The Statue of Liberty in New York harbour is one of the most famous and instantly recognisable symbols of the United States of America. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To The Statue Of Liberty
Located on Liberty Island in New York harbour, the Statue of Liberty is only accessible via Statue Cruises ferries.
The ferries leave from The Battery, a public park, facing New York harbour at the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City.
The ferries, departing every 15-20 minutes in peak season, visit Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty first, then Ellis Island before returning to The Battery.
The first ferry departs at approximately 8:30am in peak season and 9:00am in the low season. The last ferry departs at approximately 4:00pm in the high season and 3:30pm in the low season.
You will have to make your own way to The Battery.
By Subway:
Local 1 (7th Avenue Line) to the last stop – South Ferry.
Express 4 or 5 (Lexington Avenue Line) to Bowling Green.
Local R/W train from Brooklyn/Queens (Broadway Line) to Whitehall Street.
By Bus:
M1, M6 or M15 to South Ferry (last stop).
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Statue of Liberty Entrance Fee
As with everything in New York, we recommend booking your Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets in advance.
Statue Cruises is the only company permitted to sell tickets and provide ferry access to visit the Statue of Liberty.
Adult: $23.50
Senior (62+): $18
Child (4-12): $12
Child (0-3): Free
Tickets include round-trip ferry transportation, access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and audio tours on each island.
You pay an extra fee to access the crown and can do this when purchasing your ferry ticket.
It’s free to go up to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty but we recommend you reserve your time slot.
For all tourists visiting New York we recommend purchasing either the New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions or the New York CityPASS®: Save 40% at 5 Top Attractions.
These are a great way of saving money when visiting multiple tourist attractions during your stay in New York.
Both include:
- Top Of The Rock
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
- American Museum of Natural History
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- And many more!
Statue of Liberty Opening Times
The Statue of Liberty is open between 9.30am and 4.30pm seven days a week all year round. The exception being certain holidays.
For updates on opening times we recommend you visit the National Park Service website before your visit.
The ferries crossings to Liberty Island vary depending on the time of year. They usually depart every 15-20 minutes in the summer and every 30-40 minutes in the winter.
The first ferry leaves The Battery at 8:30am in the high season and 9:00am in the low season. The last ferry leaves at 4:00pm in the high season and 3:30pm in the low season.
Best Time To Visit The Statue of Liberty + Tips
If you want to avoid the crowds we would recommend visiting on a week day as weekends can get very busy, especially during the summer months.
Be aware that you can queue for up to 1 – 2 hours for a ferry in peak season.
It’s best to book your tickets in advance as this is a very popular attraction.
When getting back onto the ferry, after your visit to the Statue of Liberty, make sure you get on the ferry returning to The Battery and not the one returning to New Jersey!
What To Pack
The History Of The Statue Of Liberty
Built in the late 1800s, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States of America.
It was built to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution.
The copper statue was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi with the metal framework being built by Gustave Eiffel. (Best known for the world famous Eiffel Tower.)
Built in France between 1875 and 1884, the statue was disassembled into 350 pieces and shipped to New York in 1885. It was reassembled on Liberty Island in 1886.
The Statue of Liberty’s torch is said to light the way to freedom and liberty. The statue’s official name is ‘Liberty Enlightening the World’.
Subsequently it has become a symbol of liberty, justice and democracy, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By the early 20th century, the oxidation of the Statue of Liberty’s copper skin through exposure to the elements had given the statue it’s distinctive green colour.
In 1984 the statue was closed and underwent a massive restoration ready for its 100 year anniversary. Following this, the statue was reopened on the 5th July 1986 at massive centennial celebrations, labelled ‘Liberty Weekend’ that ran from the 3rd July to 6th July 1986.
After the terrorist attacks of 11th September 2001, Liberty Island closed for 100 days. The Statue of Liberty itself was not reopened to visitor access until August 2004.
It has since remained one of the top things to do in New York on TripAdvisor.
What To Expect At The Statue Of Liberty
We visited Lady Liberty the morning after our trip to Empire State Building so it was nice to have a little break from the city and take to the water.
The 15/20 minute ferry ride across to Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty is relaxing and enjoyable.
You get a great view of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. Plus it gives you great views of the iconic statue as you approach.
Getting close up to the Statue of Liberty is amazing as you can really appreciate its size and the actual sculpture itself
There are plenty of angles to take photos from, however the most popular is directly in front of Lady Liberty and this is where you’ll find the largest crowds.
There are also professional photographers here offering their services that you can pay for.
Either way you won’t be leaving without a selfie at one of the most Instagrammable places in New York.
The Best Views
If going up to the pedestal at the base of the statue there are nearly 200 steps to climb but the views of Manhattan, once up there, are definitely worth the climb.
Access to the crown on the Statue of Liberty is limited due to safety and accessibility requirements. It was not open on the day we visited but is apparently worth the 315 steps to get up there when it is open.
Be aware that security is very strict to get up to the crown. They do not allow you to take anything with you except your tickets and your camera.
If wishing to visit this part of the statue you can make a reservation through Statue Cruises when booking your ferry.
The best thing to do is to take your time and do a lap of the whole island. We spent far too long and took way too many photos but how can you not at such an iconic monument!
From the back side you get an awesome view of Lower Manhattan. Especially One World Observatory standing proudly in the distance.
There’s also a great vantage point above the Museum where you can capture photos from one of the best viewpoints in New York.
Others Things To Do On The Island
Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty Museum, where you can explore the inspiring history of the Statue through interactive exhibits and unique artefacts.
Included in the collection is the Statue of Liberty’s original torch.
Just inside the entrance to Liberty Island is the Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe where you will find a good selection of food with vegetarian and gluten free options.
We managed to get a couple of vegan cauliflower wraps and chips which were delicious!
Sit inside the cafe or get a take-away and enjoy a picnic in the parks with the amazing views of the New York skyline and also the Statue of Liberty.
Speaking of parks if you’re looking for somewhere to relax whilst in New York, then Washington Square Park is a great shout. Followed by Chelsea Market for lunch!
There are also a couple of gift shops on Liberty Island to purchase some great memorabilia from or find those unique items to take home for friends.
Once you’re done on Liberty Island, why not head over to Ellis Island on the way back.
The ferry stops here anyway, and the entrance is included in your ticket!
Where To Stay In New York
Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
This Manhattan hotel in Midtown overlooks Central Park and is within walking distance of Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.
Free cable and a bathrobe are provided in every room at the New York Central Park Ritz-Carlton. All rooms are elegant, with wood furniture and light colors. Many rooms also include a city or park view.
La Prairie Spa at the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park offers massage and facial services, as well as a sauna. Guests can also work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
The 57th street subway station is just 2 blocks away, providing easy access to the city. Radio City Music Hall and the Broadway Theatre District are also both within 1 mile of the hotel.
Mid-Budget – citizenM New York Times Square
Located right in the heart of Manhattan, this hotel is just 1 minute’s walk from Times Square. It’s also within 5 minutes’ walk of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
A flat-screen TV and a small refrigerator with free water are available in citizenM’s rooms. Bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain showers and oversized bathroom amenities.
With the room iPad, all guests can control room lights, black-out blinds, curtains and temperature. As well as TV and radio channels.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi and express check in are on offer at citizenM New York Times Square.
Three outdoor terraces are provided at the New York Times Square citizenM. They feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre with yoga facilities.
After working out, guests can relax with drinks and sweeping views of the city on the exclusive rooftop bar.
Budget – Central Park West Hostel
Located in New York City’s Upper West Side, this hostel is a block from the 86th street underground station and 2 blocks from Central Park. It offers Wi-Fi and staff-organized events.
A shared kitchen, café area, and spacious lounge with a flat-screen TV are part of the facilities at the FIT Hotel. Lockers are also provided in the dormitory rooms and luggage storage is available.
The front desk of this New York City hostel is open 24 hours a day. It features daily housekeeping and free linens.
Times Square is only 10 minutes via underground journey.
For more places to stay in New York, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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