Governors Island

About Governors Island

Get the inside scoop on Governors Island from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Governors Island reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.

What people say

Greta Marlene August
"🇬🇧 Governors Island is a unique and picturesque destination located in the heart of New York Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. This 172-acre island oasis offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originally used as a military outpost, Governors Island is now a vibrant public park and cultural destination, featuring expansive green spaces, historic buildings, and recreational facilities. Visitors can explore the island's rich history by touring its historic forts, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams, or by visiting the Governors Island National Monument, which preserves and interprets the island's military history. In addition to its historic sites, Governors Island offers a wide range of recreational activities and events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, food festivals, and more. Visitors can rent bikes, kayaks, and other recreational equipment to explore the island at their own pace, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic in one of its many scenic spots. One of the highlights of Governors Island is The Hills, a series of man-made hills that offer panoramic views of the harbor and skyline. Visitors can climb to the top of Outlook Hill, the highest point on the island, for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. 🇩🇪 Governors Island ist ein einzigartiges und malerisches Ziel im Herzen des New Yorker Hafens, nur eine kurze Fährfahrt von Lower Manhattan und Brooklyn entfernt. Diese 172 Hektar große Inseloase bietet atemberaubende Ausblicke auf die Skyline von Manhattan, die Freiheitsstatue und die Brooklyn Bridge und ist daher ein beliebtes Ziel für Einheimische und Touristen, die einen friedlichen Rückzugsort vom Trubel der Stadt suchen. Ursprünglich als Militärstützpunkt genutzt, ist Governors Island heute ein lebendiger öffentlicher Park und kulturelles Ziel mit ausgedehnten Grünflächen, historischen Gebäuden und Freizeiteinrichtungen. Besucher können die reiche Geschichte der Insel erkunden, indem sie ihre historischen Forts besichtigen, darunter Fort Jay und Castle Williams, oder den Governors Island National Monument besuchen, das die militärische Geschichte der Insel bewahrt und interpretiert. Neben ihren historischen Stätten bietet Governors Island das ganze Jahr über eine Vielzahl von Freizeitaktivitäten und Veranstaltungen, darunter Outdoor-Konzerte, Kunstausstellungen, Food-Festivals und mehr. Besucher können Fahrräder, Kajaks und andere Freizeitausrüstungen mieten, um die Insel in ihrem eigenen Tempo zu erkunden, oder sich einfach entspannen und ein Picknick an einem der vielen malerischen Plätze genießen. Ein Highlight von Governors Island sind The Hills, eine Reihe von künstlichen Hügeln, die einen Panoramablick auf den Hafen und die Skyline bieten. Besucher können auf den Gipfel des Outlook Hill steigen, dem höchsten Punkt der Insel, um atemberaubende Aussichten auf die Umgebung zu genießen. "
Billie Wei
"Everyone knows about Governor's Island right? Well if you don't, let it be known that it is one of the most relaxing parks and trails I have visited within a 20 minute trip outside of Manhattan. There is plenty of picnic space, open grassy areas, and play areas for kids. If you want an active activity, it's incredibly fun to rent a tandem bike with a friend or significant other and breeze around the island. Passengers ride free on Saturdays and Sundays before noon, so if you can make it early, the island is your oyster! https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit/ferry "
"Still not much visited by tourists which makes it less crowded. You can either walk around or rent bicycles and explore the island that offers nice historic buildings, picnic areas, lavender fields and parks which makes it a great escape from the hectic city. The island is also a great place for events such as the pumpkin market in autumn for example. Pass by Hammock Grove if you feel like resting a bit. Like the name says, you can find hammocks here which is amazing to hang out. "

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