Are you in New York for the first time? Then I’m sure viewing the Statue of Liberty is on your to-do list. And rightly so, because this is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It is located on Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay, just off the coast of New York City. In this article I will give you tips on how to get the best views of the Statue of Liberty. As a bonus, you will also get one of the best views of the New York Skyline too!
So why is the Statue of Liberty a big deal?
You might be wondering why The Statue of Liberty holds significant historical and cultural importance. France gave the Statue of Liberty as a gift to celebrate their alliance with America during the American Revolution. It was dedicated in 1886 and has since become a symbol of freedom and democracy in the years after. For many immigrants who arrived in the United States by sea, the Statue of Liberty was their first glimpse of hope. As they sailed into New York Harbor, they would see Lady Liberty standing tall and holding her torch high, welcoming them to their new land of opportunity.
Did you know?
The green colour of the statue comes from copper sheets that are supported by an internal metal framework. The weight of the copper sheets is 62,000 pounds, or 31 tons, and the copper is about the thickness of two pennies.
Other interesting facts about the Statue of Liberty
- The seven rays on the crown represent the seven continents and seven seas of the world.
- The statue holds a torch in her right hand, symbolizing enlightenment and freedom.
- The Statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and the framework was created by Gustave Eiffel, whose company later designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
- The famous poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus is displayed on a plaque on the pedestal.
- The Statue of Liberty is made of copper and stands at a height of 305 feet.
- Richard Morris Hunt, designer of New York City’s first apartment building, designed the pedestal.
Which nicknames for the Statue of Liberty do you know?
Lady Liberty, The Statue, The Lady of the Harbor, The Mother of Exiles, The Colossus of New York, The Green Goddess, The Statue of Freedom, Libertas, The Goddess of Liberty and The Statue of Immigration.
Ways to see the statue
There are several other ways to see the statue and get the best views of this magnificent monument. Here are some fantastic options that we highly recommend.
By Cruise
One of the most popular and iconic ways to see the Statue of Liberty is by taking a cruise around New York Harbor. There are various companies that offer Statue of Liberty cruises, allowing you to get up close with the statue. These cruises often include informative commentary about the statue’s history and significance, as well as stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Combine your Liberty Island cruise with an Ellis Island Tour
Another great way to see the Statue of Liberty is by taking a guided tour that includes a visit to Ellis Island. These tours typically start with a ferry ride to Liberty Island, where you can explore the grounds and learn about the statue’s construction and history. Afterward, the tour takes you to Ellis Island, where you can visit the Immigration Museum and discover the stories of the millions of immigrants who passed through its doors.
Or take the free Staten Island Ferry
Are you on a budget or simply want to spend your cash on other activities? Then taking the Staten Island Ferry is a great option to enjoy a view of the Statue of Liberty. It is actually my personal favourite. This won’t let you visit Liberty Island, but I prefer admiring the statue from a distance with the city skyline as a backdrop.
The Staten Island Ferry is a free service that operates between Manhattan and Staten Island. A single trip takes around 25 minutes. This is an excellent opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty and as the ferry departs from Manhattan, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline.
The best views of the statue can be enjoyed from the right side of the ferry during the journey to Staten Island, and from the left side during the return trip to Manhattan.
Please beware: of possible scammers in front of the terminal trying to convince you that you have to buy a ticket for the ferry. They usually wear a jacket, so if you are unaware of this, it can be difficult to spot. Simply ignore them and walk past; they won’t harass you for long.
Like to go Inside the Liberty Statue Crown?
Have you always wanted to enter the crown of Lady Liberty? To enter the Statue of Liberty, you will need to purchase tickets in advance through Statue City Cruises. These tickets provide access to both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Also, the ferry service is included. Once on Liberty Island, you can choose to visit the museum, climb to the top of the pedestal for incredible views, and even access the crown with a special reservation.
Ticket price
It is a must to reserve your tickets in advance through the official website Statue City Cruises. If you wish to also visit Lady Liberty’s crown, make sure to book a few months prior to your stay in the city. Tickets are very limited and sell out fast. Prices for a Crown ticket are only $0.30 (30 cents) more and will get you way more value, so I recommend you get those.
Crowne Reserve Admission Ticket Prices (as of 2024):
- Adults (ages 13-61): $25.30
- Children (ages 4-12): $16.30
