The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island is one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Located in New York City just off Lower Manhattan, the statue has become a symbol of freedom and independence for people all over the world. If you’re planning your freiheitsstatue besichtigen, this guide will show you how to get there and what tickets are available. We also have a trick to help you escape the crowds in New York.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. During peak season, long lines form for the ferry ride from Manhattan to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, where Lady Liberty, as the Statue of Liberty is affectionately called, stands. By following our tips, you can make the most of your visit and avoid wasting time in queues, as we’ve visited again and written down our experience here.
Quick Guide: Tips for Your freiheitsstatue besichtigen
These were our most important recommendations and tips for visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York. You’ll find detailed information on the different ticket options below (including why we recommend taking the ferry from New Jersey).
Is the Statue of Liberty Worth Visiting?
The Statue of Liberty is one of New York’s most famous landmarks. It represents political freedom and democracy. It is considered the unofficial gateway to New York City, welcoming visitors from all over the world, just as it was the first sight for nearly 12 million immigrants when they saw this oversized statue.
The sculpture is an impressive sight and is located in a beautiful setting between New York and New Jersey. If you are interested in American history or want to learn more about the country’s symbols, then a visit to the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and Ellis Island is definitely worth it.
For us, the Statue of Liberty and the museum on Ellis Island are among the most important attractions in New York.
Tickets to Visit the Statue of Liberty
There are three main types of tickets for the freiheitsstatue besichtigen, as well as a special ticket for the Hard Hat Tour on Ellis Island, which explores the unrenovated hospital complex where immigrants were registered and examined.
The ferry ride is included in all tickets, regardless of whether you depart from New Jersey or Manhattan.
Ticket Options Explained
- Grounds Pass: This is the “standard” ticket. Besides the ferry ride, it includes access to the grounds of the Statue of Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
- Pedestal Pass: This ticket includes access to the Fort Wood section of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
- Crown Pass: This ticket includes access to the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty and allows you to climb up into the crown.
- Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour: A 90-minute guided tour with audio guide through the complex of the unrestored Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital.
Grounds Pass (Standard Ticket)
With the Grounds Pass, you can enter Liberty Island where the statue is located. You also have access to the Statue of Liberty Museum, which is excellently done and teaches you exciting facts about the construction of the Statue of Liberty through three films and many models. You also get an audio guide on both Ellis Island and Liberty Island. This is the basic option for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
Pedestal Pass
With the Pedestal Pass, you can also visit the base of the statue and get a better view of Manhattan. We don’t think it’s worth it, because from the relatively new roof of the Statue of Liberty Museum, you also have a perfect (and almost better) view of Manhattan and the Financial District skyline.
Crown Access
This ticket provides additional access to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. Crown reservations must be purchased far in advance (6 months before your trip is recommended) as they are very limited. Same-day Crown Access tickets are not available, and there is no waiting list.
Our Experience: Not worth it, just like the Pedestal Pass. However, you will then see with your own eyes a fact we only learned from the museum: Lady Liberty wears broken shackles as a reminder and celebration of the end of slavery. Visiting the crown for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen is a unique experience, but requires significant planning.
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More information on Crown Access Tickets is available here
Hard Hat Tour
Unfortunately, we haven’t done this tour yet either. This tour was recommended to us for our next visit. It guides you through the unrestored part of Ellis Island, which makes up 2/3 of the island: the Immigrant Hospital, using an audio guide. This ticket gives you priority access at the security check, which saves you a lot of time, especially when departing from Manhattan.
Overview of ticket options for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen and Ellis Island visit
You can buy tickets spontaneously on-site at the South Ferry Terminal (Manhattan) and Liberty State Park (New Jersey). However, availability is limited, as the iconic sculpture is one of the most popular attractions in New York.
This means: They sell out quickly.
Therefore, we recommend buying tickets before your trip to guarantee you get on a ferry. To avoid long waiting times, I advise you to book the tour departing from New Jersey. Only during the off-season in winter and spring might you get a ticket spontaneously. Don’t rely on it if you definitely want to go.
Cost of Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Tickets including the ferry, Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty), and Ellis Island cost $24.50. It doesn’t matter if you take the ferry from New Jersey or New York.
Prices for the freiheitsstatue besichtigen vary depending on the type of ticket you choose. Although the ticket for the pedestal costs only slightly more, in our opinion, it’s not worth it.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Access (Liberty Island with Statue of Liberty and Museum, plus Ellis Island) | $24.00 |
| Extension with Statue of Liberty Pedestal Access | $24.80 |
| Extension with Statue of Liberty up to Crown (very limited, book far in advance) | $24.80 |
| New Jersey Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour (popular and limited) | $74.50 |
Table summarizing ticket prices for Liberty Island, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen
Definitely Buy Tickets Online in Advance or Use a Sightseeing Pass
Generally, we recommend buying a Sightseeing Pass for New York (Compare Passes here). Either the official New York Pass (my info here), CityPASS New York, or the Sightseeing Pass for New York. The cost of attractions adds up quickly. New York is becoming more expensive. We have used the New York Pass for 5 days on all our trips. On our last trip, we visited the Statue of Liberty from New Jersey, which we highly recommend as it’s much less crowded and stressful.
Our Best Tip for Your Visit
Consider visiting Liberty Island and Ellis Island from New Jersey (Liberty State Park). The queues are shorter, and the boats are not as crowded. In general, we think New Jersey is worth visiting.
The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal alone is a sight to behold. From 1892 to 1954, this historic station was the first place reached by millions of immigrants after they received permission to immigrate on Ellis Island. From here, they traveled by train to their new homes, spread across the United States. This adds historical context to your freiheitsstatue besichtigen experience.
Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, a key point for immigrants
Options: There are guided tours and audio guides on both islands to provide you with more information. Consider in advance which option is best for you (duration with audio guides approx. 45 min per island, we recommend using the one on Ellis Island and watching the films in the museum on Liberty Island).
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty
Immediately after leaving the ferry, you can pick up audio guides on the right side. Follow the instructions clockwise and listen to the individual stations one after another. Plan 40 minutes for this.
Statue of Liberty Museum
The museum just opened in 2019 and includes, among other things, three interactive films that tell the history of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. It also contains a model where you can see the interior of the Statue of Liberty and its steel structure.
You learn many exciting facts, from the design to the finished statue on Liberty Island. Furthermore, the original torch and a copper model of the foot are housed there, so you can see what color Lady Liberty once was. Visiting this museum enhances your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
The original and damaged torch of the Statue of Liberty in the museum
View from the rooftop of the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island
Inside the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island showcasing exhibits for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen
Exploring the exhibits at the Statue of Liberty Museum during a freiheitsstatue besichtigen trip
Ellis Island
Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum are included in every ticket. The ferry stops on Ellis Island either before or after your visit to the Statue of Liberty, depending on whether you come from New Jersey or New York.
Coming from New Jersey, the ferry stops at Ellis Island first and then goes to Liberty Island. Coming from New York, it’s the other way around, and the ferry stops at Liberty Island first. You can get off or stay on board. We visited the Ellis Museum.
Tip: After entering, get an audio guide on the right side and follow the instructions for visiting the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Experience the stations that immigrants had to go through one after another. Learn more about their fates and procedures after arrival. We found the audio guide very interesting and well done. This adds depth to your freiheitsstatue besichtigen journey.
Is the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration Worth It?
We think both Liberty Island and Ellis Island should be visited. Especially the audio guides give you a good insight into the fates of the immigrants.
There you learn a lot about the history of the nearly 12 million immigrants who sought their great fortune in the United States and upon arrival first came to Ellis Island for registration and examination. The exhibition is very extensive and chronologically structured. As visitors with an audio guide, we experienced what a refugee experienced upon arrival.
If you have little time, you should consider if you can still see the exhibition (after entering, turn left at the end of the Registration Hall through the door). It took us about an hour, and then we had to join the long queue for the ferries again. Expect long waiting times if you take the ferry back to New York.
We also found the boards interesting where you can search for your last name and ancestors. I didn’t know until then that direct ancestors from my family had also emigrated to the USA. Visiting Ellis Island compliments your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
Exterior view of Ellis Island with immigrant names displayed in the park, relevant for those researching during a freiheitsstatue besichtigen visit
Main building of the arrival hall on Ellis Island in New York, resembling a train station hall
The “Reclining Liberty” sculpture by artist Zaq Landsberg, seen near the New Jersey ferry departure point for freiheitsstatue besichtigen
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. You can reach the island by ferry from either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Ferry tickets are available online or at ticket counters in both parks. Knowing the location is key for planning your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
If you plan to visit the Statue of Liberty, you should definitely buy your tickets online in advance. This way you can not only secure a spot on the ferry but also bypass the long lines at the ticket counters. Tickets can be purchased up to a month in advance and can be printed or shown on your phone.
How do you get to the Statue of Liberty?
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. You can reach the island by ferry from either Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Ferry tickets are available online or at ticket counters in both parks.
The best way to reach the Statue of Liberty is by ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes and offers great views of the Statue and Ellis Island. You also get a great view of the Manhattan skyline.
If you are coming from New Jersey, you can take the ferry from Liberty State Park. The ferry ride from New Jersey is shorter, but there are fewer views of the Statue of Liberty as the ferry arrives around the back of the island. However, based on experience, it is less crowded here for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor
Statue of Liberty seen with the Manhattan and New Jersey skylines
What is there to see at the Statue of Liberty?
There are many things to see at the Statue of Liberty. Besides the Statue itself, you can also explore the Statue of Liberty Museum, which covers the history of the statue and its construction.
You can also take a walk on the pedestal, which offers panoramic views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. And if you buy a Crown Pass, you can even go inside the statue’s crown and get a close-up look at the torch. A thorough freiheitsstatue besichtigen includes these various viewpoints.
The Statue of Liberty Museum houses a number of interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Statue of Liberty. Visitors can learn about the history of the Statue of Liberty in New York, see how it was built, and view a replica of the torch. The museum also has a number of artifacts, including the Statue’s original torch and a piece of the Statue’s pedestal. In addition, the museum offers a number of educational programs for visitors of all ages. Overall, the museum is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about this American icon during their freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
No matter which ticket you buy, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience at the Statue of Liberty.
The original and damaged torch of the Statue of Liberty displayed inside the museum, a key artifact during your freiheitsstatue besichtigen
freiheitsstatue besichtigen: When is the best time?
Best Season: These are the best months
Ideal times are spring (March to April) and autumn (from mid-October to mid-November). There are fewer crowds then. Dress warmly, as a bitter cold wind blows on Liberty Island when walking around the Statue of Liberty.
During peak season (May to September), you should book the earliest possible time slot. This way you can avoid crowds and won’t have to wait as long for the ferries. Be there at least 30 minutes before your booked slot, as the security check takes time and is very strict.
The ferry ride to Liberty Island takes about 25 minutes, so you should plan enough time to explore the island and see everything there is to see. Tip: Travel from New Jersey, it’s less busy here for your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
The best time of day to visit
The best time of day to visit the Statue of Liberty is early in the morning. In the summer, it’s also not as hot yet.
Can you visit “Lady Liberty” for free?
No, there is no way to visit the Statue of Liberty for free. All visitors must purchase a ticket to enter the Statue of Liberty National Monument, Ellis Island, and Liberty Island. The Statue of Liberty is, after all, one of the top attractions in New York.
However, if you are visiting New York City on a budget, there are a few ways to save money on your visit to the Statue of Liberty.
One option is to purchase a New York City Pass (see my comparison of New York Passes here), which includes access to the Statue of Liberty and other attractions. Another option is to take one of the many free walking tours in New York City.
You can also use the free Staten Island Ferry to get quite close to the Statue of Liberty. However, we don’t think this replaces a visit. Getting a good view is part of planning your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
Can you visit the torch of the Statue of Liberty?
Since 1916, it has not been possible to visit the torch of the Statue of Liberty. Torch tourism came to an abrupt end on July 30, 1916, when the weapons and ammunition depot on Black Tom Island – less than a mile from Lady Liberty – exploded shortly after midnight (caused by German spies during the war). The United States was not officially involved in World War I at the time. However, it was supplying weapons to the Entente powers, Great Britain and France, who were fighting against the German Empire. These weapons were stored on Black Tom Island.
The explosions were so strong that they were felt as far away as Philadelphia, 130 kilometers distant. In Manhattan, windows were shattered by the force of the explosions. Lady Liberty’s right arm was hit by shrapnel and so badly damaged that it could never be reopened to visitors. The torch’s inaccessibility is a historical fact tied to your freiheitsstatue besichtigen.
In the Statue of Liberty Museum, the original torch of Lady Liberty, damaged in 1916, has found a place since 2019, after having been displayed in the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty for years before.
Can you visit the inside of the Statue of Liberty?
There are two options to get inside the Statue of Liberty: You book a Pedestal ticket or a Crown ticket. The latter must be booked at least 6 months in advance, as it sells out quickly. No tickets or waiting lists are available on site for a freiheitsstatue besichtigen including interior access.
Conclusion
A visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offers a deep dive into American history and identity, combining iconic sights with powerful stories of immigration. Whether you choose the basic Grounds Pass or plan months ahead for Crown access, the journey provides unique perspectives and valuable insights. Our key takeaway is to strongly consider departing from New Jersey’s Liberty State Park to potentially avoid the busiest crowds often found in Manhattan. Regardless of your starting point or ticket type, planning your freiheitsstatue besichtigen in advance is crucial for a smooth and enriching experience. Don’t just see the symbols; explore the history and significance they represent.