Is it worth a visit?

Staten Island in New York

Staten Island in New York

July 17, 2024 New York Info Comments Off

Staten Island is one of New York City’s five boroughs. Unfortunately, for many tourists, it is not really a hot spot. And so most get no further than a free crossing on the Staten Island ferry for the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. But Staten Island really has much more to offer than just a Ferry crossing

Staten Island

Staten Island is one of the 5 boroughs in New York City and is located in the southwestern part of the city. It has an estimated population of 475,000. And with this it is, New York’s least populated district. The Island’s reputation is not the best according to many Manhattan residents, but most Staten Island residents think otherwise. They enjoy living there. Staten Island is the only part of New York City that has no skyscrapers. And the tallest building is the Old Church of St. Paul. Joachim and St. Anne and the 185 Castleton Park Tower.

Staten Island new york

High Rock Park

Often called one of the most peaceful places in New York City, High Rock Park is known for its tranquil ponds and deep woods. In the park you can spot several beautiful birds, such as, great blue herons, hawks and owls. In addition, there is the opportunity to visit Mt. Moses to climb, this is a hill over 80 meters high. On top of the hill you have a stunning 360-degree panoramic view, which is considered one of the most spectacular in New York City.

Staten Island Zoo

The Staten Island Zoo is perhaps comparable to the Bronx Zoo and the central park zoo not the largest or most exotic zoo, but it is definitely worth a visit. For example, it has one of the most extensive collections of rattlesnakes and in addition it has many other species of warm-blooded animals.

Staten Island Zoo

Historic Richmond Town

Historic Richmond Town is an extraordinary living historic village and museum complex that highlights 300 years of New York City history and culture. At this amazing outdoor museum, you can take a walking tour through time and see how people lived, lived and worked on staten Island more than 300 years ago.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

If you find coney Island in New York too crowded, you can always go to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach. The more than 4-kilometer-long boardwalk and beach area overlooking Lower New York Bay and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. This impressive suspension bridge is a whopping 1,298 meters long and connects Staten Island to Brooklyn.

Historic Richmond Town
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

The Staten Island September 11th Memorial

Staten Island has its own 9/11 Memorial, also known as “the Postcards.” The memorial was designed in memory of the 274 island residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the 1993 WTC bombing. And the beauty of this impressive monument is that the center of the sculpture points toward where the Twin Towers stood. The memorial can be found on the waterfront near the ferry terminal.

Empire Outlets

Empire Outlets is a 33,000-square-meter complex containing stores, eateries and entertainment. It may not be as big as the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, but it’s well worth it if you want an afternoon of high-discount clothing shopping. At Empire Outlets, you can find brands such as H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Nike Factory, Levi’s, GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic Factory, Lids, Cosmo and Guess Factory. There are also several places to eat or drink such as Starbucks, Shake Shack, Nathan’s Famous, Nori Sushi Shop, Häagen-Dazs and many others.

Empire Outlets Staten Island in New York

Staten Island Ferry

If you want to go to Staten Island you have to take the Staten Island Ferry. This is a free ferry that runs 24/7 back and forth between Manhattan and Staten Island. Crossing on this Ferry is very popular because from the this boat you have a great view of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. The Ferry can be reached from Manhattan by subway line 1 or R to South Ferry station.

Subway in Staten Island

Staten Island is the only borough of New York that is not accessible by the New York subway. However, the island does have its own electric city rail line, connecting the various neighborhoods to the ferry terminal, where it is possible to transfer to the Ferry to Manhattan.

Staten Island Ferry
Staten Island Ferry new york

Is Staten Island safe and worth a visit?

Visiting this part of New York is well worth it. The ferry crossing alone is quite an experience. In addition, there is plenty et to see and do. And this neighborhood also happens to be one of the safest neighborhoods in New York.

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