The Statue of Liberty
National Monument:
Tips To Make Your Visit Perfect!
The Statue of Liberty National Monument is one of the most inspiring sights anywhere. After living in New York City for all my life, I still get goosebumps when I pass her by! It's fun to imagine what it must have been like to view her for the very first time, when entering the harbour with a shipload of other travelers, from a distant land.
The Statue of Liberty National Monument stands 151 feet high! It was a gift from France, in recognition of the friendship developed between the two countries during the American Revolution. It was begun in 1876, to commemorate the centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independance.
The Statue of Liberty National Monument was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, engineered by Gustave Eiffel (yes, of Eiffel Tower fame), with the base designed by Richard Morris Hunt. The statue was built in France, disassembled, and shipped in pieces, (in 214 crates, to be exact) to the United States in June 1885. After some difficulty in finding financing to complete the statue, it was erected in NYC on October 28, 1886.
The seven rays of the statue's crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. The tablet which the statue holds in her left hand, reads "July 4th, 1776." Learn more of these fun and interesting facts when you visit and/or click here, study in advance, and surprise your fellow travelers with your brilliance!
Statue's Insides to Be Closed from 10/28/11The insides of the Statue of Liberty will be closed to visitors for a year after October 28, 2011,, for about 1 year, while crews will install new stairways and elevators and upgrade its electrical and mechanical systems.
Why Is THIS The Best Time To Visit?The Statue of Liberty’s crown is now open to the public!!!! It was closed after the 9/11 attacks, so it's an exciting time to visit. There is a limit of 30 visitors an hour. Tickets for crown access book about 5 months in advance, so plan accordingly, if possible. Visitors may also receive crown passes (when available) each morning when a number of tickets are released to the public. The earlier you get to the ticketing windows in Battery Park, the better!
How Do I Get There?Ferry service leaves Battery Park every 30 minutes from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day. Battery Park is located at the southern most tip of Manhattan. So, allow appropriate travel time.
Directions:
By Bus: M1, M6, M9, or M15
By Subway: R or W to Whitehall Street, or 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or 1 to South Ferry. Check this subway map for directions to Battery Park. Need help? Don't worry, this link has an automatic trip planner. Going by bus? Check this bus map!. My advice? Be on the first ferry--you'll thank me later. The crowds get big, the lines long, and you must pass through security. But, it's all worth it!
Where and When Do I Buy Tickets?The great news is that admission to the Statue of Liberty National Monument is absolutely FREE! Sorry, can't provide a discount on FREE! Or can I? See below for great ips on discounted ferry tickets
However, it's located on an island, so unless your swimming skills are like Michael Phelps', you'll have to take the ferry. But, fees are fairly reasonable. Keep in mind that one round-trip ferry ticket includes visits to both Liberty and Ellis islands. Although it's sensible to visit both for financial reasons, I do not recommend it. It will take you at least 6 hours to visit both sites and your feet will cry!
FERRY TICKETSFor the online ferry schedule and to make reservations, click here.Consider renting an audio tour for optimal education!
What To Carry With You!Being totally prepared for your day of fun is priceless and pleasure enhancing. Forgetting something important like bandaids for blistered feet, or sunscreen, can really dampen your day. So, if you're heading out for a day of sightseeing, check out my "what to put in your backback for a day" section of my special packing list, I live in the big apple and have visited the Statue of Liberty National Monument many times (love it), so you can learn from my numerous experiences...and mistakes!
When Is the Statue of Liberty National Monument Open?It's open every day except Christmas and is closed from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend.
Traveling with Kids?If you are traveling with children, check out my best tips for keeping crankiness to a minimum! I guarantee that there is AT LEAST one tip that will help you during your holiday. Click here and scroll down to the very bottom of the page.
Short On Time But Want to See Lady Liberty?
If you're short on time or energy, but want to get a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty, take a 75 minute boat trip around Manhattan, or take the Beast boat ride. You'll get a bird's eye view and be just delighted! Click here cruise for information and discounts!
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