With a colourful past and a vibrant, food-orientated present, this is an essential stop for New York visitors.
One of New York’s great public spaces, Union Square was a meeting point for impassioned activists who campaigned for civil and women’s rights and protested the Vietnam War. Today it’s alive with activity of a more commercial kind.
If social activism is Union Square’s legacy, food is its future. In the last few years, the area has become renowned for the Greenmarket where New Yorkers flock to buy fresh produce direct from more than 100 regional farmers. Held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, the market is an excellent spot to grab a gourmet snack. In September, sample one of the many tasting dishes on offer at Harvest in the Square, a one-night celebration of food and wine when chefs from popular local restaurants whip up creations from regional produce.
As with many open-air attractions in New York City, what’s available depends on the season. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, browse the holiday markets, which are similar to the Greenmarket but with handmade ornaments, clothes, toys and jewelry. In the summer months, look for the free events, including fitness and yoga classes, baby discos for the younger family members and performances of salsa or hip-hop music.
A simple walking tour of Union Square holds its own highlights, too the space has four important memorials, including a bronze equestrian statue of America’s first president, George Washington — the oldest sculpture in the New York City Parks collection.
Located just above the hip 14th Street thoroughfare in Downtown Manhattan and serviced by the city’s third largest subway station, Union Square is still a platform for free speech, with regular demonstrations and impromptu performances. It’s name, however, is actually a nod to the square’s central location at the union of Broadway and Park Avenue. Union Square is easily accessible by bus or subway.
