Overview
Staten Island is the southernmost and least densely populated of New York City's five boroughs, separated from Manhattan by Upper New York Bay and connected to it by the free Staten Island Ferry. Despite its reputation as the 'forgotten borough,' it offers a genuinely different pace from the rest of the city — wider streets, suburban neighborhoods, green parks, and a strong Italian-American culinary tradition.
The island sits just off the northeastern coast of New Jersey, and the Bayonne Bridge connects it to that state. It covers roughly 58 square miles and is home to around 500,000 residents. Visitors often arrive for a single attraction and leave surprised by how much else there is to explore.
Historically, Staten Island has roots in Lenape Indigenous territory, Dutch and British colonial settlement, and later waves of European immigration. This layered history is visible in its architecture, museums, and place names across the borough.
Before You Go
Visas
Statens Island falls under standard US entry requirements. For guidance on whether you need a visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official US Customs and Border Protection website at cbp.gov.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — many attractions involve walking paths, hills, or waterfront promenades
- Layers in spring and fall; the waterfront can be breezy even on warm days
- A MetroCard or contactless payment card if you plan to use NYC Transit buses on the island
Practical Notes
- The Staten Island Ferry is free in both directions — no ticket or reservation needed
- Cell coverage is generally reliable across the borough
- Most shops, restaurants, and attractions accept major credit and debit cards
Getting There
By Ferry (Most Common Route)
The Staten Island Ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan (near Bowling Green subway station) and arrives at St. George Terminal on the northern tip of Staten Island. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes and runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with varying frequency depending on the time of day. It is completely free and offers excellent views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.
By Car
Statens Island is accessible via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn (tolls apply; verify current rates at mta.info or 511ny.org) and via the Bayonne Bridge and Goethals Bridge from New Jersey (Port Authority tolls apply; verify at panynj.gov). Driving from New Jersey is straightforward if you are arriving from that direction.
By Air
The nearest major airports are Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) in Queens. Both are roughly 30–50 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is also accessible but involves crossing more of the city.
Getting Around
Staten Island Railway (SIR)
The SIR is a commuter rail line operated by the MTA that runs from St. George Terminal in the north to Tottenville in the south, with stops serving many key neighborhoods. It accepts standard MetroCard and OMNY contactless payment and is integrated into the NYC transit fare system. Verify current fare details at mta.info.
Buses
The MTA operates an extensive bus network across the borough, including express buses to Manhattan. Local buses reach most residential and commercial areas. Schedules and route maps are available at mta.info.
Car
A personal vehicle or rideshare (Uber, Lyft) is the most practical option for reaching spread-out attractions such as the Greenbelt trailheads, the Conference House, or restaurants off the main transit corridors. Street parking is generally more available here than in other NYC boroughs.
Things to See & Do
Culture & History
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden — A sprawling 83-acre campus on the north shore featuring Greek Revival architecture, art museums, a Chinese Scholar's Garden, and the Staten Island Botanical Garden. Verify current admission fees and hours at snug-harbor.org.
- Staten Island Museum — Located within Snug Harbor, this is the borough's primary natural history and art museum, with collections spanning science, history, and fine art.
- Historic Richmond Town — A living history village in the center of the island with restored 17th- to 19th-century buildings and seasonal demonstrations. Check historicrichmondtown.org for programming and hours.
- Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art — A small, distinctive museum housing one of the largest collections of Tibetan and Himalayan art in the Western Hemisphere, set on a hillside with a meditation garden.
Outdoors
- Staten Island Greenbelt — Approximately 3,000 acres of continuous natural area with hiking and mountain biking trails. Trail maps are available at sigreenbelt.org.
- Conference House Park — At the island's southern tip in Tottenville, this park preserves the site of a 1776 peace conference during the American Revolution. Walking trails run along Raritan Bay.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach — A public beach on the eastern shore, popular with residents in summer. Verify seasonal hours and lifeguard schedules with NYC Parks.
- Clove Lakes Park — A neighborhood park with ponds, walking paths, and a skating rink, suitable for a relaxed afternoon.
Food & Drink
Staten Island has a strong Italian-American dining tradition, and the North Shore and New Dorp areas in particular have a concentration of well-regarded Italian restaurants, delis, and bakeries. Pizza here is taken seriously — locals have strong opinions about their preferred spots, and several pizzerias have earned regional reputations.
Beyond Italian food, the borough reflects the city's diversity. Sri Lankan cuisine is notably well-represented, particularly along Victory Boulevard and in the Port Richmond neighborhood, reflecting a sizable Sri Lankan immigrant community. You will also find Greek, Mexican, and general American diners throughout.
The waterfront areas near St. George and Stapleton have seen restaurant and bar growth in recent years, with a small but developing food and craft-beer scene. As with all dining recommendations, check current reviews and hours locally before visiting, as individual restaurants open and close frequently.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in New York City, dial 911. For non-emergency police matters, dial 311.
Hospitals
Statens Island University Hospital operates two campuses on the island (North and South). Richmond University Medical Center is another major facility on the North Shore. Verify locations and services at their respective websites or via Google Maps before travel.
Money & Payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all restaurants and shops. ATMs are available near St. George Terminal and in shopping areas. Tipping is customary at sit-down restaurants (typically 18–22%) and for taxi and rideshare drivers.
Connectivity
Public Wi-Fi is available at St. George Terminal and on the Staten Island Ferry. Cell service is reliable across most of the island. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer guest Wi-Fi.
Safety
Staten Island is generally considered one of the safer parts of New York City, though, as with any urban area, situational awareness is advisable. The St. George waterfront area has undergone revitalization but retains pockets of poverty nearby — use common sense at night.
The Greenbelt trails are safe for hiking but can be isolated; go with a companion if possible and carry a charged phone. Tick awareness is warranted in wooded areas, particularly in warmer months — check yourself after trail walks.
Traffic can be heavy on the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) during rush hours. If driving, allow extra time and check real-time traffic conditions.