Shakespeare Garden
New York City, NY
Designed to evoke the English countryside that inspired poet and playwright William Shakespeare, Shakespeare Garden spans 4 acres (1.6 hectares) within Central Park. Featuring plants and flowers mentioned throughout Shakespeare’s works, plus shady benches for soaking up the natural beauty, this Central Park oasis is a favorite for both literature buffs and those seeking respite from the busy city streets. The garden is especially worth a visit during spring.
The basics
Discover the Shakespeare Garden on foot during a stroll through Central Park or during a guided tour of this popular New York City landmark. It takes an hour or less to wander its paths, read plaques with quotes from Shakespeare, and admire the flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and roses. The garden is a favorite spot within Central Park for picnics, while butterflies and hummingbirds draw nature lovers here.
Things to know before you go
- Some parts of the garden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but there are stone stairs, too.
- There are 10 plaques spread throughout the garden featuring Shakespeare quotes.
- The garden is free to visit.
How to get there
Shakespeare Garden is located on the west side of Central Park between 79th Street and 80th Street in Manhattan. Take the subway (B or C train) to 81st Street-Museum of Natural History station, then stroll into Central Park to reach the garden. While some street parking and expensive indoor parking is available locally, driving in Manhattan is often best avoided; utilize public transportation, bikes, taxis, or rideshare to get around more efficiently.
When to get there
Spring bloom and fall foliage draw visitors to this corner of Central Park, but it is a lovely place to visit throughout the year. Those looking to see the flurry of color brought by tulips and daffodils should plan a stroll in April or May, while October and November offers the changing colors of fall. Summer picnics are another great reason to stop by.
Shakespeare Garden for kids
This green space within Central Park was originally designed as a place for children to learn about nature. Though a lot has changed since Shakespeare Garden first opened in 1916, it is still a place for kids to connect with nature and, the garden offers a free downloadable Discovery Journal with several activities for young visitors.
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