Staten Island might be the city’s quietest borough, but it’s full of character and history. The free Staten Island Ferry runs all day and night, offering great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan before docking in St. George, where 19th-century architecture meets local culture. Stop by the restored St. George Theatre, the National Lighthouse Museum, or the Staten Island Museum, which mixes natural history, art, and local exhibits. Green space is everywhere here. The Staten Island Greenbelt offers miles of trails and woodlands, and in summer, the island’s beaches are popular for kayaking and relaxing by the water. For a closer look at local history, visit the Alice Austen House, once home to one of America’s first female photographers, or explore Historic Richmond Town, a preserved village with buildings and artifacts that trace island life back to the 1600s. Staten Island also has a growing food scene, especially around St. George and Stapleton, where you’ll find local breweries and waterfront restaurants worth discovering.

Kosta Boda, formerly known as Kosta Glasbruk, is the oldest glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal, where glass has been blown since 1742. Today, visitors can witness glassblowing in the furnace room and also appreciate the magnificent glass art created by renowned designers. Tours are available year-round, with daily tours taking place in the furnace room during the summer. In the well-stocked shop, you can purchase Kosta Boda products at factory prices.

At Heaton Park, the largest and most beautiful park in the area, you can find plenty of family activities, such as an animal centre, tram museum, bowling greens, golf course, boating lake, and horse riding. If you haven't brought your picnic basket, there are cafés on-site to solve that problem.