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NYC Observation Decks Compared: Which Skyline View Is Actually Worth It?

New York now has more high-up viewpoints than ever, and they are not cheap — so the real question isn't "is the view good" (they all are) but "which one is right for you ." Here's an honest breakdown of the main observation decks, what makes each different, and who should pick which. Empire State Building — the classic The 86th-floor open-air deck is the one you've seen in films for ninety years, and the building itself is the icon. The trade-off: because you're standing on the Empire State Building, it's the one skyline you can't photograph. Best for first-timers who want the historic, quintessential New York experience. Top of the Rock — the best all-round view At Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock gives you the shot most people actually want: the Empire State Building and Midtown in one direction, and Central Park spread out in the other. For photographers and for anyone choosing just one deck, this is usually the smartest pick. ...
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Staten Island Beyond the Ferry: Beaches, Greenbelt, and Local Gems

For most visitors, Staten Island means one thing: the free ferry that glides past the Statue of Liberty and offers one of the best skyline views in the city. But almost everyone turns around and rides straight back, missing the borough entirely. That is a shame, because beyond the ferry terminal lies a New York few tourists ever see — one of beaches, forests, historic villages, and genuine local character. This guide goes beyond the ferry.

The Ferry Is Just the Beginning

The Staten Island Ferry is, justifiably, one of New York’s great free experiences. The 25-minute crossing of New York Harbor offers unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, all at no cost. It runs around the clock and is a genuine working commuter route, not a tourist boat.

But the smart move is to treat the ferry as transport to a destination rather than a round-trip photo op. Once you step off at the St. George terminal, a whole borough opens up, much of it reachable by the Staten Island Railway, local buses, or a short ride.

Beaches and the Boardwalk

Few visitors realize that Staten Island has real beaches. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk stretches for more than two miles along the borough’s eastern shore, backed by sandy beaches at South Beach and Midland Beach. On a summer day it offers swimming, strolling, and views across the harbor toward Brooklyn and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.

The boardwalk is far quieter than Coney Island or the Rockaways, giving it a relaxed, local feel. It is a reminder that New York is a coastal city, with miles of shoreline that most tourists never set foot on.

The Greenbelt and Natural Staten Island

At the heart of the borough lies the Staten Island Greenbelt, a 2,800-acre network of forests, wetlands, and meadows laced with hiking trails. It is one of the largest natural areas in New York City, and walking its quiet wooded paths, it is hard to believe you are still within the five boroughs.

For more curated nature, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden combines beautiful gardens — including a stunning Chinese Scholar’s Garden — with historic architecture and art galleries on a single sprawling campus. It is one of the most underrated cultural destinations in the entire city.

History and Local Gems

Staten Island is rich in history. Historic Richmond Town is a restored village and living-history museum that preserves more than three centuries of life on the island, with original buildings and costumed interpreters. The nearby Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, set in a tranquil hillside garden, is a genuinely surprising find.

The borough also has a proud Italian-American heritage, reflected in some of the best old-school pizzerias and bakeries in the city. Seeking out a slice or a fresh pastry in a local neighborhood spot is part of the Staten Island experience, far from any tourist menu.

Planning a Staten Island Day Trip

Start with the ferry from Lower Manhattan, which is free and runs frequently. From St. George, the Staten Island Railway and local buses connect to most attractions, though some of the natural areas are easier to reach by car or rideshare. Allow a full day if you want to combine the boardwalk, the Greenbelt, and a cultural site.

Because the borough is more spread out and suburban than the rest of the city, a little planning goes a long way. Pick two or three destinations rather than trying to see everything, and build in time simply to wander a neighborhood and eat where the locals do.

Staten Island will never be the first stop on a New York itinerary, and that is exactly its appeal. Step beyond the ferry, and you will discover a calmer, greener, and more local side of the city that most visitors never imagine exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Staten Island?

The Staten Island Ferry departs from Lower Manhattan, is completely free, and offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline along the way.

Is Staten Island worth visiting?

Yes, if you want beaches, green space, and a quieter pace away from the crowds. The free ferry ride alone is one of the best views in the city.

What is there to do on Staten Island?

Beaches, the Greenbelt’s hiking trails, historic Richmond Town, and a growing food and drink scene reward visitors who make the trip.

How long is the Staten Island Ferry ride?

The crossing takes about 25 minutes each way and runs around the clock, making it an easy and scenic free excursion.

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