Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is much more than just an island in the East River: it’s an oasis of calm and unique perspective between the bustle of Manhattan and the diversity of Queens. Known for its iconic red tramway, spectacular skyline views, and green spaces, this place offers a different and fascinating side of New York. 🚠
Strategically located in the East River, Roosevelt Island is a surprising stop for both first-time visitors to the city and New Yorkers looking for a getaway. Whether arriving by air on the tramway or underground via the subway, its unique atmosphere combines history, modernity, nature, and urban tranquility.
Why Visit Roosevelt Island?
Visiting Roosevelt Island means discovering a different perspective of New York. It’s a unique place offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, serene parks, and a rich history. Here you’ll find historical monuments, innovative architecture like that of the Cornell Tech campus, and a tranquility hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Its historical significance is notable: it formerly housed hospitals and asylums, whose ruins and restored buildings still remain, such as the Smallpox Hospital or The Octagon. Today, transformed into a vibrant residential community, it also hosts the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a tribute to freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
Roosevelt Island is also a symbol of urban reinvention. What was once an island of confinement is now an example of sustainable community development, with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings, ample green spaces, and a unique connection to the city. If you want to breathe fresh air and enjoy spectacular views away from the chaos, this is your place. 🌳
How to Get to Roosevelt Island?
Main Stations
The main access points to Roosevelt Island are the Roosevelt Island Tramway station in Manhattan (at 2nd Avenue and 60th Street) and the Roosevelt Island subway station on the F line, located in the center of the island. Additionally, it has an NYC Ferry stop.
Public Transportation to Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is well-connected by public transport, offering unique and scenic options:
- F (orange line) – New York City Subway
- Roosevelt Island Tramway – Departs from Manhattan
- NYC Ferry (Astoria Route) – Connections to Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn
How to get to Roosevelt Island from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Central Park South or Columbus Circle, you can walk east to the tramway station at 2nd Avenue and 60th Street. Alternatively, you can take the F line towards Queens/Jamaica from nearby stations such as 57 St or Lexington Av/63 St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Lower Manhattan, the most direct option is to take the F subway line northbound (Uptown/Queens) from stations like WTC or Broadway-Lafayette St to the Roosevelt Island stop. You can also take the NYC Ferry (Soundview or South Brooklyn route) and transfer to the Astoria route at Wall St/Pier 11.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO or nearby areas of Brooklyn, take the northbound F line from Jay St-MetroTech directly to Roosevelt Island. From Williamsburg, you can take the NYC Ferry (East River route) and transfer to the Astoria route at East 34th St, or take the Q32 bus over the Queensboro Bridge.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If coming from Long Island City, you can take the Manhattan-bound F line one stop to Roosevelt Island, or take the NYC Ferry (Astoria route). From Flushing, take the 7 line to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and transfer to the Manhattan-bound F line.
Harlem
From Harlem, take a southbound (Downtown) A, B, C, or D train to 42 St-Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center and transfer to the Queens-bound F line to Roosevelt Island.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Center and transfer to the E subway line to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av; there, change to the F line. From LaGuardia, take the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and change to the F line. From Newark (EWR), take NJ Transit or Amtrak to Penn Station, and from there take the Queens-bound F line at the nearby 34 St-Herald Square station.
What to Do on Roosevelt Island?
Roosevelt Island is a unique destination in New York, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle and enjoying different activities. It offers a combination of stunning views, fascinating history, tranquil parks, and unique architecture, all with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop.
Enjoy the Panoramic Views 🏙️
The views of the Manhattan skyline from Roosevelt Island are simply spectacular, especially at sunset. Stroll along the west bank to see iconic buildings like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the UN Headquarters. The tramway ride also offers an unforgettable aerial perspective.
Stroll Through its Parks and Green Spaces 🌳
The island is a haven of peace with large parks. To the south, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is a minimalist monument with impressive views. Right next to it, Southpoint Park houses the historic ruins of the Smallpox Hospital (Renwick Ruin). To the north, Lighthouse Park offers a picturesque lighthouse and grassy areas for relaxing. In spring, don’t miss the cherry blossoms! 🌸
Explore its History and Architecture 🏛️
Roosevelt Island has an intriguing past. You can see remnants like the ruins of the Smallpox Hospital (Renwick Ruin), the Strecker Memorial Laboratory, the Octagon Tower (part of a former asylum, now residential), and Blackwell House (one of NYC’s oldest farmhouses). Contrast this with the ultra-modern architecture of the Cornell Tech campus.
Ride the Tramway (Roosevelt Island Tramway) 🚠
The ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway is an attraction in itself. For the price of a subway fare (using a MetroCard), you’ll enjoy a short but thrilling aerial journey over the East River, parallel to the Queensboro Bridge, with magnificent views of Midtown East and the river. A very New York experience!
Relax and Enjoy the Tranquility
Unlike the frantic pace of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island invites calm. It’s the perfect place for a quiet walk along the river, having a picnic, reading a book on a bench with a view, or simply enjoying the relative silence. Ideal for disconnecting and taking unique photos of the skyline without the crowds.
Attractions Near Roosevelt Island
Although Roosevelt Island offers plenty on its own, its strategic location provides easy access to other interesting areas in Manhattan and Queens. From the island, you can easily connect to various cultural and leisure points of interest.
Midtown East (Manhattan)
Using the tramway or the F line, you’ll be just minutes from Midtown East. Here you can visit the United Nations Headquarters, the iconic Grand Central Terminal, or explore the shops and buildings in the Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue area.
Long Island City (Queens)
One subway stop away (F line) or a short ferry ride, Long Island City (LIC) offers waterfront parks with spectacular views (like Gantry Plaza State Park), contemporary art museums such as MoMA PS1 and SculptureCenter, and a growing food and brewery scene. 🍺
Upper East Side (Manhattan)
From the tramway station in Manhattan, you can walk or take a bus north to reach the Upper East Side. This area is famous for the “Museum Mile,” which includes the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), the Guggenheim Museum, and others. You’ll also find exclusive boutiques and elegant residential streets.
Sutton Place and Tudor City (Manhattan)
Near the tramway station in Manhattan are the quiet residential enclaves of Sutton Place and Tudor City. They are pleasant areas for walking, admiring their historic architecture, and enjoying small parks with views of the East River and Roosevelt Island.
United Nations Headquarters
The imposing United Nations Headquarters is clearly visible from the southern part of Roosevelt Island and is just a short ferry ride (Astoria route to East 34th St) or a combined subway/bus trip from the island. You can take guided tours to see the inside of the complex. 🇺🇳
Gantry Plaza State Park (Queens)
Located in Long Island City, just across the river, Gantry Plaza State Park is easily accessible by ferry or subway (7 line from Court Sq, connecting with the F). It offers stunning frontal views of Roosevelt Island and the Manhattan skyline, restored piers, green areas, and the famous Pepsi-Cola sign. Ideal for photos.
Tips for Visiting Roosevelt Island
Visiting Roosevelt Island is a rewarding and different experience. To make the most of it, keep in mind some practical tips that will help you plan your getaway to this hidden gem of New York.
Best Time of Day to Go
Any time is good, but the sunset light over the Manhattan skyline is especially magical 🌇. During the day, you can fully enjoy the parks and views. Spring (late April-early May) is very popular for the cherry blossoms 🌸, although it can be more crowded. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.
Avoiding Crowds
Roosevelt Island is generally much less crowded than Manhattan’s main attractions. However, the tramway can have lines during peak hours (weekday mornings and afternoons) and during special events. If you’re looking for maximum tranquility, explore the island on foot or consider using the subway (F line) or ferry as transportation alternatives.
Safety
Roosevelt Island is a very safe area, largely residential with a quiet atmosphere. Apply the usual precautions for any large city, especially when using public transport or if walking through less lit areas of the parks at night. Be respectful of residential areas.
What to Bring and What Not To
Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of walking! 👟 A camera is essential for capturing the views 📸. It might be useful to bring water and some snacks, although there are a few cafes and a supermarket on the island. Check the tramway and ferry schedules. Being on the river, it can be windy, so a windbreaker might be useful. You don’t need to bring much else—enjoy the lightness and calm!
