Things to do near the Statue of Liberty

Step onto Ellis Island to explore the National Immigration Museum, where millions of Americans trace their family roots. The restored halls and exhibits bring immigrant stories to life.

• Distance: 10-min ferry ride (2.6 km)
  
• Cost: Included with ferry ticket
  
• Tip: Arrive early for shorter lines at the museum.

This waterfront park is the gateway to the Statue of Liberty ferries and offers gardens, memorials, and harbor views. It’s a peaceful spot to relax before or after your trip.

• Distance: 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Visit the SeaGlass Carousel for a whimsical ride.

A circular sandstone fort in Battery Park, Castle Clinton once welcomed immigrants and now serves as the ferry ticket office. Its exhibits reveal layers of New York history.

• Distance: 6-min walk (500 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check out the small museum inside for a quick history lesson.

Walk through the heart of America’s financial district and snap a photo with the famous Charging Bull sculpture. The area buzzes with history and modern energy.

• Distance: 12-min walk (950 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Early mornings are best for photos without crowds.

Historic ships, cobblestone streets, and waterfront dining define this lively district. It’s perfect for a stroll, shopping, or catching a harbor breeze.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse
  
• Tip: Visit Pier 17 for rooftop views and seasonal events.

Discover the immigrant experience through personal stories, artifacts, and interactive exhibits in the restored halls of Ellis Island.

• Distance: 10-min ferry ride (2.6 km)
  
• Cost: Included with ferry ticket
  
• Tip: Use the American Immigrant Wall of Honor to search for family names.

Explore Jewish history, culture, and the Holocaust at this museum on Battery Park’s edge. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and survivor stories.

• Distance: 8-min walk (650 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: From $18
  
• Tip: Don’t miss the Garden of Stones for a quiet moment.

Located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, this museum showcases Native American art and culture from across the Americas.

• Distance: 9-min walk (700 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check for rotating exhibitions and family programs.

Step into Revolutionary War history at this colonial-era tavern and museum, where George Washington once dined. Exhibits cover early American life and politics.

• Distance: 11-min walk (850 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: From $7
  
• Tip: The on-site restaurant serves classic American fare.

Learn about New York’s iconic skyline and the evolution of skyscrapers through models, photos, and interactive displays.

• Distance: 13-min walk (1 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: From $5
  
• Tip: The museum is small, so 30 minutes is enough for most visitors.

Stroll through the gardens, memorials, and waterfront paths of Battery Park for free, with plenty of benches for relaxing and people-watching.

• Distance: 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Look for the Sphere sculpture, a 9/11 survivor.

Ride whimsical, illuminated fish in this unique carousel at Battery Park. It’s a fun and affordable treat for all ages.

• Distance: 6-min walk (500 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: $6 per ride
  
• Tip: Evenings are less crowded and beautifully lit.

Take a self-guided walk along Wall Street, past the New York Stock Exchange and historic buildings, for a free taste of financial history.

• Distance: 12-min walk (950 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Download a free audio guide for extra context.

Ride the free Staten Island Ferry for unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyline.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Stand on the right side for the best photos.

Visit this historic church and its peaceful graveyard, where Alexander Hamilton is buried. It’s a quiet retreat in the city.

• Distance: 13-min walk (1 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check for free organ concerts at lunchtime.

Visit this historic church and its peaceful graveyard, where Alexander Hamilton is buried. It’s a quiet retreat in the city.

• Distance: 13-min walk (1 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check for free organ concerts at lunchtime.

Located on Liberty Island, this café offers sandwiches, salads, and snacks with views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline.

• Distance: On Liberty Island
  
• Cost: Meals from $10
  
• Tip: Outdoor seating fills up quickly on sunny days.

A waterfront restaurant in Battery Park serving seafood, burgers, and cocktails with Statue of Liberty views from the terrace.

• Distance: 7-min walk (550 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Mains from $18
  
• Tip: Try the lobster roll for a local favorite.

A casual Italian café near Battery Park, perfect for coffee, pastries, and quick lunches before or after your ferry ride.

• Distance: 8-min walk (600 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Pastries from $4, sandwiches from $10
  
• Tip: Grab a seat by the window for people-watching.

Dine in a historic setting with classic American dishes and a wide selection of craft beers and whiskeys.

• Distance: 11-min walk (850 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Mains from $20
  
• Tip: Reservations recommended for dinner.

Enjoy Southern barbecue and comfort food in a relaxed, family-friendly spot near the waterfront.

• Distance: 14-min walk (1.1 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Mains from $16
  
• Tip: The mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.

Italian cuisine with outdoor seating and sweeping views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty.

• Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Mains from $22
  
• Tip: Sunset dinners offer the best atmosphere.

This expansive waterfront park is filled with gardens, memorials, and harbor views. It’s the main green space near the Statue of Liberty ferry.

• Distance: 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Visit in spring for blooming tulips and cherry blossoms.

A landscaped park with lawns, flower beds, and panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

• Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Bring a picnic for sunset views over the water.

A peaceful riverside park with walking paths, benches, and art installations, perfect for a quiet break.

• Distance: 16-min walk (1.3 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Look for the blue glass railings along the water.

Enjoy lawns, gardens, and harbor views in this Battery Park City green space, ideal for relaxing or watching boats.

• Distance: 17-min walk (1.4 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check for free outdoor yoga classes in summer.

New York’s oldest public park, Bowling Green is home to the Charging Bull and surrounded by historic buildings.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Visit at lunchtime for a lively local scene.

A cobblestone street lined with historic buildings and outdoor dining, Stone Street is a favorite for after-work drinks and people-watching.

• Distance: 12-min walk (950 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, meals from $12
  
• Tip: Evenings are especially lively in warm weather.

The heart of the Financial District, Wall Street is lined with iconic buildings and statues, including the New York Stock Exchange.

• Distance: 12-min walk (950 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Guided tours are available for deeper insights.

Historic streets, shops, and piers make this area a lively destination for strolling, shopping, and dining.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse
  
• Tip: Check for seasonal pop-up markets and events.

Take a classic New York harbor cruise for up-close views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and city skyline.

• Distance: Departs from Pier 83 (short subway ride)
  
• Cost: From $37
  
• Tip: Book a sunset cruise for golden-hour photos.

Enjoy a free boat ride with sweeping views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty. Ferries run 24/7 and are a local favorite.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Stand on the right side for the best Statue views.

Rent a bike and explore the waterfront paths of Battery Park and the Hudson River Greenway.

• Distance: 6-min walk (500 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: From $12/hour
  
• Tip: Helmets and maps are usually included.

Across the river in New Jersey, this park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.

• Distance: 15-min ferry ride (3 km)
  
• Cost: Free (ferry fare applies)
  
• Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching along the waterfront.

Historic Stone Street comes alive in the evenings with outdoor dining, lively pubs, and a festive atmosphere.

• Distance: 12-min walk (950 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Drinks from $8
  
• Tip: Arrive early for outdoor seating in summer.

Enjoy cocktails and seafood with harbor views at this waterfront spot, perfect for sunset drinks after your Liberty Island visit.

• Distance: 7-min walk (550 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Cocktails from $14
  
• Tip: The terrace is heated in cooler months.

Experience the city lights from above with evening hours at One World Observatory. The skyline sparkles after dark.

• Distance: 18-min walk (1.4 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: From $44
  
• Tip: Last entry is usually one hour before closing.

Stroll the waterfront paths of Battery Park at dusk for peaceful harbor views and city lights.

• Distance: 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Bring a camera for sunset photos of Lady Liberty.

Kids and adults alike will love this unique, illuminated carousel in Battery Park, inspired by underwater life.

• Distance: 6-min walk (500 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: $6 per ride
  
• Tip: Evenings are less crowded and beautifully lit.

Interactive exhibits and hands-on displays make this museum on Liberty Island engaging for all ages.

• Distance: On Liberty Island
  
• Cost: Included with ferry ticket
  
• Tip: Don’t miss the original torch on display.

A working farm in Battery Park where families can learn about gardening, composting, and urban agriculture.

• Distance: 7-min walk (600 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free (donations welcome)
  
• Tip: Check for seasonal workshops and tours.

Hands-on exhibits, historic ships, and family programs make this museum a fun stop for kids.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: From $12
  
• Tip: Kids under 2 enter free.

A free boat ride with city and Statue views is always a hit with kids.

• Distance: 10-min walk (800 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Bring snacks for the ride.

Let kids burn off energy at the playgrounds and lawns of Wagner Park, with harbor breezes and skyline views.

• Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Shaded seating is available for parents.

Watch the city’s famous Independence Day fireworks from Battery Park or a harbor cruise for unforgettable views.

• Distance: Battery Park, 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free (cruise tickets extra)
  
• Tip: Arrive early for the best spots.

Ring in the new year with a cruise featuring skyline views, music, and a midnight toast.

• Distance: Departs from Battery Park
  
• Cost: From $150
  
• Tip: Book well in advance; these cruises sell out.

Enjoy free outdoor dance performances from international companies in Battery Park.

• Distance: 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Bring a blanket for lawn seating.

Catch free movie screenings in Battery Park during summer months, with the harbor as your backdrop.

• Distance: 5-min walk (400 m from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Check the schedule online for family-friendly films.

Browse festive stalls, crafts, and treats at the annual holiday market in the Seaport district.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse
  
• Tip: Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Watch the nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade, which often passes near Battery Park and Lower Manhattan.

• Distance: Various locations nearby
  
• Cost: Free
  
• Tip: Arrive early for the best viewing spots.

A striking shopping center inside the Oculus, featuring global brands, dining, and art installations.

• Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, shops vary
  
• Tip: Visit early for quieter shopping.

Upscale shops, gourmet food, and waterfront views make this a favorite for browsing and relaxing.

• Distance: 17-min walk (1.4 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, shops vary
  
• Tip: The Winter Garden atrium is a peaceful spot year-round.

Boutiques, gift stores, and pop-up markets line the historic streets of the Seaport district.

• Distance: 20-min walk (1.6 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, shops vary
  
• Tip: Look for local artisan goods and souvenirs.

A legendary discount department store for designer brands at bargain prices, located near the World Trade Center.

• Distance: 15-min walk (1.2 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse, deals vary
  
• Tip: Check reopening dates and hours before visiting.

Convenient shops and eateries inside this major subway hub, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute gifts.

• Distance: 18-min walk (1.4 km from ferry terminal)
  
• Cost: Free to browse
  
• Tip: Great for grabbing coffee before heading out.

Pick up Statue of Liberty souvenirs, books, and memorabilia right on Liberty Island.

• Distance: On Liberty Island
  
• Cost: Free to browse, items from $3
  
• Tip: The shop can get crowded midday; visit early.