9 Reasons Why You Should Get Lost in Staten Island

So you’ve been to Brooklyn and conquered Queens—now what? Take the ferry (if you so choose) to the criminally underrepresented borough of Staten Island, home to a passionate population, unusual attractions, and much more. From art entertainment to spooky sites, here are 9 reasons you should get lost in New York City’s Staten Island.
Wildlife at Staten Island Greenbelt
Measuring at a whopping 2,500 acres (more than twice the size of Central Park), Staten Island Greenbelt boasts plenty of space for outdoors-loving islanders to explore. Home to a variety of rare plant life and over 30 miles (48 kilometers) of walking and running trails, the Greenbelt’s main attraction is its furry and feathered inhabitants (particularly an array of city and country bird species) which can be observed throughout this island oasis.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Surprisingly hot restaurant scene
Who would have thought New York City’s most underrepresented borough would be serving some of its best food? Come hungry to this island, where restaurants like Michelin-starred Bin 5 and the world-famous Enoteca Maria are cooking up great things. The island also offers some of the city’s freshest seafood and best waterfront dining experiences.
Top destinations for spook-seekers
One of the island’s most popular attractions is a building known as Kreischer Mansion, a reportedly haunted house and the site of several deaths and crimes. This is hardly the area’s only scary story; local spook-seekers can be seen exploring the former burial site of missing island children at the borough’s now-abandoned Staten Island Farm Colony. Whether there’s truth to these tales or they’re only local legends, Staten Island boasts an unofficial walking tour of eerie entertainment.

Italian culture
Brooklyn? Fuggedaboutit. The pop culture image of the slick New York Italian originated in Staten Island. Home to a large Italian-American population, the island boasts an array of institutions and events dedicated to celebrating this rich culture. The Italian Cultural Foundation’s Casa Belvedere, Rome Through Richmond Town, and the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation are just a few of the island’s Italian-aimed offerings.
Unusual attractions
While Manhattan has the Empire State Building and Brooklyn hosts its namesake bridge, Staten Island has a tugboat graveyard. This relic of New York’s shipping era, popular among kayakers, once consisted of 200 slowly sinking ships. Today, less than 25 historic vessels remain, but the graveyard’s intrigue remains very much alive.
As well as the Western Hemisphere’s largest collection of Tibetan art, Staten Island is also home to the United States’ only building built in the style of Himalayan temples. Additionally, the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art offers meditation gardens, an annual festival, and tai chi and meditation classes.

Escape the crowds
With fewer than 500,000 residents, Staten Island is New York City’s least populated borough. It is also the most rural, hosting over 170 parks, earning the island its nickname: The Greenest Borough. Can’t take New York’s crowds any longer? The island awaits as a tranquil escape.
Staten Island Ferry
Before they had bridges, New Yorkers regularly traveled between the five boroughs via ferries. The Staten Island Ferry, a free 24-hour service shuttling 70,000 passengers to and from Manhattan each day, is keeping this local tradition alive. A popular pick among shutterbugs, the ferry provides unparalleled views of the city skyline and Lady Liberty herself.

Bounty of art events
Get artsy each month at free events held around the area, courtesy of Second Saturday Staten Island. Non-profit art schools, independent stores, and even private homes host music, dance, and visual and performance art in this year-round event series.
Emphasis on community
From borough-based events to independent businesses, Staten Island values community in ways not seen in other New York City boroughs. Nowhere is this value more clear than at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, a neighborhood institution dedicated to benefiting Staten Island residents. Consisting of a music conservatory, children’s museum, 14 botanical gardens, and much more, the center is a pillar of the community it serves.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.