Union Square, Manhattan Plaza

Address: Union Square Park, Manhattan, New York, NY 10003, USA (at Broadway & 14th Street)

Website: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/union-square-park

Hours: Union Square Park: Daily 6:00am-1:00am

Admission: Free (public park); vendor and market purchases extra

Union Square in Manhattan is a public plaza and surrounding commercial neighbourhood centered on the intersection of Broadway and 14th Street, known for its park, markets and civic gatherings. The square is a long-established urban landmark and transit hub in lower Manhattan.

The central green space contains pathways, lawns and several public sculptures; a high-profile farmers’ market operates multiple days per week and draws both locals and visitors for fresh produce and specialty foods. The square is a frequent site for political demonstrations, street performances and seasonal events.

Laid out in the 19th century as one of Manhattan’s planned public squares, Union Square developed into a commercial and civic focal point and has been repeatedly redesigned to accommodate changing traffic and public-use needs. It has long been associated with public gatherings and political speech.

Union Square sits at 14th Street where Broadway and Fourth Avenue/University Place converge, in the borough of Manhattan; it is bordered by retail corridors and is well served by multiple subway lines.

• Greenmarket days: The outdoor farmers market operates multiple days per week (commonly Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) and is a major draw for fresh produce and farmers’ stalls.
• Park size and use: The park area is compact, roughly 3.5 acres, and functions as a frequent gathering place for demonstrations, performances and community events.

What to See#

• Union Square Park: A roughly 3.5-acre public park at the heart of the square with paved paths, lawns, and multiple public sculptures including an equestrian statue of George Washington.
• Greenmarket: A long-running farmers market operating several days per week that supplies local produce and artisanal foods to the Manhattan area.

Union Square sits at Broadway and 14th Street in Manhattan. Subway lines 4,5,6,N,Q,R,W,L, and PATH trains (to 14th St) all serve the neighborhood; many surface buses stop nearby.

• Visit the Greenmarket (weekday schedule) early - local farmers set up fresh produce and it's easiest to walk through the stalls before crowds swell.
• Use the pedestrian underpass at Union Square to move safely between the east and west sides rather than fighting street traffic.
• On pleasant days the triangular park is full of chess players and impromptu performances - people-watching is as worthwhile as any monument.