Statue of Liberty in front of the Manhattan skyline

The Best Time to Visit The Statue of Liberty

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
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.

Image of Art, Head, Person, Sculpture, Statue, Adult, Female, Woman,

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.

Image of Chart,

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.

Image of Art, Building, Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water,

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

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Continue reading

MoMA and The Met
Blog

The Metropolitan Museum of Art vs The Museum of Modern Art

The obvious answer here is to see them both, but what if you can only visit one? Never fear, here's our guide to the main similarities and differences between the MoMA and the Met.
Katie Sagal
Blog

Things to do in Midtown

No visit to New York is complete without exploring Midtown. Situated at the very heart of Manhattan, the area is home to some of the city’s best cultural attractions, shopping opportunities, and dining spots. Spend the day shopping on Fifth Avenue or view the city from dizzying heights at the Empire State Building. Or, if you’re an arts lover, check out the Museum Mile or head uptown to catch a musical on Broadway. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. Explore the Area If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience, there’s no better place to be than Midtown. Stretching for six whole miles through the district, Fifth Avenue draws in millions of visitors each year – and with good reason! The street has much to offer, with popular flagships, upscale boutiques, and spectacular window displays, especially around Christmastime. Flanked with enticing attractions and buzzing with life, this major attraction delivers a shopping experience going way beyond our wildest dreams. Dive into the crowds, pick up a souvenir for your loved ones, and soak up the incredible atmosphere. Hey, what’s not to love? Though New York is most usually recognized for its towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the city is home to many beautiful historic buildings. An absolute must-see for history buffs and architecture geeks alike, St. Patrick’s Church is known as the biggest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. Occupying an entire city block, the venerable structure stands out amongst its neighbors with a real sense of authority and presence. Both the exterior façade and interior design of the church are incredibly fascinating, as they tell a whole lot about the city’s religious and architectural past. Still, the main draw of the site is its atmospheric underground catacombs, which showcase the intricacies of 19th Century art and innovation. One of our favorite things about Midtown is that there’s a surprise around every corner. Situated between Madison Avenue and Broadway, Koreatown (AKA ‘’Korean Times Square’’) is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. Here, visitors can enjoy interesting shops, great restaurants, and a vibrant sense of community. This small but sweet enclave would be the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after catching a show on Broadway. See the Sites It’d just be wrong to write about the Midtown area without mentioning the Empire State Building. A world-famous attraction and mainstay of New York City culture, the iconic tower is one of the most impressive highlights of the cityscape. Still billed as one of the tallest buildings in the world, this majestic structure grants captivating views of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, as well as five different states. We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time to cut down on your queueing time! Of all the things to do in Midtown, one of the area’s biggest draws is Grand Central Station. Infinitely more than just a train station and commuter’s hub, this iconic tourist magnet has long served as an emblem of New York City culture. This national historic landmark is perhaps best known for its beautiful architecture and unique history – its famous golden clockwork, intricate tilework, and swooping arches and most certainly a sight to behold. Those who are interested in learning more about the background of the building can take historical tours. In addition, the attraction packs over 100 dining and shopping vendors all under one roof! Midtown presents an incredible wealth of cool things to do, see and experience. Comprised of a whopping 19 commercial buildings and spanning over 22 acres, the Rockefeller Center is a fantastic stop for any first-time visitor. Whether you’re looking for live music, historical artwork, or live tapings of your favorite talk show, this is where you want to be. Catch a show at Radio City Music Hall, tour NBC Studios, and in the wintertime, take a spin on its world-famous ice rink. The world’s your oyster! Get Cultured New York is an art lover’s dream, with Midtown presenting some of the city’s top cultural institutions. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the Museum of Modern Art is often recognized as one of the biggest and most influential institutions of its kind. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an expansive collection of over 200, 000 artworks across all mediums. Particular highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Salvador Dalì’s The Persistence of Memory and Roy Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl. Looking for a memorable cultural experience? Look no further than Broadway! Situated on a popular thoroughfare of the same name, the notable theater is often considered to be the most influential playhouse in the United States. Unlike indie playhouses, the Broadway Theater runs classic crowd-pleasers which are sure to suit those travelling with friends or family. You can see famous shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Moulin Rouge, and The Lion King. The theater is located on 53rd Street, with plenty of restaurants and bars just minutes away. Another one of our favorite things to do in Midtown is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this majestic repository is a total bibliophile’s paradise. Situated on Madison Avenue, this Italian Renaissance-style palazzo shelters the largest on-paper collection of art, literature and musical works in the United States. Particular standouts include one of 23 copies of the original Declaration of Independence, Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, and a signed manuscript of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. There are endless things to see, do and experience in Midtown. From the area’s world-class entertainment venues to its fantastic shopping destinations, dining spots and architectural landmarks, it’s essentially impossible to take it all in in just one visit. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed; rather, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. Make the best out of your travel experience with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Best Museums in New York 

A major tourist city and distinguished intellectual hub, New York offers some of the most renowned cultural amenities in the world. World-class art galleries, interactive science centers, planetariums, and some of the country’s most significant historic housing make the city well worth the visit. Wherever your interests may lie, New York delivers an astounding range of compelling educational experiences time and time again. If you’re planning a trip, read through our rundown of the best museums in New York to check out whilst you’re there. Get Inspired New York City has always been a revered destination for art, so it’s no wonder that its museums reflect this. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art houses one of the finest holdings of modern and contemporary art in the United States. Attracting 3 million visitors each year, the museum’s collection is comprised of 150, 000 artworks as well as 22,000 films. Famous pieces include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. New York is fortunate to have many creative attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. For shutterbugs and lovers of captured light, the International Center of Photography offers exceptional exhibitions in visual culture. Holding one of the top photographic collections in the United States, the museum displays over 200,000 pieces stretching from the earliest forms of the medium right through to contemporary work. An incredibly thrilling and unique encounter, the institute works to provide a thorough technological and artistic view of photography. With so much to see, the museum makes for the perfect November rainy day activity. If film is more your thing, you might want to consider heading over to the Museum of the Moving Image. Celebrating cinema in all its forms, the educational institution encourages learning, curiosity and expression through the preservation, collection and interpretation of motion picture. In its large and eclectic collection, the museum houses historic filming and production equipment, famous film costumes, illustrations and vintage merchandise. An intriguing and enjoyable way to explore the creative process of film and television, you won’t want to miss out on this one! Soak Up the Culture One of the coolest things about New York is that it offers a large collection of fine educational institutions. Situated in Lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian seeks to investigate the history and diversity of Native American culture. The museum is a constituent of the Smithsonian Institution and features a large collection of historical artefacts, including various clothes, utensils and artworks, each divided up per habitat. In addition, visitors can catch dance and music performances, educational programs and film screenings that work to tell the Native American story. Whilst New York City offers a wide array of art museums, there is only one top contender for literary museums in our eyes. Built into a stunning designated landmark, the Morgan Library houses one of the most cherished on paper collections within the United States. Combining literature with history, the library holds an impressive collection of timeworn manuscripts, early printed books, and various drawings and prints. In addition, the library also holds important pieces of music, drawings and artwork. As beautiful as it is interesting, this place is a total bibliophile’s dream. A well-recognized cultural mixing pot, New York is home to more cultures than any other city in the United States – so it only makes sense that its museums document the history of immigrant lifestyle. Built into what once served as a residence for new migrants, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum seeks to preserve, protect and showcase the stories of those who once called the historic blocks home. Visitors can choose from a wide array of tours, all of which tell one of America’s most important stories: how settlers became American, and how the United States became a nation. Explore the Lower East Side, sample authentic cuisine, and hear personal stories of life in the past. Learn Something New If you love history, then the next item on our list of the best New York museums is for you! Standing as one of the world’s most influential scientific and cultural institutions, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate curiosity in the world around us. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the museum is comprised of 26 interconnected buildings, which house an expansive collection of over 34 million specimens of plants, fossils and meteorites. Through breath-taking exhibits and educational programs, visitors can learn more about human cultures, the environment, and the universe. Exciting and fascinating, this place makes the perfect day trip for those of all ages. Another one of our favorite history museums in New York is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Situated in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan, this educational institution presents a stunning display of American military and maritime history. Interesting and fun, the establishment provides a totally unique experience for viewing legendary aircraft carriers, museum ships, and submarines. Expect to be blown away by the fascinating stories behind air, space and watercraft. Such historic manmade wonders include the first space shuttle, the British Airways Concorde, and of course, the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Whilst many New York museums center around the humanities, the Hayden Planetarium seeks to provide a fun and digestible understanding of the universe for the public. Housed in the American Natural History Museum and run under the direction of Neil Degrasse Tyson, the institute is arguably one of the best of its kind. Highlights include the establishment’s Cosmic Pathway exhibit exploring the known history of the universe, as well as its high-resolution video projection of the night sky. Through spectacular displays and public programs, visitors can investigate the fascinating inner workings of the universe. A major intellectual and artistic city, New York is home to some of the most diverse museums that can leave you overwhelmed with their fascinating and rare exhibitions. Whether you’re looking to learn about the background of the area or view seminal works of historical and contemporary art, the city is the place to be. When you make a visit, take in new information, see evocative pieces, and most of all, have fun! Hey, isn’t that what it’s all about? To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon