Italophile

I've climbed to the dome and up bell towers of loads of cathedrals in Europe, up to the top of Mt Sinai on foot, but all more than 10 years ago. Am now in my late 40s and reasonably fit. Will I find it a hard slog up to the crown, given 360 odd steps and apparently 20 degrees hotter inside than out? Appreciate any comments and insights from Fodorites who have recently done this climb!

bfrac

It isn't hard, but as you have already noted it is incredibly hot. It is a spiral staircase and very tight.

ellenem

When there was unlimited access to the statue, the difficult part was the wait. Typically the climb would take 2 hours, most of it spent waiting in line outside, then inside, and then inching forward, step by step, as people at the front finally made it to the crown. The crown is very small, and invariably the 8 or so people who could fit at once would pause to look out the windows and take a picture, causing the backup. The walk down would be a pretty much straight shot with no waiting and be accomplished about 10 minutes.

Now, with the reservation system and more limited access, I would expect/hope that this tedium has been eliminated.

nytraveler

You will spend a considerable time standing, sweating in a very hot, small space on a curving, narrow iron staircase staring at the butt of the person in front of you in order to spend a coupleof miutes at the top. The view is OK - but not great.

If that sounds like fun go for it.

Citylghts

So when you get into line, be sure to stand behind someone with a cute butt. ;-)

jroth

I still can't figure what the attraction is to climb the SOL. Besides the long wait, or need to make a reservation, wait for the boat, etc. this is a work of art that was never intended by the French artist who created it to be climbed around on the inside. It was created to be an inspiring view to the newly arriving immigrants of the latter 19th century and early 20th as they entered New York Harbor. You get that view if you take the free Staten Island Ferry or - better yet - the view from Governors Island which is reachable via a 10 minute free ferry ride and there is a shuttle to ride you to the viewing spot for the Statue. You also get a spectacular view of the New York skyline - at the same charge -- free. No hassle, no lines, no crowds.

sassy_cat

Over a decade ago I did it with absolutely no problem ( 34 years old... I was 5 months pregnant and it was February so it wasn't hot).

to jroth,

I was interested in the internal structure so it was worth the time and I would do it again.


My son was about 6 and decided he'd rather not go to the top but once you're on that spiral staircase the only way is UP as there's a different staircase down!

SiteC_er

It's a hassle but one of those bucket list items

Italophile

Thanks everyone for your insights. I have already reserved my place so will be doing it. The reopening was on the news here so I thought it would be worthwhile.

Italophile

I'm also interested in the internal structure and to see how it compares with all the bell towers and domes of cathedrals I've climbed all over Europe. One thing's for certain, it can't be as hard as climbing up and down Mt Sinai - that was a once off for me, that's for sure!