Since we didn't have time to spend half our day actually visiting the Statue of Liberty, we satisfied ourselves with the view from the Staten Island Ferry. From the Bowling Green subway station, we walked two blocks to the ferry. The ferry is free!

Once you board the boat, go to the back of the boat and then up the stairs one level. Find a seat on the right near the doors to the outside deck. You can see the closest view of the Statue and Ellis Island from the inside deck or you can stand on the outside rail or sit on benches outside.

The trip takes about twenty minutes one way. At the other side, everyone must get off the boat. Follow the crowd off the boat but stay to the right. After walking around the terminal, you will be able to walk back into the loading dock and back onto the very same boat for the return trip.

The return trip doesn't go as close to the Statue, but you will still get a nice view of Manhattan as well. The back right is still the best view. The hurricane deck is the top deck, and if you wish to be outdoors, it is fine. However, their is less space outdoors on the top deck and no benches. Also, the indoor area on the top deck does not have seats immediately in front of the windows. The best seating is the middle (second) deck on the back right side as you face the rear of the boat.

Although no access was granted to enter, I could walk around the Statue and admire it. The grand symbol of liberty. Only the gift shop was open (as with any sight), but the place was still magnificent. It is surprising to see what people can do with a relatively small island. The sight was beautiful (although the statue is smaller than it appears). Hopefully, I will be able to visit it once more!

If you are planning to visit the Statue of Liberty, prepare to wait in lines and go through security at least once. We arrived at Castle Clinton to get our tickets and board the ferry about 15 minutes before the ticket area opened at 8am. The line was rather short, but by the time it opened, it was much longer. After getting tickets, we got into another line to go through security. Once through security, we waited in an area packed with people creating a scene, resembling cows being corralled into a barn.

Once on the ferry, we sat on the top deck to get a good view of the skyline and the approaching Statue of Liberty. Not that we actually saw anything once the boat loaded up. To actually see the view, you must stand by the edge or be tall enough to see over everyone else, or you could just wait until the ride back, when the boat is likely to be a little less crowded.

The first thing we did when we got to Liberty Island was go into the Statue of Liberty’s Pedestal using our time passes, which we purchased online and picked up at Castle Clinton. Here was yet another line and a another security checkpoint. The security here includes an air puffer machine that checks your body for hazardous chemicals as well as a metal detector. The time passes are free, but are on a first come basis. Inside the Pedestal we got a Park Ranger guided tour through the museum that gives the story of the statue from the construction of the statue to the pedestal to the 1980s renovation.

At the end of the tour, you take an elevator up to the top of the pedestal, where you can look up into the Statue and see her framework. Up here you can also walk around the outside and see the statue above and get a great view of the New York skyline.

After we came back done via the steps, we walked around the base of the statue before getting in the long line for the ferry to go to Ellis Island.

As you approach on the ferry, you can imagine what millions of immigrants felt as they got their first glimpse of America. From the ferry, you have a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. If you're going to be in the Big Apple, this is one sight you've got to see. If you have the change, then try to see the Statue of Liberty during the sunset. You can make beautiful pictures.

This symbol of freedom and token of the American dream watches over the city of New York and is one of the most visited attractions anywhere in the world. Since 9/11, visitors are unable to climb to the top of the figure but can still walk around her perimeter. The most impressive view, however, is from the ferry as you sail across the harbour. She stands resplendent and unlike so many landmarks is still as impressive as you imagine her to be. If you don’t want to pay for the boat, which also allows you to get off at Ellis Island, you can take the Staten Island ferry, which is free.