South Ferry / Whitehall Street (1, R, W)

This station drops you off right at the Staten Island Ferry entrance. On a nice day, take the ferry. It’s free! And I think it makes a great date.

Avoid a Scam: There are hustlers between the subway exit and ferry entrance, with pamphlets advertising a free ride. Ignore. Just walk right into the station entrance. You don’t need a ticket to board the ferry.

But, Enjoy the Show

Sometimes street performers help ease the wait between ferries. There’s never a requirement to pay, but my general rule is that if I take any photo/video, I’m offering some cash in return.

Eating in Staten Island: Call in advance to reserve one of my all-time favorite dining experiences in New York City: a meal made by a local grandma at Enoteca Maria. It’s a 10-minute walk from the ferry exit.

A Beautiful Stroll: Go to Snug Harbor, (10 min uber, 20 min bus ride, 40 min walk from the ferry exit) which is more of a cultural center than a harbor. It’s quiet, with beautiful gardens, small museums, and old brick cabins. Even if you don’t go to any of the formal attractions, just walking around is lovely. It’s one of my favorite escapes from the standard NYC chaos.

Time it Right: Take the ferry back to Manhattan around sunset for a free sunset boat ride. If you miss sunset, fear not. The skyline at night is also a treat.