Roosevelt Island

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Governors Island

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.

Ways to explore

Roosevelt Island may be one of New York City's greatest comeback stories. Despite its less-than-glamorous past, the island has been reborn as a worthy tourist destination, which attracts history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking exceptional city views. Although it’s small, 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.

Accessibility

The island has accessible parking spaces, wheelchair-friendly pathways through the parks, and ADA-compliant temporary restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A picnic to enjoy in the island’s parks (there are some eateries on the island, too).

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for strolling through the parks; most of the attractions are outdoors, so opt for season- and weather-appropriate clothing.

Not allowed

Grilling (permitted in designated areas of Octagon and Lighthouse Parks)

Amenities

Restrooms, fitness center, pool, pickleball courts

Address

Roosevelt Island is in the East River, running parallel with Manhattan from roughly 47th Street to 85th Street. It’s connected to other boroughs by road and public transportation.

Driving

Driving to Roosevelt Island or around Manhattan isn’t recommended due to heavy traffic and high parking fees. If you must drive, two bridges span the island: the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge (from Manhattan and Queens) and the Roosevelt Island Bridge, from 36th Avenue in Queens. The internal roads on the island can only be accessed from the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

Public transportation

Take the F train to Roosevelt Island Station, toward the southern half of the island; travel by ferry from Astoria, Queens, to the Roosevelt Island Ferry Terminal; or take the Roosevelt Island Tramway, an attraction in its own right, from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan.

Best times to visit

If you take the Roosevelt Island Tramway, travel back to Manhattan at sunset for a particularly spectacular view.

Best days to visit

The island tends to be busier on weekends, especially during fine weather, so come mid-week for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

While Roosevelt Island is a year-round destination, most of the attractions are outdoors, and New York City experiences very cold winters. Come in spring, summer, or fall for a more pleasant experience exploring.

Special events

During the 1-day annual Fall for Arts Festival, in September, people gather outdoors to paint. Other seasonal events take place throughout the year.