May 25, 2026, 11:10 am | Read time: 3 minutes
To truly experience a city anew, don’t just wander through streets and museums. Sometimes, a ferry ticket is all it takes–and suddenly, the skyline, harbor, or old town seems transformed.
Stockholm: By Ferry to the Archipelago
Stockholm spans 14 islands, with the archipelago of thousands of small islets, the Baltic Sea, forests, and red wooden houses lying just outside the city. From Strömkajen or Slussen, passenger ferries quickly whisk you away from the hustle and bustle.
For an excursion, take line 83 from Strömkajen to Vaxholm. A shorter trip is line 82 from Slussen to Djurgarden, home to attractions such as the Vasa Museum and Gröna Lund. Many SL ferries can be used with a public transport ticket. A 75-minute ticket costs 43 kronor, or just under four euros.
Hamburg: Harbor Views at Public Transport Prices
A harbor tour in Hamburg doesn’t have to be expensive. Hadag ferries offer views of docks, the Elbphilharmonie, and Landungsbrücken from the water. Single tickets cost around four euros, and the ride is free with a Deutschlandticket.
Line 62 is particularly popular, running from Landungsbrücken over the Fish Market to Övelgönne. Many disembark at the Elbe beach. Continuing on, you’ll reach Finkenwerder with its large Airbus plant and airfield.
New York: Skyline and Statue of Liberty from the Water
Many visitors to New York travel from Battery Park to Liberty Island. The authorized provider, Statue City Cruises, charges from $26 for the trip and island access, about 22 euros.
The Staten Island Ferry is a cheaper option: It’s free and passes by the Statue of Liberty. The East River Route from NYC Ferry is also worthwhile, starting at Pier 11/Wall Street and passing under the Brooklyn Bridge. Tickets start at $4.50.
Istanbul: Ferries Between Europe and Asia
The Bosporus divides Istanbul into European and Asian parts. The strait can be experienced in a particularly everyday manner with the city ferries of Şehir Hatları, which the operator says are used by around 40 million people annually.
The route from Karaköy or Eminönü to Kadiköy is recommended. A one-way trip costs about 59 lira, or just over one euro.
Also interesting: In this Spanish city, no cars are allowed!
Sydney: Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Manly Beach
In Sydney, the ferry combines sightseeing with a beach vibe. The Manly Fast Ferry departs from Circular Quay and takes about 20 minutes to reach Manly Wharf, passing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The fast ferry is part of the public transport network. Adults pay just over ten Australian dollars for a one-way trip, or a little more than six euros.
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Hong Kong: Star Ferry for a Few Cents
In Hong Kong, an evening harbor trip is especially worthwhile. The Star Ferry frequently shuttles between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. A ride costs four to five Hong Kong dollars, or about 50 cents.
If you have more time, you can continue from Central Station to islands like Cheung Chau or Peng Chau, where beaches and quiet hiking trails await.
Venice: By Vaporetto Through the Grand Canal
In Venice, vaporettos handle waterborne public transport. They are practical and significantly cheaper than a gondola ride. A 75-minute ticket costs about ten euros, and day tickets around 25 euros.
Line 1 is classic: From Ferrovia, it takes about 40 minutes through the Grand Canal, past the Rialto Bridge to St. Mark’s Square.
With material from dpa