The 10 Best Places to Walk Your Dog in NYC

New York City isn’t called the concrete jungle for no reason. Because although the city is filled with high-rises, buildings and brownstones galore, there are still plenty of great places for our four-legged friends to walk and run around. Not only does New York City have over 1,700 parks across its five boroughs, it also has over 12,750 miles of sidewalks to walk on. However, not all of it makes for an ideal place your pooch. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to take your pup on a stroll.

1. Central Park

With 843 acres of land, Central Park is like heaven on earth for dog owners and their furry friends. According to the city’s website, thousands of dogs come to the park every day to run around in the open areas and walk the trails with their owners. Dogs are allowed to run off-leash before 9am and after 9pm. Between those hours, dogs much be leashed. There are nine places where you must always have your dog on a leash.

2. Bryant Park

This famous park isn’t just home to New York Fashion Week — it also happens to be an incredible place to walk your dog. The 9-acre park is also a great spot for picnics with your pooch.

3. Hudson River ParkHudson River Park is home to three amazing locations where your dog can run free and play with other dogs — Chelsea Waterside, Pier 84 and Leroy Street.

4. Riverside Park

Located on the Upper East Side, Riverside Park offers walkers a scenic, waterfront walk along the Hudson River. The park is well maintained and dogs can run off leash in designated areas until 9am.

5. South Street Seaport

The South Street Seaport is a historic area centered where Fulton Street meets the East River right next to the Financial District. There are benches along the pier to sit with your pooch if you need a breather. There’s also a great dog park for your pooch to socialize with other pups.

6. Washington Square Park

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of the most popular destinations for dogs and their walkers. After a $30 million renovation last year, the park is looking greater than ever and offers two lovely dog runs — one for big dogs and one for small dogs.

7. Madison Square Park

If you’re looking for a place in the center of the city to people watch, walk your dog and grab a bite to eat, head over to Madison Square Park. It’s bustling with dogs and their owners and has a Shake Shack for you to grab a bite at.

8. Union Square Park

Not only is Union Square Park a gorgeous and welcoming place to walk your pooch, it’s a designated national historic landmark filled with statues depicting heroes like George Washington and Gandhi. Explore the scenery and admire the history all while getting in some exercise for you and your pup.

9. Carl Schurz Park

This hidden park tucked away along the East River is one of the city’s best kept secrets. It also has two exceptional dog runs that offer plenty of space for dog visitors to run around.

10. Tompkins Square Park

This East Village park is home to the world famous annual Halloween dog parade. If that’s not proof enough that this spot is perfect for pooches, we don’t know what is!