Statue of Liberty
A cherished symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French people to the people of the United States as a symbol of the international friendship forged during the American Revolution. Guided tours reveal the engineering behind this beloved landmark.
Standing 305 feet and 1 inch tall on a small island in New York Harbor is one of the most recognizable sights on the New York skyline. Its official name is Liberty Enlightening the World, but to most, it’s the Statue of Liberty. A 19th Century copper sculpture of the Roman Goddess of Liberty, the statue has turned green over time as part of a natural oxidation process, making it one of the most iconic sights to see in New York City - and one of the most visited. Approximately 4 million people visit the Statue of Liberty each year. If the Statue of Liberty is also on your list, here is a short guide to make the most of your visit:
Location and Operating Hours
The Liberty and Ellis Island are located in New York Harbor, facing Downtown Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty is open every day except December 25.
Operating hours change from season to season. A good rule of thumb is to be on a ferry before 1:00pm.
Getting there
The best option is to travel by subway. From the Manhattan at Times Square:
- Walk around the corner from the hotel to take Line 1 (red) at 50th St, Downtown direction, to South Ferry.
- Come back the same way you came, taking the Uptown train.
The Big Apple has endless attractions that are considered a “must”, however, if you have limited time, take a look at our selection of top NYC sights, which includes useful tips on visiting the Statue of Liberty.
If you are short on time, you can still see the Statue of Liberty from a distance by taking the free Staten Island Ferry for a tour of the New York City Harbor. If you only want to see it from solid ground, go to Battery Park.
Ticket Options
Purchase your ticket from the Statue Cruises, the only company authorized to dock on the Liberty and Ellis Island.
- Reserve ticket. This ticket will give you access to the grounds ONLY.
- Pedestal Reserve ticket. Includes admission to the grounds and the Statue of Liberty Pedestal and Museum.
- Crown Reserve ticket. Includes admission to the grounds, the Statue of Liberty Pedestal and Museum, and the Crown - make sure you can climb stairs and narrow staircases. This ticket needs to be booked in advance
Any Statue Cruise ticket you choose will include a visit to Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, a tribute to the history and lives of the immigrants that arrived to New York City.
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Guests of the Manhattan Hotel Times Square, be ready to be spoiled: when booking your stay directly through our website, you receive three rewards of your choosing. The best news? A 15% discount of the Statue of Liberty Cruise is just a few clicks away!
