7. Septuagesimo Uno

Septuagesimo Uno is a well-kept secret of the Upper West Side. Located on 71st Street, just off of West End Avenue, the 0.04 acre park is surprisingly tranquil amidst the bustle of nearby Broadway. Its picturesque benches invite New Yorkers looking to read their books and newspapers in peace amidst the leafy foliage of the overhanging trees.

Named after the Italian word for “seventy-one”, it is one of the smallest parks in New York City. In fact, it could fit into Central Park about 21,000 times. Opened officially by the parks department in 1981, it underwent a $14,000 restoration project in 2000. Though renovated, however, it remains a slice of secrecy and quiet in Manhattan.