As perhaps the most iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must when visiting New York. Representing the principles of which the US was founded, this gift from the people of France to the United States commemorates the alliance between the two.
The engineering marvel was designed by Bartholdi and Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel from the tower!) and holds great cultural and artistic value.
There are tons of tours to the statue, but the following 5 are the top Statue of Liberty tours that are well worth your time and money! Let’s get started!
Best Tours of the Statue of Liberty
| Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour | NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day | NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Private Tour | Best Morning Tour | Best Value Tour | |
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| Departure: | 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY | Pier A Harbor House, 22 Battery Place, NYC | One Battery Park Plaza, New York, NY |
| Start: | Between 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 8:15 AM, 11:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| Duration: | 4 hours | 4 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Includes: | Personal expert guide, Private tour, Guided Tour of Battery Park, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island Grounds, Statue Ferry Ticket | Local guide, guided walking tour, first ferry of the day ticket, ticket to Statue of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, official audio guide on Ellis Island | Reserved time round-trip ferry ticket, guided tours & admission to Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island, National Museum of Immigration, Self-guided audio tour & admission to Ellis Island Immigration Museum |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Statue of Liberty Tours For 2024
- Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
- NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day
- NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry
- Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and 9/11 Memorial Pools Guided Tour
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
Statue of Liberty Tour Reviews
1. Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY
- Departure Time: Anytime between 9:00 Am – 11:00 AM
- Includes: Personal expert guide, Private tour, Guided Tour of Battery Park, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island Grounds, Statue Ferry Ticket
I’d honestly say that if you’re going to visit just one area of New York City, it should be Liberty and Ellis Island. The historical significance surrounding immigration to the United States is immense, as it was often the first sight immigrants saw as they arrived in America by boat.
Hear all kinds of stories and learn about the background of each location with the Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour!
This 4-hour tour starts with you meeting your professional guide at Bowling Green, right outside the north entrance of the Alexander Hamilton Customs House. As this is a private tour, you have the ability to help customize the tour to your liking.
However, most will start off in Battery Park so you have time to explore the forts and other interesting wartime structures here.
Board the ferry to Liberty Island, where you’ll get to admire the beautiful statue from up close and even head up to the pedestal or crown if you’d like (and have previously selected this option). On the island, you’ll be able to venture around the grounds before heading on over to the next-door Ellis Island.
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Dive into the rich and intense history of immigration to the United States, with your guide leading you through the fascinating Immigration Museum.
The guides did a great job sharing captivating stories and historical anecdotes, highlighting notable events and other important details throughout. We also appreciated how they made sure to plan for ample photo-taking time, so no one was rushed or bored.
You get to choose just how long you stay at each, making it ideal for entire families!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day
- Duration: 4 hours
- Departure: Pier A Harbor House, 22 Battery Place NYC
- Departure Time: 8:15 AM, 11:00 AM
- Includes: Local guide, guided walking tour, first ferry of the day ticket, ticket to Statue of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, official audio guide on Ellis
It’s no secret that both Liberty and Ellis Island can get absolutely packed, as they’re both 2 of the most iconic places in all of the United States. However, with a knowledgeable guide to lead the way and exclusive tickets, you’ll be able to experience them with minimal crowding and have it essentially all to yourself.
If that sounds like fun to you, check out the NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island First Tour of the Day! Start off by meeting your guide at the front entrance of Pier A Harbor House, which is going to take you right to the Statue of Liberty ferry.
Why not grab a bagel and coffee close by beforehand while waiting for your ferry and get ready for a few hours full of learning and adventuring? Your tour starts at The Battery, which is a beautiful historic park where Dutch settlers are said to have arrived!
Hop on the earliest ferry to miss the crowds, enjoying the amazing New York skyline and the impressive Brooklyn Bridge. Once you disembark, you’ll head with your guide over to the Statue of Liberty Museum.
This modern and immersive museum provides an invaluable educational experience, perfect if you’re looking to learn more about the statue’s significance and history, gaining a deeper appreciation for it.
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After seeing Lady Liberty’s original torch, make sure to check out the amazing outdoor terrace and elevated observation deck for full panoramic views of the skyline, statue, and harbor! It makes for some fantastic photos.
Next, hop on another brief ferry over to Ellis Island, where you’ll also learn in a small group setting about what immigration here was like over the years and how around a whopping 8 million immigrants passed through its doors!
The included official audio guide was one of the best I’ve experienced, and you’ll even get to search passenger records for family names which is particularly special if you have family who came through the island. If you’ve worked up an appetite, pay a visit to their cafeteria before heading back on the ferry to Manhattan!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Departure: One Battery Park Plaza, New York, NY
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Reserved time ferry ticket, Round-trip ferry service, guided tours & admission to Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island, National Museum of Immigration, Self-guided audio tour & admission to Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Step away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for a while and enjoy a serene, eye-opening experience to both Ellis and Liberty Islands. This 3.5-hour tour works with your schedule, so even if you have a packed itinerary you can manage to fit this one in, easily.
If that sounds like a good time to you, then check out the NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry! Meet your guide on the Plaza right outside the Starbucks and become acquainted before it’s time to hop on your ferry to Liberty Island, where you’ll enter the Statue of Liberty Museum first.
Appreciate the architecture and design that allows in natural light, harmonizing with the beautiful natural surroundings seamlessly. The exhibits and collections insight perfectly showcase the history and importance of our Statue of Liberty with countless presentations, interactive displays, and artifacts.
Our guide was clearly very knowledgeable and experienced, easily navigating us through the 2 security screenings so we could spend as much time as possible exploring.
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Next up is Ellis Island, where you’ll become drawn into America’s Immigration Museum and see first-hand where millions of immigrants first arrived to one day become Americans.
This evocative experience leads you in their footsteps, through the Great Hall, Stairs of Separation, and the famous Kissing Post. Thanks to the history lessons learned, the interactive elements, and the flexible tour times, we highly suggest this tour for people of all ages – including young children!
We found it to be a more warm and informative experience, with a small group that shares this deeper sense of meaning and empathy.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and 9/11 Memorial Pools Guided Tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Departure: 24 State St, New York, NY 10004
- Departure Time: 8:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM
- Includes: Tour guide, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tickets, 9/11 Museum ticket (if option selected)
This next tour is perhaps the most comprehensive of its kind, combining trips to 3 of the most important landmarks in New York City – if not the entire country. I don’t consider myself a particularly “emotional” person, but I felt this one to pull at the heartstrings in many ways.
If you’d like to explore these iconic places from different aspects of American history and culture, you have to go on the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and 9/11 Memorial Pools Guided Tour!
Not only that, but this experience is one of those biggest bang for your buck tours. It’s super affordable when you consider everything you’re about to see and is much cheaper than tons of other tours that don’t even offer the exclusivity this does.
Start off by meeting your guide close to where the ferries take off, hopping on and enjoying the amazing views of the New York skyline and the amazing Statue of Liberty in the distance.
Once you arrive to Liberty Island, you’ll head over to the museum to learn just how important the statue is, see the original torch, and much more.
As it is a small group setting, you’ll be able to ask your guide questions and move easier through each location without waiting for a big crowd of people. Spend some time walking around and enjoying the panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding architecture before taking a short ferry ride over to Ellis Island.
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Once at Ellis Island, you’ll gain valuable insight into the immigration process in the 1800s and how it changed over the years. There are tons of different media displays, artifacts, and the center itself is a sight to behold.
After taking a ferry back to Manhattan, you’ll then head over to the moving 9/11 Memorial with the pools that really do make you feel a sort of emptiness left where the towers once stood.
If you’d like, you can add on an optional pedestal upgrade or 9/11 Museum visit, which is highly recommended. However, just seeing the pools and listening to the guide’s commentary surrounding them is quite the experience in itself.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Departure: One Battery Park Plaza
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Live Guide, Round Trip Ferry Service, Reserve Round Trip Ferry Ticket, Admission: Statue of Liberty Museum, Admission: Ellis Island Museum
If you have some free time in the morning, grab yourself a tasty breakfast or coffee and enjoy the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour. I found this one to be perfect if you’re looking for a well-planned experience that is very well-paced with a professional guide who is clearly local to the city.
It’s a million times better than just going on a general New York City tour if you’re looking to really dig deep into these 2 landmarks.
Just like with many others on this guide, your tour starts by you meeting your guide and the rest of your group at Battery Park Plaza. This park is actually a pretty cool place to check out, too, so if you arrive early you’ll still have things to do.
At 9:00 am the ferry will depart, so make sure to get there at least 15 minutes before so everyone is accounted for and ready to go!
The first stop is once again Liberty Island, which is just a fascinating place to walk around and enjoy the surrounding landscapes. However, the majority of your time here today will be spent in the modern Statue of Liberty Museum, which opened up just a few years ago.
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I really liked the theater, where you can enjoy short films that dive deep into the statue’s history and how significant it was to the United States from the very beginning.
If you’re looking to take some photos with other members of your party, the outdoor terrace and elevated promenade are perfect! You have the New York skyline sitting right behind you, and of course, the Statue of Liberty right there!
Next, pop on over to the legendary Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants arrived to start their new lives and took their first steps towards being Americans!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
FAQs About Statue of Liberty Tours
How do I book a Statue of Liberty tour?
You can book a Statue of Liberty tour online or by phone through the official ferry company, Statue City Cruises. You can choose from different options such as grounds only, pedestal access or crown access tickets. You can also join a guided tour or a combo tour that includes other attractions such as Ellis Island or the 9/11 Memorial.
What is included with my Statue of Liberty tour ticket?
Your ticket includes the round-trip ferry boat to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, as well as an audio tour for both islands. If you have a pedestal access or crown access ticket, you can also enter the monument and climb up to the designated level. However, you will need to pass through a second security screening and store your belongings in a locker before entering the monument.
How long does a tour of the Statue of Liberty take?
The length of the Statue of Liberty tour depends on how long you wish to stay and which ticket option you have. Visitors typically allot a few hours to tour Liberty Island and the statue. Visitors to the statue’s crown are only permitted to stay for a few minutes, while those visiting the pedestal are not limited.
What are the main attractions on Liberty Island?
Well, the main attraction of course is the Statue of Liberty. The worldwide symbol of freedom and democracy. You can admire the statue from different angles, learn about its history and construction at the museum, and enjoy panoramic views of New York Harbor from the pedestal or the crown. You can also explore the grounds of the island, which used to be a military fort and a quarantine station.
What are some tips for Statue of Liberty tours?
- Plan ahead and book your tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially for pedestal and crown access.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly, as it can be windy and chilly on the ferry and the island.
- Arrive early and allow enough time for security screening, boarding the ferry and exploring the island.
- Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat and comfortable shoes, as there are limited facilities on the island.
- Respect the rules of the park, like staying on designated paths, not climbing on the statue or its base and not bringing prohibited items such as weapons, large bags or drones.
What is the best time of year to see the Statue of Liberty?
Summer as you imagine is the busiest time of the year. With July and August, the most busy. June is a good month with less crowds and nice weather.
The winter is the least crowded time to visit the Statue of Liberty however it can be cold and windy. Be aware there can be ferry delays or cancellations if there is bad weather.
The spring is a mixed bag, as it can be either mild or chilly, sunny or rainy. However, it can also be a good time to avoid the peak crowds and enjoy the blooming flowers on the island.
Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends, regardless of the season or the weather. If you can, try to avoid holidays and school breaks, as they tend to attract more visitors.
The best time to visit is early in the morning, get the first ferry of the day if possible. This way, you can beat the crowds and have more time to explore the island and monument. You can also catch the sunrise over New York Harbor, which is a beautiful sight.
If you want to see the pedestal or crown, book your tickets well in advance. You can book your tickets online or by phone through Statue City Cruises.
Is it worth it to go up in the crown?
The crown has amazing view of the city but there are some things you need to be aware of:
- You need to book in advance: Crown tickets are limited and sell out months in advance. You need to reserve your tickets online or by phone from the authorized vendor, Statue City Cruises. You cannot buy crown tickets at the ferry departure locations or on Liberty Island. You need to give the names of everyone in your group and your ID which must match the name on the ticket. So you cannot scalp a ticket.
- You have to climb a lot of stairs: There is no elevator to the crown. You will need to climb 162 narrow and steep steps on a spiral staircase from the pedestal to the crown platform. The climb is not easy! If you have heart, respiratory or mobility you should not do it.
- There are strict rules: There are strict rules on what you can bring up to the crown. You can only bring one cell phone or camera, water in a plastic container and your medication. You not allowed to bring backpacks, purses or any other items. You will need to store them in lockers on Liberty Island.
- You need to manage your time: The crown ticket will have a specific time to enter. If you miss your time you will not be allowed to enter. Once you reach the crown you will have 10 minutes to enjoy the views.
What is the best Statue of Liberty tour?
If you can afford to spend a little extra for a more personal experience we recommend the Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour. This is a private tour so it’s only your group and you won’t feel rushed and feel free to ask as many questions as you like!
What is the cheapest tour of the Statue of Liberty?
If you are on a strict budget we recommend the NYC: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour with Ferry. This is a no frills guided tour with a larger group so you won’t get a lot of personal experience and probably not a lot of time to ask questions.
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The Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Statue of Liberty tour.
