Things to do in Battery Park City NYC
Battery Park City is not far from the 9/11 Memorial with the One World Trade Center and is worth a visit for several reasons: there are many restaurants and parks and due to its location on the Hudson River you can enjoy the sunset or look at the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
The Battery Park City district is quite (and expensive) neighborhood and ideal if you want to relax a little from your sightseeing tour through New York. There is hardly a better place for that! What you should see and do in Battery Park City, we tell you here!
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My TOP 5 in Battery Park City
- Have a great time on a champagne brunch sailing tour
- Go (food) shopping at Brookfield Place
- Visit the Skyscraper Museum
- End the day at the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
- Walk along the Battery Park City Esplanade and enjoy the view of the Hudson River
Where is the Battery Park City located?
Battery Park City is located at the southwest end of Lower Manhattan directly on the Hudson River.
How to Get to Battery Park City
- Metro: Hop on line and ride all the way to Rector Street or take lines to Chambers Street.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 12 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 10 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC.
My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York!
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The 11 Best Things to Do in Battery Park City
Our favorite things to see, taste and do in Battery Park City are revealed here:
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01
Go shopping or dining at Brookfield Place
Mall in Battery Park City
The small shopping centre in Brookfield Place should not be forgotten. You also have a wonderful view of the water and the yachts in North Cove Yacht Harbor.
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02
Champagne Brunch Sail Aboard The Classic Schooner Shearwater
Cruise in Battery Park CityOur Highlight
At the Champagne Brunch Sail you will start the day in a very relaxed way with the historic tall ship “Shearwater”. The two-ship is located in the probably most expensive marina in Manhattan in direct proximity of the One World Trade Center. You start directly at the Hudson River, from where you sail towards the harbour. From the Shearwater you can relax and admire the skyline – best with a glass of champagne in your hand!
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03
Go to the New York Skyscraper Museum
Museum in Battery Park City
For those who are interested in architecture this is a museum you definitely dont want to miss out on! They focus on Manhattans high rise buildings and the people who created the famous skyline as it stands today. Also the last existing original of an architectural model of the World Trade Center is shown.
Budget-Tip: You don’t have to pay for the Skyscraper Museum when having one of the New York Attraction Passes!
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04
Visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage
Museum in Battery Park City
Another highlight located in the beautiful Battery Park, is the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “A living memorial to the Holocaust” is the slogan of the museum and aptly reflects what this museum is all about. The star-shaped granite building tells the story of the Jewish heritage but above all a detailed depiction of life in concentration camps.
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05
We love this place: Seamore's near Brookfield Place!
Sea Food Restaurant in Battery Park City
Seamore’s is a trendy and hip seafood restaurant founded by Michael Chernow. It is one of our restaurant tips for New York, because the atmosphere, the food selection and also the quality are just great!
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06
Get the thrill on a speedboat tour
Cruise in Battery Park City
If you’re looking for a special thrill, NY Media Tours’ Speedboat Tour is perfect for you! Explore New York Harbor aboard a fast military-style boat on a narrated sightseeing tour. Speed along on the Hudson River and see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and other top sights.
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07
Enjoy the sunset from the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar in Battery Park City
At The Conrad Hotel – one of our favorite hotels in New York – you can find the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar. The bar is named after the art objects that are located in the lobby. What distinguishes the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar? A great view over the Battery Park City in Lower Manhattan.
We love rooftop bars! Here we the the 43 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC for you!
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08
Statue of Liberty Sail On The Classic Schooner Shearwater
Cruise in Battery Park City
Enjoy the sea breeze from the deck of this 80ft sailing ship while you gaze at NYC’s skyline from the water. This is a unique and great way to explore the top sights of NYC. Once on board you will receive a free drink and there is a full bar for any further drinks you want to purchase!
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09
One World Observatory: See New York from above
Building in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere meaning that is the ultimate place for an observation deck. The One World Observatory offers amazing views over the whole of Manhattan, the Hudson and East Rivers and of course the Statue of Liberty. As one of NYC’s newest attractions the modern building and its observation deck have many amazing features that make this well worth the visit!
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10
Visit one of New York's most emotional Museums
Museum in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is located at the 9/11 National Memorial and is probably one of the most emotional museums in New York. It is mostly located underground and displays debris from the former Twin Towers in addition to many of the personal belongings of those buried. Among them are fire trucks deformed by heat, a part of the antenna of the North Tower, a scorched elevator motor, the saving stone staircase (Survivor’s Staircase) as well as remains of sidewalks, street signs, bicycles and baby carriages that were in front of the World Trade Center.
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11
Looking for an Italian Food Market? EATALY is just 3 blocks away!
Other Restaurants in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
In 2010, Eataly was opened in New York by master chef Mario Batali. The pizza is very remeniscent of pizza and the wine selection is huge. You will also find a large selection of ecellent pasta, salads, and sandwiches. In terms of price, it has to be said in advance that a pizza starts at $15 and can cost $25. Nevertheless, this Italian food market is for me one of the most beautiful and best in the city!
Take a boat tour on the Hudson River to get the best impression of Battery Park City!
Attractions in Battery Park City
Many of New York’s major New York attractions like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the One World Observatory are located on Lower Manhattan and are therefore easily reachable from The Battery:
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01 Brookfield Place
The small shopping centre in Brookfield Place should not be forgotten. You also have a wonderful view of the water and the yachts in North Cove Yacht Harbor.
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02 Brookfield Place Christmas Tree
Overlooking the Hudson River, the tree at Brookfield Place is an underrated beauty. With its dazzling lights reflecting on the water, it creates a magical ambiance. Winter Garden often hosts special Christmas events and is home to a variety of luxury stores and restaurants, and you can marvel at the famous Luminaries there, too!
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03 Luminaries Light Show
This beautiful holiday light installation was designed by LAB at Rockwell. Glowing lanterns that change colors and intensity will light the room inside the winter garden at Brookfield Place. If you stay here long enough, you may even catch a winter-themed show that is displayed every 30 minutes. They are one of my favorite New York Christmas lights, complemented by the alluring ambiance of Brookfield Place.
Brookfield Place is also a great destination to do some holiday shopping and connects to the Westfield shopping center inside the Oculus. When you’ve finished all your seasonal gift purchases, it’s great to sit down on the stairs inside the Winter Garden and enjoy the show.
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04 Museum of Jewish Heritage
Another highlight located in the beautiful Battery Park, is the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “A living memorial to the Holocaust” is the slogan of the museum and aptly reflects what this museum is all about. The star-shaped granite building tells the story of the Jewish heritage but above all a detailed depiction of life in concentration camps.
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05 Skyscraper Museum
For those who are interested in architecture this is a museum you definitely dont want to miss out on! They focus on Manhattans high rise buildings and the people who created the famous skyline as it stands today. Also the last existing original of an architectural model of the World Trade Center is shown.
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate 👉 New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉 New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
The Best Guided Tours
There are no special walking tours just for the Battery Park City neighborhood. Instead, you have a wide choice of excellent tours around the Financial District.
These are the most popular walking tours that we can recommend to you:
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01 Hamilton Musical Walking Tour
Did you know that Alexander Hamilton spent most of his life in New York? He is the main character in the musical “Hamilton”, which is one of the most successful shows on Broadway (it won 16 Tony Awards!). This Walking Tour will take you to the most important stages of his life and show you which spots have made an impact on the story.
Highlights of the Walking Tour include many important historical sites such as Thomas Jefferson’s home, Kings College and Trinity Church. It’s the perfect tour for anyone looking to get in the mood for an evening on Broadway – and for all fans of the musical “Hamilton.”
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02 New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour
Learn more about the dramatic history of slavery and its connection to the New York subway. Listen to the stories of those New Yorkers who risked their lives and property to help others escape. During this Walking Tour you will gollow the NYC Freedom Trail, and learn how a group of brave men and women forged the network that became the Underground Railroad. View the former city stations that were included on the Underground Railroad, and discover how New Yorkers risked their lives to help people escape slavery.
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03 Statue of Liberty Pedestal, Ellis Island & Pre-Ferry Tour
A 30-minute English-language guided tour of Battery Park followed by a transfer to the Statue of Liberty with a German audio guide and guaranteed admission to the base of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
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04 Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour
This walking tour is the second tour that deals with the life of Alexander Hamilton. While the first one has a focus on historical sites, here you will learn more about the person himself. From his favorite pub to his grave, everything is included. Nevertheless, the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street are not missing from the program!
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05 Financial Crisis Tour with a Wall Street Professional
On this unforgettable tour of the banking district, you will discover the origins of Wall Street and meet the men who transformed Wall Street from an 18th-century street bazaar into the global center of power and wealth. And you’ll learn how the great financial crisis came about and which institutions in Lower Manhattan were involved. Super exciting!
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
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Best Restaurants in Battery Park City
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01 El Vez
This chic local spot is a very popular place for after-work cocktails. With great food and a nice atmosphere it is worth a visit, especially in the warmer months where you can sit outside. The portions are generous and the prices (main course from $15) are reasonable. Make sure to order a portion of chips and guacamole before you start your main course – the best in town!
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02 Hudson Eats
In the Hudson Eats you can enjoy a great view of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. The restaurants are more in the upscale segment, so not really low budget, but even here there are a few alternatives to save a little money. You can find for example the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Umami Burger and Dos Toros Taqueria. The architecture inside is also very impressive. Not only culinary is a visit to Hudson Eats worthwhile.
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03 Seamore's
Seamore’s is a trendy and hip seafood restaurant founded by Michael Chernow. It is one of our restaurant tips for New York, because the atmosphere, the food selection and also the quality are just great!
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04 Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a burger chain with more than 20 stores in New York alone. We got this spot recommended by a New Yorker as the “best burger in town” with the warning that you have to wait an hour for your burger – but it was worth the wait! From the outside the burger shop may seem quite inconspicuous, but the burgers are certainly among the best in New York.
Recommended article: The Best Restaurants in Battery Park City NYC.
Best Bars in Battery Park City
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01 Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
At The Conrad Hotel – one of our favorite hotels in New York – you can find the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar. The bar is named after the art objects that are located in the lobby. What distinguishes the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar? A great view over the Financial District in Lower Manhattan.
Hotels in Battery Park City
There is exactly one hotel in Battery Park City: the Conrad Hotel, which is one of the best luxury hotels in NYC. But in the adjacent Financial District you have a huge choice of accommodations. Below are our favorite places to stay:
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01 Andaz Wall Street Hotel
4 Stars | The Andaz Wall Street belongs to the Hyatt Group and was completely renovated in 2012. The rooms are very clean, modernly furnished, have a rain shower and a very comfortable bed. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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02 Artezen Hotel
4 stars | The Artezen Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offering an intimate and luxurious experience. From the moment you step onto your private balcony, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline, including the towering One World Trade Center and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge.
Situated in the vibrant Financial District, the Artezen Hotel provides easy access to renowned attractions such as Wall Street and the historic South Street Seaport. Indulge in a tranquil moment as you sip your free coffee while overlooking the bustling streets below, or unwind with a glass of wine as the city lights twinkle in the distance.
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03 Aloft Manhattan Downtown - Financial District
3 Stars | The Aloft Manhattan Downtown hotel is located in the Financial District and thus in the immediate vicinity of numerous attractions. In addition to the 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Wall Street can be reached in approximately 10 minutes. A subway station is also just a few steps away.
Rooms feature modern furnishings, and the comfortable beds promise a restful sleep. There’s also a bar, as well as a lounge with a terrace and a fitness center.
Amenities
- 24-hour front desk
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Snack bar
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04 Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
4 stars | The Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center, is a modern and stylish hotel that offers families a comfortable and convenient stay in Lower Manhattan. Each room features modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and ergonomic workspaces.
The hotel also offers a range of amenities for families, including a fitness center and on-site dining options. And with attractions like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum just steps away, as well as the Oculus and Brookfield Place nearby, it’s a good choice for families who want to explore Lower Manhattan and experience the city’s vibrant culture and history.
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05 Conrad New York Downtown
5 stars | This ultra luxurious all-suite hotel is one of the best hotels in the city center. Conrad stands for luxury, comfort and feel-good factor. The hotel has over 2,000 works of art on display and the spectacular lobby alone is worth a visit.
Recommended article: The Best Hotels in the Financial District NYC.
Neighborhoods Nearby
Battery Park City is bordered by The Battery to the south, the Hudson River to the west and the Financial District to the west. The Tribeca neighborhood begins at the northeast corner of Battery Park City.
TOP 17 Things to Do in the Financial District NYC
Things To Do in Tribeca
Things to Do in The Battery NYC
Neighborhoods that are Similar to Battery Park City
If you enjoyed Battery Park City, then here are neighborhoods that have a similar feel:
