In what was once was a landing spot for NYCs first immigrants, now sits a place where Wall Street wolves take model slash actresses on second dates to show off their sensitive sides. What is this place? Battery Park, the literal tip of the island where dreams of fruitful futures merge with dreams come to fruition—all with waterfront views of course. It is a place to relax and reflect on everything from your last trade deal to your next wedding. Where the past and the present intersect in what many true Manhanttanites consider to be the end of the world.

How long does it take?

While it is called a “park” it is actually a collection of green spaces and monuments at the tip of the island—nearly all of which offer panoramic sights of the Hudson and the Upper Bay. How much time you spend depends entirely on what activity to choose to embark upon.

What’s the history and stats of this place?

Though now it has been overshadowed by Ellis Island, Battery Park was actually the first depot in the world for immigrants. Since 1855, Battery Park has been a place for refuge. Initially for the poor tired masses washing up on shore, and now for the overworked who come to relax and remind themselves just how beautiful New York can really be.

What has it been used for in the past?

As the literal point where the history of Manhattan began, Battery Park has been through many iterations. Previously referred to as Fort George before it was razed and filled in, Battery Park was also previously a harbor and site of another fort—Castle Clinton. Castle Clinton eventually began an aquarium as the need for fortification subsided and the need for entertainment increased. Overtime as the city expanded, so did the island’s tip. Over the years, it was constantly filled in until it took its current shape somewhere around 1890. It was also around this time that Ellis Island began to take over as the first point of entry for new immigrants. And thus, Battery Park became just that—a nice place to take a walk and observe the view.

When’s the best time to go?

On a beautiful sunny Spring day, there is arguably no better place than Battery Park to spend the afternoon. With views of everything from the Statue of Liberty, to Ellis Island, to the World Trade Center to New Jersey, you can literally view the entire history of this fair city. And if stunning waterfront views just aren’t your thing, you can peruse the green spaces and take a look at the 16 monuments and statues dotted around the park, noting New York’s triumphs and failings.

Recommended for...

While you may catch on a trader here on a date with the hottest Instagram model, don’t let that scare you away. This is the perfect place to bring your children. Why? Well, in a world of instant gratification and constant information, it would be nice to give your kids a chance to slow down. And in the ten seconds that their tablets are down, you can expose them to something that they can truly marvel at. For young kids especially, this can be a great place to spend time as there is ample space to run around. There is also a carousel made of sea glass at the Conservatory. Opened in 2015, it serves as a monument to the Park’s history as the first Aquarium in New York. And while, that time may have passed, like all things in New York, it has reinvented itself into something that the newer generation can enjoy.

How to get there?

In this stretch of NYC, the best mode of transportation is by foot. The best directions are go straight. When you are about to fall into the water, you should stop walking and turn around. That green stuff that you already passed, that’s the park. Enjoy. But if you insist on talking the subway, you can hop on either the 4 or 5 train and get off at the Bowling Green stop. Or you can take the R or W to the Whitehall Street Station and walk down to the waterfront and into the park. Trying to drive here is a study in bad decisions. But if you insist on doing things the hard way, the closest parking garage is located at 81 Whitehall St. The name of the facility is One New York Plaza Parking.

Adventure scale

A trip here is literally a walk, well, in the park. The only danger presented would being getting attacked by a squirrel; which is a very rare occurrence. But still-- don’t touch the squirrels.

Price scale

Anyone who said the best things in life are free was a sucker and definitely not from New York. In New York, nothing is free, except (the parks. Chief among those is The Battery. So, do like the name says and head there to recharge –for free. If you insist on paying, you can take your child to the sea glass carousel at the Conservatory. One ride will cost you a measly $5 dollars—which is basically the New York version of free. 3 Where to buy/sign up? There is no need to sign up for anything. Just check the weather report to make sure you are in for a clear day.

Where to buy/sign up?

There is no need to sign up for anything. Just check the weather report to make sure you are in for a clear day.

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Battery Park