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Tour Details

Tour Type: Walking
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Distance:1 Mile
Audio Stories: 17
Purchase Qty: One Per Person
Tour At Your Own Pace
Valid for One Year
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6+ New York Walking Tours: Self-Guided Bundle
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Welcome to the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Battery Park, NYC

This comprehensive New York city tour covers must-see vista points of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Staten Island, as well as poignant monuments and the grand Castle Clinton. You’re probably wondering why it’s called “Battery.” Well, this site was once home to several artillery batteries or canons. Its prime waterfront location, at the apex of two rivers, makes it a strategic military outpost.

Our self-guided walking tours in NYC lets you experience the city’s many wonders at your own pace. Do check our other New York city tours here.

About the Tour

This self-guided audio and GPS tour of NYC’s Battery Park begins at the Netherlands Monument, where you’ll hear about the critical impact of the Dutch in early New York (did you know the city used to be called New Amsterdam?).

Next on the Battery Park walking tour, those with any Italian heritage will want to stop by the Alberti Marker and the statue of Giovanni de Verrazzano! The former was the first Italian to set foot in New York, while Verrazzano was a critical explorer.

After that, visit the lovely pier, where you’ll hear the fascinating story behind the war memorials here, from the clock, which serves as the earliest World War I memorial, to the Korean War Memorial.

Then it’s on to the main event! Look across the waters to the world-famous Statue of Liberty. Learn the details of the statue’s hugely tricky construction, the symbolism behind it, and the man who made it all possible. Then turn to Ellis Island just beneath it to get a glimpse into the lives of New York’s early immigrants, all of whom landed on that very island before stepping into the New World.

Continuing, you’ll get to visit an actual castle that once served as an important military fortress. On your way to the poignant World War II Memorial, learn more about how immigration transformed New York and how New York transformed its new arrivals. Afterward, find Staten Island on the horizon and hear the wild tale of how it was won in a boat race!

Finally, on the Battery Park walking tour, visit the unique, shining SeaGlass Carousel, a perfect place for the little ones to blow off some steam, and the ideal spot to pick up a boat to Staten Island or the Statue of Liberty.

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Battery Park Map

Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: Battery Park Control House,3825 State St, New York, NY 10004

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. We are working with Apple for a resolution.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

Audio Story Highlights

Welcome to Battery Park
Your tour of Battery Park begins at the edge of the park itself. From here, you'll stroll through this unique space, learn about its many monuments, and get a great look at the Statue of Liberty.
Netherland Monument
The Netherlands Monument might seem like a strange one, but it actually harkens back to the origins of New York City. Here, you'll learn about the Dutch colonization of this land, and how it went from New Amsterdam to New York.
Alberti & Verrazzano Statue
This marker commemorates the arrival of Pietro Cesare Alberti on these shores. Alberti is considered to be the very first Italian-American. Next to it is a statue honoring Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer who charted these waters in the 16th century.
Pier A North River
Today, this is where you'll find a trendy oyster and cocktail bar, but it was once an industrial harbor house. Here, you'll find out what Battery Park looked like in the 1800s, when this was a working dock.
Pier Clock and Korean War Memorial
The Pier Clock's impressive clocktower actually uses a clock from a real ship! It's intended to honor the men who died in World War I. Nearby is the Korean War Memorial, an unusual memorial intended to evoke not a feeling of heroism, but one of profound loss.
American Merchant Mariners' Memorial
This strange, unsettling sculpture depicts a drowning man grasping for purchase as another man tries in vain to save him. At high tide, he is completely submerged by water. This memorial commemorates the sinking of the SS Muskogee during World War II.
Statue of Liberty
From the shores of Battery Park, you'll have an excellent view of the Statue of Liberty. As you admire this iconic and impressive sculpture, you'll hear all about its creation and how it was actually transported to America. You'll also learn about Ellis Island and the grueling process of immigrating through that gateway during the 1900s.
Castle Clinton National Monument
Built at the beginning of the 19th century, this castle-like fort was originally designed to fend off a British attack. It later became an immigration processing station and today is where you can buy tickets for the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. If you want to see those landmarks up close, this is the place to go.
The Immigrants Statue
Dedicated in 1973, this memorial depicts new arrivals from all around the world. It honors all those who come to the United States in search of a better life, from those who arrived via Ellis Island to those who continue to journey to the nation's borders.
East Coast Memorial
A massive bronze eagle watches over this memorial, which is dedicated to the 4,601 American servicemen who died in the Atlantic in WWII. All of their names are inscribed into the memorial's pillars.
SeaGlass Carousel
The SeaGlass Carousel is a huge hit among younger visitors. Instead of horses, this carousel features colorful fish. And instead of moving in one direction, the fish twirl and criss-cross and move about the entire space. Your tour concludes here.