Governors Island is a small island off the coast of Lower Manhattan. The island has beautiful scenery and a nice view of the Manhattan skyline. But is a visit to Governors Island worth it? In this blog we will tell you all about that.
What is Governors Island?
Governors Island is a small island just five minutes away from Downtown Manhattan. The island is over 696,632 m² in size and has no people living on it. Cars are also not allowed to drive on the island. In addition, Governors Island is truly an oasis of nature and tranquility with lots of greenery and beautiful views.
What is there to do on Governors Island?
Governors Island has quite a military past, and this is reflected in the buildings on the island. You will find the beautiful Castle Williams from 1807 and Fort Jay with its 5 Rodman cannons. But Governors Island is also an island where you can relax, it has a luxurious spa and you can cycle or walk car-free and enjoy the incredible views of Manhattan. There is also an art center on the island, where you can visit daily temporary exhibitions or participate in workshops and film screenings.
Castle Williams
Castle Williams is a circular fortification that served as a fortress against naval attacks in the 19th century and as a prison during the Civil War. The monument was built between 1807 and 1811 and designed by Chief Engineer Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Williams of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Castle Williams is one of the monuments you should definitely visit when you are on Governors Island. It is an impressive place with a beautiful view of Manhattan.
Fort Jay
Fort Jay is the second military monument on Governors Island. It was built in 1794, making it the oldest defense structure on the island. The fort is named after John Jay, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. In 1806 the name of the fort was changed to Fort Columbus, but since 1904 the name of the fort was changed again to Fort Jay. A visit to this impressive monument on Governors Island is a must. you can take a nice tour and then take a break on the lawn at the back of the fort and enjoy the view of beautiful Manhattan.
The Hills on Governors Island
Since 2016, four man-made hills have formed a park south of Governors Island called “The Hills”. From the highest of the four – Outlook Hill – you have a fantastic 360-degree view of the island and the immediate surroundings. On one side on the left you see the Statue of Liberty and a little further on the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan. You can reach the top of Outlook Hill via a winding path or take the shorter route over the stones that goes straight to the top.
The slides of The Hills
A visit to The Hills on Governors Island is extra fun for children, because you can slide down four different slides, including the longest in New York City. But you have to be careful in sunny weather, because the slides are made of iron and can become very hot in sunny weather.
Sleeping in a Luxury tent on Governors Island
On Governors Island you will find the most special accommodation in New York: a luxurious campsite where you can sleep in a very luxurious tent that is fully equipped, such as comfortable beds, air conditioning, room service and, as icing on the cake, the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. And entertainment is also provided. There are regular performances and you can start the day with a meditation or yoga class.
Governors Island has many places where you can have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful views and surroundings, but there are also some nice places to eat on the island, such as the Liggett Terrace Food Court. Here you will find different food stalls where you can enjoy delicious food, depending on the season.
Spa on Governors Island
If you’re coming to Governors Island to relax, plan a visit to the QC NY Spa. This luxurious spa, set in the lush greenery of Governors Island and overlooking the Manhattan skyline, is a truly wonderfully relaxing getaway that will rejuvenate you. Enjoy more than twenty wellness experiences, book a massage and admire the view of the Manhattan skyline during your stay.
Governors Island is best discovered by bike. And it is best to rent a bicycle when you arrive on the island. The bicycle rental company can be found on the west side of the island. When you get off the ferry, turn right and walk for about 5 minutes until you see a large tent with bicycles parked in front of it. The bicycle rental company rents out classic bicycles, electric bicycles, tandems, children’s bicycles and baby seats are also available. Renting an adult bike costs $20 for 2 hours and $30 for the day.
Where is Governors Island?
Governors Island is a 10-minute boat ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York.
How to get to Governors Island
To get to Governors Island from Manhattan, you need to take the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, located in Battery Park. And to get to the Battery Maritime Building, take metro line R to Whitehall St., metro line 1 (South Ferry Station) or metro line 4 or 5 (Bowling Green Station). You can also take the bus, then take bus line M6, M9 or M15 .
How much do ferry tickets cost to Governors Island?
The round-trip ferry ticket to Governors Island costs only $5. And the journey takes about 10 minutes. The ferry ride is free for children under 12 and adults over 65.
Governors Island: Is it worth a visit?
Governors Island is a small island off the coast of Lower Manhattan. The island has beautiful scenery and a nice view of the Manhattan skyline. But is a visit to Governors Island worth it? In this blog we will tell you all about that.
What is Governors Island?
Governors Island is a small island just five minutes away from Downtown Manhattan. The island is over 696,632 m² in size and has no people living on it. Cars are also not allowed to drive on the island. In addition, Governors Island is truly an oasis of nature and tranquility with lots of greenery and beautiful views.
What is there to do on Governors Island?
Governors Island has quite a military past, and this is reflected in the buildings on the island. You will find the beautiful Castle Williams from 1807 and Fort Jay with its 5 Rodman cannons. But Governors Island is also an island where you can relax, it has a luxurious spa and you can cycle or walk car-free and enjoy the incredible views of Manhattan. There is also an art center on the island, where you can visit daily temporary exhibitions or participate in workshops and film screenings.
Castle Williams
Castle Williams is a circular fortification that served as a fortress against naval attacks in the 19th century and as a prison during the Civil War. The monument was built between 1807 and 1811 and designed by Chief Engineer Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Williams of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Castle Williams is one of the monuments you should definitely visit when you are on Governors Island. It is an impressive place with a beautiful view of Manhattan.
Fort Jay
Fort Jay is the second military monument on Governors Island. It was built in 1794, making it the oldest defense structure on the island. The fort is named after John Jay, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. In 1806 the name of the fort was changed to Fort Columbus, but since 1904 the name of the fort was changed again to Fort Jay. A visit to this impressive monument on Governors Island is a must. you can take a nice tour and then take a break on the lawn at the back of the fort and enjoy the view of beautiful Manhattan.
The Hills on Governors Island
Since 2016, four man-made hills have formed a park south of Governors Island called “The Hills”. From the highest of the four – Outlook Hill – you have a fantastic 360-degree view of the island and the immediate surroundings. On one side on the left you see the Statue of Liberty and a little further on the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan. You can reach the top of Outlook Hill via a winding path or take the shorter route over the stones that goes straight to the top.
The slides of The Hills
A visit to The Hills on Governors Island is extra fun for children, because you can slide down four different slides, including the longest in New York City. But you have to be careful in sunny weather, because the slides are made of iron and can become very hot in sunny weather.
Sleeping in a Luxury tent on Governors Island
On Governors Island you will find the most special accommodation in New York: a luxurious campsite where you can sleep in a very luxurious tent that is fully equipped, such as comfortable beds, air conditioning, room service and, as icing on the cake, the beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. And entertainment is also provided. There are regular performances and you can start the day with a meditation or yoga class.
Where can you eat on Governors Island?
Governors Island has many places where you can have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful views and surroundings, but there are also some nice places to eat on the island, such as the Liggett Terrace Food Court. Here you will find different food stalls where you can enjoy delicious food, depending on the season.
Spa on Governors Island
If you’re coming to Governors Island to relax, plan a visit to the QC NY Spa. This luxurious spa, set in the lush greenery of Governors Island and overlooking the Manhattan skyline, is a truly wonderfully relaxing getaway that will rejuvenate you. Enjoy more than twenty wellness experiences, book a massage and admire the view of the Manhattan skyline during your stay.
Bike rentals on Governors Island
Governors Island is best discovered by bike. And it is best to rent a bicycle when you arrive on the island. The bicycle rental company can be found on the west side of the island. When you get off the ferry, turn right and walk for about 5 minutes until you see a large tent with bicycles parked in front of it. The bicycle rental company rents out classic bicycles, electric bicycles, tandems, children’s bicycles and baby seats are also available. Renting an adult bike costs $20 for 2 hours and $30 for the day.
Where is Governors Island?
Governors Island is a 10-minute boat ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York.
How to get to Governors Island
To get to Governors Island from Manhattan, you need to take the ferry from the Battery Maritime Building, located in Battery Park. And to get to the Battery Maritime Building, take metro line R to Whitehall St., metro line 1 (South Ferry Station) or metro line 4 or 5 (Bowling Green Station). You can also take the bus, then take bus line M6, M9 or M15 .
How much do ferry tickets cost to Governors Island?
The round-trip ferry ticket to Governors Island costs only $5. And the journey takes about 10 minutes. The ferry ride is free for children under 12 and adults over 65.
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