Staten Island is the southernmost of New York City's five boroughs, separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill and the Kill Van Kull and from the rest of the city by New York Bay. It is the least densely populated and most suburban borough, and the only one not connected to the New York City Subway system. The free Staten Island Ferry links it to Manhattan across New York Harbor, with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan along the way.
For a visitor, the island divides into three broad regions: the North Shore, north of the Staten Island Expressway; the South Shore, generally south of the Fresh Kills; and the Mid-Island in between. The North Shore is the most urban and historic, the Mid-Island is largely mid-century and commercial, and the South Shore is the most suburban. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of travellers.
Best areas to stay in Staten Island
1. St. George
St. George is the political, transport and cultural centre of the island. It holds Borough Hall and the County Courthouse, the St. George Ferry Terminal, the Staten Island Museum, the Postcards September 11 memorial and the St. George Theater. It also contains the St. George Historic District, with its large Victorian houses.
This is the most practical base for a first visit, because the ferry terminal puts Manhattan within a free boat ride and the Staten Island Railway starts here and runs to Tottenville. It suits visitors who want to move between the island and the rest of the city without a car, and it is the liveliest part of the North Shore.
2. Tompkinsville
Tompkinsville sits just along the shore from St. George and is home to Staten Island's "Little Sri Lanka", with a number of ethnic restaurants. It is part of the North Shore's older, more urban fabric.
It suits travellers who want to be close to the ferry terminal and the railway while staying in a neighbourhood with a strong food culture. Being on the North Shore, it shares the same easy connection to the ferry as St. George.
3. Stapleton
Stapleton is a small waterfront neighbourhood, sometimes known as the Stapleton Homeport. It is mostly residential housing today, and the waterfront is still used as part of the annual New York City Fleet Week.
It suits visitors who prefer a quiet, residential base with water views and a short trip to the ferry. Like the rest of the North Shore, it is well placed for reaching the island's historic districts.
4. New Brighton and West New Brighton
New Brighton is a small neighbourhood just west of St. George, and its main attraction is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, a collection of museums on the site of a former retirement home. West New Brighton is a separate neighbourhood and is home to the Staten Island Zoo.
These suit visitors who want to be near St. George's transport links but based in a quieter, more residential setting, with cultural attractions within the neighbourhood itself.
5. Port Richmond
Port Richmond is one of Staten Island's oldest neighbourhoods and holds many examples of historic architecture. It lies on the North Shore, within the older, fully developed part of the island.
It suits travellers interested in the island's older built fabric who are content to be in a residential area and rely on buses and the railway to reach the ferry and the rest of the island.
6. New Dorp
New Dorp is one of the Mid-Island's major commercial centres, with deep roots reaching back to the American Revolution, when it was the base of the British army in New York. Its main thoroughfare, New Dorp Lane, has convenience stores, cake shops, mom-and-pop shops, pizzerias and more.
It suits visitors who want shops and services within walking distance and a central position on the island. The Staten Island Railway serves the Mid-Island corridor, connecting New Dorp to St. George and the ferry.
7. Great Kills
Great Kills is the northernmost neighbourhood on the South Shore. It is very residential and has a large park and marina.
It suits travellers who want a suburban, low-key stay near the water. The South Shore is served by the Staten Island Railway, which continues from the Mid-Island down to Tottenville.
8. Tottenville
Tottenville is the southernmost point in New York and developed earlier than the rest of the South Shore, thanks to its prominence as a transportation hub before the invention of automobiles. Many examples of nineteenth-century architecture can be found here.
It suits visitors who want the quietest, most historic end of the island and do not mind a longer ride on the Staten Island Railway to reach the ferry. The South Shore is the most suburban part of the borough, so a car or the railway is useful here.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect limited options on Staten Island. The island's accommodation is thin, so budget travellers may find more choice by looking at the North Shore's urban neighbourhoods, where transport to Manhattan is easiest.
- Mid-range: The island's main hotel-style accommodation sits in this bracket, with standard chain-hotel amenities and rates that vary by season. Staying here can make sense if you are arriving via Newark International Airport, since Staten Island is the closest borough to it, with lower taxi fares and shorter travel times than Manhattan.
- Splurge: Staten Island is not a luxury destination, and the source material does not identify a high-end district. If you want a splurge stay, you would generally look outside the borough, or accept the island's limited upscale inventory.
Best area for a first visit
St. George is the best base for a first visit. It puts you at the ferry terminal, the start of the Staten Island Railway, and within walking distance of the island's main cultural attractions and its historic district. From here you can reach Manhattan for free by ferry and travel the length of the island by rail without needing a car.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay on Staten Island?
Not necessarily. The North Shore, and St. George in particular, is served by the free Staten Island Ferry and the Staten Island Railway, which runs from the ferry terminal at St. George to Tottenville. The island also has MTA bus lines. A car is more useful on the more suburban South Shore.
How do I get to Staten Island from Manhattan?
The free Staten Island Ferry connects the borough to Manhattan across New York Harbor, providing views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Lower Manhattan. It arrives at the St. George Ferry Terminal.
Is Staten Island a good base if I am flying into Newark?
It can be. Staten Island is the closest borough to New Jersey's Newark International Airport, which results in lower taxi fares and shorter travel times than Manhattan. The taxi fare is $45 to any point in Staten Island plus up to $10 in tolls.
Which part of Staten Island is best for nightlife and restaurants?
The North Shore is the island's most urban area, and Tompkinsville in particular has a number of ethnic restaurants in its "Little Sri Lanka". St. George, as the cultural centre, has the island's main venues. The South Shore and West Shore are the least suited to this, being suburban and industrial respectively.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.