We're first time in US and plan to go to New York this Thursday and is going to spend 2 and half a day there. We'd like to see the Liberty Stature and 911 Memorial, etc. We're hesitant about joining a tour arranged by travel agency at New York or just get on independent tour. Feel greatly appreciated someone give suggestions and also other places worth visiting.

Thanks a bunch in advance!!

I suggest taking the boat that stops at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. However, I would not get off the boat at the SOL and just see it from the water. I would go to The Museum on Ellis Island instead. While things are slower at the Statue this time of year, I personally think you can be just as impressed from the water. (Unless you have a few hours to kill)

I know nothing about tours Nd sure others here can give you ideas. Enjoy NYC. I love it!

Isn't the SOL closed for repairs?

Thank you very much! Austine!
And yes, SOL is under restoration. We're thinking of buying citypass and taking the cruise to have a look at the Stature. Even though it's being repaired, we can still see the outer appearance, right?

City Pass is a really bad deal (extremely expensive) unless you plan on going everything the pass offers. It's an especially bad deal if you are on a short stay. Instead, see if you can make reservations with Statue Cruises directly. With CityPass, you still have to wait in an hours-long line to get on the ferry (it just gives you a ticket). With a reservation, you have a timed ticket, and just have to arrive an hour or so early to pick it up and go through security (much, much shorter line). This time of the year, a last-minute reservation might be possible.

Otherwise, you can take the Staten Island ferry (for free) and pass within 200 yards of the statue, which will cut the time of this excursion by half at least. If you don't plan on visiting the Ellis Island Museum, then that's what I'd recommend. If you take the Statue ferry, you can still get off at Liberty Island, but there's not much to see there (though you get a closer look at the statue and can walk around it). The real attraction is Ellis Island.

The Statue of Liberty is closed for renovation - so while you can take the ferry there (and need advance tickets) you can;t go inside. You might be just as happy with a RT on the free Staten Islnd fery (view from a distance) or a Circle line cruis (closer view but can;t get onto the Island).

If you want to see the Ellis Island Immigration Museum (brilliant!) then do get tickets for the ferry - since it goes there aftr Liberty Island. (This ferry is run by the National Parks Service - go to their web site. You do NOT need any tour fto get there.)

I would not do any sort of tour - unless the Circle line boat tour of the harbor. They are very expensive and show only the outside of a limited number of places. Much better to decide what YOU want to see and just go do it. The passes are too expensive - and it's practically impossible to get your money's worth.

Don't forget to make a reservation for the 9/11 memorial.

http://www.911memorial.org/visit