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    Little Island

    4.5 (380 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Little Island Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Little Island

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    Thaovi T.

    It was actually pretty hard to find at first-even when we asked around, a lot of people (including locals!) didn't really seem to know what place we were talking about! Once we finally made it there, though, it was such a cool, unique spot. The tulip-shaped concrete pillars floating over the water look amazing up close, and the park layout is so fun to walk around. Heading up to the elevated lookouts gives you incredible views of the Hudson River and the NYC skyline.

    Christopher T.

    Quite a unique and full of surprises little island. Didn't expected my Ch big turnout, quite a pleasant place to visit, they got stage, little hidden grass shades areas overlook the city with water view. There's a walking or hiking road within the place. There's also snack place and big rest rooms place too. Overall very impressive little island.

    Harlee S.

    New York, you amaze me at every turn. Little Island is such a cool find! The architecture and design of this spot is actually so amazing. I've never seen anything like it. The views from here are great as well! Definitely do not pass this up if you're in the area.

    November 5, 2025.
    Matteo R.

    Stepping onto Little Island feels like entering a small world of its own. The park literally floats on tulip-shaped concrete "pots" on pillars rising out of the Hudson River. From the moment you cross the bridge, it feels like you're crossing a space/time continuum into another direction. Or like you've been catapulted into a lost chapter of Alice in Wonderland. Born from Hurricane Sandy's damage to the old Pier 54, philanthropist Barry Diller and the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation transformed loss into something extraordinary. The result is more than just a park - it's a commitment to accessible public space, with over 44,000 free performance tickets distributed and ongoing programs for young people and local schools. While it's about a 12-minute walk west from the 14th Street station (A/C/E/L), the stroll through Chelsea or the Meatpacking District makes for a perfect lead-up. You can also do the High Line and Little Island, since they're next to each other. I usually come here on a sunny day in early fall, when I visit the Whitney Museum and the High Line. The place gets busy with families, artists, and visitors, but it can be surprisingly peaceful if you time it right - early morning when the park opens at dawn, or during that quiet stretch between lunch and dinner. The best way to enjoy Little Island is in the wandering. The pathways wind and climb, revealing new perspectives at every turn. One moment you're surrounded by plants and gardens, the next you're at an overlook with the city skyline spread before you. The musical instruments and dance chimes tucked throughout the park are great for kids, while adults can dive deeper with the free audio tour that adds context to the design and history. For photos, check out the Southwest Overlook for Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan views, or the Northwest Overlook for Hudson Yards as your backdrop. The Hudson River at sunset is gorgeous from almost anywhere on the island. There is also a 700-seat theater for intimate shows and performances in the summer, for just $25. Little Island is both an escape and an experience, one of NYC's most memorable modern public spaces.

    Nick S.

    Little Island sits on the Hudson River at Pier 55 in the West Village and is one of the more genuinely inventive public spaces added to New York City in recent years. I walked onto a park built on a series of tulip shaped concrete columns rising from the river, and the structure itself was striking enough that the architecture became part of the experience rather than just the platform for it. The design is compact and the island is smaller than most first time visitors expect, but the thoughtfulness of the landscaping made the space feel fuller than its footprint suggests. I followed walking paths that wound through planted gardens, with seating areas distributed throughout. Two elevated hills at either end of the island offered different vantage points looking back at the skyline and out over the river. The Hudson River views were wide and unobstructed, and the perspective on the surrounding city from the water level was one I do not get from the street. Sunset is the most popular time to visit and draws the largest crowds. I came on a weekday morning, which gave me a more relaxed version of the park with better access to seating and a quieter atmosphere. Food trucks were present, and the proximity to Chelsea Market makes the surrounding area practical for extending the visit into a meal nearby. Admission is free and the park is accessible via ramps throughout. The small amphitheater hosts performances during the warmer months, which adds another reason to check what is scheduled before going. For a stop that requires no planning and delivers consistently, Little Island is one of the easier recommendations in the city.

    Joe H.

    Such an awesome park! The views are incredible and the design of the whole island is so cool!

    Robert S.

    Little Island at Pier 55 is an artificial island and a public park within Hudson River Park, just off the western coast of Manhattan in New York City. It is near the intersection of West Street and West 13th Street in the Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhoods of Manhattan. Little Island has two concession stands, a small stage, and a 687-seat amphitheater. During our visit, we were able to find lots of areas to sit, walk around and enjoy views of the city. Little Island covers 2.4 acres and is supported by 132 pot-shaped structures (called "tulips") suspended above the water, which in turn stand on 280 concrete pilings extending into the riverbed. This attraction can be reached via the High Line, subway, buses, ride share or just walking. The park has various lawns, paths, and plants that make it very green and very lush. It opened to the public on May 21, 2021.

    Solitaire H.

    The view was stunning and understandingly throngs of people. However, it was not too overwhelming. The manicured garden over the Hudson is beautiful and adds to the richness of the City.

    Jason B.

    What a spot. An amphitheater, waterfront, and city views, people are missing out on a lot by not getting down to this section of New York. And the architectural design is amazing as well. This was a fun little detour, as I came from Arte on my way to the Serial Killer exhibit.

    Little island
    Daniel B.

    Such a cool place! For a little island there's a lot to see over here. There's an amphitheater for shows, lots of tables or spaces to just relax and sit down and incredibly family friendly. Check out the view point at the top to get a beautiful view of the harbor as well! Pier 57 and Chelsea market are also walking distance from here to grab some good food from after exploring the area.

    Signage at entrance
    Steph H.

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: A small but mighty architectural marvel of a park. I've been wanting to visit this place ever since I found out about it several years ago, and it did not disappoint! Developed over the decaying remnants of Pier 55, it almost didn't get built, but I'm so glad it finally did. It's so fun to look at--the tulip-shaped support pillars are the star. They could've just put it up on a rectangular pad and the park would've still been nice, but those pillars elevate it into a much more memorable landmark. It's like something a child might have dreamed up, in the best way--evoking wonder and delight. We got there during the day so there was no performance going on in the amphitheater, but it was plenty fun to walk around and find our way to the "peak", to take in majestic views of the Hudson River and of Hoboken beyond. Another gem of a public space in Manhattan; would love to see it at night someday.

    Genesis T.

    Went to Little Island last Wednesday afternoon and we had a good walk from our hotel to Pier 57. The cool and sunny weather was perfect for walking as we enjoy the views of the skyline and the ocean. There's a walking trail and stairways to go to the topc, where you can see the sunset and the Statue of Liberty from a distance. Check it out!

    Evan M.

    I first noticed Little Island from the other side of the Hudson River, and it's almost an eyesore to the skyline from that view, but visiting this newly created park was a completely worthwhile experience. Similar to Hoboken's Pier C, you take antiquated pier space near the waterfront and develop it into new outdoor space. Little Island is recently created waterfront park situated across from the relocated Whitney and next to a newly developed Pier with foodcourt. Little Island is beautifully landscaped with flowers and seagrass,and it includes a center court with food stands, tables and chairs, even a piano. Exploring little island is mostly a journey up to various vistas and includes a great-looking performance space. This is definitely a nice-weather place to visit; once you get past October, pick a day that's sunny and not so windy.

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    Fun spot on the Upoer West side. Lots to do around. Very garden feel, with an excellent view of lower Manhattan.

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    Little Island Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Little Island

    Are dogs allowed on Little Island?

    Don't know if they are for sure, but when I was there people were there with them.

    Do you need tickets to enter?

    No... totally free, walk right over. I'm sure if there is a concert or event you need some kind of ticket.. but not to simply visit

    Is there a playground here?

    There is not a traditional playground but there are items for play scattered throughout the park. Creative Breaks, free artmaking activities, are held every Wednesday through Saturday.

    How is the parking?

    We booked a parking garage about 1/4 mile away for $25 to $30-ish for 3 hours via the SpotHero app

    What's the best food to order here? Taste? Value? What's your favorite cocktail to order?

    Expensive & not too good. Even the ice cream was terrible. Go to Whole Foods & picnic. You can bring beer & wine too

    How safe is this park? Are there police or security present? Are there many incidences of pickpocketing or rowdy teenagers?

    Very safe and family-friendly. There is a security guard at the entrance as well as roaming guards all over the vicinity. This park is literally across The High Line & Chelsea Market which I recommend you also incorporate in your travel plans. I… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Little Island

    He wanted to look at the boats, and he wanted to go up the walkways, and he wanted to climb down the amphitheater.

    Mentioned in 66 reviews

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    Madison Square Park - Park vibes

    Madison Square Park

    4.4(419 reviews)
    1.2 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.

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    Bryant Park - Carousel rules

    Bryant Park

    4.6(1.4k reviews)
    1.6 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.

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    Fountain view

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

    St. Vartan Park

    4.1(22 reviews)
    1.9 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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    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

    Pier 63 at Hudson River Park

    4.6(11 reviews)
    0.8 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)
    1.3 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

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    Herald Square - Christmas day at Macy's

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    Little Island - parks - Updated September 2026

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