Rumoured to be the world’s largest brick church, St. Mary’s can hold up to 25,000 people. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the 405 steps to the top of the 78-metre tower. Inside the church, you’ll find a 14-metre astronomical clock. Pop by at noon to see Adam and Eve tolling a bell atop the clock.

At the gates of the Gdansk shipyard, this 42 metre tall steel monument commemorates the shooting of dock workers during a strike in December 1970. More than 1,000 workers were injured and 42 killed when the communist government authorized the army to fire at striking workers.

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.