A visit to Lady Liberty, New York City
On my trip to New York City last year, I took a day trip away from the bustling city to visit Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty.
The day we visited Liberty Island was a bit of a struggle for me because my knee was really sore (it does this sometimes – usually at the times I really need it to function normally!) and I was hobbling slightly, but I definitely wasn’t missing out on seeing such an iconic monument.
We bought our tickets in advance to avoid queueing on the day – I really recommend you do the same if you’re planning a trip as it makes things so much easier. Still, you have to go through airport style security before getting on the boat and the queues can get quite long so make sure you leave plenty of time!
Make sure to get a seat on the right hand side of the boat (if you’re going from New York City) and have your camera ready – the boat takes you round the front of the island so you get a great view of Lady Liberty from the water.
Once you disembark you walk up towards the pedestal (what Lady Liberty stands on and the way to the stairs that go up to her crown). Here you show your ticket, stow any bags in lockers and make a start on the stairs to the top.
There are two gift shops and a museum on the island as well as a restaurant so if some of your party are headed up to the crown and you have some time to kill, these are great. This is what we ended up doing as my knee wouldn’t have got me up the 354 stairs to the crown. We had a wander around the exhibits and stared in awe at the amount of merchandise you can buy!
I found the museum really interesting, especially the exhibit of the original Borghum torch which is situated in the entrance, along with replicas of Liberty’s face and feet. Did you know she wears a size 879 shoe?!
Those in our party who climbed up to the top of the crown said it was a great experience so I do wish I’d been able to do it. They said it was really interesting seeing her face from the inside. Maybe I’ll make it to the top next time!
You can walk around the statue on top of the pedestal and on a clear day you get great views of New York City. We went on a rather grey day, but you could still see the skyline and bridge.
On the way back to the NYC port, we stopped off at Ellis Island where you can visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. This island was the gateway for over 12 million immigrants for over 60 years and the museum has been in operation since 1990. The museum itself is huge and houses several exhibits, including the immigration hall and original records logs.
Tips and tricks
- There are four different ticket types starting from $25.50 (about £18), all details are outlined here.
- Construction of a new museum on Liberty island started in 2016 and is due to open in 2019. It will be able to accommodate all of the island’s visitors and will house the original torch as well as exhibits on the statue’s construction, history and meaning.
- Want to know some cool facts about the Statue of Liberty? The Telegraph put together a great list of 50 fascinating things you (probably) didn’t know about her!
- The torch has been closed to the public since 1916, but you can see live views from the torch on EarthCam.
18 Comments
Emma Creese
This is SUCH a handy post to have! And no, I definitely didn’t know she wears a size 879 shoe!
Laura
Glad you enjoyed it Emma! You find out some great facts in the museum!
California Globetrotter
I visited Lady Liberty back in 05 but we weren’t able to go in so I’ve only just learned that her torch was replaced and that you can see the original! So awesome! #CityTripping
Laura
I think the original is so beautiful, I’m really glad it’s still on show!
Sandra
Visiting the statue has been a life-long dream of mine, but I’ve yet to make it to New York. I had no idea there were so many ticket options and it required so much planning, though.
#CityTripping
Laura
It’s definitely worth planning in advance to make the most of your visit, it’ well worth it. I hope you get to NYC, it’s such an amazing place!
Sara
When I visited Liberty Island, it wasn’t open to the public, so we only got to experience her from the outside. I was amazed at how big she actually is – even the base is huge!! I’d love to experience the climb (and see the torch) though. #citytripping
Laura
She is enormous! Even though I didn’t manage the climb in the end I still had a great time 🙂
Elizabeth (Wander Mum)
I’ve not been inside the statue so really good to read about your experience. She has a big pair of feet! I found Ellis island an educational experience too. Thanks for linking #citytripping
Laura
Thanks Elizabeth, it was a great experience 🙂 I really enjoyed Ellis Island too, really informative.
Bridget
I went there a few times as a kid but haven’t been back in ages. It probably would seem like such a different place now that I’m older.
Bridget
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Laura
I would recommend everyone to visit NYC, I loved the whole experience and I’ll absolutely be going back! It would be interesting to hear your memories of it and how you found it as an adult 🙂
Jo
You can’t a trip to the Statue of Liberty. This brought back happy memories, what a great trip you had. ~CityTripping
Jo
You can’t beat a trip that should have said! Love your lamp photo really gives a sense of the size. #CityTripping
Laura
Thanks Jo! It was incredible, I loved every second and learned so much!
Urska
Thanks for the tips! I’ve never been to NY, but when I go I would love to pay Lady Liberty a visit. 🙂 #CityTripping
Laura
That’s great to hear Urska, I’m glad you found the tips useful 🙂 I would definitely recommend everyone visits, I loved it!
Adrian Bold
This always looks massive in the films, but it’s actually rather small.