Staten Island offers more than just the Staten Island Ferry. Its neighborhoods, waterfront, and local flavors invite visitors to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. What makes Staten Island especially appealing for tours is the opportunity to see a different side of New York City—less hectic, more relaxed, and deeply rooted in local life. We’re especially fond of experiences like the NYC 3 Borough Tour with Pizza, which combines iconic landmarks with a taste of Staten Island’s culinary scene, and the Staten Island Walking Tour and Slice of Pizza, perfect for those wanting a quick yet rich introduction. Whether you’re after scenic views, history, or a delicious slice, Staten Island’s tours deliver.
For this guide, we’ve picked out four standout options. Some offer comprehensive experiences with boat rides and neighborhood explorations, while others focus on food or walking adventures. Whatever your style, there’s a Staten Island tour that can help you make the most of your visit. Check out the options below and find your perfect match.
1. NYC 3 Borough Tour Manhattan Brooklyn Staten Island with Pizza
At number 1, the NYC 3 Borough Tour with Pizza offers an engaging way to see some of the city’s most famous sights along with a taste of local flavor. For about $119, you’ll spend around 4 to 5 hours hopping between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, with boat rides framing each neighborhood’s skyline. The tour begins with a ferry from Battery Park, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a broad perspective of NYC.
What sets this tour apart is its blend of sightseeing and food. You’ll visit Empire Outlets, Staten Island’s premier waterfront shopping destination, perfect for a quick browse or a snack break. The highlight, however, is the boat rides—three in total—that give you different vantage points of landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. After Staten Island, you’ll take the NYC Ferry into Manhattan, passing the 9/11 Memorial and South Street Seaport, rounding out an immersive experience. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, with many noting the tour’s excellent value considering the multiple boroughs and boat rides included.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a well-rounded, engaging day that combines iconic sights, local neighborhoods, and a dash of delicious pizza, all with a flexible, fun itinerary.
2. Staten Island Walking Tour and Slice of Pizza
Number 2 on our list is the Staten Island Walking Tour and Slice of Pizza, offering a quick and affordable way to get to know Staten Island’s Historic Saint George neighborhood. For just $26, this 1-hour guided walk is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a meaningful glimpse into the island’s character and history.
The tour kicks off with a ferry ride from Battery Park, giving you scenic views of the city skyline and Statue of Liberty. Once on Staten Island, you’ll explore Empire Outlets and then meet your licensed guide to walk through St. George, learning about its architecture, local eateries, and community stories. A key highlight is visiting Staten Island Borough Hall and the National Lighthouse Museum, both offering insight into the island’s civic life and maritime past. Reviewers emphasize how knowledgeable guides like Nancy share rich local stories and make the history accessible. Many also appreciate the combination of walk and pizza, as the tour includes visits to four different pizza parlors, tasting a slice at each.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for budget travelers or those with limited time who want an authentic taste of Staten Island’s history, architecture, and food scene.
3. Staten Island St George Pizza Tour
Number 3, the Staten Island St George Pizza Tour, focuses exclusively on one of the neighborhood’s most beloved food traditions. For just $20 and approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes, this tour offers an indulgent exploration of Staten Island’s pizza scene, making it a tasty choice for food lovers.
The tour begins with a ferry ride from Manhattan, offering views of the skyline and Statue of Liberty. Once on Staten Island, your guide will lead you through St. George, where you’ll visit four different pizza parlors. You’ll learn about the history and trends of pizza on the island, tasting slices from each venue—each with its own unique style and flavor. Along the way, you’ll pass notable landmarks such as the St. George Theatre and the Light House Museum, adding context to your culinary adventure. Reviews highlight the friendly guides like Nancy and the quality of the pizza, describing it as “just as great as it looks.” Many travelers find this tour a fun and delicious way to experience Staten Island’s community vibe.
Bottom Line: If you’re passionate about pizza or want a laid-back, food-focused outing, this tour offers excellent value and a friendly atmosphere.
4. Tour Staten Island Manhattan Brooklyn by Foot and Boats eat Pizza
Last but not least, the Tour Staten Island Manhattan Brooklyn by Foot and Boats eat Pizza combines walking, boat rides, and pizza in a well-rounded 3 to 4-hour experience. With no reviews yet, it’s newer but offers a compelling itinerary for those who want to see multiple boroughs with a mix of outdoor and indoor activities.
This tour starts with the Staten Island Ferry, offering fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. You’ll then explore Staten Island’s Empire Outlets and St. George, with stops at Borough Hall and the former Yankees Staten Island Baseball Stadium—now home to the Staten Island Ferryhawks. The highlight is the inclusion of three boat rides, which add variety and scenic perspectives. The tour also features visits to neighborhood landmarks like DUMBO in Brooklyn, known for its cobblestone streets and riverfront parks, perfect for photos and strolling.
While reviews are pending, this tour’s mix of walking, boating, and pizza makes it appealing for travelers who want an active, multi-layered exploration of New York’s boroughs. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a flexible schedule and interested in seeing different sides of NYC beyond Manhattan.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want a comprehensive, multi-modal tour of Staten Island, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
$119
How to Choose the Best Tour in Staten Island
When deciding which Staten Island tour best suits your trip, consider your interests, budget, and time. If sightseeing across multiple boroughs with a focus on landmarks and a meal sounds appealing, the NYC 3 Borough Tour with Pizza offers great value for its length and variety. For a quicker, budget-friendly introduction that concentrates on Staten Island’s local streets and history, the Walking Tour and Pizza is ideal. Foodies seeking a pizza-only adventure should go straight to the St George Pizza Tour, which provides a tasty, focused experience. And for those who want a bit of everything with scenic boat rides, the Foot and Boats Tour promises a full day of exploration.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, as popular tours can fill up. Also, consider weather—outdoor activities like walking and boat rides are best enjoyed in mild conditions. Whichever you choose, Staten Island offers a more authentic, less crowded slice of NYC that’s worth exploring.
To sum it up, Staten Island’s tours provide diverse ways to see, taste, and learn about the borough and the city. Whether you prefer a comprehensive multi-borough journey, a quick pizza tasting, or a guided walk, there’s an option for every traveler. For a relaxed day or a food adventure, these tours deliver memorable experiences—so book early and enjoy your Staten Island exploration!