The Lady Liberty and the Empire State Building stand out when discussing New York’s iconic attractions due to their distinct charm and significance.
Since its inception in 1836, the Statue of Liberty has been a true symbol of freedom and hope.
The Empire State Building, with its Art Deco architecture, has been dominating the Manhattan skyline since 1931
So, which one will you choose on your visit to the Big Apple?
Do you want to ascend the Liberty Crown, or do you yearn for the Empire State’s dizzying heights and 360-degree views?
This article will compare these two wonders, from their location and height to the best ticketing options and how to get there, assisting you in making an informed decision.
Our Recommendations
The Statue of Liberty offers a magical connection with American history and immigration, whereas the Empire State is a must-visit for breathtaking views and a classic New York experience.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to visit both of them by buying the Statue of Liberty and Empire State combo tickets.
It is priced at $71 and is up to 15 percent cheaper than the individual tickets.
Comparison at a Glance
| Statue of Liberty | Empire State Building |
|---|---|
| Location: Liberty Island | Location: 350 Fifth Avenue, Lower Manhattan |
| Height: 305 feet from the ground to tip | Height: 1454 feet, including the spire |
| Accessibility: By Ferry | Accessibility: subway, public transport |
| Historical significance: A gift from France | Historical significance: The Art Deco Masterpiece was once the world’s largest building |
| Observation Decks: Pedestal Deck and Crown Deck | Observation Decks: 86th-floor main deck and 102nd-floor top deck |
| Time needed: 4 to 6 hours | Time needed: 2 to 4 hours |
| Views: Ellis Island and Cityline around the New York Harbor | Views: Central Park and the surrounding landscape |
| Experience: connects to American history and the monument’s relevance | Experience: offers a glimpse into human progress and ambition |
| Ticket cost: $32 | Ticket cost: $50 |
| Ticket link | Ticket link |
Tracing Their Roots: A Historical Comparison
France gifted Lady Liberty to the United States following a proposal by French political thinker Edouard de Laboulaye.
It reached New York Harbor by June 17, 1885, and took another year for assemblage
Finally, it was opened to the general public on October 28, 1886.
Meanwhile, Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon designed the Empire State Building during the Great Depression.
Construction began in the 1930s and was inaugurated on May 1, 1931.
Location and Accessibility: Empire State vs Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island and can be accessed by ferry from Battery Park and Liberty State Park.
The ferry ride will take around 20 minutes, excluding the time needed for security checks.
The Empire State Building, on the other hand, is located at 350 Fifth Avenue in Lower Manhattan.
Its popular location makes it easily reachable by public and private transportation.
Height Comparison:
The Lady Liberty is 305 feet (93 meters) tall from the ground to the tip.
The statue itself is 151 feet (46 meters) tall, whereas its pedestal is 154 feet (47 meters) tall.
The Empire State Building, including the spire, is 1454 feet (443 meters) tall.
This makes it 4.4 times taller than the Statue of Liberty
Observation Deck Comparison:
The Statue of Liberty has two decks, one at the pedestal and another at the crown.
The pedestal can be reached through the stairs and offers limited views of the surrounding landscape.
The Crown is the Statue of Liberty’s highest observation point, 305 feet above the ground, offering unlimited views.
The Empire State Building has two observation decks: the main deck on the 86th floor and the top deck on the 102nd floor.
The 86th-floor main deck provides an open-air experience and is ideal for taking stunning photographs.
The 102nd-floor top deck is the Empire State’s highest vantage point, offering breathtaking views from 381 meters above ground.
Comparison of time needed to explore these Attractions
You will need 4 to 6 hours to explore the Statue of Liberty National Monument and its attractions
Begin by exploring the immersive exhibits at the Statue of Liberty museum that educate about the monument’s history.
Exploring Liberty Island’s ground will let you appreciate the Manhattan skyline and New York’s harbor from a new perspective.
You can also personalize your adventure with certificates and souvenir gifts at the Ellis Island Museum shop and Statue of Liberty Museum shop.
If you have time, you should also explore Ellis Island and visit the National Immigration Museum.
On the other hand, exploring the Empire State Building completely will take you two to four hours.
Explore its interactive displays first, like Dare to Dream, which illustrates the construction of the building.
Numerous interactive exhibits and displays can also be found on the Empire State Museum’s newly renovated second floor.
You can also feast on various dining options, including the STATE Grill and Bar, and take in the breathtaking views from its observation decks.
Also, participate in the building’s various events, activities, and concerts throughout the year.
Ticket Prices: Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building
The entry ticket to the Statue of Liberty and its attractions costs $32 for adults over 13.
Children between 4 and 12 and seniors above 62 get reduced costs of $22 and $28, respectively.
Infants under 3 can access the attraction for free.
This entry ticket grants you access to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and its museums.
Audio guides in your preferred language will also be provided.
However, access to the crown is not included in the entry ticket.
The Empire State entry tickets cost slightly more, at $50 for adults over 12.
Children between 6 and 12 and seniors above 62 get reduced costs of $44 and $48, respectively.
Infants under 6 cannot access the attraction.
This ticket will give skip-the-line access to the 86th-floor main deck and its immersive galleries.
You can also access the 102nd-floor top deck if you choose the option.
Visitor Experience and Reviews
A visit to the Statue of Liberty fosters a strong connection and understanding of American history.
A ferry ride to Liberty Island also provides breathtaking views of New York Harbor and the city skyline.
However, visitors mention that long wait times and limited crown access cause some hindrances to monument exploration.
The Empire State Building visitors rave about the stunning views and easy accessibility due to its central location.
However, high ticket prices and potentially large crowds can deter visitors to this iconic skyscraper.
FAQs
1. Which landmark offers the more central location between the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building?
The Empire State’s convenient location makes it easily accessible through various transportation methods.
The Statue of Liberty, on the other hand, is only reachable by ferry rides
2. What are the key differences between visitor experiences to these monuments?
Empire State visitors gush about mind-blowing views in a modern setting. Visitors to the Statue of Liberty rave about its historical significance and hidden symbolism.
3. How do potential wait times and ticket prices compare between the two monuments?
The Empire State Building has higher ticket prices, whereas you will experience long wait times and limited crown access at the Statue of Liberty.
4. What are the access limitations at the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building?
The Lady Liberty’s pedestal deck is easily accessible. However, crown access is limited, and tickets sell out months in advance.
You can easily access the 86th and 102nd-floor observation decks of the Empire State Building with the right tickets.
5. How can you access the Empire State and Statue of Liberty observation decks?
The observation decks at the Empire State Building are easily accessible through elevators. However, you will need to climb a narrow staircase to reach Lady Liberty’s crown
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