Paula from New York

About me I'm a native New Yorker and a flight attendant for an international airline. My work takes me all over the world, but I'm always happy to return home to New York City! I was born and raised on Staten Island, went to college in upstate New York, and I now live in Astoria, Queens. I'm an art-lover and nature girl, so you can usually find me at one of New York City's spectacular art ga...

Oct 4, 2025

Staten Island Ferry New York

Hop aboard for harbor views

""Staten Island Ferry" in New York City takes 30 minutes from Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal, runs every half hour and it's free! I love it around sunset..."

The Staten Island Ferry is an iconic symbol of New York City's smallest borough. The stout orange ferryboat carries commuters between Staten Island's St George Ferry Terminal and Manhattan's Whitehall Terminal about 100 times per day. The ride takes 30 minutes, runs every half hour, and it is free! I recommend hopping on the ferry for spectacular views of lower Manhattan, and a glimpse into Staten Island life.

As you ride towards Staten Island, you can see landmark sights like Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to your right. On the left side of the boat, you'll get views of Governor's Island and Brooklyn. Ride at the front of the boat for the best views and the easiest disembarking. There is a concession stand on board, selling the usual snacks, but they are famous for their cheap "ferry beers." A ferry beer ranges from $3-$4, probably the cheapest you'll find in NYC, and there's nothing quite as relaxing as sipping your beer while enjoying the breeze on the outer deck. I like to time my ferry ride around sunset, when the buildings of Manhattan’s financial district reflect the orange sky, and the copper-green Statue of Liberty is cast in flame-red silhouette.

If you want to take a round-trip, you do need to disembark the ferry and re-board through the waiting room. If you want to explore Staten Island’s north shore, the St George Theater, Staten Island Museum, Empire Outlets and SI Yankee Stadium are all within walking distance from the ferry terminal.

Relaxing

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Staten Island Ferry, Whitehall Street

US$

free

Social

Our New York City Guide

Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

The Pythian Temple

R&R Shrine

"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...

Art & culture

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin

Subway art 13

"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...

Art & culture

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Saiguette

Vietnamese counter/takeout

I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.

Restaurants

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Oct 16, 2025

Rucker Park

Music Inn

Instruments, custom & stock

"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...

"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line

Art & culture