must-visit in New YorkSquare & Landmark

Statue of Liberty

📍 United States, New York Harbor, Liberty Island (Liberty Island, New York Harbor)

1 photos

4.7/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: USA, New York
Category: Square & Landmark
Duration: 3–5 hours (including Ellis Island)
Opening Hours: Open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ferry: first ~9:00, last ~16:45-17:00, 20-35 min apart; ticket time is the security queue, not departure. Source: nps.gov/stli.
Ticket Price: Adult: Free · Ferry $26 (13+), $17 (4-12), $23 (62+); under 4 free. This is the ferry fare, not an entrance fee, so park passes do not cover it. Crown/pedestal add $0.30 each. Source: nps.gov/stli (Oct 2026).
Address: United States, New York Harbor, Liberty Island (Liberty Island, New York Harbor)
Coordinates: 40.6892, -74.0445

Introduction

The Statue of Liberty, a 1886 gift from France, was designed by sculptor Bartholdi with an internal steel frame by Eiffel. Sheathed in copper now turned iconic green, the figure stands about 46 m, 93 m with pedestal, raising a torch in her right hand and holding the Declaration of Independence in her left—a world symbol of freedom and immigration, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Access is by the exclusive Statue City Cruises ferry; boarding requires airport-style security. The pedestal holds a museum and observation platform; the crown requires climbing 162 narrow spiral steps from the pedestal top, no elevator, overlooking New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline.

✨ Highlights

Crown Observatory

Book months ahead; climb 162 narrow spiral steps from the pedestal top for harbor views through crown windows—extremely limited.

Pedestal Museum & Platform

An elevator reaches the pedestal viewing level for close-up detail of the copper figure; exhibits cover its history and the original torch.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

The combo includes neighboring Ellis Island, once America's largest immigration station, telling millions of immigrants' stories.

Manhattan Skyline View

The ferry ride and the island loop offer classic angles of the statue's front with downtown towers.

Official ferry and security

Access is by the official ferry from Battery Park or Liberty State Park, with airport-style security — reserve ahead and allow extra time.

Booking tips

Crown tickets are scarce and often gone months ahead; the pedestal museum and the island circuit walk are rewarding substitutes.

🛈 Practical Info

→Ferry fares (2026)：The Statue of Liberty National Monument charges no entrance fee - the $26 is the ferry fare, so America the Beautiful and other park passes do NOT cover it. Ferry ticket (both islands and both museums): under 4 free, 4-12 $17, 13+ $26, 62+ $23. The pedestal observation deck and the crown each cost $0.30 more and each need their own reservation - pedestal usually 3-6 weeks ahead, crown opens 90 days ahead and sells out first. Source: nps.gov/stli (as of October 2026).

→Best Time to Visit：Take the first ferry for the smallest crowds and soft light; afternoon ferry lines often exceed an hour.

→Avoid Peak：Weekends and summer are busiest; buy online ahead. Crown tickets usually need months of lead time.

→Security：Airport-style screening before boarding; the ticket time is your security queue time, not sailing time.

→What to Wear：The crown climb is a narrow, stuffy spiral—wear comfortable non-slip shoes and pack light.

→Accessibility：The pedestal is elevator- and wheelchair-accessible; the crown has no elevator.

→Opening Hours：Open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ferry: first ~9:00, last ~16:45-17:00, 20-35 min apart; ticket time is the security queue, not departure. Source: nps.gov/stli.

→Transportation：Board at Battery Park (near Bowling Green station, lines 4/5)

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	Free

Ferry $26 (13+), $17 (4-12), $23 (62+); under 4 free. This is the ferry fare, not an entrance fee, so park passes do not cover it. Crown/pedestal add $0.30 each. Source: nps.gov/stli (Oct 2026).

💡 Tips

• Crown slots are scarce and sell out early; book via official channels as soon as you decide (often months ahead).

• The crown allows very few items; the island has lockers—don't bring large luggage.

• One ferry combo covers both Liberty and Ellis Islands; allow half a day for both islands and museums.

• Prices, ferry times and hours shift seasonally—check official (NPS / Statue City Cruises) before travel.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Statue of Liberty?

Open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ferry: first ~9:00, last ~16:45-17:00, 20-35 min apart; ticket time is the security queue, not departure. Source: nps.gov/stli.

How much is the admission for Statue of Liberty?

Adult: Free; Ferry $26 (13+), $17 (4-12), $23 (62+); under 4 free. This is the ferry fare, not an entrance fee, so park passes do not cover it. Crown/pedestal add $0.30 each. Source: nps.gov/stli (Oct 2026).

Any practical tips for visiting Statue of Liberty?

Crown slots are scarce and sell out early; book via official channels as soon as you decide (often months ahead). The crown allows very few items; the island has lockers—don't bring large luggage.