Around New York
 

Which would you recommend--the Circle Line tour around Manhatten or the Staten Island Ferry? Whichever one I do I hope to do the boat ride around sunset as I have read that it is really nice at that time of day. Comments? Thanks for helping.

They are two different things. The Circle Line goes around Manhattan Island, while the Staten Island Ferry goes to Staten Island, of course, offering a view of the Statue of Liberty. <BR>One thing in favor of the Staten Island Ferry: It's much, much cheaper! Like a quarter, I believe. The Circle Line costs in double dollar figures. <BR>Both are excellent.

I just got back from New York and had a great time. We took the Battery Park Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for $7 and the views were the best.(You take the subway to South Ferry and you are there.) You can stop at either point and stay as long as you want and then get back on the next ferry or just continue on to the next point in the trio of stops- one fee for all. We had great views on the plane coming in as we had to circle for about twenty minutes before landing. You can get almost anywhere by public transportation. $17 for a Metrocard that is good for an entire week. We even took the subway to the Bronx and back for the Yankee game (around midnight.) It was safe and very clean. <BR>We saw more in 5 days than I could possibly relate here but I did get my <BR>entire day in the Metropolitan and also <BR>saw the new Space Show at the Rose Space Center. Lion King is something that you should try to get tickets for <BR>NOW. Hope you have better luck if flying than we did, as now I have a free trip for anywhere in the US for the next year, as with the storm and plane problems we and about 300 others that I know of were all stranded at LaGuardia for almost 2 days. We ended up teaming up with another couple from Chicago and rented a car and drove home. Great people- it ended up like the journey in "Canterbury Tales." Wonderful time!

The SI Ferry is free now.

The Staten Island Ferry gets my vote, the Circle Line is a nice ride, but there are part of Manhattan that are just not pretty. <BR> <BR>The SI ferry leaves from the southern part of Manhattan and heads out toward the Verrazano (spelling?) Bridge going by the Statue of Liberty and you get a great view of the "ol lady", she is looking pretty good after the "face lift" a few years ago. <BR> <BR>The ferry stops on Staten Island and all you do is get off, walk around the building to the turnstyle go through and get back on the boat. The total ride now is FREE. <BR> <BR>The view of the city at night from the ferry is breataking, at sunset with the lights comming up, is a must see. <BR> <BR>Have a great time while you are here. <BR> <BR>gail

Why not do both? I am a NYer & have done both. The Circle Line is much longer, has an informative, if not totally accurate commentary unlike the ferry. They both afford totally different views & experiences. i think they are both bargains <BR>Weather permitting, why dont you pick up some great bagels & starbuck coffee& have breakfast on the ferry, to Si & then come back. its kind of peaceful & a tad gritty. By the way, next to the circle line in the 40s, is the circle lines speedboat which can be purchased as a combo package. I went to humor my 12yo but was actually thrilled by it. I do love boat trips (my bias). I think sunset might be lovely. Chelsea Piers also has bateau mouche suppers now. If you want an Expensive but great dining exp.--Waters Edge- & fab sunset go to Long Island City via their water taxi at 33rd & FDR. Also, there is a water taxi to yankee stadium, an amazing trip esp. going there with all the beer drinking stockbrokers! Email me for more info if you wish. <BR>

The commentary on the Circle Line/Manhatten tour was just fantastic, informative and interesting. I would highly recommend it.