Roosevelt Island in New York: Is it worth visiting?

Roosevelt Island in New York: Is it worth visiting?

July 19, 2024 New York Info Comments Off

Roosevelt Island in New York City is an island located in the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. And it is best known for the iconic Roosevelt Island Tram, but there is much more to see and do on this beautiful island, such as a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park and a walk in the lighthouse park.

Roosevelt Island NY

Roosevelt Island was formerly called Blackwell Island and it is located in the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Queens. The island is approximately 3 km long and 240 meters wide and it has an area of 56 hectares. In addition, the island consists largely of two residential communities: Northtown and Southtown. The island was once closed to the public, but is now home to a residential area and a number of parks and sights.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park

Although Roosevelt Island has a relatively small area, there are still a few places worth seeing, such as the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. The Park is located on the southern part of the island and is a public monument to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose term lasted from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945. The park consists of a large lawn, enclosed by walls and tiles of white granite. And the highlight of the park is a large statue of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline.

Smallpox memorial hospital

Today, the Smallpox memorial hospital on Roosevelt Island looks more like a haunted house from a horror movie than a former hospital. In 1856, when the area was still known as Blackwell’s Island, it was the first hospital in America to treat patients during a devastating smallpox pandemic, and served as a nursing school for the front lines after the pandemic. In the past, the ruin was fenced off and could only be viewed from the outside. The building has now been stabilized and the Gothic hospital is surrounded by a new park called “Wild Gardens, Green Rooms”. Another way to admire the ruins from the outside is on a Circle Line Sightseeing boat tour, which sails around the island.

Manhattan Healing Forest

One of the newest attractions on Roosevelt Island is the Manhattan Healing Forest. This small forest is no bigger than a tennis court and it is specially designed to act as a living barrier against flooding and erosion and to improve air quality. The mini forest, which consists of a diverse range of flora and fauna, will be planted by volunteers from April 6, 2024 on the south side of Roosevelt Island, between Manhattan and Queens. In addition, it would become a habitat for migratory birds, butterflies and a variety of urban wildlife, such as squirrels and peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks.

Roosevelt Island Lighthouse Park

On the northern part of Roosevelt Island you will find Lighthouse Park. The park covers 3.5 hectares and features an iconic lighthouse designed in 1872 by architect James Renwick Jr., who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Grace Church. The lighthouse was built by inmates of the prison with stones taken from the island. The lighthouse was initially built to point the way to the New York City Insane Asylum, a psychiatric hospital on the island, but it was decommissioned in 1940. Today it is a favorite spot for barbecues and picnics and offers great views of the Manhattan skyline.

Eleanor's Pier

Eleanor’s Pier on Roosevelt Island is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the view. From Eleanor’s Pier you have a great view of Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side and the Roosevelt Island Tram.

Roosevelt Island Tram New York

The Roosevelt Island Tram is a cable car that connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And since 1976, the streetcar has been one of the most unique forms of public transportation in New York City. A ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is a must do when in New York. Within 4 minutes you can make the crossing from East River to Roosevelt Island with these red gondolas. During the ride you float 76 meters above the ground and have a breathtaking view of the skyline of Manhattan, Midtown, Long Island City, the East River and Roosevelt Island.

Eating and drinking on Roosevelt Island

On Roosevelt Island in New York, you have some great places to eat and drink.

1. The Panorama Room

On the 18th floor of The Graduate Hotel sits an amazing rooftop bar, The Panorama Room. Here you can go for a drink or a great cocktail or mocktails while enjoying panoramic views of Manhattan.

2. Granny Annie’s Bar & Kitchen

This is a great restaurant serving great food and drinks. They have an extensive menu from Classic Caesar Salad to a delicious Grilled Angus Beef Burger with fries, but the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich is also very tasty and highly recommended.

3. ME Mediteranian Eatery.

ME Mediteranian Eatery is perhaps the best-known eatery on Roosevelt Island. You can order and pick up delicious meals here and eat them, for example, in one of the parks or at Eleanor’s Pier, while enjoying the scenery and views of the New York City skyline.

4. Piccolo Trattoria

Pizza lovers can visit Piccolo Trattoria on Roosevelt Island. This quintessential Italian restaurant offers old-fashioned Brooklyn style baked pizza or traditional homemade pasta.

Is Roosevelt Island in New York worth a visit?

Roosevelt Island NY is a beautiful island where you can stroll in peace and enjoy the beautiful views of Manhattan. It is also one of the few places where you can take great photos of the New York skyline. And the dining scene is also highly recommended. And of course a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram is a must do! In short, a visit to Roosevelt Island is really worthwhile.

Special offers for a city trip to New York

Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit a number of sights and attractions, then take advantage of the offers below!