Practical Tips & Hacks: Staten Island

Money-Saving Strategies

Smart choices reduce travel costs.

Ferry & Public Transit

The Staten Island Ferry is free. No tickets are needed.
Do not pay anyone selling ferry tickets.
A 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard ($34) covers MTA subways and buses.
OMNY tap-and-go with a contactless card caps fares over 7 days.

Free Local Activities

The Staten Island Greenbelt has free hiking trails.
The Staten Island September 11th Memorial is open to all.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center grounds are free for exploration.
Fort Wadsworth offers free access to its historic views.

Dining & Accommodation

Look for happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.
Lunch specials are more affordable than dinner.
Compare public transport vs. Ride-share for cost.
Vacation rentals often have kitchens for meal preparation.

General Cost Savings

Public transport is typically cheaper for individuals.
For groups, ride-shares may compare for short distances.
Consider walking for very short distances near attractions.
Budget wisely for souvenirs and personal spending.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning optimizes your visit.

Attraction Access

Purchase tickets online for attractions like Historic Richmond Town.
Visit popular sites right at opening or before closing.
Ride the Staten Island Ferry during non-rush hour for fewer crowds.
Weekends and late afternoon commutes are generally busy on the ferry.

Transportation Options

MTA express buses offer direct service to Manhattan during rush hours.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for routes.
Apps provide real-time schedules and account for transfers.
Pre-book tickets for performances at St. George Theatre or tours.

Avoiding Pitfalls

Walking between many attractions is not always feasible; plan transportation.
Do not only see the ferry; dedicate time for other unique attractions.
Explore local delis and pizzerias for authentic food experiences.
New Yorkers are direct; it's a communication style.

Social Norms

Personal space is limited in crowded areas; generally, give room.
On escalators, stand to the right to let others pass on the left.
Tipping is a common practice and a main part of service workers' income.
Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way in crosswalks.

Local Insights

Gaining local context enriches your visit.

Common Tourist Missteps

Paying for the Staten Island Ferry is unnecessary; it's free.
Do not underestimate island distances; walking is not always possible.
Visiting only the ferry means missing much of what Staten Island offers.
Do not overlook local eateries for the best food experiences.

Phrases That Show Appreciation

"Great slice!" (when discussing pizza).
"The Greenbelt is beautiful."
"I like the ferry views."
These phrases highlight local exploration and appreciation.

Local Customs

Direct communication is typical; take no offense.
Personal space is limited in busy locations.
On escalators, stand right, pass left.
Pedestrians often have right-of-way, but always look before crossing.

Essential Reminders

Tipping for service is customary.
Avoid jaywalking on busy streets.
Know local emergency numbers for safety.
Use navigation tools for efficient movement.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailor your trip for individual or collective travel.

Solo Traveler Tips

Staten Island is safe for solo exploration.
Public transport is reliable for individual travel.
Guided tours offer social connection.
Many casual restaurants welcome solo diners.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Staten Island Children's Museum and boardwalk are family-friendly.
Vacation rentals provide more space and kitchen access for families.
Plan breaks and snacks; avoid over-scheduling with children.
The free ferry ride is a favorite for children due to views.

Group Logistics & Reservations

For groups, consider a private van or multiple ride-shares.
Make restaurant reservations for groups in advance.
Pre-book attraction tickets to keep the group together.
Confirm details for group activities well in advance.

Accessibility Considerations

Research accessible public transport routes via the MTA website.
Check individual attraction websites for accessibility information.
Call venues like restaurants to confirm accessibility details.
Plan routes that prioritize accessible paths and facilities.

Resources & References

Accessing the right information transforms your travel.

Digital Guides

Essential apps for easy navigation and real-time updates.

Online Portals

Websites offering detailed information for planning and exploration.

Print Materials

Traditional resources provide depth and offline access.

Digital Resources

Essential Travel Apps

MyMTA for real-time transit information.
Citymapper for comprehensive routing.
Uber/Lyft for on-demand transportation.

Local Information Apps

Google Maps/Apple Maps for local search and navigation.
Yelp/Google Reviews for restaurant and attraction reviews.
Grubhub/DoorDash for food delivery services.

Online Planning Hubs

Visit NYCgo.com for general tourism info. Check new.mta.info for transit details, siferry.com for ferry schedules, snug-harbor.org for cultural center events, historicrichmondtown.org for historical details, and simuseum.org for museum information. Explore Babbel for language learning at Babbel.com. For secure browsing, consider NordVPN at NordVPN.com.

Emergency & Medical Information

Contacts & Locations

Emergency Numbers

Police, Fire, Ambulance (Medical Emergency): 911 (free call)
Non-Emergency Police/City Services: 311 (for non-urgent issues)
Local Poison Control: (212) POISONS (764-7667)
Traveler's Aid International: (877) 378-0097

Hospital Facilities

Staten Island University Hospital (North Campus): 475 Seaview Ave, NY 10305
Staten Island University Hospital (South Campus): 375 Seguine Ave, NY 10309
Richmond University Medical Center: 355 Bard Ave, NY 10310
Urgent care clinics are also widely available.

International Assistance

Have your country's embassy contact in D.C. Or consulate in NYC.
Report lost or stolen documents to local police (911/311).
Contact your embassy/consulate for replacement documents.
Familiarize yourself with local emergency alerts.

Books About the Destination

Historical & Cultural Books

"Staten Island: Blueprints for the Future" by Mark D. Stein.
"Staten Island: A History of the Place and Its People."
Part of a broader NYC history collection by Kenneth T. Jackson.

Local Publications & Fiction

Look for free local newspapers upon arrival.
Read local fiction set on Staten Island for a sense of place.
Join online forums like r/StatenIsland for local tips.

Online Communities & Language

Community Engagement

Join online forums or Reddit communities (e.g., r/StatenIsland, r/nyc).
Locals and experienced travelers share tips and answer questions.
These platforms provide up-to-date local information.
Seek recommendations for hidden gems.
Engage with residents for cultural understanding.

Language Learning

If English is not your native language, consider learning phrases.
Use language learning apps or websites before your trip.
Basic communication skills enhance interactions.
Focus on common travel phrases.
A little preparation goes a long way.

Podcasts & Social Media

Audio Content

Search for podcasts focused on New York City or Staten Island for local insights and historical context.

Social Media Follows

Follow official accounts like NYCgo, MTA, Snug Harbor, and Historic Richmond Town for real-time updates and event announcements.

Visual Inspiration

Instagram, Facebook, or X (Twitter) accounts provide visual inspiration and immediate information.

Critical Safety Note

Always prioritize your safety. Confirm emergency contacts and know hospital locations before you travel.

Essential Planning

Chronological Planning Timeline

Months Before Departure

Passport:
Check passport validity for at least six months beyond your stay.
Visa/ESTA:
Apply for an U.S. Visa or ESTA; apply at least 72 hours early.
Flights:
Book international and domestic flights for better prices.

Month Before Departure

Internal Transport:
Book car rentals or special transfers on Staten Island.
Itinerary:
Develop a detailed itinerary with attraction hours and fees.
Financials:
Inform banks of travel dates; plan for cash or ATM use.

Pre-Trip Actions

Accommodations

Book your hotel or Vacation rental well in advance, especially during peak seasons or for specific events.

Tours & Shows

For popular tours on Staten Island or performances at the St. George Theatre, booking tickets ahead is wise.

Travel Insurance

Research and purchase comprehensive Travel insurance that covers medical needs, cancellations, and lost luggage.

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Reviews & Events

Consult recent traveler reviews for hotels and restaurants.
Check local event calendars for festivals or concerts.
Familiarize yourself with Staten Island Railway and bus routes.
Plan transit from your accommodation to desired attractions.

Home Preparation

Secure your home: lock windows and doors, set alarms.
Unplug electronics and adjust thermostat settings.
Arrange for mail collection or delivery suspension.
Clear out perishable food items from your refrigerator.

Departure Week Checklist

Final Confirmations

Reconfirm all flight, accommodation, and tour reservations.
Pack luggage according to climate and activities.
Obtain prescription refills; carry them in original containers.
Download all necessary travel apps to your smartphone.

Document & Home Ready

Print or save digital copies of all important documents.
Store copies separately from originals for security.
Arrange for mail, plant watering, or pet care at home.
Confirm your home is secure for your absence.

Seamless Arrival & Departure

First, clear immigration, retrieve luggage, and use airport ATMs if cash is needed. Upon reaching your accommodation, familiarize yourself with nearby stores and transit. For departure, consider souvenir shipping, and note that the U.S. Does not offer VAT refunds. Confirm flights 24-48 hours prior and arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights.

Practical Tips & Hacks