Staten Island, New York

Staten Island is the southernmost of New York City's five boroughs, separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull waterways and from the rest of the city by New York Bay. With a population of around 468,730, it is the least visited of the five boroughs by out-of-town travellers — and, for many visitors, that is precisely the point. The borough has a different character from Manhattan or Brooklyn: lower buildings, wider streets, a working waterfront, and an unusually large amount of green space for a New York City borough. Most people who cross the water do so by ferry from lower Manhattan, and many turn straight around. Those who stay find a residential borough with a distinct identity, some genuine attractions, and a pace that feels markedly different from the rest of the city.

Orientation and Arrival

The Staten Island Ferry departs from Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and docks at St. George on the island's north shore. The crossing takes around 25 minutes and passes close enough to the Statue of Liberty to offer clear views across the water — a frequently cited reason to make the trip even without spending time on the island itself. The ferry is operated by the New York City Department of Transportation; check current schedules and fares directly with the operator.

From St. George, the Staten Island Railway runs south through the borough to Tottenville, covering most of the island's eastern spine. The MTA operates the line; service details are available through official MTA channels. There is no subway connection to the rest of New York City's rapid transit network. Buses connect neighbourhoods across the island, and a car offers the most flexibility for reaching areas away from the Railway corridor. The borough's road network is less congested than central Manhattan, though peak-hour traffic on major routes is to be expected.

What Staten Island Is Known For

The borough has a working-class and middle-class identity rooted in its industrial and maritime history. The Arthur Kill and Kill Van Kull waterways on its western edge remain significant for regional shipping and logistics. Historic Richmond Town, a living history village in central Staten Island near La Tourette Park, preserves buildings spanning the colonial period through the 19th century, including restored homes, a general store and a courthouse. The site hosts the annual Richmond County Fair, a tradition running in some form since 1895.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, an 83-acre campus in Livingston on the island's north shore, is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution combining museums, gardens, arts education and seasonal events. Its Chinese Scholar's Garden is a separately ticketed attraction within the grounds. The Staten Island Greenbelt, a network of parks in the island's centre, offers hiking trails and natural open space — the Greenbelt Nature Center is located at 700 Rockland Avenue in the Egbertville neighbourhood.

Staten Island also has a significant place in hip-hop history. Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most influential hip-hop collectives of the 1990s, formed on Staten Island in 1992. Most of the group's core members — including RZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon and Inspectah Deck — were raised on the island. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.

History and Identity

The island's colonial-era history is preserved most visibly at Historic Richmond Town, where structures including the Christopher House — associated with Joseph Christopher, a member of the Richmond County Committee of Safety from 1775 to 1776 — have been maintained as part of a living history museum. For much of the 20th century, the borough functioned as a manufacturing and transportation hub within the wider New York City economy. That working character shaped the social fabric of many neighbourhoods, and the borough has never positioned itself as a tourist destination in the way that Manhattan or Brooklyn have.

Getting Around

The Staten Island Ferry connects St. George to lower Manhattan; it is both the primary commuter link for many residents and the most common entry point for visitors. The Staten Island Railway (Tottenville line) provides rapid transit along the borough's eastern corridor, operated by the MTA. Bus routes cover the wider island. Access to New Jersey and other boroughs is available by road across bridges and connected routes; specific routes should be checked locally depending on origin and destination.

Visitors accustomed to New York City's subway network will notice the absence of a direct rapid transit connection. Movement around the island requires planning — the Railway serves a single line, and areas in the west and south of the borough are best reached by bus or car.

When to Visit

Staten Island's coastal position means weather varies seasonally. Summer brings warm temperatures and the borough's busiest cultural calendar, including outdoor festivals at Snug Harbor and Historic Richmond Town. Winter can bring snow and ice, though most attractions remain open. The island's exposed geography makes it susceptible to coastal storm weather; the hurricane season broadly runs from June through November. Pack layers for shoulder seasons and check conditions before travelling in winter.

Travel Advisory

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises normal precautions for travel to the United States; no specific regional restrictions apply to Staten Island or New York State. The US State Department's travel advisory for the United States is available at travel.state.gov. Visitors should check official guidance before travel, as advice can change.

Practical Notes

Accommodation options exist across the borough; visitors should research based on neighbourhood and proximity to the sites they intend to visit. The St. George area on the north shore is the most practical base for those relying on the ferry and railway. Dining options range from neighbourhood restaurants to well-regarded local pizzerias; the borough has a reputation among New Yorkers for its Italian-American food culture. Most shops and services follow standard New York hours; some businesses in less commercial neighbourhoods may have reduced hours. Visitors relying on public transport should check MTA schedules before travelling.