10Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
No visit to New York City is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty, one of the most enduring symbols of freedom and democracy. Located on Liberty Island, the statue was a gift from France in 1886 and stands as a beacon welcoming visitors to the U.S. You can take a ferry from Battery Park to see this colossal monument up close and climb to its pedestal or even the crown for spectacular views of New York Harbor.
While you’re there, make sure to visit Ellis Island, which served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States from 1892 to 1954. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers a moving look at the history of American immigration and the dreams of millions who sought a new life in America.
