The Best Sight in New York City, New York

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We've compiled the best of the best in New York City - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Staten Island Ferry

Financial District Fodor's Choice
NEW YORK CITY, USA - May 26, 2014: Staten Island Ferry passing the Statue of Liberty in  New York Harbor. ; Shutterstock ID 195164825; Project/Title: 25; Downloader: Fodors Travel
Christopher Penler / Shutterstock

Some 70,000 people ride the free ferry daily to Staten Island, one of the city's five boroughs, and you, too, can join them for the city's most scenic commute. Without paying a cent, you get phenomenal views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governors Island during the 25-minute cruise across New York Harbor. You also pass tugboats, freighters, and cruise ships—a reminder that this is very much still a working harbor. The ferry sails every 15–30 minutes (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) from Whitehall Terminal at Whitehall and South Streets, on the east side of Battery Park. You must disembark once you reach the opposite terminal, but you can loop around and reboard if you don't plan to stay. A small concession stand on each ferry sells a few snacks and beverages (including beer). If you're sightseeing, avoid the packed morning and afternoon rush hours.