Located on Liberty Island just off Lower Manhattan on the mainland of New York City, the Statue of Liberty is an American icon of democracy and freedom. An iconic tourist attraction that is a must-see on any visit to New York, the Statue of Liberty can be accessed via a short 10 minute ferry ride that departs Battery Park every 20 to 40 minutes. Close to the Wall Street/Financial District it's easy to see the Statue of Liberty on a day trip, however it's also worth combining the nearby attraction of Ellis Island into your day trip as the same ferries that service Liberty Island also service Ellis Island.
As such a popular attraction, it's a good idea to purchase tickets for the State of Liberty in advance, particularly in the summer when the ferries are extremely busy. Tickets can also be purchased at Battery Park however you should arrive 2 hours early to line up to get your tickets and to clear the security checks required prior to boarding the ferry, particularly if you have booked a tour. Tours are a great way to make the most of your visit to the Statue of Liberty and will take between 2 to 3 hours. As the attraction is so busy, it's a good idea to visit during the week if you can as this will minimise your wait time. Visitors should also consider that to visit the monument requires them to walk up 26 steps.
The Statue of Liberty was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (the statue by Bartholdi and the pedestal by Eiffel) and was gifted to the American people by the French as a token of the friendship formed throughout the American Revolution. Originally intended for the Centennial celebration, the statue suffered many delays and was finally dedicated ten years later on October 28, 1886. It was shipped from France in 350 pieces and took four months to reassemble once delivered.
