Brooklyn views and Top of the Rock.

We woke up to a glorious morning so decided it would be a great day to visit Top of the Rock. Due to the poor weather the last few days everyone else had the same idea so we ended up with timed tickets for 4pm. After a brief visit to the Rockefeller Centre we headed south to Brooklyn Bridge.

After walking over the bridge we took a rather long walk through Brooklyn Heights then Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Feeling very tired by now we jumped on a ferry across to Wall Street rather than returning over the bridge. 

I touched the Charging Bulls bits, apparently it brings you good luck :-)

It was then time to return for our Top of the Rock booking. 
Having a few minutes spare we went via Time Square.

Lady Liberty

After our first time navigating the subway we took a small ferry over a rather gloomy looking Hudson River to New Jersey. We had 11am tickets for The Statue of Liberty that included access to the Statue Pedestal. Tickets had not been available for the Pedestal for departures from Manhattan so we had traveled to New Jersey..

We arrived over an hour early. We passed the time taking photos of Manhattan and the old New Jersey Central Railroad Terminal (now housing Statue of Liberty ticket office but unfortunately no cafe) after asking we join a much earlier boat to the islands.

First stop was Ellis Island. This was the gateway to over 12 million immigrants entering the US and the busiest immigration inspection station in the US between 1892 to 1954.

Immigrants had to pass medical and mental tests before being allowed to enter the US.

We then boarded another boat to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty.
We enjoyed the small museum before climbing 195 steps to the base of the statue.
There would have been great views on a nice day. 

After returning to Manhattan we took the subways to Grand Central Station.
We loitered around the station due to heavy rain (again) outside.
It was no hardship as the station is pretty impressive.