Bowling Green

The Basics

Used as a cattle market and parade field in the 1600s before becoming a park in 1733, the teardrop-shaped Bowling Green originally incorporated a bowling green—hence its name. Through the centuries, town houses and skyscrapers rose around it, making it a green oasis in the heart of the urban jungle. The tree-framed park features a fountain, flower beds, lawns, benches, and antique-style lamps, with theCharging Bull at its northern tip.

Explore the park independently or on one of the city’s many tours. Lower Manhattan tours include the park along with other sights such as the 9/11 Memorial; or you can chart the park’s past on a history-themed or Financial District–focused excursion. Otherwise, consider a city bus tour—or a guided walk in the footsteps of 18th-century Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the statesman celebrated in the hit musicalHamilton.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bowling Green attracts sightseers and those interested in New York’s history.

• With shade and free Wi-Fi, the park is perfect for taking a breather during summer sightseeing.

• The park is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Bowling Green sits on Whitehall Street at Broadway’s southern end and is well-served by public transit. Catch the 4 or 5 subway line to Bowling Green station (situated just south of the park), or take a bus to the Broadway/Morris Street stop.

When to Get There

Open from 6am till 7:30pm (or dusk), Bowling Green is busy throughout the day, and theCharging Bull is a crowd-puller. For fewer people, get there right after the morning rush hour or in the early evening. Avoid lunchtime, when the park fills with Financial District workers, especially in summer.

Must-Sees at Bowling Green

Most travelers visit Bowling Green to see Arturo Di Modica’sCharging Bull sculpture. However, once you’ve photographed the bronze beast, take a look at the park’s wrought iron fence. Installed in 1771, it’s New York’s oldest, and still bears saw marks from 1776 when American patriots removed the park’s statue of King George III and the fence’s royal emblems.

Ways to explore

Set aside about 15 to 20 minutes for exploring Bowling Green if you’re on your own. The area is small, and it doesn’t take long to snap a photo of Charging Bull. Or, bring a book and a packed lunch and relax on a bench; you’ll find plenty of seating, and it’s a great spot to rest your feet in between visiting attractions. Many tours of the Financial District make a quick stop here to see the famous bronze statue, made by Sicilian-American artist Arturo Di Modica.

Accessibility

Bowling Green is situated at street level and is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sandwich, book, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes to explore Lower Manhattan

Not allowed

Littering, climbing trees, pretending to ride the Charging Bull sculpture

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restaurants, cafés

Address

Bowling Green is located in the Financial District, near Wall Street. It has its own subway station (Bowling Green), though there are several ways to reach the park.

Driving

While it’s possible to reach Bowling Green by car, driving in Lower Manhattan can be a stressful ordeal, and parking is often scarce. It is better to come by taxi or rideshare.

Public transportation

From Grand Central or Union Square, hop on the 4 or 5 train and get off at Bowling Green. Or get the R or W to Rector Street. Several buses stop nearby, including the M20 and M55. Bowling Green is a 10-minute walk from the Oculus transport hub at the World Trade Center.

Best times to visit

Weekdays around noon are busiest, when Bowling Green fills up with office workers enjoying lunch. Come before 11am, after 3pm, or in the early evening to avoid the crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekends are generally quieter, unlike most New York City attractions.

Best months to visit

Shoulder seasons are most pleasant in New York City, and in spring, you’ll find the park’s flower beds in bloom.

Special events

Each year on September 11, an event called the “Way of Light” takes place to commemorate the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. At exactly 10:28am (the time the North Tower collapsed), the main hall illuminates with natural light, a tribute designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.