Trip Planner: USA / New York State / New York City / Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island, New York City

4.5

Island · Nature / Park

Create an itinerary including Roosevelt Island

Take the short aerial tram ride to Roosevelt Island, a thin strip of the city with an entirely different feel. Wedged between Manhattan Island and Long Island, the area was at one point in the 20th century populated predominantly by hospitals, earning it the name Welfare Island, until the name was changed to honor Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1971. From here you can appreciate fantastic views of Manhattan in a surprisingly peaceful setting. The small island only measures about 3.2 km (2 mi) long and a maximum of 240 m (800 ft) across at its widest, providing a delightfully quiet contrast to the city that never sleeps. As you wander the streets, soak in the stories of the former smallpox hospital, lunatic asylum, and other quirky bits of New York history. Using our world travel planner, New York City attractions like Roosevelt Island can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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Tours to Roosevelt Island

Likely to sell out BOOK WITH VIATOR Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

4.8

Duration: 2h 45min

Tours from $112 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR Boat Tour NYC Skyline, Statue of Liberty, Private Yacht Tour

5.0

Duration: 4h

Tours from $2,400 ›

Likely to sell out BOOK WITH VIATOR Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise

4.9

Duration: 2h 45min

Tours from $158 ›

Likely to sell out BOOK WITH VIATOR AIANY Climate Change Tour in New York

5.0

Duration: 2h 45min

Tours from $112 ›

BOOK WITH VIATOR BEST Instagrammable NYC Day Tour by Air, Land and Water

Duration: 8h - 10h

Tours from $147 ›

Roosevelt Island reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

891 reviews

Google

4.7

By lithlith

Take the tramway over to Roosevelt Island for a break from the city. If you time it right in the spring, you'll see the beautiful cherry blossoms as well. It's a the perfect get away from the hustle..... more

Take the tramway over to Roosevelt Island for a break from the city. If you time it right in the spring, you'll see the beautiful cherry blossoms as well. It's a the perfect get away from the hustle..... more »
By 737alessiom

A relax area in new york, Is a little town in new york , you can arrive with the tramway or with the subway or by car. in the main street are present some shop and restaurant.

A relax area in new york, Is a little town in new york , you can arrive with the tramway or with the subway or by car. in the main street are present some shop and restaurant. more »
By lisapI3029BW

This small island can be accessed by Tram from Manhattan and by walking over a bridge from Long Island City You can run around the Island which is a lovely route with Manhattan views and the Ed...

This small island can be accessed by Tram from Manhattan and by walking over a bridge from Long Island City You can run around the Island which is a lovely route with Manhattan views and the Ed... more »

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Google

By Bilal Gezgin

This island is the most decent place to stay in the NY. where you can fully live, with the track where you can walk at all hours of the day and the streets where security is provided at a high level. You can easily reach Manhattan with subway and the cable car. I will definitely choose it when I come again NY.

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By Nicole

It is a nice place to go if you want to relax or if you want to see the skyline. There are a few parks as well as multiple historic sites to visit. You can take the train, bus, or tram to access Roosevelt Island. The tram can get crowded, but the island itself is never crowded.

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By Géne Bello

Nice place to come for a board walk, meditate, think, have a nice time with yourself, family or friends. You can either walk the island or bike or scooter. Ways to get to the Island are using the F line train or getting on the tramway from Manhattan 2av. The view from the tramway is amazing and it cost $2.75 with metro card.

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By Wiktoria Syrkiewicz

Accessible by train. Subway. Restaurants, shops, pharmacies, greenery, beautiful buildings, near the bridge. Beautiful views. Ropeway. I like it very much 💕😍

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By Samari C

Very nice views! We took the train to get to to Roosevelt island however there is a ferry option as well. A nice place for a picnic or just to hang out and watch the busy city!

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