I've lived in NYC for 4 years, and the Staten Island Ferry is my favorite free activity when I have visitors

Joey HaddenAug 17, 2023, 03:13 IST

Insider's New York-based reporter takes her visitors on the Staten Island Ferry.Joey Hadden/Insider, Michael Lee/Getty Images

I live in New York City and often take visitors on the Staten Island Ferry.
The ferry runs 24/7 and is totally free for a 25-minute ride from Lower Manhattan to the island.

When you live in New York City, everyone wants to visit you.

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.

The author in her home of NYC.Joey Hadden/Insider

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.

From the High Line elevated trail to Central Park strolls, there's plenty to do here without spending a dime.

The author and her visitor stroll through Central Park.Joey Hadden/Insider

But to me, the best free tourist attraction isn't an attraction at all — it's the Staten Island Ferry.

The Staten Island Ferry travels at sunset.Michael Lee/Getty Images

This ferry provides free rides between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to The City of New York.

The ferry passes Brooklyn on its way to Staten Island.Barry Winiker/Getty Images

The city took over the operations of the ferry in 1905, and The New York Times reported that it became free to ride in 1997.

Passengers take the Staten Island Ferry in the early 1900s.Bettmann/Getty Images

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.Brian Eden/Getty Images

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.Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

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.

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.Joey Hadden/Insider

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.

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.luvemakphoto/Getty Images

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.

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.Joey Hadden/Insider

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.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I've lived in NYC for 4 years, and the Staten Island Ferry is my favorite free activity when I have visitors

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.

From the High Line elevated trail to Central Park strolls, there's plenty to do here without spending a dime.

But to me, the best free tourist attraction isn't an attraction at all — it's the Staten Island Ferry.

This ferry provides free rides between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to The City of New York.

The city took over the operations of the ferry in 1905, and The New York Times reported that it became free to ride in 1997.

Today, the ferry transports more than 12 million passengers each year, according to 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.

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.

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.

I usually time these rides around sunset so my visitors can see golden hour turn to dusk over the city sights.

This free activity only takes about an hour. And it always leaves my visitors with a unique memory of NYC.