The Statue of Liberty - Getting the Best View

No trip to New York City is complete without getting a great view of the Statue of Liberty. Whether you want a quick view or a full tour, here’s our recommendations for how, where and when to get the best view for you – whether by land, by sea or by air!

For the best land views of Lady Liberty, head to the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, to an area known as the Battery. Downtown Tour Loop Hop off at: Battery Park/Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty Ferry or Subway to South Ferry or Bowling Green).

BEST VIEW: Hands down, the best view on land is from atop One World Observatory. Located in the southern most part of Manhattan, it’s the closest observation deck to the Statue of Liberty, giving you the most intimate view possible from land.

BUDGET FRIENDLY in Brooklyn: Oddly enough, one of the best spots for viewing the Statue of Liberty is from the parking lot or back patio of the Fairway Red Hook supermarket, (480-500 Van Brunt, Brooklyn, NY 11231). They have great ready-to-eat food as well so have yourself a picnic! Another great vantage point in the same neighborhood can be found at Louis Valentino Jr. Pier and Park, (Ferris Street between Coffey and Van Dyke), one of the few places on land you can get a rare head-on view of the statue.

EXTRA SPECIAL: If just one view of the Statue of Liberty won’t be enough, consider staying at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park Hotel, where most guest rooms offer views of the Statue of Liberty, and even come equipped with telescopes for an up-close look.

By Sea

If you’re pressed for time, the fastest and best way to see the Statue of Liberty on the water is the Circle Line Liberty 1-Hour Cruise. Sail down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty and back, viewing such sights as Ellis Island, the historic immigration center, the rising Freedom Tower, and the World Financial Center, along the way. Tour is translated into seven languages.

If you’d prefer instead to see Lady Liberty lit up against the night sky, the Circle Line Statue by Night Tour is a great alternative.

The CitySightseeing Ferry is more than just a way to get around the city, it’s a fully-narrated harbor cruise and sightseeing tour of NYC and its famous waterways. Take in 90 minutes of impressive New York City skyline and famous landmarks including the iconic Statue of Liberty, as our professional guides share their knowledge and stories of the Big Apple. Hop off at either stops along the way and explore at your leisure for a full day of sightseeing.

BUDGET FRIENDLY: For an ease on the wallet water view of the Statue of Liberty, hop on the Staten Island Ferry. You won’t get as close as you would with a paid cruise, but this FREE ride across New York Harbor runs 24 hours a day.

By Air

Sorry, no budget friendly option here – but if you can afford the cost, looking Lady Liberty right in the eye is a a life experience not many people get, and one you won’t soon forget!

Touring the Statue of Liberty

While there are many ways to view the statue of liberty, there is only one way to visit. To learn about visiting this national treasure, please visit the National Park Service where you will find resources for ferry service, tours as well as how to obtain tickets to the crown and pedestal (advanced reservations required).