Best Statue of Liberty Tours
This famous landmark is known worldwide; Many people take the Statue of Liberty to represent the United States itself because it is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and progress. A remarkable monument, the statue towers over the surrounding waters and Libertas – the Roman goddess of liberty – defiantly holds her torch for all to see. In years past, she was a welcome sight for immigrants arriving by boat to start their new lives in the States. Gifted to the Americans by the French in 1886, it is one of New York’s must-see attractions and people are always amazed by the sheer size and scale of the statue. With so many tours offering package deals to visit and visit the Statue of Liberty, here are some of the best tours for you to choose from.
1. Preferred Statue of Liberty ticket with optional pedestal
This priority ticket will help you skip the queues and save your valuable time in New York. Once you reach Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, you’re free to wander around to your heart’s content.
The views of New York and the statue from the ferry are mesmerizing, and Liberty Island is fascinating to explore. Here, it is advisable to opt for the ‘pedestal option’ so that you can access the museum and the magnificent panorama of New York from inside the statue.
Ellis Island is just as good to see. You will be interested to learn about its past and how it was a processing center for millions of immigrants hoping to start a new life in the States.
2. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4 hours of guided tour
Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on this spectacular tour.
With access to the pedestal and the museum on Liberty Island, this trip will give you a new appreciation for what the statue means to so many people.
Walking around Ellis Island is just as illuminating, as personal stories bring to life the experiences of those who made the long Atlantic journey to reach the States.
3. New York Harbor Happy Hour Cruise
Strolling around the harbor at night is a magical affair as New York lights up before you and the Statue of Liberty is lit up in all its glory.
Sitting back and watching the city go by is a pleasant way to spend an evening. You will see many famous New York landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building.
An unforgettable experience, this cruise and all the beautiful sights you see will live long in the memories.
4. Statue of Liberty Pedestal, Ellis Island, and Pre-Ferry Tour
This great combo deal takes you around historic Battery Park before it’s time to take the ferry to see the iconic Statue of Liberty.
With a wonderful guide by your side, you’ll learn a lot about the history of the place and the stunning architecture that drips with symbolism.
Ellis Island is also an interesting experience. An estimated 40 percent of Americans have an ancestor who passed through an immigration processing point.
5. New York: SuperNY Combo Package
If you’re pressed for time, this amazing deal will help you make the most of your days in New York. It includes a large array of attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center.
The Hop On Hop Off Bus will take you to all the popular attractions of the city. In no time, you’ll have seen Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and all their amazing sights.
With a walking tour and night tour included in the package, this three-day deal is a great option if you want to see more of the city.
6. Early Access 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island
This spectacular tour will take you to five of New York’s most iconic landmarks. An early access pass means you’ll be able to skip the lines when visiting the 9/11 Memorial.
A visit to historic Battery Park is very interesting. From there, you can take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, which offers amazing views of Manhattan.
With stops at Ellis Island and Wall Street also included in the combo deal, this tour will take you to many of the city’s most famous landmarks.
7. 60 Minute Sunset Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise
If cruising around New York Harbor wasn’t beautiful enough, watching the sunset over the water as it bathes the city in various shades of red, yellow and orange should be a truly memorable experience.
The scene becomes even more magical when the lights begin to come on throughout the city and New York comes to life.
with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Ellis Island; This tour definitely packs a punch.
8.New York: Statue of Liberty and One World Observatory
This day tour will take you to many of New York’s most popular attractions, and you’re sure to come away with a better understanding of the city, its people, and its history.
With visits to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island included in your tour, you’ll learn about the history of many of New York’s immigrants and their journey to America.
After a stop at the moving 9/11 Memorial, it’s time to head to the One World Observatory, which offers incredible views of New York in all its glo
9. Statue of Liberty with optional Ellis Island and VIP upgrades
With a professional guide, the Statue of Liberty will come alive as they explain how it was built and what it symbolizes to the people of America.
From the pedestal, you have panoramic views of New York. The museum is as entertaining as it is educational.
If you choose the Ellis Island option, the guide will tell you all about the millions of immigrants who braved the treacherous journey to the States for a chance at a new life.
10. Clapper City Tall Ship Statue Seal
Sailing around New York Harbor in Clipper City is a wonderful experience and will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time as her sails move in the wind.
Leaning on the deck of the city’s largest sailboat is a peaceful way to see many of New York’s iconic buildings and monuments all at once.
Passing by the majestic Statue of Liberty and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge are just two of the highlights of the tour, and you’re sure to get some great memories and photos from a wonderful trip.
11. Neck-toasted were persecutingly in the skirt of laden liberty
A fun and exotic look at the Statue of Liberty and New York history in general, this tour will tell you stories behind the city that you won’t hear anywhere else.
The fantastic guides will regal you with a list of eye-opening stories about the statue and its tumultuous history and you will come back thoroughly entertained.
On top of all the new information you’ll learn, the statue itself is fantastic to look at and a must-see when in New York.
12. New York Deluxe Helicopter Cruise
For a bird’s-eye view of New York, you can’t beat this tour, which takes you above the city in a helicopter.
The ideas are great; You’ll pass all of New York’s famous landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge among many highlights.
It’s an exhilarating ride and you’ll be left wishing you could do it all over again.
13. Top of the Rock Tickets and New York Sights Day Tour
This full-day tour will take you to most of New York’s top attractions, on a harbor cruise, and to the Top of the Rock. This is a great option if you want to fit in as much sightseeing as possible in one day.
Exploring Manhattan is a magical experience. The architecture and world-class monuments and attractions are all breathtaking, as is the cruise past the Statue of Liberty.
A perfect day ends with a visit to the Top of the Rock Observatory, which offers spectacular views of the Big Apple below.
14. New York is alive after 5 cocktail cruises with options.
A beautiful way to spend an evening, this cruise around New York Harbor will take you past many of the city’s highlights, including the Statue of Liberty.
Sitting back and relaxing with a drink in hand while the music plays is a great way to watch the sun go down over New York, and watching the city lights come on is magical.
Well worth checking out, this cruise and cocktail combo is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
15. 60-minute cruise around the Statue of Liberty: Multilingual
Traveling under the Statue of Liberty as it stares steadfastly at the horizon is an unforgettable experience.
The views are incredible; From the deck of the ship, you’ll be able to spot the Empire State Building, the Freedom Tower, and the Brooklyn Bridge, among others.
With commentary provided in nine languages, this tour will help you see the best of New York while relaxing on the boat and watching the world go by.
15 Best Statue of Liberty Tours:
- Preferred Statue of Liberty ticket with optional pedestal
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: 4-hour guided tour
- New York Harbor Happy Hour Cruise
- Statue of Liberty Pedestal, Ellis Island and Ferry Ferry Tour
- New York: SuperNY Combo Package
- Early Access 9/11 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island
- 60 Minute Sunset Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise
- New York: Statue of Liberty and One World Observatory
- Statue of Liberty with optional Ellis Island and VIP upgrades
- Clipper City Tall Ship Statue Sail
- NYC Twisted Statue Tour under the banner of Lady Liberty
- New York Deluxe Helicopter Cruise
- Top of the Rock Tickets and New York Sights Day Tour
- New York comes alive after 5 cocktail cruises with options.
- 60-minute cruise around the Statue of Liberty: Multilingual
6 Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty with Kids
Is the Statue of Liberty at the top of your family’s list when you visit New York City?
It took me 40 years to finally get to New York City for the first time and you better believe the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for my family. The Statue of Liberty is one of the great symbols of American freedom. It is also a national park. My family had a great day here.
Here are our tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty with your family.
What to expect
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island near New York City. Statue Cruises provides ferry service to the Statue of Liberty from New York City’s Battery Park and New Jersey’s Liberty State Park. These ferries are the only way you can get to Liberty Island.
On Liberty Island, you will definitely find the statue. You are free to walk around it. You’ll also find views of Lower Manhattan, lawns and gardens, a small statue, and amenities like a cafe, gift shop, and ranger desk.
You can only go inside the Statue of Liberty if you have a Crown or Pedestal ticket. Buy these tickets in advance from Statue Cruises.
Your ferry ticket also includes a visit to Ellis Island, which was the first stop in the United States for 12 million immigrants. Save time to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Buy Crown tickets early.
Do you want to climb the crown of the Statue of Liberty? If so, tickets are limited and will likely sell out months in advance. You may need to reserve at least six months in advance for summer or other peak times.
This is a tough climb, so climbers should be in good physical condition. Children must be at least 48 inches (1.2 meters) tall. For more information about climbing the crown, visit the Statue of Liberty National Monument website.
Save money on tickets.
Are you traveling with small children? Children aged 0-3 can visit the Statue of Liberty for free.
These money-saving passes include the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, along with the Empire State Building, 9/11 Memorial Museum and more. If you’ll be visiting several popular New York City attractions, one of these passes will probably save you money.
- Go New York Pass (formerly Explorer Pass) – Choose 3, 4, or 5 activities from a list of 80+ attractions.
- CityPASS – Bundle and save on admission to 6 popular attractions. This is the least expensive of these passes.
- New York Pass – Choose multiple days and do as many of the 100+ activities in that time.
- Sightseeing – Choose multiple days or multiple attractions. This is the most flexible pass option.
We have used both Go New York and New York CityPASS. Both work well, but they work differently. Click on the links below to read more about each pass and decide which one best suits your interests and budget.
Tips for getting the most out of New York Pass
Tips for getting the most from your New York City Pass
Arrive early
This is the most important tip for visiting the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is one of the most visited attractions in the United States and taking a Statue Cruise Ferry is the only way you can set foot on Liberty Island. Expect lines at the ticket booth, security screening and boarding the ferry if you don’t arrive first thing in the morning.
Security screening is similar to airport security. Do not bring any large bags or weapons.
Arriving at Battery Park before 9:30am, we avoided the long wait. We also got free pedestal tickets. When we returned to Battery Park a few hours later, the lines were quite long.
I’m told the ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey is less crowded. There is also parking available if you are driving your own vehicle.
Go to the crown or pedestal first.
There is another line at the base of the pedestal to access the pedestal and crown. Space inside is limited, so visitors are only allowed a few at a time. You will have to go through another security check and may have to store your bags in lockers. The charge was $2 per locker.
We found the museum worthwhile. It’s small, but you’ll see the original torch and learn a lot about how the Statue of Liberty came to be and what it has meant to generations of Americans. It was fun to walk outside for the elevated view of Liberty Island and New York City.
Pack a picnic or snacks.
Expect to spend at least half a day visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Food is sold on both islands, but both have nice places to enjoy a picnic or breakfast outside.
Dress for the weather
This is an outdoor activity, so dress appropriately for the weather. Expect to be a little cooler on the ferry than on shore. Wear sunscreen and hats.
Junior Ranger Program
Junior Rangers are a fun and free way for families to learn more about the Statue of Liberty. It helped inform my family of parts of the park that we might have missed otherwise. The Junior Ranger program is for kids ages 5-12, but younger and older kids can enjoy it, too.
At the information center, ask the ranger for a Junior Ranger book for each child. Complete the activities in the book and return to the Information Center before leaving Liberty Island. The ranger will swear in your children as Junior Rangers and give them gold souvenir ranger badges.
Conclusion
The Statue of Liberty is a must-see for families in New York City. Be sure to purchase tickets or discount passes in advance and arrive early to avoid long lines. Also save time to visit Ellis Island. This is included with your ferry pass.
Happy travels!
Good to know
How much: Prices currently start at $18.50 for adults. It includes a ferry ride and admission to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Children aged 0-3 are free.
How long: 3-5 hours, not including time spent in line before you board the ferry. This includes Ellis Island. You don’t have to visit Ellis Island, but I highly recommend it.
Facilities: Museum, cafe, gift shop, bathroom, ranger desk. Snacks and bathrooms are also available on the ferry.
Where to Stay in New York City – Best Areas for First-Time Visitors!
Planning a city trip to New York City? cold! You’re going to love the Big Apple! But finding a hotel in New York can be really stressful. Especially if it’s your first time traveling to New York. In this post, we will help you get your bearings in New York. We’ll show you the best areas to stay and share our personal hotel recommendations.
It’s no secret that New York City isn’t exactly the cheapest place to travel.
But let’s be honest: this sprawling metropolis is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Sure, living in New York isn’t a stretch by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s worth every cent!
Many posts offer travel hacks for finding the cheapest place to stay in New York, and yes, of course, there are beds for under $120 a night.
But it’s true what they say: “You get what you pay for.” Quality is its price.
To make sure you find the best accommodation in New York, you should first consider the following question: Which part of New York is the best place for you to live?
Jenny was lucky enough to live in New York for an entire year and knows the city inside and out! We want to share his insights with you in this post.
We’ll show you how to get the most out of your stay in New York, share some helpful accommodation tips, and help you find the best place to stay in New York for your trip. will help
Finding your bearings in New York
At about 8.5 inhabitants, New York is the most populous city in the United States.
There’s a reason Manhattan is full of skyscrapers: All of them have to fit into a relatively small area, and the more than 50 million tourists who visit New York each year also need a place to stay.
Of course, this means that it can be a little overwhelming at first if you’re used to relatively small and cozy European cities. New York City is made up of 5 major districts, known as boroughs.
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- The Bronx
- the queen
- Staten Island
If you’re visiting New York for sightseeing, Manhattan is your only real option. All famous and important places of New York are located here. 4 of the 5 boroughs of New York that we recommend are in the borough of Manhattan.
Tips for Living in New York
Room rates
Considering New York’s real estate prices, it’s no wonder budget hotels are so few and far between. If you want to spend as little as possible on your accommodation in New York and don’t mind the commute, we have some tips for finding cheap places to stay in New York later in the post. .
But if you’re more like us and enjoy a comfortable hotel (at a reasonable price!) and like to be in the center of the action, then this is the perfect post for you.
But let’s talk room rates: decent mid-range hotels in good locations start around $200 per night. Cheap hotels are usually of very low quality. It’s almost impossible to find a room in a good location for less than $120.
If you prefer a bit more luxury and comfort and want a larger room, you can expect to pay $300, or even $400 per night. The price also depends on the season of travel.
The fewest rooms are available in January, February, July and August. Rooms are most expensive during peak seasons, such as April, May, September and October.
Quality vs. Price
If you look for hotels with good ratings when booking, you really can’t go wrong. But you should be aware of a few things: Hotels in New York are small. And when we say small, we mean small.
Although not as extreme as the ultra-small hotels in Japan, we’re still talking about 15 square meters for around $200-$300 depending on the location. It doesn’t really bother us, but first-timers are often surprised when they see their room.
You should keep this in mind when packing for your trip. Our philosophy for city tours is: pack light and take as little as possible.
If you need some inspiration on what to bring, then check out our post on what to pack for city breaks. It’s always better to be prepared, that way you can avoid the stress of making room for all your belongings upon arrival.
Book early
A top tip for finding a place to stay in New York is to book as early as possible. The metropolis is a popular tourist destination throughout the year.
Hotels fill up fast, especially during peak travel season, and then you have to make do with what’s left.
Affordable housing in New Jersey
New Jersey is another state, but located just across from Manhattan on the other side of the Hudson River.
Jersey City is right across from Manhattan and the waterfront hotel in particular has a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. However, hotel prices are not cheaper than in Manhattan, simply because you can get there much faster by subway.
If you really want to save money, you should check out Newark hotels. They don’t offer a view on Manhattan, since Newark is a little outside, but a good room costs between $120 and $170.
You should definitely book a hotel near Newark Penn Station. With the red PATH train line you will need 22 minutes to the World Trade Center. A one-way ticket costs $2.75 (about €3.20).
Advantages of staying in Newark:
- You get more for your money than in Manhattan.
- If you land in Newark, you are close to the airport.
- Disadvantages of living in Newark:
- It will take you 20 to 30 minutes to reach Manhattan.
- You have no view of the skyline, so you don’t get that authentic New York feel