Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - plan a visit to both islands, or just view Lady Liberty at a moderate distance from the free Staten Island Ferry.  Statue Cruises is the official provider of tickets and tours and operates the only ferries authorized to transport passengers to the islands.  Tickets to climb to the Crown are limited and sell out quickly.  Pedestal access tickets should also be booked in advance.

Times Square - Worth a visit at any time of the day or night, although night  accentuates the neon effect.    

1. Empire State Building or Top of the Rock Observation Decks.  See Manhattan from all sides. If you do Top of the Rock, get there early and watch the Today Show being filmed.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge