Battery Park
In addition to spectacular views and green-space, Battery Park is rich in history with many monuments to soldiers, explorers, inventors, and immigrants
Named for the artillery battery that was stationed to defend the southern tip of Manhattan before the War of 1812, Battery Park is a waterfront public park rich in history of the early settlement of New York including Castle Clinton, one of the New York Harbor forts built in 1807.
Prior to the opening of the Ellis Island immigration centre, it was the entry point for millions of new immigrants. Despite being one of New York's oldest public spaces, Battery Park has undergone significant upgrades the latest of which is the major renovation and reopening of the old NYC Department of Docks and Harbor Police building also known as Pier A.
Both Pier A and the waterfront esplanade provide great views of the waterways, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. They also house the terminal where you catch the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Island. In the warmer months, outdoor shows and concerts are held regularly in the park or just relax in the Battery Bosque Gardens and picnic area.
Battery Park contains many monuments honouring soldiers, explorers, inventors, and immigrants. It is currently the home to Fritz Koenig's sculpture The Sphere, which previously stood a few blocks away in the center plaza of the World Trade Center before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Located near the Hope Garden in the northern section of the park, The Sphere was designed to represent world peace, but has also taken on new significance as a monument to those who lost their lives in the attack. A perennial Garden of Remembrance was also constructed on the Battery Park Promenade to pay tribute to the survivors and to those lost on September 11th and to serve as sign of optimism and hope for the community. The Battery Conservatory also created the Battery Labyrinth, walking path outlined forming seven circular rings, to commemorate the first anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy to offer the public a way to honour, reflect and heal.
The park is also home to Pier A Harbour House, a beautifully restored building that was built in the late 1800s to house the New York City Department of Docks and Harbor Police. This historic building subsequently served as a NYC fireboat station from 1960 until 1992 after which point the building was left unused and fell into a state of disrepair. After a painstaking $40 million restoration, this 28,000 square foot building has been restored to its former glory and is now an awesome people space complete with a new restaurant and beer garden. Now that the updates are complete you can walk right out to the end of the pier and enjoy the superb views of the harbour including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Nearby attractions: Statue of Liberty, Staten Island Ferry, Brooklyn Bridge, Skyscraper Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, St. Paul's Chapel, Trinity Church and the Financial District.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoBattery Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Address: New York, NY 10004, USA
Phone: (212) 344-3491
Official Website: Battery Park
Battery Park Reviews
Rated
out of 5 Plenty of open lawn space for lounging or walking. There is a cool carousel and large playground here for the kids too. Beautiful view overlooking the water and we saw multiple lines for attractions (I believe it was boat tours) in the area.
Katlynn Nguyen - in the last week
Battery Park, Manhattan, is an astounding and world-famous park with such history, beauty, breathtaking and especially its people. While you're walking about enjoying the splendor catch a ferry to the State of Liberty Park! It's without a doubt one of the most amazing places in not only New York - but the world.
MannyG33309 - 3 weeks ago
Great park to see the Statue of Liberty. It's is as close as you can get with getting on a boat. I took the ferry to both the Statue Isla d and Ellis island. This is a must do even if you just take the boat ride.
Mike Wainwright - 4 weeks ago
WATCH OUT FOR TICKET VENDORS. DON'T BUY TICKETS FROM ANYWHERE BUT THE BATTERY CASTLE. The other "vendors" are selling tours that will not stop at Liberty Island. The actual ferry ride and experience is pretty cool. A very HOT ride in the summer, but worth the experience for sure.
Andrew Ledford - 2 months ago
Although we still call it 'Battery Park', but it isn't the destination as many other parks in the city, at least for me. Every time I went there, was passing through it to get to elsewhere- a stepping stone. A little guilty. It does have many things to offer:
water front
monuments
restaurants bars
gardens
sculptures
ferries to Liberty Island ...
Irene Eng - 5 months ago
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
1 | South Ferry | 2 minutes |
N or R | Whitehall Street | 5 minutes |
4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 2 minutes |
How to get to Battery Park by Subway
Take the 1 train to South Ferry, turn left into Battery Park or take the N or R train to Whitehall Street, head north toward Pearl Street, turn left on Bridge Street, follow path into park (5 minutes) or take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, head south on Broadway, turn right on Battery Place, turn left on Greenwich Street and continue into park.
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