If there's one thing you must experience while traveling in New York, it's undoubtedly the Staten Island Ferry.

The amazing part is that this ferry is 'free'. You can travel back and forth between Manhattan and Staten Island without spending a dime.

It's a representative free attraction in New York and a regular means of transportation for locals. The ferry departs from the South Ferry Terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan.

This is conveniently the last stop on subway line 1, making it easy to find, and nearby is Battery Park, where you can take a stroll before boarding.

The ride takes about 25 minutes, during which you can enjoy iconic views of New York.

As the ferry slowly departs, if you look back, the skyline of downtown Manhattan gradually recedes, and to the right, the Statue of Liberty comes into view. The view is so excellent that there's no need to take an expensive cruise.

There's no better angle for taking photos of the Statue of Liberty. This is why tourists flock here. The ferry is quite spacious, with two levels, allowing you to sit indoors or enjoy the breeze on the outer deck. On nice days, most people go outside to take pictures or enjoy a coffee while taking in the scenery.

During rush hours, many Staten Island residents ride the ferry, giving you a glimpse of another side of New York in their everyday lives. Especially at sunset, the sky changes from orange to purple, reflecting off the building windows, creating a truly magical scene.

It feels like a scene from a movie. When you arrive at the destination, St. George Ferry Terminal, there are quite a few places to explore nearby. Recently, a shopping mall called Empire Outlets has opened in front of the terminal, making it a great spot to browse brand discount stores or enjoy a coffee while taking in the view.

One thing to note is that when you arrive in Staten Island and want to take the ferry back, you must disembark and board the next ferry. If you try to return on the same ferry, you may be stopped, so it's standard to get off and then line up to board again.

However, the ferry operates 24 hours a day, with an average interval of 30 minutes, so you won't have to wait long. Many people go to see the night view, as it operates even after midnight. Safety is well managed, and police patrol regularly, so you can feel relatively safe even late at night.

Interestingly, this ferry is not just for tourists; it's part of New York City's official transportation system.

About 70,000 people use it daily, and over 20 million people ride it annually. For New Yorkers, it's considered a 'commute with better scenery than the subway.'

I personally love the ferry in the early morning. Before the city wakes up, with a slight mist over the river and the distant lights of Manhattan faintly twinkling, that scene is truly unforgettable. With fewer tourists, it's quiet, and the only sound is the wind; that time on the ferry feels like being in a different world, not New York.

The Staten Island Ferry is the most valuable free experience in New York. This short voyage, which allows you to enjoy the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the sunset over the sea all at once, always offers a special moment for both first-time visitors and long-time locals.