Sakura in New York: where, when and how to watch the bloom

Luckily for the 8,4 million people who live in New York (yes, really), there are many places in the city where you can see cherry blossoms. There are several best places in the city where you can see this beautiful natural phenomenon. New York Simply created a quick list top cherry blossom spots in New York. These are exactly the places that you need to show the guests of the city.

Be sure to bring your walking boots because there will be several kilometers to walk!

When cherry blossoms in New York

There are two main varieties of cherry blossom trees in the Big Apple, and they bloom at different times. This is actually a great perk because you can catch fantastic cherry blossoms throughout the month.

But to fully enjoy this wonder of nature, you need to catch the New York cherry blossoms at their peak, the timing of which changes every year. Peak bloom usually presents a sort of window of 3-4 days when most of the flower buds have opened and the tree is enveloped in bright spring flowers.

The best advice for those planning to visit New York during cherry blossom season is to arrive during the first week of April or the first week of May. Two types of cherry blossom trees in New York tend to peak in bloom during these intervals.

Where to see cherry blossoms in New York

No. 10. Union Square Park

Union Square Park was originally designed as a town square in 1839. The large pedestrian plaza and associated park provide a safe haven for street artists, company employees at lunchtime, busy students and curious tourists.

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One of the great locations in Union Square Park is a stunning display of cherry blossoms. Several of these trees grow in the park, which create the most beautiful colored canopy. It is full of benches where you can sit and contemplate everything around.

But be aware that Union Square Park is very crowded on weekends. If you don't like crowds, visit it on weekdays, preferably early in the morning.

PS Union Square Park has a great year-round agricultural market. Here you will find everything from local honey to fresh bread and original handicrafts.

#9 Riverside Park

Riverside Park along Hudson River on the Upper West Side, is considered to be the most picturesque waterfront in Manhattan.

The park stretches from West 59th Street to 181st and covers 160 hectares. He is full of shade trees, plenty of park benches, charming gardens, one of which is filmed at the end of You've Got Mail.

Among other things, this is one of the best places to watch cherry blossoms in New York. Indeed, the 7-kilometer part of the esplanade is called the Sakura Path for a reason.

A beautiful wide trail stretching from 100th Street to 125th Street gives way to striking cherry blossom trees that amaze visitors year after year. Next to the crab trees, the Kwanzan ones are blooming - this is an attraction!

During a tour of Riverside Park, you may notice a unique Japanese lantern at the northern end of the park. It was presented to New York City by the City of Tokyo to celebrate the kinship between Tokyo and New York.

Fun fact: You have probably heard that Washington DC is a famous place to see cherry blossoms. The trees planted along Tidal Basin are especially striking. You might be surprised to know that the cherry blossoms in Riverside Park were planted from the same group of trees! It's so cool!

No. 8. Green-Wood Cemetery

Some people may find mentioning a cemetery as one of New York's best cherry blossom spots painful or even immoral, but it's true.

Green-Wood Cemetery covers 193 hectares, where the spring cherry blossoms are impossible to miss. Most of its flowers can be found on the surface of the Valley Water and Sylvan Water ponds. Both areas are exceptionally beautiful.

In addition, it is a great place for birds during the spring season, so take advantage of this.

And don't forget the captivating 25-year-old creative installation located in the cemetery. It is called "Here lie the secrets of visitors to Green-Wood Cemetery." and is a tomb designed specifically for secrets. Visitors can write their most intimate secrets on a piece of paper and then send them to eternity.

No. 7. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park, located in the heart of Greenwich Villageattracts with its uniqueness.

Many people consider it one of the most attractive parks in New York and come from all over the city to relax and be themselves. The cozy atmosphere makes Washington Square a great New York City park for people-watching. energetic mood contagiousand you will notice park visitors from all over the world.

You'll see businesswomen in suits, relaxed college students, scurrying tourists and more. There are also show stars and talented street musicians who create a light atmosphere in the park.

There is no bad time to visit Washington Square Park, but spring is especially memorable. The air is filled with joy, and locals and tourists alike flock to the streets after the dreary winter months.

The park abounds with many flowers, but the magnolias and Yoshino's sakura are the most beautiful of all - they beautifully frame the arch.

No. 6. Sakura Park

As the name suggests, Sakura Park is a great place to see New York's cherry blossoms. The park is small, but it comes alive in the spring season with Yoshino trees donated by Japanese New Yorkers in 1912.

Many tourists do not make it to the northern part of the Upper West Side, so there are more chances for solitude or communication with the locals.

While you're in the area, check out Columbia University's impressive grounds, the incredible Riverside Church (next to the park), and sample a bagel from Absolute Bagels.

No. 5. Roosevelt Island

С Roosevelt Islands offers one of the best free views in New York, but most people love to visit in the spring. So it's not hard to see why this is one of the best cherry blossom spots in NYC!

Cherries open their buds in early April, and tourists flock to the island like moths to a flame. Roosevelt Island has both early flowering Yoshino trees and late flowering Kwanzan trees. That is why visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for up to six weeks!

The trees along the waterfront create a breathtaking canopy of flowers. Walk along the esplanade or sit on a bench and watch.

No. 4. New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is often considered the cherry blossom spot in New York City. In many ways, it seems like the garden was designed to be the best place in New York in the spring. Created succeeded in their idea.

Indeed, at its peak, the New York Botanical Gardens take on a fabulous look. Between the prolific daffodils and the breathtaking Kwanzan cherry blossoms, you won't be able to make a preference.

The highest concentration of spring bloom occurs in Cherry Valley, the Arthur and Janet Ross conifer arboretum, and Daffodil Hill.

Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126

Sign In: required temporary ticket - $22 per adult for non-NYC residents, $28 for Botanical Gardens and Conservation.

#3 Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Nothing says more about cherry blossom season in New York than the amazing flowers in Brooklyn botanical garden.

Knowing that spring flowers are an annual tradition for many New Yorkers, the garden provides a very rewarding spring bloom tracker on their website.

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Visit the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival - it's very popular for a reason. If you love spring and Japanese culture in general, then you can't afford to miss it.

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

#2 Prospect Park

Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Waugh, the architects responsible for designing Central Park, so you know this park is a masterpiece.

People tend to congregate around the main attractions such as Long Meadow (36 ha), Prospect Park Zoo, the charming Boathhouse, Picnic House and Concert Grove.

But if you're going to see NYC's best bloom, then you should focus on the areas around Army Grand Square and Long Meadow. Bring a picnic blanket and spread it out after dinner!

Be sure to check out this helpful spring bloom guide from Prospect Park Alliance - it tracks the peak of flowering in the park.

#1 Central Park

Spring in Central Park allows you to truly understand the mesmerizing beauty of this beloved treasure of tourists and city dwellers.

Everyone knows that Central Park is huge. It occupies more than 340 hectares and requires some time to explore. If you are looking for the best places with cherry blossoms, then they are just in Central Park. Much has been written about this in tourist guides.

If you don't have time to read yet, then remember: you can't miss the stunning Shakespeare Garden because the tulip display is gorgeous!

Where to go in Central Park to watch the cherry blossoms:

• Cherry Hill: Mid-Park at 72nd Street
• Pilgrim Hill: East Side at 72nd Street
• Conservatory Garden: East Side from 104th to 106th Street
• Kennedy Onassis Reservoir: 85th Street to 96th Street
• Shakespeare garden