Statue of Liberty Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Probably the most iconic statue in the world, the Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island which lies off the southern tip of Manhattan Island in the Upper New York Bay. No visit to the Big Apple is complete without paying homage to such a recognizable landmark.

To get there, you will need to catch the ferry run by Statue Cruises. The crossing takes fifteen minutes from either Battery Park in downtown Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey City. Once there you can take a guided tour, climb to the pedestal, or, for the more energetic, you can climb the 354 stairs all the way to the crown platform. This is the equivalent of twenty floors but the view of New York harbor makes up for the calorie expenditure.

It is important to note that the climb to the crown platform is on a winding staircase and you will not be allowed to take anything other than a camera and a plastic water bottle. As there is only small-item storage available on the island, you would be well advised to drop off any luggage at one of the many luggage storage services around New York.

Statue of Liberty bag policy

Before boarding the ferry, you will need to pass through a security screening. You can take food,  backpacks, and camera equipment but the maximum size for any baggage is 24 '' x 18''. Weapons of any sort or forbidden. This includes licenced firearms. Drones and audio devices that amplify sound are also not allowed.

At the entrance of the monument, you will be required to go through a second security check. If they find any of the items above, they will immediately be seized. You will be allowed one small bag per person but no laptops, strollers or coolers.

If you now decide to ascend to the Crown platform, you will only be allowed to carry a camera and a plastic water bottle.

Statue of Liberty food policy

You are welcome to bring along a picnic and there is a delightful park where you will be able to enjoy outdoor eating. There is a little catch, however. If you carry your food in a cooler or backpack, you will not be able to take these items with you into the statue. The lockers that are available only accommodate small items and must be rented.

The Statue of Liberty Crown Cafe specializes in locally sourced organic foods. You can purchase hot and cold drinks, wraps or fruit.

What you may be better of doing is grabbing a light snack at the cafe but then saving your eating adventure for back in Manhattan. There you will find just about every type of food you can imagine. Clam chowder is popular, as are New York-style pastrami sandwiches and baked pretzels. Be sure not to miss the New York-style cheesecake.

Statue of Liberty rules

In addition to the restrictions above, the following rules are worth noting.

• There are limited tickets to the pedestal and to the Crown pedestal, so booking ahead is advised.
• No fireworks of any sort.
• Only assistance animals are allowed anywhere on the island.
• You must feed or otherwise disturb wildlife.
• Indoor smoking is prohibited and there is no smoking on the ferry.

Statue of Liberty lockers

When exploring a city or tourist venue, it is always a good idea to travel light. When going to the Statue of Liberty, it is almost imperative. Neither the ferry nor the statue is welcoming of large luggage, and even the lockers that are available are only for smaller items. This means that if you want to make the most of one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, it makes sense to store your bags in advance.

The locker services in the vicinity are plentiful, so you will be bound to find one. It is wise to pick a service that offers online booking as you don't want to drag your baggage all the way to a facility only to find all the lockers there have already been taken. Some of the better service providers offer comprehensive protection with your booking.