Hop into a tram in Manhattan, and in a few minutes, you will be in Roosevelt Island. It is an island found along the East River and can be accessed using an aerial tramway, subway, ferry, or road by going across the Roosevelt Island Bridge from Queens. In the early years, Roosevelt Island was home to an asylum, hospitals, and a prison — some of these buildings are still standing. An example is The Octagon, which was the New York City Lunatic Asylum back in 1834. Blackwell House was built in 1796 and is one of the oldest landmarks on this island. Discover the historical heritage of Roosevelt Island and its famous attractions in a fun way. Read on to know more about the best things to do in Roosevelt Island, New York City.
Tip from tour guide
Explore the ”New Town” Roosevelt Island planned residential community (1969-1973) that consists of multi-ethnic and mixed-income residents who live side by side. Walk down “Main Street” and view the original housing developments, schools, recreational facilities, parks and city landmarks that comprise the island.
1. Take a scenic ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway
Enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan’s East Side, East River, and the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge as you go on this aerial ride that operates between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. This aerial tramway became operational in 1976, and it carries about 125 passengers. For the same amount of fare you would use on the subway, you get to go on this exciting short ride that will be worth your time. Capture amazing photos for keepsakes from this excellent vantage point. The tram is best enjoyed after the rush hours when it is less crowded.
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Address: New York, NY 10065, United States
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6am - 2am; Fri- Sat: 6am - 3:30am
Price: 3 USD
Tip from tour guide
There's currently a subway construction so it's harder to get to the island. Trains don't run as often - every 20 mins instead of 10 mins - so now people use the Roosevelt Island Tramway and they get really crowded. During rush hour, you won't get a good view of the island when you take the tramway as it'll be blocked by everyone inside the tram car.
2. Start your day with a cup of espresso and muffin while enjoying the river views at The Café at Cornell Tech
Start your day right by visiting this café, which serves delicious breakfast and lunch foods. It has huge windows that make the interior bright and open up to gorgeous river views. Food items available on the menu are freshly prepared daily, depending on what is available during a specific season. Breakfast options include coffee or espresso accompanied by muffins, croissants, eggs, and pancakes. Their lunch menu features grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, San Paulo sausage, entrees, and so much more. A healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need for a day full of adventure.
The Café at Cornell Tech
Address: 2 W Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044, United States
Website: The Café at Cornell Tech
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm
Tip from tour guide
Visit the Cornell Tech Campus which is the home of the Jacobs Technion - Cornell Institute. The mission of the college is to bring together business leaders, tech entrepreneurs and students to advance research and to collaborate in developing new start-up companies and new technologies in industries critical to the 21st century.
Cornell Tech offers programs at the professional masters, doctoral and post-doctoral levels. View the flood resistant architecture and energy efficient campus buildings.
3. Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and admire the Manhattan view at Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park was built to commemorate Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the Americas. This 4-acre (1.6-hectare) park is free to the public. Take a stroll through its grounds, where you will get to see the memorial with FDR’s famous 1941 Four Freedoms speech inscribed on an upright granite plaque and a statue of his face. This park also offers unmatched vistas of Midtown Manhattan. This beautiful scenery offers an amazing backdrop for your photos.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park
Address: 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044, United States
Website: Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park
Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
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4. Appreciate the Victorian Gothic architecture of Chapel of the Good Shepherd
Take a walk around the Chapel of Good Shepherd and admire its unique beauty. Its construction began in 1888 and was completed in 1889. This building showcases the late Victorian Gothic architectural style that became popular in the mid-late 19th century. The exterior consists of walls made by intermixing red bricks and grey stones. The stained-glass windows and paved pathways add to its colorful exterior. Enrich your spiritual life while visiting this chapel by attending one of its services or making a silent prayer as you check out its interior décor.
Chapel of the Good Shepherd
Address: 543 Main St, New York, NY 10044, United States
Website: Chapel of the Good Shepherd
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily in summer); 9am - 5pm (daily in winter)
Roosevelt Island Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.
Tours by Hiram
5. Get a glimpse of the beautiful ruins of the 19th-century hospital, Smallpox Memorial Hospital
How amazing is it to see what remains of a building that dates back to about 164 years ago? Smallpox Memorial Hospital became operational in the mid-19th century and its purpose was to curb the spread of smallpox, which was rampant during that time. This building features a Gothic Revival style. It started as a smallpox hospital and shifted to a general hospital, then became a nursing school, and now it is preserved as a landmark ruin. Go back in history as you explore its grounds.
Smallpox Memorial Hospital
Address: E Rd, New York, NY 10044, United States
Website: Smallpox Memorial Hospital
Opening hours: Mon & Wed - Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed on Tue)
6. Ride the Red Bus for free and explore the island
Hop on the famous Red Bus and explore the Roosevelt Island, which is dotted with residential areas, iconic buildings, parks, and tram and subway stations. The stunning vistas of East River can be spotted along the route. Discover the entire island in this short bus ride that saves you the fatigue that comes with walking around. This bus also serves as a means of transportation within the island as it makes convenient stops along the way. Utilize this free opportunity to make the most of your visit to this island.
Red Bus
Address: 591 Main Street Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Opening hours: Mon -Thu & Sun: 5:30am - 2:30am; Fri - Sat: 5:30am - 3:30am
7. Catch a live show or join a dance and fitness class at Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance
Put on your dancing shoes and required outfit and head out to Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance that offers dance classes and production and non-production theater and music programs to people of all ages and backgrounds. Dance class options for kids include ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, breakdancing, and capoeira. Adults can take lessons in belly dancing, ballroom, or a dance workshop that combines different dancing techniques. If you are not a dancer, enroll in adult fitness classes such as fitness sculpt, Pilates, and Zumba. By the end of it all, you will have worked your cardio, strengthened your muscles and body, and improved your flexibility.
Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance
Address: 548 Main St, New York, NY 10044, United States
Website: Main Street Theater & Dance Alliance
Price: From 15 USD
8. Take time to see the Gothic Revival architecture of Blackwell Island Lighthouse
Blackwell Island Lighthouse was constructed in 1872 using gneiss and coarse ashlar from the island. Its Gothic Revival architectural style was designed by an American architect, James Renwick, Jr., who also designed Smallpox Memorial Hospital. This lighthouse towers at approximately 50 feet (15 meters) and is octagonal in shape. It has two slit windows above the doorway for lighting its interior and a lantern at the top. Despite it not being open to the public, you can still capture amazing photos with this designated New York City Landmark in the background and learn a bit about its history.
Blackwell Island Lighthouse
Address: Blackwell Island Light, New York, NY 10044, United States
9. Buy fresh fruits and local products at Roosevelt Island Amish Farmers Market
Start your Saturday morning by visiting Roosevelt Island Amish Farmers Market to buy fresh and locally grown or produced food items, and also to interact with the locals. Shop for juicy fruits such as oranges, watermelons, peaches, and fresh vegetables such as okra, zucchini, pickles, herbs, and beans. Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings by buying their freshly baked bread and cookies. This market also has animal products like different kinds of cheese, salmon, and chicken. Traders ensure that their wares are of high quality. A healthy lifestyle begins with buying fresh ingredients from this market to prepare a nutritious meal.
Roosevelt Island Amish Farmers Market
Address: Roosevelt Island Bridge, New York, NY 10044, United States
Opening hours: Sat: 6am - 3pm (closed Mon - Fri & Sun)
10. Celebrate art by visiting the art exhibitions at Gallery RIVAA
Art lovers or anyone interested in learning about art will have an amazing time at Gallery RIVAA (Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association), which aims to nurture the development of arts and culture by providing artists with a free space to display their artworks. It features art exhibits, educational events, poetry slams and readings, and theatrical performances, where artists showcase their talent. Admire the beautiful works of art displayed in the exhibits and enjoy the different entertaining performances. By the time you leave, you will have developed a newfound appreciation for art.
Gallery RIVAA
Address: 527 Main St, New York, NY 10044, United States
Website: Gallery RIVAA
Opening hours: Wed & Fri: 6pm - 9pm; Thu: 1pm - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Discover the best of Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is a tiny island that has a lot to offer. Enjoy bird’s-eye view of the city from an aerial tramway, explore the island on a free bus ride, or see the designated New York City Landmarks. Burn those extra calories through fitness and dance classes or walking in a farmer’s market while shopping for fresh fruits and local products. Our list of best things to do in Roosevelt Island, New York City, will keep you entertained.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
Tip from tour guide
Explore the five Girl Puzzle sculptures designed by Amanda Mathews, dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of the crusading reporter Nelly Bly. In 1887, Bly exposed the mistreatment and abuse of residents at The Women's Lunatic Asylum of Blackwell Island. The exhibit was unveiled by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2021.
History
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