Visiting Little Island in NYC? Here’s What To Know Before You Go

This article was updated on September 20, 2025.

Visiting Little Island in NYC? Here’s What to Know Before You Go

Since its grand opening in 2021, the must-visit attraction in New York City might be Little Island. This stunning human-made park at Pier 55 rises proudly out of the graceful Hudson. Developed by Barry Diller and designed by Heatherwick Studio and Matthew Nielsen Landscape Architects, the 2.4-acre green space is easily recognized as you near 13th Street, with all eyes on this slice of Hudson River Park.

From afar, you can’t miss the concrete tulip-shaped columns, appearing to float atop the water. These sculptures become all the more more striking as you approach the island.

Being on the island is like no other experience in New York, but half the joy of Little Island is the journey. Once you reach the Hudson River Esplanade and begin the trek up the pedestrian bridges to enter, the anticipation is real. And once you enter, this outdoor oasis lives up to the hype.

Are you curious about Little Island in NYC?  Little Island is a work of art and worth a visit. Here’s what to know if you plan to go.

Visiting Little Island is free.

That’s right, it costs nothing to enter. Barry Diller wanted Little Island to be a gift to all New Yorkers, and that it is.

{Timesaver: Opt for a guided tour of Little Island, Hudson Yards, and the High Line}

Little Island has multiple levels.

Prepare to climb stairs, or at the very least, inclined walkways. You’ll have the option to do either. That said, wear comfy clothing and shoes. Heading out to brunch or dinner in the Meatpacking District afterward? Carry a cute pair of shoes in your city bag (my personal favorite) so you can make the switch.

You’ll experience incredible views on a visit to Little Island, and….

Instagram will be begging for a picture. From the top of the park, you’ll witness panoramic views of the Hudson, One World Trade, Lower Manhattan’s cluster of skyscrapers, and more. Revel in a quiet moment, take in the vistas, and marvel at this $260 million island, its levels, and lush, planted vignettes.

Little Island offers live theater, music, dance, and more.

Many of the island’s events are open to all and require no tickets. But Little Island also features live performances in The Amph, an outdoor theater. Tickets are available for purchase on the website (30% of seats are available for sale to the general public), but 30% are also distributed for free to community partners, with the remaining 40% available through the Theater Development Fund (TDF) at a lower price, but for members only. (If you see a lot of theater, it’s worth it to join if you qualify.)

The nearest subway line to Little Island is at 14th Street and Eighth Avenue.

You can obviously take a taxi or Uber to get there, but I recommend riding the subway (A, C, E, or L) and walking from 14th and Eighth Avenue. I also recommend listening to your favorite New York tunes as you meander through the West Village and mosey toward the pier. I chose Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a poignant pairing that summer morning as the city was waking up.

Have you been to Little Island yet? If so, what did you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

For more details on park rules and visiting Little Island in NYC, go to the website.

Little Island
Pier 55 at Hudson River Park, Hudson River Greenway, NY 10014

Also, everyone should walk over the Brooklyn Bridge at least once.

Plus, one of Manhattan’s prettiest pocket parks.