Visiting Lady Liberty
Let’s embark on a journey to one of the U.S. most iconic places, the Statue of Liberty. This adventure should be part of the bucket list of any traveler visiting New York. From securing the tickets to navigating the ferry system, and shopping for souvenirs, a trip to visit Lady Liberty is full of excitement. Here are my tips and insights to help you make the most of your visit to this historic monument.
Tickets
There are three types of tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty. First, the ferry will take you to the island, second, you go to the island and go up the pedestal, and last, you can go up to the crown. Since they are all the same price, the crown reservation is always sold out. I tried booking 2 months in advance and didn’t get it, so I recommend reserving as soon as you plan your trip or at least 4-6 months in advance to get the crown. You can get the pedestal even on the same date of your visit, but you still need to reserve online with the pedestal option. If you show up there with a regular island ticket, they will not let you in the pedestal, even though the tickets cost the same price.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.statueoflibertytickets.com/Statue-Of-Liberty-Tours/
Ferry
You will go through a similar airport TSA security to get into the ferry ride, lines are long, so I recommend arriving early to get your favorite spot in the ferry. All floors have seats, but not enough for everyone, and most likely you will prefer to stand and enjoy the view of Manhattan as well as the statue once you get closer to Liberty Island. Trust me, the views are stunning! Even though your ticket says approximately 2-3 hours, you can stay there as long as you want (we spent 5 hours), just make sure to check out the time of a ferry to go back if you have other plans.
On the way to the island!
Food & Souvenirs
There is a restaurant with American food options, I had an All-American Cheeseburger, fries and a brownie. It was great for the price of $15, I honestly expected the food to be more expensive there. They have other places including lemonade and ice cream stands. There are stores (which I did not stop by), you should visit and get fun souvenirs for your pictures such as a crown hat and torch prop so you can match the statue and have an awesome photo right in front of it.
Check it out: https://thestatueofliberty.com/
So, visiting the Statue of Liberty is an essential experience for anyone in New York City. Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and be prepared for some security checks. Once on the island, enjoy the stunning views, taste some awesome burgers and fries, and grab fun souvenirs for lasting memories. Lady Liberty's presence is both historic and inspiring, making this adventure a highlight of any trip to the Big Apple.
