TranslateOverview
Staten Island is the southernmost and least densely populated of New York City's five boroughs, sitting at the mouth of New York Harbor and connected to Manhattan by the famous Staten Island Ferry and to Brooklyn by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Despite carrying a New York City address, it is geographically closer to New Jersey than to midtown Manhattan, and it has a distinctly suburban feel compared with the other four boroughs.
The island has a long history: it was home to the Lenape people long before European contact, was a site of significant Revolutionary War activity, and throughout the 19th and 20th centuries developed as a working-class and middle-class residential community. Today it is home to roughly 500,000 residents and offers a mix of authentic neighborhood dining, green space, and cultural institutions that most visitors overlook entirely.
For travelers, Staten Island works well as a focused day trip from Manhattan — the ferry crossing alone offers some of the best free views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline — or as a genuine off-the-beaten-path destination for those who want to see a grittier, more residential side of New York City.
Before You Go
Visas
Statten Island is part of the United States. Entry requirements depend entirely on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for guidance and verify current requirements through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or your nearest U.S. embassy before travel.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes: the North Shore and Greenbelt involve uneven terrain
- A light jacket even in summer — harbor breezes on the ferry can be cool
- Cash for smaller restaurants and delis, though most places accept cards
- An OMNY card or MetroCard if you plan to use MTA buses on the island
Health & Travel Insurance
No specific health advisories apply beyond standard U.S. travel precautions. U.S. healthcare is expensive; ensure you carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Getting There
By Ferry (from Manhattan)
The Staten Island Ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan and docks at St. George Terminal on Staten Island's North Shore. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes, runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is completely free of charge in both directions. It is the primary and most practical way for visitors to reach the island.
By Bridge
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connects Staten Island to Brooklyn and is accessible by car or bus. The Goethals Bridge, Bayonne Bridge, and Outerbridge Crossing connect Staten Island to New Jersey. Tolls apply eastbound (toward Staten Island) on most crossings; verify current toll amounts on the MTA Bridges and Tunnels website.
By Bus
Several MTA bus lines (including express buses) connect Staten Island to Manhattan and Brooklyn. Journey times are longer than the ferry and subject to traffic. Check the MTA website for current schedules and fares.
Nearest Airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey is geographically the closest major airport, though John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens are also commonly used. Ground transport from EWR to Staten Island is practical via taxi, rideshare, or NJ Transit to a connecting bus or ferry point.
Getting Around
Staten Island is the only New York City borough without a subway connection to the rest of the system. The Staten Island Railway (SIR) runs the length of the island from St. George in the north to Tottenville in the south and uses a standard MetroCard or OMNY tap to pay — it is integrated into the MTA fare system. The journey from end to end takes roughly 45 minutes.
MTA buses cover most neighborhoods but service can be infrequent in some areas; check the MTA website or Google Maps for real-time schedules. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) are widely available and often the most practical option for reaching destinations not near the railway. Car rental is a viable option for visitors who want to explore the Greenbelt, south shore beaches, or Historic Richmond Town at their own pace.
Walking is realistic in the St. George and Stapleton waterfront areas but the island is spread out, and distances between major attractions often require a vehicle or transit connection.
Things to See & Do
Staten Island Ferry
The ferry itself is an attraction. The 25-minute crossing provides unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. There is no ticket or reservation required — simply arrive at Whitehall Terminal and board.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden
A 19th-century sailors' home turned cultural campus on the North Shore, Snug Harbor encompasses historic Greek Revival buildings, art galleries, the Staten Island Museum, a Chinese Scholar's Garden, and a New York Chinese Scholar's Garden. Verify current admission prices and opening hours on the Snug Harbor website before visiting.
Staten Island Greenbelt
A 3,000-acre network of natural areas and trails running through the center of the island, managed by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. The Greenbelt Natural Area offers hiking, birdwatching, and nature education programs — an unexpected find within New York City limits. Trail maps are available at the Greenbelt Nature Center.
Historic Richmond Town
A living history village and museum complex operated by the Staten Island Historical Society, preserving structures from the 17th century onward. It offers a tangible sense of pre-industrial New York that is difficult to find elsewhere in the city. Confirm operating days and admission fees directly with the historical society.
Staten Island September 11 Memorial
Located on the waterfront in St. George, this solemn memorial honors the 274 Staten Island residents who died in the 2001 attacks — the highest per-capita loss of any borough. It is free and open to the public; verify access hours locally.
South Shore Beaches
Midland Beach, South Beach, and Cedar Grove Beach along the eastern shore offer Atlantic-facing sandy beaches managed by NYC Parks. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, one of the longest in New York State, runs along this stretch. Swimming conditions and seasonal lifeguard schedules should be verified with NYC Parks.
Food & Drink
Staten Island has a genuine and well-regarded Italian-American dining culture, with a concentration of red-sauce Italian restaurants, pastry shops, and delis — particularly in the Dongan Hills, Grasmere, and New Dorp areas. Many longtime local favorites are family-run and cash-preferred; ask locals for current recommendations, as the dining scene shifts regularly.
Beyond Italian food, the borough reflects New York City's broader diversity with Sri Lankan, Mexican, and Liberian restaurants, among others, particularly in the Port Richmond and Stapleton neighborhoods. Port Richmond Avenue has an established Mexican and Central American food corridor worth exploring.
For casual eating near the ferry terminal, the St. George area has cafés and delis convenient to the waterfront. The island does not have the density of late-night dining options found in Manhattan or Brooklyn, so plan evening meals accordingly. Verify current hours before visiting any specific restaurant, as schedules vary.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- Police, Fire, Medical Emergency: 911
- NYC non-emergency services: 311
Connectivity
Cell coverage is good across most of the island. Free Wi-Fi is available at the St. George Ferry Terminal and at various public library branches run by the Staten Island Public Library system.
Money
ATMs are widely available. Smaller neighborhood restaurants and delis may be cash-only or have card minimums; it is practical to carry some cash.
Tipping
Standard U.S. tipping conventions apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and rounding up for taxi or rideshare rides is common practice.
Useful Apps
- MYmta — MTA bus and railway times
- OMNY — contactless fare payment
- NYC Parks — trail maps and park information
Safety
Staten Island is generally considered one of New York City's safer boroughs. The areas visitors most commonly frequent — St. George, Snug Harbor, the Greenbelt, and the South Shore — present no unusual safety concerns. Standard urban common-sense applies: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secured, and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
Some inland neighborhoods between the North and Central shore areas experience higher rates of property crime; these are largely residential areas not on standard visitor routes. The ferry terminals at both ends are busy public spaces and generally well-staffed.
For beach visits in summer, follow posted flag warning systems for water conditions, as rip currents can occur along the eastern shore.
