The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic places to visit in New York. The majestic American landmark remains the most iconic symbol of the city and attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. Many don't know that the neoclassical sculpture is a gift from the people of France to the Americans.
Moreover, the 151-feet statue holds a torch representing liberty enlightening the world, hence its name: Statue of Liberty. Here are the main tips for first-time comers to fully enjoy the experience.
First: There Are Two Ways To Get To The Statue Of Liberty
One can reach the Statue of Liberty in two ways: through New Jersey or Manhattan ( Battery Park). However, it is not recommended to take the Manhattan Road to avoid severe traffic ( especially during peak hours) unless coming from Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
The Liberty State Park (the New Jersey Side) is less crowded, and many parking spots are available. If visiting from Manhattan, the nearest subway stops to reach the Statue of Liberty are Bowling Green and Whitehall Street.
What Tickets To Buy?
There are many ticket options available. However, to make the best out of the visit, getting crown tickets in advance is highly recommended. These provide access to Ellis Island, Liberty Islands, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and most importantly, climbing access to the crown. The latter is experienced by less than 5% of daily visitors to the statue, making it an unmissable opportunity. The crown tickets must be booked at least three months in advance. However, the crown access is currently closed. Tickets cost around $23.50 and are cheaper for children and seniors.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
Most visits are usually scheduled during holidays and weekends, so one can expect the site to be significantly crowded. It is highly advised to visit the place on weekdays to avoid wasting time in lines. Also, buying tickets in advance is always a good move. One should plan to arrive as early as possible since the statue closes earlier than most other attractions. Another reason is that getting from one island to another might take time.
What Should You Bring And Pack?
It is essential to remember that moving from one location to the other on-site can be tiring for some, and the wait in the queue can be longer if the place is significantly crowded. Thus, packing lightly is necessary to remain comfortable during the visit. It is also necessary to note that backpacks are not allowed when visiting the pedestal. Furthermore, security at the statue is quite like the airport, so all belts, jewelry, hats, and other accessories will be taken off, which might delay the visit by around 45 to 60 minutes.
What To Know About Boarding The Ferry
Nothing is worse than waiting in the sun or cold to grab another ferry. It is strongly recommended to stand in line for at least 5 minutes to reserve a spot in the boat. It is also important to note that boats stop operating early, around 5: 00 pm, depending on the season). Moreover, it is better to reserve the ferry ticket beforehand to avoid any disappointments.
Where To Stand On The Boat (For The Best View)
Visitors are advised to stay on the left side when boarding the boat. Also, ferries are expected to be much crowded, so straying in place is the best thing to do to keep the seat reserved on the best side of the boat. A few minutes after departure, the ferry makes a sharp turn leading the left side to face Manhattan. From this point, people can witness the most breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and will have the chance to snap the most epic photographs.
How To Avoid The Crowds At The Statue Of Liberty
When people reach the site, they all rush to the front of the statue of Liberty to snag some shots. This creates lots of battling crowds competing for the best photographs. To avoid that, it is advised to visit the museum first. There is also a nearby gift shop selling original and cute souvenirs where people can spend some time until the crowds fade a little.
Pro Tip: Find Food In The Area
The tour might take around 4 hours to complete, and one might consider grabbing a bite. There are many food options on-site such as the Statue Café or Café Plaza Deli located at one of the departure points of the cruises. It is also advised to bring some snacks to munch on. However, people must keep in mind that it is not allowed to bring in anything besides water when visiting the museum.
Wear Comfortable Shoes And Sunscreen
The visit will involve touring and exploring two islands and a museum, climbing the Statue of Liberty, boarding on a ferry, and potentially standing in queues. As a result, wearing comfortable shoes and dressing comfortably is necessary to ensure a pleasant visit. Also, sunscreen is vital to avoid any face burnt, especially during hot summer days.
When on-site, it is recommended to take time to explore everything. One can visit the free new museum on Liberty Island, which is open to the public regardless of the type of access. The museum showcases how the statue was built and presents many other fascinating facts about its history.