Things to Do in The Battery NYC
The Battery NYC neighborhood is located in the southern tip of Manhattan and is best known for its Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty Cruises that depart from here. But also the ferry terminals for the Staten Island Ferry and the Governors Island Ferry are only 200 meters (0.1 Miles) away.
Battery Park is one of the oldest public parks of New York located in Lower Manhattan. The first Dutch settlers are said to have arrived at this very park when they originally founded “New Amsterdam”; that was long before Ellis Island even existed! Many people are drawn to the park due to its proximity to the Staten Island Ferry. In this article we will inform you about the best things to do in Battery Park and reveal the best spot for you to marvel at the Statue of Liberty.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My TOP 5 in the Battery NYC
- Battery Park: the view from here to the harbor but also to the One World Trade Center is magnificent!
- Statue of Liberty: the ferries depart from here.
- Ellis Island: be sure to stop here on your tour to the Statue of Liberty on the way back.
- SeaGlass Carousel: not only for children is this art a real fun!
- Pier A Harbor House: enjoy the view (or even better the sunset!) of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty from here.
Where is The Battery located?
The Battery NYC (formerly known as Battery Park) is bordered by the Battery Park City neighborhood to the north and the famous Financial District.
How to Get to the Battery NYC
- Metro: Hop on line and ride all the way to South Ferry or take line to Bowling Green.
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 12 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 11 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! - By boat: Take the New York Water Taxi, which arrives and departs from Slip 6 / Battery Park.
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The 9 Best Things to Do in The Battery
There a so many things to do in Battery Park: These are our favorite things to see and things to do:
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01
Pier A Harbor House
Sea Food Restaurant in The BatteryOur Highlight
Pier A Harbor House is a fancy restaurant, located right in Battery Park and one of our insider tips if you like to enjoy the view with a glass of wine. From there, you’ll have the ultimate view of New York’s most famous landmark: The Statue of Liberty. This place is especially sought after in the summertime, as the beautiful view is topped by stunning sunsets.
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02
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4-Hour Guided Tour
Walking Tour in The BatteryOur Highlight
Enjoy a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You will have reserved access to the ferry to get to the statue and then you can explore these 2 major attractions with a 4 hour guided tour.
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03
New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour
Walking Tour in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
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.
The NYC Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour is one of the most book tours in New York City and likely to sold out!
Here you can find our list of the 27 Best Walking Tours in NYC.
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04
Head over to Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
As already mentioned, you can take various ferries that depart near Battery Park. Apart from the Staten Island Ferry you’ll have access to the Governors Island Ferry nearby. If you are looking for a calm place to take incredible pictures – Governors Island is the place for you! You can read more about the island here. The ferries to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island are typically packed, therefore we recommend getting there early.
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05
Alexander Hamilton's Haunts and Hangouts Tour
Walking Tour in Financial District
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!
Learn more about the life of Alexander Hamilton – the main character of the popular Hamilton on Broadway Show or check out the best Hamilton Walking Tours in NYC.
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06
Battery Park
Park in Lower Manhattan
Battery Park is one of the oldest public parks in New York and is of historical importance for New York: the first Dutch settlers are said to have arrived here when they founded New Amsterdam. Sit down on one of the many benches along the river and enjoy the views of not only Lady Liberty, but also New Jersey, Staten Island and various bridges. In the concrete jungle you sometimes tend to forget that Manhattan is an island, but these views will definitely remind you that it is. Despite its popularity among tourists, Battery Park is considered a local hangout. You will notice a large number of couples meeting up in the park.
Before Ellis Island, The Battery was the arrival point for immigrants from all over the world. At the Southern tip of Manhattan, near the Castle Clinton National Monument, they requested permission to be let into the country. The park is more than just a peaceful spot to visit – it is a meaningful place, which is even more intriguing. Only a few steps away, you will see the East Cost Memorial that commemorates more than 4,500 fallen US soldiers during World War II.
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07
East Cost Memorial
Building in The Battery
The monument consists of several giant granite plates that carry the names of each and every one of those soldiers. The small plaza commemorates and pays tribute to the total of 4,601 American soldiers who died in the Atlantic during World War II.
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08
SeaGlass Carousel
Other Attraction in The Battery
The SeaGlass Carousel is a true highlight for children, as is Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was built as a tribute to the New York Aquarium, which operated in nearby Clinton Castle from 1896 to 1941.
During the summer months only, you can visit the SeaGlass Carousel and feel like a fish in water (or rather, like a fish in an aquarium) as you make your rounds in this glass pavilion. It is accompanied by music specially designed for the SeaGlass Carousel and many fluorescent colors, which show all the diversity of the marine world with the help of LED lights.
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09
Staten Island Ferry
Cruise in Staten Island
One of New York’s most popular tourist attractions is the Staten Island Ferry, which commutes between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The crossing is free of charge! The 5 mile journey takes about 20-25 minutes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty.
Attractions in The Battery NYC
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 City Pier A
City Pier A is a stop on the New York Water Taxi and is located at the southern tip of Manhattan in Battery Park. From here you have a sensational view of the Statue of Liberty and the harbor of New York!
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02 East Cost Memorial
The monument consists of several giant granite plates that carry the names of each and every one of those soldiers. The small plaza commemorates and pays tribute to the total of 4,601 American soldiers who died in the Atlantic during World War II.
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03 SeaGlass Carousel
The SeaGlass Carousel is a true highlight for children, as is Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It was built as a tribute to the New York Aquarium, which operated in nearby Clinton Castle from 1896 to 1941.
During the summer months only, you can visit the SeaGlass Carousel and feel like a fish in water (or rather, like a fish in an aquarium) as you make your rounds in this glass pavilion. It is accompanied by music specially designed for the SeaGlass Carousel and many fluorescent colors, which show all the diversity of the marine world with the help of LED lights.
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04 The Museum of Broadway
The Museum of Broadway in New York City will be the first and only museum that is fully dedicated to the importance and history of Broadway. Here you will learn everything about the beginnings of Broadway and the Theatre District and their development to the present day, including information about the most famous musicals.
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 tours where New York guides show you the best parts and the history of Battery Park:
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01 Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4-Hour Guided Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You will have reserved access to the ferry to get to the statue and then you can explore these 2 major attractions with a 4 hour guided tour.
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
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We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!
Hotels in The Battery NYC
There are no hotels in the district itself, but you have a wide choice of accommodations in the adjacent Financial District: 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
The Battery is bordered by the Financial District and Battery Park City to the north.
Things to do in Battery Park City NYC
TOP 17 Things to Do in the Financial District NYC
Neighborhoods that are Similar to The Battery
If you enjoyed The Battery NYC, below are similar neighborhoods that we think you’ll enjoy:
The 20 Best Things to Do in Chelsea NYC
The Best Things to do at Hudson Yards
Things to do in Battery Park City NYC
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