Is the Statue of Liberty Worth It? All the Tips You Need to Know 2025

Planning your trip and wondering if the Statue of Liberty is worth it?

You’ve always heard about the iconic Statue of Liberty in the New York City Harbor, but you’re not sure if the adventure is worth your while.

You know me – the former New Yorker who can’t stay away, and continues to visit multiple times per year – Well, one of the reasons is becasue you get to see and experience things in NYC that you simply won’t find elsewhere in the world. And one of those things is The Statue of Liberty. I love adding Liberty Island and Ellis Island to my NYC itinerary as often as I can.

What’s so special about the Statue of Liberty and why is the Statue of Liberty important? Well, when it comes to iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, I don’t know of many that can rival the significance of the Statue of Liberty. 

Lady Liberty towers over Liberty Island in the New York Harbor. She’s the colossal neoclassical sculpture that has welcomed millions of immigrants and visitors to the United States since her arrival on June 17, 1885.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from France to celebrate the alliance between the two countries and to honor the abolishment of slavery and the struggle for freedom and liberty that America had endured.

Today, the statue continues to attract thousands of visitors from all over the world who want to learn about her history, see her magnificent beauty, and to catch some photos of themselves alongside the famous statue.

So, as with any major tourist attraction, you might be wondering- Is visiting the Statue of Liberty worth the time, effort, and expense? 

What makes the Statue of Liberty a must-visit landmark in NYC for some, while for others, it might not live up to the hype?

In this post, I’ll help you decide if a trip to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island are worth it for you – based on logistical information, historical significance, educational value, and the pure entertainment factor.

You’ll also find all the details you’re looking for regarding how to get there, when to go, ticket prices and more!

Is Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Worth It?

Yes, for a ton of reasons –

1. Lady Liberty is an iconic landmark and famous symbol of New York City and America. 
2. The history and stories blended into the Statue are beautiful reminders of humans and how we strive for a better life.
3. The views of Lower Manhattan from the ferry and the statue are just fantastic.

But HOW you visit is flexible, and can be tailored to your time and budget constraints. So gather your info here and then decide.

Where is The Statue of Liberty – Are Liberty Island and Ellis Island the same?

NO!

Liberty Island is the island in the New York Harbor that hosts the Statue of Liberty.

Ellis Island is the island next to Liberty Island which hosts the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration.

These two islands are about a 15 minute ferry ride from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan. 

You’re able to see the statue from Battery Park and other spots along the tip of Manhattan if you choose not to get on a boat, use your zoom lens for photos, and call it a day! 

How to see the Statue of Liberty –
What Are the Choices?

Getting to the Statue of Liberty requires a decision because there are a few choices you’ll have to make. Never fear! I’m super confident you’ll find one that suits you and your travel plans whether you are staying for one day in NYC, 2 days in NYC, 3 days in NYC, 4 days in NYC or 5 days in NYC.

Just ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you want to see the statue from a boat for free, cruise by the statue from both directions, snap some photos, and move on to your next adventure? (Note that you’ll have to get off at Staten Island and climb back on the boat to return).

2. Do you want to pay for a cruise boat from Battery Park to Liberty Island, see the statue, maybe climb to the pedestal, maybe climb to her crown, and then return? 

3. Do you want to continue and cruise to Ellis Island, explore the Immigration museum, grab some food, buy souvenirs, use the restroom, take photos, and learn a lot?

4. Do you want to see the Statue of Liberty all lit up at night as you sail by and experience the magic of the New York City skyline at sunset on a cruise in the harbor?

A Visitor Guide for the Statue of Liberty- Info about Tickets, the Ferry,
How Much Time You Need, & What You’ll See

1. The Free Staten Island Ferry

Departure Location: Whitehall Ferry Terminal on Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan.

Hours: It runs free 24/7 every 20 minutes and travels between Staten Island and Manhattan.

Time: 25 minutes each way, plus transition time getting off and back on the boat in Staten Island.

Cost: Free

Return: You’re required to exit the boat in Staten Island at the St. George Ferry Terminal and then can get back in line to board the boat for your return to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal.

Views: The boat won’t stop, but you’ll get excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline for Free!

2. The Liberty Island & Ellis Island Tickets with Statue Cruises

Departure Location: Castle Clinton Fort Monument – Statue Cruise Ferry is located in Battery Park. 

Hours: First boat departs 9:30 AM and last boat departs 3:30 PM. Boats run throughout the day departing from Battery Park, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island every 25 minutes.

Time: From 2 – 6 hours depending on your choices.

Cost: $24.50 p/adult ticket available onsite and on line.  Ticket includes a round trip ferry service to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island and an Audio Tour is included. 

→ Pedestal & Crown tix MUST BE RESERVED AND PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.

Return: Boats return to Battery Park from Liberty Island and Ellis Island every 25 minutes throughout the day.

Views: Incredible views while on the ferry, and exciting up close and personal  views when on the islands and at the monument.

The Statue of Liberty Cruise Tickets, Which One Should You Buy? 

→ Both pedestal tickets and crown tickets are limited and must be reserved ahead of time.

• General Admission – Ticket includes round trip ferry to Liberty Island & Ellis Island, and an audio tour, but does not include entry inside the statue.
  
  Adult $24.50 | Senior 62+$18  | Child 4-12 $12 | under 4 Free
• Pedestal Ticket – Ticket includes round trip ferry to Liberty Island & Ellis Island, and an audio tour, and entry inside the Statue of Liberty Pedestal.
  
  Adult $24.80 | Senior 62+$18.30  | Child 4-12 $12 | under 4 Free
• Crown Ticket – Ticket includes round trip ferry to Liberty Island & Ellis Island, and an audio tour, and entry inside both the Statue of Liberty Pedestal and Crown.
  
  Adult $24.80 | Senior 62+$18.30  | Child 4-12 $12 | under 4 Free

Is visiting the Pedestal at the Statue of Liberty worth it?

I think most people who do it, would say yes. The issue, of course, is taking the added time to do so. Hence, my vote is a No if you have a lot you want to see that day.

Some IMPORTANT facts to help you decide:

• You need to request access to the Pedestal when you purchase your ferry tickets and will have to show that ticket to enter. WILL CALL is WINDOW  #6 at Castle Clinton.
• The Pedestal that the statue stands on is actually a museum dedicated to the statue.
• There is an elevator, or 215 steps to climb up to the top of the Pedestal viewing area on the 10th floor.
• The Viewing area has spectacular views of the harbor and city.
• The museum has exhibits on two floors with the original torch from 1886 and other historic artifacts and photos.
• You cannot bring any stroller, food, or bags into the pedestal and will need to store them in a locker for $2 CASH ONLY.

Is visiting the Crown at the Statue of Liberty Worth It?

Again, its a big time commitment. Some rave about the experience while some say it didn’t meet expectations. (Full disclosure, I have not done it – yet)

Some IMPORTANT facts to help you decide:

• It’s an additional 162 stairs from the Pedestal. There’s no elevator and you must climb the stairs in a very narrow spiral staircase to get to the crown. 

• Tickets to the Crown do not cost extra BUT must be Reserved and Purchased in advance, online, and picked up at the Will Call booth BEFORE you board the ferry. 

• Make Sure you get the Crown entrance wrist band.

• A very limited number of people are allowed in the crown per day and per hour so you must arrive in time for your slot.

• You must show identification with your ticket to enter the Crown.

• There are 25 windows in the crown in between the 7 spikes which represent the 7 continents. 

• Views are through each of the windows.

• You can only bring a camera, water, and medication to the Crown, and will need to store all other items in a locker for $2 CASH ONLY.

Is Visiting Ellis Island Worth It?

In my opinion, this is possibly the best part of the adventure. I absolutely love the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. It’s one of those small but mighty and beautifully crafted museum experiences that stay with you. 

Ellis Island was the place where more than 12 million immigrants came to the United States. For 62 years, people arrived, waited, were processed or were rejected, and had their lives changed forever.

In 1892, when New York was no longer able to handle the incredibly large number of people coming to the country through the Castle Clinton Terminal at Battery Park, Ellis Island became the immigration center.

The current Ellis Island Museum is a gorgeous red brick French Renaissance building erected in 1900 after the original building burned to the ground in 1897. 

Whether you had ancestors come through Ellis Island or not, it’s a fascinating look at the complexities of immigration and what it was like to make the choice to come to America at the turn of the century.

My sisters and I loved searching for information about relatives on both our parents’ sides who may have passed through the Great Hall at Ellis Island.

If you want to contribute to the Ellis Island Foundation restoration of the Ellis Island Hospital, you can pay for a ticket to a Hard Hat Tour here and see more of what happened at Ellis Island when people arrived ill after their long journeys.

Is a Sunset Cruise to See the Statue of Liberty
Worth it?

The reason I love the sunset cruises in the New York Harbor is not just because the sun setting is a lovely experience out on the water, but because of the NYC nighttime lights! The Statue of Liberty is all lit up and as you cruise by her, it’s really exciting and beautiful to see. The cruises usually begin before the sun sets and return as the lights of the city are in full blaze.

I think this simple and affordable cruise will check off a lot of boxes for you.

You’ll pass by the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, see the Manhattan skyline as it lights up, and can enjoy snacks and beverages on board for purchase.

Departure: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises – 83 North River Piers West 43rd Street and, 12th Ave.

Hours: Cruises depart at 7PM

Time: 2 hour cruise

Cost: $54

Return: Back to the Pier by 9PM

Check out some other cruise choices I recommend here.

Pro Tips for Liberty Island & Ellis Island 

• Expect to wait in long lines for the ferry. Especially in busy tourist seasons. Go early for better luck!
• Free tours are given by rangers throughout the day.
• Free audio tours are provided with your ferry ticket price in many languages.
• Strollers are allowed on the ferry and on the islands, but not in the Pedestal Museum or the Crown.
• There are bathroom facilities, food, and souvenirs for purchase on both islands.
• You’ll pass through a security checkpoint when boarding the ferry and again when entering the Pedestal or Crown.
• WILL CALL WINDOW IS #6 at Castle Clinton.
• DO NOT BUY TIX from people on the street or in line or at the subway trying to sell them to you. This is a SCAM!
• Sit outside while on the ferry boat – The wind and water are part of the experience!

Best Subway Stops to Reach Battery Park

• Local #1 Seventh Avenue Line to South Ferry
• Express #4 or #5 Lexington Avenue Line to Bowling Green
• Local Broadway Line from Brooklyn/Queens R/W to Whitehall Street

Look Here For My Recs On Great Places To Stay When You Visit New York City

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Fun Facts

• The statue’s official name is Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World
• She was a gift of friendship from France in 1886.
• She was designed by Frederic Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel (like the tower).
• She is made of iron on the inside and copper on the outside.
• In her right hand is a torch and in her left is the date of American Independence.
• It took 9 years to build the Statue of Liberty.
• The Statue was taken apart into 350 pieces and put in 214 crates to be shipped to New York.
• It took 4 months to put the Statue together after she arrived.
• The broken shackle and chain at her feet symbolizes the end of slavery.
• Joseph Pulitzer raised funds to build the monument and park.
• It took 300 hammers to make the copper structure.
• The Statue is 305 feet tall.
• Lady Liberty’s feet are 879 feet long.
• On 10/8/1886, President Grover Cleveland presided over the opening ceremony.
• The Statue is technically in New Jersey waters, but she is legally part of New York.
• Ellis Island is also known as the Island of Hope and Tears.
• 12 million immigrants came through Ellis Island from 1892 – 1954.
• The first immigrant to come through Ellis Island was a teenager named Annie Moore.
• The Ellis Island Museum has over 700,000 names etched in the wall of immigrants who came through its doors.
• 40% of Americans can trace an ancestor to Ellis Island.
• Sigmund Freud, Charlie Chaplin, and many other famous people immigrated to the US via Ellis Island.

Click Here For All My Favorite Places To Eat In New York City!

Yes, the Statue of Liberty is worth it!

In a nutshell…

In a nutshell, the Statue of Liberty is not only a towering beacon of freedom and democracy but she’s also a testament to the rich culture embedded in American history. 

In spite of the crowds, the experience of seeing Lady Liberty up close, learning the stories of those who looked upon her as their first sight of a new life, and the panoramic views of New York Harbor make the visit a bucket list item. 

Some might argue, have you even been to New York if you haven’t seen the Statue of Liberty?

Remember it’s OK to choose a land sighting or a cruise-by if the full visit doesn’t fit your schedule. But be sure to lay eyes on her at some point during your trip to New York City. 

She’s really quite something to behold!

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of great views, the Statue of Liberty is indeed worth it.

xx,
Carrie