It might seem strange to compare two iconic structures that are 3,694 miles apart (5,834 km). But things like this can inform wherever it is worth going to either Paris or New York so it could be pivotal to your trip. We have compared the two, the pros, the cons and everything in between.
Here is a little summary of the two landmarks:
*info correct as of May 2024
| Monument | Eiffel Tower | Statue of Liberty |
| Year built | 1887 | 1886 |
| Height | 300 metres (330m to the tip) | 46 metres (excluding the pedestal) |
| Time needed to visit | 1/ 2.5 hours | 2/ 2.5 hours |
| Admission price (to the tour) | From 11.80 EUR | From $25 |
The information above has a lot of caveats. For example, the total height of the Statue of Liberty is 93 metres if you go from the ground with the cement plinth. So given that, the plinth more than doubles the size of the Statue from the ground.
Times given are dependent on what you do, The Eiffel Tower has a few options, from different floors and viewpoints, floors. Same with the Statue of Liberty but you have to take a ferry to get up close and personal.
Admission again varies on what you do, where you have lift, non-lift option for the Eiffel Tower. Whereas the Statue of Liberty you can just walk around on the ground or look to get a birds eye view from the crown.
Eiffel Tower (Paris)
Believe it or not the Eiffel Tower was the tallest structure in the world for 42 years until the Empire State Building in New York came along and was taller by around 50 metres. The Eiffel Tower was built as part of hosting the World Fair in 1889.It was built by an engineer called Gustave ‘Eiffel’ and his building company. His building company also built the metal frame for the Statue of Liberty, small world.
The structure is actually made of Iron and not steel. Around 6 million people per year enter the iconic Tower. It also has generous opening times. Claiming to be open everyday and from around 9am to midnight depending on the time of year.
Statue of Liberty (New York)
Now here is where the connection between these two landmarks becomes even closer. The Statue of Liberty was proposed by a Frenchman called Édouard de Laboulaye, as a gift to the States in support of America and to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the ‘Declaration of Independence’ also the strong friendship the two nations held.
The structure was built in France and packed into 214 crates. Then erected in New York after arriving in New York harbour in 1885. It was then constructed on Liberty Island where it stands profoundly today.
Around 4.5 million people visit the Statue of Liberty each year, with many more seeing it in the New York background.
The highlights and best bits – Eiffel Tower
If you don’t want to pay to enter the structure you can sit nearby on grass and enjoy looking up at this impressive work of art. There are also vantage points to see from a distance in the Paris skyline.
But really you want to enter and look round. Highlights here are paying to go to the top (the summit) and see those amazing views of Paris (weather permitting). You can also tell your friends and family you’ve been up the Eiffel Tower, it will hold more credibility than saying you’ve been up Blackpool Tower (english version).
On the 1st floor of the Tower you can look down at The Esplanade through a transparent floor and admire the metal work.
The other highlight is going into the restored office of the man that was the reason this impressive monument stands there today, Gustave Eiffel.
The highlights and best bits – Statue of Liberty
As with the Eiffel Tower there are many free vantage points to see the lady herself, these include: Battery Park, Brooklyn Park and from the shores of New Jersey.
You will probably want to stop off at Ellis Island where the immigration museum is that tells the story of the immigrants who entered the states and were actually processed at this building back in the day.
The ferry ride is also nice to see parts of this iconic city. But if you can get a ticket for the Crown, this has to be the main highlight, the crown always reminds me of Ghostbusters 2 where they commandeer the fair lady to help them.
The not so good bits – Eiffel Tower
As with popular attractions, you are more than likely going to have to queue up especially during peak season. Also in and around the Tower you’ll find some shady people, trying to sell you things as well as pickpockets. Be very wary there as well as on the Metro – they prey on tourists.
Also which you can never anticipate in advance but the weather, if it’s a dull / raining day then not ideal, so try to go in summer months to have more chances of clear skies.
The not so good bits – Statue of Liberty
Queuing again can be frustrating as depending how you’ve purchased your tickets, you could need to collect tickets from different places. Also be sure on what you’ve booked, as only ‘Statue City Cruises’ will actually stop at both Ellis and Liberty Island, there are other cruise companies that just pass by and back to where you got on.
Booking the Crown is one of the hardest things to find and get availability. I just checked now and there is 1 ticket in July that’s it, so you need to plan way in advance.
Which is the best, Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty?
This one was pretty easy for me and based on which is the better city along with the monument itself. The winner is, drum roll please………… Statue of Liberty. I think the overall experience is far better, as you get to ride a ferry there, also have a few things to do and explore and if you want to you can make a full day of this. You are also in New York which I feel is overall a much better city city than Paris with Broadway, Time Square and the list goes on.
