Wondering if we got up in time for the first boat to the statue-ellis island if we could see the 2 islands and world trade center and still have time for empire state bldg, macy's, and a show. Too much for one day? Can you walk from the south ferry dock to world trade or is it better to subway. Which subway? Same for world trade to empire state bldg and empire to 48th street. Appreciate any help or advice you can give.

If you don't want to walk up to the Crown at the Statue and you make the first boat you could be back at Battery Park well before 1pm. It really depends on how much time you spend at both places. YOu will spend at least one hour on the boat going to Statue, to Ellis and back to Battery Park. YOu can walk to the World Trade Center - it is less than one mile. If you want to do the subway go to South Ferry subway station and take the #1 or #9 to Cortland Street. If you do the Observation Deck at the WTC and have some lunch at some time you could be done with all of this by 3pm. This gives you plenty of time to go to Macy's. Again take #1 or #9 to 34th Street and the train trip would take around 15 minutes. If you intend doing a show then you should skip Empire State - two observationn decks might be redundant. If you are intent on the Empire State then play it by ear but figure you have to be done with Empire by at least 5:30. Figure 10 minutes or so to 48th Street (west side) and then it depends on how much time it takes to dress and how long for dinner. Shows begin at 8pm. If you intend to walk up to the Crown indicate this and you can be given advice on how to avoid waiting in line. Also, discount tickets for Broadway shows can be purchased at the WTC after 11am. The discount booth is located at 2WTC - same level where tickets for observation deck are purchased.

I't'll be a very tight squeeze and I'm not sure you can do it all in one day. Make sure get to Battery Park (where you pick up the ferry) in time for the first boat. (I'm not sure what time the first boat leaves; perhaps someone can give the accurate info.) You should really spend at least one-two hours at Ellis Island to really appreciate it. So touring the two islands, plus the time of the round-trip ferry ride, will take at least until 1 p.m., perhaps longer. With lunch and a stop at the World Trade Center, you'll be lucky to get to Macy's by 3. Then, the fact that it's a huge store and you are probably unfamiliar with it logisitcally, it'll take you a while there (assuming you intend to make purchases). Or, if you decide to go to the Empire State Building instead of Macy's, you'll no doubt encounter a line at that time of day! So, that will take time, as well. And, if you are going to the theater, I assume you'll want to eat dinner beforehand, so you'll have to get back to you hotel in time to change and go to a restaurant by 6-6:15!
Phew, I'm tired!

Depending on what time your show ends, you might consider going to the top of the Empire State Building afterwards. I'm not sure what time the observation deck closes, but I think it's pretty late, at least it was a couple of years ago. I've done this twice (going after a show) in the past twenty years, the last time two years ago. There's hardly any line, if any, that time of night. That way you could get a daytime view from the World Trade Center, and a nighttime view of the beautiful city lights from the Empire State Building, and you wouldn't be so squeezed for time.

Thanks for the advice. I know I would be pushing alot in one day. We actually will arrive on a Sunday in June and hope to be checked in at the Belvedere by 12:00. We were thinking about doing the 2-hour Circle LIne Cruise around Manhattan and possibly fitting in Macy's and the Empire State on this first day, which would take some pressure off of our 2nd day. What does this sound like? Are lines any better at empire around 5:00 on a sunday? Yes, I would be interested in avoiding linesw at the statue if you have any ideas. Also, any opinions on the food at Broadway Joes and the Hourglass Saloon? Thanks!!