How To Spend A Day At Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island is one of New York City's best-kept secrets. The narrow, two-mile island between Manhattan and Queens used to house a notorious insane asylum and a smallpox hospital, but now it's a peaceful getaway from hectic city life located by the East River. Many young professionals and retirees live in Roosevelt Island and residents tend to be liberal. I feel like it is secluded from everything which isn’t bad, but it’s a good escape.
Roosevelt Island has been on my bucket list for awhile. As a native New Yorker, it’s crazy to know that a lot of people still haven’t visited here. Some may ask what to do or how to get there? That’s been a mystery for awhile now. If you drive on the Ed Koch Bridge coming from Queens or Manhattan, you will see the tram going to Roosevelt Island. I promised myself this summer I would visit more places in New York. Do all the touristy things that New Yorkers don’t do basically. Read more on how to get there and what to do!
How To Get There
The Roosevelt Island station is a station on the IND 63rd Street Line of the New York City Subway. Located in Manhattan on Roosevelt Island in the East River, it is served by the F train at all times and the <F> train during rush hours in the reverse peak direction.
You can drive to Roosevelt Island via the Roosevelt Island Bridge, which can be accessed at 36th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard in Queens.
Roosevelt Island Tramway is $2.75 each way. You can’t add money to your Metro Card at Roosevelt Island. Make sure you do it before you go. You are required to wear a mask. They have NYPD on the tram patrolling since the tram can get very crowded.
What To Do
The Graduate Hotel
This boutique hotel is the only hotel on the island. It’s filled with books all over and it’s super cute. You have to walk through the lobby to get to the Panaroma Rooftop.
Panorama Room
Panorama Room is a cocktail lounge. They have a raw bar and serve small plates and mocktails. They have a strict dress policy of elevated chic attire; no sweatpants, cargo shorts, slides or flip flops. I didn’t eat here, but you can order food. I really went to try the drinks and enjoy the amazing view of NYC. You should make reservations in advance.
Pictured: Lenapes Punch
