Why you should visit the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Few symbols are as instantly recognizable—or as deeply moving—as the Statue of Liberty. Standing proudly on Liberty Island, she has welcomed travelers to New York Harbor since 1886, embodying freedom and opportunity for millions of immigrants arriving by sea. A gift from France, this copper-clad icon is more than just a monument; she’s a promise etched into the skyline.
Visitors can explore the statue’s base and pedestal, climb to the crown for sweeping harbor views, or simply take in her grandeur from the ferry deck. The surrounding harbor, framed by the Manhattan skyline, creates one of the most unforgettable views in the city.
What you didn’t know about the Statue of Liberty.
The statue’s official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World,” and she was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with engineering by Gustave Eiffel. Standing 305 feet from ground to torch, she was once the tallest structure in New York City. Her green patina is the result of natural weathering over more than a century—an enduring shield that also makes her instantly recognizable.
The seven rays on her crown represent the seven continents and seas, symbolizing a universal welcome. Inside, a spiral staircase of 354 steps leads to the crown, offering a rare and intimate perspective on the monument’s construction.
How to fold the Statue of Liberty into your New York trip.
Access to Liberty Island is by ferry, with departures from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Many visitors pair the trip with a stop at Ellis Island, home to the National Museum of Immigration.
To access the pedestal or crown, you’ll need a separate, advance reservation—often booked months ahead. If you’re short on time, the Staten Island Ferry offers free harbor views of the statue from a distance. Morning trips tend to be less crowded, and the light is ideal for photography.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“She rises out of the harbor with a calm strength that hits you the second you see her. Up close or from a ferry ride past, there’s this quiet reminder of hope that never really fades.”
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