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 - a month ago
it was under construction so the view was not that great. there were many people trying to scam us by selling tickets which were likely to be illegitimate. you get a side view of the statue of liberty, but it is really small. the only good thing was the respect emanated from the landmark for the fallen heros of wwii. the benches and trees also make a tranquil ambience.
Marcus Look - in the last week
An amazing park, and still under construction to make it even more special! We had a wonderful stroll in the park, stopping to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Enjoy this wonder!
Darrell Miller - a month 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Battery Park:
Photo Gallery
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Overlooking Battery Park cc licensed photo by Paul Lowry -
Cycling in Battery Park cc licensed photo by Juan Alberto Puentes Puertas -
The recently restored and beautiful Pier A cc licensed photo by Joe Mabel -
'Soap Boxers' in Battery Park cc licensed photo by The_th -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: chany14 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: jjbers - cc license via Flickr
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