The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. If you’re planning a trip, here’s everything you need to know, from catching the ferry to exploring Liberty Island.
Want to go there?
Add the Place of Interest
Create your own itineraries in MyPlan, on the Ylore Travel app.
Getting to the Statue of Liberty
The only way to visit the Statue of Liberty is by ferry, operated by Statue City Cruises. Ferries depart from two locations:
- Battery Park, Manhattan (Most popular for NYC visitors)
- Liberty State Park, New Jersey (Often less crowded)
Our focus is on Battery Park, because this is where the bulk of tourists will depart from.
Battery Park Viaduct, Manhattan, New York County, 10004
Pro Tips for a Top Day Out
Buy your tickets before you arrive. It’s simple and fast. By them here. It brings certainty to your trip and less hassle.
If you haven’t purchased online, you can purchase inside Castle Clinton. If you don’t, you risk them not being genuine tickets. The signs around should red flag some of the issues around tickets and scammers.
Battery Park Viaduct, Manhattan, New York County, 10004Ignore the touts around the outside of the park, particularly around the Bowling Green subway station. Don’t stop. Don’t respond to questions, look like you’re on a mission otherwise they may crowd around you. A common tactic in tourist spots across the world to intimidate you and ‘incentivize’ you to make a purchase.
Scammers will try and sell you inflated tickets, or tickets on ferries to places other than the Statue of Liberty.
Arrive early and head to security screening, which can take time, especially during peak seasons. Avoid taking backpacks. There are lockers on the island, but expect
The first ferry of the day is around 8.30am and is the best for avoiding crowds. After 10.00am it gets super busy.
If you want to visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, plan for at least 3–5 hours. On my trip out I just visited Liberty Island and skipped Ellis. I was there for the statue, but its a personal choice.
Boarding the Ferry
The boarding ramp onto the ferry is super steep and makes no sense in a high volume tourist environment. Getting off the ferry is a challenge and if you suffer from a physical impairment, ask before you book or board.
What to Expect on Liberty Island
Once you arrive, you’ll have several options for exploring:
The Grounds: Free to explore, offering fantastic views and photo opportunities.
Pedestal Access: Requires a reserved ticket, but offers a closer look at Lady Liberty. I personally don’t think it offers more value than being on the ground level, but each to their own.
Crown Access: Limited availability and requires advance booking, often months ahead, think six months as a safe bet. It’s unique.
Statue of Liberty Museum: A must-visit for history buffs, featuring the original torch and interactive exhibits. Entry is already included in your ticket. It is here you will see the original torch flame, plus a whole range of other interesting artifacts.
Best Tips for Exploring Liberty Island
- Wear comfortable shoes, there’s a lot of walking involved.
- Bring a bottle of water and sunscreen in summer. There’s a kiosk on the ferry out
- Consider bringing binoculars for spectacular views of NYC’s skyline or pay 50 cents and use the fixed binoculars at points across the island.
There are lockers on the island for people looking to go into the statue. These are in limited supply, so don’t bank on one being available in peak season.
Best Photo Spots
- The ferry ride provides incredible shots of the NYC skyline and Lady Liberty.
- The front of the statue from the pedestal offers an amazing perspective. Standing in front of the statue posing like she is, is a kick. You won’t be the only one.
- For unique angles, try capturing her from the museum rooftop.
Where to After
If you’re still keen to explore, head to the Staten Island ferry terminal. It’s free and a ‘must do’ in New York. ‘Must do’ is a tired term, but it really is. I feel that 90% of the people on the ferry are tourists, so it has a great vibe. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes each way. The ferries are huge, so no need to fight to the front, you won’t miss out on anything. Find out more here if you’re super keen, but its pretty straight forward and easy to get the ferry.
, Manhattan, New York County, 10004Final Thoughts
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is an unforgettable experience. I’d lived in Manhattan for two years before I got around to it. The statue itself is obviously brilliant, but it’s the story behind the statue itself. How it came to be and the people involved. Check out our multimedia tour on the Statue of Liberty, it gives you more depth to your journey and a greater appreciation.
Happy travels
Discover More with Ylore
Explore New York and surrounds like never before with our immersive, multimedia self-guided tours. Dive deeper into the stories of the people and places that make the city a world-renowned destination.
With Ylore, you’ll also enjoy:
- Pop-Up Tour Points featuring local insights and must-try food spots
- Hidden Gems showcasing unique activities and secret locations
- Travel Tips & Insights to make your journey smoother and more enriching
Start your adventures today here or browse for ideas on where to go an what to do here.
Follow Us
Download the Ylore Travel app
Brett Williams
Brett Williams is the founder of Ylore Travel, a platform dedicated to making self-guided travel accessible to adventurers worldwide. With experience exploring over 50 countries and living in four, Brett’s passion for discovering new places and immersing himself in diverse cultures inspired the creation of Ylore Travel. Based in New York, he continues to seek out unique experiences and empower others to explore the world at their own pace.