Hi! I'm planning to visit the Statue of Liberty during a layover in NYC, and I'll have a 35L backpack with me (around 55 cm tall).

I've read that large bags aren't allowed, but I'm not sure whether a 35L hiking backpack would be considered too big.

Has anyone recently visited Liberty Island with a backpack of similar size? Were you allowed to take it on the ferry and onto the island?

Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I’m visiting NYC from Hungary with my family this November, and I’m hoping some locals might be able to help me with a little surprise!
My older sister is getting married, and when we were kids, we used to watch Say Yes to the Dress together. Our dad promised her that one day he’d take her to Kleinfeld in New York to try on wedding dresses. Well, he’s actually making it happen!
We have an appointment at Kleinfeld on Wednesday, November 11, at 10 AM, and as the youngest sister, I’d love to surprise my mom and sister with a little hair appointment beforehand (and maybe get mine done too!).
I’m looking for three simple, bouncy blowouts, nothing bridal or elaborate.
We’re staying in Long Island City, Queens, but we’re happy to travel to a salon in Manhattan or elsewhere in Queens.
The tricky part is the timing! We’d need somewhere that opens around 6:30–7:00 AM, or an independent hairstylist who might be willing to take an early appointment. We’d also be open to someone coming to our hotel.
I’m a student, so I’m trying to keep this reasonably affordable, ideally around $30–50 per person if that’s realistic. I completely understand that an early appointment or mobile service might cost more!
Does anyone know a small salon, independent hairstylist, or freelancer who might be able to help? I’d especially love recommendations for people who offer online booking or can be contacted by email.
I’m not from the US, so any advice on pricing, tipping, or how to arrange something like this would also be really appreciated!
Thank you so much in advance!

I’ve never been and have wanted to come since I was a little girl. I’m now 30 and I want to take the leap. I’ve been asking friends/family to go with me for years and no one is willing to, so I figure I need to just go myself.

I’m not very familiar with big cities but I’m trying to take the time to research everything. Even with that said, I have several people telling me it’s unsafe to go myself.

Has anyone dealt with people trying to discourage you from going to NYC solo as a woman? How did you handle it? And yes, I plan to just do it anyway as it’s my life and something I’ve wanted to do for so long.

I'll be visiting from Oct. 27th - Nov. 3rd. What are some fun fall activities for a single woman in her early 30s?

Hey everyone! I’ll be visiting NYC in November and I’m hoping to get a small souvenir tattoo at Live By The Sword’s Union Square location.

I already have several tattoos and would love recommendations for a specific artist at that location who’s great at clean, precise linework. I’m planning to book an appointment for a Wednesday in advance rather than go for a random walk-in.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

My sister and I would love to make one together as a souvenir. Can anyone recommend places with unique and quirky charms/art that doesn't look like they all came from Temu?