Statue of Liberty
An enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty offers iconic views and a rich historical experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Statue of Liberty
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An enduring symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty offers iconic views and a rich historical experience.
"The Staten Island Ferry is free and you get great views of the Statue and the rest of NYC onboard."
🎯 Book Crown Tickets Months Ahead
Crown access is extremely limited. Book official tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment!
🚢 Free Staten Island Ferry
For amazing views without the cost, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry. It passes close enough for great photos!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Statue of Liberty Crown
Liberty Island
Ascend to the crown for unparalleled, intricate views of the statue and the city. A truly unique perspective!
Pedestal Museum & Observation
Liberty Island
Explore the history of this iconic monument and enjoy stunning harbor vistas from the pedestal. Educational and scenic!
Staten Island Ferry Ride
Manhattan to Staten Island
A free, scenic journey offering iconic views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Perfect for budget travelers!
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island
Discover the poignant stories of millions of immigrants who passed through this historic gateway. A powerful experience.
Planning Your Visit
Crown Access: Book Way in Advance!
Free Views vs. Island Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Crown Tickets Months Ahead
Crown access is extremely limited. Book official tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment!
🚢 Free Staten Island Ferry
For amazing views without the cost, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry. It passes close enough for great photos!
🎟️ Official Vendor Only
Only use Statue City Cruises for official access to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Beware of overpriced third-party tours.
⏰ Arrive Early for Security
Expect security lines, especially during peak season. Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before your ferry time.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Crown Tickets Months Ahead
Crown access is extremely limited. Book official tickets months in advance to avoid disappointment!
🚢 Free Staten Island Ferry
For amazing views without the cost, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry. It passes close enough for great photos!
🎟️ Official Vendor Only
Only use Statue City Cruises for official access to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Beware of overpriced third-party tours.
⏰ Arrive Early for Security
Expect security lines, especially during peak season. Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before your ferry time.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing if you go up into the statue. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Capture Skyline Views
Don't forget to snap photos of the stunning Manhattan skyline from the ferry and Liberty Island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring presence of the Statue of Liberty and the breathtaking views from Liberty Island and the Staten Island Ferry. Many highlight the historical significance of Ellis Island and the value of the free ferry for budget travelers. However, some find the security lines long and the cost of official tickets, especially for crown access, to be high.
"My visit to the Statue of Liberty was nothing short of a five-star experience. Seeing Lady Liberty up close is a truly breathtaking moment. The scale of the statue, with her torch held high against the backdrop of the New York City skyline and the vast harbor, is incredibly inspiring and humbling. It’s a powerful symbol of freedom and hope that feels even more significant in person.
The ferry ride over to Liberty Island is a perfect part of the experience, offering spectacular, unobstructed views of the statue as you approach. Once on the island, the grounds are well-maintained, and the new Statue of Liberty Museum is a fantastic addition. It's filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts, including the statue's original torch, which gives a deep and engaging look into her history and creation. The flow of the museum is excellent, and it provides a great context to appreciate the monument even more.
Climbing to the pedestal (and for those with a crown ticket, the crown itself!) is a memorable part of the journey. The climb is a bit of a workout, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. It’s an unforgettable experience to stand on the pedestal and see the harbor from a different perspective.
The entire visit, from the well-organized ferry service to the helpful National Park Service rangers on the island, was seamless and enjoyable. It's more than just a tourist attraction; it's a profound historical and cultural experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting New York City."
John Tackett
"Visiting the Statue of Liberty is always a must. The statue is so majestic, and the museum is such a visceral reminder of the ideals our nation aspires to - even amen our stumbles. It reminds me of the liberties we are each responsible to uphold and protect. Absolutely worth it. Certainly valuable time spent"
Daniel Chamberlain (Daniel)
"Iconic visit! Must see and highly recommended!! Nice and quick boat trips! Great security! Watch the movie in the museum! Super informative and interesting! Visit the gift shop! They have nice original stuff u cannot find anywhere else! Good prices!"
Yeen noemi Briceno melean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The only authorized way to visit Liberty and Ellis Islands is via Statue City Cruises, departing from Battery Park in NYC or Liberty State Park in Jersey City. The free Staten Island Ferry offers excellent views from the water but does not stop at the islands.
Yes, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and runs 24/7. It provides fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious visitors.
You can take an Uber to Battery Park (NYC) or Liberty State Park (Jersey City) where the official ferries depart. However, you cannot take an Uber directly to Liberty Island itself.
Visiting the Statue of Liberty from EWR during a short layover is challenging due to travel time and security. It's generally not recommended for layovers under 6-8 hours. If you must, take a taxi/rideshare to Liberty State Park in Jersey City, but factor in significant travel and waiting times.
Yes, Statue City Cruises also departs from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. Many find the security lines here to be shorter than those in Battery Park, NYC.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Official ferry tickets to Liberty and Ellis Islands vary in price depending on access level (grounds, pedestal, crown). Crown access tickets are the most expensive and sell out fastest. Check the official Statue City Cruises website for current pricing.
For pedestal access, book at least a few weeks in advance. For crown access, you absolutely must book several months ahead, as tickets are extremely limited.
While some tickets might be available on the day, it's highly recommended to book online in advance, especially for pedestal or crown access, as they sell out quickly.
A standard ferry ticket includes round-trip transportation to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, access to the grounds of Liberty Island, and admission to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Pedestal and crown access require separate, pre-booked tickets.
No, the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and does not require any tickets or reservations. You can simply walk onto the ferry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit to Liberty Island and Ellis Island typically takes 4-6 hours, including ferry travel, security, and exploring both islands. If you only want to see the statue from the water, the Staten Island Ferry round trip is about 1 hour.
You can climb to the crown, but tickets are extremely limited and must be booked months in advance. Access to the pedestal is also ticketed and requires advance booking.
On Liberty Island, you can explore the grounds, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum, walk around the base of the statue, and enjoy panoramic views of the harbor and NYC skyline.
Yes, the Statue of Liberty Museum offers fascinating insights into the monument's history, construction, and symbolism. It's a great way to deepen your understanding of Lady Liberty.
All visitors must go through airport-style security screening before boarding the ferry. Expect lines, especially during peak times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food concessions on Liberty Island offering snacks, drinks, and light meals. You can also find dining options on the ferry and at the departure points.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to Liberty Island. This can be a good way to save money.
The Staten Island Ferry is a commuter ferry and does not typically offer food or drink for purchase. It's best to eat before or after your ride.
📸 📸 Photography
The Staten Island Ferry offers excellent vantage points for photos of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline. From Liberty Island, get creative with angles around the base and from the pedestal observation deck.
Photography is generally allowed on the grounds and in the pedestal museum. However, photography inside the crown or narrow stairwells may be restricted or difficult due to space and lighting.
No, drones are strictly prohibited in the vicinity of the Statue of Liberty National Monument due to security regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Lady Liberty
Originally, visitors could climb all the way to the torch, but this access was closed to the public in 1916 due to safety concerns following an act of sabotage during World War I. Today, access to the crown is highly restricted and requires booking tickets many months in advance.
Exploring the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island provides a deeper understanding of its creation, its journey across the Atlantic, and its enduring significance as a global icon of freedom.
Navigating the Ferry System
For a budget-friendly and scenic alternative, the Staten Island Ferry is a fantastic choice. This free commuter ferry sails between Manhattan and Staten Island, offering excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline. While it doesn't stop at the islands, it provides a memorable experience for those who want to see Lady Liberty from the water without the cost or time commitment of an island visit.
When planning your ferry trip, be aware of security procedures. All passengers must pass through airport-style security before boarding. During peak seasons, lines can be long, so arriving at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure is advisable.
Crown vs. Pedestal Access
Pedestal access, while still requiring advance booking and a separate ticket, is more readily available than crown access. It allows you to stand within the statue's base, explore the museum, and enjoy impressive views from the pedestal's observation level. This is a great option for those who want a closer experience without the intense planning required for the crown.
If you're unable to secure pedestal or crown tickets, don't despair! The grounds of Liberty Island still offer magnificent perspectives of the statue, and the Staten Island Ferry provides stunning views from the water.
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