Staten Island

Staten Island is located in the southernmost part of New York and is a lesser-known borough. It has a population of less than 500,000, making it the least populated borough.

For many tourists, the main appeal of Staten Island is the ferry ride itself. This budget-friendly means of transport offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making the journey as memorable as the destination

Until 1975, Staten Island was called Richmond, like its county. Nevertheless, the City Council renamed it to its original name given to it by the Dutch when they settled the area. 

Top Attractions in Staten Island

You will find more colonial buildings in Staten Island than anywhere else in New York.

One of Staten Island’s most surprising attractions is Historic Richmond Town, a restored rural town with houses dating from the 17th century. The best way to reach this site is to take the S74 bus from St. George Ferry Terminal.

Another spot worth visiting is Fort Wadsworth, a fort built by the Dutch during the 17th century, which served to protect New York from the incursions of enemy ships.

How to Get to Staten Island?

The Staten Island Ferry connects South Ferry in Manhattan with St. George Ferry Terminal and Staten Island, where you can take a bus to the different attractions. The ferry ride takes 25 minutes.

If you have a car, you can also reach Staten Island from Brooklyn over the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the U.S. The bridge was named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European explorer to discover the island and who changed the history of New York forever.