Experience the iconic New York landmark in style on one of these excellent tours to meet Lady Liberty herself.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Since 1886, those arriving to New York by boat know they are close to their point of arrival when the upraised torch, which represents progress, of the Statue of Liberty comes into view. For many it was this magnificent sight that turned a dream of new beginnings into a reality. Today, visitors often include a boat trip to the statue, as well as a visit to Liberty Island, on which she stands*, as a key component of a broader New York City itinerary. These top boat tours are the best way to visit the Statue of Liberty.
NYC Statue of Liberty Express Cruise
For those travelling on a budget (of either money or time), there’s a ticket that allows you some up-close views of Lady Liberty. This 50-minute boat trip-only option includes live onboard narration as your boat circles part of Liberty Island, providing views from many angles of the famed landmark. You’ll also get to see many more of New York’s sights on this trip, such as Ellis Island. Cruises depart Thu to Sun in winter and daily in summer. From $24 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
One-Hour Cruise Around the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
This alternative cruise around New York’s storied harbor lasts an hour and includes a close pass-by of Lady Liberty, as well as the chance to see Ellis Island, where most immigrants to the United States once arrived, after a long ocean voyage, for processing into the New World. Quite fittingly, this tour also includes iconic landmarks of freedom and strength that still make this remarkable city alluring, such as Brooklyn Bridge and the One World Trade Center, aka the Freedom Tower, plus many of Manhattan’s other highlights. From $36 per person.
New York City Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour
The other type of tour to the Statue of Liberty is much more in-depth, allowing you to get up close and personal with this beloved icon. Considering that this four-hour excursion includes your ferry trip from Manhattan, plus entry to both Liberty Island – where you can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum – and Ellis Island, where the National Museum of Immigration awaits, this makes for an excellent value trip. Private tours are also available. From $56 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise
Circle Line Sightseeing offer a twilight cruise, which gives you the chance to experience the Statue of Liberty in a different light (literally). This is the chance to really kick back and drink in the sights of New York from the deck as the sun sets and the bright city lights take over. The two-hour itinerary means there’s time to pass beneath many of the great bridges, including the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg, with your guide’s live narration adding fascinating detail along the way. Daily departures. From $49 per person.
NYC Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day
As you might imagine, the Statue of Liberty is always in vogue, and that means plenty of fellow sightseers will be vying for the best photos when you visit. Unless, of course, you’re the first to reach the island. This unique early-access tour includes a cruise out to Liberty Island on the first boat of the day (usually departing at around 8:15am), with exterior access to Liberty and Ellis islands included in the fee. It’s the ideal way to experience Lady Liberty minus her many suitors. From $69 per person.
NB – at the time of research, access to the interior of the statue was still closed due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, although this is liable to change.