As a native New Yorker, I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I only took the Roosevelt Island Tram for the first time this weekend. I was surprised to discover this peaceful little island so close to Manhattan. Even better, it was remarkably uncrowded.
The tram itself is another story. The windows were dirty, and the ride has become so popular on social media that crowds are increasingly part of the experience. Here’s the REAL facts!
But once you cross the East River, Roosevelt Island feels a world away from Midtown’s frantic pace. This narrow, two-mile stretch of land offers waterfront walks, historic landmarks, green spaces, and a small collection of neighborhood restaurants and shops.
So, is Roosevelt Island worth visiting? Yes — especially if you enjoy scenic walks, architecture, and a quieter side of New York City. Just don’t expect a full day of major attractions.
Getting to Roosevelt Island is easy, and the journey can be part of the experience. You have three main public transportation options, each offering a different way to reach the island.
The iconic aerial cable car is one of New York City’s most memorable short rides, with views of the East River, Queensboro Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.
The views are impressive, but there is one drawback: the tram can get crowded, particularly on weekends and during popular sightseeing hours. The windows could also use a good cleaning.
Check the official Roosevelt Island Tram website for current fares, schedules, and service information.
Prefer to skip the aerial ride? The subway is a straightforward alternative.
The Roosevelt Island station is served by the M train on weekdays and the F train at night and on weekends, subject to service changes. From Manhattan, the trip through the 63rd Street Tunnel is quick.
Check the MTA website before leaving, particularly on weekends, when planned service changes can affect your route.
For a scenic alternative, take the NYC Ferry to Roosevelt Island. The Astoria route connects the island with destinations including Astoria in Queens and East 34th Street in Manhattan, with additional stops along the route.
The ferry landing is on the island’s eastern side, making it a convenient option if you want to explore the waterfront or walk north toward Main Street.
Check the NYC Ferry website for current routes, departure times, and ticket prices.
PRO TIP: If the tram queues are long, consider taking the ferry to Roosevelt Island and riding the tram back to Manhattan. You get two different views of the city without having to start your visit in a crowded tram line. Check ferry schedules before committing to this plan.
Once you arrive, exploring Roosevelt Island is easy. The island operates a free Red Bus shuttle that connects the tram plaza, subway station, Main Street, parks, and other destinations. The bus is particularly useful if you want to visit both the southern tip and Lighthouse Park at the northern end without walking the entire length of the island. Of course, walking is part of the appeal. The island’s waterfront paths offer views across the East River toward Manhattan and Queens, and you can stop along the way to enjoy the parks and architecture. Check the official Red Bus information for current stops and service details.
Roosevelt Island may be small, but it has a fascinating mix of history, public art, modern architecture, and open space. Here are the places worth exploring.
At the southern tip of the island
The atmospheric ruins of the former Smallpox Hospital, also known as Renwick Ruin, are among Roosevelt Island’s most unusual landmarks.
You don’t have to be a student to appreciate Cornell Tech’s modern architecture and landscaped grounds.
At the northern tip of Roosevelt Island stands a stone lighthouse built in 1872. It was constructed during the island’s period as a site for hospitals and other public institutions, with labor provided by people confined at the island’s institutions. Today, the lighthouse sits in a peaceful waterfront park with views toward Queens and the East River.This is a good destination for anyone who enjoys historic structures, photography, and a quieter part of New York City. Take the Red Bus north if you would rather save your steps for exploring the park.
Near the island’s northern end, The Girl Puzzle is a public art installation honoring journalist Nellie Bly, who became famous for her investigative reporting, including her undercover investigation of conditions at the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.Created by artist Amanda Matthews, the installation celebrates Bly and other women journalists who challenged convention and exposed injustice. It is a meaningful stop that connects the island’s history with a broader story about women, journalism, and social change.
Roosevelt Island has more architectural history than many visitors expect.
One of the simplest pleasures on Roosevelt Island is walking along its waterfront. The island’s perimeter paths provide views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers, the Queensboro Bridge, passing ferries, and the East River. The scenery changes as you move from the residential areas to the parks and northern shoreline. You don’t need a rigid itinerary. Take a leisurely walk, bring a camera, and stop wherever the views catch your attention.
Main Street is the heart of Roosevelt Island’s residential neighborhood. It has a quieter, more local atmosphere than Manhattan’s busy commercial streets, with neighborhood shops, cafés, restaurants, and everyday services. It’s a good place to take a break from sightseeing, pick up a snack, or enjoy a meal before heading back to Manhattan.
Roosevelt Island’s restaurant scene is small, but it offers a useful mix of casual meals, international flavors, and a few special places to enjoy the view.
Main Street isn’t a major shopping destination, and that’s part of its charm. Think neighborhood cafés and local conveniences rather than a full day of retail therapy.
Restaurant menus, hours, and business details can change, so check current listings before making a special trip.
Yes — if you’re looking for a different side of New York City.
Roosevelt Island isn’t packed with blockbuster attractions, and you probably don’t need an entire day to see it. What it offers instead is a change of pace: unusual history, distinctive architecture, peaceful parks, waterfront views, and a neighborhood that feels surprisingly removed from Manhattan’s rush.
Take the tram if the views appeal to you, explore the island on foot, and stop on Main Street for something to eat. If you’re visiting New York for the first time, it may not top your must-see list. But if you’ve been here before and want to discover somewhere a little different, Roosevelt Island is well worth a few hours.
For the views, yes. The short ride offers a memorable perspective on the East River and Manhattan skyline. However, it can get crowded, and dirty windows can diminish the experience. If the queues are long, the subway or ferry may be a better way to begin your visit.
You have to pay for transportation but Roosevelt Island is free. You can explore the island’s public streets, waterfront paths, and parks without paying an admission fee. You’ll need to pay for transportation to get there, and some attractions or events may have separate costs or access restrictions.
Allow two to three hours for a typical visit. That gives you time to enjoy the tram or ferry, explore one or two parks, walk along the waterfront, and stop on Main Street for a snack or meal. If you want to see both ends of the island, visit the historic landmarks, and linger over lunch, allow more time.I was there 90 minutes,
Yes. The island is approximately two miles long, with waterfront paths and pedestrian routes connecting many of its attractions. You can explore on foot or use the free Red Bus to cover longer distances.
Some routes, parks, and campus areas have different access conditions, so check local signage as you go.
It depends on what you want from the journey. The tram is the iconic choice for aerial views, the subway is practical and direct, and the ferry offers a scenic approach from the water.
If the tram is crowded, consider taking the ferry in one direction and the tram in the other.
Yes, it’s just another part of Manhattan where people live and work. Yes. The island is accessible year-round, and its parks and waterfront paths can be beautiful in colder weather. However, wind along the river can make it feel significantly colder than inland Manhattan. Dress warmly and check operating hours for individual attractions.
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