by alanmack37 on October 8, 2010
Having been to New York 2 times i was disappointed when i first went on a flying visit where i booked one of the bus tours for $50 and i sat stuck in Manhattan peak hour traffic without moving and i spent the whole day seeing what i could have seen on foot. I only ever got to see the statue away in the distance. Next time i came back to New York i knew it was essential to see the statue and i was going to do it on a budget.Dont trust what you see on old 70s movies about the New York underground. The Warriors arent going to burst on to a deserted train at night and rob or kill people. Since 9/11 these subway stations are heavily patrolled by police and i never encountered violent or threatening behaviour. The subway is an excellent way to travel the city without being in traffic jams and being able to cover several destinations in such a short time just isnt possible. The subway tickets cost $9 for a day pass which gives 24 hours of travel, if youre staying for 3 days to a week the tickets cost the same. Please buy a pass rather than a single ticket.I started my journey armed with an underground map which i studied and ensured i was on the right line to take me to there. South Ferry is the main subway stop to get you to Battery Park but there are also others like Bowling Green. South Ferry is a direct route on the 1 line so its so handy from Times Square station.I arrived at Battery Park on a sunny st patricks day and i wanted to escape the madness of the i am irish pretenders and also to finally get to see the statue. I booked a tour on a ferry for $11.50. The ferry is a pleasant trip and well worth the money. You get a guided audio speech and are free to go outside to the open deck to look. It is amazing to see Liberty Island and Ellis Island and then arrive and walk round to the statue. I got a photo taken in front of the statue by a tiny japanese lady crouching on her knees to get the full shot in. I was amazed at the tallness of the statue and its splendour. Note get there early as the $11.50 allows you to see Ellis Island which i had no time for.What did disappoint me was that i had no idea to go inside the statue you had to book online for. It also has several weeks wait in advance to go to the crown and the security is so tight. On return from Liberty island you are waiting in long queues and getting on a crowded boat back.If youre hungry theres a cafe and welcome centre on libery island doing snacks, however its quite expensive. Best to get something on the boat or wait to return to Battery Park and buy a cheap hot dog from the vendors.I would recommend this tour to anyone.
http://www.igougo.com/review-r1378666-You_must_see_this_in_New_York.html
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