The Verdict · New York · for the Bucket-list Checklister
Great on history & culture, but it's a real time commitment, so it's worth it only if you plan around that.
The icons, efficiently. Crowds are just part of it.
About Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
The boat approach is a real lump-in-throat moment, and Ellis Island's immigration museum is far better than anyone expects. The catch: a half-day round-trip, airport-grade security, and crowds at every step.