The Statue of Liberty is one of New York’s most powerful monuments and is a must-see on everyone’s bucket list. If you've booked a trip to the Big Apple with us, don't miss your chance to witness the iconic Lady Liberty in all her glory!
Visiting the Statue of Liberty couldn’t be easier during your trip to New York. You can catch the Statue of Liberty ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan, or from Liberty State Park across the water in New Jersey.
Top tip for visiting the Statue of Liberty
Want to go inside the Statue of Liberty to climb to the top of the crown? You’ll need to book in advance. It’s best to book your spot as soon as you start planning your trip to New York, as spaces fill up months in advance. Even if you can’t get tickets for the crown or if you’re planning a last-minute trip to New York, you can still catch the ferry to Liberty Island and take the free tour around the park there.
Getting to Liberty Island
It’s best to book your ferry tickets in advance. Pick up your pre-booked tickets at the departure area, or print them off before you arrive. After passing through security, you’ll board the Statue of Liberty ferry for the 15-minute journey to Liberty Island. A wonderful experience in itself, the ferry allows you to see New York from a completely new perspective.
Once you step off the ferry at Liberty Island, head over to the visitor centre where you can sign up for a free Ranger guided tour of the Liberty park. A smart way to find out about the complex history of the island, this tour is great fun, packed with facts and entertainment suited to all ages.
Statue of Liberty Facts
- • Height. 305ft including pedestal
- • Year Built. 1886 completion
- • Steps to the crown: 354 (about 20 storeys)!
- • Who is the Statue of Liberty? Libertas, a Roman Goddess
- • The Statue of Liberty was gifted by France to the U.S. in 1886, symbolising American independence, freedom, and hope for immigrants
- • In 1916, German saboteurs set off an explosion in nearby Black Tom peninsula (now Liberty State Park), damaging the Statue of Liberty during World War I
- • Later that year the Statue was illuminated at night for the first time. The lights were turned on by President Wilson
- • Liberty Island was called Bedloe’s Island up until 1956
- • In 1933, the island was turned into a National Park
- • During World War II, the Statue of Liberty was kept dark due to blackout rules, but on D-Day 1944, its lights flashed the Morse code “V” for Victory
- • In the early 1980s, the Statue’s head was found to be two feet off-centre, leading to major renovations
- • In 1986, the original torch was replaced with a new one featuring a 24-carat gold-coated flame
Exploring Liberty Island and Ellis Island
Ellis Island is also part of the Statue of Liberty Monument park and is included on your ferry ticket. Complete with its own fascinating museum, the Immigration museum, it’s well worth a visit.
More Things To Do in New York
Find more things to do: Central Park | Ground Zero | Helicopter Rides | High Line | Metropolitan Museum of Art | The Guggenheim Museum | Times Square | Top of the Rock Observation Deck