Prepare your visit to the crown of the Statue of Liberty
Book tickets online
First off, many of you are wondering if the crown tour is included with the New York Pass or New York CityPASS. Unfortunately, it is not the case. These two passes only include a visit to the statue's base. If you want to visit the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you will need a special reservation and therefore an additional ticket.
For once, I really advise you to do it well in advance, because places are limited and leave very quickly! Also, know that it is recommended to book at least 2 months in advance. Reservations can even be made up to 6 months before your visit for the high season, so take the opportunity to be organized! I cannot repeat it enough, book as many things as possible on the internet before you come.
Note that you cannot buy these tickets on site. In fact, tickets for the Crown of the Statue of Liberty can only be purchased online on the Statue Cruises website or by phone at 877-523-9849 or 1-201-604-2800. Count 17 dollars per adult, $ 14 for seniors and $ 9 for children aged 4 to 12.
So don't delay and book your tickets quickly! Also, note that you cannot buy more than 4 tickets or make more than one reservation per semester and per person. When I tell you that places are very popular...
After booking your tickets, you will receive a good to print : don't forget it, you will need it once there!
Prepare your business
Before heading to Liberty Island for the purpose of visiting the crown of the Statue of Liberty, prepare a bit. First of all, of course, bring your tickets, and don't forget your ID card or passport, otherwise you will be refused entry.
Then, note that you will not be allowed to ride with a big bag, for security reasons. Either way, you won't want to lug around a huge backpack on top of the stairs! So put your things in the lockers provided for this purpose, and keep only the essentials with you: camera and bottle of water!
Crown Statue of Liberty New York: Practical information
Regarding opening hours, note that the crown of the Statue of Liberty is open every day except Christmas, December 25. The counters are open from 7 a.m. to 45 p.m.
Also, note that each person will have to pay a tax of $ 3 per ticket in order to access the crown.
Finally, be aware that children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, those measuring less than 1,20m will not be able to enter.
Getting to the Statue of Liberty
I've covered the classic Statue of Liberty tour in detail in another article, but here's the bottom line.
In order to get to the Statue of Liberty, you will need to take a boat from Manhattan's Battery Park to Liberty Island. And if you're in New Jersey, departures are from Liberty State Park.
Also note that there is only one official company to get to Liberty Island: Statue Cruises.
Also, be aware that ferries depart every 30 to 45 minutes, so no need to stress yourself about the departure times.
You will need to queue at Battery Park, Castle Clinton, where you will need to hand in your coupon and show your ID, as well as the buyer's ID if it's a different person. Then you will board a ferry Statue Cruises towards Liberty Island.
The first boat leaves around 8:30 am, and I recommend it. Indeed, you could well avoid the busy period, and then you will have more time to do other things the rest of the day! That being said, be present at the front counters, as the queue always fills up quite quickly! I therefore recommend that you be there from 8 a.m.
Finally, be prepared to pass a few security checks before boarding the ferry. Allow about half an hour in all.
Once there
The climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty
That's it, you're finally there, in front of this great lady! So let's go for an exploration worthy of the name! Now that you are there, wait your turn. Indeed, only small groups of 15 guests can trickle down to the crown. So be patient, it's worth it, I promise!
Once you are climbing, you will understand why the groups are so small: the stairs are so narrow! Go quietly, and be careful not to run into your neighbor ...
Also, in order to access the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you will have to climb 393 marches, just that ! And if that doesn't sound like a lot, what about imagining a 27-story building? So be well prepared: think about the sneakers, the water bottle and the light backpack! And don't hesitate to hydrate yourself well, especially in summer. Indeed, the temperatures inside can be very high, and the air circulates very poorly. So if you are claustrophobic, avoid it!
Also note that there is no toilet in the Statue of Liberty. So don't forget to take your precautions in advance, friend advice!
The Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty
When you start your climb, you will first come to a large room. Inside you will find a replica of the famous flame, located in the hand of the statue.
Then, you will arrive on the Pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, which is none other than its first level. Stop for a few moments and enjoy the view before you continue your ascent.
However, note that after the Pedestal, there is no more elevator ! So for people with reduced mobility, the latter is a very good option.
And for those who have the opportunity and the motivation to ascend to the crown, you will benefit from an incredible view.
Some anecdotes about the Statue of Liberty and its crown
A little history
While we're at it, here are some trivia to know about the Statue of Liberty, to impress your friends a bit!
First of all, you are aware that it was France which offered the Statue of Liberty to the United States, in honor of the centenary of the declaration of Independence from the country. The latter, the work of architect Auguste Bartholdi, symbolizes the friendship between the two countries. Legend has it that its creator was inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes when creating the statue.
It was thus inaugurated in 1886. Also, since its opening to the public, the crown has known several restrictions, and in particular after the terrorist attacks. 11 September 2001. As a result of these, it was no longer possible to access the crown, until 2009. Fortunately, you can now go there without worry, provided you reserve your tickets of course.
Some figures on the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, 92 meters high, weighs more than 200 tons and is 10 meters wide. His head is 3 meters wide and his nose 1,37 meters, rather impressive isn't it?
At his feet is engraved on a bronze plaque the poem "The New Colossus", writes Emma Lazarus, is engraved. There are also broken chains, representing the end of slavery. And in his left hand, you can see a tablet showing the country's independence date, July 4, 1776.
Finally, its famous 7-branched crown represents the 7 continents and seas of the planet. Each of these peaks weighs 68 kg!
As for the number of visitors entering it, they are between 4 and 5 million every year !
So you are ready to climb the crown of the Statue of Liberty in New York ? Believe me, you will not regret it. It is simply a must-see and unforgettable attraction. Don't forget your camera to capture the magnificent landscape that awaits you! This will allow you to keep these precious memories with you.
And if you are wondering if you can access the flame on top of that, the answer is unfortunately no. The latter has been inaccessible to the public since 1916 because of an explosion. So in the meantime, treat yourself to the crown, and then who knows, maybe one day the flame will open its doors again!
Take the opportunity to visit Ellis Island
Also, while you're in the area, I highly recommend you go for a walk to Ellis Island. The latter was the point of arrival for immigrants dreaming of America and prosperity. You will find the National Museum of Immigration there, which I really recommend you visit! You will retrace the journey of immigrants from all over the world throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Of course, I can recommend a whole bunch of other attractions to you… But that's another story, so check out my articles on New York's must-sees, and prepare for your visit! Have a nice trip to all.
