Union Square Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Union Square. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• NYC Underground Subway Walking Tour
• NYC Food Tour: NoMad & Flatiron by Like A Local Tours
• Big Bus NYC Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour (Extra Free Day!)
• Private Flatiron Food, History and Architecture Tour

There is no charge to visit Union Square—the small park, commercial hub, and gathering place in Manhattan is free and open to the public. Tours that visit Union Square vary in price: food-tasting tours cost about US$90 per person, while bus tours start around US$60.

Yes, Union Square has two free public restrooms, one in the main square pavilion and the other at Evelyn’s Playground, located on Union Square West between 16th and 17th. If neither of those options pans out (cleanliness levels vary), there’s a Starbucks, Joe Coffee Company, and other local cafés you can pop into.

That depends on your plans. Many people pass through Union Square en route to surrounding neighborhoods, such as NoMad or the East Village; the L train will also take you over the East River to Williamsburg and Bushwick. The square is also a shopping district that hosts a farmers market and seasonal holiday market.

Yes, Union Square is great for kids, although you’ll want to keep an eye on them, as this is a busy area with multiple intersections. Evelyn’s Playground has swings and jungle gyms to keep younger children busy. Nearby Daryl Roth Theatre hosts family-friendly productions, while Books of Wonder bookstore has a big kids' section.

Aim to visit New York City in fall or spring, roughly September through mid-November or April through mid-June. Winters are often bracingly cold and can bring snow, although the Union Square holiday market is worth showing up for; expect handmade Christmas ornaments, clothes and accessories, and top-notch cuisine.