Battery Park in New York

Battery Park in New York is a beautiful waterfront park situated at the southern tip of Manhattan. From here, you can look out over the city’s harbour and see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The park is officially called The Battery, but most New Yorkers refer to it as Battery Park. It gets its name from the cannons that used to stand here to defend the city.

The Battery

For many, Battery Park is the starting point for a day of sightseeing in New York. This is where the boat departs for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two places you really shouldn’t miss.

However, the park is much more than just a starting point. Battery Park in Lower Manhattan is a very scenic waterfront park, perfect for a relaxing stroll. You’ll find peaceful pathways, over twenty monuments and stunning flower gardens.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

If you wish to visit the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island, you board the boat at Battery Park in Manhattan. The ferry for the two islands departs regularly throughout the day. It’s recommended that you buy your tickets in advance to ensure you get a spot.

Staten Island Ferry Terminal

The Staten Island Ferry Terminal is located on the edge of the park. This is where the ferry to Staten Island departs from, and best of all: it’s free. On the way, you’ll sail past the Statue of Liberty and enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Once on Staten Island, you can visit Empire Outlets, for example, or just take the Staten Island Ferry back to Manhattan for free.

Castle Clinton

In the centre of the park stands Castle Clinton, a circular stone fort dating from the early 19th century. It is, therefore, the spot in the park where you’ll find a wealth of history. Originally built to protect the harbour, it later became a theatre and an immigration station, and was even New York’s very first aquarium.

Nowadays, it is a national monument that hosts free exhibitions. And you walk through it before boarding the boat to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

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Eric’s Tip: “You can explore Battery Park by following the Downtown Manhattan walking route, which you can find in my Eric’s New York App. In addition to the park, you’ll pass by other nearby attractions.”

Pier A Harbor House

To the north of Castle Clinton stands a large white building called Pier A Harbor House. This is the oldest surviving pier in Manhattan. The wooden building was constructed in 1886 to serve as a base for the harbour police and the fire brigade. The clock in the tower pays tribute to the victims of the First World War.

American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial

On the north side of Battery Park, you find the American Merchant Mariners’ Memorial, an impressive monument situated in the water. It depicts four sailors gathered around a sinking lifeboat: three of them are desperately trying to rescue a fourth from the water. At high tide, this figure disappears beneath the waves, only to reappear at low tide. The monument was unveiled in 1991 and honours all American seafarers who lost their lives at sea.

SeaGlass Carousel

Something you might not expect is the SeaGlass Carousel. It’s no ordinary carousel, but one featuring large, colourful fish. Designed to make you feel as though you’re part of the ocean, it also nods to the history of Castle Clinton. It’s particularly fun if you’re travelling with children.

The Battery Playscape

There’s even more for children to enjoy in Battery Park, and that’s the Battery Playscape. This playground is very large and has everything you could wish for: a sandpit, slides, a climbing wall and more.

Around Battery Park

Battery Park is great to combine with other attractions in Lower Manhattan. It’s an easy walk from the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory.

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park lies to the north of Battery Park. Officially, it’s not part of Battery Park, but of Battery Park City. This is a small neighbourhood adjacent to the Financial District. Brookfield Place is also located here, amongst other things.

The park is a lovely quiet spot by the water, just away from the hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect place to relax for a while between sightseeing trips.

Museum of Jewish Heritage

On the north side of Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park is the Museum of Jewish Heritage. This museum tells the story of Jewish history and culture, and is truly impressive.

Practical Information

• Location: The Battery is located at the southernmost tip of Manhattan.
• Opening times: Battery Park is open 24 hours a day
• How to get there: Take subway lines 45 to Bowling Green, RW to Whitehall or line 1 to South Ferry
• Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible