New York City has 30 islands and 520 miles of coastline. Four of the five boroughs float off the Atlantic seaboard. But for most of history, none of it was accessible to locals or visitors. The waterfront was a crime-ridden, dangerous, and industrial place. All that changed in the last 30 years, and finally, a few years ago, we got the NYC Ferry.
All my life, the only way to appreciate the city's nautical pleasures was the Staten Island Ferry. People don't want to visit Staten Island, but they ride the ferry there and back for the free boat ride. (I love the Staten Island Ferry; if you take it, listen to Billy Joel's "Everybody Loves You Now.")
The NYC Ferry will take you to spots you want to see. For the cost of a subway ticket, you can get from Wall Street in Manhattan to Dumbo in Brooklyn in five minutes. And instead of being stuck underground, you get fantastic views. I live in Brooklyn, and the NYC Ferry makes it easy to explore within the borough. You can see Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Dumbo, and Red Hook without ever using the subway.
During the summer, I take the ferry to the beaches in Rockaway in less than an hour. It's faster than the subway, and, again, why be in a tunnel when you can be on the water?
Explore New York like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
By
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
By
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
By
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
By
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
By
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
By
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
By
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
By
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
By
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
By
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
By
"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
By
299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters