Over 3 km long and only around 200 metres wide, this island in the middle of the East River attracts both locals and tourists with its beautiful riverside promenades, unique views of Manhattan and the memorial to the historic hospital.

The island is famous for the red cable car that takes you to Roosevelt Island.

Our recommendations

• Come here when the weather is fine; the island is ideal for walks or picnics
• Pop into the Panorama Room bar for stunning views of New York
• If you want to explore the whole island, allow at least 2 hours

Top hotels with views of New York

Walks along the river

Roosevelt Island is an oasis of calm more or less in the heart of New York, and there are beautiful, long footpaths running along both its banks, which are also ideal for a run.

Between the paths are extensive grassy areas where you can have a picnic in fine weather.

From the southern half of the island, you can also enjoy stunning views of Manhattan.

There are free toilets available at several points along the footpaths.

There are also fantastic views in the centre of the island of the stunning Queensboro Bridge with its cable car.

Discover the ruins of the old hospital and the historic lighthouse

At the very southern tip of the island, visit the ruins of the old smallpox hospital, which are gradually being converted into a memorial with a small museum.

Between 1856 and 1972, a hospital operated here, intended primarily for infectious diseases, particularly smallpox.

Only the outer walls of the building remain, and these now serve as a memorial.

At the northern end of the island, however, do stop off at the beautiful stone lighthouse dating from 1872.

The Red Cable Car or the Underground?

You can reach Roosevelt Island via the famous cable car, which is fully integrated into the public transport system and operates on the same fare as the metro.

The cable car runs approximately every 10 minutes from 2nd Avenue, and the journey offers lovely views of the city and the Queensboro Bridge.

Although the cable car is a great experience, it’s slightly more practical to take the underground, which has a station in the middle of the island.The orange F line stops here, taking you to Central Park, Midtown Manhattan and Downtown.

From both the cable car and underground stations, you can take the Q102 bus to the northern tip of the island and the lighthouse.

You can find more information about getting around New York, tickets and fares in the Transport section.

Hotels on the island

In the heart of Roosevelt Island, just a one-minute walk from the cable car station, you’ll find the highly rated Graduate by Hilton New York ****.

At this hotel, you can also visit the highly rated Panorama Room rooftop bar, which offers beautiful views of the river and Manhattan.

• Information, opening hours and table bookings for the Panorama Room:hilton.com/panorama-room.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in New York.