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Roosevelt Island

From Blackwell to Residential Island

22stops
4.1miles
2h 09mwalking
$2.99in the app

Jump aboard the Roosevelt Island express! Previously dubbed Blackwell’s Island and later known as Welfare Island, this strip in the East River has morphed from a land of asylums and penitentiaries to become a vibrant residential community. Start your adventure with a sky-high ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram and get ready to explore an island that’s not just in the middle of the East River, but also a bridge between Manhattan and Queens. This place isn’t just about the skyline views, it’s about getting a new perspective on a city you thought you knew.

Starts at
1. Roosevelt Island Tram
Nearest subway
Lexington Av/59 St NRW · 4 min walk to the start
Along the way
1 top sight and 3 food stops
Map of the Roosevelt Island walking route with its 22 stops
The route of the Roosevelt Island walk. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

The first 3 stops

Try these stops for free in the app. The full stories and directions are waiting for you there.

  1. 1Roosevelt Island Tram

    Begin your adventure with a thrilling ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram, the first commuter cable car in North America.

  2. 2Queensboro Bridge

    Connecting Manhattan and Queens, the Queensboro Bridge is an engineering marvel.

  3. 3Panorama Room

    Cocktails with a view?

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19 more stops to discover

Unlock Roosevelt Island in the app for $2.99 for the full 4.1 mi route: every stop's photos and stories, and GPS guidance that tells you when you've arrived.

Coming soon on theApp Store
Roosevelt Island · $2.99 in the appComing soon