Take the NYC Ferry for Budget Skyline Views

Skip the overpriced commercial sightseeing cruises and hop aboard the NYC Ferry network instead. For a fraction of the cost of tourist charters, the East River and South Brooklyn routes offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the waterfront.

The East River route connects Midtown Manhattan (34th Street) to Lower Manhattan (Wall Street/Pier 11) with stops in trendy neighborhoods like Long Island City, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg. It serves as both practical transportation and a spectacular scenic voyage.

Head to the open-air top deck for unobstructed photo opportunities. Vessels are equipped with restrooms and a snack bar offering coffee, draft beer, and light refreshments, making it one of the most relaxing ways to travel between boroughs.