The universal symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty was the first sight to be seen by the 12 million immigrants who passed through the Ellis Island Immigration Centre. Sculpted by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi and modelled on the Colossus of Rhodes, the statue was donated by the people of France in 1886 to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution. The interior of the statue itself is closed for renovation. The ferry calls at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and tourists can visit Ellis Island Museum, which documents the experiences of the immigrants.

Address: Liberty Island, New York Harbor

E-mail: info@statuecruises.com

Website: www.nps.gov/stli

Telephone: (212) 363 3200; 866-782-8834 (ferry information)

Transport: Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry from South Ferry at Battery Park to Liberty and Ellis islands. Ferries operate from 9:30am to 3:40pm, with departures approximately every 30 minutes.

Opening times: Daily 9:30am-5pm (except Christmas Day).

Admission: No fee is charged, but the ferry costs $13 adults, $5 children.