Neighborhoods of NYC: Roosevelt Island
Today, we’re taking a look at Roosevelt Island, a part of Manhattan that many veteran New Yorkers may have never even visited. Although it is located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, this beautiful island oasis just outside the hustle and bustle of Midtown has plenty to offer. Whether you’ve lived here for 20 years or are just in town for the weekend, a trip to Roosevelt Island is worth your time.
First of all, if you’ve never been here before, you should absolutely take the iconic Roosevelt Island Tramway to get there. It leaves from 2nd Ave between 59th and 60th streets and costs only a swipe of a subway card to ride. This will lift you over the East River and give you some great aerial views of Manhattan and Queens. Once you’re there, you can take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the fantastic sight of the Manhattan skyline (the perfect spot for photos too!). At the southern end of the island you can check out an old abandoned smallpox hospital, for those of you who like spooky stuff and history, as well as Four Freedoms State Park which opened in 2012 and features granite sculptures and a tree-lined green space. Finally, if you happen to be here in the spring, you can’t miss the Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates the beauty of the hundreds of cherry blossom trees around the island as they bloom. Bring your camera and be ready for a crowd!
After your visit you can head back on the tram to catch that view again or take the F train, which makes a stop under the island. You are sure to come back from your trip with some good memories and plenty of great shots to share on Instagram and make your friends jealous.