New York Harbor

The Basics

Most visitors go to New York Harbor for the views of the city’s beloved Statue of Liberty. Look at her from afar, or get up close on a sightseeing cruise. Many tours to the Statue of Liberty include a stop at Ellis Island, another can’t-miss New York landmark—and Liberty and Ellis islands offer sweeping views of downtown Manhattan.

Alternatively, jet-ski, kayak, or boat in the harbor waters, or embark on a dinner cruise or sunset sail for a glimpse of Manhattan at its brightest. Or, simply take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry or one of the other public boats that transport both locals and tourists around the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Staten Island Ferry is free, and a 1-way trip lasts around 15 minutes.

• Sightseeing cruises typically offer food and beverages for purchase.

How to Get There

Located at the mouth of the Hudson River, the New York Harbor is served by cruise ships, commuter ferries, and tourist boats. Sightseeing and dinner cruises usually leave from Battery Park. If you’re taking the subway to Battery Park, get off at Bowling Green station.

When to Get There

New York Harbor is a 24-hour destination, with watercraft arriving and departing at all hours. Evening is arguably the best time for a sightseeing tour—there’s something magical about watching the city light up after dark.

Governors Island

The biggest island in New York Harbor, Governors Island is a former military outpost open to visitors from May through October. Covering more than 170 acres (69 hectares), this piece of land has a history that goes back to the early 17th century. Explore Fort Jay, Castle Williams, Colonel’s Row, and the South Battery, or check out the various temporary art installations and the annual art fair.

Which boat ride in NYC is free?

There are numerous cruises and boat tours of the New York Harbor—but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to explore, there’s no better bet than the Staten Island Ferry. Free to all riders, the ferry travels between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island and offers spectacular harbor views.

How busy is the New York Harbor?

The New York Harbor is very busy. Not only is it filled with ferries and tour boats of all shapes and sizes, but the combined Port of New York and New Jersey is now the busiest maritime shipping hub in the nation. That means plenty of naval traffic to contend with.

What is the New York Harbor known for?

The New York Harbor is known for being one of the largest natural harbors in the world, and its history has been inextricable from New York City’s since Henry Hudson first sailed here in 1609. Today, the harbor is home to world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Which animals live in the New York Harbor?

The New York Harbor is home to oysters, mussels, starfish, and fish species, while migratory marine mammals like humpback whales and harbor seals have been spotted in the harbor. Several aquatic bird species call the New York Harbor home.

Does New York City have a harbor?

Yes, New York City has a harbor. The New York Harbor is located at the point where the Hudson River empties into New York Bay and is one of the largest natural harbors in the world. No trip to the Big Apple is complete without exploring it by boat.

Can you swim in the New York City Harbor?

Although the New York Harbor water is cleaner now than it’s been for 100 years, that still doesn’t mean swimming is recommended. Swimmers would still have to contend with potential pollutants or pathogens, not to mention the heavy maritime traffic. If you wish to swim, head to Queens’ Rockaway Peninsula.

Ways to explore

Take a sightseeing cruise, ferry trip, or sunset sailboat ride to experience New York Harbor. These tours take you close to landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while you catch some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. For aerial vistas of the harbor and more NYC sights, splurge on a helicopter tour.

New York Harbor is also featured on some walking tours of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and is visible from piers and viewpoints along the Battery and Brooklyn Bridge Park. As another option, this waterway is just as stunning (and less crowded) from the New Jersey side—part of the draw to visit Liberty State Park.

Accessibility

Most New York Harbor cruises are wheelchair accessible, as are the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunglasses, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers for breezy boat rides

Not allowed

Restrictions vary by tour. The Statue of Liberty has strict security and doesn’t allow items including food, drinks, laptops, tripods, or backpacks.

Amenities

Wi-Fi is available on most cruises as well as at the Statue of Liberty and parts of Ellis Island. Public restrooms are available along the waterfront, including at common cruise departure points such as Battery Park.

Address

A bay at the mouth of the Hudson River, New York Harbor is situated between Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey. Most New York Harbor cruises depart from the Battery or one of the piers lining the Hudson River in Manhattan.

Driving

Driving across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge offers one of the best views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. If you’re taking a cruise from Manhattan, plan for traffic and park in a garage near your departure point.

Public transportation

One of the most budget-friendly ways to see New York Harbor is to take the free Staten Island Ferry. To get to the Manhattan terminal, take the 1 train to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, the J or Z to Broad Street, or the R or W to Whitehall Street.

Best times to visit

Sunset is one of the best times for a sightseeing cruise—there’s something magical about watching the city light up after dark. If you’re going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Best days to visit

For a less crowded experience, go midweek rather than on the weekends; just note that the subways and ferry terminals will be busy at rush hour.

Best months to visit

While late spring and early fall generally have the best weather, summertime cruises are a wonderful way to escape the city heat.

Special events

There are a number of concerts, festivals, and performances along the New York Harbor waterfront in the summer, including Porch Stomp on Governors Island and Battery Dance.