A haven for readers and anyone seeking respite from the city bustle.

A 9.75-acre city park in Greenwich Village, characterized by its large, central fountain, and known as a major center of community activity for the neighborhood residents.

The park includes, on one end, Hope Garden - a memorial to AIDS victims - and on another, the ferry that'll take you to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, not to mention a number of other memorials and monuments scattered in between.

A great NYC park for people-watching, this was the site of previous World Fairs and offers visitors bicycle paths, the Queens Wildlife Conservation Center, a carousel, freshwater fishing, indoor ice-skating rink and marina.

Located across from the Museum of the City of New York, this Central Park oasis offers six acres of magnificent flowers and trees.

A lovely and largely uncrowded park that's perfect for the midday stroll. Be sure to check out the statue of famed theater actor Edwin Booth in the guise of Hamlet.

New York City park containing what is reputed to be one of the best playgrounds ever built.

Colonial gentlemen used to "bowl" here, at New York City's oldest park, paying one peppercorn per year for the privilege.

Romantic garden, tucked away inside Fort Tryon Park, features a well-known sign that gently admonishes "Let no one say, and say it to your shame, that all was beauty here, until you came."

Website: http://www.lizchr... Hours: Saturdays, Noon to 4:00. (All Year) Sundays, May through October, Noon to 4:00. Tuesdays, May through October, 6:00 PM to dusk.    

Free concerts in the park from June to August.