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POINT OF INTEREST

Fort Tryon Park

Riverside Drive to Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, NY, 10040

Home of The Met Cloisters, and spanning 67 acres (27 hectares), Fort Tryon Park offers an escape from the city bustle. The park is located along Manhattan’s northern edge and features extensive walking paths and gardens, outdoor recreation, and views of the Hudson River from one of the highest points in the borough. The Met Cloisters is a must-visit for art and design enthusiasts who come to explore the museum’s European medieval art and architecture.

The Basics

There are many ways to enjoy Fort Tryon Park. You can run or walk on eight miles (13 kilometers) of paths, relax on the lawn, or enjoy Heather Garden, with more than 500 varieties of plants, flowers, and trees. The park is home to playgrounds, volleyball courts, and ping-pong tables, as well as Manhattan's largest dog run. From its lofty vantage point, the park offers views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and skyline.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Fort Tryon Park is ideal for families with children, nature lovers, art lovers, and dog owners.

  • Wear comfortable shoes to explore the vast park.

  • Food and drinks can be found at New Leaf Restaurant and Trie Cloister at The Met Cloisters.

  • Public restrooms can be found at New Leaf Restaurant and the Anne Loftus Playground.

  • Many of the park’s paths are wheelchair accessible, but there are areas with stairs.

How to Get There

Fort Tryon Park stretches across the Washington Heights, Hudson Heights, and Inwood neighborhoods in upper Manhattan. The closest subway stop is 190th Street on the A train. The M4 and M98 buses also stop nearby. Free parking is available at New Leaf Restaurant and The Met Cloisters.

When to Get There

Fort Tryon Park can be visited year-round. Visit in spring and summer to fully enjoy the park's outdoor attractions. In fall, the park hosts Manhattan’s only Medieval Festival. The Met Cloisters is busiest on weekends; visit during the week and earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

The Met Cloisters

The Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and it combines a reconstructed medieval monastery and new construction built in the medieval style. Inside find more than 2,000 pieces focused on medieval art, including frescoes, sculptures, stained glass, tapestries, and religious icons. Don’t miss the Unicorn Tapestries, which chronicle a medieval hunt interspersed with unicorn lore.

Ways to explore

Spend about half a day exploring Fort Tryon Park’s amenities, from eight miles (13 kilometers) of paths to its green lawn, Heather Garden, and playgrounds. Sunset picnics are also popular: The park offers views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge.

While it’s easy to explore Fort Tryon Park independently, many visitors combine a trip to The Met Cloisters or Fort Tryon Park with a tour, which often includes local landmarks like the Morris-Jumel Mansion. You can also take a walking tour within the park; these informative strolls are focused on birding, garden design, foraging, and more.

Accessibility

Many of the park’s paths are wheelchair accessible, but there are some areas with stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, picnic blanket

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat, layers of breathable clothing

Not allowed

Alcohol, weapons, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, playground, dog run, volleyball courts, restaurant

Address

Fort Tryon Park stretches across the Washington Heights, Hudson Heights, and Inwood neighborhoods of upper Manhattan. It’s possible to reach the park either by public transportation or by driving.

Driving

While driving into Manhattan generally isn’t advised, Fort Tryon Park may be an exception to the rule. You can drive to this park without much expense or traffic. Both The Met Cloisters and the park’s restaurant offer parking.

Public transportation

To reach Fort Tryon Park by public transportation, take the A train to 190th Street. The M4 and M98 buses also stop near the park.

Best times to visit

Visit The Met Cloisters during the quieter morning hours. To experience the park’s beauty, consider visiting at sunset, when the Hudson River views are particularly special.

Best days to visit

Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters are busiest on weekends; if possible, choose a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Best months to visit

To fully enjoy the park’s outdoor attractions, visit during spring (April–May) or fall (September–October). These months offer pleasant temperatures and plenty to see in the park.

Special events

In fall, Fort Tryon Park hosts Manhattan’s only medieval festival. You can also regularly join events and tours related to birding, gardening, mushroom foraging, and more.

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