Battery Park

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.

Accommodations near Battery Park: