Things to do and see on Governors Island

Governors Island New York is a small island 5 minutes away from Downtown Manhattan. There are several things to do and see on Governors Island. Escape the urban jungle and admire stunning views of Manhattan. In summer, you can enjoy arts and cultural events. You can easily walk or bike around Governors Island. A waterfront spa offers more luxurious recreational activities. The island is open to the public 7 days a week all year round, including public holidays.

Things to do and see on Governors Island

The management board of Governors Island puts together a different program each year, together with contributions from many of New York’s cultural institutions. There are often several exhibitions, concerts, and art and cultural markets. The events calendar can be viewed several weeks in advance, here. You can also play mini-golf on the island (with an annually changing course theme), or take a tour of the history, development and future of the island. This tour takes about an hour.

Governors Island by Bike

The best way to get an overview of the relaxing Governors Island is by bike. The area was really made for biking. And the best thing: every weekday morning (between 10:00 and noon) you can borrow a bike for free for an hour. Bike through both the historic district and the newly constructed 30 acres of park. To explore the whole island you’ll only need 1-1.5 hours. Or take your time; if the sun is out and you bring a book and a beach towel you can truly relax. Another fun way to explore the island is on a surrey bike (seasonal). You can share the bike with the entire family! Surrey bike rental is included in the New York Pass and GoCity Explorer Pass.

Spa on Governors Island

Governors Island is the place to escape the urban jungle and relax. You can do this in the luxe New York spa, that’s located on the island. Enjoy over 20 wellness experiences, book a massage, and admire the views of the Manhattan skyline.

Staying on Governors Island

It’s possible to stay on Governors Island even after the last ferry has left! On the waterfront, with a view of the Manhattan skyline, there are several dozen luxury tents. Here you spend the night in peace, but also in luxury. The Collective Governors Island tents are fully equipped, with comfortable beds, air conditioning and room service. And entertainment is also provided. There are regular performances and you can start the day with a meditation or yoga class. Perhaps New York’s most unique accommodation!

How to get to Governors Island?

There’s a daily ferry service connecting Governors Island to Manhattan. The Governors Island Ferry departs approximately every 30 to 40 minutes from the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, (just east of the Staten Island ferry) in Lower Manhattan and the return ticket costs $4.

To get to the Battery Maritime Building take the R to Whitehall St., line 1 (South Ferry Station) or lines 4 and 5 (Bowling Green Station). You can also take a bus there: M6, M9 or M15. From Brooklyn, you take a ferry from Pier 6.

You can also take the NYC Ferry from Corlears Hook in the Lower East Side (except during the winter months). The South Brooklyn Route goes to Governors Island about once an hour. During the summer months, the weekend service is a direct shuttle from Pier 11.