New York Itinerary: What to Do and See in 5 Days in NYC in 2025

"I recommend taking the early ferry from Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty up close—she’s as big as you imagine—and to spend time on Ellis Island, which I think is the real highlight thanks to its powerful exhibits about the immigrant experience (you can even find my family’s name on the wall). The ferry ticket costs $24 USD, and if the line is too long the free Staten Island ferry is a faster, cheaper alternative for photos of the statue and harbor, though you won’t get as close." - Matthew Kepnes