Statue of Liberty, National Monument and a pride of US

Who does not know about the Statue of Liberty? It is a monument that is globally famous and every one of us have dreamt of visiting it sometime in our lives. The statue is shown in the movies, websites and newspapers. Whenever someone talks about the US, the Statue of Liberty is the first thing that comes to our minds. Well, I had an opportunity to visit New York City and I especially did not want to miss this amazing marvel when I was on the East Coast US and Canada Highlights tour.

For my travel stories from the US, refer USA section.

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About Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a UNESCO world heritage monument, was a gift from the people of France to United States of America (USA) to commemorate the friendship between the two countries. Dedicated in 1886, the copper statue was designed by a French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and the metal framework was built by a French civil engineer Gustave Eiffle.

Even though the statue is made of copper, it is now green because of oxidation.

The statue is of Roman Goddess Libertas, where she holds a torch in her right hand and a tabula ansata inscribed 4 July 1776 in Roman. A broken shackle and chain lie at her feet as she walks forward, indicating the national abolition of slavery. The statue is the symbol of freedom and democracy. Libertas, in the statue, wears a crown with 7 spikes, representing 7 continents and 7 oceans of the world.

According to Popular Mechanics, it is estimated that the Statue of Liberty is worth $227610, making it the third expensive statue in the world.

The statue is the most recognised landmark and it represents the US itself. Standing tall at 93 metres in the New York harbour, this statue is said to welcome immigrants and residents indicating that they have come home to America.

In 1985, there is a documentary film with the same name that was made on the history of Statue of Liberty. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary feature.

How to get to Statue of Liberty?

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty island, south of Ellis island. Both these islands comprise to become the Statue of Liberty National Monument. The only way to get to the Statue of Liberty is by a ferry.

Public transportation

• There are government operated ferries between Liberty State Park in Jersey city/ the Battery in Lower Manhattan and Liberty island. The regular ticket cost USD 35 per adult and can be purchased on Liberty cruise website. For affordable ferry tickets, ensure to purchase the tickets from Statue cruises website.
  • The ferry tickets are usually return tickets. And Statue cruises is the only provider that have access to both the islands, Liberty and Ellis islands.
  • New York city has subways and buses that are operated by New York City Transit. To get to the Liberty state park or the Battery, refer the New York City Transit website.

Visitor Information for Statue of Liberty

• There is no entrance fee to visit the Statue of Liberty. But a ticket needs to be purchased for the ferry ride to the monument.
• The ferry ride requires a very scrutinized security screening similar to the airport.
• The statue can be visited any time between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. However, the last ferry from mainland departs at 3:30 PM and last ferry from Liberty island departs from 5 PM.
• To avoid crowd, it is best to visit the Statue of Liberty in the mornings.
• Visitors can enter the base of the statue that is a museum. There is an entrance fee and the ticket must be purchased in advance.
• Visitors can also climb the stairs to go to the crown of the statue. There are 354 steps to the top. Only 240 visitors are allowed per day and 10 at a time. They can only carry a camera and medications. There are lockers that are available to keep the belongings.
• Audio tours are available with ferry tickets and can be picked up on the island. The audio is available in many different languages and is a great way to understand the history and information about the statue and the islands.
• Ensure to check out the various inscriptions, and plaques on the islands near the statue.
• One needs at least 2 to 3 hours on the islands to see and explore everything.
• Food and drinks can be purchased on the ferry.
• I suggest taking a ferry in the evening for a breath taking views of the statue and the Manhattan skyline during sunset.
• The Statue of Liberty museum has a shop and a bookstore where one can buy souvenirs and books.
• Liberty island also has a view point that provides the panoramic views of the New York city skyline.

Safety for solo female travelers

Yes, absolutely safe for solo female travelers. I was most of the times alone, even though I was with a group of other travelers and I did not have any issue while visiting the Statue of Liberty. However, like any other place, be cautious, especially after dark.

Are you new to solo traveling? Or have a lot of questions about it? Read frequently asked questions about solo traveling for more information.

Closing Notes

Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of those things that have to be ticked off the bucket list when visiting USA, especially New York city. It was worth seeing this eye catching and important statue and the museum. I highly recommend paying a visit when you are in the New York city. If not the statue, you will surely love the skyline and the ferry ride.

After visiting New York City, I headed my journey to Washington D.C. where I spent a couple of day.

Have you seen this glorious statue? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

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