February 10, 2003

NewYorkology Basics: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

The Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty tour is an ideal starting place to understand all the hopes and dreams and fears about New York City. It will take you most of the day, but it's worth it.

At Ellis Island they have done a tremendous job restoring the main building and the exhibits, which sometimes include first-person audio narration. You really will begin to get a sense of what it must have felt like arriving as an immigrant with all your worldly possessions in a suitcase.

The museum and interior of the Statue of Liberty reopened in August 2004 for the first time since Sept. 11. However, access to the torch is no longer allowed.

If you don't get a (free) special pass, you can only see the grounds of Liberty Island. To get the special ticket, you really need to plan ahead if you want to get inside the statue, to the museum and on the upper decks near Liberty's feet.

You can make advance reservations online at least two days before you want to go. If you do it by phone, (866-782-8834) you must do it before 3 p.m. of the day before you want to go. However, they run out of tickets everyday so don't cut it close. If you reserve advance passes, there is a $1.75 handling fee per ticket. The other option is to get one of the walk-up passes, which are available every day starting at 8 a.m., though they're generally gone by 11 a.m.

Try to get a timed-tour pass for early in the day. Securing a pass for late in the day means you'll need to visit Ellis first and double-back to Liberty Island, cutting the time you have to see the exhibits.

Also read up on the airport-like security rules. There are no lockers for you to store anything before you board the ferry.

One ticket covers the ferry trip to both islands. From the lower tip of Manhattan, the ferry heads to Liberty Island, then Ellis. Another boat leaves from New Jersey, which travels to Ellis first, Liberty second. When leaving each island, make sure you get on the right ferry.

Related: Ellis Island gets closer to opening Ferry Building
Exploring secret Ellis Island during Open House NY
Will Smith's 'Hitch' premiers on Ellis Island
Touring Gotham's archaeology with book in hand
Statue of Liberty exhibit opens in Paris
How to get a pass for the Statue of Liberty tour

February 10, 2003 05:15 PM in Basic NYC Guide

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