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Ways to Experience the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of the places that belongs on your “must-see” list when visiting New York City. She represents America, hope, history, and even has her own unmistakable sense of style. That distinctive mint-green appearance certainly makes an impression.
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The Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of the places that belongs on your “must-see” list when visiting New York City. She represents America, hope, history, and even has her own unmistakable sense of style. That distinctive mint-green appearance certainly makes an impression.
Some visitors want to travel directly to the statue, explore it from close range, or even climb inside the crown. Others simply want to get near enough for a memorable photograph. The best choice really depends on how much time you have, how interested you are, your attention span, and what else you have planned for your trip.
This is not intended to be a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual for visiting the Statue of Liberty. Plenty of videos and travel blogs already cover those details. Instead, the goal here is to help you decide which way of experiencing Lady Liberty works best for you.
1. Visit the Statue of Liberty
The most straightforward option is to take a ferry directly to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and spend several enjoyable hours exploring both destinations. There are a few important things to keep in mind before choosing this option.
Buying your tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended. Make sure you purchase them through the official website. The National Park Service's brown arrowhead logo is a useful indication that you are on the official site. Apart from certain guided-tour operators that resell tickets as part of their tours, other ticketing websites do not operate the ferries to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.
Although tickets can be purchased in person at the Battery in Lower Manhattan on the day of your visit, relying on same-day availability is risky. This is particularly true during the busy spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
Arrive Early
Try to select the earliest available departure when purchasing your ticket. Your timed admission determines when you can enter the security line, but it does not guarantee that you will immediately board the ferry. You may still need to wait for a boat with available space.
Once a ferry reaches its passenger limit, you will have to wait for the following departure, regardless of your scheduled ticket time. Remember to allow enough time to travel to the Battery, located at the southern end of Manhattan, where the Statue of Liberty ferries leave.
Explore the Crown and Pedestal
General admission is not the only option available. Additional tickets can provide access to the pedestal or the crown. Crown tickets in particular can sell out far ahead of time, so advance planning is essential. The crown area is also quite confined, making the experience a tight squeeze for visitors.
Your Statue of Liberty ferry ticket also includes access to Ellis Island. After exploring the statue and its grounds, return to the ferry that brought you there. The next stop is Ellis Island, where you can get off and explore or remain on the boat and continue back toward Manhattan.
Visit Ellis Island
If you plan to see both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, set aside at least half a day. On especially crowded days, the experience can take even longer because of ferry capacity and waiting times.
It may seem tempting to leave Ellis Island out of your itinerary if you are short on time, but it is well worth visiting. Its history makes it an important part of the overall experience and something worth considering when planning your schedule.
Ferries serving the Statue of Liberty operate from both New York and New Jersey. If you are staying in New York, be certain to purchase your ticket for the New York departure location rather than the New Jersey one. Once you reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, pay attention to the ferry signs so you board the correct vessel.
The temperature on the water can feel roughly 10 degrees Fahrenheit colder than in Manhattan, and the wind can also be stronger. Dress with that difference in mind.
If you choose to visit the statue directly, enjoy every moment. It is a memorable experience, and for many travelers, it may be the only opportunity they have to see Lady Liberty in person.
2. Take a Cruise Around the Statue of Liberty
Another option is to take a sightseeing boat around the Statue of Liberty. Several tour operators offer cruises around the statue and Ellis Island, giving passengers a close view that is excellent for photography.
These excursions commonly last about an hour, although many companies also provide longer cruises that pass additional New York City landmarks. Departures are available at various times throughout the day and often continue into the evening.
Some companies offering these types of cruises include Circle Line, Classic Harbor Line, Liberty Cruises, and Manhattan By Sail.
Things to Consider Before Booking a Cruise
Different sightseeing boats depart from different locations, including Lower Manhattan, South Street Seaport, Chelsea Piers, and Pier 83 in Midtown.
Before purchasing a cruise, take some time to read customer reviews and examine the available schedules. It is also important to understand the company's cancellation, refund, and date-change rules.
On the day of your cruise, arrive on time, preferably a little early. Missing the departure can complicate your plans for the rest of the day.
3. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Another surprisingly good way to see the Statue of Liberty is to take the Staten Island Ferry.
The Staten Island Ferry is primarily a commuter service connecting Staten Island and Manhattan, but tourists are welcome to ride it. The service operates around the clock, every day of the year, and best of all, there is no charge.
The ferry departs from the terminal at the southern tip of Manhattan. Simply enter the terminal and board the next scheduled ferry. Boats generally depart every 20 to 30 minutes, with more frequent service during busy commuting periods.
Each ferry can accommodate approximately 5,000 passengers, so there is little reason to worry about finding space.
Getting the Best View on the Ferry
After boarding, head toward the outer deck on the right-hand side of the vessel. The ferry passes the Statue of Liberty on this side during the trip toward Staten Island. When returning to Manhattan, the statue will be on the opposite side.
Another favorite spot is the rear outdoor deck. From there, you can enjoy an excellent view of the Manhattan skyline as the ferry moves away from the terminal.
The Staten Island Ferry will not take you as close to Lady Liberty as one of the dedicated sightseeing cruises, but you will still get a clear enough view to take attractive photographs and tell your friends and family that you saw the statue in person.
Returning to Manhattan
The journey to Staten Island takes approximately 25 minutes. Once the ferry arrives, passengers must leave the vessel.
Simply follow the other passengers back into the terminal and board the next ferry heading toward Manhattan. During the return journey, the Statue of Liberty will appear on the left side.
The complete experience can take roughly an hour to an hour and a half, making it an easy and relaxing addition to a busy New York itinerary.
The biggest advantage, aside from the fact that it costs nothing, is flexibility. You can take the ferry whenever it fits conveniently into your plans.
Beware of Unofficial Vendors
You may encounter people outside the ferry terminal attempting to sell boat tours to the Statue of Liberty. Some may even offer to sell you a ticket for the Staten Island Ferry.
Do not purchase from these individuals. The Staten Island Ferry is free, so there is no reason to buy a ticket. It is also unclear what kind of Statue of Liberty tour these vendors may actually be offering.
Authorities have conducted multiple enforcement actions against such vendors over the years, with some found to be attempting to deceive or scam visitors.
4. See the Statue from a Distance
Perhaps you do not have enough time to visit the island or take a dedicated cruise, but you still want to see the Statue of Liberty during your stay.
Fortunately, there are several places where you can enjoy views of Lady Liberty from farther away. Battery Park offers one option, while the Brooklyn Bridge provides another. You can also see the statue from the One World Trade Center Observatory, as well as from observation decks at the Empire State Building and EDGE.
Enjoy Your First View of Lady Liberty
There she is, standing in the harbor just as she has welcomed generations of immigrants arriving in New York.
Whatever method you choose, take a moment to appreciate the experience. The Statue of Liberty is an extraordinary sight, and seeing her for the first time can be surprisingly emotional. Do not be surprised if the view gives you goosebumps.
Explore More of New York City
The Statue of Liberty is certainly one of New York City's most memorable attractions, but it is far from the only place worth discovering. The city also contains countless lesser-known neighborhoods and experiences that are often missed by visitors following the usual tourist routes.
I’m Adam Guy, the person behind I Know A Guy NYC Tours. I offer private full-day and half-day walking tours for families and small groups throughout fascinating neighborhoods across New York City.
Our tours combine sightseeing with plenty of conversation, laughter, local treats, history, and photography. The goal is to experience the city in a relaxed and personal way rather than simply checking landmarks off a list.
I also share interesting and entertaining things about New York on social media. Following I Know A Guy NYC Tours on Facebook or Instagram can introduce you to additional places around the city that you may want to add to your itinerary.
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