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.

The Reichstag, with its iconic glass dome, is home to the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament. In the 1990s, British architect Sir Norman Foster reimagined the building, blending its historical grandeur with a modern, spacious design. The accessible glass cupola offers stunning views of the city and a unique perspective on German politics. While entry to the cupola and roof terrace is free, advance booking is crucial because of the Reichstag's popularity. To learn more about the German political system and the daily life of the Parliament, you can book a 90-minute guided tour. Guided tours of the Reichstag Building are held in the weeks when Parliament is not sitting.

Northside Park offers a delightful experience for solo travelers and families alike. Stroll along the paved pathways, enjoying the serene atmosphere created by the reflective waters and vibrant green grass. For those seeking more active pursuits, the park boasts three lighted softball/baseball fields, a soccer field, a multipurpose field, a fishing lagoon, and two playgrounds. Additional amenities include concession stands, a picnic area, two piers, a gazebo, and walking/jogging paths, ensuring a fun and fulfilling day for everyone.

Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer, earned international fame for his expeditions across the Pacific Ocean on board the Kon-Tiki and Ra in 1947. And at the Kon-Tiki Museum, you can follow the intriguing events during his expeditions and their significance to world history. See the actual balsa and papyrus rafts, and learn more about Heyerdahl’s travels.