Roosevelt Island

My favorite part of our NYC trip! Peaceful, spacious, very well maintained. The BEST views of the city! We especially loved the cat sanctuary they have on the island (which are adoptable!).

I visited Roosevelt Island on a cold February day, and despite the low temperatures, it was an amazing experience. The tram ride over the East River offered stunning views of Manhattan, and the island itself had a peaceful, almost hidden-gem feel to it. Walking along the waterfront with the crisp winter air was refreshing, and the skyline views were absolutely worth it. I stopped by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, which looked even more dramatic with the bare trees and winter light. The historic Smallpox Hospital ruins added an eerie yet fascinating touch to the scenery. While it was too cold to linger outside for too long, I found a cozy spot for coffee and warmed up before heading back.

Roosevelt Island is a beautiful and cozy spot in otherwise a very busy area. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor or indoor activities, or just walk around the island and enjoy the views. Would recommend to visit at least once.

Roosevelt island is an awesome place to visit, away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Although technically is it part of the borough of Manhattan. One can take the FREE Red Bus all over the island, there is also the Four Freedoms park, a multitude of hiking and biking trails, and a Visitors Center all within close proximity. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon!

I came here by chance and stayed there for a while just to relax and have a quiet peaceful time for myself. Very beautiful surroundings :)

Beautiful Island and a great place to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are a few restaurants and coffee shops on the Island with various travel options.

The narrow island can be reached by either train or cable car. Although small, it is a great place to spend a few hours outdoors with kids, and it has some nice playgrounds.

A really beautiful park! So nice to walk around it, took us one and a half hours and the tram was super easy to catch and same price as a subway so would really recommend this as a half activity for anyone visiting New York. Feels like you’re out and about in nature and not in a big city.

Roosevelt Island has been a favorite haunt of mine since a memorable middle school field trip. We ventured there to explore the Four Freedoms Park and the historic smallpox hospital for a social studies class, and ever since, it's been my go-to spot for relaxation and a bit of urban tranquility. I highly recommend visiting at night and settling by the waters--there's something incredibly soothing and refreshing about the cool breeze and the serene ambiance. There was a period when my family made it a nightly ritual to come here and simply unwind. And if you haven't ridden the tram at night, you're missing out. The view of the city lights from above is nothing short of magical! With ample seating scattered around, it's a comfortable place to hang out. I once attempted a picnic here with a friend, but I'd advise against it--it's quite challenging to find any shade. Plus, we were constantly battling mosquitoes (or gnats...), which was quite annoying. For a better picnic experience, Gantry Plaza is the place to be. As a Cornell student, it's super cool to see Cornell Tech's modern campus on the island. It's a testament to how innovation and history coexist in this unique part of New York City. And let's not overlook the bridge--it's absolutely stunning! Roosevelt Island offers a unique blend of history and tranquility, making it a delightful escape right in the heart of the city.

Come here when the weather is nice and you have some time to walk around. Enjoy the quirky tram ride and pretty views of Manhattan and the East River. Check out the occasional art installations and public parks. Even do some birding. Lots to see nature-wise for a smaller island!

Spring is here on the island! Altho I feel like it's almost gone but seen some colors yesterday. It was overwhelmingly crowded ! So felt like needed to leave & before that took some pics . The island is still clean most of the areas , there are some construction going around which isn't fun ! Posting some pictures from yesterday, if you planning on visiting then you should do so before rest of the blossoms are gone .Btw , I did went on a Saturday so it was my bad, should have went on weekdays ! I did try to post recent pictures on this updated review but it doesn't let me, will try to post them directly through the picture option.

When we heard about the smallpox hospital and cat sanctuary, Roosevelt Island was high on our list of things to do during our visit to New York this summer. Part of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is a thin, two mile long island located in the East River. People reside on the island, and there are several interesting attractions, such as a former small pox hospital, a cat sanctuary, and several parks. There is also a university campus on the island (tip: if you need a bathroom, a bite to eat, or wifi, go to the university campus). Roosevelt Island is accessible by a tram, the subway (F train), ferry, or a bus from Queens. We went to Roosevelt Island on the tram, but left using the subway. While on Roosevelt Island, we saw: South Point Park, Four Freedoms Park, the cat sanctuary, the smallpox hospital, and the FDR Hope Memorial, as well as a lot of Canada geese and baby goslings. (I love baby goslings and was disappointed that we would be out of town when they would be hatching in Vancouver, but I was able to see them on Roosevelt Island.) Roosevelt Island is a lovely place and if you have the time, it is definitely worth a visit. [Yelp collections: East Coast 2022; NY Summer 2022]

The majority of visitors come here solely to ride the tram. The tramway provides a breathtaking view of the city. If you're not afraid of heights, I recommend taking it both ways. It's surprisingly sturdy. You could probably walk around the island in about an hour and a half, maybe two. There are plenty of restaurants, if you get hungry. Take a walk along the riverside trail for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. You can also see Queens skyline, if you hit the opposite direction. Visit the lighthouse, the beautiful Roosevelt Island Garden Community, the eerie former Smallpox hospital, and the Four Freedom Park. 5 stars.

It's great to visit here. peaceful a great view in Manhattan. If you see the Roosevelt island bus which is a red color it's free. Duan read, supermarket, library, Starbucks, etc...... So you don't need to buy food or get drink before you get in. Perfect day to go there for sunny day. If you go there 1st time, I highly recommend to take the ropeway :) (tramway) F train is not running many times during the weekend. Please check it before you go. Another option is ferry! Easy access to East side/midtown/downtown Manhattan/Williamsburg/Queens great environment! Perfect for picnic, walking, relaxing, library etc......

What a beautiful island! It is a small island that is located between Manhattan and Queens. Quiet neighborhood....there is only one street- "Main Street" that takes you from one end to the other end of the island. It is a nice spot to walk if you want to get away from the city for a bit. There aren't many places to eat around, but you still can find a few restaurants and a Starbucks on the island. To get to Roosevelt Island by public transportation, you can take Q102, or the F train, or the RI tram from 59th on 2nd Ave. There is only one bridge to get to the island by driving. You would have to go through LIC to get to Roosevelt Island. Also, there is a free red RI shuttle bus on the island that takes you from the RI Tram station to The Octagon (last stop). On one end of the island, you can see the lighthouse and the other end has Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park. Best time to visit is during Cherry Blossoms season around March/ April

This is a great spot to visit. There is a beautiful park on one side. If the weather is good then it will be a great experience. There's also some history on that island, learn a little more about history of NYC. Take a ferry for cheap to get there then take the tram into the city or take a ferry across the water to get to the city.

This is definitely a must visit place especially on a beautiful day. I came here by taking the MTA. You can get here by car or the tram as well. It is a beautiful island. One end you have the Four Freedom Park and at the other end you have the beautiful famous lighthouse/ small pox hospital and the beautiful statues/artwork. Walking along Roosevelt Island, you can admire the beautiful skyline of Manhattan downtown. Roosevelt Island is quite small and you can walk from one end to the other end in less than 45 mins. There is one big grocery store, one hospital, one university/college and a few residential apartments and parks etc. Basically on this small little island, it has everything what a community would need. It is a beautiful island and is definitely worth visiting.

Even though I've been on the tram just once before in my life, I didn't have a deep level of curiosity that would have led me to get off. I just figured the aerial ride was the main attraction. That was back when I was a twenty-year-old ad agency intern and assumed Roosevelt Island was where the inmates ran the asylum. Flash forward a few eons later, and here I was with Jamie W. when I suggested we take the normally $2.75 tram ride on our limitless Metro pass. This time I was mature enough to explore a bit of the island on our own. It turned out to be more bucolic than I expected with lots of green space across the two-mile length of the island. Walking on the promenades on either side provides great panoramic views of Manhattan and Queens. There's an unexpected state-of-the-art college campus, Cornell Tech. At the southern tip is the FDR Four Freedoms Park, and the northern point is flanked by a small lighthouse. In between there are several historical landmarks including the Octagon (the last remnant of an insane asylum) and an abandoned smallpox hospital. But the island's old reputation as a big institution has long been overshadowed by its gentrification and the resulting suburban vibe - complexes of apartment buildings, at least four restaurants, a Starbucks and a Duane Reade. I'm going to time our next trip in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. RELATED - Exploring NYC? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2ZvQA2F

Roosevelt Island is One of my favorite places to get away from the hussle & bussle with out really leaving the city itself. I enjoy wandering around the island. The pace is slower, lots of green spaces, historic landmarked buildings ,pedestrian friendly and no shortage of relaxing views of the water. There are lots of historic spots like the Octagon which used to be an insane asylum, the remains of the small pox hospital, and the cute lighthouse ( currently in construction) at the tip of the island! If new & modern is what tickles your fancy then make sure to check out Freedom park & the Cornell tech campus. There's a cafeteria in the latter where i buy coffee & use the restrooms after. It's always clean. The chairs/ benches outside the cafeteria are perfect for people watching. Feels nostalgic watching the young, bright & hopeful vibes of its students going about their business. Oh i almost forgot to mention how beautiful it is at springtime. One of the prime spot to enjoy cherry blossom in the city! Aaaaand i get excited to ride the tram like its the first time. Beautiful view of the river, bridge & the buildings below. Best experience you can buy for $2.75!!!

We had a fun few hours exploring Roosevelt Island from the top to the bottom and in between. It's amazing that this amount of peacefulness exists alongside Manhattan! Arriving on the tram and being greeted by one of the local buses, it's awesome how the bus is free. It makes a big loop of the island which was great for getting from here to there along the way. The lighthouse, the Octagon, a Starbucks, the Smallpox Hospital, Four Freedoms Park, the cat sanctuary and probably a few more things that will be reviewed in the next day or two. And then instead of taking the tram, we took the metro to Queens. Adventure here is off the charts. Other than ferries, there are only THREE methods to access Roosevelt Island. The Tramway from Manhattan, the Subway (F train) and the vertical lift Roosevelt Island Bridge. Parking on the Island is extremely limited. There are outlets of the Citi Bike or you can take the free bus to get around. [Review 15670 overall - 263 in New York - 1174 of 2021.]

Very interesting island. Been to NYC too many times and really never knew it existed. Saw in in the TV show "Blacklist" - although it has been in quite a few shows we learned. Currently getting a facelift, with new landscaping and walkways. Should be done by the end of 2021 - they said. The Tramway was very cool. Part of the MTA, so it only costed $2.75. Worth the visit.

Worth taking a fun tram ride over to the island to spend an afternoon and walk around. Terrific city skyline views which offer terrific photo ops. The old smallpox hospital ruins are hauntingly beautiful. Pathways to take a stroll or a run on. A few parks to throw down a blanket and have a picnic on a nice day. I ran a Turkey Troy 5K here not too long ago. After all my years living in Manhattan I'm surprised I hadn't been here before. It's quite nice actually.

This is my favorite hangout when I just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The most popular time to go is Cherry Blossom season. I love checking out the smallpox hospital when I'm there. It has a lot of history. Moreover, it has this eerie vibe. I recommend taking the tram to this destination. It's a cool experience when you are in it.

Ms. Herman was extraordinary and super helpful guide on our trek. We also got a bicycle map that reminded me of my mom having me be the navigator on our road trips. I remember traversing the country in the Chevy Caprice station wagon and uhaul trailer in tow from SF to NJ to move my half-sister and her family.

Great place to visit and makes you feel like you aren't in NYC. Take the tramway over for a whopping $2.75 for amazing views of NYC and just the experience of riding it. We spent two hours walking around Roosevelt Island. It is just a very relaxing place to visit with a fair amount of history. I would highly recommend visiting Roosevelt Island, you won't be disappointed.

I recently discovered that this is a wonderful place to spend time during covid. You can walk or bike the entire island in less than an hour. There are so many sights to see(lighthouse park, F. Roosevelt park, Capobianco Field, the tramway, but my favorite is the view from Cornell Tech Campus, there is a gorgeous Public field where you can have a picnic. It's my new favorite green space. I would never drive here, would only take the tram for leisure and the best way is by WALKING or biking from Astoria. I don't recommend driving or relying on public transport if you are coming from queens.

I'm not participating in a ruse, because a ruse has been done on me before, and the Ruse-Felt really bad on my end. This island is named after how the ruse felt, hence Ruse-Felt Island. Roosevelt Island is just weird. Of course I always think of that movie with Jennifer Connelly. Crap movie really. Awful ending. Post-spoiler spoiler alert. She's super cute though. Just a bad movie. Not sure why she didn't do more top movies between awesome Labrynth and the overrated Beautiful Mind, and that one. People live here. Plenty of them, though not by NYC standards. Twelve thousand of them live here which really just makes it a small NYC neighbourhood, but so secluded from the rest of them that it makes it an eerie little village within a massive megacity. But I certainly wouldn't live here. It's a strange community and I have mixed feelings about it. If, though, you walk down to the south end of it for example, the views are absolutely beautiful. So it has to get 4S.

Roosevelt Island is a must see place. 1) Getting here is nice, you need to take the tram, which itself is a great trip. 2) On the island, the lighthouse, Southpoint park, Four Freedoms Park, bust of Roosevelt and Small pox hospital. 3) Won't regret it. Slightly better than Governor's Island in my opinion.

Great spot for cherry blossoms in the mid April. What I love about this place is that there're not many people. It's perfect for these days where you want to avoid the crowd! I already went there twice this season, and it's the best to park on the West side of the island because that's where you see more cheery trees. In the middle of the area, they will have a market for veggies and fruits on Saturday AM.

Came here to check out the island, and from the lighthouse to the smallpox hospital to the Four Freedoms Park to the hidden gem of the gardens, we absolutely LOVED it here! The shops and restaurants were gems, the views spectacular, and the city vibe without the city chaos made us never want to leave. After one visit, I've made it my life goal to live on the island - so I definitely plan on coming back to enjoy it regularly before that dream comes into fruition.

Can't believe I've never visited Roosevelt Island. A great little spot to spend the afternoon. We took a cab over and the tram home. It would be a fun little place to rent a city bike and ride the length of the island. Great little park at the southern tip that's currently under construction but still worth walking out to the end.

Enjoyed the island for the first time with great experience. Visited visitor center and got an island map for $1 donation. The lady explained the island has one parking garage which is located by the Roosevelt Island Bridge. There are meter parking to try your luck. $2 an hour. 8 hours max. 7-7 pm. After 7 pm and Sundays are free. We took the tram and ferry. Kids ran around at parks. Scooters allowed. Disadvantages are only one restroom at the busy southern part of island. It was poorly maintained. When we used them at 5 pm, it was smelly and out of toilet paper. Not much eatery places in the southern part of island either where the ferry, tram station abd cherry blossom promenade are. Not even a single street side vendor. There is a cafe at Cornell Tech which closes at 5 pm on Saturday. You have to venture out to the middle part of the island to see more local deli or restaurants. Starbucks is next to F train station. I saw Subway the restaurant but no other chain restaurants I saw.

That place is the perfect getaway afternoon from the city. It's super easy to get to by tramway, ferry or subway. I 100% recommend grabbing a citiBike from the port right behind the tramway station and taking a ride up the west die to the light house. When I came, I brought a picnic and settled on the hidden green space at the very bottom of the island to lay out my blanket. There are beautiful views of the east side of the city and it a great quiet place to read a book. With a convenient public restroom. Fair warning: the south side of the island has geese. They're not mean or anything, but the green spaces have a good amount of goose poop, so definitely worth bringing a blanket if you plan to sit. There's also a great visitor center near the tramway. The gentleman at the center, Bill, is super kind and knowledgeable. He was able to answer all my questions and more.

I really like this island! It's like an escape from the city scene. The tram is a great way to get on. Fun little ride over Manhattan and the river onto the island. The cherry blossom trees are especially pretty to see. They line the whole river side and it would make for gorgeous backdrops for pictures. I walked from the tram (which resides in the middle of the island) all the way to Freedom Park (yes my feet were dying) and then back. It was fun to explore the Cornell campus haha. I walked around their campus a bit and was tempted to try their ice cream but I knew it wouldn't survive the long trip home and I didn't have any Lactaid (oh the life of the lactose-intolerant). As my feet were extremely tired, I ended up taking the Red Bus all the way to the end and then walked a bit to see the Lighthouse. It's a free bus which is a check in my book! And if you are ever in doubt where to ride the train on Roosevelt Island, just follow the crowd. They will lead you to the train station in swarms.

This small island is packed with history and sights. Though I ventured here last spring to see the cherry blossoms that line the streets near the smallpox hospital, I was more entranced by the views of nyc sitting at the end of the island, past the hospital. You bet I filled my camera roll with at least 100 pics. There's not many stores or restaurants around, but the rolling hills make for a good place to enjoy a picnic.

sandwiched between Manhattan and Queens, opt for Tram ride to reach there It lies between Manhattan Island to its west and the borough of Queens, on Long Island, to its east. It is politically part of the borough of Manhattan, Spanning 2 miles and almost 40 city blocks from 46th to 85th street, this small island is often (literally) overshadowed by the Queensboro bridge which passes right above it. The island is home to one of the city's oldest houses, the Blackwell House. The house is technically the 6th oldest in the city, built in 1796. Basically, this island was home of city's most ill, several hospitals and lunatic asylums. The Octagon, which originally served as the entrance to the lunatic asylum is still standing today. On the west side, The walk along the river just south of the Tram station is also cool, especially right now with those trees turning white and pink. With no urban planning to speak of, it's a mix of old and new; bleak, tall buildings and serene, empty spaces; great views and mediocre shopping. Beautiful Four Freedoms National Park which hosts a season of events including free yoga, concerts, book readings, public talks, and even kite flying. The season runs from May to October. Some of the building still tagged as haunted. There is a walking trail you can explore that loops around the tip of the island. You can see the old insane asylums and prisons - untouched and spooky It is accessible by the F and E trains but the best part of the Island is getting there and it is Tram ride from E 60th Street and 2nd Avenue PS: Never go there on some festivals days. I went there on the cherry blossom festival (14-Apr-19) and it was horrible. There was 1-2 hours line for tram/subway. I left the island by 5 in the evening and I was shocked to see the crowd at the subway station.

First of all, it's fun to arrive by tram (see previous review). You get a neat ride and a nice view for a couple bucks and some change (each way). The island is small, a couple miles end to end, and there is a red bus that will take you all over. There is an abandoned small pox hospital that's interesting to see and photograph and a pretty walk along the river. The FDR freedom park was closed when I visited. From what I understand, the island and tram can get crowded during festivals or when the tree blossoms bloom. Worth a trip, especially if crowds are low.

Roosevelt Island has been mostly spared from the throngs of camera-clad tour groups that plague the rest of Manhattan, though because of the cable car system and its local reputation as a secluded urban oasis it still gets plenty of foot traffic from non-residents. The main points of interest appear to be at the opposite ends of the island, with most of the residential and commercial developments occupying the center. The southern tip of Roosevelt Island, which is also hosting construction of Cornell's future tech campus, seems to hold most of the sightseeing appeal. The ruins of the Smallpox Hospital designed by James Renwick, Jr. are open six days a week until 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays), but can still be viewed from outside of the gated perimeter after hours. The Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, which houses the hospital, is currently limited to one main walkway (due to the Cornell construction?) and is open until 10 PM, though since there doesn't seem to be much outdoor lighting you may have to provide your own after dark. The southern third of the island is where the tramway station is located and also seems to have the best views of the Queensboro Bridge at sunset, so understandably it gets the most visitors. The northern promontory appears to be part of the quieter two-thirds of the island, as there isn't much to see except for a defunct lighthouse (also designed by Renwick), a bunch of playgrounds, a luxury apartment building called the Octagon, and a view of the Costco in Astoria. It's a great place to spend some time alone with a loved or to throw around a Frisbee that is destined to find itself in the East River. The Riverwalk, a small shopping complex not far from the tram station, has a Starbucks, a Duane Reade, a trattoria, a salon, and a Japanese bistro. By the Duane Reade is the island's only subway station which has three fare machines, three levels of escalators and an elevator for each platform. This and other points of interest are served by the island's system of red buses. The tramway ride from 60th and 3rd takes about 3 minutes, though the boarding and disembarking processes are unstructured free-for-alls that can take about ten times as long as it takes for a subway car to load and unload: passengers basically crowd in a shapeless mass around the doors instead of forming any semblance of a line, and then still take their time trickling in and out. Weekday commuters probably prefer the subway for this very reason. To avoid digressing too much, I'll save my thoughts on this topic for a separate review. PokeGo players will be happy to know that the entire island is dotted with stops and gyms, notably along Main Street. Water-types like Magikarp frequently spawn.

Nice quiet island in the middle of a busy city. Like a forgotten sanctuary it is a great place to get away for the weekend. Similar to a suburb, there's not many grocery stores around so it's not as convenient for necessities. However there's a red bus that transport locals on this island that goes around. Don't take the Q102 mta bus, which is blue.

Visited this park for its annual Cherry Blossom festival, and what a beautiful sight. The island may seem desolate and abandon, but not when the festival is in full swing. Cherry Blossoms trees lined side by side about half a mile long (due to the cold weather not all trees are in full bloom). Many people had their selfie sticks in hand to capture the beauty of the flowers and the skyscrapers of Manhattan on the other side. There's not a lot of places to eat on the island, best bet is to pack your own: Picnic style. You can walk the entire length of the park within two hours, or even enjoy a trolley ride; check for the schedule. The ony complaint I have is about the unisex bathroom. It is a metal urinal with no toilet seat. There is no waste basket and the sink is located outside the stalls. Rode the tram (that was cool) back to Manhattan and transfer back onto the subway.

I visited Roosevelt Island the other day just to pique my curiosity. Roosevelt Island is somewhat isolated from the rest of the city. Over the past few years, there's been some development on the island, including the opening of a new grad school called Cornell Tech and the expansion of Four Freedoms Park, which is on the southern tip of the island. Roosevelt Island has nice views of Manhattan as well as a lot of green space. A major drawback is that there are limited dining options. And once you've seen it once, there's no reason to return since there aren't many attractions. Roosevelt Island is served by the F train, the popular tram, and the East River Ferry.

It's taken me 25+ yrs of living in NYC, but I finally visited Roosevelt Island. Don't be like me. Don't wait long. This place is bucolic and peaceful, and is almost like a floating Central park. Right now "Little Island" is getting all the buzz and a flow of visitors and that's fine with me, because I'll be coming here often this Summer. The Tram ride is a joy and connects w/ a free transfer on your Metrocard. There are autos on the island but the traffic is so light you can meander in the street without worrying. There is at least 1 Citibike rack of bikes, just when you get off the tram. And everything else you need, Starbucks, a branch of the NY Public library, Subway sandwich shop, pizza, and nice little pub/tavern/bar with food and brunch. They also have a free bus that is double long and easy to get on and off w/ a stroller, etc. I'm going to head back to visit both ends of the island and maybe take a picnic lunch. You should really check it out!

Great escape from the hustle & bustle of the city life! I came here twice before. I always feel calm and it's always so peaceful here. You can get to Roosevelt Island either through the tram ride from manhattan (59th ST & 2nd Ave) or by F train. I recommend the tram ride ($2.75 metrocard swipe) at least once. You ride over the buildings/river and the view is great. The trams may be full, but once you get off, there is not much going on and it's not very crowded at all. It's a great place just to explore and relax. You can explore the whole island within a couple of hours or so (depending on how long you want to spend in a certain area). Main attractions 1) Lighthouse 2) Southpoint Park & Four Freedoms Park These two points are on opposite ends. I recommend taking the free red transit bus towards the lighthouse. [The bus does make a circle and heads back, so you should get off at that junction] From there, you can walk to the lighthouse. For the southpoint park & four freedoms park, you can only walk it from the main tram pick up/drop off point. There should be arrows to lead you in the right direction or you can always ask the visitor's center. It's great place to visit when you don't want to go back home and spend some time elsewhere or just want to spend a day exploring a new place.

Hiked around Roosevelt Island on Saturday morning. Took the awesome and affordable tram over to the island and then made a complete loop of the island. Quality: Roosevelt Island is a quaint little residential island situated between Manhattan and Queens. While there are limited shops and restaurants, there are two parks at each end and pathways that follow along the edges of the island. We decided to do an urban hike, first taking a tram ride over from Manhattan then checking out the different parks as we explored the island. While not the most exciting views, the most fun one being from the tram, it is a pleasant and not heavily trafficked area, great for relaxing walks. Quantity: Roosevelt Island is 147 acres and about 2 miles long. Value: $2.75 for a Roosevelt Island Tramway Ticket. $5 Suggested Donation for Four Freedoms Park Conservancy. Ambiance: Roosevelt Island is situated in the middle of the East River, between Manhattan and Queens, and underneath the Queensborough Bridge. Long and skinny, there is a quiet path that surrounds the park and wiggles through Four Freedoms Park Conservancy at the bottom tip, with its FDR sculpture and smallpox hospital, and up to Lighthouse Park at the top tip. While the views are not the most spectacular over to Queens, mainly industrial, or Manhattan, drab buildings, it is still fun to check out the area. Worth a visit, but probably just one. Crowd: Even with an art festival going on, the island as a whole was very quiet. It is mostly populated with residents, but some guests taking advantage of the trails and visiting the different monuments and parks. Service: The island is well maintained, with many manicured green areas. Parking: There is a large parking garage at the center of the island, but there are plenty of other ways to get there.

Well, I'm not from NY so when I had heard of "Roosevelt Island" it didn't cross my mind that people actually lived here and that it was so beautiful. I've been coming here to show my "tourist" friends another perspective of NYC. This island is so beautiful and relaxing that I have pinned it as my "stress reliever" place. You can take a nice long walk or just seat down and enjoy the view of the city and its skyline at the Southpoint Park or the Four Freedoms Park. At the other end of the island there is the lighthouse and the octagon (which I discovered was a private resident and tourists are not really allowed but I went in and took pictures of the beautiful well structured stairs). There's also a nice restaurant (Grill-Brunch place) where you can seat and have some food or just have a nice cold beer. I didn't give 5 stars because I think the island could be more commercial and there could be more stuff to do. But in general, it's a really nice area of NY where you can go to either take a walk or sit down to talk to a friend, or get your mind cleansed from the crap you hold onto yourself.

Marvelous little island with an attractive park and stunning views of the Queensboro Bridge, Manhattan skyline, Queens skyline (yes, there is one!), and views of the East river on both sides. There's also some impressive architecture with the TaTa Innovation Center and I envy the workers who get to work in those offices with views like these! Worth a visit -- and the fun and easy access via the Roosevelt Island tramway (catch it from 59th St and 2nd Ave) is worth it alone for the great views. Bring a picnic lunch!

Somehow when I visit the island I feel I'm intruding on the privacy of the residents. Passing one street I saw people tending to a community garden. It's their neighborhood you visit not a tourist attraction. I was with two cousins from out of town. It was all about the tram ride and exploring a new space they had not seen. We walked around. Enjoyed the site of the old hospital that had a spooky abandoned feel too it. My goal was to see the lighthouse up close. After walking and not planning our visit ahead of time we decided to go to the lighthouse some other day. I still haven't returned. If I do I will be sure it is a warm sunny day. The day I went with family it was in March. It was rather cold and windy. If you read my tram review you'll realize why I will be taking the train when I go!

Roosevelt Island offers some lovely views of the NYC Skyline. It is easily accessible via the NYC Subway (F Train) and the Tram from Manhattan's east side. From the subway/tram exit on the island, you can take a short walk south to Four Freedoms Park. I recently visited the island during its Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival had performances throughout the day at Four Freedoms Park. Would highly recommend a trip to the island for the views alone, of there is a festival or fair there, that is a bonus.

Having worked on the island for 8 months.. I've seen both the good and the bad here on Roosevelt Island. The island is roughly 2 miles long, and is part of the borough of Manhattan, with a 212 area code. It lies between Manhattan and Queens in the East River. There's 3 ways on & off the island: 1) Car - Via the 36th Ave. Bridge into L.I.C. (The bridge is a lift bridge, that can raise up to let taller boats/ships through). There's also the Q102 bus that runs into Queens. 2) Tram - Goes into Manhattan. 3) F Train - Goes into both Manhattan & Queens. Roosevelt Island is mostly residential, with a few small shops, a few small restaurants including a Starbucks and a Subway, a liquor store, a Gristedes, and 3 main parks. There's roughly 10,000 residents on the island. The main road, Main Street, runs through the middle of the island, dividing it into 2 halves, East & West (Queens & Manhattan, respectively). There's 1 luxury co-op on the island (Rivercross) that's now privatized, several luxury condos that offer residents to either rent or buy units, a row of "lower income housing" buildings called Eastwood, facing the Queens side, and a very high-end luxury condominium complex on one end of the island, called The Octagon (which used to be a lunatic asylum).. LOL There's one large parking garage called the Motorgate, on the island. It has 7 or 8 levels of parking, most of which is open, but there are several reserved areas for residents who purchase passes. Parking on Main Street is very limitied. There's no parking on the Main St. facing the Queens side, only the Manhattan side. 50-cents/15mins and the meters run 24 hours, which means you gotta keep refilling them..lol (With the exception of Sunday of course). It's economically, cheaper to park in the Motorgate. On one end of the island facing towards the north, there's Lighthouse Park, which has a lighthouse, and several BBQ grills open to the public. Great views of both Queens and Manhattan on either side. Lots of open grass areas to chill, relax, throw a frisbee or ball around. In the summer, the BBQ area is almost always packed with families. **Note: You CANNOT bring your OWN grills on ANY parks on the island. It is strictly forbidden and believe me, nosy ass residents will rat you out to Public Safety. You don't wanna have to pay a fine** For those who like to fish, fishing is permitted on either side of the park. Close to the park is also Coler Hospital. On the other end of the island, facing towards the south, there's 2 parks. Southpoint Park and Franklin D. Roosevelt - Four Freedoms Park. Both parks are open to the public all year round. Southpoint Park has some gardens, and 2 historic landmarks, the remains of a Smallpox Hospital and a research lab. FDR - Four Freedoms Park is on the southernmost tip of the island and is the most beautiful park on Roosevelt Island. Covering about 4 acres of land, it's constructed mainly of smooth white granite, and has a small monument honoring FDR. Spectacular views of L.I.C. and Manhattan and the UN. **Note: NO grills are allowed in either of these parks** Close to Southpoint Park used to be Goldwater Hospital, that's now being demolished. Cornell Tech is building a campus where the hospital used to be. Should be done by 2017. Safety-wise, Roosevelt Island is quite safe. There's a Public Safety force that provides 95% of the law enforcement needs on the island. They do not carry firearms, but enforce laws and issue parking summons, and conduct regular patrols around the island either by foot or by vehicle. Officers conduct regular patrols of buildings on both East & West sides of the island. Public Safety has limited manpower, but they're effective. In extreme cases, when Public Safety can't handle a situation, the NYPD precinct in charge of Roosevelt Island is the 114th Pct, that conducts occasional patrols of the island by car. There's also a Fire Dept headquartered on the island, with fire engines and EMS. Overall, it's a nice island. Has easy access to both Manhattan & Queens. If you work in the city, it's a nice place to live. If you like to invest in real estate, this is prime real estate right here, especially with the construction of the newer luxury condos right now. And of course, its a nice to just come with friends and family and visit the parks, walk around, take pics.. :) Throughout the year, around the perimeter of the island, there are many 3k and 5k runs on the weekends. ZogSports hosts many sporting events at the public fields scattered around the island.

What attracted us to Roosevelt Island was the opportunity to ride the tram. In addition, we saw a show on the Travel Channel that discussed the long-closed smallpox sanitarium, which was fascinating. Now that area where the sanitarium is has been closed off. Work is being done with the intention of reopening it to the public as an historical attraction. We took the F train out to Roosevelt Island. The handful of people who got off the train with us headed to the elevator. Hmmm...we wondered---do they know something we don't know? Well...it turns out that this station is deep below the ground and requires more than one escalator ride to the top. At least there are working escalators that are protected from the elements. Once we got above ground, we headed south. We noticed the Coler Goldwater Speciality Hospital and Nursing Facility http://www.nyc.gov/html/hhc/coler-goldwater/ It offers rehabilitative and long-term care services. Many of the patients were in their wheelchairs sitting by the water. We, too, sat by the water and took in the Manhattan views. This was a very pleasant experience not only for the view but for the gentle breeze blowing off the East River. While we were there, apparently there was some filming going on. I took a walk to the southern tip of the Island where I saw a sign posted saying the filming was being done by "Lullaby Productions" --- I'm still not entirely sure who that is, despite doing some googling... But I digress. At the southern end of the Island, look west and see Queens and the huge Pepsi-Cola sign. We took the tram back to Manhattan. My husband was marveling at how you can use your Metrocard to ride a tram. That was an enjoyable ride with impressive views. The tram leaves you at 2nd Avenue between 59th and 60th Streets. Walk to 59th and Lexington Avenue and you can pick up 6 different subway lines.

Great spot for picnic, bike riding, scenic walking. Great views of both Manhattan and Queens from either sides of the island and a cute date spot is the northern most spot where the island has a small lighthouse. They have a bunch of grassy areas and tables / benches! Not many cars in the island so great for biking up and down the island.

I've been in NY for 28 years and never had the desire to visit until family came from out of town. It was great to visit

I'm a Brooklyn Native whose never been to Roosevelt Island, and after this visit, I can see why I've never felt compelled in the past or heard much word from others. Upon disembarking the terrifying metal Roosevelt Island Bridge from Queens, you feel as though you're transported to an abandoned amusement park. Better yet, this visit reminded me of the videos of the post-nuclear fallout site of Chernobyl - barren, industrial and too quiet for comfort. The word I would use to describe the feeling of being on Roosevelt Island was uncanny - I felt like I was somewhere that had had something majorly wrong happen to it - OH RIGHT, the whole mental asylum thing...I guess the history never truly does escape a place. The parking lot space that we descended was probably the main reason I felt this way, but the rest of the island didn't do much to alleviate the stress I felt being on the time 3 mile by 5 block island (seriously tiny, I was able to see across to the other side as we biked the perimeter the entire time). The island feels like an artificial island akin to Battery Park (which was made from the dug-out basements of the WTC) - it's built up with beautiful apartments, but doesn't have enough people around to form a community, even though it's probably one of the most densely populated places in the world per square foot. The park space that was on the island seemed pleasant to have a picnic on, but unless you live on the island or directly connected to the cablecar/bridge, I don't really see a point. The ruins at the southern tip of the island are a bit interesting to look at and the cable car to ride across was a fun new experience for this New Yorker, but beside those two things, I don't really see a point of someone coming out of the way to see this, especially if you're just visiting for a few days. P.S. An impressive new Cornell building (Hail all Hail! #almamater) is in the works currently and is quite a sight. Roosevelt does have great views of Manhattan though.

Roosevelt Island is a narrow strip of land sitting between Manhattan and Long Island. One way to access this place is through the tramway. If you have a subway pass, you can use it for to take the tram car from one place to the other. This island is fairly quiet. It is very green, and has very nice views of Manhattan. There are plenty of pedestrian pathways along both sides of the island. There are also parks throughout the island, including at both ends. Reviews for those parks will come later. There is a small community living here. There are some amenities here, including a Starbucks (no shock there). There are some cars located on this island, but I did not notice any traffic when we were there. There were a lot of people jogging or walking along the many green trails, however. There also sits one of Cornell's satellite campuses, which sits adjacent to a nice walking path in a lush green field. From many parts of the island, you can catch good sights of the Queensboro Bridge. This, and many other features, makes this island a must for photography enthusiasts such as myself.

This is a lovely place to live, in Manhattan, but not really in it. Very special. Nice apartments too. Requires some willingness to travel places, but pretty much all of NYC does that. I had a friend who lived there and came often. Then I did a few events that were on the island, there's a whole recreation area out here. Loved that. Very well organized and very safe, no cars around. I loved living on the Hudson, so probably would never live here, but great place to visit.

The president denies getting busy with an intern. Monica and Brandy rule the charts with "The Boy is Mine" Seinfeld goes off the air. The Yankees dominate the Padres to win the World Series. The year is 1998 and that's the last time I set foot on Roosevelt Island. It was kind of "meh" so I never saw a reason to go back. However, just came over for a Zombie Run this past weekend and I have to say, I'm sold! Running around the perimeter of the island (while dodging the occasional zombie), I was taken in by the gorgeous views of Manhattan and Queens. Everything looms large when you're at water level. There has also been a lot of development on the island in the past 15 years so it's not so scary on some parts of the island. It's super easy to get to from Manhattan via the tram or the F train (if the F train is running). I definitely want to go back and visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.

I'm not sure if I was in Manhattan or in Queens. I was half bored and half uninterested by the look of Roosevelt Island. The island is very quiet- no doubt, but it's actually one of those places that really don't let out that cozy feel. Unappealing construction views by the FDR and the unsightly scaffolds that frame the East side, are not NYC views that I'd appreciate. Roosevelt Island, didn't rock my socks. Just. Plain. Weird. The community, (to me) is dreadfully monotone and lacks colorfulness. Despite the eerie past of asylums and prisons that dominated the island (not the type of History, I'm interested in), many folks who settle down on this island, come for the 'peace' and 'calm' feel; and as an outsider looking in, I just don't see it. I'm not sure what would gravitate me to live here.