The Best Time to Visit The Statue of Liberty

By Stuart Bak

Perhaps the definitive emblem of American freedom, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see attraction on any visit to New York City. Sure, it can be seen from dozens of vantage points around Manhattan: the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, Battery Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the One World Observatory... and the list goes on. But nothing beats getting right up close with a roundtrip on the ferry to Ellis Island, where you can visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and various parts of the Green Goddess herself. Yep, that even includes the 162-step climb up the internal spiral staircase and into the famous crown: one for those with a head for heights only! Read on for our guide to the best times to visit this American icon.

Opening hours

The park is comprised of Ellis Island, Liberty Island and their various attractions, and is open from 9AM until 5.45PM daily, including most holidays. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Please check the Statue City Cruises website for the most up-to-date ferry schedule and seasonal variations on opening hours. Advance booking is required.

Your Go City attraction pass includes the return ferry trip, plus entry to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and ground level area of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

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Best time to visit the Statue of Liberty

The first thing to know is that the Statue of Liberty is one of the most-visited attractions in NYC. The second is that, if you plan to visit both Ellis and Liberty islands in one day, you should aim to get as early a ferry as possible. Services start running from 8.30AM in summer, which should even leave early risers with enough time for a leisurely breakfast before boarding.

Summer is Lady Liberty’s busiest season, with more frequent ferry services leading to denser crowds and, by extension, longer lines. Spring and fall see slight dips in tourism, meaning less time spent waiting around, while winter is the quietest season of all, with queues often non-existent. But it’s a hardy soul who braves the cold of Liberty island in New York’s famously freezing January.

Inevitably weekends are busier than mid-week, but it really is all relative and there is truly no quiet time to visit the statue. Our recommendation is to catch the first ferry departures Tuesday–Thursday if you really want to beat the crowds and get inside the museums ahead of anybody else.

Note that the popularity and limited capacity of the statue’s crown and pedestal areas (not included in the standard ferry ticket) mean advance booking is essential.

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Getting to the Statue of Liberty

The only way to get to the Statue of Liberty is via ferry from departure points in Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey.

Aim to arrive approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time as there’s a required security screening of all passengers before boarding.

Tickets

You can check the latest schedule and book tickets on the Statue City Cruises website. All ferry tickets include access to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Statue of Liberty Museum and grounds.

If you want to visit the pedestal or climb the spiral staircase to the crown, you’ll need separate tickets. These must be booked in advance via the Statue City Cruises website.

Save money with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions, which includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums. Passes also give you access to dozens more iconic attractions around the Big Apple, including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Guggenheim and the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck.

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Where to eat

Fancy a picnic? You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to both islands, but all items must be sealed during the screening process and large coolers are not permitted. No food or drink can be taken inside the pedestal or crown of the Statue of Liberty; lockers are available for storing items.

There are also snack bars on the ferries as well as cafes serving a variety of sandwiches, snacks, salads and ice creams on both islands.

In brief...

Visiting as early in the day as possible, ideally Tuesday to Thursday during spring or fall makes for the most comfortable weather conditions and the shortest lines. In truth, there is no time to visit the Statue of Liberty when it won’t be at least a little busy, but the tenet of booking the earliest ferry in the day holds true regardless of season or day of the week. It really is your best chance of dodging the lines and being first inside the museums before the tourist crowds descend.

Finally, don’t forget to book your tickets in advance, especially if you plan to visit the pedestal or crown areas.

Get the Go City attraction pass to make great savings when visiting this and other top New York City attractions!

Useful links

Book tickets online

Get the Go City attraction pass for New York

Visit the Statue of Liberty with Go City

Further information for visiting the Statue of Liberty

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Dusk view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock observatory
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The Best Time to Visit The Top Of The Rock

The Rockefeller Center – aka 30 Rock – is the iconic Art Deco centerpiece of Rockefeller Plaza, a glorious, skyscraping work of art that, at a whopping 850 feet high, ranks as one of the Big Apple’s tallest buildings. It’s no wonder then that the uppermost floors (67, 69 and 70, to be precise) have been given over to observation decks collectively known as the Top of The Rock. We’re talking 360-degree views across the entire city to Long Island, New Jersey and even – on clear days – as far as Connecticut. And (spoiler alert!) if visually stunning 1930s Art Deco treasures are your bag, you’ll also enjoy uninterrupted close-up views of the Empire State Building from up here. Read on for our guide to the best times to visit the Top of The Rock. Opening hours Top of The Rock is open every single day of the year including holidays from 9AM to 11PM. Come rain, hail or shine, you can whiz heavenwards in the glass Sky Shuttle elevator, reaching the 70th floor in less than a minute. Guests can visit the observation decks for as long as they like during operating hours, but the latest entry to Top of The Rock is at 10:10PM. Check the Top of The Rock website for the latest opening hours before making your booking. A Go City attraction pass gives you access to the Top of The Rock’s three observation decks with their uninterrupted views of the Big Apple. The 67th floor deck has a large indoor space plus north and south-facing outdoor terraces. Floor 69 has yet more outdoor space, but it’s the fully outdoor 70th floor, right on top of the building, from where you’ll enjoy the clearest views of NYC icons including Central Park, the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Chrysler Building and the Hudson. Best time to visit the Top Of The Rock As with many of the Big Apple’s most popular attractions, the best times to visit Top of The Rock tend to be early in the morning or late in the evening if, that is, your primary objective is to beat the crowds. If, on the other hand, it’s heart-soaring sunsets you’re after (and quite frankly why wouldn’t it be?), you'll need to head to the Top of the Rock about an hour before dusk, and expect lines. 3PM–9PM tends to be the busiest time of day for precisely that reason. Just after the 9AM opening is when you’ll get the most private experience, as the morning sun glints and gleams on the Empire State Building and across the skyscrapers of Midtown. Crowds also tail off after sunset meaning that beyond 9PM is the best time to see the city lights illuminating the Manhattan skyline. Beautiful though this time of day is, do note that unlit areas like Central Park will be visible only as large dark patches on the ground after nightfall. Generally speaking, Mondays and Tuesdays tend to be the quietest days. Holidays and weekends (especially Saturdays) are when Top of The Rock is at its most busy. Visit during the festive season to pair your visit with a pilgrimage to the enormous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is displayed on the plaza (but not visible from the Top of The Rock itself) from mid-November until early January. Getting to the Top Of The Rock There are oodles of ways to get to the Top of The Rock with ease. Most straightforward are the multiple subway services that call at the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center station (B, D, F and M trains) as well as additional trains to 49th, 50th and 51st Street stops. Discounted parking is also available at Rockefeller Center SP+ garage which you’ll find at 25 West 48th Street. Enter 30 Rock on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Tickets Pre-book tickets direct on the Top of The Rock website to avoid having to wait in potentially long lines at the box office on the day. There are a few different ticket options available, ranging from general admission to the three observation decks to a VIP skip-the-line experience that includes a guide and a peek into 30 Rock’s glitzy Rainbow Room restaurant, a favorite with New York’s rich and famous for nearly a century. You can save money with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions, which includes entry to the Top of The Rock in addition to many more landmark attractions across the Big Apple. These include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Where to eat Dining options at the Rockefeller Center are plentiful and run the gamut from family favorites to fine dining. There are grab’n’go sandwich bars and those with a sweet tooth can get their fix from any number of bakeries, cookie stores and ice cream vendors. Check the Rockefeller Center website for the most up-to-date list of restaurants and to find out how to book. We love Le Rock for chic Art Deco style and French fine dining. Or choose Ace’s Pizza on the center’s rink level for Detroit and Sicilian-style slices to share with family and friends. In brief... Want to beat the crowds? Visit as close as possible to opening time (9AM) or come after 9PM to experience the best of the glittering Manhattan skyline after dark. Book tickets online in advance to avoid having to wait in line at the box office and you’ll be speeding skyward in that lightning-fast glass elevator before you know it. Uninterrupted 360-degree views await on the 70th-floor open-air observation deck right at the top of the building. Get the Go City attraction pass to make great savings when visiting this and other popular New York City attractions! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for New York Visit the Top of The Rock with Go City Official Top of The Rock website
Stuart Bak
Shopping in New York
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5+ Hot Spots for Cheap Shopping in New York - Outlet Malls & More

Even with all of the diverse New York City attractions and events, shopping remains at the top of visitors' lists for must-do NYC activities. After all, NYC is at the center of the world’s fashion and retail industry and is home to some of the best-known stores in the country. So, unless you absolutely loathe shopping, you’ll want to do at least a little of it while you're in New York. And while you'll definitely want to check out the high-end stores (just to say you did), you’ll be glad to know there are also lots of places to find cheap shopping in New York. Fun Ways to Spend Your Days in Between Shopping: Looking to fit in some fun activities and sightseeing alongside your shopping crusade? The below suggestions are a great way for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the city, all while saving a bunch of money on top attractions, tours, and more. Popular 3 days in New York itinerary Things to do in New York with kids the whole family can enjoy Visiting New York on a budget & other ways to save Anyways, here are 6 places to find discount shopping in New York... Woodbury Common Premium Outlets The Woodbury Common Premium Outlets encompasses 220 outlet stores, including one of the few Chanel outlets in the world. The outlets are set up almost like a village, making for an enjoyable atmosphere. The Outlets feature famous brands that offer 25% – 65% off (talk about some cheap shopping!), including... Adidas Arc'teryx Barney's New York Warehouse Burberry Coach Dolce & Gabbana Fendi Giorgio Armani Givenchy Jimmy Choo Kate Spade New York Lululemon Athletica and many more! Located in the Central Valley, about an hour north of Manhattan, you could easily fit a trip to the Outlets into your New York vacation itinerary. Trust us, it’s definitely worth your time. Insider tip: Bring a couple of large reusable bags to make carrying your shopping haul a bit easier. Location: Red Apple Court, Central Valley, NY 10917 Ways to Save: Round trip Woodbury Common Outlet bus tour are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Plus, you will get a VIP coupon with even more savings. Bloomingdales Coolcaesar at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons To many, Bloomingdale's (also known as "Bloomies") is considered Manhattan's most fashionable department store, with its flagship location being in NYC. Bloomingdale's features a 2,100 square foot Visitors Center that enables vacationers to feel at home right in the heart of New York City. Some popular shopping items include designer handbags, classic men's and women's collections, fine housewares, and more. There are also multi-lingual receptionists that are happy to help with any information, in-store services, and package delivery to your hotel. Macy's Herald Square Macy's is not only a fashion institution-it's an American icon. Visit the famed Macy's Herald Square, the world's largest department store. Whether you need the latest fashions for you or your home, you are sure to find it at Macy's. Stop into the Visitor Center on the 34th Street balcony where a multilingual staff is eager to welcome you. Loehmann’s Loehmann's discount designer store[/caption] Loehmann’s is a favorite among both tourists and locals, offering 30-65% off of designer clothing. Plus, they buy nationally, expanding the extensive list of brands that they sell. Some names you can expect to see are Juicy Couture, Michael Kors, Theory, Marc Jacobs, French Connection, Kate Spade, Betsey Johnson, and so much more. For a cost comparison, the prices are similar to department store clearance items but are available during the current season. As with any discount designer store, your shopping experience will be a bit chaotic as these stores are equally stuffed with people and garments. But chalk it up to the NYC experience and find some great deals! Location: 2101 Broadway (between 73rd St & 74th St.) Century 21 It may no longer be New York’s “best-kept secret,” but this bargain designer store is still a gem. Located in the Financial District, they work directly with garment district representatives to only stock locally. This means they have the ultimate in high-end names, like Armani, Pucci, Prada, and Missoni—and you’ll find savings up to 75% on these top brands. They have a huge men’s and women’s shoe department (located in a separate store) and great prices on kid’s clothing. That being said, Century 21 is not for the faint of heart. You’ll have to fight your way through throngs of shoppers and racks of clothing, but you'll definitely be able to find a gem of a souvenir. Location: 22 Cortlandt St. (between Broadway & Church) Cosmetic Market Good cosmetics can be expensive...but not at Cosmetic Market! Ever wonder what happens to extra make-up and perfume samples when promotions end? Or where excess Clinique, Sephora, and Chanel products end up? The answer to both of those questions: they go to Cosmetic Market. Cosmetic Market is a beauty bargain hunter's dream. This treasure of a store has everything from $5.50 Chanel nail polish to $1 L’Oreal hair color. In addition to makeup, they have an assortment of other products, like snacks (European chocolate in the back), candles and picture frames, jewelry, and other miscellaneous things (tip: you can find great gifty souvenir things here). You'll need to do a little sfiting and browsing through the massive selection, but it's hard to leave this store without finding a steal. Location: 15 East 37th St. (between 5th Ave and Madison Ave) Fishs Eddy At Fishs Eddy, you’ll find the highest-quality kitchenware and flatware for reasonable prices. Whether you’re a culinary wiz or just thinking about adding some flare to your kitchen, Fishs Eddy is a really unique place to shop. They have everything you can imagine, ranging in style from retro to contemporary. Plus, they change their inventory seasonally. Look for weekly sales or clearance items to save even more. Just be warned, it’s a tight space—not convenient for strollers and the like. Location: 889 Broadway (between 19th St. & 20th St.) Leekan Designs This unique showroom in the Lower East Side offers a varied collection of ethnic arts imported directly from China, Indonesia, India, Morocco, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and other Asian countries. Their store features affordable décor and housewares, African trading beads that can be made into a necklace or bracelet on the spot, and ready-made jewelry, among lots of other things! If you’re the kind of person who wants one-of-a-kind items or has an affinity for exotic accessories, you can’t miss this place. Location: 4 Rivington St. (between Bowery & Freeman Alley) Let's Recap on Our 'Cheap' New York Shopping So there are a handful of spots to check out if you're looking for some of the best shopping in New York, including popular cheap options, outlet malls, and other hotspots. Remember, often times you can enjoy extra discounts on shopping centers, outlet malls & more with a New York City Explorer Pass. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your vacation itinerary.
Katie Sagal
New York
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10...9...8... 10 tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square

9. The earlier you arrive, the better It should be rather obvious to anyone who’s ever watched the ball drop on television that the event is packed - so the earlier you get there, the better the view. Unfortunately, early really means early for this Times Square celebration. The most dedicated visitors begin lining up in the early hours of the morning on New Year's Eve. Depending on how close you'd like to be to the barrier, you'll want to be up bright and early. Once you have a spot, do not leave it! It'll be gone instantly. You might even want to arrive the day before, stay at a hotel, and eliminate the stress of getting there the day of. If you arrive at your preferred viewing area too early in the day, you may be moved by the police when the barricades are put into place. 8. Eat before, or pack snacks Don’t expect food vendors in Times Square. With all of the visitors packed in, there's no space for food carts to set up during the celebration. There are plenty of restaurants in and around the area though, so if you plan correctly ahead of time you'll have no problem finding a delicious meal. Call the restaurant to check on their operating hours and make sure they are open. You will almost certainly need to book reservations ahead of time if you plan to eat in the Times Square area. If you prefer not to spend time sitting down for a meal, grab something for takeout or stop at one of the many fast-food chains in the area. You could also pack snacks and drinks in a bag so you can eat right in your spot. Remember, if you find a great spot to see the celebration, you’re going to lose it if you leave. 7. Dress in warm layers, it's the middle of winter Wondering what you should wear on NYE? Dress warmly. It is easy to underestimate how cold it’s going to be when standing for hours on end in the middle of winter. Even if the temperatures don't seem very low, dress in layers - you're going to be outside for quite a while. Synthetics, like Goretex, wind-resistant and water-repellent outerwear and a nice warm hat are the keys to staying warm throughout the evening. Make sure to pack gloves and scarves. You may even want to grab some of the heating packs from a nearby convenience store. 6. Leave the backpacks and bags at home At the entry points, and at the designated viewing areas, everyone will be searched with a hand-held wand. Large bags and knapsacks are not permitted at all, and all bags will be searched. With limited space and many people standing on top of each other, we suggest bringing very small bags or leaving the bag at home altogether. 5. Take the train in rather than drive If there's one general rule of thumb for getting to New York City, it's that driving or taking a cab is the most expensive option - especially on a holiday like New Year's Eve. Available parking spots will be at an all-time low and parking and cab prices are sure to skyrocket with so many visitors coming in and out of the city. We highly recommend taking public transit to a stop near the event and walking the rest of the way to Times Square. If you're coming in from Grand Central, there's a specified subway line that runs directly from the terminal to Times Square. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers so that you can walk several blocks depending on what stop you get off at.  Check the MTA website for more information about routes. 4. No alcohol in Times Square Public drinking is illegal in New York City and this is strictly enforced at the Times Square NYE celebration. There will be plenty of police officers circulating the area and they'll confiscate any and all alcoholic beverages. 3. Make sure you 'go' before you arrive The number one question asked by anyone visiting Times Square - where is the bathroom? Unfortunately, there are no portable restrooms in Times Square, so plan to use the restroom before you arrive or at a local restaurant. Be aware, most restaurants will require you to make a purchase in order to use their restrooms. If you leave to go use the bathroom during the wait for the ball drop, then you most likely won't be able to get back to your hard-earned viewing spot. A good viewing area is difficult to find (let alone keep), so if you get a good spot you’re not going to want to give it up. 2. Don’t miss seeing the ball raised There’s a lot of standing around while you’re waiting for the celebration to start, so you might as well see everything you can. The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is raised up a 77-foot flagpole at the top of One Times Square at approximately 6PM. A few good places to watch are along Broadway (43rd Street - 50th Street), and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street. New York City's Times Square celebration is one of the most famous and popular New Year's Eve celebrations in the world, so it's no surprise that Times Square and the city as a whole will be packed around this time. In the spirit of the famous ball drop and countdown to the new year, read on for 10 New Year's Eve in Times Square tips to help ensure your experience is a safe, enjoyable, and memorable one. 💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions  🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries  10. Times Square (free!) The Times Square NYE celebration is a free event open to the public on a first-come first-served basis. Don't be swindled into buying a "ticket" by anyone on the street. That being said, make sure to get there as early as possible. People start lining up around the barriers in the early hours of the morning on the day of New Year's Eve. 1. Plan to stay the weekend and visit some attractions 🗽 If you're traveling from out of town, turn your New Year's Eve trip into a mini vacation. And if you're not from out of town, it's the perfect excuse for a city staycation. A weekend trip makes for the perfect amount of time to hit some famous New York City landmarks and attractions. We've outlined our top five must-sees:. Empire State Building Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is more than just a perfect view. Erected during The Great Depression, the skyscraper has been a symbol of hope and New York's legacy ever since. Take a tour of the building with the Empire State Building Experience, climb to the top for a breathtaking vantage point of the entire city, and explore the exhibit halls that tell the story of the building and the concrete jungle below. You can't visit New York without visiting its most famous building. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum For history buffs, the appeal of New York stems from the storied past of this bustling city. Of course, there's no better place to start than the very beginning - literally. Take the ferry out to Ellis Island and see where thousands upon thousands of people passed through on their migration to America. Explore the island and peruse the exhibits of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. From medical records to pieces of old luggage kept in mint condition, to first-hand accounts and personal stories, you'll leave the museum with a better picture of what life was like in New York City's earliest days. 9/11 Memorial & Museum Visit the site where the Twin Towers once stood and experience a deeply touching and educational collection of exhibits and memorials that honor the victims of 9/11. At the 9/11 Memorial & Museum visitors will encounter the Memorial’s twin reflecting pools, which are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. Inside the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, visitors will experience the story through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus tour To ensure you don't miss any of the NYC sights, hop aboard a Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus. It's one of the best ways to see the uptown and downtown areas, and you'll be able to get on or off at any stop for the whole day. Popular stops include the Empire State Building, SOHO/Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, and plenty of world-class museums. Have fun and enjoy ringing in the New Year! Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.   🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.     😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 
Nicole Muto

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