecture. Afterwards, stroll down to 35th Ave and take the elevator in the Courtyard Marriott up to Monarch Lounge for a rooftop view of Macy's and the Empire State Building. It's a trendy spot but not so crowded in the early evening, which is a nice time to get a drink here. Or walk down to Herald Square (6th Ave and 35th Street) and watch the hustle and bustle from the chairs under umbrellas in front of Macy's.
You can ice skate for free at Winter Village in Bryant Park from November to February! (see hours below). Bryant Park also has ping pong tables with free paddles and balls (see times below). Petanque is played at the corner of 6th Ave and 42nd Street (bring your own balls and target), and lessons are available. The Reading Room is an outdoor area in the park with chairs, umbrellas, and shelves full of books, open 11-7 daily. Chess and backgammon boards can be rented (see below) in the 40th Street plaza, and it's fun to watch people play as well. There are many free games available as well, such as mancala, bananagrams, Chinese checkers, apples to apples, dominoes, and jenga. In the southwest corner of the park is a putting green with free putting and Scandinavian kubb equipment for use. 
There are several cafes and eateries in Bryant Park.
Expect some homeless people here and there. 
Other fabulous places in Midtown are Times Square and Rockefeller Center.

Directions

Bryant Park is located at 6th Ave and 40th Street, behind the New York Public Library. There are restrooms in the library. Bryant Park has its own subway station.
Winter Village at Bryant Park ice skating is open Nov-Feb daily 8am-10pm. Admission is free and skate rental is $20.
Ping pong balls and paddles are available free of charge Apr-Sept 11-7 and Oct-Nov 11-6. 
Carousel costs $3 per ride, and is open at varying hours, usually 11am to between 6 and 10pm. See hours here. 
Petanque lessons are available M-F 11-6.
Chess and backgammon boards can be rented for $3 and $4 per half hour, mid-Apr to mid-Oct 11-7. Free games available are: scrabble, mancala, bananagrams, Chinese checkers, and jenga, Apr-Sept 11-7, Oct 11-6 in the 40th Street plaza.
The Green has putting and Scandinavian kubb equipment is free for use, Apr-Sept 11-7, Oct 11-6, in the southwest corner of the park. 
Monarch Lounge, 71 W. 35th St, New York NY 10018, call (212) 630-9993. 
New York Public Library, 5th Ave and 42nd St, call (917) 275-6975. Open Mon, Thurs-Sat 10-6; Tues,Wed 10-8; and Sun 1-5.

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