When you picture NYC, what pops into your head? Hot dog carts? Broadway shows? Times Square? Or is it the quintessential towering green lady who stands tall in the New York Harbor? After living in lower Manhattan for nearly eight years, the Statue of Liberty has been in the corner of my eye for so long that I’ve felt desensitized to her majesty—but there’s a good reason why so many tourists flock from around the world to visit the attraction.
Despite my many years here and several visits to the city before that, I hadn’t seen the Statue of Liberty up close until recently. I changed that one day this summer, playing tourist in my own city to see one of the world’s greatest landmarks.
Set on a small island off the southern tip of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty is visible from many parts of lower Manhattan, Jersey City, and even the Brooklyn waterfront. But if you actually want to get up close and personal with the statue, you’ll have to leave mainland NYC and catch the 15-minute ferry to nearby Liberty Island—Lady Liberty’s home just a stone’s throw from Ellis Island (yes, contrary to popular belief, Lady Liberty is not actually on Ellis Island), which many people also visit when they take a trip to see the statue. Only one company, Statue City Cruises, can get you access to these two islands and the Statue of Liberty, and each of the three ticket types they offer—general admission, pedestal access, and crown access—includes the ferry ride to and from the mainland.
I found myself on the top deck of that ferry on a hot morning in July, and I’m so glad I finally did. Aside from simply marveling at the approximately 305-foot sculpture, I spent the rest of my day walking around the grounds, perusing the Statue of Liberty Museum, climbing to the statue’s crown, enjoying the extensive gift shop, and bopping over to get a peek at Ellis Island. My personal favorite part of the experience? Seeing the original torch in the museum, as well as snapping a pic with a replica of her foot.
Ready to see the pretty lady for yourself? Read on below for everything you need to know before visiting the Statue of Liberty, including how to score tickets, what to bring, where to go once you’re there, and insider tips that will help you make the most of your trip.
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What is the Statue of Liberty?
A French gift to the United States in the late 1800s, the Statue of Liberty stands for the American ideals of freedom and liberty—it was created after the end of the Civil War to honor the abolition of slavery and the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It’s known across movies, books, and other media for being the first thing immigrants see upon arriving in New York, signifying the start of a new life.