Staten Island Ferry
"The Staten Island Ferry is a free, 24/7 commuter ferry running between Manhattan (Whitehall Terminal) and Staten Island (St. George). The 25-minute ride offers spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan skyline without costing a cent. It's NYC's best free attraction. Locals drink beer on the boat (sold onboard). You can just ride round-trip without leaving the terminal—tourists do this for the views."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Iconic, free
Duration
1 hour (round trip)
Best For
Views
The Backstory
Ferry service dates to the 1700s but became municipally operated in 1905. It carries 25 million passengers annually—mostly commuters but also tourists. The ferry fleet was upgraded in the 2000s-2010s. It's featured in countless films and music videos as the quintessential NYC experience.
Local Secret
"Board on the right side (facing forward) for Statue of Liberty views heading to Staten Island; left side for skyline views heading back to Manhattan. Go at sunset for golden hour light. Don't leave the ferry at Staten Island unless you want to explore—just stay on and ride back. Beers are sold onboard. It's 100% free, no ticket needed."