Jun 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.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Staten Island Ferry, Whitehall Street

US$

free

Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

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

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

Discover all other hidden gems in New York

Monumental Women

Central Park Monument Representing Real Women

"Monumental Women" has erected this monument in Central Park, NYC to especially important figures in the United States women's equality movement...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 14, 2025

Der Krung

Best Thai spot in town

"Der Krung" in Hell's Kitchen in New York City is by far my favorite Thai place around. One of the best things about it is the $9.75 lunch special...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Christian

Neely

Jul 14, 2025

Apthorp Cleaners

Barbies, Barbies, Barbies

"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 13, 2025

Taco Mix

Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls

Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Dinastia

Cuban - Chinese

"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...

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Studio Museum in Harlem

Artists of color

"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 12, 2025

Stand Up NY

UWS Comedy Club

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,

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

NYC Pride March

The Greatest Show on Earth!

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!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 10, 2025

Fall Foliage

Central Park

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.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

American Folk Art Museum

Free recitals

The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Sisters

Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem

"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!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Patisserie des Ambassades

Senegalese/French café

"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Geoffrey

Dunbar

Jul 7, 2025

Heading to New York?

304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to New York?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

304 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite New York

Our team loves New York

Get to know our other Spotters from New York

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
63
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters