10 tranquil spots in NYC for some peace and quiet

When the sun comes out, so do the people. The energy of New York City is palpable on the warm days of late spring and early summer. After a long winter spent inside apartments, museums, and restaurants, New Yorkers crave sunshine and nature this time of year. And while that’s a beautiful thing, it can make it difficult to escape crowds. If you’re looking for a little relaxation in the great outdoors, we’ve rounded up 10 tranquil spots perfect for an afternoon with a book, a picnic, or just your thoughts.

1. The Met Cloisters

Fort Tryon Park, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Upper Manhattan
Located in picturesque Fort Tryon Park with views of the Hudson, the Met Cloisters feels like stepping into Medieval Europe — not only because of the art and artifacts of that time but because of the beautiful architecture and gardens. Escape the bustle of city life and tour the museum grounds yourself, or take the Mindfulness at the Met Cloisters tour.

“Take a moment to tune into your senses and practice mindfulness in this guided session. Throughout the Middle Ages, people from all walks of life retreated to monasteries to contemplate the spiritual and experience inner calm. Taking inspiration from global contemplative practices, as well as the unique art, atmosphere, and gardens of The Met Cloisters, you are invited to take a break from the usual pace of life and connect with the beauty that surrounds us,” the description reads.

There are also fun ways to connect with nature at the Cloisters, like the Garden Festival on June 7 with performances and art workshops, and on June 14, there’s a drop-in drawing course.

2. Central Park’s Conservatory Garden

1233 5th Avenue, Manhattan
On 105th Street in Central Park, you’ll find the park’s only formal garden. It’s a small gem that not too many people make their way to. While it does not have the sprawling fields and picnic areas that the rest of Central Park has, it’s the perfect quiet spot to sit and read, write, or do some sketching. The garden, constructed in 1937, recently underwent a restoration, so it’s in tip-top shape. Repairs included replacing pavements, upgrading the central fountain’s infrastructure, reconstructing the Vanderbilt steps, and replacing rows of 44 crabapple trees in the Italianate Center Garden.

3. Prospect Park Lake

101 East Drive, Brooklyn
Prospect Park, in general, is not exactly an unpopular destination in the warm months, but you can find a little corner of the park by the lake for a quiet moment. The 55-acre lake allows fishing and is home to Largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, common carp, and golden shiner, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. There’s also plenty of birding to be done on the lake, and architecture buffs can feast their eyes on the beautiful Beaux-Arts boathouse, which is used for special events.

4. John V. Lindsay East River Park

FDR Drive, Manhattan
The John V. Lindsay East River Park spans lower Manhattan on the East Side. Though popular for runners, bikers, kids, and dogs, there’s always a quiet moment to be had along the river banks at this neighborhood park. Whether taking a morning stroll with the sun shining on the water or an evening jog lit up by the Williamsburg Bridge, it’s a magical corner of the city. In the spring and summer, steal away into the gardens and watch butterflies and bumble bees enjoy an oasis in the concrete jungle. The nearly 46-acre East River Park is currently undergoing a renovation to become more resilient to climate change, as part of the city’s East Side Coastal Resiliency project. The first new area of East River Park opened in 2024, and the second new section, including a sprawling public lawn, picnic area, and basketball and tennis courts, opened at the end of May.

5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

990 Washington Avenue, Crown Heights, Brooklyn
New York has two stunning botanical gardens, and both are an escape, but a trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden can be a two-for-one, as the Brooklyn Museum is right next door. June is the month of the rose, and the Cranford Rose Garden will be in full bloom with thousands of blossoms. According to the BBG, it’s one of the largest collections of roses in North America.

Though worth a visit, the Rose Garden is popular and can get crowded. For a peaceful moment, the Japanese-Hill-and-Pond Garden can’t be beat. It’s one of the oldest Japanese-inspired gardens outside of Japan, according to the BBG.

6. Green-Wood Cemetery

500 25th Street, Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn
Some people may associate a cemetery with the creepy or macabre. But on a lovely spring or summer day, cemeteries are beautiful, quiet spots for contemplation. At 478 acres, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is among the biggest and most well-known in the city. Founded in 1838, the historic landmark was one of the first rural cemeteries in America. According to the cemetery, by the early 1860s, “it had earned an international reputation for its magnificent beauty and became the prestigious place to be buried, attracting 500,000 visitors a year, second only to Niagara Falls as the nation’s greatest tourist attraction.” From flowering trees, rolling green hills, walking paths, and birding opportunities, it’s a lovely place to spend a tranquil afternoon.

7. Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center

4900 Independence Avenue, Riverdale, The Bronx
“The most tranquil time to visit Wave Hill is weekdays right after it opens at 10 a.m.,” a spokesperson for the Bronx garden, which turns 60 this year, said. “Thursdays are free and tend to draw larger crowds, but it is never really hard to find a quiet spot.”

Some suggested spots:

• Wild Garden’s gazebo, at the highest point of the grounds
• A hidden bench among the Conifer Slope
• The Secret Garden
• The Shade Border in Wave Hill’s northeast corner is considered a meditative garden
• The American elm, one of the oldest trees in New York City

8. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

175-10 Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel, Queens
Without actually leaving the city, you can’t get much farther from the hustle and bustle of city life than Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. It feels like a world of its own with the distant skyline peeking over the horizon. The refuge includes 9,000 acres of open bay, salt marsh, mudflats, upland field, and woods, and two man-made brackish ponds. It’s an especially good spot for anyone into birding, with 332 bird species passing through.

In the summer, catch a glimpse of these species:
Nesting Willet, American Oystercatcher, Clapper Rail, Osprey, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Boat-tailed Grackle, Brown Thrasher

9. Grand Ferry Park

Grand Street and River Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
In recent years, Domino Park has become the new waterfront hotspot in Williamsburg. But for a little slice of peace and quiet, adjacent Grand Ferry Park offers all the views with none of the frills — and thus, crowds. This tiny plot of land along the bank of the East River is a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunset and the Williamsburg Bridge light up. As the name implies, watch the East River ferry pass by. Bring some takeout and enjoy a meal on a picnic table or sitting right on the rocks along the water.

10. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

For a spectacular skyline view, head to Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It’s a raised pedestrian walkway perfect for strolling, jogging or just sitting on a bench to take it all in. At sunset, especially, the view can’t be beat.

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