
Empire Outlets Staten Island
An outlet shopping destination on Staten Island, offering waterfront views and a free ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping

Empire Outlets Staten Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An outlet shopping destination on Staten Island, offering waterfront views and a free ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty.
"The free ferry ride with stunning Statue of Liberty views makes Empire Outlets worthwhile, even with limited shopping."

Check Store Directory First
Many stores are closed. Check the official directory before you go to avoid disappointment. :world_map:
Free Ferry Ride is a Gem
The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers iconic NYC views. Worth it even if you don't shop much! :ferry:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Staten Island Ferry Views
Adjacent to the ferry terminal
Enjoy breathtaking, free views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline on your ferry ride to and from the outlets.

Waterfront Promenade
Along the outlet complex
Stroll along the scenic waterfront, offering pleasant views and a refreshing atmosphere, especially on a clear day.

Staten Island 9/11 Memorial
Short walk from the outlets
A touching and well-maintained memorial offering a moment of reflection and remembrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Beyond Shopping: The Ferry Advantage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Store Directory First
Many stores are closed. Check the official directory before you go to avoid disappointment. :world_map:
Free Ferry Ride is a Gem
The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers iconic NYC views. Worth it even if you don't shop much! :ferry:
Explore Beyond the Stores
Don't miss the 9/11 Memorial and the beautiful waterfront promenade. :walking:
Look for Deals
While not all stores have great deals, some, like Levi's, offer reasonable prices. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Store Directory First
Many stores are closed. Check the official directory before you go to avoid disappointment. :world_map:
Free Ferry Ride is a Gem
The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers iconic NYC views. Worth it even if you don't shop much! :ferry:
Explore Beyond the Stores
Don't miss the 9/11 Memorial and the beautiful waterfront promenade. :walking:
Look for Deals
While not all stores have great deals, some, like Levi's, offer reasonable prices. :moneywithwings:
Seasonal Pop-Ups
Keep an eye out for seasonal stores like Spirit Halloween for unique finds. :ghost:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Empire Outlets offers a scenic waterfront location and the invaluable free Staten Island Ferry ride with iconic views. However, many visitors note a significant number of vacant stores, limiting the shopping experience. While some deals can be found, the overall retail selection is sparse, making it more of a destination for the ferry and views than for extensive outlet shopping.
"I visited Empire Outlets in Summer 2025, and while the location by the Hudson River is lovely, most of the stores were not yet open or occupied, limiting the shopping experience.
While Empire Outlets itself still has limited stores and deals as of Summer 2025, a major perk is its proximity to the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry is free and offers close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, making the trip worthwhile even if shopping options are sparse.
Of the stores that were open, existing brands did not offer much in terms of deals or appealing collections. The layout is pleasant, and the views are nice, but the shopping options felt sparse and underwhelming."
Amin Sameni
"It seems like a fairly new mall, and many of the stores are still closed or empty. The parking area is large, and I think the fee was around $16 for up to 8 hours. From here you can take the ferry to South Ferry Station and enjoy a nice view of the Statue of Liberty along the way. Some of the stores that were open had discounts, and the prices looked quite reasonable."
Bayram AYYILDIZ
"When tourist who come to New York take the Staten Island Ferry, many get right back on. I dont think many people realize that the Empire outlets are right there. I believe they are still trying to get other store in that outlet area but right now what they have is great. If you walk the path of the water, you will also come upon a 9/11 Memorial. It is so touching. Dont just take the ride to see The Statute of Liberty, stay, shop, see for yourself all the wonderful things here. You can also grab transportation to other places. Enjoy!"
Jack’s Ausome World
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the free Staten Island Ferry from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. The outlets are a short 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal. You can reach Whitehall Terminal via subway lines 1, 4, 5, R, or W.
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and runs 24/7, offering fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
The ferry ride typically takes about 20-25 minutes each way.
You can take subway lines 1, 4, 5, R, or W to reach the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
Yes, there is a large parking area available. Fees can be around $16 for up to 8 hours, but it's advisable to check current rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Empire Outlets is an open-air shopping destination, and there is no admission fee to enter.
Hours can vary slightly, but generally, Empire Outlets is open Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Some sources indicate Sunday hours might be shorter, closing at 6:00 PM. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
There are no entrance fees to access Empire Outlets. It's a public space with various retail stores.
Holiday hours may differ. It's recommended to check the official Empire Outlets website or social media for specific holiday operating schedules.
As an open-air complex with modern facilities, Empire Outlets is generally accessible. Specific accessibility details can be confirmed with the management if needed.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
While many stores are still vacant, some notable retailers include Levi's, Adidas, Burlington, and Charlotte Russe. Seasonal pop-ups like Spirit Halloween also appear. It's highly recommended to check the store directory online before visiting as many units are empty.
Deals can be hit or miss. Some visitors have found good discounts at stores like Levi's, while others found existing brands didn't offer much in terms of appealing collections or deals.
The selection is limited, but you can find brands like Levi's and Adidas. Other stores offer a variety of apparel and accessories.
Yes, a common observation from visitors is that a significant number of stores are closed or empty, which can limit the shopping experience.
The main attractions are the outlet stores themselves, the waterfront promenade, and the proximity to the Staten Island Ferry for iconic views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food options available, including snack shops and coffee places. Some food trucks, like Hazel's 423, have also been present.
While not a vast selection, you can find places for snacks and coffee. Some Reddit users suggest a large supermarket like Whole Foods would be a welcome addition.
Yes, coffee shops like Starbucks are available within or near the outlet complex.
Occasionally, food trucks operate at Empire Outlets. Hazel's 423, a soul food truck, has been noted.
Dining hours generally align with the outlet's operating hours, but it's advisable to check specific vendor hours if you have a particular place in mind.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront promenade offers great views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline. The Staten Island Ferry itself provides iconic shots of the Statue of Liberty.
Absolutely! The ferry is a prime spot for capturing photos of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New York City skyline.
Yes, the waterfront location provides excellent vantage points for capturing cityscape views, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or videography might require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for both the waterfront and city views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Empire Outlets: The Ferry Advantage
To get to the Whitehall Terminal, you can utilize several subway lines, including the 1, 4, 5, R, and W. This accessibility makes Empire Outlets a viable option even for those who might not be primarily focused on shopping, as the ferry experience itself is a significant attraction. Many visitors find the ferry ride to be a highlight, even if the outlet shopping is limited.
The Shopping Reality: Potential vs. Occupancy
Despite the limited occupancy, there are still opportunities to find deals, particularly at stores like Levi's. Seasonal pop-ups, such as Spirit Halloween, also add a temporary layer of interest. To make the most of your visit, it's highly recommended to check the official store directory online before you go to confirm which stores are currently open and if they carry items that interest you. This proactive step can help manage expectations and ensure a more satisfying shopping experience.
Beyond the Stores: Waterfront Charm and Reflection
A short walk from the outlets leads to the Staten Island 9/11 Memorial, a poignant and well-maintained site that offers a space for reflection and remembrance. This memorial adds a significant cultural and historical dimension to a visit, making it a more comprehensive experience. The combination of scenic waterfront views and the nearby memorial makes Empire Outlets a destination that offers moments of both leisure and solemnity.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit