Roosevelt Island
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Top ways to experience Roosevelt Island and nearby attractions
The area
How to get there
- Roosevelt Island • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,106 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,628 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
882 reviews
Excellent
450
Very good
331
Average
89
Poor
9
Terrible
3
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia15,388 contributions
May 2022
This was my third time in NYC, but the very first time I've visited RI.
We were very delighted with our visit we planned beforehand, so I advise this itinerary.
Take the Astoria Line (AS) ferry boat from Pier 11 in lower Manhattan. That's the starting point, but you can also catch it from other stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn as well (2 stations on both sides - Google the stops).
However, I suggest taking it from the starting point at Pier 11 as you will be rewarded with amazing (and very cheap - 3,25 $ pp) city views from East river for around 30 min what it takes to reach RI.
Disembark at RI and explore it. Great views of Manhattan skyline, nice walk by the river to the FDR freedom park and smallpox ruined hospital. You can also take the red bus which takes you to the northern tip of RI where's the lighthouse.
When finished take the RI Tramway cable car to transfer back to Manhattan, seeing the area from bird's perspective.
Count on around 2-3 hours for a memorable visit with a budget slightly over 5$ pp.
We were very delighted with our visit we planned beforehand, so I advise this itinerary.
Take the Astoria Line (AS) ferry boat from Pier 11 in lower Manhattan. That's the starting point, but you can also catch it from other stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn as well (2 stations on both sides - Google the stops).
However, I suggest taking it from the starting point at Pier 11 as you will be rewarded with amazing (and very cheap - 3,25 $ pp) city views from East river for around 30 min what it takes to reach RI.
Disembark at RI and explore it. Great views of Manhattan skyline, nice walk by the river to the FDR freedom park and smallpox ruined hospital. You can also take the red bus which takes you to the northern tip of RI where's the lighthouse.
When finished take the RI Tramway cable car to transfer back to Manhattan, seeing the area from bird's perspective.
Count on around 2-3 hours for a memorable visit with a budget slightly over 5$ pp.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Skye B.
United States97 contributions
Oct 2022
I saw a picture of "The Girl Puzzle Monument honoring Nellie Bly" and wanted to see it up close. This is one of the best art installations that I've ever seen. The work is beautiful but is also in a gorgeous location. It's located in the Lighthouse Park on Roosevelt Island. The installation's backdrop of the skyline and the East River adds to the beautification of the art. Will definitely visit again.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robinmolieres
21 contributions
Oct 2022
Not just for fans of FDR, Roosevelt Island has something for anyone looking for views of midtown, and the peace that comes from green spaces surrounded by water.
If you are a fan of the man, make a pilgrimage to the tip of the island and Four Freedoms Park.
The cafeteria at Cornell tech has great food at reasonable prices. Sit in the sun on the terrace looking up at ther Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan slurping a Strawberry Kick smoothie and feel grateful for all this city has to offer.
If you are a fan of the man, make a pilgrimage to the tip of the island and Four Freedoms Park.
The cafeteria at Cornell tech has great food at reasonable prices. Sit in the sun on the terrace looking up at ther Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan slurping a Strawberry Kick smoothie and feel grateful for all this city has to offer.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK17,752 contributions
Dec 2021
Having visited NYC and Manhattan many times I had never been to, or to be frank didn't even know about, Roosevelt Island (RI). So on a trip in December 2021 I decided to take the RI Tramway from 59th Street over to the Island and I am glad I did as the Tram ride was exciting (only 4 minutes long but great fun) and RI itself was interesting. It gave great views across the river to Manhattan, the FDR Four Freedoms Park was great, as was the Lighthouse, the Smallpox Hospital ruins were interesting and there are shops and restaurants too all easily accessible on foot or using the free shuttle bus service. Go into the Visitor Center to get a Map ($1) of the Island to help you explore. Well worth a visit to get a break from the noise and bustle of the City.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rushil Dedhia
Mumbai, India167 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Roosevelt island is a great place to see the city - downtown & especially uptown in its glory away from the crowds of the city. Hardly anyone comes here. Make your tou walk all the way to the smallpox hospital ruins. There are nice benches on the way to sit & enjoy the view. Highly recommend this!
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
40Acres
Atlantic City, NJ54 contributions
Aug 2022
I spent a week in NYC in August, and it was hot and by mid-week my feet/ankles/legs had "had it". I took a bus up from my hotel to the tramway, and took the tramway over to Roosevelt island which was fun (great scenery). There's free bus steps on the Island (steps away from the tramway) which took you around in a loop over most of the island. I stopped at one of the stores and bought lunch. I did walk to the end of the Four Freedoms Park (to the South) which was well worth it.
Beautiful views of the NYC skyline, cool breezes off the river, interesting river traffic. I sat in one of the Adirondack chairs for quite a while, where I ate my lunch, rested my feet, enjoyed the view (and maybe I dozed a little).
All this for less than $10 in public transportation fees (plus lunch). It was a great day trip.
I took the bus back to the ferry terminal and left the island on the East River Ferry, which was a great experience in and of itself.
Beautiful views of the NYC skyline, cool breezes off the river, interesting river traffic. I sat in one of the Adirondack chairs for quite a while, where I ate my lunch, rested my feet, enjoyed the view (and maybe I dozed a little).
All this for less than $10 in public transportation fees (plus lunch). It was a great day trip.
I took the bus back to the ferry terminal and left the island on the East River Ferry, which was a great experience in and of itself.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leonardo Martins
Sao Paulo, SP193 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Getting there is already a must-see, the modern, efficient Tramway (paid with Metro Card) gets you at Roosevelt Island in 4 minutes with a stunning view.
There you'll find the visitor's center, where the island monuments will be explained to you. An MTA Hybrid Red Bus rounds the island for free so that visitors can catch a glimpse of the Island.
The Franklin Roosevelt Four Freedom Park is the main attraction there, it honors the longest term president ever in the American History, and showcases an amazing view to the city’s skyline.
There you'll find the visitor's center, where the island monuments will be explained to you. An MTA Hybrid Red Bus rounds the island for free so that visitors can catch a glimpse of the Island.
The Franklin Roosevelt Four Freedom Park is the main attraction there, it honors the longest term president ever in the American History, and showcases an amazing view to the city’s skyline.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,618 contributions
May 2020 • Business
First of all, it’s fun to arrive by tram (see previous review). You get a neat ride and a nice view for a couple bucks and some change (each way). The island is small, a couple miles end to end, and there is a red bus that will take you all over. There is an abandoned small pox hospital that’s interesting to see and photograph and a pretty walk along the river. The FDR freedom park was closed when I visited. From what I understand, the island and tram can get crowded during festivals or when the tree blossoms bloom. Worth a trip, especially if crowds are low.
Written May 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wildegoose
London, UK42 contributions
Sep 2022
A lovely walk around the island. Please visit the tourist info booth first and pick up a 1$ map and chat with the friendly volunteers. We stopped at the college cafe for a bite to eat and a drink. Reasonable prices and relaxed atmosphere. The tramway is a great way to get there (we did $3 one way ticket from the machine) and left by the subway. Outdoor cat sanctuary was an added bonus! as well as outdoor sculptures.
Written September 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JKW3
Livermore, CA755 contributions
Jul 2022
I expected more from the island. Largely my disappointment is in that we visited on a Tuesday, and Four Freedoms Park is closed on Tuesdays! It never occurred to me to check the hours of a park. We were walking the path around the island, and right after we viewed the Smallpox hospital, there was a locked gate closing off entirely the southern tip of the island, the pathway, and Four Freedoms Park. Call me sorely disappointed!
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Combien de temps faut-il prévoir AR avec petite balade sur l'ile?
Dani
Argentina97 contributions
Nosotros estuvimos unas dos horas por la isla. Es más que suficiente. Tenes que volver por teleférico que tiene las mejores vistas de Manhattan
What's the best time to get to the bbq area to get a grill?
Gail G
Norman, OK10 contributions
We were on Roosevelt Island on August 31, 2019, and there were plenty of grills available — in fact, only one was in use and this was around 11:15 in the morning. I hope this helps.
travelling couple
1 contribution
Are there any nice places to eat on Roosevelt Island?? Want to go over and explore and have lunch while we are there..we are traveling to Manhattan in December
YayeMama
Maplewood, NJ768 contributions
No restaurants but there is a supermarket on the island, in case you don't want to bring picnic-style food with you. There is a cafe where you can buy coffee as well.
Bill M
Niskayuna, NY3 contributions
This is a question for someone who live on the island.Does the Motorgate Garage ever get full? I will be coming down around Christmas time this year. Thanks
Dave&CindyChandler
Chandler, AZ151 contributions
Diane H: You said you took the tram in the morning. Was there a long line? I am assuming there is rush hour traffice, but maybe in the morning it is going from the island to Manhattan. Thanks
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,804 contributions
You have to remember that the Tram is not a tourist attraction. It is a way that people who live on Roosevelt Island get back and forth from work (that and the subway).
If you want to go the island and walk around, I suggest taking the F train over before 9:30am in the morning and take it back from the island or just take it after rush hour (before 9:30am and anytime after 5:30pm). Also, do not travel on it in bad weather.
While on the island, don't miss Piccolo Trattoria for pizza on the on the Roosevelt Island side near the tram. Their food is really good.
Dilianys J
El Paso, TX
Any restaurant on the island?
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,804 contributions
There are several but there seems to be one of everything. Not too many choices. I can recommend Piccolo Trattoria right near the tram for pizza. I thought it was very good (See reviews on TripAdvisor) and it is in the center of everything. Don't forget to go to FDR Park at the tip of the island and Lighthouse Park on the other tip of the island. Also, on the Cornell Tech campus, there is a small cafe/restaurant that is open to the public and I stopped there for a snack after a walking tour of the southern part of the island. It is also very good. Don't miss the tram ride on a sunny day, it is quite a site!
Annette2874
La Garde, France42 contributions
Bonjour.est ce qu' je peux prendre le téléphérique avec un paper ride métro.? je ne compte pas prendre la metro card car je ne reste que 5 jours et pas l intention de prendre le métro autant .merci de vos réponses
Valeria S
Gasny, France83 contributions
bonjour pour le paper ride je ne sais pas mais pour 5 jours il est de toute façon plus économique de prendre une métro card 7 jours qui donne accès a tous les transports en communs bon séjour V.s
Debra S
Calgary95 contributions
Hello TA Community,
I'm writing a story about Roosevelt Island and I would like to interview a few residents to find out what they love about the island and what they would suggest as a perfect itinerary for a visitor. Please send me a private message if you or someone you know would like to participate? Many thanks!!
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,804 contributions
Go to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society Building just as you get off the tram. It is right around the corner when they are open during the day. That would be the best approach.
Roosevelt Island (New York City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Roosevelt Island
- We recommend booking Roosevelt Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Roosevelt Island tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Roosevelt Island:
- Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise (From $106.00)
- New York City Skyline Helicopter Tour and Luxury Transfer from Manhattan (From $602.40)
- Boat Tour NYC Skyline, Statue of Liberty, Private Yacht Tour (From $2,400.00)
- Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise (From $158.80)
- AIANY Climate Change Tour in New York (From $106.00)
- Hotels near Roosevelt Island:
- (0.08 mi) Bayview Inn Motel
- (0.25 mi) Graduate Roosevelt Island
- (0.23 mi) Sutton Court Hotel Residences
- (0.29 mi) AKA Sutton Place
- (0.33 mi) Bentley Hotel
- Restaurants near Roosevelt Island:
- (0.20 mi) Pizza by Cer te
- (0.43 mi) Club A Steakhouse
- (0.26 mi) Bistro Vendome
- (0.27 mi) Neary's
- (0.47 mi) Obao Noodles & Bbq