“What’s the Statue of Liberty?” are words I’ve never heard someone say, especially in the United States.
But as famous as this national monument and New York City landmark is, not many people have had the pleasure of visiting Lady Liberty. 
It’s not surprising. Whether you live in the Big Apple or you’ve visited a couple of times, one thing is crystal clear – there’s just so much to do. A direct visit to the Statue of Liberty might not make your NYC to-do list.
Not to worry, there are many places within and around the city where you can view the Statue of Liberty.
The list won’t include the most obvious choice, which is a visit to Liberty Island. Instead, we’ll look at places and tours that could rival a direct visit.
Since we’re talking about the best viewpoints, get ready for some options in the air or at sea. Here are 10 of the best Statue of Liberty viewpoints.
If you want to know more about the Statue Of Liberty, check out our complete guide.
1. One World Observatory
A visit to the tallest building in NYC and the western hemisphere might already be on your NYC to-do list. But here’s one more reason to bump it up to the top spot.
The One World Observatory is probably the highest place on land to get a decent view of the bronze statue.
It is one of the best viewpoints to see the Statue of Liberty from manhattan.
This option is not the closest to the Statue of Liberty since it is about 4 kilometers away, but it is certainly not the farthest.
You might be looking for a view of Lady Liberty, but at 1268 feet, you’ll not only get sweeping views of New York City skyline, but also the stunning view of Brooklyn Bridge.
Considering a visit? Here’s some more information to help make up your mind:
Price: General admission tickets start from $46.82.
Location: On top of One World Trade Center, 117 West Street, downtown Manhattan.
Pro: It is considered the best view of Lady Liberty from land.
Con: It is one of the priciest options to view Lady Liberty on land.
2. Staten Island Ferry
Call me a sucker for a free boat ride, but the Staten Island Ferry is my second favorite way to see the Statue of Liberty.
You can get on the ferry from Battery Park – the same park where you can take a ferry to Liberty Island for the closest look.
The Staten Island ferry service has been working since 1817 and is a popular and appreciated way to see Lady Liberty.
The ferry operates 24:7, but that doesn’t mean you can hop on any time.
The ferries work on schedules and work every 15 to 20 minutes. You can check out their schedule here.
The ferry is not an exclusive ride to see the Statue of Liberty, the New York skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge view.
Some New York residents use the ferry for their everyday commute. As such, passengers have to get off the ferry once it reaches its terminal and would have to reboard a ferry from a waiting room.
Price: Free
Location: The Staten Island ferry goes from Whitehall in Manhattan to St. George in Staten Island.
Pro: It’s a great deal for free and has been running for so long that it has become iconic itself.
Con: Since the ferries are on a schedule and it is not a cruise, you’ll have to take what you can get within the 25 minutes of commute.
3. Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park
I’ll be grouping the bridge and the park since they are beside each other. You might as well stop at one if you go to the other.
The Brooklyn Bridge selected as one of the famous bridges In New York runs over the East River and connects Brooklyn and Manhattan.
This gives it a great view of Lady Liberty standing 5 kilometers away. To enjoy the view of Lady Liberty, you can take a walk across Brooklyn Bridge, one of the must-do things when in Brooklyn.
I’d recommend starting at the Manhattan side so you can end up at the park on the Brooklyn side.
At Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll finally get a spot to relax after your 30-minute walk on the bridge.
Things to do near the Brooklyn Bridge are endless. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the best restaurants near Brooklyn Bridge, enjoy some live music, have a romantic picnic, or go on a carousel ride, all with the Statue of Liberty still in view.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park so get ready for a calming breeze to crown the day.
Why not try one of the waterfront Restaurants for a romantic date when you are near the Brooklyn Bridge Park?
Price: Free
Location: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
Pro: This is one of the most romantic viewpoints, especially at sunset.
Con: Depending on the time of day you go, the bridge can get crowded.
4. Battery Park City
There is no getting to Liberty Island by ferry if you don’t take a ferry from Battery Park.
But instead of paying that extra 24 dollars to cross to Liberty Island, you can enjoy a close view for free.
The best place to view the statue is from the Battery Park City Esplanade. You can sit, jog, or cycle with that view.
The Esplanade wraps around the park giving you and others plenty of space to soak in the view. The best part is, if you decide that going to the Statue of Liberty is worth it, you can get ferry tickets right there.
If you’re looking to have the image of Lady Liberty stamped in your mind, you can choose to stay in a hotel at Battery Park.
There are many luxurious hotels to choose from. You can stare at Lady Liberty all you want from the comfort of your room. Some hotels even provide a telescope for better viewing.
Price: Free if you are not lodging anywhere.
Location: State St & Battery Place New York, NY 10004.
Pro: This is a good spot if you want a close view of Lady Liberty for free.
Con: It is so close to the Statue of Liberty that you might as well go to the Statue of Liberty.
5. Governors Island
Governors Island is a family-friendly location to get one of the closest, clearest views of the Statue of Liberty on land.
You can plan a weekend getaway to the island for relaxation. The 172 acres of the island have pretty much everything you’ll need for a fun-filled day, complete with a serene waterfront view.
You can hike up the hills, slide down, lay back in the hammock section, and enjoy viewing artworks and abandoned buildings. You can also spend the night in cozy tents.
Price: Ferry tickets are $4 (adult) dollars for a round trip, but you’ll need to book in advance.
You can also get free ferry rides from any New York City ferry route on weekends.
Location: New York Harbor. You can take a ferry from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street, Manhattan.
Pro: It offers a similar experience to visiting the Statue of Liberty, but it’s much cheaper.
Con: Just like visiting the Statue of Liberty, visiting Governors Island requires taking a ferry on and off the island.
If your main goal is to see the Statue of Liberty, you might as well take a ferry directly to Liberty Island instead.
There are also a couple of things that can keep you occupied on Liberty Island and Ellis Island for a day.
6. Green-Wood Cemetery
Hear me out. I know you were not expecting to see a cemetery on this list, but I did promise to tell you the best places to view the Statue of Liberty. So, yes, that includes a cemetery. But it is not just any cemetery.
Green-Wood Cemetery is a historic landmark that was a popular tourist attraction back in 1960.
The cemetery is almost like a park and has many guided tour options. Green-Wood cemetery has some beautiful art and architecture too.
Some famous people buried here are Leonard Bernstein, William M. Tweed, Samuel F. B. Morse, John Anderson, Elias Howe Jr., and many more.
The cemetery creates a great spot for Brooklyn residents to see the Statue of Liberty as it has the highest point in Brooklyn. The best view is at the northwest part of the cemetery, next to the Minerva statue.
There, you’ll find Minerva waving to her long-time friend – Lady Liberty. You can also visit the catacombs if you’re looking for another reason to visit the cemetery.
Price: Free.
Location: 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232.
Pro: You will not find a crowd here. At least not a living one.
Con: It is still a cemetery. Most people are not exactly clamoring for a cemetery visit if it is not to remember a loved one.
7. On a Helicopter Tour
Seeing the Statue of Liberty from One World Observatory is breathtaking, but nothing compared to a helicopter view.
Take my word for it, this should be on your bucket list. If you’re looking for a viewpoint with style, thrill, and proximity, this is the one for you (if you can afford it).
You can’t beat hovering directly over the Statue of Liberty. Plus, you’ll get amazing views of other parts of the city too, such as the view of Brooklyn Bridge.
Price: If you are considering this option, you should be expecting between $180 to $300 per person.
Location: There are several helicopter tours available in New York City. The details and location will depend on which you choose.
Pro: This option offers you the closest view and would be an unforgettable experience.
Con: It may not be affordable for the average joe.
Check out these websites for helicopter tours:
- https://libertyhelicopter.com/
- https://www.getyourguide.com/statue-of-liberty-l2612/air-helicopter-tours-tc44/
- https://www.heliflights.us/products/experience-helicopter-statue-liberty
8. Museum Of Jewish Heritage
The Museum of Jewish Heritage is a memorial for victims of the holocaust.
It aims to educate people about Jewish life in the 20th and 21st centuries through numerous exhibitions, artworks, and testimonials.
The Statue of Liberty may not be part of the exhibit, but you can still see it on display through the windows.
You’ll want to visit the ‘voices of liberty’ sound exhibit which details testimonies of holocaust survivors and refugees who came to make the U.S. their home.
Listening to this sound installation while looking at the Statue of Liberty will give you a whole new appreciation of the freedom she represents.
Price: $18 for adult tickets.
Location: 36 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280.
Pro: The exhibits plus the view make for an emotionally rich experience.
Con: This option would appeal more to people interested in the Jewish faith and history.
9. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
One of the best places to see the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC, Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a walkway along the East River in Brooklyn, famous for its romantic sunset views. This is another option to stop by after walking the length of Brooklyn Bridge.
The walkway goes from the west side of Remsen Street to Orange Street. You can also access the promenade from Montague Street and Pierrepoint Place.
If you come from the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, you might be tired of walking. Thankfully, there are seats available for you to sit back on and soak in the view.
You will want to soak in this view at sunset. Once you have fed your eyes, you can feed your stomach too at one of the best restaurants in DUMBO.
After eating, there are many other things you can do in DUMBO if you like.
Price: Free
Location: Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Pro: You will get some views and stunning pictures if you visit here in the evening.
Con: There is not much to do at the promenade asides from strolling, sitting, and viewing.
10. Louis Valentino Jr. Park & Pier
Louis Valentino Jr. Park is one of the best parks in Brooklyn with great views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, Staten Island, and so on. The park is small located in Red Hook, one of the Brooklyn Neighborhoods.
You will not find a crowd here, which is great if you’re looking for some peace and calm. There is ample green space, a small beach area, and a pier.
Valentino Pier is a historical spot as it was once the site of the shipping industry. It was a part of the Buttermilk Channel from the 1800s to the 1950s.
Now, you can enjoy sunbathing and views of the Manhattan skyline from the park.
Depending on the season, you might get to enjoy movie screenings and kayaking tours for free at Valentino Park.
Price: Free
Location: 104 Ferris St. Brooklyn, NY 11231
Pro: It is a very peaceful location.
Con: There is not much to do.
