| For many, a visit to the 'Big Apple' is | | | | largest and most complete collection of |
| likely to involve shopping on Fifth | | | | rattlesnakes in North America. The zoo |
| Avenue, a stroll through Central Park | | | | currently has over 400 animals ranging |
| and taking in a show at one of the many | | | | over 200 different species, while the |
| theatres on Broadway. Often called 'the | | | | zoo is also the home of Staten Island |
| forgotten borough', Staten Island is the | | | | Chuck, a groundhog who is the official |
| most geographically detached of New | | | | Groundhog Day forecaster for New York |
| York's boroughs and, while it doesn't | | | | City. |
| have the allure of Manhattan or | | | | Movie buffs will be pleased to learn |
| Brooklyn, there is still plenty of | | | | that a vast number of films have been |
| reason to visit, as no trip to New York | | | | filmed partially or wholly on Staten |
| would be complete without a ride on the | | | | Island, including The Godfather, Working |
| Staten Island ferry. | | | | Girl, War of The Worlds, Goodfellas, |
| The Staten Island ferry carries over | | | | Donnie Brasco and School of Rock |
| 70,000 passengers a day between | | | | starring Jack Black among many others. |
| Whitehall Street at the southernmost tip | | | | The island was also the location for |
| of Manhattan and St. George Ferry | | | | Madonna's music video for her song 'Papa |
| Terminal on Richmond Terrace in Staten | | | | Don't Preach'. |
| Island. Taking around twenty-five | | | | For those who want to indulge in a bit |
| minutes per journey, the ferry ride is a | | | | of shopping away from the hustle and |
| favourite of tourists to New York as it | | | | bustle of Fifth Avenue or Times Square, |
| provides excellent views of the Lower | | | | Staten Island has a wide array of shops |
| Manhattan skyline, Ellis Island and the | | | | and malls to while away the hours. Food |
| Statue of Liberty. Furthermore, the | | | | lovers are well catered for as well, |
| ferry provides a no-hassle mode of | | | | with a wide range of restaurants and |
| transport and is free to ride! | | | | bars appealing to even the most diverse |
| However, there is more to Staten Island | | | | of tastes, where you can relax, unwind |
| than the ferry if you're not the | | | | and refuel in order to throw yourself |
| sea-faring type. The island has miles | | | | into the best of Staten Island |
| of beaches which are perfect for | | | | nightlife. |
| sunbathing, swimming, pier fishing and | | | | If you're considering a trip to New |
| other recreational activities. Staten | | | | York, Staten Island provides an ideal |
| Island is also home to a variety of | | | | location for tourists looking to escape |
| cultural centres and historical sites, | | | | the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. |
| such as Conference House which was the | | | | With hotels in Staten Island ranging |
| location of the abortive Peace | | | | from the luxurious to the cheap and |
| Conference between British and American | | | | functional, you're sure to find |
| soldiers during the American Revolution, | | | | accommodation to suit your budget; and |
| the Garibaldi-Meucci museum, Noble | | | | with the Staten Island ferry making 104 |
| Maritime Collection and The National | | | | round-trips every day between Staten |
| Lighthouse Museum. | | | | Island and Manhattan, you won't have far |
| The island is also home to the Staten | | | | to go to indulge in shopping on Fifth |
| Island Zoo, which recently opened a | | | | Avenue, a stroll through Central Park |
| newly refurbished reptile exhibit and is | | | | and taking in a show at one of the many |
| widely regarded as having among the | | | | theatres on Broadway. |