A day with Statue of Liberty

A visit to the Statue of Liberty is an iconic US experience and one of the most popular things to do in New York City for good reason.

In 1865, a French political intellectual and anti-slavery activist named Edouard de Laboulaye proposed that a statue representing liberty be built for the United States which would honor the United States’ centennial of independence and the friendship with France. Supporting Laboulaye's idea French sculptor, Frederic Auguste began designing the statue of “Liberty Enlightening the World.” in 1870.

The REAL name of Lady Liberty is Liberty Enlightening the World. The statue is 151 ft tall made of copper with the internal structure comprised of cast iron and stainless steel.

A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and is now a National Monument.

HOW TO REACH STATUE OF LIBERTY

1- You can see the Statue without going onto the island in case you are real short of time. The Shark Speedboat is one such ride with time span about 30 minutes long ride carrying you at the speed of 1400 BHP-horsepower. The most adventurous and thriller ride which do stop infront of statue of liberty for quick photo time before heading back again.

2- You can even see it for free on the Staten Island Ferry. Being a commuter ferry it rides 24 hrs and seven days between St. George on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan, giving you the privilege to enjoy the night tour as well which offers an inexplicable view of Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn bridge. Remember, this ferry doesn't take you to the Liberty island or Ellis Island. It takes you to Staten island.

3- You can do a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island guided tour which allows you to disembark on Liberty Island and explore the grounds and enjoy the Ellis Island too. Since we were too short of time we could not explore the Ellis island and had to skip this part.

4- With New York Sightseeing attractions pass which includes the Statue of Liberty monument and Ellis Island saving you lot of money it is a great choice if you plan on seeing multiple New York attractions.

BUYING TICKETS

You will see a lot of unauthorized street seller selling tickets for ferry near Battery park. Do not get carried away instead keep walking towards the Castle Clinton building where tickets are sold, Statue Cruises official ticket office.

All Statue of Liberty ferry tickets include access to Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

We were lucky the ticket line wasn't long and buying tickets want not much a hassle. Meanwhile I freshen up Anika changing her diaper while Ani and his parents made sure the baby stroller was free of useless stuffs with minimum bags to avoid confusion during boarding the ferry. The ferry ride to Statue of Liberty follows tight security checking and screening just like in the airport. Be ready to take off your belts and any jewellery.

While boarding the ferry we had to be ultra careful since the plank connecting the ferry and the port was too shaky due to the waves. Ani hopped in first with Anika while i followed later with the stroller. You can park the stroller anywhere inside the ferry near an empty corner. There is no need to take it up all the way to the deck.

We hopped on the top to enjoy the summer breeze and the view. The ride was pretty quick and smooth. Moreover, we can not forget the incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. From Ferry,you still can catch sight of the Brooklyn Bridge, New Jersey and Governor’s Island.

LIBERTY ISLAND

The next thing to consider is what type of access you want.

There are 3 options:

-General admission

-Pedestal access

-Crown access.

Where the Pedestal ticket is free which requires an advanced reservation they’re subject to availability on a first come first served basis at the ticket window, the Crown tickets need to be booked 90-120 days in advance. With 393 steps to reach the crown and due to lack of air-conditioning it is 20 degrees hotter inside the statue during summer. Hence chose well which ticket to purchase.

With a one year toddler and old age parents we opt for Pedestal access.

An audio tour is available for both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.Tours are free to join and all are welcome!

I took a break at Statue cafe to feed Anika while Ani and his parents spend a quick photo moments with the Lady Liberty. A small tip here, i suggest bring your own food instead since the food menu is too pricey here.

On your way back to the battery park make sure you read the signs at the departing port. You will find two ferries going to different destination. One goes to New Jersey the other Ellis Island. If you see nowhere battery park written do not panic. Hop on the Ellis island ferry, it takes you back to the battery park.