Most visitors rush past the New York Public Library on their way to somewhere else. That is a shame. The wide stone steps on Fifth Avenue are one of the best free seats in Manhattan. You can sit down, rest your feet and watch the city go by.
This guide explains where the steps are, when to go, what to see around you and how to turn a short rest into a proper visit.
Where the library steps are
The steps belong to the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Most people simply call it the main branch of the New York Public Library. It stands on Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets, in Midtown Manhattan.
The building opened in 1911. It was designed by the architects Carrère and Hastings in the Beaux-Arts style, which means grand columns, carved stone and plenty of symmetry. The front is white marble, and the main entrance sits at the top of a broad flight of steps with a terrace in front of it.
Two marble lions guard the entrance. They are named Patience and Fortitude. Patience sits on the south side, and Fortitude sits on the north. The names were given in the 1930s, when the city was getting through the Great Depression. Locals still treat the lions as the building’s mascots, and they are very popular for photos.
How to get there
The library is easy to reach by public transport. Here are the simplest options:
- Subway: The 5th Avenue–Bryant Park station is right beside the building. The B, D, F, M and 7 trains stop there.
- Grand Central Terminal: It is about a ten-minute walk east along 42nd Street.
- Times Square: It is roughly a ten-minute walk west, so you can combine both in one outing.
- On foot: If you are staying in Midtown, the library is probably a short stroll away.
Entry to the building is free. You do not need a ticket just to sit on the steps, and you do not need to go inside, although we think you should.
The best time to sit on the steps
The steps work at any time of day, but the mood changes a lot. Here is what to expect.
Morning. The light is soft and the crowds are smaller. Office workers hurry past with coffee, and delivery vans line the side streets. It is a good time for photos of the facade without too many people in the frame.
Lunchtime. This is the busiest period. Plenty of people eat a sandwich on the steps, and the terrace buzzes with conversation. If you want to people-watch, this is the best show.
Late afternoon. The sun drops lower and the stone takes on a warm colour. Fifth Avenue fills with commuters and shoppers. Many visitors say this is their favourite time to sit and soak up the atmosphere.
Evening. The building is lit up and looks impressive. Bear in mind that the library itself closes earlier than the steps stay busy, so check opening hours before you plan to go inside.
Weather matters too. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. In summer the stone can feel hot, so bring a light layer to sit on. In winter it is cold, but a crisp, bright day can be lovely if you wrap up well.
What you will see from the steps
The real appeal of the steps is the view of everyday New York. You are not looking at a museum piece. You are watching the city at work.
- Tour groups following a guide with a raised umbrella or flag.
- Street performers and musicians on the pavement below.
- Students and writers with laptops and notebooks.
- Families taking photos beside the lions.
- Yellow taxis and buses moving slowly along Fifth Avenue.
It is the sort of place where a ten-minute break becomes an hour. Nobody will hurry you along. Sitting quietly and watching is a perfectly normal thing to do here, and plenty of New Yorkers do exactly that.
A small tip: bring a drink and a snack from a nearby shop, but take your rubbish with you. The terrace is shared by thousands of people each day, and keeping it clean helps everyone.
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Go inside the library
After a rest on the steps, step through the doors. The inside is just as impressive, and it costs nothing to look around the public areas.
Astor Hall. This is the marble entrance hall. It has high arches and a calm, echoing quality that feels a world away from the street.
The Rose Main Reading Room. This is the famous one. It is a huge, long room on the third floor with tall windows, wooden tables and a painted ceiling. It was carefully restored and reopened in 2018 after repair work. Visitors can usually walk in and look, but remember that people are studying, so keep your voice low and your phone on silent.
Exhibitions. The library often holds free displays on books, maps, photography and the history of the city. Check the official website before you go to see what is on.
Guided tours. Free tours have been offered in the past. Times can change, so confirm the current schedule on the library website.
Please note that some rooms may close for events or maintenance. Opening hours also vary by day, so look them up before you set out.
Bryant Park is right behind the library
One of the nicest things about this spot is what lies behind it. Bryant Park sits directly at the back of the building, on the western side. It is a green space with lawns, trees, café tables and movable chairs.
The library and the park are closely linked. Part of the park sits above underground book storage for the library. That is quite a clever use of space in a crowded city.
Through the year, the park hosts different events. There is often a winter market and an ice rink in the colder months, and film nights or lunchtime activities in warmer weather. Dates and details change from year to year, so check the park website before you plan around an event.
A simple plan is to sit on the library steps, walk through the building, and then relax in the park with a coffee. It makes a calm half-day in the middle of a busy trip.
Practical tips for your visit
- Check opening hours. They differ between days and seasons.
- Expect a bag check. Security staff may look inside your bag at the entrance, so avoid bringing large luggage.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will probably walk a lot in this part of Midtown.
- Take photos respectfully. Photography rules can differ in some rooms, so follow the signs.
- Go early for quiet. If you want fewer people in your photos, arrive soon after opening.
- Look up. The carved details above the entrance and inside the halls are easy to miss.
Other places nearby
The library is in a very handy spot. Within a short walk you can reach several other well-known places:
- Grand Central Terminal: Famous for its main concourse and star-painted ceiling.
- The Chrysler Building: An Art Deco landmark that is best admired from the street.
- Rockefeller Center: About fifteen minutes’ walk north up Fifth Avenue.
- Times Square: Bright, loud and busy, and a big contrast with the library terrace.
- The Empire State Building: Roughly a twenty-minute walk south.
Because everything is so close, the library steps make a handy meeting point. If you are travelling with friends or family, you can easily say, “See you by the lions.”
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Why the steps are worth your time
New York can feel like a city where you must always be doing something. Queues, tickets and timetables take over. The library steps are a gentle answer to all that. They are free, central and open to everyone.
You can sit there for five minutes or fifty. You can bring a book, a notebook or nothing at all. You will see people from every corner of the world pass in front of you, and that is a big part of what makes New York special.
So the next time you are in Midtown, do not just walk by. Find a spot on the stone, take a breath and watch the city. You may find it is the best part of your day.
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