Elizabeth Street Garden is the strangest and most beloved acre in downtown Manhattan — a lot packed with lions, urns, columns and mismatched statuary, opened to the public in 2013 and fought over for a decade before the city declared it parkland. Doing yoga inside it means practicing among stone figures with Nolita's tenements rising on all four sides, a setting no studio can sell you. For a free downtown morning unlike anywhere else, roll out a mat here.
What to expect
Expect mats laid out on the garden's lawn and gravel areas among the sculptures, with the space's benches and paths still open to visitors. The garden is compact, so sessions fill the usable ground quickly and latecomers work around the statuary. It is volunteer-run and informal, with free public programming a regular fixture.
Good to know
- Take the 6 to Spring Street, the N or R to Prince Street, or the B, D, F or M to Broadway–Lafayette
- Free and open to the public; bring your own mat
- Arrive early — the garden is only about an acre and space is genuinely limited
- Paths are gravel and uneven in places, which can be tricky for wheelchairs
- Best for anyone who wants an unusual setting more than a rigorous class
- Nolita's coffee shops on Elizabeth and Mott are steps from the gate
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Is Elizabeth Street Garden the same as Elizabeth Street Park?
Yes. The one-acre sculpture garden on Elizabeth Street between Prince and Spring Streets was declared New York City parkland in late 2025.
Do I need to bring a mat?
Yes. Assume you are bringing your own mat, water and towel.
Is it free?
The garden is free and open to the public, and it hosts free programming year-round.
