Taking a ferry out to Liberty Island to see the statue and indeed climbing to the crown had been high on my bucket list for ages. The problem is by the time I first got to New York – access to the statue was closed – a security procedure in the wake of the September 11 attacks, six years earlier. I visited New York a few times in the subsequent years but couldn’t get a go.
Then finally, knowing I was going to visit a friend in NYC for a few days in 2015 – I logged on to see if I could get a ticket. They only allow a few people to climb each day and so I knew I needed to move quick. With more than six month’s notice I was sure I was on to a winner. That is, until I met my next hurdle. I was too early! They only release the tickets a few months in advance – and under a number of stipulations – you can only buy four per household etc. Anyway I put a note in my diary (obsessed) and when the date rolled round, I managed to secure a sought-after ticket. It was only $21 bucks for the ferry, entry to the statue and climb – pretty cheap I thought.
When the day FINALLY rolled around in August, 2014 I decided to walk down to Battery Park along the Hudson from the Meatpacking District where I was staying. It was a nice day and it’s a part of town I’ve never seen.
I left with plenty of time because I knew I had to collect my ticket beforehand – and it’s lucky cause when i arrived it was pretty chaotic. The park was getting developed with cordons and barricades everywhere. When i finally found the box office, the lines were huge. Everything moved pretty quickly though and I made my slot and was sailing out to Liberty Island in no time.
An audio guide is included in the price and I had a bit of time until my allocated slot to climb to the crown and so decided to spend a while checking out the island, pedestal and museum. When it was finally time I headed up to the entry to start my ascent.
I (rather stupidly) didn’t really count on the the climb being so claustrophobic and I can’t say it was the most enjoyable experience (for me).
It was stinking hot, sweaty and tight. Round and round and round I went up and up until finally I made it to the crown. 
It was a balmy 27 degrees on top of the statue and so after taking a moment to enjoy the view from the small windows, I wasted no time in climbing back down. 
The pedestal museum is also worth a look – lots to see and read about about the statue’s 130 year history.
Hours of operation
Liberty Island is open every day except December 25.
Weather can affect the ability of ferries to run.
In Winter, ferries begin at 0830 and run until 1530, with the last ferry leaving Liberty Island at 1700.
In Summer, the first ferry is at 0830 and the last ferry departs at 1700.
It leaves Liberty island at 1845.
Price
$21 including pedestal and crown access.
Details
To plan your visit go to the Statue of Liberty’s official page.
