Battery Park
Battery Park is much more than just a park at the southern tip of Manhattan: it’s a green oasis with history and spectacular views 🌳. Known for being the departure point for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and for offering unparalleled panoramic views of New York Harbor, this place provides a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Located where the island of Manhattan meets the water, Battery Park is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city. Whether for strolling along the river, exploring historical monuments, or simply relaxing on the grass, its unique atmosphere combines nature, history, and iconic views 🗽.
Why Visit Battery Park?
Visiting Battery Park means connecting with New York’s history and enjoying some of the most famous views in the world. It’s a place that combines green spaces, commemorative monuments, and access to icons like the Statue of Liberty. Here, you can breathe in the sea breeze and watch the ferries come and go.
Its historical significance is notable: it houses Castle Clinton, an old fort that has served as an immigration center, aquarium, and concert hall. Furthermore, its strategic location makes it a key point for understanding the city’s development and its relationship with the water. It’s the perfect place to start an exploration of Lower Manhattan.
Battery Park is also a symbol of resilience and memory, featuring monuments like the East Coast Memorial and The Sphere, which was originally located at the World Trade Center. It offers a space for reflection and enjoyment, welcoming millions of visitors seeking history, views, or a moment of peace.
How to Get to Battery Park by Subway?
Main Stations
The main stations providing direct access to Battery Park are Bowling Green, South Ferry, and Whitehall St, located at the southern tip of Manhattan, next to the park. These stations easily connect you to the park and the ferry docks.
Subway Lines to Battery Park
Battery Park is very well connected by the New York City subway. The lines that take you directly to this area are:
- 1 (red line) – South Ferry Station
- R, W (yellow lines) – Whitehall St Station
- 4, 5 (green lines) – Bowling Green Station
How to Get to Battery Park From:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Central Park or Columbus Circle, take the 1 line (red) southbound (‘Downtown’) directly to the South Ferry station. Alternatively, you can take the R or W lines (yellow) from 57th St–7th Ave or 59th St southbound to Whitehall St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, Battery Park is a short walk south. If you prefer the subway, you can take the 1 line from WTC Cortlandt or the 4 or 5 lines from Wall St or Fulton St one or two stops to Bowling Green or South Ferry.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and then take the 4 or 5 lines southbound from Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall to Bowling Green. From Williamsburg, take the L line to Union Square and transfer to the 4 or 5 lines southbound to Bowling Green. You can also take the J or Z line to Broad St and walk a few minutes.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
From Long Island City, take the 7 line to Grand Central–42 St and transfer to the 4 or 5 lines southbound to Bowling Green. From Flushing, take the 7 line and make the same transfer at Grand Central.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take the 4 or 5 lines (green) southbound directly to Bowling Green. Another option is to take the 1 line (red) southbound to South Ferry.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E line (blue) to World Trade Center, then walk or take the 1, R, or W line southbound. From LaGuardia, take the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the R line (yellow) southbound to Whitehall St. From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and then the 1 line southbound to South Ferry.
What to Do in Battery Park?
Battery Park is one of New York City’s most significant green spaces, not only for its location but for everything it offers. It combines history, nature, and stunning views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a perfect place to stroll, learn, and relax.
Enjoy the Harbor Views 🗽
One of Battery Park’s biggest attractions is its unbeatable panoramic views. From here, you can gaze at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the coming and going of ships in New York Harbor. It’s an ideal spot for spectacular photos, especially at sunset.
Visit Castle Clinton
Inside the park is Castle Clinton National Monument, a circular sandstone fort with a rich history. It served as a defense fort, an immigration center (before Ellis Island), a theater, an aquarium, and is now a national monument and the ticket office for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Admission to the fort is free.
Take a Ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands ⛴️
Battery Park is the main departure point in Manhattan for Statue City Cruises ferries, which take you to the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Discover Memorials and Sculptures
The park houses several important monuments, such as the East Coast Memorial, dedicated to American soldiers lost in the Atlantic during World War II, and The Sphere, the iconic sculpture by Fritz Koenig that survived the 9/11 attacks. You will also find other sculptures and commemorative plaques.
Ride the SeaGlass Carousel 🎠
A magical attraction for all ages is the SeaGlass Carousel, a unique carousel featuring bioluminescent fiber-optic fish that spin in a shell-shaped pavilion. It’s an enchanting experience, especially at night when the lights create a dreamy underwater atmosphere.
Attractions Near Battery Park
Battery Park is located in an area rich in history and attractions. Exploring the surroundings, you’ll find iconic Lower Manhattan landmarks within walking distance, offering a comprehensive view of New York’s origins and present.
Financial District and Wall Street
Just a few steps north of Battery Park lies the heart of New York’s financial district. You can walk down Wall Street, see the New York Stock Exchange, and Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as president.
National Museum of the American Indian
Right next to Bowling Green, in the impressive Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House building, is the National Museum of the American Indian (part of the Smithsonian). It offers fascinating exhibitions about the indigenous cultures of the Americas, and admission is free.
Staten Island Ferry Terminal
Adjacent to Battery Park is the Staten Island Ferry terminal. This free ferry offers a round trip of about 50 minutes with spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. An excellent option if you don’t have the time or budget for the paid ferry!
Charging Bull Statue 🐂
The famous Charging Bull sculpture (Wall Street Bull) is located very close by, at Bowling Green. It’s a very popular photo stop, symbolizing financial strength and optimism. Be prepared for crowds around it.
Stone Street
A few blocks away, you’ll find Stone Street, one of New York’s oldest streets. It’s a charming cobblestone street lined with pubs and restaurants offering outdoor seating (in season), perfect for grabbing a drink or a meal in a historic atmosphere.
Fraunces Tavern Museum
A bit further east, you can visit Fraunces Tavern, a historic building that served as George Washington’s headquarters and now houses a museum and restaurant. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the city’s colonial and revolutionary history.
Tips for Visiting Battery Park
Although Battery Park is a relatively peaceful place compared to other areas of Manhattan, a few tips will help you make the most of your visit to this historic waterfront park.
Best Time of Day to Go
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, especially near the ferry ticket booths, visit Battery Park early in the morning on a weekday. Afternoons, especially at sunset, offer beautiful harbor views, although there might be more people strolling around. Weekends tend to be busier.
Avoiding Crowds
Lines for the ferries to the Statue of Liberty can be long. Buy your tickets online in advance to save time. If you just want to enjoy the park and the views, explore the areas further away from the docks, like the gardens or the paths along the Hudson River. The park is large, and you’ll always find a quiet spot.
Safety
Battery Park is a safe area, but like any tourist spot, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the ferry lines or near popular attractions. Be wary of unauthorized vendors trying to sell ferry tickets at inflated prices; always buy from the official ticket booths or the Statue City Cruises website.
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking in the park and its surroundings. A camera is essential for capturing the views 📸. In summer, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle. Being next to the water, it can get windy, so a jacket or windbreaker might be useful even on warm days. Avoid bringing bulky items if you plan to take the ferry, as you will go through security checks.
