What you'll do
Suggestions of places to explore off the beaten path
Day 1
This residential island is located between Manhattan and Queens and it’s a beautiful place – and it’s a good to escape from Manhattan. Many people relate Roosevelt Island with the Roosevelt Tramway – that makes the path between Manhattan and the small island. There is also a subway line to get here – F – but using the Tramway is much more beautiful and fun.
TIP: Use your Metrocard to take the Tramway. Also, there is the RIOC Red Bus, which is free and makes stops throughout the island.
Tramway Plaza
Sehenswürdigkeit
Fun public transportation
This is the Roosevelt Tramway – the transportation to take you from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, a charming and residential island between Manhattan and Queens. Use your Metrocard to take the Tramway - the journey takes less than 5 min and it's so beautiful!
There is also a subway line to get here - F . Also, there is the RIOC Red Bus, which is free and makes stops throughout the island.
Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
Sehenswürdigkeit
Lighthouse
The southern tip of Roosevelt Island is probably the most popular one among tourists - but the north tip is also beautiful and you will find a fifty foot lighthouse. It was built in 1872 by inmates of the penitentiary with stone extracted from the island. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., architect of the Smallpox Hospital, also located in the island.
Cornell Tech
Sehenswürdigkeit
University
Tech Campus of the prestigious Cornell University. For non-students, you can buy some snacks at the café and you can explore the place through an audio tour - the institution itself also offers tours. See details on the website. The Cornell Tech campus is New York City’s world-class tech destination, it's NYC'S rival to Silicon Valley.
Smallpox Memorial Hospital
Sehenswürdigkeit
Hospital ruins
At Roosevelt Island, you will find the Smallpox Hospital ruins – the community is fighting to convert the place in a historical center. This hospital was designed by the same architect who designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral. For those who do not know, Roosevelt Island housed several hospitals and a prison in the past.
Four Freedoms Park
Sehenswürdigkeit
Modern park with beautiful views
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park it's a park located at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island and it was built in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and it's open from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesdays). The park has a modern footprint and is beautiful. Not to mention the beautiful view to the river and the city – you can also see the iconic Pepsi sign, located in Long Island City.
TIP: there are public restroons and water fountais at the park.
Panorama Room
Restaurant
Rooftop
Panorama Room. This rooftop is special because it is located at the Graduate Hotel, a brand new hotel that opened on Roosevelt Island – the residential island between Manhattan and Queens and accessible via the tramway. At Panorama, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the view includes the east side part of the city and, of course, the beautiful Queensboro Bridge. It has an enclosed area and also a very wide-open area. It can be a great place to go after walking around the island. Please note that the Panorama Room is not open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Drinks start at $18 and the food options start at $19 – and there’s also a special brunch menu (Saturdays and Sundays they open at 11 am).