The 5 best Statue of Liberty tours

Most sightseers will choose this combination tour of both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Line up at Battery Park to board one of the boats; they run from 9 am to 3:30 pm, but it’s best to opt for one of the earlier departures to avoid a line. Once you arrive at Lady Liberty, you’ll receive an audio headset that you can use as a self-guided tour. Then, climb back on the ferry to head to Ellis Island, where you can explore the Immigration Museum.

Best for: Epic skyline views and affordability.

Everything's more scenic during sunset, right? Witness New York Harbor at its best with this hour-long boat cruise with great music and even better views. Relax on the outdoor deck and let the boat bring you straight the city's most iconic landmark for close-up picture ops paired with BYOB drinks. That's right, you can stop by waterfront restaurant Cobble Fish, before the tour sets sail, for a drink to bring on board.

Best for: A romantic evening activity.  

If you’d like more in-depth information about the most famous woman in NYC, opt for a guided tour. This tour begins with a walk through Battery Park, where you'll visit the American Merchant Mariners' Memorial and the underrated Castle Clinton National Monument. Next, you’ll board the ferry to go visit Lady Liberty herself—you’ll even climb up to the pedestal. The day ends with a guided tour of Ellis Island, where your guide will provide insight into the immigration process that goes way beyond the museum exhibits.

Best for: History geeks.

Don’t want to share your guide with an entire tour group? Reserve a private tour to guarantee priority boarding on the ferry, hear interesting tidbits about Battery Park and both islands, visit the Statue of Liberty pedestal and check out the museum at Ellis Island.

Best for: Families or small groups.

To see New York City through Lady Liberty’s eyes, you better reserve your Crown Reserve tickets early. And we mean early: these tickets sell out so quickly, you often have to book them three to four months in advance. It’s worth it for the opportunity to climb 377 steps up to the very top of the statue, though. After you snap the obligatory photos, make time to talk to one of the Statue of Liberty experts on hand—they know some incredible facts about her history and construction.

Best for: Taking tourism to the next level (unless you're afraid of heights).