Washington Square Park

You could probably rattle off a whole slew of movies that contribute to Washington Square Park's popularity. Personally, August Rush always comes to my mind. When you see the park in person you'll understand why it's featured in a handful of big time flicks.

The first thing we saw as we walked into the park were some pigeon whisperers. Never, in my six weeks of living in New York, have I seen someone be so kind to pigeons before. It was strange, yet oddly beautiful to watch this couple feed and care for a species that is so often despised upon in the city.

The Washington Square Arch was erected in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States.

If you don't mind the soggy travel home it is totally acceptable to cool off in the fountain situated in the center of the park, and it doesn't have a bad view either.

Washington Square Park is a popular resting place for both New Yorkers and tourists alike. Come here to hang on a park bench. I promise you won't regret it. Most of the buildings surrounding the park though now belong to NYU, so you'll have to walk a block or two in any direction to reach any restaurants and shops.