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.

Starting Point Address: 3825 State St, New York, NY 10004