Liberty and Ellis Island Map

Exploring this National Treasure, cherished by millions, can be seamless with the right schedule and knowing your way on your visit.

This guide covers everything you need to navigate your way throughout your Liberty Visit.

Top Tickets

Book your self-guided tickets to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, or opt for the Guided Tour of the Statue of Liberty. For sunset views of Manhattan, check out the Circle Line 2-hour Harbor Lights Cruise, an evening cruise with a cocktail and commentary.

What’s on Liberty Island

Liberty Island is primarily home to the majestic Statue of Liberty itself. When you disembark the ferry, you’ll have opportunities for up-close photographs of Lady Liberty.

Beyond the statue, Liberty Island features several other amenities and attractions.

Statue of Liberty Museum

Located on the island, this innovative Museum provides context to the statue, showcasing its history and construction.

• It houses Lady Liberty’s original torch.
• No additional ticket is needed to visit the Museum.
• You can also visit the Roof Deck atop the Museum for breathtaking views of the Liberty Statue and New York Harbor.

Statue of Liberty

This iconic statue, officially named “Liberty Enlightening the World,” is the centerpiece of the island.

You can climb the pedestal or crown for panoramic views of New York City.

Flagpole Plaza

The Flagpole Plaza offers a great place to gather and view the statue from different angles.

• The plaza’s central feature is a large flagpole displaying the U.S. flag
• This is a public space located behind the statue, near the Museum and gift shop.
• It’s known for offering great views of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the surrounding island.

Visitor Amenities

For your convenience, the island provides an information center, a cafe, a bookstore, and a gift shop.

Save 40% and more! The New York CityPASS is a popular discount card that helps you save 41% on your ticket costs and also guarantees seamless entry to up to five attractions.

What is inside the Liberty Statue

While the Statue of Liberty is impressive from the outside, you can also explore certain parts of its interior.

Fort Wood

Fort Wood forms the base of the Liberty Statue, built on the remains of this star-shaped fort.

• It was originally designed to defend New York Harbor during the War of 1812 and later adapted to serve as the base for the Statue of Liberty.
• The fort’s eleven-pointed star shape is visible beneath the statue.
• It is integrated into the statue’s design, with the middle ray of the crown aligning with the star’s widest point. 

Pedestal

Great views from the Liberty Statue are just about taking 192 steps.

• You can ascend to the observation deck in the pedestal for great views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey.
• Access to the pedestal needs a special ticket and is not included with your Reserve tickets.

Crown

Climb the Liberty Statue’s 154 stairs to the crown for a bird’s eye view of New York Harbor and the city.

However, tickets for crown access are highly sought after and often require reservations 3-6 months in advance.

The Original Torch

The original 1886 torch is no longer part of the statue but is preserved and displayed in the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island.

What’s on Ellis Island

Just a short ferry ride from Liberty Island lies Ellis Island, a separate island that served as the primary gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States.

This island preserves over 40 buildings and site features associated with the former Ellis Island Immigration Station. Today, Ellis Island is a poignant historical site.

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Housed in the historic Main Building, this Museum showcases the history of immigration to the United States through Ellis Island.

• It features exhibits about America’s immigration history from the 1500s to today, along with historic objects and immigrants’ stories.
• No additional ticket is required for entry to this Museum.

American Family Immigration History Center

Located on the first floor of the Museum, this center provides access to a searchable database of passenger manifests from Ellis Island and the Port of New York, allowing you to trace your ancestry.

Abandoned Hospital Complex

This complex, including the Main Hospital and the Contagious Disease Complex, was part of the immigration processing and care facilities.

The south side of the island, which includes the hospital, is open to the public through guided tours.

Other Structures

You can also see various other buildings like the Kitchen Laundry building, Bakery Carpentry building, and Baggage and Dormitory building, offering glimpses into the island’s past.

Wall of Honor

A memorial dedicated to immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, where you can celebrate your family story by adding a name.

Watch “Island of Hope, Island of Tears”

A documentary film that tells the story of Ellis Island and the immigrant experience.

“Unframed – Ellis Island” by JR

An art installation featuring large-scale photographs of immigrants.

Know before you go

Here are some important tips for a stress-free Statue of Liberty visit and Ellis Island experience.

• The only way to get to Liberty Island and Ellis Island is by the Liberty ferry.
• The Battery in New York City and Liberty State Park in New Jersey are the two ferry departure points.
• Traffic in New York City can be unpredictable, and there are often long security lines to board the ferry. We recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.
• You will be on your feet for most of the time in your liberty visit, moving between indoor and outdoor areas. Comfortable, closed-toed shoes are a must.
• Check the weather forecast and be prepared for various conditions, including rain or wind.
• In summer, we recommend bringing sunscreen. Note that only squeeze bottles are allowed. Avoid spray sunscreens.
• Large packages, suitcases, carry-on luggage, and other big parcels are not allowed on the ferry or the islands.

Frequently asked questions

Here are the commonly asked questions by the Statue of Liberty visitors.