Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty – Discount Tickets & More

By Lindsay Eagan
Published: May 16, 2024

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are among the most iconic landmarks in all of New York. Both represent an important period in the history of immigration in this country. They reflect the long-held ideal of America as a safe haven for all who seek liberty and freedom. The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Ellis Island was once the home of the primary immigration center in the United States. Today, it is a fascinating museum. Head to both of these top attractions on a fun ferry ride and spend an educational afternoon with the whole family. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the both the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, other nearby attractions, and much more.

Looking for Discount Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Tickets?

We’ve got you covered - ferry tickets for the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island are available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that's right for you: The below options include a ferry ticket, audio tours, and access to the grounds of both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. 1. Explorer Pass - Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 10 attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass - Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note: tickets to access the Pedestal and Crown of the Statue of Liberty are not included with the Explorer Pass. If you wish add access to those parts of the statue, you will need book Crown Reserve tickets and/or Pedestal Reserve tickets separately. Make reservations as soon as possible as space is limited and tours often sell out months in advance.

Top Statue of Liberty Facts

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  • The statue was originally named Liberty Enlightening the World.
  • The Statue of Liberty's famous blue-green color is the result of oxidized copper.
  • The tablet in the Statue of Liberty's left hand says JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776), which is the day the US declared independence.
  • The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
  • The Statue of Liberty was was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was built by Gustave Eiffel.

Tips for Your Upcoming Visit

  • You may use either two of the ferry departure points for your trip.
    • Battery Park in New York - departs every 25 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm)
    • Liberty State Park in New Jersey - depearts every 40 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm)
  • If time is a concern, then we strongly encourage using the Liberty State Park, New Jersey location for faster processing, boarding, convenient access and ample parking.
  • Save on Statue of Liberty Ferry Tickets with the New York City Explorer Pass®.
  • If visiting using an Explorer Pass, you must pick up your ferry boarding pass before entering the security line.
  • All visitors are required to pass through a mandatory airport grade security screening, so be prepared for a long wait.
  • We suggest arriving early in the morning. Allow at least 2 hours to visit one island and 4 hours to visit both islands.
  • Bring your camera. You'll want to take pictures of the Statue of Liberty from the shore, from the ferry, and from up close on Liberty Island.
  • A limited number of wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis for no fee from the National Park Service.
  • Visiting the Pedestal or Crown of the Statue of Liberty requires a reservation. Book well ahead to ensure availability the day you want to visit.

When is the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty?

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Because the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two of the most popular places to visit in the entire area, you’d be hard pressed to find a time without many people. We suggest arriving early in the morning when the ferries first begin to run.

  • You may use either two of the ferry departure points for your trip.
    • Battery Park in New York - departs every 25 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm)
    • Liberty State Park in New Jersey - depearts every 40 minutes, 8:30am - 4:00pm (last departure at 3:30pm)
  • If time is a concern, then we strongly encourage using the Liberty State Park, New Jersey location for faster processing, boarding, convenient access and ample parking.

Make sure you allow enough time to explore both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island thoroughly - at least 2 hours to visit one island and 4 hours to visit both islands.

What should I bring to The Statue of Liberty?

  • There are a number of limitations on what is permitted on either island, so it’s best not to bring much if you want to avoid paying for a locker.
  • You won't be permitted to bring large bags, and backpacks and strollers are not allowed at the Pedestal and Crown areas of the Statue. You'll have to put everything except your camera and medication inside a locker beforehand.

Some things you you plan to bring include:

  • Camera - You'll take a lot of photos trying to capture the statue from every angle. Don't forget to take photos of the NYC skyline, too.
  • Money for souvenirs
  • Comfortable shoes - Most of the visit will be on your feet. The boat deck can be slippery, so wear shoes with good traction. If you're visiting the pedestal or crown, you'll need shoes that are safe for climbing stairs. On Ellis Island, the Hard Hat Tour prohibits sandals or open-toed shoes.
  • Dress for the weather - Much of the visit is outdoors, so come prepared with the layers you need to stay warm.
  • Sunscreen - You will likely be waiting in long lines outside.

What are things to do at Liberty Island?

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The Statue of Liberty greeted the ancestors of more than half of all Americans, raising its welcoming torch in New York Harbor after being given as a gift to the United States in 1886. There are several different parts of Liberty Island and Ellis Island, so be sure to see them all!

Self-Guided Audio Tours

Self-guided audio tours are included with every ticket for both the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, with special tours for children and those with vision impairments. The Audio Tours are available in different languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. If you'd like to be able to ask questions while you explore, there are ranger-led tours at both islands as well.

The Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty

A Pedestal Tour includes access inside the Statue of Liberty Pedestal and the Statue of Liberty Museum. The lowest part of the Statue of Liberty, just above the lobby, the Pedestal forms the base of the Statue. Be sure to visit the Statue of Liberty Museum on the second floor to learn all about the history and heritage of the world’s most famous statue. The pedestal's observation deck offers panoramic views of the harbor. The pedestal is partially wheelchair accessible, with elevator access part of the way up. There are 215 steps to the top of the pedestal for those who choose to climb. The museum presents the history of how France and the United States cooperated to erect the statue and exhibits the original torch. Remember: Statue of Liberty Pedestal tickets are separately ticketed.

The Crown of the Statue of Liberty

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The Crown of the Statue of Liberty is the highest visitors can ascend (since the torch was closed to visitors in 1916). Come up here for some unparalleled photo ops. Children must be at least four feet tall to make the climb, and any children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Be prepared for a long walk; it's the equivalent of a 22-story building, and there is no elevator option. The National Park Service recommends that those with medical conditions such as heart problems, respiratory problems, acrophobia, claustrophobia, or vertigo do not attempt the climb. Crown Tour ticket holders also have access to the Pedestal observation deck and the museum.

The Torch Exhibit

Featuring the original torch (which was actually replaced in the 1980s) and a number of drawings, and photographs depicting this iconic symbol of freedom, this exhibit is a good replacement for not being able to ascend to the torch itself.

Things to Do at Ellis Island

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Ellis Island, which is also known as the ‘Island of Hope and Tears’, was the gateway for millions of immigrants searching for a new beginning and a new life for their families in America. It has been estimated that close to 40% of all current US citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum

With nearly 400,000 artifacts and over 1 million archival records, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is an expansive collection of historical records pertaining to the millions of immigrants who passed through this island on their way to a better life. Search the American Family Immigration History Center’s databases in person at Ellis Island or online before you go. The museum's exhibit "Journeys: The Peopling of America" presents the immigration experience before Ellis Island opened and after it closed, but the museum emphasizes the arrivals process experienced by immigrants to the United States at Ellis Island. Begin in the Baggage Room, where immigrants checked their bags after disembarking their ships. Upstairs, the Registry Room and the Hearing Room are where immigrants were examined before being granted entry to the United States. The Dormitory Rooms, where travelers who were briefly detained stayed overnight, host special exhibits.

Peopling of America Center

This is a must-see on your trip to Ellis Island. This exhibit space tells the story of immigration to America before the opening of Ellis Island in 1892. It explores the way immigration works today following the closure of the Island in 1954. These galleries follow the lives of real immigrants as they make their way into the United States and try to build a new life for themselves.

American Family Immigration History Center

For those of you with a particular interest in your family’s history, this Center is going to be a real treat. Get a chance to explore the entire archival collection of immigration arrival records at Ellis Island and search for your ancestors. Search by passenger record, ship manifest, and ship information. Have any family on the Wall of Honor? Search for the location of their name with the Foundation’s Search the Wall.

Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour

The Hard Hat Tour takes visitors on a 90-minute tour of the South Side of Ellis Island. The tour visits the Ellis Island Hospital facilities, including the contagious disease wards and autopsy rooms. The tour also includes the art exhibit "Unframed – Ellis Island" by JR, featuring full-size photographs of immigrants. No children under 13 are allowed on this tour.

Nearby Attractions

Liberty Island and Ellis Island stand apart from New York City in its harbor. However, there are many attractions near both the New York and New Jersey ferry landings. For a couple ideas, check out our things to do in lower Manhattan post. Here are a few others we suggest adding to your itinerary...

  • See the famous Charging Bull statue and walk over to Wall Street, where you'll find Federal Hall, a National Memorial marking the spot where George Washington became president.
  • Honor more of our nation’s important history with a visit to the poignant 9/11 Tribute Center & Memorial Museum.
  • If you’d like to see the statue but don’t feel like waiting in lines at the actual island, try these fun options out on the water...
  • The Museum of Jewish Heritage is also right on the waterfront.
  • New York City Hall is an interesting place to snap photos.
  • Pedal across the Brooklyn Bridge on a bike tour.

If you're departing from the Jersey City location, take time to appreciate the views of New York City's West Side skyline. Liberty State Park's greenery provides a respite from the concrete city and its trails can even take you through a salt marsh. The Liberty Science Center helps visitors understand science and technology through hands-on exhibits.

Where to eat near the Statue of Liberty? What restaurants are near the Statue of Liberty?

You are allowed to bring your own food for lunch. However, it needs to be sealed prior to entering the screening facility. Coolers are not allowed. The boat ride to the islands is brief. But if you get hungry on the way, you can purchase food on board. Evelyn Hill Inc. is the food concessionaire located on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. It offers a variety of high quality food options. Back in Manhattan, you'll find hot dog vendors and the Battery Gardens restaurant tucked as far south on the island as you can get.

  • Dine with a view of Lady Liberty at Battery Gardens.
  • Gigino at Wagner Park also features great Statue views alongside Italian fare.
  • Are you a Seinfeld fan? Then head to the Original Soup Man.
  • Beaubourg offers high-end French cuisine and a delicious raw bar.
  • In the mood for Japanese fare? Check out Shinjuku Sushi.
  • History buffs will enjoy Trinity Place, located in a converted bank.
  • Kids will love Peanut Butter & Co. Sandwich Shop.
  • Families can find a wide variety of affordable chain options from Shake Shack to Subway.

Save on Admission with a New York Explorer Pass

Remember, the New York City Explorer Pass is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Statue of Liberty ferry tickets, plus admission to your choice of dozens more top attractions. Save up to 50% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.

Lindsay Eagan
Go City Travel Expert

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New York in June

Looking for the ultimate summer in New York experience? Wherever your interests may lie, the city is the perfect destination with fantastic activities, spectacular landmarks, and world-class cultural amenities to embrace your sense of wonder and thrill. Head out for a day of kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, enjoy some sweet tunes at the Blue Notes Jazz Festival, or have a blast at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade – this place has it all! Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! With Go City, you can see more, for less. Experience the Culture of the City New York comes alive in the summertime with some great musical events. From June 15th right through to August 15th, audiences can catch contemporary jazz masters doing what they do best, as hosted by the Blue Note Jazz Club. The annual jazz festival features over 80 acts at a variety of city venues, but we think that the best place to hear some tunes is right against the backdrop of Central Park – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. A well-recognized intellectual hub, New York presents a wide array of incredible museums for visitors all year round. Celebrating the city’s rich concentration of culture, the Museum Mile Festival provides the opportunity for visitors to view some of the area’s most revered art and history repositories. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, the block party includes some of the city’s finest institutions, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York. With specialities ranging from modern, contemporary and historic art to Latin American and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. Get the perfect taste of New York from favorite local vendors as you explore the Bronx across the Harlem River. Run by a diverse, female-operated team, the Bronx Night Market seeks to showcase the vibrancy of the area through its food and culture. A total feast for the senses, the event features a broad array of delicious provisions at super affordable prices. Whether you’re more savory or sweet, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! In addition to all the great food, the market also offers some interesting stalls to browse as well as live performances from local musicians. Try Something New Summers in New York can get, shall we say, a little humid? If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, why not try kayaking? Running from the beginning of the month, visitors can head down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse to for a free session. All paddlers are accompanied by friendly watersport experts and provided with proper kayaking equipment to ensure full safety. Granting amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this truly one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! When the summertime rolls around, many of the city’s renowned cultural institutes transform themselves to suit the weather. A cornerstone of New York City culture, the Lincoln Center consolidates art with nature with a number of outside programs. During the month of June, visitors can relax in the outdoor reading room or catch live jazz performances and cabaret concerts under the stars. In addition, the establishment's newly designed park serves as the perfect place for fun and recreation after a busy day’s exploring. One of our favorite things to do for June in New York is head down to Brooklyn to catch the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Eccentric and lively, the event is the country's largest art parade and one of the city's greatest summer events. Bringing together creatives from all over the nation, the festival celebrates ancient mythology whilst serving as a total flourish of self-expression. A must-do for lovers of all things campy, this one-of-a-kind fiesta involves outlandish nautical-themed costumes, huge floats, and fun marching bands. Artsy, exciting, and downright ludicrous - hey, isn’t that what New York City is all about? Get Festive June in New York brings a whole host of fun and festivities. Drawing in tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each year, the city’s pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, head down to Fifth Avenue towards the end of the month to experience the incredible and vibrant parade take to the streets. Complete with rainbow-colored floats, high-spirited dancing and iconic performers, you won’t want to skip this one. Those familiar with New York can attest that the city provides a wide array of fun festivals for visitors throughout the summertime. Kicking off towards the end of the month, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves and celebrating diversity in culture. Perhaps the most conventional way to celebrate the holiday is by rocking up to the Juneteenth NYC, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn each year. In addition, the city hosts many cool and unique ways to celebrate black culture across all five boroughs, including special screenings at the Museum of Moving Image, Broadway productions celebrating black performers, and Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: Block Party. Those who are looking for a fun and affordable ways to experience the city might be interested in the next item on our list. Originally created in the aftermath of 9/11, the River to River Festival was presented with the intention to soothe and celebrate the city’s strength through art. Starting from mid-June, the event features everything from music and dance performances to live installations and screenings. With an incredible atmosphere and so much to see, this one is fun for all the family. New York is what vacation destination dreams are made of. Whether you’re a foodie, an artsy type, or a music lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great things to do in the city. Explore the area to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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New York in April

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In addition, there are vocal and instrumental workshops, film screenings, and jam sessions to sink your teeth into. Ever dreamed of taking a sneak peek at the newest and most innovative automotive trends? Well, as it turns out, you can! The perfect activity for a somewhat disagreeable afternoon, the New York International Auto Show presents the very best that the automobile industry has to offer in a comprehensive and engaging way. A total car-lovers’ dream, this 10-day auto consumer extravaganza features everything from classics and luxury dream cars to new models and even futuristic concept vehicles, right in the heart of Manhattan. With almost 1,000 of the world’s most stunning vehicles on display, we promise you won’t leave bored! New York presents a wide variety of options when it comes to all things food. A total must for meat lovers, Brisket King is a culinary festival featuring 20 chefs and pitmasters serving up their best mouthwatering creations. Enjoy the juiciest brisket in Brooklyn prepared in every way thinkable as well as craft beer, hard cider and spirits. After the brisket king is crowned, guests are encouraged to stay for the after-party and – you guessed it – more food! Sounds pretty good to us. Soak up the Spring There’s no shortage of great outdoor attractions all over New York. Stretching through the Meatpacking District and along the West Side of Manhattan, the High Line is a linear park and popular city landmark, welcoming a whopping 8 million visitors each year. Perfect for a lazy springtime stroll, the structure was redesigned in 2006, and now serves as a living system for a wide variety of plants and animals. Go for a picnic, admire the majestic city skyline or sit back and enjoy the sunset – the choice is yours! Another one of our favorite places to see in the springtime is the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. Since first opening in 1937, the spot has become a favorite for visitors from all over the world and is now known as one of the most noteworthy public gardens in New York City. The garden is comprised of three areas, each with a specific design: the English-style South Garden, the French-style North Garden, and the Italianate Center Garden. April is the perfect time to amble through the winding pathways and admire the waterlily pools and stunning floral displays along the way. If you're travelling during Easter, you might want to check out the many egg hunts taking place around the city. At the beginning of the month, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan throws its own event with egg sculptures hidden throughout the institute. Another great option is the Rockefeller Center’s Inaugural Easter Egg Hunt with live musical performances, Easter bonnet making stations, prize giveaways, and more. Meanwhile, those who want to get in touch with their inner child should consider looking into Central Park’s Easter Egg Scavenger and History Hunt. Get Cultured For those rainy spring afternoons, it just makes sense to have a good backup plan. Eclectic and full of character, Chelsea Market is a great place to visit with friends and family. Located right in the center of the Meatpacking District, this fun attraction is known for its seriously tempting food hall, unique stores and live music performances. Grab a bite to eat, weave through the interesting stalls, and pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs for loved ones along the way. The market’s bohemian flair and laid-back atmosphere puts it in a class of its own. Those who are looking to celebrate Easter in style should definitely consider checking out the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. Beginning as a spontaneous event in the 1870s, this fun annual procession began as a means for the city’s most fashionable dressers to exhibit their impressive festive finery. Though the event draws in smaller numbers nowadays, New Yorkers participate each year with great enthusiasm and increasingly outlandish costumes. Creative and eccentric, the event is a unique cultural expression of Easter which you won’t see elsewhere. Spring weather can be a little touch-and-go - still, New York presents a wide array of fantastic indoor activities right at your disposal all throughout the month. Those who are looking to soak up the culture of the city should consider checking out Tribeca Film Festival. Set up by Robert De Niro himself, this event was developed as a way to restore the Tribeca neighborhood of Lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks. The event attracts around 150,000 attendees each year and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious film festivals in the area. Showcasing a diverse selection of feature films, short pictures, and documentary pieces, there’s a little something for everyone here. Those who are especially interested can also attend immersive programming and Q&As with relevant storytellers. New York in the spring is a beautiful time for many reasons. The weather is warm, the streets are bustling with life, and the city is in full bloom! But the best part? No matter where your interests may lie, you’ll always be able to find fun things to do. From cherry blossom peeping at the Conservatory Garden to seriously tempting food festivals in Brooklyn, there are so many great things to do in the city for every type of traveller! Make the most out of your visit with our All-Inclusive pass and Explorer pass. For more information, check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
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