Roosevelt Island
Located in the middle of the East River between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island may count as one of New York City’s last under-the-radar gems. Redeveloped into a residential area in the mid-20th century, this small island boasts a wealth of historic monuments. Highlights include a lighthouse, verdant public parks, and an aerial tram that offers spectacular city views.
Roosevelt Island may be one of New York City's greatest comeback stories. Formerly known as Welfare Island—due to its abundance of hospitals, prisons, and other less-than-savory institutions—the island has since been reborn into a worthy tourist destination for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking exceptional city views.
Though it measures just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) long and .125 miles (.2 kilometers) wide, the island has many worthy landmarks, including the Louis Kahn-designed Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, the island’s Gothic revival lighthouse, and the Octagon, a former hospital that’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. You can explore the island on walking tours, haunted ghost tours, and cruises along the East River.
- For a dose of culture, head to the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association (RIVAA), which hosts exhibitions, performances, and other events.
- To enjoy drinks and dinner with 360-degree views of the city, visit the Panorama Bar at the Graduate New York.
- The Cornell Tech campus is one of the liveliest corners of the island and is also home to several acres of public green spaces, which are perfect for strolling.
Roosevelt Island is located in the East River, running parallel with Manhattan from roughly 47th Street to 85th Street. To get there via public transport, take the F train to Roosevelt Island Station; travel by ferry, from Astoria, Queens to the Roosevelt Island Ferry Terminal; or take the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which is an attraction in its own right, from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan.
Roosevelt Island is worth visiting throughout the year. If you can, time your trip with a sunny day to take advantage of the island’s parks and riverside walking trails. Travel back by the Roosevelt Island Tramway at sunset for a particularly spectacular view of Manhattan.
Another smaller New York City island is Governors Island, located in New York Harbor, just off Manhattan’s southernmost tip. Sprawling across 172 acres, the island is known for its cultural and educational events, including summer music festivals, nature walks, and the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party, held every August.
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