The Statue of Liberty in New York is the world-famous symbol of freedom in the United States. Here you can find out how to visit the legendary Statue of Liberty. We explain what different tickets are available and what alternatives are available for those who do not want to go inside the Statue of Liberty.
In fact, the Statue of Liberty is a gift from the French to the Americans on the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ten years late, and was inaugurated on 28 October 1886. Officially, it is called the Statue of Liberty, or Lady Liberty as the Americans call her.
Today, the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island off Manhattan is visited daily by thousands of tourists. There are many different ways to do this, depending on whether you want to go all the way to the crown or just want to take a photo with New York’s most famous landmark. If you want to know if tickets for the crown are really worth it, then take a look at our report on this topic – spoiler: it’s not worth it!
Visiting the Statue of Liberty – These are your options
You have several options for your visit to the Statue of Liberty in New York. Which is your best option depends on how close you want to get to the Statue of Liberty. If you only want to see the Statue of Liberty from the outside, you have a choice of boat tours and helicopter flights. If you want the full program, there are ticket options with access to the Statue of Liberty Island, access to the pedestal or even access to the crown.
Options & Tickets for visiting the Statue of Liberty:
- Reserve tickets: This Statue of Liberty visit ticket gives you the most for your money. The ferry to the Statue of Liberty and entrance to Liberty Island are included. Thus, one can move freely as long as one wants on the island. The great thing is that this ticket is already included in most New York passports.
- Reserve Tickets + Pedestal: With this ticket option you get the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, entrance on Liberty Island and access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty.
- Reserve Tickets + Crown: Includes ferry to the Statue of Liberty, entrance to Liberty Island and access to the Statue of Liberty’s crown. A visit to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty is a must-do for many when visiting New York City. About 300 steps lead up to the city’s unique landmark.
- Boat tour to the Statue of Liberty: If you have little time, you can also choose the Statue of Liberty boat tour, which runs around the Statue of Liberty but does not end on the island. This tour gives you an unforgettable view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The boat trip is also included in all New York Passes.
- Helicopter Tour: All helicopter tours in New York include a tour around the Statue of Liberty. If you want to see the Statue of Liberty from above, a helicopter tour is highly recommended.
- See the Statue of Liberty for free: For those who do not have much time, the trip with the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island is suitable. The South Ferry passes the Statue of Liberty 365 days a year. You can take great pictures and watch Miss Liberty from a distance. But of course, the ferry doesn’t come as close to the statue as the boat tours.
YOU CAN ONLY GET ACCESS TO THE INSIDE OF THE STATUE WITH PEDESTAL OR CROWN TICKETS.
Reserve tickets for the Statue of Liberty
We always recommend that you reserve your tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty online as early as possible. Especially the tickets for the Crown of the Statue of Liberty are sold out weeks in advance.
Tip: Save yourself long queues and maybe even the full ticket price if you have a New York Pass.
THE STATUE OF LIBERTY TICKETS AT A GLANCE
Reserve: $22 or pass
Reserve + Pedestal: $27 (Limited tickets)
Reserve + Crown: $29 (Limited tickets)
Boat tour: From $31 or passport
Helicopter Tour: From $230
The best time to visit the Statue of Liberty
The first boat that leaves for the Statue of Liberty leaves Lower Manhattan daily at 8:30 am. The last boat to the island leaves at 3:30 p.m. After this time, it is no longer possible to visit the island or any part of the Statue of Liberty.
BE SURE TO TAKE THE FIRST FERRY, OTHERWISE YOU’LL WAIT FOREVER!
As mentioned at the beginning, there is always only a certain number of tickets available per day. Nevertheless, the early morning has gold in its mouth here: the sooner you arrive at Battery Park for departure, the better. The first ferry leaves at 9:30 am. The timetable of the ferry can be seen here.
These are our 3 favorite tours to the Statue of Liberty
Boat trip to the Statue of Liberty
One of the most popular tours is this 1-hour boat tour, which takes you very close to the Statue of Liberty. You don’t stop on Liberty Island, so it is the ideal tour for those who want to see the Statue of Liberty but don’t want to see the inside. There are several reasons why I like this boat tour so much: it is relaxed, you get the Statue of Liberty in its entirety on the photo – you will be surprised how big it is – and you don’t lose much time! Let’s start at Pier 83.
Tour to the Statue of Liberty with Ellis Island guide
Personally, I am not the cultural type, but the visit of Ellis Island with the big hall is really unbelievably impressive for everybody. Why? This is where the immigrants decided whether they were allowed to enter the USA and live their American Dream. The guided tour includes the trip to the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island, after that it goes to the neighboring Ellis Island. A really exciting tour, where you can really put yourself back into time.
2h sailing trip into the sunset from Pier 62
This tour is one of my absolute favorites in New York. On an impressive sailboat, you start in the twilight and then sail relaxed towards the Statue of Liberty. On the way there you can take great pictures of the skyline and enjoy this unique atmosphere. Definitely a recommendation for everyone looking for a special evening in New York.
Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
For many immigrants from Europe who arrived in New York, the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor was the first thing they saw of the New World. It is firmly anchored in people’s minds and everyone associates it with the city of New York. The artist Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi designed the Statue of Liberty, the steel structure inside was built by Eiffel’s chief designer Maurice Koechlin. The base was built by the Americans on the spot.
The Statue of Liberty itself was built in France and was assembled in Paris for testing. Dismantled again, it was shipped to New York in 1885. In 1886 President Grover Cleveland opened the monument.
Frequently asked questions about the Statue of Liberty
Why does the Statue of Liberty’s crown have seven prongs?
The seven-pointed crown symbolizes the number of oceans and the 25 windows below the crown symbolize the gems of the world. With one foot, the Statue of Liberty stands on broken chains, symbolizing the end of slavery. The raised arm, as well as the gold-plated torch in your hand, is the sign of enlightenment.
Are there certain security measures when visiting the Statue of Liberty?
Since September 11, 2001, the Statue of Liberty has long been inaccessible to visitors. It has been open again since 2004, but still could not be fully visited until 2013. Only since the repairs after Hurricane Sandy, the crown was made accessible again as a viewing point. Before leaving by ferry, you will go through strict security checks, like at the airport.
What is the height of the Statue of Liberty?
All 46 meters high is Miss Liberty and stands on a pedestal, which is another 47 meters high. Her weight of 225 tons conceals her very well under her robe.
Has the Statue of Liberty always been green?
No, because the Statue of Liberty is made of copper, which has acquired a patina over time, making it look green today.
Can one enter the Statue of Liberty’s torch?
No, the narrow climb to the torch has been closed for security reasons. You can, however, go right up to the crown.
We wish you a lot of fun at the most famous landmark in our favorite city!