Battery Park

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In addition to spectacular views and green-space, Battery Park is rich in history with many monuments to soldiers, explorers, inventors, and immigrants

Enjoying a stroll in Battery Park cc licensed photo by Mike Steele

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.

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Battery 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 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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2 Star Rating It used to be nice going here to look at the Hudson, Statue of Liberty, and the rest of the waterfront, but now the view is blocked off by fences and walls. Plus, there aren't enough crossways through the bike path that surrounds it. You end up wasting too much time looking for an entrance.
Jason Medina - a week ago

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2 Star Rating The park is currently undergoing a lot of construction, which detracts from the overall experience and makes navigating the area difficult. Additionally, there were too many scammers and aggressive vendors, which made the visit uncomfortable and stressful. It's a shame because the park has great potential and beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, but the current conditions significantly mar the experience. Hopefully, once the construction is complete, it will be a more enjoyable destination.
Shuja Ahmad - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Battery Park in New York is a gem! It's a beautiful place to take a stroll, with plenty of green space and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor. The park is clean and well-maintained, with lots of benches and shaded areas to relax. There are also interesting monuments and memorials to check out. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful walk, have a picnic, or just take in the scenery, Battery Park is a great spot. Highly recommend visiting if you're in the city!
Terrell Marshall - 3 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating Rephrase What a beautiful day to be is it here during the weekend but is filled with tourists waiting to hop on the cruise to visit Statue of Liberty! It was a long queue to board on to the cruise. Some part of the park was under construction and hope it would become a better place to visit when I come to visit again!
Andrew Goh - a month ago

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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.