Statue of Liberty, National Monument and Pride of the US (2024)

Who does not know about the Statue of Liberty? It is a globally famous monument, and every one of us has 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 fantastic marvel when I was on the East Coast US and Canada Highlights tour.

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About the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a UNESCO world heritage monument, was a gift from the people of France to the 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. In the statue, Libertas wears a crown with 7 spikes, representing 7 continents and 7 oceans worldwide.

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

The statue is the most recognised landmark, representing 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, a documentary film of the same name was made on the history of the Statue of Liberty. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

How to get to the Statue of Liberty?

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

Public transportation

• Government-operated ferries exist between Liberty State Park in Jersey City/ the Battery in Lower Manhattan, and Liberty Island. The regular ticket costs USD 35 per adult and can be purchased on the Liberty Cruise website. For affordable ferry tickets, ensure to purchase the tickets from the Statue Cruises website.
  • The ferry tickets are usually return tickets. Statue Cruises is the only provider with access to the Liberty and Ellis Islands.
  • New York City has subways and buses that New York City Transit operates. To get to the Liberty State Park or the Battery, refer to the New York City Transit website.

Are you short on time? Here is the perfect one-day itinerary for New York City.

Visitor Information for the Statue of Liberty

• There is no entrance fee to visit the Statue of Liberty. But a ticket must be purchased for the ferry ride to the monument.
• The ferry ride requires scrutinized security screening similar to that at the airport.
• The statue can be visited any time between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. However, the last ferry from the mainland departs at 3:30 PM, and the previous from Liberty Island departs at 5 PM.
• To avoid crowds, visiting the Statue of Liberty in the mornings is best.
• Visitors can enter the base of the statue, which 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 statue’s crown. There are 354 steps to the top. Only 240 visitors are allowed per day and ten at a time. They can only carry a camera and medications. Some lockers are available to keep the belongings.
• Audio tours with ferry tickets can be picked up on the island. The audio is available in many languages and is a great way to understand the history and information about the statue and the islands.
• Check out the various inscriptions and plaques on the islands near the statue.
• One needs at least 2 to 3 hours to see and explore everything on the islands.
• Food and drinks can be purchased on the ferry.
• I suggest taking a ferry in the evening for breathtaking views of the statue and the Manhattan skyline during sunset.
• The Statue of Liberty Museum has a shop and a bookstore where visitors can buy souvenirs and books.
• Liberty Island also has a viewpoint providing panoramic views of the New York City skyline.

Is Visiting the Statue of Liberty Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Yes, safe for solo female travelers. I spent most of my time alone, even while on a group tour, and I had no issues 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 thing that must be ticked off the bucket list when visiting the USA, especially New York City. It was worth seeing this eye-catching and essential statue and the museum. I highly recommend paying a visit when you are in New York City. You will surely love the skyline and ferry ride, if not the statue.

After visiting New York City, I headed to Washington D.C., where I spent a few days.

Have you seen this glorious statue? What did you think? Let me know by writing to me at Solopassport@gmail.com.

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