New York City was built because of the Hudson River, but the East River – a tidal strait connecting the New York Harbor with Long Island Sound – has always been where the action is.
While the East River Ferry is no more, the service now falls under the catchall of NYC Ferry, connecting stops along the East River. Here’s how to explore some of the best neighborhoods along those stops.
1. Long Island City
The heart of Queens’ art scene, Long Island City is a long-rising neighborhood filled with galleries, restaurants, and condos. While the ferry usually stops at Hunters Point South, the landing is currently closed and boats are rerouted to the Long Island City stop, a short walk away. Regardless of where you land, there’s much to do in a couple of hours by foot in Long Island City.
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Park: Right at the Long Island City stop is Gantry Plaza State Park, a petite (and condo-backed) park overlooking Roosevelt Island and the UN. Its claim to fame is a 1936 ‘Pepsi-Cola’ sign in glorious cursive – moved here from a closed Pepsi factory. A brief stroll south will take you to Hunter’s Point South, which recently opened the second phase of its revamped parkland.
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Kayaking: A five-minute walk away, the Long Island City Boathouse offers free kayak programs on select weekends – check licboathouse.org for details.
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Art: The area’s best attraction is PS1, a more digestible art space than its (adopted) parent MoMA. Its Saturday ‘Warm Up’ summer parties begin in July.
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Food: Stellar international cuisine is one of Queens’ greatest charms. Get Michelin-starred Mexican at Casa Enrique on 49th Ave, while Mu Ramen on Jackson Ave offers particularly creative takes on the Japanese staple.
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Laughs: Catch a comedy show at the Creek and the Cave, a venue popular among Saturday Night Live writers three blocks east of the dock.
2. India St/Greenpoint
One of New York’s better-kept secrets, Greenpoint can feel like a Polish-American/hipster hybrid ‘island’ – cut off from Manhattan by bridge, tunnel, or direct subway links. That’s a good thing. Get off here if you’ve not been and wander up Franklin St – perhaps all the way to Williamsburg to get back on the ferry there.
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Beer: There’s no shortage of beer spots in Greenpoint, led by the cozy Scandinavian-themed Tørst on Manhattan Avenue. At Greenpoint Ave and Franklin St, Pencil Factory is a great bar, with sidewalk seats and open windows. Nearby, Brouwerij Lane is a must-visit beer stop with take-away jugs, a few tables, and an impressive beer selection.
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Brunch: Littleneck Outpost on Franklin serves up great coffee and breakfast staples, but the borough’s best is a 10-minute walk south: Five Leaves, known for its sidewalk seats and lively atmosphere. If the line is too long, try the gem Sauvage, featuring French-accented American cuisine.
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Polish Food: People get into shoving matches over which of Greenpoint’s many Polish eateries is best, but a good choice is the kid-friendly Karczma, offering a charming atmosphere and delicious food.
3. N 6th St/Williamsburg
If you enjoy bars, shops, and indie rock, you probably already know about Williamsburg – a neighborhood that has long since taken over from the Lower East Side as America’s ultimate hipster haven. This is one of two Williamsburg ferry stops and the best to access its allure.
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Park: Two blocks north of the dock, East River State Park offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and weekend food options at Smorgasburg during warmer months. For Williamsburg’s newest green space, head down Kent Ave to the recently opened Domino Park.
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Bowling: The best spot to bowl in Williamsburg is Brooklyn Bowl, which hosts live shows and bowling events. For a rustic experience with American craft brews, check out Gutter.
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Shopping: The main area for shops and cafes runs along Bedford Ave, with many more enclaves in surrounding streets.
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Beer: Explore numerous bars, but the best rooftop views can be enjoyed at The Ides at the Wythe Hotel and Westlight at the William Vale Hotel.
4. Brooklyn Bridge Park/DUMBO
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Park: Visit the sprawlingBrooklyn Bridge Park, a destination in itself, with green spaces, food stands, and dining tables overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Enjoy free kayaking and various events. Don’t miss Pier 3 for its green space and labyrinths.
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Shopping: Empire Stores has transformed from a forgotten warehouse to a chic retail hub featuring brands like Shinola and J.Crew.
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Pizza: Follow the crowd to Grimaldi’s, a New York classic, where the atmosphere and delicious pizza make the wait worthwhile.
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Culture: St Ann’s Warehouse stages experimental theater in a quaint tobacco warehouse, while BargeMusic hosts classical shows on a floating venue.
Before hopping on any ferry, download the NYC Ferry app for real-time schedules and routes, as well as ticket purchase options. Free transfers are valid up to 90 minutes after your ticket purchase.
This article was originally published in 2011 and updated in 2018 by Mikki Brammer.
