Tips for Visiting Statue of Liberty
Here are tips to help you streamline your trip so that you can smoothly visit one of the most iconic structures in New York and the world; the Statue of Liberty.
Millions of people visit the Statue of Liberty to be in awe of Lady Liberty, so you should keep a few things in mind.
These nifty tips will help you avoid pitfalls so that you can have a pleasant experience and enjoy exploring this iconic beauty.
Here is a list of the top 5 tips that will help you plan your itinerary for visiting the Statue of Liberty.
Book your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance
Given the popularity of the Statue of Liberty, you must book your tickets in advance to avoid not getting the ticket that you want.
There is a variety of options available. Each type of Statue of Liberty ticket allows access only up to a certain level.
The most basic tickets are the general admission tickets. It is advisable you go for these tickets only if you are on a tight budget.
The most popular type of ticket is the pedestal ticket allowing visitors to access the pedestal and the outdoor balcony.
Even the Statue of Liberty guided tours are also popular.
People looking to climb to the topmost portion need to get Crown tickets. These are limited in number and you need to reserve them in advance.
Check out the Statue of Liberty cruise tickets that offer a different perspective of Lady Liberty.
Know the best time to visit Statue of Liberty
Both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island remain open all days of the week and all day of the year except for two days.
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are the two designated days when the Statue of Liberty remains closed. Learn about the Statue of Liberty opening hours to know in more detail.
This means you are free to visit any time of the year.
However, it is highly advised that you avoid the frigid winter as the temperature can dip quite low and doesn’t make for an enjoyable visit unless you want to feel the festive vibe of Christmas.
Summer is the high season, and the Statue of Liberty remains pretty busy during this time. A lot of people around the globe flock to marvel at the beautiful Lady Liberty.
If you can be flexible with the plans, visit the Statue of Liberty in April, May, and early June because the weather is terrific in these months.
Statue of Liberty Ferry schedule
The Lady Liberty is situated on an island, so you need to take a ferry ride. You can visit the Statue of Liberty from either New York or New Jersey.
Apart from the Statue of Liberty departure point in both these locations, you need to be mindful of the ferry schedule too.
If you take a ferry from New York, it departs from Battery Park at 9 am. There is one ferry leaving after every 25 minutes.
The last ferry to depart from the mainland is 3.30 pm. Read Ferry from New York to learn more information in detail.
If you are visiting from New Jersey, the ferries depart from Liberty State Park. The timing remains the same as the ferries for New York. Read Ferry from New Jersey for more in detail.
The last return trip ferry is at 5 pm from Liberty Island for both sides.
What to wear and what to take to the Statue of Liberty?
Depending on the weather and season you have picked to visit the Statue of Liberty, dress appropriately.
This means cotton t-shirts, pants, and comfortable shoes in the summer with a hat to protect against the direct sun.
Remember to pack your sunblock and apply it regularly. If the temperature is a bit low, then you should add layers.
What is the Statue of Liberty bag policy?
You will need to go through a security check before boarding the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
If you are going above the pedestal level of the Statue of Liberty, that is, if you are visiting the Statue of Liberty Crown, you must not take your luggage with you.
Large bags and things like selfie sticks, large umbrellas, and baby strollers are not allowed.
The maximum size for any baggage is 24″× 18″. Ferry authorities will allow one small bag per person but no laptops, strollers, or weapons.
Another thing to note is that even if your small bag is in the shape of a backpack, it won’t be allowed.
You can use the locker facility at nominal fees to store your valuables.
We recommend not taking all of these in the first place to avoid the hassle.
What’s included in the Statue of Liberty tour?
Don’t get carried away analyzing the beauty of Lady Liberty. Look beyond and explore everything included in the Statue of Liberty tour.
Most Statue of Liberty tours allow you to explore the Island, the Statue of Liberty monument and Ellis Island along with equally significant and fascinating things in and around the Liberty.
For instance, check out the Liberty Museum, which will enlighten you about the statue’s history and more interesting trivia.
Don’t ignore Ellis Island, which houses some of the most interesting buildings. Visit the Family History Centre on Ellis Island to find your story. Do check out the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum and Wall of Honor as well.
Finally, don’t forget to grab your free audio tour at the Kiosk located between the Refreshment building and the Information center.
Note: You can save a lot of money if you choose the New York City Pass. See the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial Pools, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory etc.
FAQs
How tall is the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty stands at a height of 93 meters or 305 ft from the ground to the tip of the flame.
For reference, it is equivalent to the height of a 22-story building. When it was made in 1886, it was the tallest structure in New York.
The face of the Statue of Liberty is said to be modeled after the Sculptor’s mother. And the green color of the statue is simply the patina of oxidation of copper throughout the years.
Who designed the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture. It is a gift from the people of France and was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
It is made up of primarily copper but there are elements such as gold, steel, and cast iron. The typical green color of the Statue of Liberty is due to the oxidation of copper.
The metal framework had been built by Gustave Eiffel. His company designed and built the Eiffel Tower.
When was the Statue of Liberty built?
The Statue of Liberty was built in the late 19th century. Its construction began in 1875 and it was completed in 1884.
It was a gift from the people of France and was built in sections. When construction was completed, it was then disassembled and shipped to the United States.
The reassembly was completed in 1886 and the Statue of Liberty was officially unveiled on October 28, 1886.
Why is the Statue of Liberty a symbol of freedom?
The idea of the Statue of Liberty was suggested in 1865 to commemorate the abolition of slavery and the union victory in the American Civil War.
The statue depicts the United State’s commitment to democracy and liberty by employing the symbol of a robed female figure, Libertadores, the Roman goddess of freedom.
She is shown holding a torch above her head with her right hand and a tabula ansata; a tablet evoking law.
The statue also has a broken chain at her feet, symbolizing the end of slavery thus, with its powerful symbolism and location, it represents ideals of freedom, democracy, and the American way of life.
What is the history of Ellis Island?
Ellis Island is a historical site that opened in 1892 as an immigration station, a purpose it served for more than 60 years until it was closed in 1954.
The island was named for Manhattan merchant Samuel Ellis who owned it in the 1770s.
Today, it is a site that houses artifacts & passenger records that tell the story of US immigration in a former processing station.
You can get a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island combo ticket to explore the fascinating Ellis Island and visit the Statue of Liberty.
How long does it take to see the Statue of Liberty?
It takes around three to five hours. If you have tickets to Pedestal, the duration can increase up to six hours.
Check how long does it take in Statue of Liberty to know in detail.
Can I take food to the island of the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, you can bring your own food and beverage as long as they aren’t stored in a large vessel.
Like a portable cooler, any large container isn’t allowed past security screening.
There are food and beverage concessionaires on Liberty Island, you don’t need to worry about food.
A dinner cruise of Liberty Island is also available that lets visitors tour around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island while enjoying gourmet food.
Is Ellis Island included in the Statue of Liberty tour?
Yes, Ellis Island is included in the Statue of Liberty tour.
You don’t need to pay extra to visit Ellis Island park and National Immigration Museum.
Both of them are included in your standard Statue of Liberty tickets.
Does Statue City Cruises take you to Liberty Island?
The Statue of Liberty cruises sail within 100 feet of the Lady Liberty but do not include ground access to Liberty Island.
This 1 hour cruise is the most popular Liberty cruise.
Can I climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty?
Yes, you can absolutely climb the top of the Statue of Liberty but not all Statue of Liberty tickets will give you access to the top level.
For instance, the Pedestal tickets will give you access to the base of Lady Liberty.
To go to the top, you need to buy Crown tickets for the Statue of Liberty.
Tickets sell out fairly quickly so you need to book in advance as you won’t have the option to do it on the spot.
Are there any other activities available on Liberty Island?
After you are done exploring the majestic Statue of Liberty, you have plenty of other things to do.
You can go to the Statue of Liberty Museum and explore the rich history and fascinating stores, collections of American heirlooms, and more.
You can also visit the Statue of Liberty gift shop to buy a souvenir to make your visit memorable and buy a gift for your loved ones.
Visit the Crown Cafe of the Statue of Liberty to try their delicious food on your visit.
Is the Statue of Liberty accessible for people with disabilities?
Does the question “Is the Statue of Liberty wheelchair accessible” crosses your mind?
Don’t worry! The Statue of Liberty is welcoming of people with disabilities. This includes people with wheelchairs, walkers, or canes.
The interior of the top of the pedestal, which offers views of the Statue’s inner skeletal structure, is wheelchair accessible.
The grounds on Liberty Island are fully wheelchair accessible.
People with deafness or hearing loss along with blindness or low vision will also have a meaningful visit as there are measures to ensure their inclusion.
You can, however plan your visit by booking a Statue of Liberty ticket so that you don’t need to hassle with entrance at least.
Are there restrooms and food available on Liberty Island?
Yes, there are bathrooms not only on Liberty Island but also on the ferries and Ellis Island.
These are wheelchair accessible too, so you don’t need to worry about it.
Various food options are available at the Crown cafe on Liberty Island. You can order hot beverages, salad, sandwiches, and much more.
You will also find a gift shop adjacent to the cafe, so you have all the options for food, beverage, and gifts on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Can I carry backpacks or luggage to the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty bag policy does not permit big backpacks. You can use the locker facility to store your items.
There are further restrictions on what you can carry to the crown of Lady Liberty.
Make sure to read these instructions prior to visiting the Statue of Liberty.
How many steps are in the Statue of Liberty: how many steps Statue of Liberty?
From the ground level to the torch, the Statue of Liberty stands at an impressive height of 305 feet or 93 meters.
There are 162 steps from the top of the Pedestal level to the Crown of Lady Liberty. You require Crown access tickets to climb to that point.
However, crown tickets are pretty limited, so you can also opt for the Pedestal tickets that give you access to level 6P featuring the iconic outdoor balcony.
Pedestal reserve vs General admission of Statue of Liberty?
The General admission tickets to the Statue of Liberty are the most inexpensive tickets you can buy to go the Liberty Island and witness the beautiful Lady Liberty from up close.
However, these tickets don’t allow access to the inside of the statue. For this, you require a pedestal ticket.
A Statue of Liberty Pedestal ticket gives you access to level 6P featuring the iconic outdoor balcony. These are some of the most popular value-for-money tickets available.
How to visit the Statue of Liberty: Visiting Statue of Liberty tips?
First, you must ensure you have booked Statue of Liberty tickets in advance. Next, you must learn about the NYC and NJ ferry Schedule.
Reach at least 30 minutes before your scheduled Statue of Liberty tour. Learn about the various restrictions regarding what you can and can not bring with you.
Don’t restrict yourself to just Lady Liberty; there are plenty of other things to explore, such as the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty Museum.
Can you go up Statue of Liberty?
Yes! Access to the Statue of Liberty is based on the type of ticket you have. Visitors can go up the Statue of Liberty till the Crown section.
For this, you will need to purchase the Crown-access tickets. The basic general admission tickets will only give you access to the grounds of Liberty Island.
However, there is a ticket in between these called Pedestal tickets. These allow visitors to pedestal part of the Statue featuring the outdoor balcony.
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