What is Battery Park known for?

The Battery is known for its public gardens, organic urban farms, toxin-free lawns, and the SeaGlass aquarium carousel. It also offers views of the Statue of Liberty and serves as a ferry point for visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Battery is a 25-acre public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan facing New York Harbor. It is bounded by Battery Place, Bowling Green, State Street, the Hudson River, and New York Harbor.

Operating hours vary by source: one record indicates the park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., while seasonal March hours are listed as Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

What is the history of the park?

The Battery has been a part of New York City's history for over 200 years. Notably, Castle Garden within the park became the world's first immigrant depot in 1855.

Is it a good starting point for sightseeing?

Yes, its location at the southern tip of Manhattan makes it a classic starting point for walking tours through the city.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Battery Park in New York City

What to know

The Battery, formerly known as Battery Park, is a 25-acre public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island facing New York Harbor. For more than 200 years, it has been an invaluable part of New York City’s history, serving as a classic starting point for walking tours through the city. Within the park, visitors can explore the SeaGlass carousel, an innovative aquarium-themed ride, and an organic urban farm. The park is a model of conservation and biodiversity, featuring toxin-free lawns and vast public gardens. The Battery Conservancy, established in 1994, worked to revitalize and rebuild the space to ensure its longevity. Historically, the park hosts Castle Clinton National Monument. In 1855, Castle Garden became the world’s first immigrant depot, marking a significant milestone in the New York City immigrant experience. Today, the park continues to serve as a primary ferry point for those visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. To protect the park from projected sea-level rise through 2100, the city has implemented the Battery Coastal Resilience project. Phase one of this project rebuilt and elevated a portion of the wharf promenade to protect the iconic public space from the encroaching harbor waters.

Visitor tips

Visit the wharf promenade to see the elevated sections designed for coastal resilience.
Allow extra time if you plan to take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island from here.
Check the seasonal operating hours for specific attractions like the SeaGlass carousel.

Nearby context

The Battery is bounded by Battery Place, Bowling Green, State Street, and the Hudson River, placing it at the very edge of Manhattan's Financial District.

Quick facts

Battery Park