Things to do in South Street Seaport

I took this Statue of Liberty Express Cruise today in New York, and honestly, it turned out to be a great decision. Initially, I was confused between this and the free Staten Island Ferry, but after watching a few YouTube videos, I realized this cruise would offer much better and closer views of the Statue of Liberty—and it absolutely did. I paid around $25, which I feel is totally worth it. Since I traveled on a weekday afternoon, the ferry was surprisingly less crowded, which gave me plenty of space and time to click photos without any rush. The cruise is very well maintained and has multiple seating options. There’s an open top deck with amazing skyline views, plus indoor decks for people who want to stay warm during colder weather. The guide was also excellent—very funny, informative, and explained New York’s skyline and nearby landmarks really well. The entire trip lasted around 45–50 minutes. Comfortable, scenic, and definitely value for money.

Easy to board! most people went out to the open deck but i preferred the air-conditioning deck. didnt need to redeem tickets klook qr code was all they needed. Guide walked about with microphone but barely heard him.

I originally selected three exhibitions, but MoMA couldn't be used due to a lack of inventory, so I had to buy tickets at the venue since it hadn't been activated. In the end, I chose two exhibitions and visited the Intrepid Museum and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Being able to see two museums in one day was really fulfilling, and it was a great budget-friendly option! Make sure to check whether you can actually click to book the scheduled program before purchasing the museum time and date!

To get to Pier 83 from Times Square, I took the M43 bus to the last stop. The walk back was quite long. Boarding the cruise ship was easy; I just showed the QR code I had booked in advance through Klook. So convenient! There was only a baggage check when boarding. I chose the 90-minute cruise, and I had plenty of time to take photos of the Statue of Liberty, which I really wanted to see. I recommend sitting on the left side of the boat as it moves forward. You'll enjoy views of Hudson Yards, the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Lower Manhattan. Even though I went on a hot summer day, it felt a bit chilly with the wind, so a jacket would be a good idea. If you install the Circle Line app, you can listen to the Japanese audio guide, so don't forget your earphones. I only had two days in New York, so I was glad I got to do some sightseeing.

The Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise is widely regarded as one of the best sightseeing experiences in New York City because of its impeccable timing: departing at dusk, it lets you watch the Manhattan skyline transform from a warm golden hour into a sparkling sea of illuminated skyscrapers. Over two relaxed hours, the boat glides down the Hudson, passes within close range of an illuminated Statue of Liberty for prime photo stops, and cruises under the lit-up Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges, all accompanied by engaging, knowledgeable live commentary from local guides. While popular sailings can feel crowded—making it smart to arrive 45 minutes early to grab an outdoor seat on the starboard (right) side—the stunning panoramic views and climate-controlled lower decks make it well worth the ticket for both first-timers and return visitors.

It was an incredible experience with pleasant weather. I traveled on the upper deck, and it was wonderful. 10/10, I highly recommend it.

Top of The Rock offers one of the most iconic, unobstructed skyline perspectives in Manhattan, widely praised for its sweeping 360-degree views that directly frame both the Empire State Building to the south and Central Park to the north. Spread across multiple indoor and outdoor viewing terraces on the 67th through 70th floors, visitors frequently note that the open-air top deck—free of glass partitions—is ideal for photography, especially around sunset when the city lights begin to glow

It's really emotional when you entered the memorial and museum. You'll feel the tension of what happened 25 years ago. It's a great visit and really a must when you visit New York City.