Things to do
Popular
Cruise ship visitors
Guides
New York City
Gift Cards Gift Cards Rewards Rewards Specials Specials Group Travel Group Travel Contact Contact
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Roosevelt Island Tramway and Self Guided History Tour

11 Reviews 3.64 out of 5 stars Based on 11 reviews collected by Cool NYC and TripAdvisor | New York City, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 4 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the eerie past of New York City on this self-guided audio adventure to Welfare Island. Begin your journey with a scenic tram ride over the East River, where you'll glide above the city before landing in a place steeped in history. Stroll along the promenade, explore the ruins of the Renwick Smallpox Hospital, and learn about Nellie Bly's courageous exposé of the asylum. Encounter "The Girl Puzzle," a poignant tribute to the women affected by the island's dark history, and visit the powerful FDR Memorial at the island's tip. This tour is perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

- Scenic tram ride offers aerial views of NYC for a subway fare
- Explore the chilling ruins of the Renwick Smallpox Hospital
- Learn about Nellie Bly and her commitment to the asylum
- Visit the FDR Memorial, a striking monument at the island's edge

What's Included

  • Pintours App and Guide Access
  • Tram Fee
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

254 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Roosevelt Island

Experience a side of New York City where dystopian history meets stunning skyline views on this immersive journey to Roosevelt Island. After a scenic aerial "flight" aboard the iconic Red Tram, you’ll explore the haunting stone ruins of the Renwick Smallpox Hospital and the site of the notorious asylum exposed by Nellie Bly. The tour leads you through powerful tributes like "The Girl Puzzle" monument and the stark, architectural grandeur of the FDR Four Freedoms State Park. It is a captivating walk through the city’s shadowed past, perfect for those who prefer eerie legends and bizarre facts over typical tourist traps.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Roosevelt Island Tramway and Self Guided History Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-304471P211

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.64
11 reviews

Average 3.64 out of 5 stars based on 11 traveler reviews collected by Cool NYC and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
6
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Brooklyn Heights: New York City's First Suburb

Revolutionary Brooklyn: Walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries and patriots as you learn about Brooklyn's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Visit key sites and …More

Revolutionary Brooklyn: Walk in the footsteps of revolutionaries and patriots as you learn about Brooklyn's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Visit key sites and...

3 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4)
from
$100

Harlem Sunday Gospel Experience

It is an iconic scene often captured in film and photographs – beautifully dressed women with impressive hats in Harlem heading to church for Sunday …More

It is an iconic scene often captured in film and photographs – beautifully dressed women with impressive hats in Harlem heading to church for Sunday...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.3 (34)
from
$30

Harlem Gospel and Brunch Guided Tour

Experience the vibrant community of Harlem and the soulful sounds of black gospel music on our Sunday Gospel and Brunch Tour. Starting at the legendary …More

Experience the vibrant community of Harlem and the soulful sounds of black gospel music on our Sunday Gospel and Brunch Tour. Starting at the legendary...

4 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (76)
from
$120

9/11 Memorial & Ground Zero Tour with Optional Museum Admission

Experience New York’s Unbreakable Spirit as you join us on a powerful journey through the heart of New York City, where resilience, heroism, and renewal …More

Experience New York’s Unbreakable Spirit as you join us on a powerful journey through the heart of New York City, where resilience, heroism, and renewal...

1 hour 40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (76)
from
$24

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off …More

4.7 (2,889)

New York Catacombs by Candlelight

4.7 (2,889)

Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (2,889)
from
$38

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...

6 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (13,379)
from
$99

Museum of Ice Cream New York City Admission Ticket

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet...

60 to 90 minutes
4.0 (1,202)
from
$49

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending …More

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (4,251)
from
$48

What's Included

Activity name

  • Pintours App and Guide Access
  • Tram Fee

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name