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.

Two reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the original Twin Towers, with the names of the victims inscribed around their edges. The memorial plaza is free and open to everyone, while the museum below ground needs a timed ticket and takes about two hours. Many visitors combine it with One World Observatory next door. A guided tour of the site adds context and personal stories that are easy to miss on your own.

Opened in 1931, the Empire State Building is still the most famous tower in the city. The open-air deck on the 86th floor wraps around the building for 360-degree views, and an upgrade takes you up to the 102nd floor. Exhibits on the way up cover its construction and its many film appearances. Late evening visits are often quieter, and sunset slots sell out fastest, so book those first.

Top of the Rock is the best place for a skyline photo that includes the Empire State Building, with Central Park stretching out to the north. Its open-air terraces sit on top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown. Pair it with Rockefeller Center itself, home to the winter ice rink and the famous holiday tree in December, plus nearby St. Patrick's Cathedral and Fifth Avenue shopping.