Updated May 2020.

NYC Ferry Frolicking

If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, you know that I’ve got a healthy addiction for the NYC Ferry. Ever since the NYC Ferry was launched in summer 2017, I sail it between Manhattan, Brooklyn & Queens to explore waterside neighbourhoods that I rarely visit.

At the time of updating this post, NYC has been on shutdown, lock down and Pause since March 2020 because of the covid-19 pandemic so it will be interesting when we emerge post-quarantine to sail the NYC ferry and explore more areas before we resume this lock down process in fall/winter.

Without further ado, below are waterfront neighbourhoods and things to see with the NYC Ferry at these spots.

 

# Wall Street/Pier 11.

This is one of the main piers of the NYC Ferry service in downtown Manhattan and is right on the South Street Seaport. I absolutely ADORE this area and it is one of my favourite spots in NYC.

Take the 2,3 trains to Wall Street and walk to Pier 11 for the NYC ferry service. You cannot miss it as you’ll be heading towards the East River and spy the boats bobbing on the docks.

Things to See.

As the name suggests, visit the iconic Wall Street and get it off your bucket list. Don’t miss Charging Bull further down Broadway near Bowling Green and Fearless Girl, in front of the NYSE building on Wall Street.

On Wall St., there is a statue of George Washington in front of the old Federal Hall building and the famous Nasdaq building across the cobblestone street.

Pier 15 has the Wavertree, a docked & decommissioned naval ship, and massive deck chairs that fit two bodies. This is also where the Hornblower cruises around downtown begin so you can tourist watch on the pier while soaking up some sun.

Pier 17 is another lovely hangout on the East River with a rooftop that holds concerts, movie nights, ice rink and seasonal displays, and at night, the structure lights up in colours seen across the East River in Brooklyn.

South Street Seaport is a historic waterfront district underneath the FDR bridge with cobblestone streets of brick storefronts and modern restaurants. View the top of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge from here and explore shops, ship museums, a cinema, al fresco dining, quiet streets…

South Street Seaport Museum is free to visit on Front Street and you can purchase tickets for the Wavertree and experience history of European immigration into America via New York City. Really fascinating!

The Watermark Bar and Industry Kitchen are on Pier 15 to grab a bite or patronize the many food trucks in the area. There is an amazing taco truck across the street from Pier 17 so make sure you grab something from here if you can.

Instagrammable Sights

• Brooklyn Bridge
• The Wavertree and docked ships
• Cobblestone streets and charming store fronts
• Pier 17 and the Heineken River Deck
• Murals

These are the major things to see on the NYC ferry but of course, you need to explore more of the area yourself to discover new sights.

 

#DUMBO

This is a hip, trendy and scenic waterfront neighbourhood meaning:

Down Under the Manhattan Brooklyn Overpass.

 

From Pier 11/ Wall St., take the NYC Ferry to DUMBO to experience a historic Brooklyn neighbourhood stretching back to the days of Dutch and English settlers.

 

Things to See.

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge, as seen below, is what draws tourists to DUMBO.

There is much to do in DUMBO such as pig out at Ample Hills Creamery, splurge on juicy burgers and shakes from Shake Shack, scarf a lobster roll or three from Luke’s Lobster, experiment with global cuisine at TimeOut Food Hall or indulge in the famous Grimaldi’s pizza.

If you’re a frugalista, there are food trucks selling hot and cold refreshments so fret not. Alternatively, pack your own refreshments in an affordable picnic basket for cheap.

Fun for the kiddies is present in the form of Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Environmental Centre.

Instagrammable Sights

• Manhattan Bridge
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Jane’s Carousel
• Pebble Beach
• Piers 1, 2 &3
• South Street Seaport across the East River

These are just slivers of things to do in DUMBO on the NYC ferry so read the complete post for more in depth details of fun, food and fanfare to be had in DUMBO–> What To Do In A Day in DUMBO, Brooklyn

 

#Roosevelt Island.

Catch the Astoria-bound NYC ferry from Wall St./Pier 11 to Roosevelt Island and make sure to sit on the upper deck for the best river views.

On Roosevelt Island, I temporarily forget that I am within NYC because it is so absent of the bustle that the city is known for.

For history and paranormal nerds, there is an (allegedly) haunted Smallpox Hospital ruin present on the island and literally stripped to its shell. It’s a sight to behold.

Visit the island in April for the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival and for a much needed escape from mainland NYC.

Read More: 10 Things to Do On Roosevelt Island on a Cheap Day Trip from NYC

Instagrammable Sights

• The Promenade
• 59th Street Bridge.
• The tram. Yes, a tram. Click the link to see how to get on it. Go on now!
• A haunted (allegedly) ruin. We all love a good ghost story, innit?
• Four Freedoms Park
• The famous Pepsi-Cola sign of Long Island City.
• Cornell’s ritzy campus building (if you’re into that).
• Cherry blossoms every April to early May.
• The lighthouse. Yes! Click the link, mate.

 

#Governor’s Island

This is one of the first locations I visit in 2017 when the NYC ferry launches and I love it. Sail the NYC ferry from either Wall Street or DUMBO between May and October for a city escape.

Every year sees events on Governor’s Island such as art pop-ups and the very popular All White Party which is by invitation only so it’ll be interesting to see what changes post covid-19 lock down.

There are several foodie events where late summer sees the Vendy Awards & OctFest food fest right before the island closes for the season.

Instagrammable Sights

• The Scramble. Wear comfy footwear and carry an upcycled backpack and refillable water bottle
• A distant but visible Lady Liberty.
• View of downtown Manhattan.
• Ziplining! Yes! Click post below for that thrill.

I chronicle my inaugural day trip to Governor’s Island here –> Daytripping Activities on Governor’s Island.

#Greenpoint

The last time I am in this neighbourhood is during the 2011 recession and I don’t see much of it because pricy lofts is what Greenpoint is known for … and that is still the same a decade later.

Fast forward to August 2018 with 98F temperature and a million humidity units, I have the bright idea to sail to Greenpoint on the NYC ferry and experience its waterfront neighbourhood.

So, off to DUMBO I go, jump on the E. 34th Street route, alight at Greenpoint and walk down the pier till I get to the intersection, then head right.

Ovenly is a small but charming bakery between Kent and West Streets and I have a much needed lemonade and cinnamon slice before venturing out into the heat again.

Outside, I turn right and walk towards the river for Transmitter Park, another spot with picturesque East River views of midtown Manhattan. Bear in mind that there’s no shade in summer so bring a parasol or large floppy hat for protection.

There is Brooklyn Barge nearby for food and shade so if you’re melting, this is best for you, but you obviously have to order something. Paulie Gee’s pizza place is a neighbourhood fave with unusual toppings, alas, I can no longer process cheese so I have to skip this. Bummer!

Lastly, for the bookish, there is Word, an independent bookstore that hosts community readings and events. I cannot wait to explore Greenpoint post lock down to see what has changed since my last visit.

Instagrammable Sights

• Transmitter Park
• Manhattan views
• Large wall mural on the waterfront

 

#Williamsburg

The NYC ferry makes stops at both North and South Williamsburg on the E.34th St. route where the waterfront has been transformed to accommodate a growing residential population.

South Williamsburg has Domino Park replete with steampunk elements of the old Domino sugar refinery as well as areas for specific activities like games and food.

Update: In this covid-19 era, Domino Park has social distancing circles on its lawn with the required 6ft distance. Smart.

Domino Park has beautiful views of the Williamsburg Bridge and Manhattan skyline with water jets that pulsate purple as well as elements of the former factory, such as decommissioned stacks and heavy equipment that look very rustic in their industrial-era “decor”.

North Williambsurg isn’t left behind, with its Saturday Smorgasborg and a huge green lawn on the East River State Park waterfront, something that Domino Park doesn’t have much of. It remains to be seen if the Smorgasborg will return in summer with covid-19 still wreaking havoc.

Best bring a parasol with anti-UV qualities or at least, a floppy hat. Also, have a weather-proof, mold-resistant, handy mat strap as a surface layer if you want to get horizontal on the grass.

Vendors have a variety of nosh so if you’re not a meat eater (like me) or don’t do dairy (me too), there are vegan, dairy-free and/or gluten-free options. Also, a lot of seafood options, but come early & have cash handy lest they run out of your favourites like they did mine.

In addition, N.Wills has an urban beach, complete with sand and rocks which are enjoyable in summer. Of course, no one goes in the water but just hanging out on the “beach” and pretending to be in Barbados is great. At least, that’s what I do. Lol.

For the artsy ones, enjoy Artists & Fleas market right opposite the Smorgasborg on Kent Avenue. Browse artistically decorated stalls and tables of artisanal jewellery, shea butter products and other NYC handmade items from local artisans.

 

# Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park begins at DUMBO/Pier 1 and stretches down the waterfront to Pier 6 where it is possible to walk to Pier 6 from Pier 1 but you must have comfy walking shoes and hydrate.

 

Coming from Manhattan, take the South Brooklyn ferry from Wall St. to Brooklyn Bridge Pier 6 and experience a fun, family-friendly time here.

There is a splash pool for kids to cool off in, Fornino’s for pizza, burgers and pannini, and an ice-cream stand for your sweet tooth satisfaction … or maybe it’s just mine. Hmmn.

Again, you won’t tire of downtown Manhattan views, a yacht pier, and sprawling lawn on which to flop down. At day’s end, sail the NYC ferry back to Manhattan or exit the park and walk through the neighbourhood of terracotta brownstones to Court street for the subway.

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Last Word

I hope this summer post inspires you to enjoy the NYC ferry, its myriad of things to do, and explore NYC waterfront neighbourhoods, especially in the covid-19 era where local travel will boom for a while.

Don’t forget to create your own Instagrammable moments, hashtag #commuteincomfort, grab seats on the top deck and enjoy the waterfront vistas of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo and Manhattan.

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Comment if you’ve taken the ferry as a tourist or local, and where you sailed to.

Don’t forget to share! xoxo

 

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