New York

Ferries to Liberty Island and Ellis Island leave from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Plan four to five hours to see both islands, including the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Expect airport-style security before boarding. Pedestal and crown access is limited each day, so reserve early. In summer, a priority boarding tour means less time in line and more time on the islands.

A sightseeing cruise is the quickest way to see the city's best-known landmarks in one trip. In 60 to 90 minutes you pass the Statue of Liberty, the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, with live commentary on most boats. Daytime cruises are best for photos, while sunset and evening cruises show the skyline lit up. It is an easy pick for your first day or a break from walking.

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and its observatory sits on the top floors high above New York Harbor. The elevator reaches the top in under a minute while a time-lapse of the city's growth plays on the walls. On a clear day the view stretches across all five boroughs and into New Jersey. Anytime tickets bundled with a harbor boat ride give you extra flexibility and value.