Weekend in New York City

Free 25-minute ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island, offering close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline.

Tip: Take the ferry at sunset for the best light on the Statue of Liberty. Stay on the right side of the boat for the best views going out, and return on the left side coming back. It's free and runs 24/7.

A free 25-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island. Gives you views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.

Tip: Stand on the right side of the boat going out for the best Statue of Liberty view. Sit upstairs in the open-air deck. Bring a jacket even in summer; it gets windy.

A free 25-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island, offering views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Tip: Take the South Ferry from Whitehall Terminal and sit on the right side for skyline photos; stay on the boat for the return trip without getting off.

A 1.45-mile elevated railway turned public park on Manhattan's West Side, with gardens, art installations, and city views.

Tip: Enter at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District for a quieter start, avoiding the crowded 34th Street entrance.

An elevated railway line turned public park, running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through Chelsea up to 34th Street. Wide paths, wild planting, and clear sightlines of the Hudson

Tip: Enter at the Gansevoort Street end to avoid the worst of the crowds near Chelsea Market. The northern section past 30th Street is quieter and has newer planting.

A free ferry ride from Lower Manhattan to Staten Island, passing by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s a practical commuter service, not a tourist boat.

Tip: Go at sunset for good light on the skyline. Sit on the right side going out for Lady Liberty views; the left side on the return.

843-acre public park with meadows, lakes, walking paths, and historic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and the Belvedere Castle. Free entry for all.

Tip: Enter at 72nd Street and walk to the Mall for the best free views of the skyline. Go early on weekdays to avoid crowds. The zoo is paid but the park itself is free.

340-hectare public park in Manhattan with meadows, wooded paths, lakes, and landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge.

Tip: Enter at 72nd Street to find the Strawberry Fields memorial and nearby benches with views of the Dakota Building. For a quieter walk, head to the North Woods above 100th Street.

A 1.1-mile walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Views of the East River, the Brooklyn skyline and the Manhattan skyline. The walkway is elevated above traffic.

Tip: Start from the Brooklyn side (Tillary Street) to walk into Manhattan; the perspective of the skyline opening up is better. Go at sunrise or on a weekday afternoon to avoid bicycle traffic.

843-acre public park in the middle of Manhattan, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Walking loops, meadows, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Belvedere

Tip: Skip the crowded Mall and Bethesda Terrace. The North Woods near 102nd Street has a quiet stream and woodland trails. Stick to the Mall for people-watching, but bring packed lunch to avoid $15 burgers at park kiosks.