While visiting the Statue of Liberty, tourists can choose between three options—self-guided tours, where they can explore at their own pace, guided tours, where local experts lead them, and private tours, which come with customizations.
Of these three options, guided tours led by knowledgeable guides are the perfect way to explore the Statue of Liberty.
These guided tours are affordable and tourist-friendly and also help create unforgettable memories.
Guided tour vs self-guided tour
Still not convinced why guided tours offer the most value for money?
Check out our table of comparison below –
| Feature | Self-Guided Tour | Guided Tour |
| Description | Tour at your own pace | Led by a knowledgeable guide |
| Duration | Depends on your pace | Usually around 2-3 hours |
| Cost | Starts at $30 | Starts from $50 |
| Accessibility | Self-navigation required | The guide assists with navigation |
| Information Provided | Basic information from audio guides or pamphlets | In-depth historical and cultural insights from the guide |
| Flexibility | More flexible. You decide the itinerary | Less flexible, follows a set schedule |
| Group Size | Just you or your group | Minimum group of four and a maximum of 25 |
| Interaction | Non-interactive and self-researched | An interactive experience—you can ask questions to your guide. |
| Additional Features | Access to standard public areas | This may include special access to restricted areas |
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# Statue of Liberty from New Jersey or Manhattan
Statue of Liberty Guided Tour
If you opt for the Statue of Liberty Guided Tour, a local guide helps you explore Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island, and the National Museum of Immigration.
This live tour guide will be with you throughout the 4-hour sightseeing tour, which starts from Battery Park in Manhattan.
With this ticket, you can go around the whole of Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close, after which you visit Ellis Island.
This ticket doesn’t get you access to the crown and statue’s pedestal.
You can choose from the two time slots – 9 am or 11 am.
The ticket costs $55 for adults over 15 and $51 for children between two and 14. Entry is free for infants one or younger.
Buy This TicketWant to save your time from planning your New York trip? Try this New York CityPass and visit five iconic attractions in one ticket, such as the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, along with the Statue of Liberty Museum.
Guided Cruise around the Statue of Liberty
If you are time-bound but want to get most of your New York City tour, this New York Cruise Tour is the best option.
This two-and-a-half-hour tour covers the panoramic views of three rivers, seven bridges, five boroughs, and several major NYC landmarks.
Most importantly, you also witness the close-up of the Statue of Liberty!
The live guide is available in English, and you can choose your audio guide in Spanish, French, or Portuguese.
This tour is available at 10 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm, and 3.30 pm.
The New York Cruise Tour ticket costs $52 for adults aged 13 and above, $43 for children between three and 12, and is free of cost for infants aged two and below.
Buy This TicketSee the Statue of Liberty from a helicopter
Get the helicopter pilot as your guide for the day. Choose airtimes of 15 or 20 minutes, and see spectacular panoramic views of Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Hudson River, etc. The ticket starts at $299 for all age groups above two years. Find Out More. Interested in a night tour? Check out this heli ride from New Jersey.
Private Guided Tour for Families
The State of Liberty Private Guided Tour for Families offers you the best opportunity to visit Liberty and Elis Island as a group or family with a private live guide.
Visit as a group of friends or family of four, and this two-hour tour allows you to enjoy the magnificent view of Lady Liberty and learn about its history.
A well-knowledgeable private guide will take this tour in an engaging way for all age groups. So, whether you come with your elderly parents or little kids, you will have a memorable experience.
The tour lasts two hours, and the live guide is available in English or Spanish. You can pick your choice of language.
This tour is also wheelchair accessible.
This tour includes access to Lady Liberty and an entrance ticket to the museum on Ellis Island.
The best part of this tour is that as your group size increases, the cost for an individual decreases, ensuring a pocket-friendly tour for larger groups.
The ticket for the group of four costs $519.
Buy This TicketLooking to spend more time exploring the most popular monument in the United States of America? Check out this private tour conducted by Experience First.
Best time to visit the Statue of Liberty
The best seasons to visit Liberty and Ellis Island are mid-March to June (spring season) and mid-September to December (Fall season).
During the other months, it can get windy, making it a not-so-comfortable experience.
The peak season is from May to September, and it gets really crowded.
To avoid the crowds, it is best to catch the first ferry, which starts at 8:30 from the mainland and reaches Liberty Island in just 20 minutes.
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# How long does the Statue of Liberty tour take?
# Best cruises from New York City
Things to know before visiting the Statue of Liberty
- Statue of Liberty tickets can have two meeting points – Battery Park (in Manhattan) or Liberty Park (in New Jersey). Please make sure you double-check your meeting point before booking and boarding the ferry.
- Weapons, sharp objects, and large bags are not allowed at the attraction. You can keep your luggage in the paid cloakroom.
- You must pass through airport-style security at two points of the Statue of Liberty.
- Most of the tours don’t have facilities for wheelchair users.
- You can’t bring your pets as they are strictly prohibited.
- Please wear comfortable shoes. You are expected to walk at a moderate pace to complete the tour on time.
- You can bring your own food, and there is an allotted time to have it during your guided tour. Or you can get your food from restaurants on the islands.
More about Statue of Liberty
# Circle Line Statue of Liberty Cruise
# All about Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets
# Statue of Liberty ferry from New Jersey
# Free Ferry to see Statue of Liberty
# Last-minute Liberty Crown tickets
# Why Reserve tickets are better
