Some visitors to the Statue of Liberty arrive in search of the first thing their ancestors laid eyes on upon landing in the New World. Others come to fulfill a fascination with an image so recognizable, she has achieved something like celebrity status. Whatever the purpose, Lady Liberty will not disappoint. As one of America's most iconic images, a pilgrimage to this symbol of liberty and peace is a must.
Parking and public transportation to the Statue of Liberty
Statue Cruises is the official ferry service provider. Ferries depart from Battery Park, which is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. Parking is limited so driving isn't recommended. Tickets to depart from Liberty State Park in New Jersey are also available, where paid parking spaces are plentiful.
Best and worst time to go to the Statue of Liberty
Winter weekdays, barring major holidays, draw the fewest number of tourists. Prepare for long lines at the ferry terminal during summer months; wait times can stretch to over an hour. If you're set on visiting during the summer, try to book tickets for as early in the morning as possible.
Admission to the Statue of Liberty
Three options are offered: Reserve Only, Pedestal, or Crown. Crown access typically sells out up to three months in advance. Same-day pedestal access may be available at the ticket office in Battery Park, but online advance reservations are highly recommended. Adult admission begins at $18, and all ticket options include ferry service to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, and audio tours of both places.
Must see/do at the Statue of Liberty
The climb to the Statue's crown involves a narrow, winding staircase with a grand total of 354 steps. This may not be suitable for every visitor. The pedestal, however, should not be missed. Pedestal access includes entrance to the Liberty Island museum, where visitors can view the Statue's original torch, and peruse exhibits that explain her conception, engineering, and delicate transport from France to America. The pedestal's observation deck offers gorgeous views of New York's harbor and skyline, and unique vantage points of the Statue's imposing 151-foot height.
Other places to visit near the Statue of Liberty
Battery Park's waterfront promenade is a scenic place to relax. For those who wish to continue on the trail of history, head to the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, which is now home to the National Museum of the American Indian. The famous Charging Bull of Wall Street is also a short walk away.
Insider tip for visitors to the Statue of Liberty
Plan well ahead for this one. Buy online tickets as far in advance as possible, print your tickets before arriving at the ferry terminal, and get there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for the airport style security screening. The Statue's busiest days come with a dose of chaos, so be infinitely patient and ask the nice folks manning the lines for help if you're unsure of anything.
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City, where her ancestors saw the Statue of Liberty as they began their new lives in the New World.
After the last freight train rumbled down 10th Avenue in 1980, the railroad was abandoned and an overgrown garden sprouted up around its rusted tracks. Today, the High Line has been repurposed into a public park, 1.5 miles long and elevated 30 feet above street level in the heart of the Meatpacking District in New York City. Now on view along with those rusty rail tracks is a lush urban garden, iconic skyline views, and frequent art installations lining the walking path.
Parking and public transportation at the High Line
The 1,2,3, A,C, E, and L subways all make stops along the various entrances to the park. The High Line is located farther west than any subway line, so some walking will be required no matter which subway you take. For drivers, there is a handful of fee parking available nearby.
Best and worst time to go to the High Line
With its panoramic city views and variety of pleasant seating options, sunny days were made for the High Line. A truly enjoyable stroll is more possible on less crowded weekdays, or weekend mornings. The walking path gets quite narrow in spots, so the large weekend crowds sometimes lead to pedestrian traffic jams.
Admission to the High Line
Admission is free. A variety of seasonal walking tours and events along the High Line are also free.
Must see/do at the High Line
Stake out a seat at Tenth Avenue Square (at 17th Street) for a wide-angle street view of New York's dizzying traffic speeding by beneath you. On a clear day, the Statue of Liberty is also visible from here out in the harbor. Around sundown, head to 30th Street. The walking path veers west and has a perfect view of the sun dipping down over the Hudson River, streaking the sky with color.
Other places to visit near the High Line
The Whitney Museum of American Art opened a light-filled space at the southern base of the High Line in May 2015. Chelsea Market's indoor food hall is perfect for grabbing something on the go and taking it up to the High Line for a picturesque picnic. Fancy cocktails and unparalleled views can be found at The Top of the Standard.
Insider tip for visitors to the High Line
The northernmost section of the High Line is low on amenities; restrooms and food are mostly available at the southern end. The 34th Street exit drops visitors into a relatively barren part of town. If you're planning on having lunch or dinner at the end of your stroll, enter at the northern end and make your way downtown.
Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City, and thinks the High Line is one of the city's most delightful green spaces. Follow her on Twitter.
