Lower Manhattan - Staten Island Ferry and Bowling Greene Park

St Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine

 Who says it’s hard to find free things to do in NYC?

Staten Island Ferry

A peek inside the Staten Island ferry station

If you don't want to stash your cash just to ride the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, you can hop on to the free Staten Island ferry near Battery Park. The ferry has awesome views of downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. Since it’s free, expect it to get a little crowded and  ready to be pushed by people mostly tourist who wants to get on the ferry. We didn’t bother to try boarding on the ferry since we’ve already purchased tickets (Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island) and it was freaking cold when we were here. Will just probably do it again next time in a different season.

Moving on to another interesting landmarks in downtown Manhattan is the Bowling Greene Park. It is almost too small to be called a park, but this gorgeous teardrop-shaped park  is rich  in history and definitely worth visiting. It is considered the oldest public park in NYC (built in 1733) and still surrounded by 18th century old fence. It’s a good spot to sit and rest, or to watch a people take all sorts of funny pictures with the Charging Bull.Sadly this park is often overlooked in the area, and it's a pity.

Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House

Bowling Greene Station

After watching Arthur (rom-com remake of the 1981 movie of the same name starring Russell Brand and Jennifer Gardner) during our flight, I was excited to see the famous iconic sculpture of Charging Bull which is near the Bowling Greene Park. 

Charging Bull

Unfortunately when I was there, fences were put all around the bull following the Occupy Wall Street protest last year. Created by Sicilian artist Arturo Di Modica, this sculpture is said to symbolize the aggressive financial optimism of America and almost synonymous to Wall Street.  There is a long line of tourist waiting for a photo-op with this NYC’s iconic image, many of whom love to pose and grab the bulls rather large balls.

People touch the bull for good luck.

but you'll even be luckier when you  handle its large "shining orbs"