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The Best Way to See Statue of Liberty – 14 Best Statue of Liberty View Points and Tours!

November 1, 2022

Are you looking for the best way to see Statue of Liberty? Here are 14 of the best Statue of Liberty view points and tours.

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Finding the best way to see Statue of Liberty is so important, especially if it’s your first time in NYC.

There are many Statue of Liberty view points around the city, some you’ll need to pay for, some are free.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the main sights to see in NYC, and you’ll want to make sure you choose the right tour, ferry or guide – in order t find the perfect Statue of Liberty view point.

Finding the best way to see Statue of Liberty can affect what time of day you visit, how busy it is, and even the kind of photos you get.

In this blog post about how to find the best way to see the Statue of Liberty, you’ll find a full rundown of all the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Liberty view points, as well as the best places to buy Statue of Liberty tickets too.

Hopefully you’ll find this post about the best place to see the Statue of Liberty really helpful!

Why is buying Statue of Liberty tickets so confusing?

In short, it’s because there are so many options.

With the sheer quantity of tour operators and tour boats, it’s confusing and daunting. Finding the best Statue of Liberty view point can feel overwhelming!

Some tours are free, some aren’t. Some leave from Manhattan, some Statue of Liberty view points are located on the island itself.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic sights to see in the city, and one of the best photo opportunities in the world – so of course, you want to make sure you’re finding the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

In this list of best ways to see the Statue of Liberty, I’ve tried to include a variety of free and paid ways to see the Statue of Liberty, including a variety of Statue of Liberty view points too (because some of us have a big budget, some of us don’t!).

Here are the best ways to see Statue of Liberty and where to buy Statue of Liberty tickets…

Option 1: Take the ferry to Liberty Island and Ellis Island (this arguably the best Statue of Liberty view point)

Cost: about $20 per adult

When looking for the best way to see Statue of Liberty, this is perhaps the best Statue of Liberty view point for budget-conscious travelers.

One of the classic ways to see the Statue of Liberty and one of the best ways to see Statue of Liberty, is by doing the boat crossing over to Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

There’s no arguement that this is the best way to see Statue of Liberty and the best Statue of Liberty view point. And it’s one of the most affordable.

Above is my husband and I, in 2019! This is the exact ferry and ticket we used to get this photo. It’s the classic Statue of Liberty view point and photo opportunity.

Liberty Island is where the Statue of Liberty is, so taking the ferry over there means you get great views on the approach, and also from the island itself (looking right up at Lady Liberty from the ground!) like the photo above.

This is the classic way to buy Statue of Liberty tickets too, as they’re easy to buy online (we’ve included the link below).

Remember – this gives you access to lots of the famous Statue of Liberty view points, but it’s not a ‘tour’ so to speak.

It’s more a public ferry ticket over to the Statue of Liberty. The ferry above only goes between Battery Park and the Liberty Island area. The boats leave really often from Battery Park, which means it fits into most schedules.

During the ferry over to Liberty Island and Ellis island, you will also be able to see the Manhattan skyline too – which is a big bonus!

So the ferry itself is a Statue of Liberty view point, but then you’ll arrive at Ellis Island, which holds many of the best Statue of Liberty view points too.

It's the classic Statue of Liberty view point and photo opportunity.

Getting that classic selfie with the Statue of Liberty! But struggling to fit everyone in!

As you walk around, you’ll be treated to so many amazing angles and view points for the Statue of Liberty. It’s unbeatable.

Included in the basic ticket price is:

Entry to Liberty Island (where the Statue of Liberty is) which really is the best way to see Statue of Liberty up close.
Entry to the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum.
Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum (a great place to learn more about her).
Multilingual audio tour headsets for the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.
Ferry tickets (there and back) which offer some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty.
The Pedestal Access option includes access Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty National Monument with entry to the Pedestal Museum and Viewing platform.

Please note: If you want to climb to the crown of the State of Liberty – you’ll need to pay an additional cost. The crown is another epic Statue of Liberty view point, but costs a little bit extra. Food and drink isn’t included either.

And honestly for the small price tag you get so much included in the ticket, so it’s a great option for Statue of Liberty tickets. You’ll get to experience several up-close Statue of Liberty view points during this ferry and tour.

We recommend booking ahead online, as it helps you avoid some of the queues. This is a great choice when looking for the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

It’s a great option, one of the best ways to see Statue of Liberty, gives you access to lots of Statue of Liberty view points, and gets you as close as you can be!

— Book these classic or priority Statue of Liberty tickets by clicking here —

Option 2: Book early access Statue of Liberty tickets

Cost: $50-$60 per person

OK, I think this might be my favorite choice for finding the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

Next on my list of best way to see Statue of Liberty, is to book an early access ticket.

The early access ticket is amazing for people who want a bit of extra time and space to see the beautiful Statue of Liberty, as you’ll get to be there before everyone else and have some time to truly soak it all in (without all the crowds).

Lady Liberty on a rainy day.

You’ll get access to the same Statue of Liberty view points as the basic ferry above, but the reason this is an amazing choice for seeing the Statue of Liberty view points, is because they’re so much quieter when you visit first thing.

The early access ticket includes the boat over to the Statue of Liberty, as well as the museums and tours, but you’re paying a bit extra to see her before all the tours and crowds arrive.

Being able to see the Statue of Liberty view points without the crowds is a really amazing and unique experience, which make this one of my favorite options for Statue of Liberty tickets.

It feels a bit more special and private, and if you’re into photography – this is the perfect way to ensure you get loads of gorgeous photos of all the incredible Statue of Liberty view points before everyone else arrives later in the morning.

— Click here to book early access tickets to see the statue of liberty —

Lady Liberty on a sunny day!

Option 3: See the Statue of Liberty from a city boat tour (a moving Statue of Liberty view point)

Cost: $25 – $75 (depending on which tour you choose!)

Next on my list of the best way to see Statue of Liberty, it’s a boat tour.

This is classed as many Statue of Liberty view points in one, because you’ll get lots of angles and views from one ticket as the boat moves around.

This is a great option for Statue of Liberty tickets, especially if you’re not too bothered about gaining access to Liberty Island itself.

If you’re looking for a great way to see the Statue of Liberty – these boat tours are a great way to see it from a distance (you won’t get onto the island itself).

You’ll experience a few different options for Statue of Liberty view points, as the boat moves around the Statue of Liberty from the water.

How is this different to the ferry option mentioned above? The ferry above (option1) will take you to the Statue of Liberty island, but it’s not a ‘tour’ so to speak.

You’ll get other great views on your boat tour too.

It’s more a public ferry ticket over to the Statue of Liberty. The ferry above only goes between Battery Park and the Liberty Island area.

Official boat tours (which I have linked below) will take you around more of Manhattan, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge up close (so you tick a few things off your list).

As well as The Statue of Liberty, in all her glory, which makes it the best way to see the Statue of Liberty.

One of the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty is from the water around it, and taking an actual ‘boat tour’ is a great way to get amazing views (without having to disembark at Liberty Island).

Overall, this is a great option for the best ways to see the Statue of Liberty, and a great choice if you want to check out some floating Statue of Liberty view points.

There are many boat tours that will take you out to the Statue of Liberty as part of their tour, and booking one is definitely a must-do while in the city.

It’s a great way to see the Statue of Liberty, but it’s also a great way to see the city skyline too.

Budget-friendly boat tour: A simple 60 minute cruise around Manhattan

(click here for tickets)

This tour is perfect if you want to see the Statue of Liberty up close, but don’t need to get off at Ellis Island for the close-up Statue of Liberty view points.

This tour also takes you under the Brooklyn Bridge, so it’s a great budget option. There are loads of great photo opportunities during this tour, and you’ll get to learn a thing or two!

At only 60 minutes in length, it won’t eat into the rest of your day too. So it’s a great choice if you’re not too fussed about the close-up Statue of Liberty view points, and you don’t mind just admiring her from the water.

So it’s a great way to see the Statue of Liberty if you’re short on time. This is certainly one of the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

A little bit of luxury: A luxury yacht tour around the Statue of Liberty

(click here for tickets)

This unique tour around the Statue of Liberty is something a little bit different.

This boat tour lets you soak in the views of the Statue of Liberty in a luxury 1920s style yacht, whilst you sip champagne!

Sure you don’t get onto Ellis Island on this tour, but you get these amazing Statue of Liberty view points from the water, with the foreground of an incredible luxury yacht.

It’s a lovely laid back tour option on a really comfortable boat, and perfect for spring or summer time when the weather is nice. Another great choice for the best ways to see Statue of Liberty.

Romantic and scenic: 60 min Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Sunset Cruise

(click here for tickets)

Next on my list of the best ways to see Statue of Liberty, it’s this romantic boat tour. This tour departs at what is probably the most romantic time of day to see The Statue of Liberty, it heads off at sunset!

This boat tour lets you see Lady Liberty and the NYC skyline under the sparkle of sunset, and it’s a perfect option for couples!

Definitely one of the most romantic ways to get Statue of Liberty tickets. It’s a fantastic choice for the best way to see Statue of Liberty!

You won’t get access to the close-up Statue of Liberty view points on this tour, but the romantic elements more than make up for it.

Unique and special: 2 hour Clipper City Tall Ship Sunset Sail

(click here for tickets)

This unique boat tour is definitely one of the the best way to see Statue of Liberty! It is on a traditional clipper tall ship – so it’s a bit different and quirky and a really memorable way to see the Statue of Liberty!

I LOVE this tour, it’s a real show-stopper and it’d make a lovely surprise for people. It also an amazing opportunity for some cute NYC photos – how often do you get to see the Statue of Liberty from a clipper tall ship!

Unique and special: Brunch Cruise

(click here for tickets)

Another unique option for seeing the Statue of Liberty from the water – this tour is really something special!

Choose from plentiful food options (including bagels, lox, and more), while you take in close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Ellis Island. It’s a great all-rounder!

This is definitely one of the best ways to see Statue of Liberty!

Option 4: Statue of Liberty view points in Manhattan… See the Statue of Liberty on foot from Lower Manhattan and Battery Park

Cost: This Statue of Liberty view point is free!

Next on my list of the best way to see Statue of Liberty, visit Battery Park!

Battery Park is home to the best Statue of Liberty view point from Manhattan island itself. Without boarding a boat.

This view of the Statue of Liberty does not require the use of a boat, great for anyone who suffers from sea-sickness, or anyone who isn’t too fussed about getting onboard a boat!

If you don’t have a big budget for Statue of Liberty tickets, then this Statue of Liberty view point is the ideal option for you.

A lot of NYC can be done on foot, and whilst you won’t get incredibly close to the State of Liberty without boarding a boat – you can still see it from land!

Whilst this may not be the best way to see the Statue of Liberty, it’s a good Statue of Liberty view point if you can’t / won’t do a boat.

By going to Battery Park, an area situated in Lower Manhattan, you can quite clearly take in the stunning views of the Statue of Liberty. There are several places in the park offering Statue of Liberty view points, but you’ll mainly want to head as south as possible, right next to the water’s edge.

If you’re coming from uptown, I recommend getting off at either South Ferry Subway, or Whitehall Street Subway to find this Statue of Liberty view point.

But any of the subway stations on the map below (look for the blue M sign) will be in easy walking distance.

You won’t get close-up views from here, but it’s still a great choice if you’re looking for a Statue of Liberty view point!

And if you don’t have the budget for Statue of Liberty tickets, then this was is free, and still gives you a nice view of Lady Liberty from a distance.

Sure, it’s not the best way to see Statue of Liberty, but it’ll do! And she’s still gorgeous, even from far away!

Option 5: Take a New York City Dinner Cruise

Cost: Around $80 – $120

For a really special, and one of the best way to see Statue of Liberty, this definitely is an incredible experience (and a romantic one too!).

This is a dinner cruise, but the dinner boat does pass close by to the Statue of Liberty during the cruise time, giving you access to fabulous views and photo opportunities of the Statue of Liberty.

If you’re planning a date night in the city during your vacation – this is a great choice.

If you want to combine a trip to see the Statue of Liberty while having a romantic dinner, then this is the perfect option. This is certainly one of the the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

You won’t disembark on the the island (where the Statue of Liberty is) but passing by it is enough to offer lovely views and soak in the scenery.

If you’re wanting to plan something a little bit luxurious and a little bit special – then this is a great way to see the Statue of Liberty, and enjoy some floating Statue of Liberty view points.

— Book dinner cruise Statue of Liberty tickets by clicking here —

Option 6: Take a helicopter tour

Cost: From $180 per person

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty from the sky, instead of the sea – then you simply have to book a helicopter tour that will take you soaring over the Statue of Liberty (and lots of other amazing attractions too). It’s certainly one of the best ways to see Statue of Liberty, and one of the most memorable.

This isn’t a convention Statue of Liberty view point, but it’s definitely a memorable one!

The views are literally breathtaking (which is why is made our list of the best way to see Statue of Liberty) and it’s a magical angle to see the city from – and in my opinion, one of the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

It’s once-in-a-lifetime for most people, and you’ll never forget it, it’s probably one of the most amazing things I have ever done…

If the average Statue of Liberty tickets aren’t quite enough for you, and you want extra thrills – then a helicopter ride is the ultimate choice for you!

— Check out my favourite helicopter tour of NYC here —

Option 7: One World Observatory

Cost: From $25 per person

From NYC’s tallest building, there are the most beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty framed by the other skyscrapers in downtown and wall st. It’s perhaps the most epic Statue of Liberty view point.

They may not be close-up views like some of the tours above, but the views are amazing and you’ll be able to see the whole city from up there too.

Definitely, something not to miss – but make sure you book ahead as it does get busy for this Statue of Liberty view point!

It’s not the best close-up view, or perhaps the best way to see Statue of Liberty – but it’s a great angle to see her from!

I recommend booking ahead for this Statue of Liberty view point, especially as you can choose skip-the-line options (which save you so much time!

— Book One World Observatory tickets by clicking here —

Option 8: Staten Island Ferry

Cost: This Statue of Liberty view point is Free!

Next on my list of the best way to see Statue of Liberty in NYC… The Staten Island Ferry!

It’s great because it’s free, and you don’t need to book ahead or anything – just turn up and get in the queue! It’s definitely the cheapest option for Statue of Liberty tickets, because it doesn’t cost a thing.

It’s not an ‘official’ Statue of Liberty view point, but it’s a great way to see her from the water, without paying for a boat tour.

Honestly, this is also one of the best free things to do in the city anyway, which definitely means you should take a trip on this amazing boat!

However, one disadvantage to the Staten Island Ferry is that you don’t get up-close and personal with the Statue of Liberty. This isn’t a Statue of Liberty view point where you’ll see her in much detail.

Also, if the boat is particularly busy, you might struggle to get a glimpse at all. But if you’re willing to take the risk, jump onboard and enjoy this free Statue of Liberty view point.

To take the ferry, you simply take the subway to South Ferry and then take the free ferry ride across the harbour.

As you take the crossing, you’ll get amazing views of The Statue of Liberty, and whilst you don’t get as close as some of the paid tours, it’s still an incredible outlook!

The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day and you are allowed to take bicycles on board. This is definitely the best way to see Statue of Liberty if you’re on a tight budget.

On a rainy day – be warned! The view might not be so great from the Staten Island Ferry! See below!

Option 9: Circle Line, Liberty Cruise

Cost: Adult $29 Senior $28 Child $23

Next on my list of the best places to see the Statue of Liberty, it’s the Circle Line Cruise.

The Circle Line Liberty Cruise allows you to sail just 100 feet from the Statue of Liberty, giving you the perfect opportunity to take stunning photographs. It’s a great choice when searching for the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

Which definitely qualifies it for this list of best way to see Statue of Liberty! A narrated guide is also given, which is nice if you want to learn a little more about the history of the Statue of Liberty.

Onboard facilities include a café and bar, deck space and air-conditioned indoor seating. As one of the most popular Harbour cruises, it is highly recommended that you make an early booking.

Take a private guided tour (pick your own Statue of Liberty view points!)

Another amazing choice when searching for the best way to see Statue of Liberty, it’s a private guided tour.

Last on my list of the best place to see the Statue of Liberty, it’s a private guided tour. This way, you get to choose which Statue of Liberty View Points to prioritize!

If you really want to learn everything you can about the Statue of Liberty, then booking a private guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is what you’ll want to do!

This particular tour means that you can skip all the lines, including a timed entrance (no queuing!) onto the ferry, a skip the line ticket, entrance to the Statue of Liberty, entrance to the Pedestal, entrance to the Statue of Liberty Museum and entrance to Ellis Island Museum too.

Plus your tour guide will ensure you’re filled with all the facts and information you need!

This is pretty amazing, and a wonderful option if you’re looking for the best way to see Statue of Liberty.

— Book your private tour Statue of Liberty tickets by clicking here —

I hope this list of the best place to see the Statue of Liberty and best places to buy Statue of Liberty tickets has been helpful.

As you can see, there are so many options for buying Statue of Liberty tickets, and so many great ways to see the Statue of Liberty! There are Statue of Liberty view points all over the city!