Are you wondering “is the Statue of Liberty worth visiting?” or “why should I visit the Statue of Liberty?”
You are in the right place! Let me start by saying that not only visiting the Statue of Liberty is worth it, but that this is indeed one of the best things to do in New York. You see, I used to live in New York and have visited countless times, including a couple of weeks ago, and of course I went to the Statue of Liberty even on my latest trip.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, this monument is an important landmark and a testimony of the past of the city and the country, a symbol of what the United States wish to represent: democracy, freedom, hope.
The issue is that getting good, reliable and updated information on how to visit Statue of Liberty is easier said than done, and it can be difficult to decide where to buy Statue of Liberty tickets (and how far in advance), how to go to the Statue of Liberty, the best time of day to visit the Statue of Liberty and even how long to visit Statue of Liberty for.
Don’t worry though. Since I have been there many times, I will share all my useful tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty so that you can rest assured you’ll have a great time. My Statue of Liberty guide will explain everything you need to know before you visit the Statue of Liberty.
What To See When Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
The Pedestal
The Pedestal literally is the concrete platform where the Statue of Liberty was laid. Standing at 150 feet (roughly 46 meters) above ground, it was built in neoclassical style with columns, arches and reliefs.
The Pedestal is typically the main part of a visit of the Statue of Liberty – most visitors choose to only go there.
But, is the Statue of Liberty Pedestal worth it? I think it is. In fact, to me this was the best part of the visit. Inside, you will find a small museum with an exhibit about the history and the creation of the Statue of Liberty. The Pedestal observation deck is also one of the best spots to get views of New York.
There are two ways of accessing the Pedestal: via a 215 steps staircase or by elevator. We took the steps up and it was a fun workout – just make sure you are fit enough for that.
The Crown
The Crown is the highest accessible point when visiting the Statue of Liberty. Some see no point in going up there, because the windows are tiny and almost impossible to take pictures from.
Is the Statue of Liberty Crown access worth it?
Of course, I went up the Crown on my last visit and I think it is worth it. However, let me clarify that going up the Statue of Liberty Crown shouldn’t be just about the views (which are actually better from the Pedestal), but about the overall experience.
Let me stress that there is no elevator to go from the Pedestal to the Crown. You will have to push yourself to climb 162 narrow steps on a spiral staircase: you need to be fit, have no mobility issues at all and you may feel uncomfortable on the narrow spiral staircase if you are tall or big.
There is a line to access the stairs to the Crown, and it moves slowly – which kind of delays your entire visit of the park. Once you get to the top, you are only allowed roughly 5 minutes inside before you have to make your way back down.
It is really small inside, and it can be slightly claustrophobic. It also can get very hot (or very cold) depending on when you go.
Through the small windows, you can get impressive views of Manhattan as well as of the details of the Statue of Liberty: you can see the tablet, the hand with details of the fingers.
To access the Crown, you will need Statue of Liberty Crown tickets (which are only available for purchase on the official website) and a waistband which you will get after going through security for the Pedestal. Kids need to be at least 4 foot tall (122 cm) to visit the Crown, as they must walk on their own.
The Torch
The original torch was replaced after renovation works that started in 1984. The torch had indeed been leaking since 1916, when during WWI the Germans sabotaged it, and it was decided to replace it with a 24-karat gold flame.
The original torch was placed in Statue of Liberty Museum. Access to the torch is prohibited.
The Statue of Liberty Museum
Visiting this museum is one of the most interesting things to do at the Statue of Liberty. The exhibit will help you get a better understanding of the history of the statue, how it was built and what the statue (and its many features) represent. There’s a short movie you can see for even more information, divided in three parts.
The museum has a fantastic rooftop terrace from where you get even more impressive views of Manhattan.
Ellis Island National Museum
Not everyone visiting the Statue of Liberty goes to Ellis Island, and it’s such a shame. I really enjoyed exploring the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. It’s a great place to learn more about the arrival of immigrants in America, their stories, and their experience once they made it to Ellis Island.
Visiting Statue Of Liberty Tips
Where to buy Statue of Liberty tickets
Here’s the deal. Theoretically, Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located, and Ellis Island, are free to access because they are part of the National Park Service.
However, you have to get there by ferry and this means there is a price (sorry!). To that, you must add the price of the ticket to the Pedestal and the Crown if you want to visit those.
Here is where to buy Statue of Liberty tickets.
Statue of Liberty official website
The official site to get Statue of Liberty tickets is that of State Cruises. There are four options available, and all of them give you access to the Statue of Liberty Museum and Ellis Island Immigration Museum too. This is the official Statue of Liberty tickets price:
GENERAL ADMISSION – General Admission Statue of Liberty tickets price is $25 USD for adults, $22 USD for seniors (62 and above); and $16 USD for children between 4 and 12. This is the most basic option.
RESERVE AND / OR PEDESTAL TICKETS – The most popular Statue of Liberty tickets. Definitely opt for the Pedestal access if available. Pedestal Statue of Liberty tickets price is $25.30 USD for adults; $22.30 USD for seniors; and $16.30 USD for children between 4 and 12.
STATUE OF LIBERTY CROWN TICKETS – These are the most popular Statue of Liberty tickets and the ones that sell out months in advance. They also give you access to the Pedestal. option costs $25.30 USD for adults; $22.30 USD for seniors; and $16.30 USD for children between 4 and 12. Keep in mind you will be allowed only 10 minutes in the crown.
You can only buy 4 crown tickets at a time, so not ideal if you are visiting in a group. You can only buy tickets once every 6 months – a measure is aimed at curbing touts who may resell tickets for a higher price. You need to give your name when buying the ticket, so these aren’t transferable.
HARD HAT TICKETS – These tickets include a 90 minute guided tour of the unrestored Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital Complex, as well as a self-guided tour of Ellis Island and Liberty Island. The minimum age for this option is 13. Tickets cost $75 for adults and $72 for seniors.
The prices and options of Statue of Liberty tickets indicated above are for ferries departing from both New York Battery Park and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
Tickets on the official site go on sale up to 6 months prior to your scheduled visit.
Tickets bought on the Statue of Liberty tickets official website can be canceled (and refunded) no later than 24 hours before your visit.
Third-party booking sites
Basic Statue of Liberty tickets on third-party booking sites are slightly more expensive than on the Statue of Liberty official site. However, third-party sites do not sell tickets to the Pedestal or the Crown – so only use them if you are just interested in the general admission Statue of Liberty option.
Having used the official site during my last visit, I can tell you that it was a bit confusing to find exactly what I needed. Third party sites are more user friendly, with no pop-ups and no new page or new window opening for each link you click on.
You can get your tickets months in advance (much like on the official website) and you can cancel in a click up to 24 yours before your visit and get your money back almost immediately.
I recommend getting your tickets for Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on Tiqets – This is one of my favorite and most reliable third-party booking sites.
Offline
You can buy Statue of Liberty tickets by calling numbers 1-877-532-9849 if you are already in the United States, or +1-201-604-2800 from other countries.
You also have the option to buy tickets in person through concierges at major New York City hotels, or at Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park. It’s open from daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. I don’t really recommend this option as – especially in the peak season – availability can be very limited (in particular for Crown tickets).
How and where to pick up your Statue of Liberty tickets
Whether you need to pick up a physical ticket or not depends on what kind of ticket you bought.
If you got your General Admission ticket online via the Statue of Liberty tickets official website, you can get your tickets via email and have to print them at home. Alternatively, you can pick them up at the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park – but if you print them, this is not necessary.
If you have Pedestal or Statue of Liberty Crown tickets, you will have to exchange them for a physical ticket at the Will Call at the Castle Clinton National Monument, which is a few minutes walk from the ferry departure point.
If you bought your ticket via a third party site, you can either print the voucher or use the app.
Should you opt for a Statue of Liberty tour?
Guided tours are a great hassle free option to visit the Statue of Liberty – your only worry will be to get to the meeting point in time for departure. It’s also a great idea if you want a more in-depth experience and don’t want to worry about the things to do at the Statue of Liberty, what to see, the ferry departure times etc.
The tour company and the guides take care of all the arrangements; they literally hold your hand as you get on the ferry; and guide you around the site while sharing relevant information that will help you make the most of the experience.
The good thing about joining a Statue of Liberty tour is also that since it is structured, you get to see more in a shorter amount of time – whereas exploring independently like I did last time I was there can be time consuming (not to mention, I kept missing the ferry by just a minute).
Statue of Liberty tours usually start with a ferry ride from Battery Park, during which you will get and impressive views of both the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. Most of them (not all!) continue to the Pedestal to visit the museum and then go to Ellis Island. Guided tours never include the Crown.
There is a wide selection of Statue of Liberty tours. These are the ones I recommend the most:
Early Access Statue of Liberty Tour with Statue Pedestal Access & Ellis Island Tour – This is the best Statue of Liberty tour that can be booked online. It lasts 4 hours and includes a visit to Liberty Island and the exterior of the Statue of Liberty; the Statue of Liberty Museum, Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum.
Ferry Access Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour – Another excellent option for a Statue of Liberty tour. There are two departures: at 9:00 am and at 11:00 am, daily.
1-hour Statue of Liberty Cruise – This is a great option if you are on a budget and have limited time in New York. Keep in mind you won’t actually get off at the Statue of Liberty, but just see it from the ferry.
You can also look for a wider selection of Statue of Liberty tours.
Free ranger-led tours are offered on Liberty Island. They last about 40 minutes and don’t require reservations: they depart from the information desk on the hour and only go to the museum.
Finally, you can get an audio-guide once you arrive to Liberty Island. The audioguide is available in a variety of language and it is included in the price of your ticket. The visit lasts up to 45 minutes.
How to visit the Statue of Liberty with a New York City Pass
GoCity is the official reseller for New York City Passes. You have the option to buy an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass.
If you want to use a New York City Pass to visit the Statue of Liberty there are a few things to know:
- You only get access to the Statue of Liberty island, to Ellis Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum;
- You will have a self-guided audio tour of Liberty and Ellis Island;
- You still have to book a time slot for your visit – after you buy your New York City Pass, you will get an email with the voucher code, which you can use on this page to redeem your ticket;
- For Pedestal access, it works on a first come first serve basis – if you are visiting in peak season, forget about that!
- Crown access is not included – you have to buy it separately and you can’t even deduct the price from the reserve access that is included in your pass.
How long does it take to visit the Statue of Liberty?
The amount of time you spend at the Statue of Liberty varies depending on what you decide to see, the time of year you are visiting, whether or not you wish to have lunch there etc.
Here is a breakdown of the various timings:
INDEPENDENT VISITS – How long to visit Statue of Liberty when visiting independently depends on what you want to see and the kind of tickets Statue of Liberty tickets you have. If you want to see everything – the Pedestal, the Crown, and then go to Ellis Island – it will take you a minimum of 4 hours and up to 6, including the Statue of Liberty ferry ride there and back.
GUIDED TOURS OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY – Statue of Liberty tours take 4 hours, however, keep in mind they never include the Crown.
STATEN ISLAND FERRY – 90 minutes. You won’t get off the ferry at the Statue of Liberty, but you will have to disembark once you get to Staten Island. Once you get off the ferry, you can join the line to get back on and go back to New York.
STATUE OF LIBERTY CRUISE – 60 minutes. You won’t disembark.
While these are rough timings, I recommend factoring in some extra time for your visit and to leave plenty of time to get back to Manhattan if you have other activities planned afterwards, because delays can happen and can easily accumulate (which is exactly what happened to me when I last visited).
You see, the amount of visitors to the Statue of Liberty means there is a very long line at the security checks, and this can cause delays and it often means you won’t even be able to get on the ferry you had intended to get on.
My impression when I last visited is that although you book a specific ferry (so the system should know how many people are meant to be on that), there are more visitors than actual spots on the ferry and this departs when it is full or when the staff simply decides it is time to go. They could avoid this by having different lines for different time-slots, but alas…
I visited on a Monday in May (so it wasn’t even peak season) and had booked the 9:00 am ferry with Crown tickets (supposedly priority), but after going back and forth between the Castle Clinton National Monument (to exchange the tickets) and the harbor, I found the longest line at security and only made it through to see the ferry I was meant to be on departing. I had to wait for the next one, which departed 25 minutes later.
When it was time to take the ferry to Ellis Island, again I missed it by literally a minute or so, and again had to wait for the next one. Needless to say, my planned visit ended up being much longer because of the time I had to stand in line waiting for the ferry.
Best time to visit Statue of Liberty
The official website mentions that the busiest months to visit the Statue of Liberty are June to August, and the quietest ones are November to January. The site also suggests that the ferries to the Statue of Liberty are busier between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
With this in mind, it’s good to say that the best time of day to visit the Statue of Liberty is as soon as it opens, so book the earliest slot for the ferry. This means you need to be on the very first Statue of Liberty ferry departing from Battery Park or Liberty Park – which is at 9:00 am.
Being on the 9:00 am ferry means there will be less crowds on the grounds once you get to the Statue of Liberty, the Pedestal and even Ellis Island, and your visit will be smoother.
Security opens a bit before the ferry departs so plan to be there around 8:30 am at the latest, and even earlier if you have Crown tickets, for which you must exchange the email voucher with a physical ticket at the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park – which is a short walk from the ferry harbor.
Alternatively, the best time of day to visit Statue of Liberty is in the early afternoon around 3:00 pm – though at that time of day there will definitely be more people than in the early morning.
Try to avoid the weekend as that’s when the site is most crowded.
Booking a time slot for your visit
When buying your Statue of Liberty tickets you must also book a time slot for your visit – which is in fact the Statue of Liberty ferry departure time.
You have the option to go at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 am and at 12:00 and 1:00 or 2:00 pm (Pedestal, depending on whether you are visiting from New York or New Jersey) and up to 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 pm (in the summer months) if you only have general admission.
Opt for the earliest departure available, so that you can enjoy the site with less crowds and at a slower pace. If you manage to get on the 9:00 am ferry and everything runs smoothly, you be back in Manhattan by early afternoon, in time for lunch and to explore more of the city (the 9/11 Museum is in Lower Manhattan, for example).
The 1:00 pm ferry departure option means you won’t have enough time to everything explore properly.
You need to be at the Statue of Liberty ferry departure point at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to go through security. Expect delays and longer waiting times in the peak season.
How far in advance should you book?
If seeing the Statue of Liberty is in your plans during your trip to New York, then I recommend booking your visit as much in advance as possible, and at least 3 months before you wish visiting.
The good news is that tickets go on sale on the official website 5 months prior to the visit.
This is a popular tourist attractions. Keep in mind that more than 4 million people per year have been visiting the Statue of Liberty in the last few years.
Crown tickets are sold out up to 5 months in advance (only 500 people are allowed daily), whereas Pedestal access and General Admission are more easily available.
If you leave it to the last minute you may end up with no tickets!
How far in advance you book also depends on how large your group is. If you are a solo traveler you can find tickets more easily even a couple of weeks before actually visiting.
Remember that you can’t buy more than 4 tickets at once.
Can you get Statue of Liberty tickets on the day of your visit?
As usual I recommend booking in advance just to save yourself the hassle of getting to the ticket office only to find the attraction is sold out.
Crown tickets can’t be purchased at the ticket counter, so must be booked in advance.
There is normally more availability for General Admission and Pedestal access tickets, so if yours is a last minute visit you can try to get them at the ticket office on the day of your visit – though in peak season they may be sold out. There is no ticket office in Liberty Park, so if you wish to visit the Pedestal you’ll need to get tickets before you board the ferry.
The Statue City Cruises official ticket office is located inside Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park.
What to do if Statue of Liberty tickets are sold out
Do not despair. You may still be able to visit the Statue of Liberty even when it seems that tickets are sold out. It really depends on what you want to experience, and how much effort you are willing to put.
Here are a few tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty and things to know:
GO ON A GUIDED TOUR: Guided tours usually have more availability because they are more expensive than plain tickets. This Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour is one of the best around. The tour lasts four hours but does not include access to the Pedestal and the Crown.
DEPART FROM NEW JERSEY: If all Statue of Liberty tickets with ferry departure from New York are sold out, look for tickets with ferry departure from New Jersey Liberty State Park. You can get there via public transportation (discover how here) and on the way back you can opt for the ferry that takes you back to Battery Park or Liberty State Park.
GO EARLY: Plan to be at the Castle Clinton National Monument before the ticket office opens at 8:30 am. You may manage to find a last minute ticket.
CONTINUE CHECKING ONLINE: There is always a chance that someone cancels their ticket and this becomes available again.
OPT FOR THE RESERVE TICKET: If you are ok just going to the Reserve, chances are that tickets will be available even last minute – but keep in mind you won’t have access to the actual monument.
GO ON A CRUISE: If everything is sold out, you still have the option to take a Statue of Liberty cruise around Liberty Island or to ride the Staten Island Ferry. Ok, they are not quite the same thing but better than nothing.
How to visit the Statue of Liberty on a budget
Is visiting the Statue of Liberty on a budget possible?
Where, here’s the deal. You can’t really visit the Statue of Liberty for free – not unless you are a child up to 4 years old.
However, if you are not interested in getting into the Pedestal or the Crown, and only care for the views, you can hop on the Staten Island Ferry. It’s not nearly the same thing – but if your budget or schedule are tight, you should definitely go for this option.
The Staten Island Ferry leaves from the Whitehall Terminal, in southern Manhattan, and runs 24/7 (so a fabulous option if you want to admire Manhattan in all its glory at night) every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes during rush hour on weekdays), on the hour and on the half hour. The ride lasts 25 minutes each way. Once you reach Staten Island, you must get off and then get in line to get back on the next ferry back. The overall journey can take you between an hour and an hour and a half.
To avoid the crowds, go after rush hour (between 9:30 and 11:30 am) or after 7:00 pm. Depending on the season, that’s also the best time for sunset views!
How to get to the Statue of Liberty
The only way to get to the Statue of Liberty is by ferry. There are two departure points, and departure hours you need to be aware of.
Ferry departure points
Ferries to the Statue of Liberty depart both in New York and New Jersey.
In New York, the ferry departs from Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan, and follows this route: Battery Park, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Battery Park.
In New Jersey, the ferry departs from Liberty State Park and follow this route: Liberty State Park, Liberty Island, Ellis Island, Liberty State Park.
Ferry timetable
The first ferry departs at 9:00 am. The last one leaves at 3:30 pm in low season and at 5:00 pm in peak season.
During peak season, the last ferry back departs from Liberty Island at 6:45 pm.
You can see the full and updated ferry schedule for the month you wish to visit here.
So, Is The Statue Of Liberty Worth Visiting?
Are you still wondering “is it worth going to the Statue of Liberty?” I think it is! If anything, visiting the Statue of Liberty is worth it just to get the stunning views of New York.
Perhaps, adding some facts and information about it will help you decide to go.
The Statue of Liberty is located in New Jersey state, but it’s within territorial jurisdiction of the State of New York (I know, confusing!). It represents a joint effort between the USA and France to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Its official name was Liberty Enlightening The World. Lady Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Back then, the statue was the tallest structure in New York City – it measures about 93 meters (that’s 305 feet and one inch) from the ground to the tip of the flame.
The Statue of Liberty became a National Monument in 1924 and been cared for by the National Park Service since 1933.
The statue, which is made in copper, was designed by French sculptor Frederic August Bartholdi. Its metal framework was built by Eiffel – the same of the Eiffel Tower of Paris. It was not always green: originally, it was a copper color (so a rich brown).
Throughout the years, exposure to air, pollution and water caused a change of color which eventually (in 1906, after 30 years) settled for the current green-blue shade we know it for.
Lady Liberty holds a torch with her right hand; whereas with her left one she holds a tabula ansata (a votive tablet) with Roman numeric inscription that reads the date July 4, 1776.
Raising the funds for the construction of the Pedestal was not easy. The mayors of Boston and Philadelphia offered to fund for that, but asked for the statue to be moved to their city.
Eventually, Joseph Pulitzer, launched a campaign suggesting that anyone who’d contribute would have their name printed in the paper, and managed to raise the funds.
Useful Things To Know Before Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
Opening times
Liberty Island and Ellis Island are open every day from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The last admission to the pedestal is at 3:30 pm.
The Statue of Liberty is closed on Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November) and Christmas day on 25 December.
The first Statue of Liberty ferry departs at 9:00 am from Battery Park, and the last one at either 3:30 pm or 5:00 pm depending on the season.
The departure times of the ferry vary slightly throughout the year – you can check them out on the State Cruises official website.
Accessibility of the Statue of Liberty
People with limited mobility can certainly visit the Statue of Liberty. Wheelchairs are available free of charge on Liberty Island, and there are elevators going up to the Pedestal. There is no elevator to get to the Crown.
Service animals can access all areas of the park except the Crown.
Fore more information on visiting Statue of Liberty with a disability, you may want to check the National Parks Service page.
Security checks
You will need to go through airport-style security to board the Statue of Liberty ferry in Battery Park (or Liberty State Park in Jersey City, if that is your departure point).
Prohibited items include weapons, scissors, knives, large bags and backpacks, packages and parcels. You also can’t wear anything that hides your identity.
You will have to go through security again once you get to Liberty Island in order to access the Pedestal and the Crown.
For access to the Crown, you will only be allowed to carry your phone or camera (but no camera bag), water in a clear container (a plastic bottle, in other words) and any medication you may need. You will have to leave the rest of your stuff in the lockers.
You may also need to show a document – usually your driving license or passport will do. One document per person is needed – so if you booked a bunch of tickets, each person in the group will have to show proof of identity.
Lockers
You must store your personal belongings in a locker before accessing the Pedestal and the Crown. You need a $0.25 cent coin to use the lockers (you get it back after you are done using them) so make sure you bring small change.
There are no lockers in Battery Park or Liberty State Park, where ferries to the Statue of Liberty depart from.
Facilities at the Statue of Liberty
Toilets are available in the monument and near the food area, as well as at departure points.
Food and drinks
Bring your own snacks or a small lunch if you can because food options are limited. There is a café on Liberty Island and one on Ellis Island but they are very basic and prices ridiculous. There is a café on the ferry too, but it is even more overpriced and really low in quality (think junk / fast food).
What to wear when visiting the Statue of Liberty
Most of the time spend visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will be outdoors, so you need to check the weather broadcast and dress accordingly.
I also recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothes – there is some walking to do, and climbing in case you want to climb to the crown.
If you visit in the fall and winter months, it may be a good idea to bring an extra layer and carry a small umbrella in case of rain. In the spring and especially summer months, you will need a hat and sunblock.
Further Readings
If you are planning a larger trip to the US, these posts may come of use:
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 3 Days In New York
- An Easy To Follow Itinerary For 4 Days In New York
- 5 Days In New York: An Easy To Follow New York Itinerary
- How To Get 9/11 Museum Tickets And Skip The Lines
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