There are a lot of ways to see the Statue of Liberty, including the option to go straight to the landmark via ferry and see what NYC looks like from Liberty Island.
Our guides have provided free walking tours in New York City for tens of thousands of travelers, so we know all about the best places to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty.
This post will cover 10 of the best locations for Statue of Liberty photos, organized from best-to-worst viewing angles.
1. Take a Sightseeing Cruise
Taking a sightseeing cruise is a great way to see the Statue of Liberty up close. If you're seeking the best angles for photos or just a close-up look, a sightseeing cruise could be your best bet.
These services do not stop at the island, but they get as close as possible without actually arriving at the docks. This means you'll get a close view without having to crane your neck upward!
If you're looking for the closest unobstructed view to get excellent Statue of Liberty photos, this is one of the best options available in NYC.
Various vendors offer cruises near the statue, including Circle Line and Liberty Cruise. Prices differ depending on what the tour includes, and some are part of tourist discount passes. The Circle Line even offers a speedboat option for thrill-seekers.
For those interested in dinner cruises, Spirit Cruises provides a dining experience while sailing past the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks. These last 2-3 hours and also have varying costs.
So, if you want the closest, most unique views of the Statue of Liberty, consider taking a sightseeing cruise.
2. Visit Battery Park
If you want to see the Statue of Liberty without emptying your pockets, Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan is a solid choice. The park provides a wide view of New York Harbor, along with an unobstructed view of the famous statue.
Not just a place for sightseeing, Battery Park has its charm. You can stroll near the water or rest on seating that faces the harbor. Either option offers a nice look at the Statue of Liberty from afar.
For those wanting a closer look, Battery Park serves as the starting point for the Staten Island Ferry. While the ferry brings you closer to the statue, the vistas from Battery Park capture it in a larger setting that includes the harbor.
Apart from these factors, Battery Park has more to offer. There are guided tours that share the story of not just the Statue of Liberty but also other important landmarks you can see from the park.
While the view might require you to zoom in on your camera for the best Statue of Liberty photos, it won't cost a thing!
To sum it up, Battery Park is a cost-free way to enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, and it adds the extra benefit of letting you enjoy Lower Manhattan's calm waterfront. It's a destination with dual merits that is worth a visit when you're in the city.
TIP: Battery Park is one of the many stops covered on our free Lower Manhattan tour, which means you'll be able to see Lady Liberty while on this outing!
3. Hop on the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry serves as a great choice for individuals aiming to view the Statue of Liberty without parting with any money.
This commuter service sails quite close to Lady Liberty, making it an ideal spot for a quick photo - and it's absolutely free!
If you want to know more during your trip, there's a no-cost audio guide you can download, designed just for the Staten Island Ferry ride. You'll not only get to see the statue and harbor but also learn interesting facts.
Make sure to head for the right side of the boat if you want to see the statue while traveling from Manhattan.
In addition to views of Lady Liberty, you can also expect to see excellent views of the Manhattan skyline, Governors Island, Brooklyn Heights, and more.
As an additional spot to relax and sightsee, Battery Park offers calm surroundings to view New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. A casual stroll near the water or sitting on a bench can be a relaxing way to enjoy the view.
There are also pay-as-you-wish tours in Lower Manhattan that begin in Battery Park. A guide will highlight the statue and discuss its past.
4. Take the Ferry to Liberty Island
A variety of ticket packages for the Statue of Liberty are accessible. You can go for a General Admission ticket that includes a cruise to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, but it won't let you inside the statue.
Then there's the Pedestal Ticket, which will let you into the statue's pedestal in addition to the cruise. Finally, the Crown Ticket provides access to both the pedestal and the crown, along with the cruise.
While the basic ferry ticket will allow you to see the monument up close from the outside, pedestal and crown tickets will give you the opportunity to experience the view from the Statue of Liberty.
All ticket options provide free audio tours of both the Liberty and Ellis Islands. The view from Liberty Island is exceptional, and you'll have to look up to take in the full grandeur of the statue, but you can also enjoy a stunning view of the New York City skyline.
This vantage point will ensure you get an excellent picture of the Statue of Liberty, but it's worth noting that you'll have to point your camera upward.
For more information, make sure to read our full post covering Statue of Liberty ticket prices.
5. Experience One World Observatory
At One World Observatory, you get a view that's closer than what you find at other observation decks in New York City. From this vantage point, you can even spot the Statue of Liberty.
It's like having New York City right under your fingertips. If you've picked the right ticket for One World Observatory, you could skip the lines and head straight up to relish the city in all its glory.
With a mix of ticket options that offer everything from general admission to priority access, the experience can be as streamlined as you'd like.
The only real problem with this view is that it's certainly much further away than either Battery Park or the Staten Island Ferry.
However, if you're planning to visit an observation deck to take in the view of Manhattan anyway, it's worth noting that the Freedom Tower is closer to Lady Liberty than sites such as the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock.
6. Take a Helicopter Tour
New York City from the sky offers its own kind of magic. Shorter rides of about 15 minutes generally focus on the NY Harbor and part of the Hudson River.
These short helicopter rides allow you to fly past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the World Trade Center.
If you go for a ride that's 20 minutes long, you'll follow the same initial path but continue further, allowing you to see parts of Central Park and Midtown. It's perfect if you want to see more without spending too much time in the sky.
Those interested in an even more expansive view could opt for the 30-minute tours. These extend up the Hudson, going past Harlem all the way to Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge.
Taking a helicopter ride offers an excellent Statue of Liberty view point, but if you're looking for a closer view from in front of the monument, a cruise is still the better option.
Prior to confirming your booking, ask about the seating layout. Helicopters need to balance weight, so you might not get a window seat.
To improve your chances, you could call ahead and find out which times are less crowded, as this might increase your odds of getting a better view during your flying adventure.
7. Go to Governors Island
Going to Governors Island is a good option if you're looking for excellent views of the Statue of Liberty. Governors Island stays open throughout the calendar year, and visiting is possible only via a ferry ride.
Two ferry services can take you to Governors Island: the Governors Island Ferry and the NYC Ferry. These ferry services are operational from both Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering convenience regardless of your starting location.
For the Governors Island Ferry, adults pay $4 for a round-trip ticket. Some passengers are eligible for free rides, such as those over 65, children under 12, and military members. Bikes can also be taken for free, but space is limited.
The NYC Ferry is another option to consider. The travel duration is around 20 minutes. Both routes start at Wall Street Pier 11 in Manhattan and make stops in Brooklyn before arriving at Yankee's Landing on Governors Island.
To sum it up, you have multiple ways to get to Governors Island, either from Manhattan or Brooklyn. Just choose the ferry service that best suits your needs, and you're set for a scenic trip with great views of the Statue of Liberty.
This is one of the best spots for a Statue of Liberty view point from land, so if you're not interested in a cruise or other options, we recommend taking the short ferry ride over!
8. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Making your way across the Brooklyn Bridge offers a distinct chance to see New York City from a fresh perspective. Yes, you can look at Lady Liberty while crossing another NYC landmark!
You can absorb the striking skyline as you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It typically takes about 25 minutes for locals in a hurry, but taking it slow could stretch it to an hour.
Remember, the bridge is open 24/7, and though any time is a good time, sunset offers a particularly enchanting view.
Another advantage is the accessibility. Reaching the bridge is easy, with subway stops located at both ends. If you wish to get more out of your visit, guided explorations are on offer.
This is another free way to enjoy the Statue of Liberty, but the visibility might not always be ideal. The Brooklyn Bridge will be closer than the One World Observatory, but not as close as Battery Park.
The next time you're in the city, don't forget to allocate time to go over this bridge. It's not just a way to get to Brooklyn; it's an excellent way to see some of the most historic sites in NYC!
9. Visit Liberty State Park
Begin your trip to Liberty State Park by first making your way to the World Financial Center Terminal in New York City.
Once you've arrived at the terminal, go to the Liberty Landing Ferry desk to purchase your New Jersey-bound ticket across the Hudson River.
The ferry offers a 15-minute journey that's not only comfortable, but also visually rewarding. You'll appreciate the scenery of the river and the city skyline as you approach Liberty Landing Marina in Liberty State Park.
The park greets you with abundant greenery and pathways suitable for either leisure or physical activity. Although the park doesn't provide a full view of the Statue of Liberty's face, its aesthetic attractions and landscapes make your visit worthwhile.
10. Take the NYC Ferry/IKEA Ferry
Another angle for observing the Statue of Liberty comes from using the NYC Ferry, once referred to as the East River Ferry. This service is a go-to option for those commuting between Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Each trip on this ferry costs $4, and riders enjoy added comforts like complimentary Wi-Fi, the ability to recharge phones, and snack choices.
Tickets can be bought by your mobile app and shown to the crew upon boarding. For those who prefer not to use a mobile app for ticketing, machines that vend tickets are stationed at each dock.
This ferry system covers multiple paths, such as the East River Route linking Midtown East to Wall Street, as well as other courses like the South Brooklyn Route and the Astoria Route.
Though the vantage point may not be as intimate as some other viewing choices, the NYC ferry still offers its type of visual pleasure.
This is a handy way to catch a view of the statue, and you'll be treated to excellent views of sites such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline in the process.
BONUS: Walk Down the High Line
While traversing the High Line, you should pause at 10th Avenue Square. Though the view of the Statue of Liberty isn't ideal, if you pay attention, you can see it.
This vantage point is easily overlooked, but for those looking to save money, it's a cost-free way to see the iconic statue. We wouldn't recommend this location for Statue of Liberty photos, but rather as a test to see if you can spot the monument.
The High Line itself is a distinct green space that was transformed from a disused railway track and meandered through multiple areas of Manhattan, offering a new angle on the city.
Entry to this sky-high park can be achieved from multiple locations, starting at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and extending to West 34th Street.
While meandering through the park, you will come across installations of art, lush spaces, and beautiful panoramas of the Hudson River.
Frequented not only by tourists but also by locals, the High Line is a common place for morning runs, leisurely walks, and even dates.
For more ideas on seeing the Statue of Liberty without breaking the bank, you can check out our post How to See the Statue of Liberty for Free on free viewing options.
