Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The 93 m statue, a gift from France in 1886, stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Ferries run by Statue City Cruises (the only official operator) leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The same ticket includes Ellis Island, where the National Museum of Immigration tells the story of the 12 million immigrants who passed through. Many visitors find it the most rewarding part of the trip.

There are three ticket types: grounds only, pedestal access, and crown access, which has to be booked months ahead for a climb of 162 narrow steps (it's hot in summer). The Statue of Liberty Museum on the island is included. Buy tickets only from the official site, not from street sellers.

Arrive early, ideally for one of the first ferries: security screening at Battery Park can take an hour or more, and up to two hours on holidays. Wrap up warmly in winter, as the harbour is freezing. Allow at least half a day for both islands.