Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is much more than just a monument in New York Harbor: it is the universal symbol of freedom and democracy, a beacon of hope on the Manhattan skyline. Known worldwide for its imposing figure and raised torch, the energy it radiates, and the millions who visit each year, this place represents the welcoming and inspiring spirit of New York and the United States. 🗽
Located on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States and is a must-see stop for anyone visiting the city for the first time—and also for those returning. Whether viewed from afar or explored up close, its unique atmosphere makes it an unforgettable experience that combines history, art, symbolism, and pure emotion.
Why Visit the Statue of Liberty?
Visiting the Statue of Liberty means connecting directly with a global icon. It’s a legendary New York site that represents freedom, hope, and friendship between nations like few others in the world. Here, you can contemplate its majesty, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
Its historical and cultural significance is undeniable: it welcomed millions of immigrants arriving in America seeking a new life and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, its design, by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi with an internal structure by Gustave Eiffel, is a marvel of 19th-century engineering.
The Statue of Liberty is also a symbol of American ideals. Feeling the sea breeze on the ferry, walking at its feet, or climbing to its pedestal or crown (if booked in advance) is a moving experience that welcomes millions of visitors each year. If you want to feel the true essence of the welcome to America, this is the place. ✨
How to Get to the Statue of Liberty?
Ferry Departure Points
Access to Liberty Island (where the Statue is located) and Ellis Island is exclusively via ferries operated by Statue City Cruises, the only authorized company. Ferries depart from two points: Battery Park in southern Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
How to Get to Battery Park (Manhattan)
Battery Park is very well connected by the New York City subway. The nearest stations are:
- Bowling Green (lines 4, 5)
- Whitehall St (lines R, W)
- South Ferry (line 1)
- You can also walk from nearby stations like Wall St (lines 2, 3) or Broad St (lines J, Z).
How to Get to Battery Park from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are in Central Park or near Columbus Circle, simply take the 1 train (red line) southbound (Downtown) to the South Ferry station. It’s a direct and easy trip.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, Battery Park is just a short walk away. You can also take the 4 or 5 trains from Wall St to Bowling Green, or the R or W from Cortlandt St to Whitehall St.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO in Brooklyn, you can take the F train to Jay St-MetroTech and transfer to the R train to Whitehall St. From Williamsburg, you can take the L train to Union Square and then switch to the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If coming from Long Island City in Queens, you can take the E train to WTC and walk, or transfer to the R or W to Whitehall St. From Flushing, take the 7 train to Grand Central and then the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green.
Harlem
From the north, in Harlem, you can take the 1 train southbound to South Ferry, or the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach and then the A train to Fulton St, where you can switch to the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green. From LaGuardia, take the Q70-SBS bus to Jackson Hts-Roosevelt Av and then the R train to Whitehall St. From Newark (EWR), take the AirTrain and NJ Transit to Penn Station (NY), and then the 1 train to South Ferry. Alternatively, from Newark, you can go to Liberty State Park (NJ) to catch the ferry from there.
What to Do When Visiting the Statue of Liberty?
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is a complete experience that goes beyond just seeing the monument. It includes the ferry trip, exploring Liberty Island, visiting the museum, and optionally, accessing the pedestal or the crown, plus a stop at historic Ellis Island. 🚢
Explore Liberty Island
Once on the island, take your time to stroll around the Statue. You can admire it from different perspectives, take spectacular photos with the Manhattan skyline in the background, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the place. There are pleasant walkways and green areas. 📸
Visit the Statue of Liberty Museum
The general ferry ticket includes access to the modern Statue of Liberty Museum. Here you’ll discover the fascinating history of its design, construction, and significance through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts (including the original torch!), and an immersive theater. Highly recommended. 🏛️
Access the Pedestal or Crown (with reservation)
For an even more special experience, you can reserve access to the pedestal or even the crown well in advance. The pedestal offers elevated views from its base, while climbing to the crown (via a narrow spiral staircase) allows you to see the inside of the statue and unique views through its windows. Requires planning! 👑
Enjoy the Views from the Ferry
The ferry ride itself is a fundamental part of the experience. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, and the imposing Lower Manhattan skyline. Have your camera ready for both the trip over and the return. cityscape
Visit Ellis Island
Your ferry ticket also includes a stop at Ellis Island, the historic gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. Be sure to visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, located in the restored main building. It’s an emotional and educational visit about the country’s immigration history. 🧑🤝🧑
Attractions Near Battery Park
Battery Park, the ferry departure point in Manhattan, is located in an area rich in history with many other interesting attractions within walking distance, perfect for combining with your visit to the Statue of Liberty.
Battery Park
Before or after your ferry trip, explore Battery Park itself. Enjoy its well-kept gardens, monuments like the East Coast Memorial or The Sphere (rescued from the WTC), and visit Castle Clinton National Monument, a historic fort that served as New York’s first immigration station. 🌳
Financial District (Wall Street)
Just steps from Battery Park lies the financial heart of the world. Stroll down Wall Street, take a photo with the famous Charging Bull sculpture 🐂, admire the architecture of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and visit Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as president.
One World Observatory and 9/11 Memorial
Nearby is the World Trade Center complex. Visit the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum to pay tribute to the victims of the attacks and go up the One World Observatory for unparalleled 360-degree views of New York City and its surroundings.
South Street Seaport
Head east and you’ll discover the historic South Street Seaport. Stroll along its cobblestone streets, admire the historic tall ships docked at the pier (Pier 17), visit its boutique shops, and enjoy the dining options with views of the Brooklyn Bridge. ⚓
Governors Island (seasonal)
From a ferry terminal near Battery Park (Battery Maritime Building), you can take another short ferry (approximately May to October) to Governors Island. This island offers green spaces for relaxation, art installations, events, bike rentals, and unique views of the Statue and Manhattan. 🚲
National Museum of the American Indian
Right next to Battery Park, in the stunning historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House building, is the National Museum of the American Indian (part of the Smithsonian). Admission is free, and it houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from Native cultures across the Americas.
Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty
While visiting the Statue of Liberty is a wonderful experience, good planning will help you avoid setbacks and make the most of this global icon.
Best Time to Visit
Try to catch one of the first ferries in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and long security lines. Check the Statue City Cruises schedule. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. Afternoon light can be ideal for skyline photos on the return trip. ☀️
Buy Tickets in Advance
It is essential to buy tickets exclusively through the official Statue City Cruises website or at their authorized ticket booths. Do this weeks or even months in advance, especially if you want access to the pedestal or crown, as spots are very limited. Be wary of street vendors. 🎟️
Security Check and What to Bring
Be prepared to go through an airport-style security check before boarding. Review the list of prohibited items (weapons, sharp objects, large backpacks, etc.). Travel light. Access to the crown requires climbing narrow stairs and is not suitable for everyone. Elevators are available for the museum and pedestal (with limitations). 🎒🚫
Estimated Time and Planning
Estimate that the complete visit (round-trip ferry, Liberty Island, Statue Museum, Ellis Island, and Immigration Museum) will take at least 4-5 hours, or even longer if you explore everything thoroughly. Wear comfortable shoes 👟, sunscreen in summer 🧴, and water 💧. Dress in layers, as it can be windy on the ferry and the islands. And don’t forget your camera! 📸
