Battery Park City

About Battery Park City

The state created the Battery Park City Authority in 1968 to develop the Lower West Side site. Much of the land was formed with material excavated for the original World Trade Center. A 1979 master plan guided the later neighborhood of homes, offices and open space.

The Esplanade follows the Hudson waterfront, with parks and gardens along the route. West Street separates the neighborhood from the World Trade Center area to the east; the guide’s map is an approximate editorial outline rather than an official boundary.

Places to explore

• Brookfield Place Winter Garden and North Cove

  230 Vesey Street

  The glass Winter Garden contains palms and overlooks the Hudson and North Cove Marina. The atrium, shops, events and marina have separate arrangements; check the operator before planning an indoor visit.

• Battery Park City Esplanade

  Hudson River waterfront

  The waterfront route runs along Battery Park City past parks and gardens, with views across the Hudson and New York Harbor. Check current path conditions when choosing a route.

• Rockefeller Park

  River Terrace at the northern waterfront

  The park contains lawns, a playground, gardens and a pavilion. It offers a public open-space stop near the northern section of the Esplanade.

• The Skyscraper Museum

  39 Battery Place

  Exhibitions examine tall buildings and the forces behind their design and construction. Check the museum’s current admission and reservation information before visiting.

  LandmarkThe Skyscraper Museum

Planning a visit

Brookfield Place is across West Street from the World Trade Center. Choose an approach to the waterfront and check MTA service before traveling. The Esplanade and individual indoor destinations have different access arrangements.

Check the museum’s opening and reservation information and current waterfront conditions before setting out. The authority’s parks and the museum are separate stops.

Photos