Visiting the Statue of Liberty

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New York is arguably the best-known city in the USA for good reason. There is an almost endless array of sights, sounds and tastes to enjoy in the Big Apple. However, no trip to New York City is complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.

With so many people coming to NY to see these iconic spots, it’s a good idea to have a plan. So, here are top tips to save money and time when you visit Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty in New York City

Statue of Liberty Overview

If you have ever visited the Statue of Liberty in person, you already know she’s an imposing figure. Nearly synonymous with New York, Lady Liberty on her plinth stands at an awe-inspiring 93 meters and enjoys an important place in American life.

The effigy is an icon of freedom welcoming immigrants to the United States. Every detail of the statue carries a message.

The Statue of Liberty is wearing a long, flowing robe, that resembles the toga of ancient Greece and Rome. In her left hand, she clutches a tablet, on which is inscribed “1776.” It is the year in which the U.S. signed the Declaration of Independence.

In the other hand, Lady Liberty holds a torch symbolizing the light that the United States holds up for the world, especially France. On her head, the lady liberty wears a spiked crown, called a diadem, symbolizing the sun’s rays.

Finally, at her feet lay broken shackles, representing the political repression of Europe from which the United States had broken free.

Check out these top rated Statue of Liberty tours for your trip:

No trip to New York City is complete without visiting the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Don't miss these time & money saving tips. #StatueofLiberty #NYCsights #CentralPark

Time & Money Saving Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty

  • To avoid the long queue when visiting the Statue of Liberty, head out early in the morning and try to board one of the first ferries to Liberty Island. The first ferry departs at 8:30 am.
  • When you book your Pedestal Reserve Tickets online, choose the option of printing the tickets at home to avoid the queue at the Ticket Booth.
  • The Staten Island Ferry is the cheapest way to see the iconic Statue from the water. The ferry operates daily, departing every 30 minutes, is free to ride and takes 25 minutes to reach the statue.   

  • Make sure to see the Statue of Liberty’s original torch. This has now been relocated to the Statue of Liberty Museum which opened in May 2019. Currently, the torch in Lady’s right hand is copper flame covered in 24K gold.
  • There are washrooms and power sockets on the ferries. Use it while you can.
  • Only small handbags and cameras are allowed inside the Statue. In case of big bags you will have to rent lockers at $2 for 2 hours in the Liberty Island gift shop.
  • Make sure to keep necessities like a scarf, water bottle, etc. with you while you tour the Statue as it can be quite cold over there.
  • The name on the ticket and your ID must be the same.
Central Park New York City
Central Park during the fall

Central Park Overview

Central Park is considered one of America’s greatest works of art. The Central Park embodies tranquillity amidst the chaos that makes it a perfect escape from a bustling New York.

Today, the public garden hosts millions of visitors annually. Visitors to the park can engage in diverse activities such as walking the many pathways, fine dining at the Tavern on the Green, watching free performances of Shakespeare in the Park or relaxing and sunbathing in Sheep’s Meadow.

Inspired by Paris’ Bois de Boulogne and London’s Hyde Park, the 341 hectares long Central Park stretches through the middle of pell-mell Manhattan.


TripAdvisor

Whether during a fresh snowfall in winter, the spectacular floral blossoms in spring, the steamy days of summer, or the colorful leaf-turning months of fall, Central Park is a sight to behold.

Furthermore, the range of outdoor activities you can enjoy there is seemingly endless. From hiking, biking, and ice-skating to simply lounging on a picnic blanket and listening to a live concert.

If you are a first-time visitor, there’s a possibility that you will get lost in the park. To save valuable time, download a printable version of the park’s map before you leave for your trip. You can also buy the maps inside the park.

While there are many restaurants inside the Park, they are capable of burning a hole in your pocket. The best way to save money is to pack a picnic lunch, just like most of the locals do.

Book one of these best selling activities in Central Park for your trip:

Central Park
The expanse of Central Park

Time & Money Saving Tips for Visiting Central Park

  • A lesser-known attraction in the park is Wagner Cove. This is a rustic shelter with two wooden benches located at the far edge of the Lake. It’s an ideal quiet spot for reading and writing.
  • For picnicking, Sheep Meadow is a beautiful stretch providing views of the impressive New York skyline and lush greenery.
  • Walking is the best way to get to know some of the wildest parts of Central Park. However, to get a feel of the whole park, the best thing to do is hire a bicycle and enjoy the scenery while you pedal along some of its paths.
  • If you hire a pedicab to move around the park, ensure that you decide the per minute rate beforehand.
  • Moreover, beware if your pedicab driver is driving slowly. The slower they drive, the higher the bill.

Book This Trip

Start planning your trip to visit the most iconic sights in New York City today. First, you’ll want to check out insider tips on how to get around, hotel and VRBO options, the restaurant reviews in each neighborhood and more through TripAdvisor and Travelocity. Then you can pick your dates and compare airline deals on Kiwi.

Be sure to book some tours around the area with expert guides from GetYourGuide. You can find skip-the-line tickets, tours, special activities and more here.

Author Bio: Anukrati is a travel and hotel blogger. A total hodophile, she spends her free time seeing as much of the world as she can. She has traveled to 10 countries so far. Being an avid reader and researcher, she also designs customized travel itineraries professionally.

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