Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists near Wall Street
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists near Wall Street
1. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Path
Pedal from the Financial District to the Manhattan entrance and climb onto one of the world’s most iconic spans. The designated bike lane keeps you separated from pedestrians while you roll above the East River with skyline, harbor, and bridge-tower views. It’s a short, memorable ride that fits perfectly into a Wall Street–based cycling day.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the classic New York ride that delivers instant drama and connects you to DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park for further exploring.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise to mid-morning or late evening, especially April–June and September–October to avoid heat and crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Approach via Centre Street and Park Row to reach the Manhattan ramp smoothly, use your bell at merges, and watch for expansion joints on the wooden sections.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Exhilarating and photogenic; riders love the views but warn that peak hours can be hectic.
2. East River Greenway (FiDi Access)
Hop onto the East River Greenway right by Wall Street and cruise a flat, waterfront path with constant river breezes. Freighters, ferries, and bridge silhouettes make the miles fly by while you stay largely separated from traffic.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most convenient car-free mileage from Wall Street, perfect for easy spins north toward the Manhattan Bridge and Midtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-mornings or golden hour; spring and fall offer the smoothest winds and temperatures.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter near Vietnam Veterans Plaza or Pier 15 to skip street traffic; expect slow zones around the Seaport where pedestrians share space.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Relaxing and breezy; praised for river views with occasional pinch points near piers.
3. Hudson River Greenway at Battery Park City
Link from Wall Street to the city’s most beloved bike path along the Hudson. Glide past marinas, public art, and lawns on a silky-smooth esplanade with frequent places to rest and refuel.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the fastest route to long, uninterrupted cycling north toward Tribeca, Chelsea, and beyond, with minimal street crossings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for golden light and cooler temps, especially May–June and September–October.
✓ Insider Tip:
Water fountains and restrooms are easiest around Rockefeller Park and North Cove; heed slow zones near playgrounds and boat slips.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently rated the city’s smoothest ride with postcard sunsets and excellent surface quality.
4. Governors Island
Ride to the Battery Maritime Building, ferry over with your bike, and enjoy a car-free island of rolling paths, lawns, and hilltop views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
✓ Why Go:
Seven-plus miles of stress-free cycling, art installations, and picnic spots make it the city’s easiest urban escape from Wall Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning ferries on spring and fall weekends for quiet paths and soft light; summer evenings for harbor breezes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a lock for stops and stick to marked bike routes; some lawns and footpaths require dismounting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by families and fitness riders alike for its calm, traffic-free vibe and sweeping harbor views.
5. The Battery
Use this waterfront park as your Wall Street cycling basecamp. It’s a green connector between the East and Hudson River routes with gardens, sea air, and Statue of Liberty vistas.
✓ Why Go:
Seamlessly stitch together river greenways, take a breather by the water, and grab a snack before your next segment.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings for open paths; spring bloom and fall foliage add extra color.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive via the State Street cycle track; dismount around crowded plazas and Castle Clinton on busy weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Serene and well-kept; cyclists value the connectivity and plentiful benches.
6. Pier
Roll along South Street to Pier 17 for big-sky East River views, open decks, and easy food options steps from your bike.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a scenic breather on the edge of the Seaport with front-row views of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late afternoon for softer light and lighter foot traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use bike racks along South Street and pair this stop with a spin to neighboring Pier 15 for lawns and loungers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively but manageable; riders love the panoramas and quick eats.
7. Staten Island Ferry
From Whitehall Terminal, roll your bike onto the free Staten Island Ferry for a breezy harbor crossing with skyline and Statue views from the open decks.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a zero-cost, high-reward ride that expands your range to Staten Island’s shoreline paths and delivers classic harbor scenery.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday or late evening to avoid commuter rush hours; spring and fall are most comfortable on deck.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow bicycle loading signs to the correct level and bring a strap to secure your bike during choppy crossings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Iconic and effortless; cyclists appreciate the convenience and photo ops.
8. One World Trade Center Plaza and Oculus
Spin a few blocks from Wall Street to glide around striking modern architecture, reflective pools, and broad plazas with easy links to the Hudson River Greenway.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a contemplative, must-see civic space that pairs well with a waterfront ride and offers ample room to rest.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for cooler temps and dramatic light bouncing off the towers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the protected lanes on Vesey Street to connect safely; lock at street racks and walk your bike within memorial areas.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Moving and beautifully designed; riders praise the open space and connectivity.
9. New York Stock Exchange
Roll up to the epicenter of American finance, then walk your bike through the pedestrian zone to admire the neoclassical facade and flags.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the heart of Wall Street and a quick, quintessential photo stop on any FiDi cycling loop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for quieter streets and clear shots before deliveries begin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Best vantage is from Broad Street; bike racks are typically easier to find on Pine and Nassau streets nearby.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Historic and brief but memorable; cyclists call it a must-do snapshot.
10. Charging Bull
Finish or start your Wall Street ride at this famous bronze sculpture by Bowling Green. Expect a quick pause for photos and a dash of New York energy.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a playful emblem of the district and an easy landmark to meet friends before heading to the river paths.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise to beat crowds, or after dark for night shots with city lights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up by Bowling Green and watch for taxi and bus traffic on Broadway when remounting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Touristy but fun; riders like the fast in-and-out stop and central location.
