If you think you know Staten Island, think again! New York City’s most under-the-radar borough is filled with all kinds of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. From magical gardens and enthralling historical sites to a world-class shopping complex and an exciting ethnic food scene, a weekend on this island promises fun for all. Here’s your guide to spending 48 hours on Staten Island.
FRIDAY:
3pm: Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry
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You just can’t visit New York City without taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Not only will you beat the traffic on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, you’ll also unlock breathtaking vistas of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor, all for free! A 25-minute ride from Lower Manhattan will land you at Staten Island’s St. George Terminal, where you’ll be a short bus ride from top attractions. Fun fact: SNL stars and Staten Island natives, Pete Davidson and Colin Jost actually bought one of the retired iconic orange ferries!
4pm: Check into your hotel
Start your weekend right and settle into one of the island’s many lodging options. The Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island is conveniently located near many attractions, offers comfortable rooms, features an onsite restaurant, and has a free shuttle service to and from the Staten Island Ferry. Amazing views of the New York Harbor, homemade breakfast, and cozy rooms await at the Harbor House Bed & Breakfast, located next to the Alice Austen House and just a 15-minute MTA bus ride from the ferry. Stay at the Victorian Bed & Breakfast’s fine Italianate villa built in 1846 on Staten Island’s north shore, where you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, home cooking, and elegant rooms just minutes from the Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
5pm: Stop for a shopping spree
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What better way to kick off a weekend in Staten Island than with some retail therapy? Shop ‘til you drop at New York City’s first and only shopping outlet! Located just steps from the Staten Island Ferry, the Empire Outlets are home to hundreds of shops, waterfront food and beverage concepts, and rooftop lounge offering unparalleled views of the city. The Staten Island Mall also promises retail fun with over 200 specialty stores with everything from Armani Exchange to Macy’s. Plus, there’s a variety of restaurant options to grab a bite like Angelina’s Kitchen, a dine-in AMC showing the latest film releases, and Dave and Buster’s where you can eat, drink, and play.
7pm: Dinner at Enoteca Maria
Worked up an appetite? End your first day with a home-cooked meal from one of Staten Island’s most beloved restaurants. Known for its rotating cast of real “nonna” (grandmother in Italian) chefs from around the world, there’s no place like Enoteca Maria. You may get to indulge in family recipes from Japan, Uzbekistan, Greece, Peru, and other countries all in one weekend! The menu rotates frequently, so there’s always something new to try and each dish is made with love.
SATURDAY:
9am: Classic diner dishes for breakfast
Rise and shine! Fuel up for an adventure-packed day with classic diner dishes from Staten Island Diner. On the menu, you’ll find everything from steak and eggs to Nutella banana pancakes to breakfast quesadillas.
11am: Discover the Alice Austen House Museum
Photo by Joe Cingrana. Courtesy of NYC Tourism
Alice Austen was one of America’s earliest and most prolific female photographers, capturing some 8,000 images over the course of her life. Pay a visit to her historic home, a national site of LGBTQ history and vibrant cultural center, centered around Alice Austen and her life partner Gertrude Tate, providing an important window into pre-Stonewall LGBTQ history as well as Austen’s work and impact. Throughout the museum, you’ll find striking images capturing a changing New York City around the turn of the 20th century, intriguing permanent and rotating exhibitions, and more.
12:30pm: Lunch at Lakruwana
Right down the road from the Alice Austen House is Lakruwana, one of Staten Island’s favorite places to grab a bite. Featured as one of the Michelin Guide’s best restaurants in Staten Island, revel in the delicious flavors of authentic Sri Lanken cuisine at this family-owned establishment. While you feast on dishes like Kottu Roti or Lamprais, feast your eyes on the vibrant interior filled with floor-to-ceiling murals, sculptures, flags, and more. Plus, weekends at Lakruwana mean you’ll be able to indulge in one of the city’s best all-you-can eat buffet deals for $20.99!
2pm: Explore one of the country’s oldest military installations
Credit: Marley White
Explore one of the oldest military installations in the United States! Throughout the 226-acre site located on the northeastern shore on the Narrows of New York Harbor, Fort Wadsworth is full of history and natural beauty. Admire a breathtaking view of the harbor from the overlook, stroll through the fort, or follow along a guided tour to learn about its role in protecting the New York Harbor.
4pm: Escape to a garden oasis at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Gardens
Did you know that Staten Island is home to one of only two authentic classical outdoor Chinese Gardens in the country? Initially built in the 1800s as a home for retired sailors, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is the perfect oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Stroll through the 83-acre site, home to 23 historical buildings, 10 acres of wetlands, and nine botanical gardens including the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden.
6pm: Dinner at Shaw-Naé’s House
Rated as one of New York City’s top 100 restaurants for 2024 by the New York Times, grabbing a bite at Shaw-Naé’s House is a must. With cozy couches, a welcoming atmosphere, and some of the best soul food around, this restaurant lives up to its name. Be sure to try a plate of Shaw-Nae’s signature Sugar Daddy Wings, akin to chicken and waffles and smothered in a unique breakfast blend of syrups and spices.
7:30pm: Catch a show at St. George Theater
Credit: Julienne Schaer
End the night at one of the borough’s most beloved cultural spots, St. George Theater. Nestled in the heart of the historic St. George District, this 2,800-seat venue first opened its doors in 1929 and now features national tours, musical concerts, dance performances, comedy shows, and more.
SUNDAY:
9am: Grab bagels to go
You just can’t visit Staten Island without grabbing a bagel! You’ll find shops around just about every corner serving up these doughy delicacies, whether you prefer it topped with cream cheese or bacon, egg, and cheese. Be sure to check out popular spots like Heartland Bagels, Bagels, Bread, and Butter, or Bagels ‘N Buns.
9:30am: Breakfast at Staten Island Greenbelt or Midland Beach
Photo by Emma Frisbie
Now that you have your provisions, enjoy your breakfast surrounded by stunning scenery at the Staten Island Greenbelt or Midland Beach. The Greenbelt is one of New York City’s largest preserves home to 2,800 acres of stunning landscapes spread across nearly a dozen parks with miles of hiking trails and peaceful views. Start your morning with beachside ambiance at Midland Beach. Walk along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, which stretches for miles and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean or take it all in from one of the benches.
11am: Dive into maritime history at the National Lighthouse Museum
Credit: Tagger Yancey IV
Located on the former site of the United States Lighthouse Service’s General Depot on the North Shore, visit the National Lighthouse Museum to learn about all things lighthouses! A short walk from the ferry terminal, this museum celebrates the history, importance, and technology of the nation’s lighthouses.
1pm: Lunch at Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria
Family-owned and operated since 1960, Joe & Pat’s has been serving up some of the most delicious pizza and Italian dishes. Stop by for a hot, freshly-made thin crust slice, sandwiches, calzones, wraps, and more.
2pm: End the weekend with Tibetan treasures or animal friends
Credit: Julienne Schaer
Round out your weekend with a visit to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art or Staten Island Zoo. Known as the “jewel on a hillside”, the Tibetan Museum is a true hidden gem dedicated to the art, history, culture, and religious articles of Tibet. Admire the architecture that replicates Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and explore a collection of several thousand pieces dating back to the 15th century, including statues, paintings, and ritual objects. New York City’s “biggest little zoo” is also worth a stop, where you can make friends with more than 800 animal species like Galapagos tortoises, emus, toucans, and more!
GETTING THERE
By car:
By ferry:
By bus:
- MTA buses run throughout Staten Island and connect to Brooklyn and Manhattan
By train:
By plane:
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