Ah, New York City. Planning a trip here and trying to figure out what are the must-do stops you’ve simply got to see?
A trip to New York without a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is not a real trip to the Big Apple (truly)! Looking for a breathtaking experience you’ll remember forever? This is it!
You will travel on a ferry to reach the foot of the proud monument – a symbol of the great American metropolis – and you will enjoy a nice walk to Ellis Island, the historic islet that, for so many years, was the last “bureaucratic hurdle” to be overcome for immigrants about to realize their American dream by finally setting foot on Manhattan soil.
In this article, I want to give you some useful advice on how to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two must-see monuments in New York, so you can put them onto your New York itinerary for 3 days – even if you’re not staying long, these places should really be in the top three things to do in New York as soon as you land in the Big Apple!
We need to think carefully, though – improper planning could lead to time wasted or missing things you really wanted to see. Make sure you’ve got an itinerary set, with enough time to soak in the beauty of these places.
Statue of Liberty: The symbol of New York City
To visit the Statue of Liberty, a majestic 93-meter monument loaded with cultural significance, you’ll need at least two hours. A hit-and-run visit could be disappointing for many reasons, not the least of which is not being able to enjoy, in addition to the statue itself, the exhilarating view of the Manhattan skyline.
The Statue of Liberty was transported to New York City in 1886 from Paris (where it was designed and built by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel – yes, that Eiffel!). It shows itself from all sides, in all its majesty, to the eyes of those who reach the islet by boat and can be visited on three levels (each with a different ticket). It’s so worth checking out the different levels if you’ve got time.
Statue of Liberty Museum
In May 2019, Liberty Island was enhanced by the Statue of Liberty Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and deep symbolism of the Statue. Love history? Then you will love this place! There’s so much you can learn about everything in this amazing part of America.
The modern building, located behind the Statue of Liberty, replaces an exhibit that was previously inside the pedestal: arriving by boat, you will find the museum on your left. The conceptual approach of the museum is very innovative and aims to create an immersive experience for the visitor through division into three sections. Check it out – you won’t be sorry you took the time to do so!
Ellis Island
When you have taken your avalanche of photos of America's most famous Statue (you know it will happen), you will be ready to get back on the boat towards Ellis Island. Not everyone knows the importance of this place: in 1892, on this small island floating in New York Bay, the offices of the Immigration Station were first opened, the last hurdle to be overcome for all those who wanted to enter the city of a thousand opportunities.
Document and economic availability checks, health, and criminal record checks… the whole bureaucratic process (with a few thrills!) passed through this little island, which to migrants must have seemed like the gateway to paradise.
A visit to Ellis Island makes it possible to relive such significant moments in the lives of so many people, thanks to the presence of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The rest of the island can only be explored via a guided tour. Again, calculate your visit time well, especially if you want to stay for a long time at the Statue.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: how to visit them?
First, let’s acknowledge that you should treat these two attractions as part of one tour. Why? Well, three reasons – historical, cultural, and logistical! To reach these two independent islets, you’ll need to take a single boat – at a time that suits you – to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
And if you’re visiting New York on a tight timeline? Well, first, if it’s at all feasible, we recommend taking more days off and enjoying the beautiful city for longer – but if it’s not, you’ll maximize seeing everything if you organize to catch both these historic places at once, meaning you can fit other activities in, and better enjoy your vacation in the Big Apple! And if you’re visiting in the winter, here are some other great “must-do” activities!