If you stand on the southern part of Manhattan and look out over the water, you will quickly spot the most iconic symbol of the city. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in the middle of the river, next to Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants landed to begin their journey into “the new country.”
A visit to the Statue of Liberty is an absolute must during your time in New York, and you can easily choose to take a pleasant ferry ride there. This excursion is suitable for all types of travel companions, regardless of age.
Tickets for the Ferry and the Statue of Liberty
You can easily purchase tickets at one of the ferries departing either from Manhattan or New Jersey towards the islands. However, keep in mind that this can mean a long wait in line, as these are popular attractions with limited boat capacity. During the summer, you may have to wait more than an hour in line to board.
A smart alternative is to buy your tickets with Get Your Guide. These ferries depart from New Jersey or New York, and the ticket includes the following:
– Round-trip ferry ride
– Entry to Liberty Island
– Entry to Ellis Island
– Self-guided audio tour of Liberty Island
– Self-guided audio tour of Ellis Island
– Entry to the Statue of Liberty Museum
– Entry to the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
– Booking fee
This way, you avoid the queues and can board right away to start your exciting experience. Book your tickets easily here
The Easiest Way to Get to the Statue of Liberty
To reach the Statue of Liberty, you can take one of the many ferries departing from Battery Park in Manhattan, or you can choose to take the ferry from New Jersey.
To get to New Jersey, the easiest option is to take the commuter trains that run every hour or take a boat from southern Manhattan. The journey takes at most 30 minutes.
To get to southern Manhattan, you can take any subway or bus line heading south.
The History of the Statue of Liberty
Contrary to popular belief, the statue was not an American creation but a gift from France to the USA. It was designed by sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, and its framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel.
The statue measures 46 meters and is placed on a 47-meter-high pedestal made of cut stone. From the ground to the torch, it reaches over 93 meters. The nose alone is 146 cm long. In June 1885, the statue arrived in New York in 350 parts, packed in 214 crates, and it took four months to assemble before it was finally in place.
The Statue of Liberty was inaugurated for the public on October 28, 1886, as a gift to the USA from “the French people.” It was meant to serve as a symbol celebrating the centennial of American independence.
Things You Shouldn’t Miss During the Tour
There is much to see and experience in New York, and for those who have booked a ferry tour to the Statue of Liberty, here are the top things you shouldn’t miss.
Visit the Statue of Liberty
Once you’ve made your way to the Statue of Liberty, it’s well worth getting closer to see her up close. The lines to go inside are long, but you can still experience the statue and take many great pictures even if you choose not to enter.
Be Amazed by the Personal Stories and Memorabilia at Ellis Island
You should also take the time to learn more about and be amazed by all the personal stories available at Ellis Island. These stories will undoubtedly inspire you to appreciate life and understand what it feels like to have no choice but to start a new life across the Atlantic. Who knows, you might even have relatives you can look up in the database.
Guided Tours and Other Experiences at the Statue of Liberty
For those who want to learn more, guided tours are available at the Statue of Liberty or on the boats that take you there. These tours are very popular and often need to be booked well in advance to secure a spot.
You can also purchase tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty’s crown if you wish. This offers additional views of the river and Manhattan, as well as Liberty Island and Ellis Island.
Opening Hours for the Statue of Liberty
Boats to the Statue of Liberty start departing at nine in the morning, with the last tour leaving around four in the afternoon. This applies every day of the year except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Note that you can visit Liberty Island and Ellis Island until seven in the evening, when the museums close.
Good to Know Before Your Visit
Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card, as you need to provide identification for bookings.
Large bags or luggage are not allowed, and you cannot bring drones or glass items.
Minors can visit the Statue of Liberty but only when accompanied by an adult.
If you want to explore both islands, it’s recommended to choose a departure time earlier than 1:00 PM. Give yourself 4-6 hours to fully enjoy the sights. You will receive a ferry schedule after booking so you can plan your day accordingly.
All visitors must go through an airport-level security screening before boarding the ferry.
The Most Important Symbol of a New Life in the USA
Visiting the Statue of Liberty in person gives you a unique insight into what it was like to arrive in the United States as a migrant.
Together with a visit to Ellis Island, you can learn everything there is to know about how the United States became the country it is today, thanks to the many people who sought a better life there when conditions in Europe became too difficult. Take the opportunity to make your visit a reality by booking your tickets today.
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