I should know. I moved to the city four years ago and have had countless visits from friends and family members who both miss me and want to explore the iconic metropolis I call home.
To show my guests a good time on a budget, I often take them to the Staten Island Ferry — a free boat ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island with stunning views of New York from the water. I highly recommend it to any city dwellers with loved ones coming to town.
In 2019, I moved to New York City. Since then, I've had several friends and family members visit me, so I'm always looking for fun, low-budget activities to show them around.
Today, the ferry transports more than 12 million passengers each year, according to The City of New York.
Passengers view the Manhattan skyline from the Staten Island Ferry.
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Source: The City of New York
To get to the ferry from Manhattan, I take visitors to the Whitehall Terminal for a free ride to Staten Island. If anyone tries to sell you tickets, the ferry's website warns that it's a scam.
The entrance to the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan.
Once on board, there are plenty of places to sit or stand and take in the views of the city. I recommend standing at the back of the boat to see the Manhattan skyline as you sail away.
The author enjoys the views from the ferry.
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After a 25-minute ride, the ferry arrives at Staten Island's St. George terminal and passengers get off. At this point, I like to get right back on for another half-hour journey back to the city.
St. George Terminal in Staten Island.
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I usually time these rides around sunset so my visitors can see golden hour turn to dusk over the city sights.
The author and her friend view the Statue of Liberty on the ride home from Staten Island.
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This free activity only takes about an hour. And it always leaves my visitors with a unique memory of NYC.
The author enjoys the ferry with her visiting friend.
