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Liberty is a word I identify with the United States. It’s not something I had consciously planned. It means more than freedom – it means fighting for your freedom and taking action against those who oppress you.
There is no greater landmark that represents freedom more than the Statue of Liberty in New York City. More than a statue, our Lady Liberty stands as a testament to freedom, and to commemorate America’s independence and its friendship with France.
There’s no doubt that the Statue of Liberty is the number one landmark in NYC, and one of the most visited attractions. It’s for good reason too, and not something you want to skip, regardless of how busy and touristy it has become.
In this guide, we share everything you need to know about visiting the Statue of Liberty, including ways to see her for free, as well as answer some commonly asked questions about it.
How to visit the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty National Monument is part of the National Parks Service. There are several ways you can visit the Statue of Liberty:
- You can do a Statue of Liberty Cruise with Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and see the statue without going onto the island. I think the sunset cruise would be a great idea too – if you can plan the weather right!
- You can see it for free on the Staten Island Ferry. Again, without going on the island, just sailing past.
- If you want to get up close to the statue and visit the museum, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island guided tour allows you to disembark on Liberty Island and explore the grounds with a tour guide.
- Alternatively, you can do what we did, and take the Statue of Liberty ferry over to Liberty Island and then it will pick you up and drop you off at Ellis Island if you wish to do that also. Self guided audio tours (which are fantastic and what we did) and guided tours are also available once you arrive at Liberty Island.
We used our New York Sightseeing attractions pass, which includes a visit to the Statue of Liberty monument and Ellis Island, as well as multiple other attractions in the city. It’s designed to save you time and money if you plan on seeing multiple New York attractions.
Ellis Island
Unfortunately, our time was too limited to fit in an Ellis Island tour, but I’ve heard from many people say it’s one of the best things to do in NYC.
Taking the Statue City Cruise to Liberty Island
If you opt not to take a tour to Liberty Island, the only way to visit without a tour is with Statue City Cruises, the ONLY vendor authorized to provide tickets and transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
Once on the island, you need an additional ticket to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
The self-guided audio tour is included in the price of your ferry ticket and helps visitors learn about the story of Statue of Liberty, while exploring the grounds of Liberty Island as well as the statue’s museum.
An audio tour is available for both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
With the audio tour, you’ll learn about the history of Liberty Island and the Native American inhabitants of Manhattan, which frequently visited the island for its large oyster population.
You will also learn how it was used in the Revolutionary War and as a military fort before becoming Liberty Island and the place for this symbolic piece of art.
You’ll also learn how and why the Statue of Liberty was built and the fascinating symbolism of each part.
Park Rangers provide guided tours in English throughout the day. Programs start at the Flagpole and visitors should expect to be walking or standing for about 35 minutes.
Tours are free to join and all are welcome!
Tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty
1. Time Your Statue of Liberty Tour Right
We attempted to visit Statue of Liberty after we explored the Freedom Tower. It was an easy walk down to the departure point at Battery Park pier.
However, it was completely the wrong time of day as there were hundreds of people all wanting to to the same thing.
We lined up for about 15 minutes to trade our sightseeing pass voucher for our ferry tickets. The lady told me the wait time for the boat was around 15 minutes and moved fast.
We decided to give it a go. It became clear to us after 15 minutes, that getting through security to the Statue of Liberty was going to take a long time.
I got antsy straight away. I’m just not a crowd person. It has to be something special for me to line up for a long time. I find most things aren’t worth using my time in that way.
I did a few calculations in my head, evaluated our New York itinerary for the next couple of days, and decided to quit wasting time on this line and come early on the Sunday morning instead to do the Statue of Liberty tour – right on opening at 8am.
One thing I learned about travel in America, and I have mentioned in many guides pervious to this one – Americans are not early risers.
If you want to beat the crowds – get to attractions early, or bang on opening time, especially in New York City.
It does require careful planning, so you know the busiest New York attractions, which ones to visit when.
After checking out the views at the Empire State Building at 8am – great move as we had no line up – we headed straight down to the Battery Park pier to get on the boat.
We didn’t have to wait for our tickets this time as we already had them.
We were through security and able to board the ferry in 15 minutes – YES!
2. Be prepared for security searches
Security is tight for the ferry ride to Liberty and Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty. Just like the airports, you’ll be taking off your belts and shoes.
So be sure to limit what you take over there to reduce this headache.
3. Be aware of fake Statue of Liberty ticket sellers (and Ellis Island)
There are many unauthorized ticket sellers who will try to sell you Statue of Liberty tickets and Statue of Liberty tours near Battery Park in NYC.
These individuals will often try to scam people through misrepresentation and over-charging. There is only one vendor allowed to sell tickets for the ferry, so don’t be fooled by these people.
It’s best to purchase tickets in advance. The only on-site location to purchase authorized tickets is the Statue Cruises official ticket office inside Castle Clinton in Battery Park. Queues for this ticket office are long, so avoid the queue and book ahead.
4. Visiting the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty
The Pedestal ticket is $25.80, and an advanced reservation is recommended as on-the-day tickets sell out fast. They’re subject to availability on a first come first served basis at the ticket window.
If you visit the Pedestal, note there are either 215 steps (10 stories) to climb, or there is an elevator for those with mobility issues.
Click here to reserve tickets for the Pedestal.
You must purchase Crown Tickets in advance if you want to visit the crown of Liberty. They have limited number of tickets each day and it is super popular.
Reservations can be made 4-6 months in advance.
Both the Pedestal and Crown are included as part of the NYC Sightseeing Pass, which will save you money if you are seeing multiple NYC attractions.
HOT TIP: You can buy your tickets in advance and skip the security queues with this guided tour from Viator. This tour grants access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty (which you normally have to reserve in advance). The Pedestal features several observation levels and a museum with exhibits on the iconic landmark’s construction and architecture. You’ll then visit Ellis Island grounds and spend time at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
5. Know where the ferry departs from
There are two locations where you can catch a ferry to Liberty Island. The most popular is from Battery Park in NYC, but you can also get a ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
The ferries start at 8:30am.
Statue of Liberty Facts
Who designed the Statue of Liberty?
A visit to the Statue of Liberty is an iconic US experience, but not many people know about it’s history.
In 1865, a French political intellectual and anti-slavery activist named Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that a statue representing liberty be built for the United States.
This monument would honor the United States’ centennial of independence and the friendship with France.
It was created by French sculptor, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi who supported Laboulaye’s idea and in 1870 began designing the statue of “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
He wanted something to stand out and Bedloes Island (now Liberty Island) in New York Harbor was a clear winner for its position to greet people as they sailed in.
He had the foresight to see that NYC would grab the world’s attention.
His vision was said to be too big and improbable, and no one in the US was interested at first. Never stop a human with a dream to remind the world that liberty, equality, and fraternity are ideals to live by.
How tall is the Statue of Liberty?
The statue is 151 ft tall, and the REAL name of Lady Liberty is Liberty Enlightening the World.
It was seen to be a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.
The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and is now a National Monument.
What is the Statue of Liberty made of?
This colossal copper statue is full of symbolism and hope and I loved learning the story and what this lady represents on the Statue of Liberty tour.
She’s there to enlighten the world with truth and justice.
She was the most wished for vision of the 12 million immigrants arriving in the 1880’s – 1894. It was proof they made it after weeks at sea, and the ship would erupt in huge cheers.
They had arrived screaming, crying and kissing each other. Their hopes and dreams realized as they seek a new life.
During World War I and II, Liberty began to symbolize what the soldiers were fighting for, and it replaced Uncle Sam after WWII as the symbol for the USA.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and over 4 million people visit a year to acknowledge the special and unique value it represents to people around the world.
Although she’s meant to represent equality, she was created in a time where this equality was not represented.
Is it still?
African Americans and women were excluded from the public celebrations of the unveiling of her, (despite her being a lady representing liberty!)
It’s good to see how far humanity has come since then, but I’m sure we can agree, the equality and liberty for all that she represents has not yet been realized, and lately feels like its sliding backwards.
May we look to the broken shackle and chain on the Statue of Liberty’s feet to remind us to break the chains of bondage (as seen mostly through our attitudes and behaviors) and the end of oppression.
It’s time to work together to create a world where no one has to experience this.
We came to the US seeking a life we dreamed about. I won’t say better, as I’m fortunate enough to be born in Australia, a country that offers me plenty of opportunity, protection, joy and of course freedom!
However, like those immigrants on the boat, we went through a long time of dreaming, planning and taking risks to make it happen.
I understand how they must have felt when they first laid eyes on the Statue of Liberty as they turned into the harbor.
Relief, sadness, joy.
It’s a mixture of feelings as you trade one life into another you believe will bring you greater hope, joy, security and peace.
I don’t think the new life in America so many immigrants were given has never been taken for granted. And they have helped to build a country that is exciting, innovative, diverse, fascinating with strong ideals in the pursuit for happiness.
Let’s not forget that.
I’m so grateful for the privilege I have to be from a country where I can have these choices to apply for a visa and be granted it.
I’m so thankful for the privilege of being from a country, I don’t need to run from in fear.
There are so many people in our world, who don’t have the same privileges, yet are seeking a better life. May we work together to honor their journey, their humanity, and their right to be protected and free from oppression.
I don’t have the answers, as the situation is so complex, but I know that, in trying to find a good solution, we can treat those will less privilege than us with love and compassion.
It’s the good in humanity that is working hard to be seen.
May each of us work to bring it out of the collective consciousness and do better.
That’s what the Statue of Liberty reminds me of.
It’s a worthy attraction to visit when in New York, regardless of crowds and how touristy it is.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Visiting the Statue of Liberty lead me to reflect on freedom – how lucky we are to have it, the choices and privilege that comes with it, and how much we take that privilege for granted.
It was no surprise these feelings came up on our visit to Liberty Island in New York Harbor to see the statue that represents truth, equality and liberty.
I had no interest in visiting the Statue of Liberty before this trip to New York City, perhaps I was not ready for it, and to be honest, I used to turn my nose up at it as being crowded kitschy touristy stuff.
But my parents wanted to visit so I scheduled it into our New York itinerary, and it didn’t disappoint.
Savannah was particularly excited to see her. For her, it’s a symbol that she is in New York, her favorite city ever.
I was concerned that it would be a headache with all the people visiting there each day, but thankfully, the price of the tickets were covered with our Sightseeing Pass, so it wouldn’t be too great a loss if we didn’t like it.
Turns out I didn’t need to worry.
I cannot leave this guide without saying how magnificent the views of Manhattan and the World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) are from Liberty Island and the ferry.
It is a unique perspective and one not to be missed! I loved how it made it seem like the most famous high rises were all in a line!
What do you think? Are you planning to visit the Statue of Liberty? Let us know what you thought in the comments.
Top Attractions in NYC
While you’re in New York City, it’s a good idea to get organised and plan ahead for the popular attractions as tickets often sell out on the day. Below are some of the top attractions in New York which you can book ahead online:
Tours of NYC
If you’re short on time and would prefer a guided tour, here are some popular ones we would recommend:
- 5 hour Sightseeing tour of NYC – Short on time? Make the most of your stay with this comprehensive 5 hour tour exploring the main attractions with comfortable bus transportation and guide!
- THE RIDE – a unique tour that is part theatrical show and immersive tour. See classic New York City sights from the comfort of a technologically-advanced moving theater motor coach.
- Best of New York Circle Line Cruise – 2.5 hour narrated cruise, and the only sightseeing cruise to circumnavigate the island of Manhattan to see the 7 major bridges, 5 boroughs and 101 unforgettable New York sights.
- Helicopter Tour – Enjoy stunning views of Manhattan Island on a deluxe sightseeing helicopter flight offering 180 degree views from the sky.
- Harlem Gospel Tour – 4-hour tour of a historic Harlem to experience the thrills of gospel singing, Columbia University and the Apollo Theater before joining a gospel choir for Mass.
See all tours and activities in NYC here.
More NYC Travel Tips
We have lots of guided for visiting NYC to help you plan your trip and put itineraries together. Check out these other helpful guides…
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