The cheapest, best view of lower Manhattan can be found by riding the State Island Ferry. Designed for commuters, but also full of broke high school students on dates, the ferry is an oddly... More

The cheapest, best view of lower Manhattan can be found by riding the State Island Ferry. Designed for commuters, but also full of broke high school students on dates, the ferry is an oddly charming part of New York City. It's also free. New York became a great city because of its water access, why not get on a boat once in a while?
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I love the Staten Island Ferry, I've taken it numerous times in the past couple of years and yet I don't think I had any business in Staten Island any of the times. So basically I ride the ferry for... More

I love the Staten Island Ferry, I've taken it numerous times in the past couple of years and yet I don't think I had any business in Staten Island any of the times. So basically I ride the ferry for fun when I have nothing better to do. It's so relaxing, especially at night when the boat is fairly empty and the temperature is just right. Plus, the New York skyline looks amazingly beautiful. The Staten Island ferry ride was actually one of my first dates with my current boyfriend, and it has kind of become our thing to do when there is nothing to do. So if you come to New York and you can't seem to get a gorgeous enough picture of New York from the BQE or any of the bridges; take the ferry, it's free and the view is just spectacular.
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As long as you don't get sea sick, this is one of the best attractions NYC has to offer. I remember taking the ferry when I had to pay ($.25 I think?) and now that it's free, it's become even more... More

As long as you don't get sea sick, this is one of the best attractions NYC has to offer. I remember taking the ferry when I had to pay ($.25 I think?) and now that it's free, it's become even more attractive. The ride itself is pretty calming and when the weather is right, you will see the most beautiful skyline. I'd recommend doing this just for the heck of it if you're a visitor to NYC. It's not too much time out of your day and definitely a romantic ride out on the deck at night. I think children would even enjoy the ride seeing that it's a free boat ride in NYC.
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I didn't know that the Ferry was free until last summer when I set off to a Staten Island Yankees game (you can walk from the very nice ferry terminal to the stadium). I had only heard about it... More

I didn't know that the Ferry was free until last summer when I set off to a Staten Island Yankees game (you can walk from the very nice ferry terminal to the stadium). I had only heard about it from my father and it had cost a nickel when he was a boy. I have fallen in love with the ferry - hey, how can you knock a free boat ride through New York Harbor? Free sighting of Lady Liberty (so you can realize how little she is)? The answer is - you can't. Or you shouldn't. Seeing New York (all the boroughs) from the water is a great view of the city and we should all take advantage. But don't try this during rush hour or you will encounter some very angry commuters.
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The staten island ferry has recently gone over a major renevation but don't let that stop you from taking a ride on their giant boats. It's a 25 minute ride from Manhattan to Staten Island and it's... More

The staten island ferry has recently gone over a major renevation but don't let that stop you from taking a ride on their giant boats. It's a 25 minute ride from Manhattan to Staten Island and it's free. On the boat ride you can see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island not to mention the Manhattan skyline. It's an easy way to travel to Staten Island or just a fun free way to spend a Saturday night.
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The Staten Island ferry is 25 minute ferry ride going from Staten Island to New York. It passes by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ride is free and runs at least every half hour during... More

The Staten Island ferry is 25 minute ferry ride going from Staten Island to New York. It passes by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ride is free and runs at least every half hour during the day. It's a boat ride every new yorker should pertake at least once. It's a perfect way to spend a date especially on a warm night.
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The Staten Island Ferry is truly a nice ferry ride between Manhattan and Staten that kids of all ages can truly enjoy. The new terminal is marvelous looking while the ferries themselves are now... More

The Staten Island Ferry is truly a nice ferry ride between Manhattan and Staten that kids of all ages can truly enjoy. The new terminal is marvelous looking while the ferries themselves are now well maintained. The rides are nice in that they allow you to enjoy a view of Manhattan for the grand cost of nothing. Just a treat for everyone regardless of budget.
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The Staten Island ferry is my favorite way to see the city. I love getting on a Battery Park and watching the Statue of Liberty go by. Heading out to Staten Island. Turning right around and... More

The Staten Island ferry is my favorite way to see the city. I love getting on a Battery Park and watching the Statue of Liberty go by. Heading out to Staten Island. Turning right around and coming back. Then watching the city rise out of the water. It’s magic. I know many people have to take it and I can’t review it as a way to commute. But I can say it’s the cheapest way to see one of the most beautiful views in the world.
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The only thing to make this a bad experience for the cost is a crazy captain! And since the odds of that are slim, well the Staten Island Ferry is simply perfect! Ride back and forth all day between... More

The only thing to make this a bad experience for the cost is a crazy captain! And since the odds of that are slim, well the Staten Island Ferry is simply perfect! Ride back and forth all day between the south tip of Manhattan and Staten Island while drinking a cool brewskie, and taking in the best of people watching. If you have guests and no money to spend on them, this is the best thing to do on a nice day!
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