The 25-minute ferry ride is popular with tourists as it travels past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and offers panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, making it a fun and easy way to see the city from the water.

The ferry docks at St George on Staten Island, which is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its historic buildings, diverse restaurants and inviting pubs. Tourists should definitely take the time to explore some of the neighborhood sights and have a meal before returning to Manhattan.

The St George Historic District is located near the ferry pier and is a charming enclave of almost 100 historic buildings and Colonial-era homes. Another historical attraction in the neighborhood is the St George Theatre. Built in 1929, this theater was one of the most extravagant theaters in all of NYC when it opened. It was recently renovated and is now once again hosting big names in music and entertainment.

Before departing on the ferry, stop in at Enoteca Maria for some of the city’s best Italian food. The restaurant is still relatively quiet despite having received critical acclaim from several of the city’s top food critics. The restaurant has a somewhat unique kitchen staff, as the kitchen is manned by a rotating crew of Italian grandmothers. The menu changes nightly, depending on who’s cooking, and the food could not be more authentic or delicious.

It’s incredibly easy to reach the Staten Island ferry terminal from our boutique hotel The MAve in Midtown, just take the train from 28th Street and Broadway to Whitehall Street Downtown. The total journey time on the train is only 20 minutes and the ferry runs 24 hours a day.

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It’s true, the Empire State Building is iconic for it’s 360-degree views from the Observation Deck–but the cost is more than the $22 ticket fee. Along with its status symbol, you pay in terms of wait time (one-hour minimum), as well as long interweaving lines, cramped quarters, and packed elevators. If you suffer from any kind of anxiety, this is a tourist trap in its truest form of torture.

INSTEAD–head to the Rainbow Room for a spectacular view. Save the $20 you would have spent at the Empire State Building and buy yourself a cocktail–make it a Manhattan–and take in the view at 65 floors up from 30 Rockefeller Center. The bartenders are highly trained and attentive and the décor is art deco glamour (which beats the stale cement floors and kitschy gift shops all over ESB).

For a non-alcoholic option, head to the Top of the Rock at the 70th floor observation deck which towers over Rockefeller Center with a vantage point just as good as the Empire State Building. The wait is much shorter which makes for an infinitely more pleasant experience.

More great views around the city:

Metropolitan Museum of Art–The Rooftop

Open in warm weather months, the art roof garden offers breathtaking views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The gift of philanthropists Iris and B. Gerald Cantor (of Cantor Fitzgerald), the Garden first opened to the public on August 1, 1987. Writer Mindy Aloff describes the Roof Garden as “the loveliest airborne space I know of in New York.”

Adult general admission to the museum is $25 which includes access to all exhibitions and gardens. You can purchase tickets online here.

Staten Island Ferry (free)

It’s the best free view of New York Harbor, Lady Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline that you could possibly ask for. Plus, it’s FREE–as not many things in NYC are. Among the sights you’ll see on this commuter ferry are Governors Island, Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan, Wall Street’s skyscrapers, Ellis Island, and the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.

This ferry operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, except from midnight till 6am, and each leg takes half an hour.

The ferry departs Manhattan from: Whitehall and Water St.
The ferry departs Staten Island from 1 Bay St.

For more info, call 718.815.BOAT

The Pen-Top Bar & Terrace

The former infamous astro-turf roof deck has been replaced with a new glass-encased bar for a futuristic James Bond vibe. Centrally located in Midtown–this bustling bar boasts stunning views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park as well as Midtown’s architectural gems. With plenty of tables at this slate-topped terrace, why not order a decadent cocktail and take it all in?

Located at the Peninsula Hotel – 700 Fifth Ave at 55th St.

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