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    Governors Island

    4.8 (13 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Governors Island Photos

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    Karen G.

    I visited Governors Island after some friends recommended it and booked us the QC NY Spa experience. Honestly, I'd never even heard of Governors Island before they mentioned it! We arrived at the Battery Maritime Building at Slip 7 just before 10 a.m., and the ferry line was already long. Pro tip: if you have a QC Spa reservation, the ferry is free. Boats run every 30 minutes, and the ride is only about 7 minutes, perfect for anyone like me who gets seasick, since it's literally just across the water. With about 15 minutes to spare before our spa check-in, we wandered over to Castle Williams (aka the Haunted Fort). Built in 1811 as part of New York's harbor defenses, it later served as a military prison and picked up a reputation for ghostly sightings and eerie stories. Rangers told us to come back at 4 p.m. for the historical artillery demonstration, where they show how cannons were loaded and fired back in the 1800s. Unfortunately, a heavy rainstorm cut our plans short, so we just lined up early for the ferry back. I was bummed we didn't get to explore more of the island. I spotted food trucks and bike rentals that I'd love to check out next time. That's okay though, it just gives me the perfect reason to come back and explore this historic and unique island a little deeper.

    Chmere M.

    What a great day spent on governors island!!! This was my first time and what a special island this is!!! This is a perfect place to explore!! Many options for biking whether alone or with a family of four. So many beautiful old homes that are now museums housing the more beautiful art pieces. You can literally go from on to the other freely. The island has a tram that will take you all over. If you are not biking, take advantage of the tram because theres so much on the island you dont want to miss. I enjoyed the hammock area. You can get in one and literally fall asleep! I def dozed off for 30 minutes! So peaceful!! There are many food options on the island. Theres all sorts of stands for finger foods, burgers, pizza, tacos, Jamaican, Ethiopian etc. the food was pretty good, pricey of course but to be expected. They also have plenty of beverage options. I had the best Pina Colada. If you want seafood Island Oyster is a great hangout area right of the waterfront. It reminds me of a tropical vacation spot. I hear the oysters are food. Also another shocker there is a spa on the island!! Yes a spa!!! Also camping is available in the most fabulous way i.e glamping!! It really is a special island!!! I recommend taking a blanket and laying in the many acres of lawns or under the beautiful trees for shade. Check the website for special events. The day that i went there was a flea market happening. Tons of vendor's selling unique and cool items! I heard in July they have a jazz fest! I will definitely be there!!

    Kassie+Rick R.

    One of our favorite places in NYC. It feels like a different world even though it is right across the water. Great for walking, exploring, and just relaxing with amazing skyline views. We go back often and it never gets old.

    Entering 'Other Of Pearl' installation by Jenny Kendler: @Fort Jay, Governor's Island - 8/14/2024
    Cam E.

    Fort Jay on Governor's Island has a very thought provoking installation by artist Jenny Kendler this summer, titled "Other Of Pearl" - Bringing awareness of climate change and how it is affecting the lives of whales, our marine life and the cultivation of oysters. The island is home to the Billion Oyster Project and Harbor School. There are many old buildings in use for many of the various Art and Environmental projects and installations, most were formerly U.S. Army, then later, U.S. Coast Guard homes, barracks and fortresses. There is a lot to explore on the 172 acre island, which is accessible by ferry from piers in Brooklyn and the southern tip of Manhattan. May - October are prime months. Bicycles are available to rent (or you can bring your own) to get around, or just walk as we did. It is a lovely escape from the busy city. *Various Food Trucks and Kiosks to grab a bite to eat* **The island is also home to a Spa and Glamping retreat ** https://collectiveretreats.com/governors-island/

    Jerk chicken plate and mac &cheese
    Katelyn W.

    It was a super hot day when I went but my friend and I had a great time renting a surrey and biking around which helped since we were under the shade and felt the breeze as we rode through the island. They had lots of food options on the island but don't allow plastic bags so I had to carry my leftovers home in a paper bag. The hammocks were fun but all in the sun pretty much so we didn't last long.

    Church affiliated with Trinity Church
    Crystal G.

    My trip here, with a small group and knowledgeable guide, Jeremy, was to explore the history and beauty of this little known island situated a short ferry ride from Manhattan. It is well worth the trip. Although the weather did not cooperate, it is easy to imagine the urban escape this tiny island offers city dwellers seeking greenery.

    Governor's Mansion
    Katya B.

    This is a place to visit for both the native NYC urban explorers and out of town visitors. Governors Island is an incredible mix of historical monuments and modern urban renewal. The sustainable farm is a place to go with kids if you want them to see what a checker looks like live. The playgrounds for the kids, the bike tours for everyone, the various restaurants add to the ambience. There is a spa as well as baseball fields to explore. During the summer, there are multiple art and sporting events. There is a bit of a downside, there are still a lot of places under construction.

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    Review Highlights - Governors Island

    Because Governors Island was once a military base, there are many historic buildings on site including Castle Williams and Fort Jay.

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    Madison Square Park - Park vibes

    Madison Square Park

    4.4(419 reviews)
    4.3 miFlatiron

    This is a big park that is very well maintained. All the lawns are cut evenly. The park has a lot…read moreof trees and there is a big water fountain at the end of the park next to the children's playground called "Police Officer Moira Ann Smith Playground". The playground is very crowded on the weekends and almost every part of the playground is taken. Many kids on the slides and swings. The only area in the playground that is pretty empty is the water area where there are sprinklers coming out of letter and number cubes. The park is somewhat small in my opinion and has 2 entrances/exits. There are some nice artwork statues in the park for the public to enjoy and view like the fire hydrant and hot air balloon. They are large in size to capture the audience. Shake Shack, the first location is also still here. This is the famous Shake Shack that started all Shake Shacks. There are plenty of benches and garbage disposals all over the park for people to sit and chat. It's pretty crowded on the weekends. There are events held in this park from time to time. You just need to see the advertisement posted on the park to see what event is going to be held. This park is just right next to the R and W train station on E 23rd Street. It's one block away from the 6 train station.

    I walked through this park on a day out in Manhattan. Though small it has a calm and charming…read moreatmosphere in the midst of a bustling city. There was even a live performance with an instrument taking place as I walked out of the park! If you are in the area and need a short break definitely consider stopping by this park.

    Photos
    Madison Square Park - Sunny Fall 2024 day

    Sunny Fall 2024 day

    Madison Square Park - Shake Shack seating

    Shake Shack seating

    Madison Square Park - Sunny June day

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    Sunny June day

    Bryant Park - Carousel rules

    Bryant Park

    4.6(1.4k reviews)
    5.2 miMidtown West

    Just blocks from Times Square and the Theater district in Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park is…read moredirectly next to the main branch of the New York Public Library. It's a park that my wife and I have passed by during the day on visits to New York City. But we finally saw it come alive as a community gathering place at night, with its many tables to talk or eat, permanent and temporary food trucks and carts, and a large greenspace lawn that was cordoned off this night, but can be the location for free summer movies on the lawn and an ice skating rink in the winter. On a warm summer night, the night atmosphere was magical, especially walking through the walkways with the London plane trees, after a great Broadway show. The current park is 9.6 acres and is located on two city blocks (5th and 6th avenue on the NW/SE, 40th and 42nd street on the NE/SW). The western half of the park contains a lawn, walkways, and a french-inspired carousel. Down below are the repository/stacks of the public library, located on the eastern half of the park. It opened in 1847 as Reservoir Square, later renamed for abolitionist William Cullen Bryant in 1884. It fell into disrepair in the 1960s. In 1980, the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation was formed as a non-profit, to try to create a long term solution for the maintainability of the park. Massive renovation was planned and implemented, with a complete rebuilding of the park (after the library stacks had been first built underneath). It reopened in 1992, to great acclaim. Since then, the value of the real estate around the park has greatly increased, attracting new development. The reclamation of the park has been often used a model for a successful urban renewal.

    Bryant Park had set up countless chairs on their courtyard to commemorate the ones who had passed…read moreduring 9/11. Today being 9/11, we were able to observe many family members coming to this park to place a flower on their loved one's chairs. I am not sure if I would call this place a park but technically I guess it counts as one because it has tables where people can come and sit down and eat or drink their morning or afternoon coffee. There are also random places where kids can play including a carousel and playground for little ones. There are other places where you can grab snacks, coffee, and hand held bites but we didn't try any of those today. We did sit around the table to enjoy our New York bagel and coffee from blue bottles. The trees around the park were super tall which I enjoyed looking at trying to crane my neck as far back as it would bend lol. I appreciated small birds and pigeons that seemed used to being around people. Overall it was a relaxing experience. This park is located nearby other landmarks you can choose to check out after experiencing the park.

    Photos
    Bryant Park - Fountain view

    Fountain view

    Bryant Park - Skating rink

    Skating rink

    Bryant Park - First snow of the season

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    First snow of the season

    St. Vartan Park - Stunning high rise right across the park.

    St. Vartan Park

    4.1(22 reviews)
    4.9 miMurray Hill, Midtown East

    Nice big park great for different age groups! Entrance on 1st ave for big playground and bathroom…read more Plenty of benches and equipment to play on. There is also a basketball quart and small field. Pretty clean and safe.

    Slowly trying to hoop at all the basketball courts in the city, so I came here after work before a…read morelong weekend. We were on our 4th game of 5 on 5 on this slanted, slippery court with double rims as the Midtown skyline looked over us. We had gone 3-0 and already on wobbly legs but wanted one more to really push ourselves to exhaustion and be WHOOPED. A group of 5 17 year olds showed up and I was lowkey like damn I don't wanna play these little kids for our last game but whatever, they got next. We were going back and forth, and to be fair they were actually pretty good but just too frail to give us any problems. At 5'10 174 lbs, I'm a BIG guard. I'm left handed, but shot a right handed floater fading to my right as I'm trying to get better. If you can hit a weak hand floater on the run you will be tough to stop. I bricked it and this little 17 year old kid goes "that's a TERRIBLE shot" looking at me dead in the eyes. Like bro y'all are losing and you suck why you talking? He woke me up and I started actually trying really hard and lowkey busting their ass... but tbh normally I'm not even that good. It was just one of those days where everything was falling. I hit a 3 and yelled out "THAT'S A LAYUP." I drove hard left, euro stepped and hit a tough finish through 2 and yelled "I"M TOO BIG," while flexing. I switched onto little homie and he took a terrible stepback shot after I turned him 3 times and bricked it. I just whispered to him "I don't even gotta say nothing after that one it speaks for itself" which really pissed him off. Then I hit the game winning 3 and did the Dame wave to him as he walked off the court PISSED as hell. I sat down and then he got the courage to say "STOP TALKING SO MUCH" while he put his hand together to mimic me YAPPING. I almost stood up and said "HOW BOUT U GET WIN?" But then I realized I'm a grown ass man and there is absolutely no reason to be jawing at this little kid on a beautiful Friday in New York City. I just kind of laughed at myself and asked what is wrong with me lol. All in all, these runs were kind of weak and this court is in horrendous condition. The court on the westside highway is still my favorite in the city. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

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    St. Vartan Park
    St. Vartan Park - Park entrance

    Park entrance

    St. Vartan Park - Summer colors in 2025

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    Summer colors in 2025

    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

    4.6(11 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $

    Amazingly beautiful pier…read more Some of the best views of the city are from here. I can come by this pier & relax honestly for the remainder of my life. Will for sure be back.

    As a park I used to come here all the time years ago when I lived within walking distance. I…read morepractically grew up here and remember when it used to be a roller-blading/ice skating rink. They've since then cleared all that out and created a green and flowery oasis with pleasant concrete walkways that compliment the scenery of yachts, passenger ships and of course the Hudson River (avoid the bodies! Lol, I kid, I kid). I'm reviewing this as purely what it became for the past two weekends. An outdoor music venue. I came here Saturday night for Converse City Carnage featuring The Kills, Black Bananas and Viva Viva. As a venue it was pretty great! The sound was crystal clear, it felt kind of intimate, the weather was perfect. But seriously, can they not afford to find better security? There is a women on their security team (probably doesn't have anything to do with the Hudson River folks or Chelsea Piers for that matter...) but this woman was so incredibly bitter and I was quite happy-go-lucky when she accused me of yelling at her. She'd better hope I never see her again or I may go hulk smash on her. Looking forward to enjoying the greenery this park has, but this one security guard really marred my recent experience here - and I never really let someone affect me as much, but sometimes it only takes that one awful person...

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    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park
    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park
    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

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    Herald Square - Da bar

    Herald Square

    3.4(93 reviews)
    4.8 miMidtown West

    Ian's Cookie Jar (Located in Herald Square Holiday Market)…read moreW. 35th. St. & Broadway New York, NY 10001 The Bucket Located in the Herald Square Holiday Market adjacent to Macy's is a chocolate chip cookie kiosk. This secret recipe was handcrafted by food influencer Ian Martin and Hungry Gnome bakery owner Danielle Sepsy. All cookies are freshly baked on the spot in these cookie ovens. An entire batch is immediately scooped up with a french fry scooper and handed off for your enjoyment. The Bucket: The primary ingredients in these cookies are all butter, brown sugar, and premium Callebaut chocolate. As soon as you try your first one, you will be far from done. They are warm and crispy on the outside while gooey on the inside. As a bonus, the holiday themed visual design on the bucket was hand drawn by Ian's sister. There is a decent amount of seating at the holiday market for you to enjoy your dessert. Be sure to arrive early because Ian's cookies are immensely popular and they will sell out. Stop by Ian's Cookie Jar kiosk at the Herald Square holiday market and indulge in this warm, gooey treat during the most wonderful time of the year. #ianscookiejar #chefdaniellesepsy #IanMartin #thehungrygnome #TheBucket #chocolatechipcookies #HeraldSquare #heraldsquareholidaymarket #nycholidaymarket #imma_eat_this #callebautchocolate #40cookies

    I really enjoy coming to this area of the city. So much to do and see, lots of shopping and food…read moreoptions. Madison square garden is also nearby. The historical Macy's Herald sq is here. It's beautiful in this area esp during the holidays. However, expect heavy crowds on weekends or after events like concerts

    Photos
    Herald Square - Christmas day at Macy's

    Christmas day at Macy's

    Herald Square - 05/02/25

    05/02/25

    Herald Square - Holiday carousel

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    Holiday carousel

    Governors Island - parks - Updated September 2026

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