NYC: Little Island – A riverside oasis in the city

NYC: Little Island - A riverside oasis in the city

Little Island opened in 2021, but it somehow stayed completely off my radar until this summer. After brunch at Clinton Street Baking Co., Oluva suggested we go check it out, and I figured, why not?

The island is built on Pier 55 in Hudson River Park, just off the West Side Highway between 13th and 14th Streets. It looks a bit surreal from a distance with those giant tulip shaped columns, and up close, it’s a calm, thoughtfully designed space that feels a little removed from the city around it.

It’s a nice spot, but not somewhere you’ll spend hours. The real draw is the view, both of the sculptural island itself and the Manhattan skyline from the top of the hill. It’s perfect for a short break, a stroll, and a few great photos before heading on.

There are a few kiosks during the warmer months, but if you’re hungry, you’d be better off grabbing a meal somewhere else before or after your visit. The West Village and Chelsea are both nearby with plenty of great options.

If you’re in the area and want a quick escape with great views and a bit of greenery, it’s absolutely worth a visit. And if you time it right, they often have free concerts and events, check the calendar here.

Read my guide to other free things to do in New York City

My guide to everything New York City >>

Little Island, Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at, W 13th St, New York

Little Island

Book your hotel in New York City

There’s nothing like starting your day in New York City, with endless adventures waiting just outside your door. To get the best rates and the widest selection of hotels, I recommend booking well in advance of your stay.

Find the perfect place to call home while you're here:

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Let's keep in touch!

Want to know what’s going on behind the scenes? My weekly newsletter is where I share a more personal side of my life — the trips I'm planning, the recipes I'm cooking, and the everyday moments that don’t always make it to the blog. If you’d like to stay in the loop and get a first look at what’s happening behind the scenes at Mitzie Mee, I’d love for you to join. Just sign up below — I’ll save you a seat.

I don’t spam! Read my privacy policy for more info.

Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Hi, I'm Sanne and this is my blog about food & travel.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

New York City Blog

Ninja Air Fryer 4-in-1 Pro
$119.99

I’ve had really good experiences with the Ninja air fryers. They're easy to use, the quality feels solid, and the results are consistently great. I’ve had really good experiences with the Ninja air fryers. They’re easy to use, the quality feels solid, and the results are consistently great. I like that you don’t have to fuss around with settings to get good food out of it. Vegetables turn out crisp without drying out, and chicken comes out juicy with a nice golden crust. It’s one of those kitchen gadgets that actually lives up to the hype and ends up being used all the time.

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/12/2025 07:00 pm GMT
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
$199.95

The Ninja CREAMi is hands down the best ice cream maker I’ve tried. What I really like is the texture. The ice cream comes out so smooth and creamy, better than anything I’ve managed with other machines. It’s also incredibly easy to use: you prep your base, freeze it overnight, and then let the CREAMi do the rest. With several one-touch programs, you can make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, or even smoothie bowls, and the re-spin function lets you make your batch softer if you prefer. You can go all in with decadent gelato, or make lighter, low-sugar or dairy-free versions. You can even add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate, nuts, or fruit to make it your own. It’s a fun, reliable machine that makes experimenting with flavors at home so much more exciting.

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/12/2025 07:00 pm GMT