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The Ultimate New York Travel Guide 2024

Our new york travel tips for first time visitors.

Are you traveling to New York for the first time and want to get an overview of what you should pay attention to? Here, I show you step by step the most important information you need to know for your New York trip. There’s a lot to see and do in New York, from world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building to a wide selection of unique museums and New York-style foods that you should definitely try.

You may also like:

Where in new york should you stay.

• The 33 Absolute Best New York Attractions
• New York on a Budget

Now, sit back and enjoy our New York Travel Guide to help you have a wonderful time in New York City!

By the way, we now have over 1,600 spots in the city on our site. So, if you’re looking for suitable tours, bars, restaurants, and awesome spots to visit, then you’re in the right place!

Everything you need!

Hello you 👋 Here you will find everything you need for your New York trip!

These are our best New York Travel Tips for first time visitors:

Table of Contents

New York at a Glance

Best time to travel to new york.

Visiting New York is worthwhile at any time of year, but I personally like the warm months best. Summer in New York can be very hot and humid. So, for many, the best times to visit New York is April and June, and September and October.

Spending Christmas in New York or enjoying the pre-Christmas season in New York City is also a wonderful experience.  The ice rinks are open, the city is beautifully decorated, and, if it snows, the dream vacation at wintertime is perfect!

Paying in New York

You can pay for almost everything with your credit card, even the smallest amounts. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, stores, restaurants, and bars. Don’t have one yet? Then, check out the best credit card to have in the USA here.

New York for First Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know for Your Trip (70+ pages)

Best Way to Travel in New York

Finding your way around New York is quite easy, even if it doesn’t look like it at first. The streets’ checkerboard pattern makes finding your way around easy. These are the best ways to get around New York:

Metro / Subway: If you have longer distances ahead of you, then the Subway is your friend, because here you can travel really cheap. It’s easy to use! The MetroCard is available at every Subway station. You can buy single rides or the popular MetroCard for 7 days; that way you can travel for a week in New York at a fixed price. You can learn more about using the  Metrocard in New York here.

Taxi:  In New York, you can choose between the Yellow Cab and Uber. You can check out our tips and all the information you need to know in our following blog:  Taxi in New York City .

By bike: With many of the New York sightseeing passes (you can find out more about this budget tip in my New York Pass comparison ), the bike rental is included. We ourselves really love using New York’s Citi Bikes. This city bike program has over 1,000 stations throughout New York City, and it’s super-cheap. We’ll show you how it works in the Citi Bike New York article.

On Foot: You’ll be surprised how much walking you’ll do in New York. After all, there’s something to see on every corner. So be sure to bring comfortable shoes!

Where to Stay in New York?

Which neighborhood is best for you depends on several things: your interests, how close you want to be to the attractions and what your travel budget is. In the image below, I’ve drawn you my favorite neighborhoods of New York including the main attractions nearby.

And, on the subject of safety: In all of Manhattan, the Bronx , Brooklyn, and large parts of Queens, you don’t have to worry about being out and about in the evening. New York City is one of the safest cities in the world!

More than 100 hotels and over 70 neighborhoods to choose from –and after just 4 quick questions, I’ll show you which hotels in New York are best suited for you!

Where Should you Stay in New York?

Manhattan – it doesn’t get more central than this: Manhattan is the most famous borough of them all. Plus, it contains 95% of all the attractions New York is known for. Everything is within easy reach, and you are right in the middle of it all. On the other hand, the hotels are a bit more expensive than in Brooklyn or Queens .

Here, you can find my 33 hotel tips for Manhattan .

Brooklyn – urban and relaxed: For a long time, Brooklyn was the insider’s tip: now it’s “completely” normal neighborhoods. However, you’ll quickly notice one thing: life is much more normal, because it’s more of a residential area. It’s super relaxed, pleasant, and just as diverse as Manhattan. Above all, you can enjoy the Manhattan skyline from here!

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Brooklyn .

Queens – the new trendy neighborhood: Queens is a bit more “normal” than Brooklyn is, but, lately, we’ve noticed that it is getting more and more gentrified. The hotels in Long Island City (not to be confused with Long Island!) are especially popular because they are cheaper compared to Manhattan—and they have a perfect connection to the Subway, which makes Queens a great alternative to Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Here, you can find my 20 hotel tips for Queens .

What to See in New York?

One thing to know in advance: just because there is so much to see in New York, a little planning makes absolute sense. For highlights like the Empire State Building ( here ), the Edge Hudson Yards observation deck ( here ) or the One World Observatory ( here ), I recommend buying the tickets online in advance. This will not only save you waiting time on site, but you can also be sure that you will actually be able to visit your desired sights.

👉 These are our 33 best attractions in New York .

These are my tips after more than 20 visits to New York:

• Observation decks:  New York City has no less than five (!) major observation decks to offer, and each one is a dream in itself. My two favorites are The Edge Hudson Yards and the One World Observatory , because from here you have a sensational view of New York from above and you can see the Empire State Building . From the end of 2021, another cool option will be added with the glass One Vanderbilt . One more thing about the Empire State Building: It’s the most visited observation deck in New York, so it’s always busy. Avoid the crowds in the morning – and if you really want to go to the Empire State Building in the evening, choose Thursday, Friday or Saturday. During those times, a saxophonist plays on the observation deck. Important: book the Skip-the-Line-Tickets (you can do that here). Then, you can easily save 1-2 hours of waiting time!
• Visit the Statue of Liberty : The trip from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty is super-popular. To save yourself long waiting times, make sure you take the first ferry of the day. Here, you can find the best Statue of Liberty Cruises right now.
• Definitely take a boat tour , because seeing New York from the water is like being on vacation. Choices range from the free Staten Island Ferry or the NYC Ferry ($2.90 each way) to sailing tours (gorgeous) and the classic sightseeing tours that are included with all major New York passes.
• Walk along the High Line from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards .
• Visit Times Square in the evening – that’s when it’s at its most impressive.
• Relax in Central Park or Bryant Park .
• Plan a maximum of three attractions per day . After all, you don’t want any sightseeing stress.

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The 9 best observation decks in new york city, new york budget tip.

With the right New York sightseeing pass , you can easily save a lot of money on up to 100 tours and attractions. To find out if a New York Pass is worth it (or not), check out our free New York Pass Advisor to find out which New York Pass is best for you.

And on this page you’ll find our New York Pass comparison .

Itineraries in New York

You don’t know where to start? Then let us inspire you! We have some suggestions for you. By the way, the most popular is the 1 week New York itinerary .

The Perfect Itinerary For Your New York Trip

This itinerary contains over 50 spots and highlights of the city, including a map that shows you the best way to travel each day, taking you to or past the many big attractions. In addition, we‘ve added our favorite places, from great breakfast spots to start your day right to small bars and restaurants and hidden insider spots.

What awaits you here now is the perfect New York week, because this is what my itinerary would look like if I were visiting the Big Apple for the first or second time right now!

What to Do in New York?

For me, an unforgettable New York trip includes the following things in addition to visiting the main sights:

Go Shopping

New York is also really good for shopping. There are many small shopping spots and addresses, but also the big brands can often be found with flagship stores. If that’s not enough, you can go shopping in one of the outlets and flea markets of New York.

The best shopping areas in New York are Broadway, SoHo , Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. And, of course, 5th Avenue!

Avoid Times Square for shopping!

A real tourist trap are the stores around Times Square – they are not only overpriced, but also the quality is not right in most cases!

Here you can find our Guide to Shopping in New York  with everything you need to know!

Shopping in New York: The Ultimate Guide 2024

The Best Outlets in NYC – The Ultimate Guide for 2024

The 15 Best Flea Markets in NYC – Shop Vintage and Rare to Find Items

Shopping in SoHo NYC: The 25 Best Stores Right Now

Visit a rooftop bar.

I love the rooftop bars of New York . You can sit and relax, enjoy a sensational view of the city and listen to relaxing music. All this mixes with the so-typical sounds of the city in the background, and if you have something delicious to drink or eat on top of that, it can’t get any better! You can see where we like to go in our article on the 43 best rooftop bars in New York .

By the way, if you want to experience the view of New York when you get up early in the morning, check out my list of the 26 best New York hotels with a view !

Visit a Broadway Show

New York is known for its many musicals and Broadway shows – most of which are performed in the Theatre District around Times Square. Here are our tips on the  best Broadway Shows in New York . If you already know which Broadway show you want to see, I recommend ordering the tickets in advance ( here ). If you’re still flexible, you can buy leftover tickets at TKTS in Times Square, for example.

Attend a Parade or Special Event

OK, hotel is booked, attractions are on the list, the myNY itinerary is ready, shopping spots are sighted and the first restaurants and bars are also noted. Now comes the last step on the list to the perfect travel planning for New York: the events, parades, and holidays.

They are the icing on the cake of every New York vacation and, therefore, could not be missed in our New York Travel Guide! Just check out our monthly specials that are relevant to you:  January , February , March , April , May , June , July , August , September , October , November and December .

Enjoying the Gastro Scene (in the Evening)

Now comes one of my favorite parts of planning our New York trips: the city’s many bars, restaurants, rooftop bars, and food markets. In our travel guide and insider guides on the website, we put a lot of emphasis on finding the best gastro spots and rooftop bars. So, feel free to browse through them, and if you like something, just add it to your myNY itinerary. Just click on the heart symbol, and you’re done!

The 24 Most Beautiful Bars in NYC Right Now

The 12 Best Food Markets in NYC

The 23 Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars in New York Right Now

The Best Burger in New York City

Marvel at grand central station.

Be sure to take the time to see Grand Central Station . Not only is it the setting for many series and movies set in New York, it’s also very impressive and has a fantastic ceiling!

The 50 Absolute Best Things to Do in New York (90+ pages)

Walking through DUMBO and Soho

The neighborhoods of DUMBO in Brooklyn and Soho in Manhattan are among the most iconic neighborhoods in the city and are fascinating for their combination of old New York with new New York.

Things to Do in DUMBO

The 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo NYC – The Complete Guide 2024

What to eat in new york.

What should I start with first? With the New York pizza slice, the New York cheesecake, the wonderful pastrami sandwiches at Katz’ Delicatessen, or at the Pastrami Queen? In addition, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Luger are two really good steak restaurants waiting for you and if you want to eat really good burgers: go to J.G. Melon, the hidden Burger Joint or Shake Shack!

Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!

We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!

Specify dates

I hope my New York Travel Guide helped you plan your first trip to New York. Was there anything missing? Feel free to write it in the comments!

I wish you a wonderful time in New York City!

New York on a Budget: The 19 Best Money-Saving Tips for 2024

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Come and Dream in the City That Never Sleeps

“The City that Never Sleeps” is a city that needs no introduction, of course. The Statue of Liberty has not moved, Central Park still stretches from 59th street to 110th Street (between Fifth and Eighth Avenues), and the Museum of Natural History still stands more or less across the park from the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in Upper West and Upper East sides respectively, and the Empire State Building is still there, towering over Fifth Avenue at 34th Street.

However, even for regular visitors, things do change …

Editors’ Hotel Picks

Five Star Hotels

Luxurious Hotels. These are hotels that offer only large, luxurious to elegant guest accommodations and the pinnacle of service by any standard, often with opulent restaurants. Most Ritz Carltons, Conrads, and Four Seasons.

Four Star Hotels

Deluxe Hotels. Full-service hotels (with bellmen, concierge and room service) and palpably well-appointed rooms and gourmet restaurants. Most Hyatts and Marriotts.

Three Star Hotels

First Class Hotels. Mid-level properties with clean but basic furnishings and facilities and restaurants that serve three meals per day. Holiday Inns, Hampton Inns.

Two Star Hotels

Moderate Hotels. Usually clean, adequate, smaller hotels that may or may not have restaurants, but may serve extended continental breakfasts in the public areas. Days Inns, LaQuintas.

One Star Hotels

Economy Hotels. Often independent hotels without bellhop or room services, sometimes with exterior access to guestrooms. Econolodges, Motel 6.

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New York City Travel Guide

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Whatever it is you're into, you'll find there's more to do in New York than you'll have time.

Check out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. Then, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple's history.

Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty.

You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent people-watching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. Traveling in the summer? Make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.

Prefer sports, movies, and live music? See the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, the New York Mets at Citi Field, or the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Track down sites from your favorite movies and TV shows. Seinfeld , Sex and the City , "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Serendipity," and "Home Alone 2" are just a small fraction of what's been filmed here.

New York is a city filled with attractions, but some of its most interesting experiences are sure to be the ones you accidentally stumble upon on the way to somewhere else. Whatever it is you're looking for, you can find it in New York. Just don't try to do everything in one trip.

Eastern Standard Time

Best Time to Go

New York is a city that's always celebrating something, and summer is one of the best times to visit. Outdoor concert season is in full swing. Free movies and theatrical performances fill the city's parks, street vendors are everywhere, and street fairs abound. But subway platforms can get steamy, lines can get long, and temperatures can soar among the city's high-rises. If this sounds like misery, visit between Thanksgiving and the New Year, when temperatures are cooler and department store windows are decked out for the holidays. During this time, Manhattan's three major outdoor ice rinks are open, a giant Christmas tree marks Rockefeller Center, and holiday light shows are more elaborate than anything you could ever imagine.

Things to Know

New York is a city made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Most tourist attractions are in Manhattan, with a few scattered across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Driving in Manhattan is unnecessary. The city has an extensive public transit system, making it easy to get just about anywhere by subway, bus, cab, and foot. Uber and Lyft are plentiful, while parking can be both a miserable and expensive experience. Meanwhile, the subway is open 24/7.

New York is a city that moves fast. Step aside to look at your phone, and remember to stand on the right side of the escalator so hurried commuters can walk on the left.

Times Square characters can be pushy. Tipping is at your discretion.

How to Get Around

Trains: The New York City subway is one of the most extensive public transit systems in the world. It connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and runs on Staten Island. Each ride costs $2.75. A seven-day pass is available for $33 and covers both trains and buses.

Buses: A network of buses offers easy access to the rare spots not served by nearby train stations and to New York's LaGuardia Airport. Individual bus rides cost $2.75. Seven-day transit passes cost $33 and cover trains and buses. While buses can be convenient, traffic can sometimes make them easy to outwalk.

Ferries: One of the best ways to hop among New York's boroughs in good weather is a ferry. Ferries connect Queens, the western coast of Brooklyn, the eastern side of Manhattan, and Staten Island. Rides are $2.75 each. Subway and bus passes aren't accepted on New York ferries. The Staten Island Ferry is free.

Taxis: Cabs are all over Manhattan, but a little harder to find in parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Green cabs offer service in northern Manhattan and the outer boroughs. To hail a cab, look for one that has its light on and raise your arm. All New York cabs are metered and required to accept credit cards.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are all over New York and offer similar pricing. Rideshare can be the best way to travel in parts of Brooklyn and Queens.

Best Hotels

Address: 768 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 759-3000

If money is no object and you've always dreamed of sleeping in a castle, this is the hotel for you. It was built to resemble a French château and sits across the street from the southern edge of Central Park. A favorite of filmmakers, The Plaza is where Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand filmed "The Way We Were" and where Macaulay Culkin spent Christmas in "Home Alone 2." The Plaza underwent a $450 million restoration in 2008 and is known for its afternoon tea service.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 308-9100

The Ritz-Carlton is one of Central Park's most luxurious hotels. The high-end property is located steps from some of the best shopping in the world and the southern edge of Central Park. Rooms are plush and personal touches abound. This is a place to be pampered. Come for a spa day, stay for afternoon tea, and while away the hours in between at Bergdorf Goodman a few blocks away.

The Peninsula New York

Address: 700 5th Ave., New York, NY, 10019

Phone: (212) 956-2888

After being closed for 14 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Peninsula New York reopened in summer 2021 and welcomed guests back to this iconic address on Fifth Avenue, near high-end stores and popular attractions such as Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The hotel's spa is one of the largest in the city, spanning three floors, and the top-floor indoor pool offers sweeping views of the skyline.

CitizenM New York Times Square Hotel

Address: 218 W. 50th St., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 461-3638

Located on the northern edge of Times Square in the heart of the Theater District, this hotel feels like an urban art gallery. Rooms are compact yet modern, functional, and clean. Plus, the hotel bar is as affordable as they come in NYC, and there's a rooftop that's perfect for sipping cocktails.

Pendry Manhattan West

Address: 438 W. 33rd St., New York, NY, 10001

Phone: (212) 933-7000

Located in one of the city's newest developments, Pendry Manhattan West brings a sense of modern California luxury to Hudson Yards. Pendry's first hotel in New York City, Manhattan West opened in September 2021 and sits among some of the area's premium dining and shopping options. The hotel decor has a refined 1960s retro inspiration, merging the brand's serene West Coast style with the energy of New York City's west side. Take a stroll outside on the nearby High Line, or simply head to the hotel's Peloton-outfitted fitness center.

Soho Grand Hotel

Address: 310 W. Broadway, New York, NY, 10013

Phone: (212) 965-3000

The luxury Soho Grand Hotel takes the guest experience to another level. It has rooms that are small yet luxurious and functional, even for business travelers. Common areas are nothing short of opulent. This is a perfect home base for exploring Lower Manhattan and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city overnight.

The Empire Hotel

Address: 44 W. 63rd St., New York, NY 10023

Phone: (212) 265-7400

This trendy boutique hotel is known for its rooftop bar whose red neon sign looms large over the Upper West Side. Rooms are small yet functional, comfortable, and well-equipped for business travelers. Besides, the rooftop is where you'll want to spend all of your free time.

Address: Multiple Locations

This trendy hotel has outposts in SoHo, NoMad, and Midtown. The Hudson Street location is perfect for travelers looking for a party in the Meatpacking District, while the NoMad spot offers excellent proximity to shopping and rooftop bars, including the hotel's own. The Arlo NoMad rooftop is a great place to gawk at the Empire State Building, cocktail in hand.

Grayson Hotel

30 W. 39th St., New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 229-4729

The Grayson Hotel combines luxurious style with industrial-chic design and stunning skyline views for an authentic Manhattan experience. Minutes from Bryant Park, Herald Square, and a short walk to the Times Square theater district, its convenient midtown location is a plus. Enjoy wine and tapas at Bar Harta or mezcal at Cima, set above the city on the 28th floor.

The James New York NoMad

22 E. 29th Street, New York, NY 10016

Phone: (212) 532-4100

Book Now Stay at this stylish Beaux Arts boutique hotel for a welcome refuge from the bustle of the city or take inspiration from its modern, upbeat atmosphere. The James Club lobby features a nightly happy hour with live music and morning coffee to start your day. Don’t miss the Seville, its speakeasy-style cocktail lounge or Scarpetta for gourmet Italian cuisine.

Smyth Tribeca

Address: 85 W. Broadway, New York, NY 10007

Phone: (917) 997-2700

Set downtown in Tribeca, the Smyth offers 100 spacious, stylishly furnished guest rooms and suites. The Smyth is conveniently located near the Chambers Street metro station, and it's just a short walk to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, shopping at the Oculus and Brookfield Place, and a variety of bars and restaurants. This moderately priced hotel features soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows, continental breakfast, and thoughtful details that make it a comfortable home away from home.

Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Access Road, One Idlewild Dr., 11430

Phone: (212) 806-9000

Designed by the architect behind St. Louis' Gateway Arch and completed in 1962, TWA Hotel is a vintage aviation geek's dream come true. Formerly an airline terminal, it has since been converted into a 512-room hotel. It's also a convenient choice if you're working a New York stop into a long layover. The hotel offers four- to six-hour bookings, as well as overnight stays, and the rooftop infinity pool is the perfect place to watch planes take off.

Sofitel New York

Address: 45 W. 44th St., New York, NY, 10036

Phone: (212) 354-8844

The Sofitel New York brings a bit of French Art Deco elegance to New York City, with interior decor inspiration that will transport you back to 1930s Paris. But head to one of the top-floor suites and you'll instantly know which city you're in, as all four Terrace Suites offer up-close views of either the Chrysler or Empire State buildings from private outdoor terraces. Whether entertaining a crowd or celebrating an intimate occasion, the Sofitel offers a fashionable escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Grand Central Station.

Park Lane Hotel New York

Address: 36 Central Park South, New York, NY, 10019

Phone: (212) 371-4000

Recently renovated Park Lane Hotel has spun up a welcoming atmosphere with artful touches steps from Central Park. Whimsical murals from New York City-based artists decorate guests rooms and public space in the hotel — which is also pet-friendly, near every city dog's dream spot for a long walk. Make sure to head upstairs to Darling, Central Park South's only rooftop lounge, where guests can take in the sprawling views of the park and skyline from the 47th floor.

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

Address: 400 5th Ave., New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 695-4005

With the Theater District just a 12-minute walk, Bryant Park six minutes away, and the Empire State Building around the corner, you can't ask for a better-located hotel in New York City. But this luxurious five-star spot is hard to leave, thanks to its Michelin-starred restaurant Ai Fiori, well-appointed suites (some with full kitchens), spacious gym and spa, and fabulous 60-story views of Manhattan.

Kimpton Hotel Eventi

851 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 564-4567

Friendly, casual, and comfortable, Eventi’s warm atmosphere is evident in its living room–style lobby and adjacent coffee bar, cocktail lounge, and restaurant. Set in the Chelsea neighborhood steps from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and the Empire State Building, the hotel offers magnificent city views along with its convenient location.

Best Restaurants

Katz's delicatessen.

Address: 205 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002

Phone: (212) 254-2246

Founded in 1888, this kosher-style deli sits underneath an iconic old-school sign. The casual, bustling space is known for its pastrami on rye — considered to be one of the city's best — as well as for its corned beef. It's likely to look familiar — Katz's was the backdrop for Meg Ryan's fake orgasm scene in "When Harry Met Sally."

Eleven Madison Park

Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Phone: (212) 889-0905

Regularly on lists of the world's top fine-dining establishments, Eleven Madison Park is best known for its multi-course tasting menu. The Michelin three-starred restaurant also serves up beautiful views, given its location overlooking Madison Square Park.

Address: 138 Lafayette St., New York, NY, 10013

Phone: (212) 271-4252

Le Coucou was the first U.S. establishment for head chef Daniel Rose, who hails from two successful restaurants in France. Reopened in November 2021 after more than a year closed, the Michelin-starred French restaurant still offers an a la carte menu, as well as a new four-course tasting menu priced at $185 per person. While jackets are not required, the dress code is still listed as "elegant."

Keens Steakhouse

Address: 72 W. 36th St., New York, NY 10018

Phone: (212) 947-3636

Keens is the rare restaurant that has survived more than a century in the Herald Square section of Midtown Manhattan. It opened in 1885 and was a favorite among stage actors in the early days. Now, it's a carnivore's paradise known around the world for its whiskey and gigantic mutton chop. The restaurant previously allowed patrons to store their clay pipes, allowing it to build a collection from legends such as Babe Ruth, Theodore Roosevelt, J.P. Morgan, and Albert Einstein.

Gage & Tollner

Address: 372 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY, 11201

Phone: (347) 689-3677

Originally open for 125 years from 1879 to 2004, Gage & Tollner reopened in April 2021 as a modern oyster and chop house. Now, once again, the cornerstone of Downtown Brooklyn's restaurant scene, Gage & Tollner gives plenty of nods to its history, through both the food and largely Gilded Age-inspired design . Looking to stray from the classic '40s martini-and-steak vibes? There's a tiki bar called Sunken Harbour Club upstairs.

Joe's Shanghai

Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013

Phone: (212) 233-8888

The original Joe's Shanghai opened in Flushing, Queens, paving the way for future locations in Chinatown and Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant is known for its authentic Shanghainese food, specifically its pork and crab xiao long bao. This variety of Chinese steamed bun is cooked with soup inside the dumpling, creating a simple culinary experience like none other.

Totto Ramen

Ramen is everywhere these days and Totto Ramen doles out some of the best in New York City. Its restaurants are small, lines can be long, and reservations aren't an option. But don't worry — this ramen is worth the wait. Totto is known for using a rich, chicken-based broth instead of a more traditional pork-based version, and for serving up some of the best noodles in Manhattan. There are now three Totto Ramen locations in Midtown Manhattan. The 52nd Street location is the original.

Address: 240 Central Park S., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 582-5100

Marea is one of the city's top seafood restaurants. This high-end spot at the edge of Central Park has earned two Michelin stars and the 2010 James Beard Award for best new restaurant. Chef Michael White gets his inspiration from coastal Italy — don't miss the branzino, Adriatic seafood soup, or the stuffed calamari. Can't decide? Opt for a multi-course prix-fixe menu or a chef's tasting menu.

Address: 385 9th Ave., New York, NY, 10001

Phone: (212) 219-6559

The newest restaurant from famed New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer, Ci Siamo, which translates to "here we are" or "we've finally arrived," brings a bit of Italian flair to Hudson Yards on the west side. With plush leather and velvet seating, plus subtle midcentury modern decor touches, the interior of the restaurant is meant to evoke the comfortable feeling of dining in someone's home. Chef Hillary Sterling even has a custom-built grill to accommodate various temperatures at once, as she cooks up selections like wood-fired whole trout.

H&H Bagels

You can't visit New York without eating an iconic NYC bagel. But why not eat that bagel where Seinfeld 's Kramer used to work? H&H was once the largest bagel maker in New York and one of the largest bagel manufacturers in the world, making an estimated 80,000 rounds per day. Nowadays, its two locations feed New Yorkers on the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan.

Bonnie's

Address: 398 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11211

Phone: (914) 875-3709

Named after chef Calvin Eng's mom, Bonnie's, in Brooklyn, is self-described as Cantonese American cuisine, with a varied menu that includes nods to some of Eng's favorite food memories, including glazed pork served on a sesame milk bun, mimicking a high-end McRib sandwich. The popular Williamsburg restaurant is closed on Mondays and offers reservations from Tuesday to Sunday, though they leave a few tables and seats at the bar open for walk-ins.

Dominique Ansel

Address: 189 Spring St., New York, NY 10012

Phone: (212) 219-2773

This Soho bakery is perhaps best known for creating the cronut, a magical blend of croissant and donut in new flavors revealed each month. But Dominique Ansel offers so much more. Among the treats not to miss: torched-to-order frozen s'mores with a vanilla ice cream center covered in chocolate wafer crisps and honey marshmallows.

Dowling's

Address: 35 E. 76th St., New York, NY, 10021

Phone: (212) 744-1600

This new, fine art-covered restaurant located within The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel is under the guidance of executive chef Sylvain Delpique — previously of 21 Club — with a menu nearly as timeless as New York itself. The throwback favorites, including wedge salad, shrimp cocktail, and steak, are sure to be crowd favorites, though there are distinctly modern sections of the menu, too. Jackets are recommended for dinner service, though if you prefer to dine sans sport coat, Dowling's does an impressive lunch service complete with mini-martinis .

Address: 70 Pine St., New York, NY, 10005

Phone: (212) 339-3963

Perched atop the 63rd floor of a landmark Art Deco tower, SAGA offers a modern European tasting menu from acclaimed duo James Kent and Jeff Katz, known for building their careers at top New York City institutions like Eleven Madison Park and Del Posto. At this modern fine-dining spot, reservations are hard to grab; lucky diners who do snag one will need to prepay the full nonrefundable menu price of $245 each, with a minimum reservation for two.

Serendipity III

Address: 225 E 60th St., New York, NY 10022

Phone: (212) 838-3531

This is a place guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. The legendary sweet shop and general store opened in 1954 and has since become a go-to for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Cher, and Beyonce. It's known for its Frozen Hot Chocolate, creative savory dishes such as shrimp-stuffed avocado, and for creating both the world's most expensive dessert and most expensive burger. The restaurant has made appearances in the movies "Serendipity," "One Fine Day," and "Trust the Man."

Xi'an Famous Foods

With several locations across New York, this chain of family-run restaurants specializes in authentic western Chinese food. The company's CEO was born in Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities. Fun fact: Its dishes were a favorite of Anthony Bourdain's.

Tanner Smith's

Address: 204 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (646) 590-2034

Located just south of Central Park, Tanner Smith's is the perfect place to go for a classy tea that doubles as a tipsy brunch. It's part speakeasy, part cocktail bar, part restaurant, and 100% authentic New York. This is a place whose roots stretch back to the 1800s and whose Tipsy Tea Brunch will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time.

Laser Wolf Brooklyn

Address: 97 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249

Phone: (718) 215-7150

Located on the roof of The Hoxton, Williamsburg , Laser Wolf Brooklyn offers Manhattan skyline views almost as delightful as its Israeli cuisine. Cooked over live coals, the food at this "shipudiya" (or skewer house) from legendary chef Michael Solomonov offers the luxury of simplicity: simply choose from three main dish categories (meat, fish, or veggies) and then prepare to be whisked away on a culinary journey. The wide selection of salatim (Israeli side dishes) and the brown-sugar soft serve for dessert are included in the price.

Things to Do

Times square.

Times Square is the pulsing heart of the city that never sleeps, but it isn't actually a square. In fact, it looks more like a bow tie and covers an area from West 42nd to West 47th Streets along Broadway and Seventh Avenues. This commercial intersection is where the city's world-famous New Year's Eve celebration is held. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through it even on a slow day, and visitors should not be surprised to catch impromptu concerts, yoga classes, and street performances here.

Theater District

New York's Theater District is home to Broadway, the collection of Midtown Manhattan theaters that comprise one of the world's top live performance hubs. This area between West 40th and West 54th Streets, and between Sixth and Eighth Avenues, is where most of the city's Broadway theaters are located. Some offer discount tickets through lotteries, and even walking through the area provides ample opportunity to spot celebrities. Performers often take the time to sign autographs and snap photos with audiences outside of stage doors after shows. For discounted same- and next-day tickets, check out the TKTS booth in Times Square.

Central Park

Central Park is an 840-acre urban oasis separating the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan. The park draws more than 35 million visitors a year and is one of the most filmed locations in the world. It is home to the Central Park Zoo, the expansive Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the John Lenon tribute Strawberry Fields, and Delacorte Theater, home of Shakespeare in the Park. Spend some time soaking in the sun at Sheep Meadow and wandering through the Conservatory Garden, and be sure to check the schedule for special events.

Empire State Building

Address: 20 W, 34th St., New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 736-3100

This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper is a cultural icon in Midtown Manhattan that's appeared in more than 250 movies and TV shows. The Empire State Building is the second-tallest building in New York City and the 45th tallest building in the world. It's an office building with public observation decks offering some of the best views in Manhattan. Tip: Splurge for the skip-the-line tickets, especially during the spring and summer.

Top of the Rock

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

Phone: (212) 698-2000

Sitting at the top of Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock is home to three of the best observation decks in the city, which offer unobstructed views of Central Park and the towering skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan. Observation decks are located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of the building, which also happens to be the iconic 30 Rock.

One World Observatory

Address: One World Trade Center, 117 West St., New York, NY 10006

Phone: (844) 696-1776

One World Trade Center's elevators whisk visitors up 102 stories in just 47 seconds, delivering them to an expansive observation deck that offers a bird's-eye view of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. This observatory is located farther south than the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, making for a completely different way of experiencing New York City from above.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Address: 1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028

Phone: (212) 535-7710

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

The Met, as it's known to most, is the largest art museum in the U.S. and was the third most-visited art museum in the world in 2018. The Met's collection includes more than two million pieces spread across three Manhattan venues, the largest of which sits on Fifth Avenue and overlooks Central Park. Don't miss the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple that dates back to the first century B.C. or the rooftop.

American Museum of Natural History

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

Phone: (212) 769-5100

The American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum in the world. The Upper West Side space has 28 interconnected buildings and 45 permanent exhibition halls, as well as a planetarium, library, and the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world. If dinosaurs are your thing, plan to spend most of your time in Dinosaur Hall, home to a massive T-Rex made almost entirely of real fossil bones from the museum's collection.

Yankee Stadium

Address: 1 E 161 St., Bronx, NY 10451

Phone: 646-977-8400

Yankee Stadium is the home to the world-famous New York Yankees. The stadium is located in the Bronx and easily accessible by the New York subway. This is an iconic place to catch a baseball game while on vacation. Not traveling in season? Try a tour. Yankee Stadium tours include stops at the on-site New York Yankees Museum and in the 27-time World Series champions' locker room. Some pregame tours during baseball season include opportunities to sit in on batting practice.

Brooklyn Bridge

This iconic neo-Gothic bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and offers visitors the chance to walk between boroughs on a piece of literal history. The Brooklyn Bridge was the world's first-ever steel-wire suspension bridge. It once carried horse-drawn carriages, but now serves as a way for cars, pedestrians, and bikes to cross the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The bridge is also known for its pointed arches and stone towers, and offers excellent views of the Financial District skyline and Brooklyn.

Washington Square Park

Address: Washington Square

This nearly 10-acre park in Greenwich Village is a hotbed of cultural activity. The park has a gateway reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and has long served as a place to celebrate nonconformity. Expect to find artists, musicians, and other types of performers here every day, and spend some time people-watching around the park's iconic fountain.

Statue of Liberty

Phone: (212) 363-3200

Lady Liberty is an icon of freedom that sits in the harbor just off the coast of Manhattan. Visitors can either schedule a visit to the statue and Ellis Island from Battery Park City in Manhattan, or hop on the free Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty from the water. Visits to the Statue of Liberty's pedestal and the top of her crown require visitors to pass through airport-like security. Tickets to the crown should be booked months in advance.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Address: 180 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10007

Phone: (212) 312-8800

The World Trade Center museum and memorial site honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, attack on New York City. Two memorial pools stand where the World Trade Center's iconic towers once did, inscribed with the names of those killed. Museum tickets can be purchased up to six months in advance.

Best Shopping

Saks fifth avenue.

Address: 611 Fifth Ave., New York, NY, 10022

Phone: (212) 753-4000

Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury department store that anchors New York's Fifth Avenue shopping strip, an area known for its designer names and sky high prices. The shopping experience at Saks is like none other, especially during the holidays, when the building's facade becomes part of one of the best holiday light shows in the world.

Macy's Herald Square

Address: 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 695-4400

Anchoring the Herald Square section of Manhattan, this flagship Macy's store is among the largest in the world. It covers nine levels and has been in operation since 1902. It's also known for its animated holiday window displays and for hosting the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But tucked into its sixth floor is Stella, a peaceful oasis of Italian food in a neighborhood where quiet restaurants are few and far between.

Bergdorf Goodman

Address: 754 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 753-7300

This is the kind of New York department store high-dollar dreams are made of. Bergdorf isn't just a place to shop for designer bags, clothes, and beauty products — it's also a great place for tea. Make time for tea at Bergdorf Goodman's BG restaurant on the top floor, and watch the movie "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's" before you go. It'll give you an idea of how this department store became the retail icon it is today.

Sabyasachi New York

Address: 160 Christopher St., New York, NY 10014

Phone: (646) 799-9400

Kolkata-based couturier Shabyasachi Mukherjee's first U.S. store in the West Village is arguably one of the shopping wonders of the world. This 5,800-square-foot ode to maximalism is decked out in priceless kilims, art, and crystal chandeliers, these a backdrop to the mega-luxe fashions for men and women, jewelry, and collectibles. The designer, known abroad for his elaborate bridal wear, dressed Priyanka Chopra for one of her ceremonies to Nick Jonas honoring her Indian roots. While many of his clients prefer wearing head-to-toe ensembles from the brand, Mukherjee expects visitors to this store to take a more high-low approach, perhaps pairing one of his opulent creations with jeans and a t-shirt.

Olde Good Things

Olde Good Things is an architectural salvage shop that offers visitors the opportunity to quite literally take home a piece of old New York. Much of this store's inventory won't fit into an overhead compartment, but there is no more interesting place to browse for one-of-a-kind New York souvenirs. Olde Good Things sources from pre-Depression and late 19th-century buildings, including some with very famous names. Want to take home a piece of the Waldorf Astoria hotel or the J.P. Morgan empire? Olde Good Things has you covered with furniture, accessories, and more.

Take the N, R subway to Prince or Canal Street stations

This is where to find designer boutiques, sample sales, and the occasional bargain. This area in Lower Manhattan is also home to retail chains such as AllSaints, Madewell, Nike, and REI; resale shops; and a number of unique boutiques. While you're here, take a stroll through Chinatown for affordable souvenirs and accessories.

Harlem Haberdashery

Address: 245 Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027

Phone: (646) 707-0070

This Harlem boutique has been dressing American hip-hop royalty for years. It has outfitted celebrities like Will Smith, LeBron James, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams, and is said to be a favorite of Jay Z's. The store carries both men and women's clothing, as well as household items.

Artists & Fleas

Artists & Fleas operates a collection of sprawling indoor markets across New York City. New merchants selling arts, crafts, clothing, and more cycle out every couple of weeks, making each a spot to consistently find new things.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Neighborhoods to Know

Financial District : This is where you'll find the New York Stock Exchange and the iconic Charging Bull statue that's become a symbol of Wall Street. Visitors can no longer enter the stock exchange, but they can take photos outside with the Fearless Girl, a controversial New York statue that once stared down the Charging Bull. Cruises to the Statue of Liberty leave from Battery Park City in this area.

Midtown : This is the heart of Manhattan. It's where you'll find Times Square, Broadway, Bryant Park, and the gargantuan Macy's store in Herald Square. It's also home to Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the Museum of Modern Art. If you're looking to shop, head to Fifth Avenue, where you'll find Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale's.

Chinatown : This neighborhood of narrow streets not far from City Hall is where you'll find some of the city's best Chinese restaurants and bargain prices on accessories, souvenirs, and more.

Little Italy : Little Italy sits in Lower Manhattan near Chinatown. It was once known for its large Italian-American population, but these days, it houses a small collection of Italian stores and restaurants. Don't miss Ferrara, a bakery that traces its New York City roots to 1892, or The Feast of San Gennaro, a one-of-a-kind food festival that takes place each September.

Williamsburg : Known for its independent shops, cute cafes, and abundant street art, this hipster paradise is especially popular among European tourists. Visit the Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn Brewery, and East River State Park, which offers some of the best Manhattan skyline views and an international food market on Saturdays.

Astoria : This former Greek enclave was America's original motion picture capital, and it still houses several film and TV production studios. It's home to the Museum of the Moving Image, Kaufman Astoria Studios, and some excellent views of the Manhattan skyline. Several scenes from Orange Is the New Black were filmed in this neighborhood.

Greenwich Village : This is where you'll find New York University, Washington Square Park, and some of the city's top comedy and jazz clubs. It's known for its intimate restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. It's also home to the historic Stonewall Inn.

Harlem : Harlem sits in northern Manhattan above Central Park. It was a hub for jazz musicians in the 1920s and the birthplace of the Harlem Renaissance, an outpouring of artistic work that stretched into the 1930s. Nowadays, it's a great place to catch a jazz show or have a decadent Southern meal. Harlem is also home to the iconic Apollo Theater.

Upper West Side : This largely residential area is home to the American Museum of Natural History and to Strawberry Fields, a tribute to former resident John Lennon. This neighborhood is also a great place to gawk at gorgeous townhouses and spot celebs.

Upper East Side : This posh residential area is home to a number of the city's top museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York. It's bordered by Central Park to the west and home to a number of foreign embassies.

Summer days are long and can be either beautiful or sticky and sweaty. Winters are relatively mild, with January and February offering the coldest temperatures.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January: 26°F to 39°F February: 29°F to 42°F March: 35°F to 50°F April: 44°F to 60°F May: 55°F to 71°F June: 64°F to 79°F July: 70°F to 85°F August: 69°F to 83°F September: 61°F to 76°F October: 50°F to 65°F November: 41°F to 54°F December: 32°F to 44°F

Apps to Download

OpenTable : Restaurant reservations iOs | Android

MyMTA : Trip planning, service updates iOs | Android

TodayTix : Last-minute discounted Broadway show tickets iOs | Android

For the best hotels, restaurants, shops, and more in Brooklyn, visit our full Brooklyn travel guide .

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 31 Best Things Do in New York City

New York City . It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and one of the most popular destinations in the US. Sprawling, busy, exciting — there’s a reason people call it the city that never sleeps!

It has something for everyone — including lots of budget-friendly activities for travelers looking to stretch their pocketbooks. Whether you’re looking for history, nightlife, food, or art, this city won’t disappoint.

Since I’ve written a guidebook to this city, lived there for over five years, run tours there, and explored as much as I could in pursuit of knowing the best things to do in NYC, I want to share my favorite activities to do in New York City.

New York is impossible to “see” in one visit. This city is home to thousands of restaurants, hundreds of museums, attractions, plays, and quirky things to do but here are the best things to see and do in New York City — no matter your budget! They’ll give you the essence of the city!  

1. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

Here, you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but be impressed.

You can do a self-guided tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on your own, but if you want to walk away with a deeper knowledge of Liberty and Ellis Islands, this Take Walks tour is invaluable ($69 USD).

+1 212 363-3200, nps.gov/stli/index.htm. Open daily 9am-5pm. There is no admission fee for the island but the ferry ticket costs $24 USD .  

2. Central Park

If you want to take a guided tour around the park to learn more about the statues and sculptures, ponds, parks, and famous filming sites, take a guided tour with Manhattan and Beyond Tours ($25 USD).  

3. World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial and Museum

To get a deeper understanding of 9/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum. It’s home to moving exhibits that illuminate the scope and significance of the tragedy.

180 Greenwich Street, Financial District, Lower Manhattan, +1 212 266 5211, 911memorial.org. Memorial open daily from 10am-5pm. Museum open Thursday-Monday from 10am-5pm. The memorial is free to visit; museum entry is $19.50 USD ( you can purchase your ticket here ). Free entry on Mondays from 7am-5:30pm (tickets must be booked online).  

4. Wall Street

The Wall Street Insider guided tour The Wall Street Experience costs $35 USD and covers the history as well as the highs and lows of the (in)famous finance hub from someone who’s worked on Wall Street!  

5. Battery Park

6. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Inside Out Tours offers guided walking tours where you’ll learn more about the history of the bridge. You’ll also take a stroll around DUMBO, the Brooklyn neighborhood on the other side of the bridge.  

7. Grand Central Terminal

To learn more about the station and its history, my favorite walking tour company Take Walks, offers The Official Grand Central Terminal Tour ($35 USD).

There’s also an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. For fancy (and expensive) cocktails while you’re here, visit The Campbell and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). It was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad’s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s.

89 E. 42nd Street, Midtown, grandcentralterminal.com. Open daily from 5:30am–2am.  

8. Trinity Church

The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and is the resting place of many famous Americans, including Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Lewis (signatory on the Declaration of Independence), John Alsop (Continental Congress delegate), and Horatio Gates (Continental Army general).

74 Trinity Place, Financial District, Lower Manhattan, +1 212 602 0800, trinitywallstreet.org. Open daily from 8:30am–6pm (the Churchyard closes at 4pm).  

9. The Guggenheim Museum

1071 5th Avenue, Upper East Side, +1 212 423 3500, guggenheim.org. Open Sunday-Friday from 11am-6pm (Saturdays until 8pm). Admission is $30 USD ( get your timed entry ticket, which includes an audioguide, here ). Pay what-you-wish is available on Saturdays from 5pm-8pm.  

10. City Hall

New York’s City Hall is a great piece of historic architecture. It also has a beautiful little park nearby that’s filled with office workers during lunch (in the summer anyway). To learn about the building’s history, art, and architecture, take one of the guided tours. They’re free, but reservations are required, and they get booked up quickly! On a tour, you’ll be able to see the rotunda, the city council chamber, Governor’s Room, and the City Hall Portrait Collection. It’s a great place to learn about the city and how it functions.

City Hall Park. Free, pre-reserved tours are offered for groups (10–20 people) on Tuesdays at 10:30am and for individuals on Wednesdays at 12pm and Thursdays at 10am.  

11. Rockefeller Center

30 Rockefeller Plaza, +1 212 698 2000, topoftherocknyc.com. Open daily from 9am-11pm. Admission starts at $43 USD to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck ( get your advance tickets here to avoid the line ).  

12. Times Square

13. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

To dive even deeper, I recommend taking a tour with my favorite walking tour company, Take Walks. They offer an extended guided tour of the museum led by an art historian as well as a highlights tour .

1000 5th Avenue, Central Park, Upper East Side, +1 212 535 7710, metmuseum.org. Open Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday from 10am–5pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-9pm. Admission is $30 USD (includes same-day entrance to the Cloisters).  

14. American Museum of Natural History

Central Park W. at 79th Street, Upper West Side, +1 212 769 5100, amnh.org. Open daily, 10am-5:30pm. Admission is $28 USD (special exhibitions not included).  

15. The Frick Collection

Established in 1925 after industrialist Henry Clay Frick bequeathed the city with his private collection, this small collection features paintings by famous European artists as well as 18th-century French furniture and intricate rugs from Asia. To be honest, you have to really love Dutch artists to want to spend time here (which I do). Expect to see works from Bellini, Goya, Rembrandt, Turner, and more. Fortunately, they also host a lot of wonderful temporary exhibits so there is often a lot of other art to see in addition to their main collection.

1 East 70th Street, +1 212-288-0700, frick.org. Open Thursday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $22 USD. Thursdays from 4pm-6pm is pay-what-you-wish admission. The Frick Collection building on East 70th Street is currently undergoing renovations in 2024. Their temporary exhibit is at 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street.  

16. The Museum of the City of New York

This museum can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about New York City. Architecture, parks, streets, as well as its people, culture — it’s all covered! There are multiple rooms that highlight various time periods in NYC history featuring interviews, maps, interactive exhibits, profiles of historical figures, and various artifacts. It’s the best history museum in the city. There’s a cool exhibit here where you can create the future NYC a la Sim City style (it’s great for kids!).

1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St., +1 212-534-1672, mcny.org. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday from 10am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $20 USD.  

17. Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue, Midtown, +1 212 736 3100, esbnyc.com. The observation deck hours vary greatly by season (with week to week differences). Check the website for updated hours. Admission to the Main Deck starts at $44 USD. The Main and Top Deck start at $79 USD. You can get advance tickets here.  

18. Broadway Show

• The Lion King
• The Phantom of the Opera
• Book of Mormon

Ticket prices vary greatly by show. However, you can find discounted theater tickets at the TKTS offices around the city (Times Square, South Street Seaport, and downtown Brooklyn) for shows that day. They also have an app where you can see what they offer too. Expect to spend at least $75-95 USD.  

19. The Cloisters

The building and its stunning cloistered garden are very, very peaceful and beautiful. It’s one of the best things to do in the city. There are free tours each day that explain the history of the museum and the paintings and exhibits.

99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, +1 212 923 3700, metmuseum.org/visit/visit-the-cloisters. Open Thursday–Tuesday: 10am–4:30pm. Admission is $30 USD and includes same-day entry to The Met.  

20. The High Line & Whitney Museum

The Whitney Museum of American Art (a museum that collaborates with the Met) is located in the Meatpacking District nearby. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior of the building is worth seeing as it is a work of art in itself (it has a very unique, modern design). But I would recommend going inside as there is a wonderful exhibit of American art.

99 Gansevoort Street, Chelsea, +1 212 570 3600, whitney.org. Open Wednesday-Monday, 10:30am-6pm (Fridays until 10pm). Admission is $25 USD ( get advance tickets here to skip the line ). Free on Fridays from 5pm-10pm and the all day on the second Sunday of the month (advance tickets highly recommended as capacity is limited).  

21. Lower East Side Tenement Museum

This is a fascinating museum that offers visitors a chance to visit former tenement apartments on the Lower East Side. You’ll learn how immigrants from around the world lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s as they tried to make it in America. It’s an insightful museum and a good follow-up to what you see on Ellis Island. You can only visit this museum via guided tours and they need to be booked in advance. Personally, I like that they use live actors to bring history to life and share the story of newly arrived immigrants.

103 Orchard Street, Lower East Side, +1 877 975 3786, tenement.org. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is $30 USD.  

22. Take a Walking Tour

NYC is home to dozens of walking tour companies — and many of them are free! Be sure to take one of the many, many walking tours the city has to offer to get a unique and cultural look at the city that never sleeps from a local guide. There are all sorts of focused tours on street art, history, food, and much more! Three walking tour companies not to be missed are:

• Free Tours by Foot
• Bowery Boys Walks

Get Your Guide is an online tour marketplace where you can find a ton of walking tours (as well as food and museum tours) too. There’s something for every interest and budget!

But, for way more suggestions, check out my favorite NYC walking tours . There’s a walking tour for any topic you can think of in New York!  

23. Take a Food Tour

• Scott’s Pizza Tours
• Foods of NY
• Famous Fat Dave’s Five Borough Eating Tour
• Secret Food Tours
• Beyond the Plate

24. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Want to see lots of beautiful (and weird) modern art? You’ve come to the right place! Personally, I hate modern art. I just don’t “get” it. But, while I dislike modern art, the MoMA does have Van Gogh’s Starry Night as well as other post-impressionist art which makes it worth visiting. If you love modern and contemporary art, the MoMA (I’m told) is one of the best in the world.

18 W. 54th Street, Midtown, +1 212 708 9400, moma.org. Open daily from 10:30am-5:30pm (7pm on Saturdays). Admission is $30 USD ( get your advance tickets here ). The MoMA’s Sculpture Garden is free of charge to the public daily from 9:30am–10:15am.  

25. Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Pkwy, +1 718 638 5000, brooklynmuseum.org. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm. Admission is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $20 USD.  

26. Bronx Zoo

Head north for a look at one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the United States. Opened in 1899, the zoo spans almost 300 acres and sees over 2 million visitors each and every year. Home to over 650 different species, it’s a great place to visit with kids. Gorillas, birds of prey, bison — there is a huge assortment of animals here and you’ll definitely learn a lot during your visit!

2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, +1 718 220 5100, bronxzoo.com. Open daily from 10am-5pm (5:30pm on weekends, and 4:30pm during the winter). Admission starts at 28 USD.  

27. Yankees/Mets/Rangers/Knicks Game

Prices vary, but you can often find tickets for around $20-35 USD .  

28. See a TV Show

TV shows like Saturday Night Live, The View, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon all offer free tickets to their tapings. Tickets need to be reserved long in advance so you’ll need to plan ahead but if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a pretty cool and unique experience. For taping details, see each show’s website for specific details and information on making reservations.  

Walk through the narrow aisle of the Je Bon Sushi restaurant in the East Village, and head down the tiny stairway to find this hidden dinner theater. This four-person improv comedy competition takes place within the structure of a high-energy Japanese game show, with slapstick theatrical performances. Go with friends to enjoy some sushi, sake shots, and a night of ridiculous fun.

67 1st Avenue, East Village, +1 347 985 0368, batsulive.com/new-york. Shows Tuesday-Saturday at 7pm, additional shows on Friday and Saturday at 10pm. Tickets from $45 USD.  

30. Ellen’s Stardust Diner

Since 1987, this diner has been home to an incredible waitstaff of singers and dancers. Between tours and musical performances, actors and actresses wait tables at Ellen’s, where they belt out songs as they serve you slightly pricey, very American diner food (think shakes, burgers, and lasagna) in uniforms from the 1950s. It’s incredibly cheesy but good fun — especially if you’re a theater fan!

1650 Broadway, Times Square, +1 212 956 5151, ellensstardustdiner.com. Open daily, 7am-midnight. There’s usually a line so be sure to plan ahead!  

31. Stand-Up at the Comedy Cellar

117 MacDougal St, +1 212-254-3480, comedycellar.com. Showtimes range by day, so check their website for the most updated schedule. Tickets range between $14-25 USD but they also have a two-item minimum per person (food or drinks).

No matter how long you’re here for — and no matter what you’re interested in — New York City will have something for you. While it’s not the most budget-friendly city in the country, there are plenty of free activities, lots of budget-friendly things to see and do, and cheap eats to keep you busy, entertained, and well-fed.

And if you want to splurge? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

With so many things to see and do it’s no surprise that tourists love to re-visit this diverse, lovely, and eclectic city. But don’t take my word for it — put this list to the test and let me know what you think!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!

For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to New York City: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

• HI NYC Hostel
• Jazz on Columbus Circle
• Pod Times Square

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is my complete list of my favorite hostels the city. Additionally, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood guide to NYC!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? New York has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!

Want More Information on NYC? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on NYC for even more planning tips.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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A Local’s Ultimate New York City Travel Guide

This is the ultimate New York City travel guide by a native New Yorker!

With family in Queens, friends in Brooklyn and my experience of four different neighborhoods of Manhattan, my 12 years of living in New York City has brought me to almost every corner of four boroughs ; almost because I have yet to visit Staten Island.

It’s also helped me learn how to manage New York’s exorbitant pricing and see the common mistakes that my tourist friends and family have made when visiting. As a result, this New York City travel guide will be your best friend in planning your trip to New York City as a tourist while giving you true local insight to make your trip feel authentic.

Without further ado, from the basics of navigating the hectic rhythm of pedestrian traffic to the best foodie bites in the city for less than $10, here’s your local’s ultimate New York City travel guide. I can’t wait for you to discover my hometown the way I do!

Note: All prices mentioned here as of the date published. Prices are subject to change without notice.

From Lust Till Dawn is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.  Learn more.

New York City Travel Guide Basics

Here’s must-know information about New York City that’ll make your trip go smoother. Most of this information is for non-Americans, but Americans should take a quick glance here too, especially at the Safety section!

The currency for New York City is the U.S. Dollar ($).

It is a very good idea to have small bills on you because bodegas and street carts may not accept cash or charge you a fee for using a card. Also, you may want cash to tip street performers (more on this later) .

New York is the safety city in the US with a crime rate per inhabitant even lower than the national average.

Nonetheless, pickpocketing and scams target tourists may be common in crowded, touristy areas so keep an eye out on your belongings .

Check out the Safety section below for tips on staying safe in New York City.

Language (for non-Americans)

People in New York City speak English, but depending on what neighborhood you’re in, they may predominantly speak another language such as Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Greek and so much more. New York City is a cultural melting pot!

Visa (for non-Americans)

For non-American citizens, if your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you may travelt ot he U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a US visa. You may still need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

For non-American citizens whose country is not part of the VWP, you’ll want to check with your local government about entry into the US.

Electricity Socket (for non-Americans)

The US uses the socket Type A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

This universal travel adapter will work converting non-American appliances to US sockets and has space for two USB cords.

However, it will not work with appliances that heat up such as a hair straightener or clothes steamer. Head to this post to learn about using hair appliances abroad.

Best Months to Visit New York City

My favorite seasons in New York City are spring and fall because of the temperature. Less ideal times to visit New York City as a tourist are the summer and winter with exceptions. Here’s why:

Spring is fantastic because the city is awakening from a harsh, cold winter. Flowers start to bloom and there is a joie de vivre (French for a cheerful enjoyment of life) in the air.

Best month to go is in May when the temperatures reach a peak of 71,6°F or 22°C, but April is a good time to go too. I’d avoid March since it’s a toss-up of whether we have a long winter or not.

Summer is a really fun time in the city with free concerts and movies in the park, brunching and drinking at outdoor restaurants and generally, enjoying the city’s many parks.

However, July and August tend to get unbearably hot and humid. There’s even been a few years where we experienced electric outages for blocks since everyone was blasting their AC during a heat wave. This is very rare but worth nothing!

Overall, if you can’t handle the humidity, which turns the city into a sweat box, come visit in June when the peak temperature reaches 80,6°F/ 27°C and low of 64,4°F/ 18°C and avoid July and August.

Fall in New York City is absolutely magical with the changing of the leaves, especially in Central Park. Also, it’s a welcome change after the hot and humid temperature that turns everything and everyone into one, hot sticky mess.

September is a great month to visit when kids are back in school and it’s still warm. October is a beautiful time to come if you want to see the city covered in yellow, orange and reds of the changing leaves.

There’s never a bad season in New York City since there’s so much to do and see, and winter is no exception. It’s a popular time to visit because of all the holiday magic happening in the city, especially on 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center.

Nonetheless, it is very, very cold and the streets can get hard to walk on because of the snow and slush.

Also, depending on when you come, it can be quite crowded too. For example, walking five minutes can take 15 if you’re at Times Square or Rockefeller Center during the holidays, and even the subways can be extra crowded because it is too cold for many to walk.

On the plus side, outside the holidays, tourist sites, especially the outdoor ones, may be emptier because of the weather.

I’d generally avoid this season to visit New York City unless you want to partake in holiday activities or you want to experience a less crowded city. The best time to come for a more relatively peaceful trip is the second week of January when kids are back in school and adults are back at work after a couple weeks of partying.

New York City is generally known as an expensive city, and although that’s true, you can experience it on a smaller budget if you plan. Here are estimated prices for accommodations, meals and transportation.

Accommodation

Accommodation prices vary on the time of year that you visit New York with the prices in summer being the most expensive and winter, the least expensive. Overall, accommodation in New York City is generally expensive.

• Hostels: $70-150
• Budget Hotels: $100-300
• Mid-range Hotels: $300-500
• Luxury Hotels $500+
• Airbnb Private Rooms : $55+
• Airbnb Entire Place: $130+

If price isn’t an issue, I’d stay in Manhattan for convenience or in Williamsburg or Bushwick for an alternative, hipster experience. See more in the Places to Stay section.

If you need to save money on accommodation, getting an Airbnb outside Manhattan will be your best bet.

Look for Airbnbs that are less than a 10 minute walk from a subway, on a subway line that leads directly into Manhattan, and with great reviews for an enjoyable stay.

See more in the Places to Stay section.

You might like:

• What Airbnb is and Why It’s Better Than a Hotel
• Airbnb Etiquette

Dining out in New York City can get quite cheap like less than $5 cheap , but it can also get quite expensive. It all depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Here are prices of meals for one:

• Street food, hole-in-the-wall establishments & New York staples: less than $6
• Lunch and Fast Casual Places: less than $15
• Restaurants: $20-45
• Fine Dining: more than $70

If you are on a budget, there are so many delicious places to eat at in New York City that are less than $5 and less than $15.

• Cheap But Delicous Places to Eat in New York City
• $5 and Less: Cheap Eats in Manhattan
• Omakase Room by Tatsu in the West Village
• Best New York Pizza Tour

Transportation

The subway, an underground transportation system, is the most popular way to travel around the city.

• Each ride costs $2.75 (as of 07/10/19).
• New cards cost $1.00; this is to reduce the waste of getting a new Metrocard each time you need a card.
• To save even more money, there are 7-day and 30-day unlimited options, which respectively cost $33 and $127.

These Metrocards can also be used on public busses. Read more on the MTA fares here.

Another popular way of getting around the city is by simply waving down a yellow taxi or calling an Uber. These rides depend on how far you go but can range from $6 to $80 (if you are going to the airport).

Sign up for Uber and get $5 off your first ride here.

Last but not least, you can bike around New York City with Citibike. It costs $3/trip, $12/day or $169/year.

Arriving into New York City

New York City has three major airpots nearby: John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark.

To get into New York City from the airports, you can take public transportation, get into the taxi line, call an Uber or book an airport shuttle.

• Taking public transportation is the cheapest at $7.75 (JFK) to $15.75 (Newark) per one way but can take the longest at about an hour two two hours depending on the airport.
• Taking a taxi or calling an Uber is the most expensive ($60-100 with tip) but in traffic-free times, it’s the fastest way.
• Scheduling a Go Airlink shuttle, which I do often, is a good middle-ground between cost (about $20) and timing (about 45 min. if going from JFK to Manhattan). Schedule an airport shuttle here.

I prefer flying into JFK or LaGuardia since those are closest to New York City, but Newark often has cheaper flights so is a good option too.

New York City has two train stations you can take the train into: Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station.

I’ve taken the MetroNorth and Amtrak from these train stations, which are both quite convenient.

Getting Around

Getting around New York City is fairly easy, especially with Google Maps, which you can use offline without wifi or data. Google Maps will show you walking, subway, bus and driving (taxi) directions and is one of my must-have apps for getting around New York City.

Also, Manhattan is easy to get around because for the most part, it is one giant grid. If you learn this easy numbering system, then you will not have trouble getting around. As the street numbers go up, that means you’re going North. As the avenue numbers go up, that means you’re going West.

Overall, most of Manhattan is basically like a giant compass with its numbering system except in downtown. Downtown, the streets have names, not numbers, so it won’t be as apparent which way is north, south, east or west, but nonetheless, Google Maps will show you where you are even if you don’t have data or wifi.

Here are the best ways to get around New York City.

• Walking seems quite obvious but skipping a subway stop or two may give you a 15-30 minute walk to thoroughly enjoy a neighborhood’s sights
• The subway is your best bet in traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood and certainly borough to borough. For subway directions, use Google Maps, and if you’re going to be riding it frequently, you may want to grab a Weekly or Monthly unlimited card.
• Taxi or Uber is a comfortable way to get around and can be faster than the subway. But keep in mind that when there’s a ton of traffic, taking the subway might be faster than a taxi!
• Citibike is a bike share system in New York City that’s a fun way to discover the city. Check pricing and how-to’s here.

Good to know: Although the New York City runs 24/7, it starts to come less frequently after midnight so always check Google Maps to see if it’s running.

I have taken the subway many times by myself from 2-5AM coming from a bar or club and have never had an issue with safety, but if you don’t feel safe taking the subway or just don’t want to wait for it to come when it’s late at night, call an Uber!

• Best Apps for Getting Around NYC
• How to Use Google Maps Offline Without Data or Wifi

Local Customs & Tips

For an effortless trip in New York City, it’s best to know some local customs and tips. Here are some of my best New York tips from a New Yorker.

• The right side of the sidewalk and escalator is meant for walking casually or standing while the left side is meant for passing; kind of like with driving!
• Always have small bills on you because some mom and pop shops, bodegas, street carts and restaurants only accept cash. Also, you’re going to come across some amazing street performers you’ll want to give cash out to.
• Use the toilet when you can, seriously. Free toilets or toilets without huge lines (think Starbucks) are rare!
• Tip 18-20% at restaurants, not 20%. This is a New York City standard since rent and general living costs are so expensive.
• Tap water is more than ok to drink! New York City has high-quality tap water.

To get more local tips and customs, you must read 10 Things Not to Do in New York City, which even shares when the best time to go to Times Square is and how to consider subway travel time in your planning.

Street-Smart Safety Tips

New York City is the most safe city in the US, and from experience, I have never been in a compromising situation whether it was taking the subway at 3AM or walking around Queens by ourselves when I was 5/my sister was 10 (ok so that was the early 90s…).

Nonetheless, with so many people in the city — some crazy, some targeting tourists, some crazy AND targeting tourists– it is always a good idea to be aware of these street smart safety tips.

1. In crowded areas, keep your valuables safely deep inside your pockets, or better yet, if you have a zippered pocket on your backpack or purse, put your wallet, phone, etc. in there.

2. When on a crowded subway, wear your purse around your shoulder or your backpack in front of you like a baby.

3. If waiting for the subway late at night or walking around late at night, it is always better to be on a crowded, well-lit area or street.

4. Be extra mindful in Times Square, the most populated tourist spot in New York for a few things:

• If you take a photo with a character, expect to tip them or you may be harassed to pay them for the photo.
• Be aware of pickpocketers.
• Be mindful of the sunglasses scam, which happened to my brother. Someone bumped into him, and then yelled at him for making him drop his sunglasses. He demanded my brother pay him money on the spot to fix his glasses. My brother, having lived in New York most of his life, yelled back at him telling him he’s not playing into his scam.

5. When in a bar or restaurant, keep your phone in your pocket instead of casually laying out on a table although Mike says I am too careful about this one because the odds of someone swiping my phone off the table are so small. Better safe than sorry!

6. Don’t get sold fake Metrocard or attraction tickets. Always go to the official vendors.

7. Don’t dress like a tourist if you don’t want to be targeted as one. This means just dressing in street clothes (vs. I Love New York shirts and hats) and blending in.

Images from Gatta Bag’s Website

8. Don’t carry around an obvious camera bag that screams, “I have a super nice and expensive camera in here.” Gatta Bag sells chic camera bags that look like regular old purses and backpacks.

Most of the time, you won’t have much to worry about in New York City as long as your valuables are tucked away somewhere safe. It’s just always good to be mindful.

If you are a woman, the worst you might actually experience in New York City is the incessant cat calling from lame, egotistical men. The best thing to do is to ignore them.

If something ever does happen to you (i.e. you find a Times Square character being aggressive with you), just run into the nearest store where lots of people are, get away from the situation as fast as possible, or find/call a police officer.

How to Save Money in New York City

Costs in New York City can easily add up if you don’t plan ahead, but with the right resources and know-how, you can minimize your spending in New York.

1. Stay at an Airbnb over a hotel, or if you’re going to New York during a non-busy time, you may be able to book your hotel last-minute at a cheaper rate. This is how I got a room at Riu Plaza Times Square for $100/night.

2. Get a New York City pass to save $100 on six top attractions. Check out all the sites you’ll be able to visit with it here.

3. Eat at places that are less than $5 or less than $15 . Ton of these types of places exist all over New York!

Just use Yelp to find places to eat near you, and click on the $ filter to choose the least expensive options.

4. Buy an unlimited Metrocard if you plan on taking lots of subway and bus rides!

5. Pack a water bottle and fill it in the sink of your hotel or Airbnb to avoid having to buy water out.

What to Pack

For Your Electronics: I recommend packing a Belkin surge protector with USB ports. Some New York City pre-war buildings may only have one outlet in your room, which makes charging your phone, camera, etc. a super big hassle.

Not only will this be handy for charging all your electronics at once, but you’ll be quite popular at the airport too if there’s only one charging port with many in need.

I love using this Belkin surge protector home too! Get it here on Amazon.

Also, if your phone tends to die easily as mine, since you will be out for most of the day in New York, I recommend this super portable Anker charger.

Both Mike and I had one for over four years until we lost them. We used them about 2-3x weekly and loved how compact and powerful they were. Get it here on Amazon.

For The Weather: Depending on what season you come, you’ll have to pack for the weather.

In the springtime, bring a durable, windproof umbrella. It tends to get extremely windy when the wind passes through all the tall buildings. Some people’s umbrellas even flip inside out!

Spending an extra dollar or two on a windproof one that won’t break is your best bet. Get the exact travel windproof umbrella I own and use on Amazon.

If you don’t want to carry around an umbrella and would rather wear a raincoat, pack a stylish, reusable raincoat because the flimsy, one-time ones are awful in a downpour ( and also scream tourist, which is 100% ok, but entirely up to you if you don’t want to stick out as one ).

For Clothing: New Yorkers wear the fanciest of clothing to the grungiest so really anything goes here. All you really need to pack is a nice outfit if you plan on going to dinner and a Broadway show.

Also, if you don’t want your camera bag to scream tourist, then it’s a good idea to pack your camera in something that looks more like a purse such as these chic camera bags from Gatta Bag.

You might like: How to Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle Free While Traveling

For Traveling: Sidewalks, apartments, and in general, space tend to be smaller in New York City than the rest of the US. It really is no fun being in a subway at rush hour with a large suitcase.

As a result, I recommend traveling with a carry-on size luggage such as this eBags Fortis one that I’ve used in the Netherlands, Spain and France. Its wheels roll so smoothly, which makes walking on bumpy sidewalks and through the subway stations a breeze.

Miscellaneous: It’s always a good idea to have a foldable, reusable grocery bag on you. They’ve come in handy when my grocery bags have broken, or when I bought too much stuff to fit into my purse/pockets. Overall, they’ve been super handy to have on me while living in New York!

They’re handy for traveling too. Read my post on why a reusable, foldable bag is a must when traveling, or get some on Amazon here.

Last but not least, buying water can get ridiculously expensive in New York such as when you’re in the middle of Central Park and the only kiosk there has a monopoly and can sell water for $4.00 a bottle!

Take advantage of New York’s amazing tap water and bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at your hotel or Airbnb’s sink.

Recap of what to pack for New York City:

• Belkin surge protector
• Anker portable charger
• Travel, windproof umbrella
• Stylish, reusable raincoat
• Reusable water bottle

Best Things to Do

There’s so much stuff to do in New York City so let’s narrow it down to just a handful of my favorite activities! #sorrynotsorry but all of my activities involve food of some kind.

1. Check out Bushwick’s grandiose graffiti and street art murals shortly after eating one of New York’s best pizzas at Roberta’s.

Roberta’s sources many of its greens and herbs from its own garden. This place is quite popular so expect a wait or head there right at 11am for no wait.

Find out exactly which route to take to get from Roberta’s to the Bushwick Collective street art in this blog post.

2. Grab one of the best cookies to have ever existed at Levain Bakery and take a walk over to the Strawberry Fields / John Lennon memorial in Central Park.

Then continue walking to the Cherry Hill Fountain and Bethesda Terrace to enjoy a couple of iconic Central Park spots. Walking directions here.

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3. Take in the epic New York skyline from the Top of the Rock during sunset time, then head to Times Square afterwards to enjoy the bright lights at night with less crowds. Walking directions here.

Note: The Top of the Rock entrance ticket alone is about $40 for adults. If you plan on going to this and the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial & Museum and other top attractions, get a New York CityPASS. You’ll save $100 on six attractions!

This Two Days in New York City guide details how to visit six top attractions in New York in two days while checking out some local spots too.

4. Food-hop around Chelsea Market then take a walk the High Line, which is a park built on unused, above ground subway lines. This public park has a truly unique design that incorporates the natural environment of the area and offers a different vantage point of the city.

See what you can eat at the Chelsea Market here and learn more about the High Line park here.

5. Grab a whole pie from Joe’s Pizza and people watch at Washington Square Park. You’ll not only make people jealous with a whole pie of ‘a dictionary definition of a New York pizza’ pizza, but you’ll also have plenty of things to check out to keep you busy while you rest a bit from all the exploring you’ve done. Walking directions from Joe’s to the park here.

No joke– in one afternoon at Washington Square Park, you could see breakdancers, a man playing on a grand piano, kids in cosplay outfits, theater students practicing a play, and the list goes on and on and on.

If you love gelato, then the Grom next to Joe’s has super creamy and decadent gelato. Make a stop there!

You might like this: New York Pizza Tour

6. Have a truly epic vantage point of New York City by taking a helicopter ride above the city!

7. Experience the beauty of the New York City sunset over the skyline by boat around Manhattan with a glass of Champagne in hand!

What and Where to Eat

According to Open Table, it would take 22.5 years to eat at every single restaurant in New York City. That’s even without eating at the same on twice.

But you only have a few days in this metropolis so going down the enormous list of restaurants in New York City seems rather improbable. Therefore, you should eat these quintessential New York foods at these places:

Classic New York City Foods

• Lox and cream cheese bagel at Ess-a-Bagel
• Slice of pizza at Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street, not the other locations
• Cheesecake at Junior’s Cheesecakes
• Pastrami sandwich at Katz

Popular New York City Foods

• Levain Bakery’s warm and gooey inside and a crispy outside cookie
• Joe Shanghai’s soup dumplings, which is exactly what it sounds like– dumplings with soup on the inside so eat them in combination with both your spoon and chopsticks and be careful of hot they are inside!
• Roberta’s wood-fired pizzas full of garden-grown ingredients
• Shakeshack ‘s juicy and flavorful burgers

Places I Love

The Flushing, Queens location but the Manhattan location has the same yummy baked goods. The twisted donut is a classic and anything with cream is super tasty!

• Tous Les Jours is a Korean-French bakery that creates the fluffiest and airiest of desserts. Even though it’s a chain, it’s probably one of my favorite bakeries in the world. As a bonus, if you stop by here, you’ll get to experience the tiny little K-town.
• Saigon Shack is an awesome Vietnamese restaurant that knows how to serve flavorful, satisfying pho in the quickness. I’ve spent many nights here after work slurping down a whole bowl by myself; oh, the memories! Bring cash.
• Pepe Rosso to Go is a hole-in-the-wall Italian spot that never disappoints. For all of its delicious pastas, this the best value Italian food in the city. Don’t let the small space put you off though; the counter guys keep an eye on the first-come, first-serve policy. You WILL get a seat by the time your food is served.
• Cafe Mogador is a Moroccan restaurant that’s great for a date night, bringing out parents or catching up with friends with a bottle of wine. It’s the only Moroccan restaurant that serves food somewhat close to Mike’s aunt’s amazing cooking, and it has reasonably priced bottles of wine. There’s also a location in Williamsburg.

You might also like:

Areas to Discover & Hotels to Stay At

New York City has an overwhelming number of neighborhoods; more than 150 if we’re counting! Each neighborhood has something unique to offer completely depending on what you’re looking for.

Here’s a few suggestions on areas to discover and hotels to stay at:

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Downtown technically refers to anywhere in Manhattan below 14th street, which can include many neighborhoods such as West Village, East Village, Greenwich Village, Soho and Chinatown.

Some of my favorite neighborhoods are in downtown such as West Village, which has a cute European vibe, and Greenwich Village, which has amazingly delicious eats for really cheap. Check out Joe’s Pizza on West 4th and Saigon Shack on MacDougal Street. Bring cash.

It is worth staying in downtown if you want to experience the more accessible and fun side of Manhattan– where a lovely bakery is only within a couple minute’s reach by foot out of your hotel, shopping at both big brand and boutique shops is endless, and you’ll learn the true meaning of ‘the city that never sleeps.’

Two hotels that I recommend downtown are the James New York – Soho Hotel and the citizenM Bowery hotel:

• The James New York – Soho Hotel is close to the subway lines 1, C and E, which will bring you to the World Trade Center, Times Square, Highline Park in Chelsea, Rockefeller Center and more.
• The citizenM Bowery hotel is close to the F, J, Z and 6, which will bring you to the World Trade Center, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and more.

Both hotels are conveniently located to my favorite neighborhoods downtown (West Village, Greenwich Village, East Village, Soho and Chinatown) and are close to Chinatown, which has amazing eats that can’t be missed like soup dumplings at Joe’s Shanghai.

Hotels to Stay At

• Splurge / The James New York, the Bowery Hotel
• Mid-range / citizenM Bowery
• Budget / Bowery Grand Hotel

Times Square

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Being a local New Yorker, I thought I’d never recommend staying in Times Square as I hardly even recommend people visiting that area unless it’s after 10PM.

But in the beginning of this year, I stayed in Times Square at the Hyatt Centric Times Square and RIU Plaza , which included breakfast. At this point, I realized how CONVENIENT it was to stay in Times Square.

Times Square is on the same subway line as the World Trade Center and the Highline Park and it’s only a 15 minute walk away from the Rockefeller Center. Plus, it’s right by all the Broadway shows.

• Splurge / Hyatt Centric Times Square
• Mid-range / RIU Plaza
• Budget / Pod Times Square

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

If you’re a hipster, or at the very least, more of a modern traveler who’s not so into top 10 tourist sites, you might want to stay in Williamsburg.

Yes, it’s hipster central of New York, but even better, there’s enough bars, shops and restaurants to keep you busy for three+ days. You can drink beer at Radegast Hall and Biergarten, eat a Moroccan dinner at Cafe Mogador, dance to live music and go bowling at Brooklyn Bowl, and find vintage goods at the Artists & Fleak Market.

• Splurge / Williamsburg Hotel
• Mid-range / Hotel Indigo
• Budget / International Students Residences

Long Island City, Queens

Now there’s not too much going on in Long Island City, but I recommend this neighborhood because it’s only one stop out from New York City on the 7, E, R, N, W and Q. This makes it super convenient to get in and out of Manhattan at a better price!

As a plus, it’s near Astoria, Queens, which is the next neighborhood I’d want to live in New York City because of its chill vibe. It’s also on the 7 so if you’re the foodie adventurer type, you can take it all the way out to Flushing, Queens to get the real taste of Chinese and Korean food there or to Jackson Heights for some of the best Indian food you’ll find in New York City.

• Splurge / Paper Factory Hotel , Boro Hotel
• Mid-range / Hotel Nirvana
• Budget / Q4 Hotel and Hostel 

Click on the + button to zoom up on hotels around Queensboro Plaza.

If you can’t decide which neighborhood to stay in, I’d recommend choosing two and splitting your trip up over the two. That way you can experience more than one neighborhood!

New York City Travel Guide Related Blog Posts

Looking for more posts on New York City to help you with your awesome trip? Check out these posts below.

• Two Days in New York City: A Local and Tourist Mix
• 10 Local New York City Tips (by a Native New Yorker)
• The New York Pizza Tour You Need to Take (Local Approved ‘Slice of Brooklyn’ Tour)
• Best Midtown Lunch Spots (if you love Asian food)
• 23 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC 2021 (WITH A MAP)
• A Local’s Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
• 16 Cheap Places to Eat in New York
• Bushwick Street Art You Don’t Want to Miss (with Bushwick Street Art Map)
• Best Microblading in NYC (My Own Experience)
• Local Insight: New York City Pass vs. New York Pass, Which One to Get and Why?

I hope you have an amazing trip. If you found any part of this New York City travel guide to be helpful, I’d appreciate a pin to Pinterest, share on social media or just a comment below to say hi!

Definitely come back and let me know how your trip went in the comments below or via my Instagram @sarchetrit .

Till then, thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

PIN THIS NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER

New York City Travel Guide

michael cicchi

Friday 13th of December 2019

We will be in New York City for about 9 days so I am planning to stay in 3 neighborhoods 3 days each.

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The best nyc itinerary: 3-7 days in new york city.

If you’re visiting New York for the first time, this is the perfect NYC itinerary to get your first taste of the city! And if you’re lucky enough to stay longer, check out the 4 bonus days I’ve included.

An Exciting 3-Day NYC Itinerary + 4 Bonus Days (2024)

Welcome to my ultimate NYC itinerary for first-timers! This guide will answer all your questions and give you an itinerary that’s easy to customize for your big trip to New York City. We’ve visited NYC just about every year for the last 10 years. It’s one of our favorite places and each time we go, we find something new to love!

I’ve already created an extensive NYC itinerary for kids and Christmas in NYC , but I’ve also been plenty of times without my kids, so I wanted to give you a more adult first-timers itinerary. When you’re planning an NYC itinerary, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the Big Apple. You can wander through Central Park, enjoy the views from the top of the Empire State Building, and explore the Museum Mile.

Make sure to book a Broadway show and a guided tour or 2. Plus, there are all the amazing restaurants and food that the Big Apple is known for. And don’t miss the chance to walk the legendary Brooklyn Bridge or take a stroll along the High Line.

Below you’ll get a top-notch 3-day itinerary, plus even more suggestions for additional 4 days in New York City. Get ready for all the charm and energy that an NYC adventure has to offer!

What to Know about NYC Before You Go

When you start to plan a visit to New York City for the first time, a lot of questions will probably come to mind! Here are some FAQs that will help you have the best experience in The City That Never Sleeps.

What’s the best way to get around in New York City?

For first-time visitors to NYC, the subway is the best way to get around. The subway is made to be easy to navigate with easy-to-read signs and a color-coded system. The extensive network of train lines takes you to all the most popular attractions, neighborhoods, and landmarks. Plus, it’s affordable, offers 24/7 service, and allows you to avoid traffic congestion.

However, if you prefer rideshare services, Uber and Lyft are widely available options (just watch out for price spikes). And for shorter distances, consider using Citi Bike , the city’s bike-sharing program. You’ll find stations throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx where you can pick up and drop off bikes.

What apps should I use in New York City?

When you’re navigating NYC for the first time and want to make the most of your trip, several apps can help:

• Citymapper : This essential app provides real-time directions for public transportation, ensuring you can efficiently navigate the subway and buses.
• MTA Subway Time : The official MTA app is another great option that offers live updates on train schedules and service changes.
• Uber and Lyft: You probably already have these ones on your phone, and they’re a must in NYC if you prefer rideshares.
• NYCTaxiMeter : When all else fails, there’s always a yellow cab around somewhere! This awesome app helps estimate fares and track expenses.
• TodayTix : If you want to secure discounted tickets to Broadway shows and other performances, TodayTix is super helpful.
• Go City Card: I’m a big fan of Go City Card, which provides access to popular attractions with bundled savings! Purchase Go City New York Card here.
• OpenTable : Looking for last-minute dinner reservations? This app offers easy booking and allows you to search nearby, by neighborhood, reviews, and more.

What airport should I fly into?

When flying into New York City, the 2 primary airports to consider are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Each option has pros and cons you’ll have to consider.

JFK is the largest and accepts the most flights. You can also take AirTran to the subway, but it’s the longest train ride from Manhattan (often over an hour). LaGuardia accepts mainly domestic flights. It’s closer to Manhattan, but you’ll need to get a rideshare or taxi.

You could also fly into New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It’s actually pretty convenient and affordable if you’re staying in Manhattan. You can take Amtrak or NJ Transit, and car services and taxis are pretty affordable from here as well.

Should I bring my car to New York City?

I don’t recommend bringing a car to NYC, especially if it’s your first time! First, parking in Manhattan can be expensive, scarce, and time-consuming. The streets are often congested, and navigating the city’s bustling traffic can be overwhelming. Plus, you have the subway and buses readily available. Public transit in NYC is efficient and cost-effective for getting around the city.

Manhattan is a pedestrian-friendly destination, with many attractions within walking distance or easily accessible by train. Public transit is the best way to have the most authentic experience and enjoy a stress-free exploration of all the iconic sights that New York City has to offer!

Are there neighborhoods I should visit outside of Manhattan?

Absolutely! Manhattan offers so many incredible attractions, but you’ll enjoy a more unique experience if you can plan even one afternoon to explore the other vibrant boroughs of NYC.

Brooklyn is a must-visit, with its vibrant arts scene, hipster havens like Williamsburg, and the picturesque Brooklyn Heights. Queens offers cultural diversity, with neighborhoods like Flushing, which is known for its vibrant food scene. And the Bronx boasts infamous attractions like the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium.

Is NYC a safe place to visit? Where should I avoid?

New York City is generally a safe place to visit, with millions of tourists enjoying their time in the city each year. Overall, you can have an amazing visit to NYC by exercising some caution and staying aware of your surroundings.

The majority of neighborhoods in NYC are safe for visitors, including popular areas like Times Square, Central Park, and the Theater District. If you’re concerned about higher crime rates, you’ll want to avoid the South Bronx, East New York, and Brownsville in Brooklyn.

While the city is relatively safe, you should exercise more caution, especially at night. Stay in well-populated and well-lit areas, use only public transportation options, and avoid displaying expensive belongings.

Be sure to bring a travel safe bag, like this one, and always be aware of where your wallet and phone are, especially while riding in crowded trains.

What’s the weather like in New York City?

When you’re planning a trip to New York, it’s important to check the weather forecast in advance of your trip. NYC experiences 4 distinct seasons.

Summers (June to August) are generally warm and humid, with temperatures hovering between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) bring milder temperatures, ranging from the 50s to 70s. Spring and fall also bring the most rain to New York City.

Winters (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures varying widely, from below 0 to well into the 40s Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common in winter, but it varies from year to year.

When should I plan a trip to New York City?

The best time to plan a trip to New York City depends on your preferences and what you would like to experience. And it’s a pedestrian city, so you should be prepared for the elements no matter when you visit!

Spring is a great time to explore parks, enjoy outdoor activities, and see cherry blossoms in bloom. Summers are hot, but they also bring festive energy to the city. This is peak season, with outdoor concerts, street festivals, and more!

Fall brings vibrant fall foliage and festive events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And winter in NYC can be cold, it’s also a magical time with holiday decorations, ice-skating rinks, and Christmas markets. Just keep in mind that winter is the city’s second peak season.

If you’re a Christmas fan, December is a really fun time for visiting NYC. The holiday decorations are amazing and plentiful and there are plenty of festive activities, restaurants, and bars to visit. Christmas in New York City is magical!

What should I pack?

There are some essentials I suggest packing for an NYC 3-day itinerary. However, if you forget something, don’t worry! You’re in one of the shopping capitals of the world! Packing will be a little different, depending on when you come to New York City, but here are some basics I recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof shoes for rainy days
• Breathable separates for daytime exploring
• A few nice outfits for dinners and shows
• Rain jacket
• Portable charger
• Reusable water bottle
• A good travel safe bag

What should I eat in NYC?

When visiting New York City, there are several iconic foods that every visitor should try. First and foremost, grab a classic New York slice of pizza from a neighborhood dollar pizzeria (skip Sbarros). Get a hot dog from a street cart at least once. And don’t forget to top it with mustard and sauerkraut!

If you’ve never tried a New York City bagel with cream cheese and lox, head to a bakery on the Lower East Side. A beef pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli is a must. We love it so much that we have the pastrami shipped to us in California on special occasions! It’s that good. And if you find yourself in Brooklyn, head to Juniors for a slice of their iconic cheesecake.

Black and white cookies are a New York tradition (and they make great food souvenirs!). And while you’re shopping in Little Italy, look for a pasticceria, where you can enjoy a cannoli and a cappuccino.

Book a Photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We love using Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code WANDERLUST.

Are there tourist attractions I should avoid?

While Times Square is an iconic and bustling area, it can be overcrowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer a quieter experience or get overwhelmed easily, you might opt out of this one.

And you might want to avoid Chinatown if you don’t want to get bombarded with vendors selling fake designer bags. And NEVER follow vendors into back buildings, no matter what they offer you! Instead, head to Little Italy for souvenirs and tourist-friendly dining.

This is your chance to lean into being a tourist! Just remember, it’s always a good idea to research specific attractions beforehand and decide which ones will be on your NYC itinerary.

How expensive is New York City?

New York City has a reputation for being an expensive destination. And it’s true that certain aspects, like hotels and upscale restaurants, can be costly. But with careful planning and research, it’s possible to enjoy New York City without breaking the bank!

The city offers a range of options to fit different budgets, including affordable dining options. You can stay in a vacation rental or a hotel outside of Manhattan to cut costs on accommodations. There are all kinds of free or low-cost attractions, like museums with suggested donations. And the subway is affordable and can help you save on transportation costs.

Are New Yorkers mean?

Not at all! If anything, I would say that New Yorkers are tough but very nice. Depending on where you’re from, NYCers are not afraid to get to the point, but it’s usually because they have somewhere they need to be. They’ll speak up if you’re slowing everyone down. 

They’re from all over the world, and they’re used to dealing with large crowds of people, crowded trains, and long lines. But if you need anything, they’re helpful and very kind. So don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re lost!

Where’s the best place to stay in New York City?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can stay in Queens and travel every day to do things in Manhattan! For your first visit to NYC, I suggest staying in a central location like Midtown or Chelsea.

If you’re looking for something a little outside the hustle and bustle of the city, Williamsburg, Brooklyn has a wide range of fabulous hotels. Or book an apart-hotel in Park Slope. Both stops are only 20 minutes from the Financial District. Here are a few recommendations:

$$$$$ Lotte New York Palace in Midtown East

$$$$ The William Vale in Williamsburg

$$$ The Maritime Hotel in Chelsea

$$$ Sonder The Industrialist in Park Slope

$$ Moxy NYC Times Square in Times Square

$$ The SoHotel in SoHo

If you drive into New York City or plan on renting a car, just double-check that your accommodations offer parking. Also, confirm whether it’s long-term parking or if you can take your vehicle in and out during your stay.

Plan the Best 3 Days in New York City

You’re on your way to planning an amazing 3 days in NYC! Below I’ll suggest how to break up each day so you can get the most out of your limited time in the big city.

If you’re working simply with a 3-day itinerary, NYC neighborhoods to focus on would be in Manhattan. We’ll start in Midtown and move out from there. And keep in mind that if you have more than 3 days or want to switch things up, you have 4 bonus days to play with below.

• Day 1 – Midtown Manhattan

You’ve arrived at the center of the universe! Midtown Manhattan is a bustling hub of activity that captivates visitors with its unique charm. This is where you’ll find Penn Station and Grand Central Station, both major transit hubs in and out of the city. If you’re taking the train from the airport, this is probably where you’ll end up.

Known for its iconic skyline and bustling streets, Midtown is a mashup of cultures, cuisines, and commerce. The area is filled with towering skyscrapers, world-class museums, bustling business centers, and luxury shopping destinations. Midtown is also home to Times Square, with its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and waves of visitors.

You’ll probably end up in this neighborhood throughout your entire visit to New York City, so it’s a good area to get familiar with! After you arrive at your hotel, I recommend a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get your bearings. Then check out more of the best things to do in Midtown Manhattan!

Things to Do in Midtown

• Be dazzled by the iconic intersection at Times Square
• See a variety of Broadway shows in the Theater District
• Visit the 2 observation decks at the Empire State Building
• Savor Korean BBQ and check out the karaoke lounges in Koreatown
• Explore the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• Enjoy shopping the flagship stores and designer boutiques on Fifth Avenue
• Head to Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock observation deck
• See the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall
• See the stunning architecture of Grand Central Terminal
• Take a picture with the lions outside the New York Public Library
• Enjoy all the seasonal events and outdoor space at Bryant Park
• Go up into the newest observation deck at Summit at ONE Vanderbilt
• Walk through the regal St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Check out the Flatiron Building on your way to Madison Square Park
• Day 2 – Financial District + Lower East Side

This is your 1 full day on your New York City itinerary, so let’s make the most of it! Below Houston Street, there are so many historical sites and iconic NYC attractions in one place. With so much to do, today will be all about the Financial District, the Lower East Side, and perhaps a quick jaunt through Little Italy and Chinatown.

The Lower East Side, known for its rich immigrant history, has evolved into a trendy and eclectic neighborhood. Here you’ll find historical landmarks, old-school delis, trendy eateries, and boutique shops.

Then there’s the Financial District, the bustling center of commerce and finance. It is home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the One World Trade Center. With landmarks such as Trinity Church, the neighborhood is a blend of old and new, with narrow cobblestone streets juxtaposed against sleek modern skyscrapers.

Both Little Italy and Chinatown are distinct neighborhoods that present rich traditions, flavors, and colors of Italy and China. You might be seeking delicious food, cultural immersion, or just a captivating stroll through vibrant streets, Little Italy and Chinatown provide unforgettable experiences.

I suggest beginning your day with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island . Then head out on foot to explore more of Lower Manhattan!

Things to Do Financial District + Lower East Side

• See Wall Street up close, the home to the New York Stock Exchange
• Take a picture with the bronze Charging Bull sculpture
• Go up in the One World Trade Center observation deck
• Book a tour of the 9/11 Museum & Memorial
• Walk through the 17th-century Trinity Church
• Take in stunning views of New York Harbor from the waterfront Battery Park
• Ride the Staten Island Ferry for free past the Empire State Building and Ellis Island
• Take a stroll along Mulberry Street to see the best shops and eateries of Chinatown and Little Italy
• Learn about the lives of early immigrants at the Tenement Museum
• Tour the Museum at Eldridge Street to learn about NYC’s Jewish heritage
• Order pastrami sandwiches for lunch at the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen
• Day 3 – Museum Mile + Central Park

On the 3rd day of your NYC itinerary, you’re on to more iconic NYC landmarks. You’ll spend your day exploring Museum Mile, located along Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side. And if you have time, take a walk through Central Park!

Museum Mile is a stretch of road that spans approximately one mile and is home to renowned institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, and more.

And when you’re visiting NYC, no trip is complete without a stop at Central Park! Situated in the heart of Manhattan, this massive urban oasis serves as a retreat from the bustling city. You can enjoy picturesque landscapes, special events, landmarks, and a variety of recreational activities.

Things to Do on the Upper East Side + Central Park

• Visit the world-renown Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
• Explore the iconic Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
• Head to the Museum of the City of New York
• Tour El Museo del Barrio to experience Latinx and Caribbean art and culture
• See the Jewish Museum’s collection of artifacts and artworks
• Peruse exhibits at the Museum of African Art
• Admire the beautiful Bethesda Terrace and take photos by the fountain
• Take an hour to visit the infamous Central Park Zoo
• Pay tribute to John Lennon at the Strawberry Fields Memorial
• Cross the Bow Bridge, one of Central Park’s most scenic spots
• Relax on the expansive Great Lawn with other locals and tourists
• Head to the west side of the park to visit the American Museum of Natural History
• Rent a rowboat at The Loeb Boathouse or enjoy a meal overlooking the lake
• Go ice skating in the winter at Wollman Rink, or rollerblading in the summer
• Explore Shakespeare Garden, featuring flowers mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare

If You Have More Time In Your New York City Trip

If you have an additional 4 days to explore New York City, here are some additional neighborhoods to consider visiting:

• Day 4 – Greenwich Village

If you have 4 days in New York, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Greenwich Village. Make a great start to the day by grabbing a bagel and heading to people-watch at Washington Square Park!

Often called simply “The Village,” this Lower Manhattan neighborhood is made up of both Greenwich Village and the West Village. It’s been home to many influential artists, writers, and musicians throughout history. Today, it’s where you’ll find a diverse range of dining options, iconic entertainment venues, and historic landmarks.

Greenwich Village has been a hub for creativity and counterculture movements for decades. It became synonymous with the Beat Generation in the 1950s and the folk music scene of the 1960s. The neighborhood also played a significant role in LGBTQ+ history as the site of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

When planning a New York itinerary, 4 days will give you a chance to add some of these exciting Greenwich Village stops to your list.

Things to Do in The Village

• See the famous art and street performers of Washington Square Park
• Explore the boutique shops and cafes lining charming Bleecker Street
• Visit the historic Stonewall Inn, where the Stonewall Riots began
• Pay homage at the Stonewall National Monument at Christopher Park
• Enjoy stand-up comedy performances at the renowned Comedy Cellar
• Experience Cafe Wha?, where Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix once performed
• Check out the restaurants, bars, and live music venues along MacDougal Street
• Order a drink and listen to world-class musicians at the Blue Note Jazz Club
• Head to the IFC Center for a line-up of independent and foreign films
• Indulge in Magnolia Bakery’s recognizable cupcakes
• Peruse artisanal cheeses at the historic Murray’s Cheese Shop
• Attend an Off-Broadway production at The Cherry Lane Theatre
• Have a meal at the White Horse Tavern and sit where Jack Kerouac once sat
• Find the iconic buildings used for the exterior shots of Monica’s apartment in the TV show “Friends”
• Day 5 – Brooklyn

Brooklyn, one of New York City’s boroughs, is a massive place. But you’ll get a good feel for it on day 5! Start with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and pizza in DUMBO before you jump on a train to historic Coney Island! Or take a walking tour of Bushwick’s street art .

Brooklyn is known for its thriving arts scene, with galleries, music venues, and street art everywhere. The borough is also home to beautiful green spaces, and its food culture is picking up steam. Exploring Brooklyn is a great way to experience authentic New York City neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere and architectural style.

Brooklyn offers so many things that you need more than 1 day on a New York 5-day itinerary. For now, pick and choose a few of the best things to do in Brooklyn!

Things to Do in Brooklyn

• Take in the New York City skyline when you walk the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore Brooklyn Museum, one of the largest art museums in the country
• Enjoy outdoor activities in the expansive Prospect Park
• Discover the hip culinary scene and vintage shopping in Williamsburg
• Wander the cobblestone streets of DUMBO and take in views of the Manhattan Bridge
• Spend a beach day along iconic the Coney Island boardwalk
• See the world-famous cherry blossoms bloom in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Indulge in trendy and unusual culinary delights at Smorgasburg
• Take in the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
• Enjoy all the green spaces, playgrounds, and summer activities to be found at the massive Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Take a stroll through historic Brooklyn Heights, with its beautiful brownstone houses
• Visit the unique New York Transit Museum inside an old subway station
• Ride Jane’s Carousel, located in Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Day 6 – Chelsea + Hudson Yards

Heading back to Manhattan, you might need a low-key day with built-in views and casual things to do. This is a good time to enjoy some laid-back shopping, eating, and outdoor fun. So, head to the gorgeous neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hudson Yards on the Hudson River side of Manhattan.

This part of Manhattan was once the industrial part of town, and you can still see remnants of that time! Today, art galleries, boutiques, and hip restaurants fill old factories and warehouses. It’s also home to the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic railway line, offering unforgettable views and unique urban green spaces.

Hudson Yards, on the other hand, has been developed into a contemporary neighborhood of sleek luxury high-rise buildings. It’s become the newest area for tourists with great shopping, eateries, and landmark parks.

It’s worth planning half a day to visit these unique New York City neighborhoods. So, check out my suggestions for what to do in Chelsea and Hudson Yards.

Things to Do in Chelsea + Hudson Yards

• Visit the fascinating Little Island, a park on stilts with views of the Hudson
• Explore the High Line, with its scenic views and green spaces
• Check out all the food vendors and trendy shops inside Chelsea Market
• Enjoy a game of golf or go bowling at Chelsea Piers
• Climb up into The Vessel for stunning views of the surrounding area
• Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at The Shops at Hudson Yards
• Peruse Mercado Little Spain, an authentic Spanish food hall and market
• Day 7 – Bronx + Harlem + Upper West Side

Get the most out of the last day of your NYC itinerary by splitting your time between the Bronx, Harlem, and more iconic New York City attractions on the Upper West Side.

The Bronx, located north of Manhattan, is a diverse neighborhood known for its rich history, vibrant communities, and iconic landmarks such as the Bronx Zoo and Yankee Stadium. It also offers a range of outdoor spaces and parks.

Harlem, in northern Manhattan, played a central role in the Harlem Renaissance. The neighborhood fostered a thriving arts scene, becoming a hub for African-American intellectuals, musicians, and artists. Harlem is home to amazing cultural attractions and a vibrant culinary landscape.

The Upper West Side, located on the western side of Manhattan, exudes a residential charm and boasts iconic landmarks. There’s a relaxed atmosphere and a range of dining options, making it a popular area for visitors.

I suggest starting with an early visit to the Bronx Zoo and then getting lunch in Harlem before heading to the Upper West Side. Or take a walking tour of Harlem before a Yankee game that night! Check out more things to choose from in these iconic neighborhoods.

Things to Do in the Bronx + Harlem + the Upper West Side

• Explore the Bronx Zoo
• Visit the New York Botanical Garden
• Catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium
• Enjoy a scenic hike at Pelham Bay Park
• Experience the food scene on Arthur Avenue, Bronx’s Little Italy

• Visit the historic Apollo Theater
• Explore the Studio Museum in Harlem
• Visit Abyssinian Baptist Church, known for its role in the civil rights movement
• Indulge in soul food and Caribbean cuisine along Malcolm X Boulevard
• Visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Upper West Side

• Spend more time exploring Central Park and its many attractions
• Visit the American Museum of Natural History
• Take a walk in Riverside Park
• Enjoy outdoor dining at a restaurant or cafe along Broadway
• Attend a concert at Beacon Theatre
• Explore the box stores, vintage shops, and boutiques along Columbus Avenue

In Conclusion, Here are My Recommendations for Planning a 3-Day NYC Itinerary

• Take the subway and leave the car at home
• Use apps like Citymapper and TodayTix to make last-minute planning easier
• Both JFK and LGA are good options for flying into New York City
• Check out attractions in Manhattan, but don’t forget about Brooklyn,the Bron, and Queens if you have time
• For safety, stay aware of your surroundings, keep belongings close, and stay in well-lit areas
• Each season offers a special experience, but be prepared to deal with the elements no matter when you visit
• Think about the weather when packing, and don’t forget good walking shoes
• Try all the food, but stay away from touristy pizza places
• Embrace being a tourist, but be safe and avoid crowded attractions if you get overwhelmed easily
• Plan on New York City is expensive, but look for all the great ways to save money
• Don’t be afraid to ask New Yorkers for help
• Stay in a central location, like Midtown Manhattan, and don’t go any further out than Park Slope or Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• 3 Days in New York is enough to see the main attractions, but 4 to 7 days will give you a more thorough experience

Wanderlust Crew

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to New York City – Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

87 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3062 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

A Brief History to New York City (NYC)

Nyc fact file, john f. kennedy international airport (jfk), newark liberty international airport (ewr), laguardia airport (lga), getting around nyc, top 10 neighborhoods to visit in nyc, top 10 nyc attractions, 10 unique & quirky things to do in nyc, top 10 iconic views in nyc, top 10 restaurants to try in nyc, 5 coffee shops to get your caffeine fix in nyc, top 5 bars to grab a drink in nyc, top 10 sweet treats in nyc, 10 nyc travel hacks, 10 fun facts about nyc, how to stay safe in nyc, final thoughts.

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No matter where you’re from, New York City is probably pretty high on your list of places to visit. And no matter the season, there are always magical things to experience.

If you’re planning a trip to NYC, you can definitely count on having a great time. There is never a dull or quiet moment — which is why New York is known as the city that never sleeps! But with all the things NYC has to offer, who would ever want to?

There’s a reason New York City is one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. Millions of people visit the Big Apple every year, and knowing the best places to see and eat will help you more fully experience the city. That’s precisely why we compiled this comprehensive guide to visiting New York City. We hope it helps you plan your next big adventure!

Before modern-day New York City, the Lenape people were the original inhabitants of the places we call Manhattan, Westchester, northern New Jersey, and western Long Island.

Fur trading changed the lifestyles of the Lenape well before any permanent European settlers stepped foot in this region.

In 1524, the Italian navigator  Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to enter the harbor, but the first attempt to settle came in 1624 with a group of settlers sent by the Dutch West India Company. Most of them proceeded upriver to present-day Albany, but a few settlers remained on Manhattan.

Fort Amsterdam was built to protect the little colony. With the Dutch settlement, the Lenape entered into various land deals, effectively “selling” them the land of Manhattan.

Only the third largest American port at the time of the American Revolution, New York gradually achieved trade domination and handled more than half of the country’s commercial trade by the mid-1800s.

After 1900, New York was the world’s busiest port, a distinction it held until the 1950s.

Soaring labor costs shifted business to the New Jersey side of the river after the 1960s, but at the beginning of the 21st century the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey still dominated water trade of the northeastern United States.

For the past 2 centuries, New York has been the largest and wealthiest American city. More than half the people and goods that ever entered the United States came through its port, and that stream of commerce has made change a constant presence in city life.

New York always meant possibility. Once the capital of both its state and the country, New York surpassed such status to become a global city in commerce and culture, and home to the most famous skyline on earth.

It also became a target for international terrorism — most notably the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Did you know that 1 in every 38 people who live in the United States call New York City home? Here are some more useful facts and figures to prepare you before your trip:

Population:  8.62 million

Area (including land and water):  468,484 square kilometers

Official Language:  English

Primary Religions:  Christianity & Judaism

Time Zone:  Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)

Country Dialing Code Prefix:  +1

Emergency Numbers:  911

Michelin Stars:  72

Getting to NYC

New York City is served by 3 main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Sometimes you don’t have a choice which airport you fly into.

For example, JFK serves as a hub for both  American Airlines  and  Delta Air Lines , and it’s the primary operating base for  JetBlue Airways . If you do have an option, read on for the best airport to fly into based on where you’re headed in the city.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, 6 miles southeast of Midtown Manhattan. If you’re flying from outside of the United States to New York City, you will likely land at JFK.

This is also a good airport to arrive at if your destination is Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, or pretty much any other neighborhood in the borough.

The following airlines service JFK:

Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Aeroméxico Connect, Air China, Air Europa, Air France , Air India, Air Italy, Air Serbia, Alaska Airlines , All Nippon Airways, American Airlines , American Eagle, Asiana Airlines , Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Avianca Brazil, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca El Salvador, Azerbaijan Airlines, British Airways , Brussels Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific , Cayman Airways, China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines , Delta Connection, Egypt Air, El Al, Emirates , Etihad Airways , Eurowings, EVA Air,  FinnAir, Fly Jamaica Airways, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines , Iberia , Icelandair, Interjet, Japan Airlines , JetBlue Airways , Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air , Kuwait Airways, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Chile, LATAM Ecuador, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa , Norwegian Air Shuttles, Philippine Airlines, Qantas , Qatar Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, Singapore Airlines , South African Airways, Sun Country Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAME, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines , Ukraine International Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Virgin Atlantic , VivaAerobus, Volaris, Volaris Costa Rica, WestJet, XiamenAir, XL Airways France.

Traveling From the Airport to the City

Once you’ve landed at JFK, you have a few options on how to get into the city.

The cost is $52.50 flat fare (non-metered), plus a potential $4.50 for peak fare travel and added gratuity. It generally takes 30-60 minutes to reach Midtown Manhattan, depending on traffic and road conditions. For more information, call 212-NYC-TAXI or visit the  Taxi and Limousine Commission website .

AirTrain JFK & Subway

The cost is $7.75 ($5 AirTrain fee plus $2.75 MTA subway fare), but children under 5 are free. This generally takes 50-75 minutes, depending on destination. AirTrain links the airport to the subway and Long Island Rail Road. AirTrain also offers free service between points in the airport. For more information, visit  the AirTrain website .

There are many routes to take depending on your final destination. To plan your route and get details on pricing, visit  the City Bus website .

Shuttle Bus

NYC Airporter ,  Go Airlink NYC , and  SuperShuttle  are all options for shuttle service. If you book in advance, tickets can be found for as low as $17/person, but the reviews of all companies are less than stellar. Depending on the number of people in your party, a taxi may be a better use of your time and money.

Note: There are also opportunities to hire a private car service or rent a car, but these are much more expensive options. The  JFK airport website  has tons of great information as well regarding travel from the airport.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located 15 miles southwest of New York City. If you’re flying United, you will be arriving at EWR — in fact, over 65% of passengers flying through EWR are United customers. If you have a choice, this is the best airport to fly into if you’re traveling to Manhattan.

The following airlines service EWR:

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air China, Air India, Alaska Airlines , Allegiant, American Airlines, American Eagle, Austrian Airlines, Avianca El Salvador, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, El Al, Elite Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways, La Compagnie, LEVEL, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air Shuttles , OpenSkies, Porter Airlines, Primera Air, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines , Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines, United Express, Vacation Express, Virgin Atlantic, VivaAerobus

Once you’ve landed in EWR, you have a few options on how to get into the city.

This will be a metered fare of approximately $50-$75, plus bridge and tunnel tolls and gratuity. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes to Midtown Manhattan.

During weekday rush hours (6-9am and 4-7pm) and on weekends (Saturday-Sunday, 12-8pm), there is a $5 surcharge for travel anywhere in New York State except Staten Island.

AirTrain Newark

Costs vary by destination. AirTrain links to the airport via NJ Transit and Amtrak’s Newark (or EWR) train station. The journey typically takes 45-90 minutes to Midtown Manhattan, requiring a transfer from the AirTrain line to Amtrak or the  NJ Transit  line (be sure to keep your ticket after using it to exit the AirTrain station, as it is also used for the NJ Transit fare).

NYC Airporter ,  Go Airlink NYC ,  Olympia Airport Express , and  SuperShuttle  are all options. Prices vary, but are lowest when booked in advance on their websites.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located in Northern Queens and is the third largest airport serving NYC. There is no border control facility at LGA, so this airport only has domestic service and international service for countries with pre-clearance. This is a good airport to arrive at if your destination is Long Island City, Astoria, Williamsburg, or Manhattan’s East Side.

The following airlines service LGA:

Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines , JetBlue Airways, Rectrix Shuttle, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, United Express, WestJet.

Once you’ve landed in LGA, you have a few options on how to get into the city.

There isn’t a flat fee, but the ride will cost you approximately $29-$37 (metered fare), plus bridge and tunnel tolls and gratuity. It will typically take 20-25 minutes to get to Midtown Manhattan. For more information, visit the  Taxi and Limousine Commission website .

Two express buses serve LaGuardia: the M60 and Q70. The Q70 goes nonstop to Jackson Heights/Roosevelt Avenue, a major subway hub in Queens with 5 lines. The M60 runs to Harlem and connects to all the major subway lines in Manhattan. For details, visit  the City Bus website .

Similar to the advice above for JFK, shuttles are available but not recommended. The main companies are NYC Airporter ,  Go Airlink NYC , and  SuperShuttle .

Private Car Service & Car Rental

Many private car services and rental options are also available; prices will vary.

Hot Tip: Check out how one of our writers used points and miles to plan a weekend trip to New York City .

With 34 lines and 469 stops, the New York City subway system is one of the largest urban mass transportation systems in the world. Traveling to every single stop (without leaving the transit system) would take you almost 24 hours! Of course, the iconic yellow taxis are also a popular option. Here’s how to get around the city once you’ve arrived.

By Public Transportation (Subways & Buses)

If you can’t walk to your destination, mass transit is the next-best way to get around. The city’s rail and bus system is run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and known as  MTA New York City Transit . It’s inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and a great way to see sights throughout the 5 boroughs — plus it operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The easiest option is purchasing a MetroCard, which you can do at subway stations from either automated machines or booth attendants. When you use a pay-per-ride MetroCard, a single subway or bus ride costs $2.75, and you don’t have to pay for transfers unless you exit the turnstiles.

Subway lines sometimes change routes or temporarily stop running — especially during weekends and late nights on weekdays — so be sure to check for up-to-date MTA service information at  mta.info .

The City’s fleet of yellow taxicabs and green Boro Taxis are licensed and regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. Grabbing a cab can be ideal when tired feet, heavy luggage, or shopping bags weigh you down. Hail taxis whose numbers are lit up on top; that means they’re on duty.

The minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 50 cents every 1/5 of a mile or every minute, depending on how fast you’re traveling. There is also an MTA state surcharge of 50 cents per ride and a 30-cent improvement surcharge.

An additional $1 surcharge is added to the meter Monday through Friday, 4–8pm (excluding holidays), and a 50-cent surcharge is added at night (8pm–6am). All taxis accept cash, credit, debit, and prepaid cards…and don’t forget to tip!

If you’re planning to drive around the City, use  Google Maps  to help you navigate New York City roads. Parking is the biggest concern, so make sure you know where there might be a spot for you. You may want to use an app like  SpotHero to compare parking rates and locations. Parking fees can add up fast, so plan accordingly!

If you’re planning on renting a car, check out our guide to help you save some money.

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs, but as a visitor, you’ll most likely be exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn. When planning a trip to the city, it can be overwhelming because the city is huge and spread out.

In our guide, we mainly focus on the areas you’ll visit as a tourist, but there are clearly unlimited options when it comes to great places to stay all throughout NYC on your second or third visit.

Soho is where to stay in New York City if you want to be in one of the most happening, upscale, and artsy neighborhoods. The area is littered with high-end boutiques, designer chain stores, and some of the trendiest spots in NYC. There are countless retail options, including Alexander Wang, A.P.C., Rag & Bone, James Perse, Suitsupply, Oliver Peoples, Film Forum, and Apple’s flagship store.

Also check out galleries including The New York Earth Room and The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art.

Where to Stay:

• Soho Grand Hotel

2. Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is where to stay in New York City if you want to experience one of the most desired and charming neighborhoods. The Village is famous for shows like Sex in the City and Friends.

Greenwich Village is young and hip with a great nightlife, and is considered one of the most delicious foodie neighborhoods in the city! Nearby attractions include Washington Square Park, Bleecker Street Records, the famous Comedy Cellar, NYU, and tons of restaurants in the area.

• The Marlton
• The Greenwich Hotel
• Washington Square Hotel

3. Chelsea/Gramercy

Stay in Chelsea if you want to be in one of the city’s cultural hubs known for its art galleries, foodie scene, incredible location, and gorgeous brick apartment buildings. As this is one of the most desired places to live in NYC, staying here will increase your chance of bumping into celebrities.

If you want to explore other parts of NYC, it’s only a 20-minute subway ride to just about everywhere else in Manhattan.

• The New York EDITION
• The Gramercy Park Hotel
• Selina Chelsea NYC

Just across the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges lies this trendy neighborhood. You can’t help but fall in love with this area filled with independent boutiques, restaurants, trendy cafes, and killer views. Sadly, there aren’t a lot of options here for hotels, which make the available choices pretty pricey.

Nearby attractions include the famous Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel, and amazing views of Manhattan’s skyline.

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• Wythe Hotel
• Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown

Tribeca is where to stay if you’re here on business and don’t necessarily want to be in the heart of the Financial District. This is also a great spot if you want to be in one of the coolest parts in the city while still in a convenient location for getting almost everywhere in Manhattan. It’s also an easy commute to Brooklyn from here.

Nearby attractions include the World Trade Center, Oculus, City Hall, Hook & Ladder Company 8 (think Ghostbusters!), and Hudson River Park.

• Sheraton Tribeca
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Tribeca

6. Upper East Side

This is where to stay in New York City if you are a luxury traveler who wants to be in the heart of Manhattan with easy access to the rest of the city.

Nearby attractions include designer shopping along Madison Avenue, Museum Mile (including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and El Museo del Barrio), and of course Central Park.

• The Sherry Netherland
• Courtyard New York Manhattan/Upper East Side

7. Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is for the general traveler who is a lover of culture and arts. It’s home to the Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum as well as conveniently located next to Central Park. With beautiful brownstones and manicured streets filled with adorable cafes and nice shops, this is another lovely neighborhood to pick in New York City.

• Mandarin Oriental
• Arthouse Hotel
• La Quinta Inn & Suites New York Central Park

8. Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District is another great option for where to stay in New York City if you want access to some of the best shopping and nightlife. Once home to the city’s slaughterhouses and packaging plants, this is now a cool neighborhood filled with great restaurants, upscale shopping, and bars.

Nearby attractions include half of the High Line, the Samsung Experience, the Whitney Museum of Art, Chelsea Market, Gansevoort Market, and the West Village.

• Gansevoort Meatpacking
• The Standard, High Line
• The High Line Hotel

9. Financial District

Stay here if you’re a business traveler. This is also a great place to be in lower Manhattan that is easily accessible to Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the rest of the city.

Nearby attractions include Wall Street, the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues, the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, Staten Island Ferry, the World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial, and Chinatown.

• The Beekman
• The Wagner Hotel
• Doubletree by Hilton NYC Financial District

10. Midtown

Midtown is where the tourists stay in New York City, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Besides Times Square, Broadway, and Rockefeller Center, Midtown also boasts quick access to Grand Central Terminal, Radio City, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Top of the Rock.

Midtown is especially recommended for anyone who is coming on a short trip, since you’re centrally located with easy access many of the city’s tourist hot spots.

• The Knickerbocker
• JW Marriott Essex House

You won’t see everything in a single trip, so it’s definitely important to prioritize your wish list in a place like New York City. Here are a few of our favorite “must-see” attractions!

1. Walk the High Line

There are few places more pleasant than a sunny afternoon on the High Line . NYC’s only elevated park is one of Manhattan’s most popular destinations, and it’s easy to see why.

Formerly a rail track that went out of use in 1980, the High Line was resurrected as a 1.45-mile green space in 2009, running from Hudson Yards to the northern edge of Chelsea. Today it’s a break from the concrete jungle planted with wildflowers and grass.

Visit: No admission fee. The Highline is open from 7am all year round. Closing times depend on the season.

Get There: Mostly located in Chelsea, but check their  website for details on how to best access the area.

You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the Museum of Modern Art; this museum is a shrine of pop culture and 20th-century history. Some of the most significant contemporary artists have multiple works hanging on the walls, including Picasso, Warhol, Van Gogh, Dali, and Monet. There is also an attached cinema, a sculpture garden with works by Picasso and Rodin, and a high-end restaurant and bar that are worth a stop as well.

Visit: Admission is $25 for adults, free for kids 16 and younger. Open Saturday-Thursday from 10:30am-5:30pm and Fridays from 10:30am-8pm. Admission is free on Friday evenings.

Get There:  11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

Hot Tip: The MoMA is one of the museums you can access for free when you register for a free Cultivist membership that is available with any Capital One credit card through June 22, 2024.

3. 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial honors the victims of the September 11th attacks, and is a solemn but important stop on any trip to New York. One World Trade, a gleaming 104-story building, is located on the former site of the Twin Towers. One World Observatory is next door and offers 360-degree views of the City.

Visit: Open to the public from 7:30am-9pm every day, no ticket necessary. However, you will need a ticket to get into the accompanying  9/11 museum , and these can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.

Get There: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007

4. Afternoon Tea at the Plaza

The Plaza Hotel  is iconic, and the afternoon tea served inside the Palm Court is considered a quintessential New York experience. While definitely a splurge at $90/person, the luxury can’t be beat. There is a preset menu of tea, sandwiches, scones, and sweets with a glass of champagne to wash it all down. Be sure to make reservations in advance, especially if you’re visiting around the holidays.

Visit: Head to  their website  to make reservations and see the current menu selection.

Get There: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

5. Central Park

In pretty much all seasons, this vast expanse of open green space calls out to anyone eager to spread out a blanket for a picnic, catch a concert or play, or just stroll through the various landscapes for a soul-soothing break from the grind. If you’re visiting Manhattan with kids , Central Park is a must!

You can’t really go wrong choosing a Central Park entrance, from bustling Columbus Circle to the much quieter, tree-lined Central Park West or Fifth Avenue.

Aim to see some of the architectural highlights like Bethesda Terrace, Strawberry Fields, the Conservatory Garden, and the Loeb Boathouse.

Visit:  No admission fee. The park unofficially closes at 1am.

Get There:  Visit the Central Park website for the best way to get there.

6. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

With her impressive 305-foot stature, Lady Liberty is one of the most recognized symbols of America. She also looks pretty great in a selfie! Take a ferry to go see her up close and personal. If you have a relative who was one of over 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island , this is especially meaningful. Tickets to Ellis Island Immigration Museum are included in the ticket price.

Visit:  Tickets start at $18.50 for adults and $9 for kids, but upgraded tickets are available as well. Check the website for departure times.

Get There:  From Manhattan, the ferry leaves from Battery Park. There is a ferry that departs from New Jersey as well.

7. American Museum of Natural History

This museum is a great activity for the whole family! The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a favorite exhibit, but you should also plan on visiting the dinosaurs, the Hall of the Universe, and the Butterfly Conservatory. There are approximately 32 million artifacts inside spread across 4 city blocks, 25 buildings, and 45 exhibition halls…so don’t even try to see everything in 1 day!

Visit:  While there isn’t a set admission fee, the “suggested” admission price is $22 for adults, $17 for seniors and students with an ID, and $12.50 for children ages 2-12. Open daily from 10am-5:45pm.

Get There: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024

8. Chinatown

Mott and Grand Streets are lined with stands selling exotic foods like live eels, square watermelons, and hairy rambutans, while Canal Street glitters with jewelry stores and gift shops. Remember to come hungry! Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in NYC representing the cuisine of virtually every province of mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, and Vietnamese eateries and shops.

Wander past steamy windows with hanging Peking ducks, street carts vending drinkable coconuts in the summer, and countless restaurants serving up a variety of delicious Chinese cuisine. From delicious dumplings to dim sum, you’ll definitely leave stuffed!

Visit:  Open all the time with no admission fee

Get There:  Chinatown is an area in Lower Manhattan bordered by the Lower East Side to its east, Little Italy to its north, Civic Center to its south, and Tribeca to its west.

9. Top of the Rock

Want to get a bird’s eye view of the city? Skip the Empire State Building and head to Top of the Rock. The view of NYC from the Top of the Rock is awesome and allows you to get the Empire State Building  in  your photos! Rockefeller Plaza is famous for its  Today Show  tapings (often accompanied by free concerts in the summer), as well as its enormous Christmas tree and skating rink in the colder months.

You have a few options on how to visit. If you don’t want to pay $37 plus tax for the 70th-floor observatory, go to the bar at the Rainbow Room’s Bar SixtyFive, where a $20 cocktail gets you similar views just 5 floors below. Plus, this way you get to drink!

Visit:  The elevator is open from 8am-12:30am (the last ride up is at 11:55pm).

Get There: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

10. Brooklyn Bridge

Constructed over a span of 14 years in the late 19th century, this massive suspension bridge was a much-needed alternative to ferrying between Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time, it was the tallest structure in the Western hemisphere! Ideally, try to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan so you’re facing the skyline.

To avoid crowds (and get the best pictures), head across in the early morning hours and avoid sunset. Nerd out on engineering trivia and read the plaques detailing the bridge’s fascinating history along the way.

Visit:  No admission fee. The walk takes about 45 minutes with stops for pictures and reading.

Get There: This will vary depending on the direction you want to walk, but your best bet is to take the subway.

Hot Tip:  For more ideas, check out our dedicated post: The 15 Best Tours and Activities in New York City .

This incredible city is so much more than just the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty! There are tons of offbeat options to help you explore the city more deeply. So while this is a great list to look at if you’ve explored all of the “must-sees,” it’s also great to help you develop an itinerary that’s a bit different from everyone else’s.

1. The Gold Vault

Want to feel a bit like Scrooge McDuck? Beneath the New York Federal Reserve Bank, you will find the largest concentration of gold in human history. It contains a government-operated vault built in bedrock that includes deposits from central banks around the world.

In total, there are about 7,000 tons of gold bars, or 5% of all gold ever mined! Surprisingly, anyone can tour the vault with the Federal Reserve Bank, but visitors must register 30 days in advance of the  tour .

Visit: 44 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038. Admission is free, with tours Monday-Friday at 10am.

2. Touch the Berlin Wall

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, parts of the wall were distributed around the globe, with 5 pieces ending up across New York City. The concrete hunks include artwork from artist Thierry Noir, who began painting the west side of the Berlin Wall in the 1980s to make it seem less threatening. Make a day of it and try to locate them all!

Visit: 5 locations throughout the city are open 24 hours a day

3. Tenement Museum

New York City has always been a magnet for immigrants looking for a better life. Per their website, the  Tenement Museum , located on the Lower East Side, “enhances appreciation for the profound role immigration has played and continues to play in shaping America’s evolving national identity.”

This historical museum takes visitors back in time to give them a glimpse of what it was like to be an immigrant in New York in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. Housed in a 5-story brick building, it is estimated that about 7,000 people from over 20 countries lived in this historic site.

Visit: 103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002. Tickets start at $25 for adults. The museum is open from 10am-6:30pm Friday-Wednesday and 10am-8:30pm on Thursdays.

4. Dirt Room

It’s hard to believe 280,000 pounds of soil hides in a random New York room, but that’s exactly what can be found in one spacious Soho loft. The art installation, known as the “ New York Earth Room ,” was created by Walter De Maria in 1977…and the same dirt the artist installed 35 years ago remains today.

The Earth room contains a 22-inch deep layer of dirt spread across the 3,600-square-foot gallery. So if you need a bit of nature in the concrete jungle, you know where to go!

Visit: 141 Wooster St, New York, NY 10012. Admission is free, open Wednesday-Sunday 12-6 pm (closed from 3-3:30 pm).

5. The Cloisters

This quiet spot in northern Manhattan offers a welcome respite from the hectic pace of NYC.  The Cloisters , a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, house the museum’s extensive collection of art and architecture from Medieval Europe.

Same-day entrance is included here when you buy a ticket for the Met. To save time and skip the big line at the museum, it is recommended to buy your tickets online.

Visit: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040. Open 10am-5:15pm daily.

6. Coney Island

Whatever kind of offbeat adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it on Coney Island . It’s the perfect dreamlike summer escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. From Nathan’s Famous hot-dog eating contest and P.T. Barnum’s infamous “Feejee Mermaid” to an authentic circus sideshow, there are plenty of quirky attractions to be found.

Visit:  Traveling to Coney Island is easy: just take the D, Q, N, or F train to Stillwell Avenue

7. Explore Abandoned Subway Stations

New York’s subway system is one of the oldest in the world, so many of its former stations have been closed or abandoned. The most famous of them all is the City Hall station, which you can visit by joining this tour . You can also get a glimpse of the City Hall station and 2 other abandoned stops from one of the trains by staying on the 6 train while it turns around.

Visit:  The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and costs $35. It meets on the north side of the Jacob Mould Fountain, facing City

8. Kayak the Hudson River

Looking for a way to be active in the city? Try kayaking on the Hudson River! The  Manhattan Community Boathouse  is a nonprofit organization that offers free kayaks to use during summer, so this activity is even friendly on your pocketbook (though donations are accepted). Kayaks are offered on a first-come first-served basis, so show up early to ensure your spot.

Visit: 56th Street in Hudson River Park. Hours vary with the seasons:

• May 26-October 7: Saturday-Sunday 10am–6pm
• June 4-August 29: Monday-Wednesday 5:30pm-7:30pm

9. Brooklyn Flea Market

This has been ranked as one of the top markets in the United States! The  Brooklyn Flea  features over a hundred vendors selling furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, jewelry, and much more. If you are looking for a perfect and unique souvenir from your trip, you’ll probably find it here!

Visit: Open every weekend from April-October, 10am-5pm, with 2 locations:

• Saturdays: 241 37th St., in Industry City
• Sundays: 80 Pearl St., in DUMBO at the Manhattan Bridge Archway

10. Ellen’s Stardust Diner

One of the most popular things to do when coming to NYC is to go to a Broadway show. Luckily you can experience Broadway without the Broadway ticket prices! Ellen’s Stardust Diner is home to the world-famous singing waitstaff and located in Times Square.

Known as a halfway house to Broadway, the talent level in this place is insane, and the turnover rate is high due to the waitstaff getting discovered for Broadway roles. There is ALWAYS a line, so be prepared to wait.

Visit: 1650 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. Open daily from 7-midnight, so you can drop by anytime!

NYC led the pack in 2017 as the most-Instagrammed city in the world. There is clearly no shortage of iconic sights, but here are a few to fill your Instagram feed with.

1. Top of the Standard

Located on the rooftop of the Standard High Line hotel, this restaurant boasts some of the most iconic views in NYC. They serve tea and drinks in the afternoon, and in the evening they offer a small-plate menu and specialty cocktails with live jazz music. Reservations recommended.

Visit: The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014

2. Manhattanhenge

Twice a year, the setting sun aligns perfectly with New York City’s grid streets, creating a sunset framed by concrete and glass skyscrapers that you’ve definitely seen pop up on your feed. You can still get a great photo of the centered sun for a few days on either side of official Manhattenhenge if the crowds are too much to bear.

Visit:  The best cross-streets are 14th, 34th, 42nd, and 57th (they’re wide streets framed with architecturally beautiful buildings). Check the local news for best dates to catch it!

3. Wall Street

Home to the financial district of NYC, you’ll find world-famous landmarks and beautiful architecture here. Don’t miss the New York Stock Exchange or the Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues. The statues tend to get incredibly busy during the day, so go early if you want a good photo!

Visit: Wall Street, New York, NY 10005

4. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Head to the promenade for some incredible views of Lower Manhattan’s skyline and the New York harbor. This would be a great place to watch the sunset or just experience a different view of the city.

Visit: Montague St & Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201

5. The Oculus

The Oculus is actually the main transportation hub for the World Trade Center, but it’s also one of the most popular sights in NYC. Head to the top floor and take a picture of the stunning skylight, and then over to the 9/11 Memorial to make a day of it.

Visit: Church St, New York, NY 10006

6. Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building has become such an iconic landmark of Lower Manhattan that the entire area is now referred to as the Flatiron District. For over 100 years, the Flatiron Building has been an architectural icon and an international tourist attraction. It’s still a private office building, but that doesn’t detract from the wonder it stirs up when you see it for the first time.

Visit:  175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

7. Top Floor of the Mandarin Oriental

Head to the top floor of the Mandarin Oriental for a stunning view of the city, including wonderful views of Central Park. It’s the perfect place to have a drink, and you can visit their Asiate restaurant for brunch with a view.

Visit: 80 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023

8. Times Square

Surrounded by energetic, buzzing crowds and the bright lights of digital billboards, there’s no more iconic view than that of Times Square. Head there at night for some truly Insta-worthy photos, but don’t expect to get the place to yourself. It is definitely one of “the” spots to go for tourists in NYC.

Visit: Manhattan, NY 10036

9. Empire State Building

If you actually want pictures OF the Empire State Building, then Top of the Rock may be a better bet…but there is definitely something special about seeing the building up close. The 102-story art deco skyscraper located in Midtown is a cultural icon, and it stood as the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years.

Visit: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118

10. Rooftop at Hotel Hugo

For beautiful views over the Hudson River, Freedom Tower, and Statue of Liberty, check out the 20th floor of Hotel Hugo in Soho. They have an incredible rooftop bar that has to make any list of the most Instagrammable places in NYC! Don’t leave early — there are some stunning views at sunset.

Visit: 525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

New York City is one of the best places in the world for foodies. Here are 10 restaurants that won’t let you down!

1. Joe’s Pizza

This is your spot for a quintessential, cheap, classic New York slice. The original Bleecker Street location has been shut down since 2005, but the Carmine Street location continues to serve hot, gooey slices of flawless, foldable pizza until long after the local bars close. It’s a pretty simple shop with only a few menu options, but the price (under $3) and ambiance can’t be beat.

Visit: 7 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014. Open daily from 10am-4am or 5am depending on the day.

Get There:  Check out their website  for more details. There are countless subway stations within walking distance, so your best bet is to plug it into Google from your current destination.

2. Jack’s Wife Freda

This restaurant is a Mediterranean-inspired cafe with delicious cocktails in a couple of cute NYC neighborhoods (Soho was the original). Their brunch and late-night offerings are the most popular. If you want my ideal order, it would be the grilled haloumi, peri-peri chicken with chopped salad, or cheeseburger with fries, finished off with a fruit crisp. Yum!

Visit: The original is 224 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012. Open from 8:30am-late. Reservations are accepted for groups of 6 or more. For details about their second location, see their website .

Get There:  The closest station is Spring Street, and can be accessed by the 4, 6, or 6X train.

3. Momofuku Noodle Bar

Momofuku has the original pork bun that spurred a million copycats. By now, most people are familiar with David Chang’s culinary empire (or at least his Netflix show). New York City offers many Momofuku-associated venues offering cocktails, pastries, and fine-dining, but we like this option because of the ramen. Chang jump-started the NYC ramen craze in 2004, and any variety you choose will be one of the best you’ve ever had.

Visit: 171 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003. Open daily from noon-4 or 4:30pm. Reopens from 5:30pm-11pm (1am on weekends). Check their website for the menu.

Get There:  The closest station is at 1st Ave, taking the L.

4. Katz Delicatessen

There’s no more “New York” meal than the towering hand-carved pastrami on rye at this Lower East Side institution. Katz’s is a living portrait of frenetic customers clutching loaves of golden rye, butchers in blood-soaked aprons, and a study in the best pastrami sandwich in the city (and perhaps the world). With 4 stars and almost 10,000 reviews on Yelp, this is a pretty safe bet.

Visit: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002. On weekdays, they open at 8am and close around 10:45. On weekends they’re open 24 hours.

Get There:  The F train at 2nd Ave is the closest station.

5. Russ & Daughters

This 100-year-old shop is still the place to go for the city’s finest Jewish fare. You can’t go wrong with the timeless combo cut by expert fish slicers: sesame bagel, schmear, and smoked salmon. There is always a line (welcome to New York), but it’s worth it for this classic taste of the city.

Visit:  The original shop is at 179 E Houston Street, New York, New York, 10002. Open most days from 8am-6pm.

They also have a cafe at 27 Orchard Street, New York, New York, 10002. Open from Monday-Friday from 9am-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-10pm.

Get There:  This will be based on your preferred destination, so check their website for more details.

6. Mercer Kitchen

The in-house eatery at the Mercer Hotel showcases local ingredients in a Mediterranean fusion menu that changes with the seasons. Sample dishes might include sashimi and horseradish pizza, butternut squash soup served in an individual kettle, and salmon glazed with kaffir and lime. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, and there’s a lovely brunch and a fun bar scene to boot.

Visit:  Located in The Mercer hotel at 99 Prince St, New York, NY 10012. Open daily from 7am-late.

Get There:  The closest station is at Prince St, access by the N & R.

7. The Butcher’s Daughter

Visit:  Nolita, West Village, and Williamsburg all have a location. Hours vary, but all 3 locations open at 8am.

Get There: Check their website for specifics based on your desired location.

8. Luke’s Lobster

The best lobster roll in NYC. The sauce is light, delicious, and not too overbearing. Luke’s gets shipments from Maine delivered daily, so you know it’s always fresh. They opened their first location in the East Village in 2009, but now have multiple across the city, in addition to a food truck!

Visit: There are 20 locations throughout the U.S. now, but 13 are in the NYC area. Check   their website  for address and hours.

Get There:  Since there are so many locations, Google is your best friend here!

This dining option with 3 Michelin stars is one of the fanciest places in NYC, but getting a table isn’t the only hard part to stomach. The tasting menu runs over $300/person (not including drinks), so you and your wallet should be prepared! That being said, you will come away fully satisfied from your 3-hour multi-course dinner. It’s an event not to be missed, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion in the Big Apple.

Visit: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019. Open daily for dinner from 5:30-11:30pm. Open Friday-Sunday for lunch from 12-1pm.

Get There:  The closest station is 59th St–Columbus Circle, which can be accessed by the 1, 2, A, B, C, & D trains.

10. Eleven Madison Park

Also on the fancier end, Eleven Madison Park was rated the World’s Best Restaurant in 2017, and they serve “European food with a New York twist.” There is a tasting menu (similar to Per Se), and some of the dishes include honey lavender roasted duck, celery root cooked in a pig’s bladder, and honey-glazed duck with turnips and huckleberries. See their website to secure reservations.

Visit: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010. Open daily for dinner from 5:30 pm. Open Friday-Sunday for lunch from 12-1pm.

Get There:  The closest station is 23rd St, which can be accessed by 7 different trains.

New Yorkers drink 7 TIMES more coffee than people in other cities, so you know there are bound to be plenty of great cafes and shops to grab your daily (or twice daily…or more) cup. Hey, you have to fit in, right?

1. Paper Coffee

This beautifully designed cafe inside the MADE Hotel is backed by Brooklyn’s Devocion Roasters, who lend a hand to a standard menu of espresso-milk drinks, plus a few specialty items like a matcha lemonade and the Vietnamese (a layered macchiato with condensed milk, espresso, and milk foam). Pastries come from Patisserie Chanson, and the black sesame kouign-amann is especially delicious.

Visit: 44 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001. Open daily from 7am-5pm.

2. Saltwater Coffee

This East Village neighborhood cafe has quickly claimed a large fan base despite its tiny size. Head to Saltwater Coffee for an expertly pulled espresso, flat white, or seasonal special like ube and charcoal vanilla chai made with Australian-style coffee. Baristas dose higher than most coffee shops and run their shots shorter, so customers get a sweeter, fuller-bodied taste with minimal acidity.

Visit: 345 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003. Open Monday to Friday from 7am-7pm, and weekends from 8am-7pm.

3. Blue Bottle

This California company uses sustainably-sourced beans from developing coffee regions all over the world, and offers seasonal menus of tasty bites like olive oil shortbread, cookies, liege waffles, pastries, and more. The Bella Donovan blend coffee and Hayes Valley Espresso are among its most popular brews. Blue Bottle is influenced by the Japanese-style small shops that serve coffees prepared carefully 1 at a time.

Visit:  There are currently 11 cafes all over New York with more on the way. Hours also vary, but most open up around 6:30am. Check their website for specifics.

4. Daily Provisions

Daily Provisions provides an atmosphere that is equal parts cozy, energizing, and intimate. Opened in February 2017, it quickly became the cafe of choice for those in the neighborhood, serving up JOE Coffee and its famous crullers (maple is their signature), plus gougéres, sandwiches, and breads. They also have a hearty evening menu if you feel like making a return trip!

Visit: 103 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003. Open Monday-Friday from 7am-9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-9pm.

5. La Colombe

Popular among New York’s pretty people, La Colombe is famous for its draft lattes. This East Coast coffee roaster from Philly comes out with various seasonal draft lattes in addition to its core draft latte menu (Black and Tan, Pure Black, and Draft Lattes). This summer it’s the Honeysuckle Latte made with natural honeysuckle extract.

Visit:  There are 8 locations throughout NYC; see their website for the location nearest to you.

New York has a roster of bars that are second to none. Depending on your preference for old-world charm, fantastic rooftop bars, or something a bit more unique, you will have no problem finding some first-class cocktails. Here are our picks for the best bars in NYC.

1. The Campbell

One of the classic New York drinking establishments, the Campbell is located inside Grand Central Terminal. It was formerly home to the offices of American financier John W. Campbell; after his death in 1957, it served as a storage closet for decades before the grand space was restored to its former glory. It now houses a chic cocktail bar that serves all the classics with light food.

Visit: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017. Open daily from noon-2am.

2. Bar SixtyFive

Set atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Bar SixtyFive is the lounge component of the recently reopened Rainbow Room. Modern furnishings sit beneath a geometric ceiling, and a wraparound terrace provides excellent views from the Empire State Building to Central Park…what you’re really paying for are the views! It’s best to reserve your spot in advance, and note the $65 minimum per person for the rooftop terrace.

Visit: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York, NY 10112. Open Monday-Friday 5pm-12am and Sundays 4-9pm. Closed Saturdays.

3. Mother of Pearl

This lively tiki bar brings Hawaiian flair to the Big Apple. Owned and designed by East Village restaurateur Ravi DeRossi, it features a white-and-green tiled bar, vintage-looking tropical upholstery, and banana-leaf wallpaper. The drinks are true to the tiki theme with punchbowls and assorted fruity cocktails. For dinner, there is tuna poke, Kahlua pork belly with ginger glaze, and pineapple kimchi to choose from.

Visit: 95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009. Open Monday-Wednesday 5pm-1am, Thursday and Friday 5pm-2am, and weekends 3pm-2am.

4. The Library Bar

The NoMad Hotel’s 2-level library, with its custom furnishings and an extensive book collection, is a unique haven for cocktail and literature lovers. Located in the heart of the Flatiron District, only guests of the NoMad Hotel are granted access to the bar after 4pm (meaning it’s rarely busy). Try the pineapple juleps, hot apple cider cocktail, or one of their other unique creations.

Visit: 1170 Broadway, New York, NY 10001. Open Monday and Tuesday from 5pm-12am and Wednesday-Saturday from 5pm-2am. Closed Sundays.

5. Ophelia Lounge NYC

There is a great 1920’s aesthetic at this bar atop the landmark Beekman Tower. Think arched glass panels restored from the original rooftop and vintage artifacts on display. Cocktails are creative, the price point is reasonable, seating is ample, service is top-notch, and advanced reservations are available online . And then, of course, there are those 360-degree views of the East River and Manhattan skyline.

Visit: 3 Mitchell Pl 26th floor, New York, NY 10017. Open Monday-Thursday 5pm-2am, Friday and Saturday 5pm-4am, and Sundays 12pm-2am.

If you’re a sucker for sweet treats and looking for something new to try, then look no further than these spots in New York City!

1. Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery  has been serving up legendary cupcakes for as long as we can remember, but they really hit the jackpot with the banana bread pudding. The classic banana flavor never disappoints, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can try out their chocolate bread pudding or rotating flavors of cupcakes.

Visit:  There are 6 locations in NYC; see their website for locations and hours.

2. Serendipity 3

Serendipity 3  has been doing dessert right since 1954. Their frozen hot chocolate is perfect for sharing, making this luxurious drink not just a cool treat but a social experience. It’s more than a milkshake — it tastes like a liquefied fudge brownie. You have to try it at least once in your life!

Visit: 225 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022. Open daily from 10am-1am.

3. Levain Bakery

Perfectly photogenic, these chocolate chip cookies are anything but boring.  Levain Bakery  has grown famous for the melty, gooey inside of their chocolate chip cookies. There are numerous cookie types to try, as well as scones, sticky buns, and freshly-baked breads to choose from.

Visit: 167 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023 is the original location. Open Monday-Saturday from 8am-7pm and Sunday from 9am-7pm. Check their website for details of their other 3 locations.

4. Black Tap

These outrageous milkshakes have been trending on every social media channel there is.  Black Tap  is building the sugar-lover’s dream dessert fully loaded with toppings like M&Ms, cotton candy, rock candy, and chocolate chip cookies. They also serve gourmet burgers and fries, which of course make the perfect starter to a milkshake.

Visit: 529 Broome St, New York, NY 10013. Open Sunday-Thursday from 11am-12am, Friday and Saturday from 11am-1am.

5. Dominique Ansel

Dominique Ansel Bakery is a must-try on your trip to NYC. They are known for their cronut, but have plenty of other tasty treats if you don’t feel like waiting in a line for hours to try this particular pastry. Their Milk and Cookie shot is completed by pouring cool milk into a baked cookie glass right before your eyes. This dessert isn’t just a treat: it’s an experience. They also have seasonal dishes like their Hawaiian malasadas with lilikoi curd, frozen smores, and the summer strawberry tart.

Visit: 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012. Open Monday-Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday and Saturday 8am-8pm, and Sundays 8am-7pm.

6. Squish Marshmallow

At Squish Marshmallow you can satisfy your sweet tooth with unique creations like Marshmallow Ice Cream Cones, Marshmallow Donuts, and a Dessert Bacon Egg and Cheese. For the less adventurous foodies, there are homemade marshmallows available in flavors like Apple Pie, Rocky Road, Banana Pudding, and traditional S’mores…all of which can be roasted right in front of you with a blowtorch. They’re most famous for their chocolate marshmallow tacos.

Visit: 120 Saint Marks Place Store 1, New York, NY 10009. Open Monday-Saturday from noon-10pm and Sunday from noon-9pm.

7. La Bella Ferrara Bakery

With secret recipes that span 3 centuries, this fifth-generation family-owned bakery continues to handcraft Italian desserts from the same location in NYC’s Little Italy since 1892. Ferrara’s specialty tiramisu and made-from-scratch cannoli should be a requirement for every visitor to Manhattan.

Visit: 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013. Open daily from 9am-12am.

Have you ever wanted to eat raw cookie dough and not make yourself sick? Enter DŌ. The shop offers scoops of 13 classic cookie flavors (including fluffernutter), as well as seasonal confections like cannoli and lemonade. They have gluten-free and vegan options as well. The dough is made with pasteurized eggs and heat-treated flour, making it safe to eat raw but also engineered for baking. It can also be frozen for up to 30 days.

Visit: 550 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday from 10am-9pm. Open Thursday and Friday from 10am-10pm.

9. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

This shop started as an ice cream truck in June 2009, became an East Village shop in November 2011, and now has 2 other locations in NYC. They take ice cream to a whole new level, offering treats such as The Salty Pimp (vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, sea salt, and chocolate dip), The Ben Arthur (vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, and crushed Nilla wafers), and The American Globs (vanilla ice cream, pretzels, sea salt, and chocolate dip).

Visit:  Check the website for details on all 3 NYC locations. You can also find pints in local grocery stores!

10. Emack & Bolio’s

Unlike most ice cream and froyo places, Emack & Bolio’s uses live cultures and nonfat milk to make their frozen yogurt. They have some unique flavors like Space Cake, S’moreo, Caramel Moose Prints, or Cosmic Punch. They’re most known for their outrageous cones, such as one covered in Rice Krispies, marshmallows, and Fruit Loops.

Visit:  There are 3 locations in NYC; see their website for addresses and hours.

1. Staten Island Ferry

The  Staten Island Ferry  is a public passenger ferry service that’s totally free to ride and runs 5 miles through New York Harbor. Skip the pricey harbor cruises and hop on the ferry instead to enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.

2. Restaurant Week(s)

Restaurant Week  happens in New York twice a year (January/February and July/August). While they say it’s a week, it’s really more like 3 weeks so you have time to take advantage. Get 3-course meals at some of New York’s hottest restaurants at a fraction of the regular price!

3. Bryant Park NOT Rockefeller Center

If you are dying to go ice skating in New York in the Wintertime, head to  Bryant Park’s Winter Village . They offer free admission to the rink, so bring your own skates. If you don’t have any, you can rent theirs for a fee…even if you do, it’s still significantly cheaper than other (more famous) skating options.

4. Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Brewery offers  free brewery tours  on the weekends with a sample at the end. The tour is for all ages, but the sample at the end is 21 and up.

5. TV Show Tapings

There are tons of great shows taped in New York City, and you can request tickets to attend a taping. Tickets are free but limited. Some shows have standby tickets to fill extra seats, so if you miss tickets give that a shot! Here are a few shows you can try:  The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon ,  The Daily Show ,  The Dr. Oz Show ,  Good Morning America ,  Late Night with Seth Myers ,  The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ,  The Rachael Ray Show , and more!

Yes, public transit in NYC is plentiful…but New York City is a great walking city too! There are so many cute boutiques, eateries, little art galleries, and neighborhood bars. You will see so much if you walk where you need to go.

7. Free Museum Days

New York is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, like The Met, The Guggenheim, MoMA, and the Museum of Natural History. Admission to some of them is over $20, but they all offer free or “pay what you wish” days each week. Save a trip to the museum for these days if you happen to be in town then.

Read our comprehensive guide to to discover the best museums in New York .

8. Happy Hours

Dining and drinking in New York are really expensive, with dinner being the priciest meal by far. If you’re up for eating early, hit up restaurant happy hours. You can get great deals on food and drinks and save big.

9. Broadway for Less

If seeing a Broadway show is on your NYC bucket list but you’re not picky about which one, the  TKTS Booth  is a great choice. Visit one of 3 locations  for same-day discounted tickets to Broadway shows. Some pros recommend hitting the Times Square booth around 5 p.m. — apparently, that’s when theaters might pop out additional tickets.

10. Taxi Payment on the Go

Just a bit of a time-saving tip: you don’t have to wait until the end of the ride to swipe your card. NYC taxis let riders swipe at any point during the ride, so you can get to the action quicker!

1. A U.S. Capital?

In 1789 it became the first capital of the United States for 1 year. Interestingly enough, New York City isn’t even the capital of New York — that’s Albany!

2. Many Millionaires

One out of every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire. So maybe try to make a friend or 2 during your trip!

3. The Big Apple

Although many people considered the origin of the term “Big Apple” to be a mystery, researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology managed to determine the probable origin. “Apple” referred to many of the big horse racing courses around NYC. The first known usage was by John J. FitzGerald in The New York Morning Telegraph when he mentioned going to the “Big Apple” to mean getting big money at the races.

4. Illegal Honking

Except for emergencies, honking your car horn is actually illegal in New York City. And yes, we know…everybody does it anyway.

5. A True Melting Pot

Over 37% of New Yorkers were born in another country, so it’s unsurprising that the city’s residents speak a wide range of languages (over 800 in fact)! Plus, some of the languages — like Quechua or Garifuna — are extremely rare or dying out even in their countries of origin.

6. What, How Much?

It can cost nearly $300,000 to operate a hot dog stand around Central Park!

7. Pizza  Tradition

Pizza is probably the food most frequently associated with New York City. Italian immigrants introduced the delicious, cheesy snack to the city all the way back in 1905, and New Yorkers have never looked back. Today, there are approximately 1,600 pizza restaurants in the city.

8. Moving Day

From colonial times through the beginning of the 20th century, May 1 was Moving Day in NYC…nearly everyone who needed to move apartments did so on that day. The custom caused chaos and traffic jams as the streets became clogged with horse-drawn moving vans and furniture. Fortunately, this odd practice began to die down in the 1920s, and of course modern New Yorkers can move whenever they want.

9. Foodie Roots

The ice cream cone, pasta primavera, and eggs benedict were all invented in New York City.

10. Densely Populated

New York City has more people than 39 of the 50 states in the U.S.

Despite having a population of more than 8 million people, New York City consistently ranks in the top 10 safest large cities (those with more than 500,000 people) in the United States. Violent crimes in New York City have dropped by over 50% in the last decade as well.

However, visitors should be aware that many swindlers and thieves are skilled at identifying “out of towners” and folks who may seem disoriented or confused to prey upon. While this shouldn’t scare you away from New York City, using common sense should keep you safe.

Emergency Contacts in New York City

• If you have an emergency of any kind, call  911 .
• If you need to contact the police about a non-emergency (including information), call 311 .
• If you left your property on any form of public transit, you need to direct your call to the appropriate agency. Here is a link that contains most of them.

Stay Safe in the City

• Pickpockets and thieves operate all over the world; be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are walking along the street, keep valuables on your other side. Thieves have been known to grab purses and bags as they pass by in cars or motorcycles.
• Never accept drinks from strangers, and always keep yours with you in crowded bars.
• Avoid deserted areas, especially at night. This includes popular tourist destinations like Central Park.
• If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions.

Public Transit Safety Tips

• Only ride in marked taxi cabs.
• When in doubt of your destination or the safety of a neighborhood, take a cab (especially late at night).
• Many business districts are desolate at night — keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a cab.
• During peak times, the subway can be very crowded. If you can’t avoid travel during these times, be aware of your bags at all times.
• If taking the subway late at night, stand near the “During off hours trains stop here” sign or in view of the MetroCard booth. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor’s car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops).

At Your Hotel

• Always keep your valuables in a locked room safe if available.
• Hotels are open to the public, and security may not be able to screen everyone entering. Always lock your room door. Don’t assume that once inside your hotel you’re automatically safe.

Emergency Alerts

Just as important as being prepared for an emergency is staying informed, and New York City offers a variety of ways to receive emergency information.

Notify NYC is the city’s source of information about emergency events. Notify NYC is available through email, text, telephone, RSS, Twitter, and in many cases American Sign Language videos. To register for Notify NYC, call 311, 212-639-9675, or 711 for Video Relay.

Wireless Emergency Alerts are alerts sent to wireless phones by authorized governmental officials (such as Amber Alerts). You don’t need to register for these; as long as you have cell service, they will automatically be sent to you based on your location.

New York City is a huge place with a lot to do, and this list barely scratches the surface. We know we mainly stuck to Manhattan in this guide, and didn’t even really touch on all the amazing things to do in the boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn. Guess you’ll just have to make a few more trips!

So, have you traveled to New York City before? What tips do you have to guarantee a great trip to the city?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best places to eat in new york city.

You can’t go wrong with New York staples like Joe’s Pizza, Katz Deli, or if you’re feeling fancy, Eleven Madison Park.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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A local’s travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top destinations in New York include a ferry ride, shopping for watches in Chinatown and a Brighton Beach bender

I first came to New York City by accident, after a miscommunication with my father led me to believe my (long-deceased) mother had been desperate to visit the city before she died.

Years later I found out that my mum had actually wanted to go to Paris. But I still had a great time in New York, and ended up moving here a couple of years later.

On that first trip I did all the main tourist things which, owing to the miscommunication, I had thought my mother had wanted to do: I went up big buildings, looked at big buildings, drank in bars beneath big buildings.

It was great and everything, but there’s much, much more to do here – especially if you like eating, riding about by subway and ferry, and bargaining for knockoff luxury goods.

Day 1: Boating and brownstones

A lot of people have heard of the Staten Island ferry , and for good reason. It’s free to travel on the big orange boats between the southern tip of Manhattan and Staten Island. The route goes right past the Statue of Liberty, and offers amazing views of lower Manhattan.

As a boat lover, I’d also recommend taking the NYC ferry . It has a flat fare of $4 and operates up and down the East River, passing under bridges and allowing riders to snoop at waterside buildings.

If you’re starting in Manhattan (which you probably are), take the southbound ferry from East 34th Street to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo, which stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. It’s here where everyone with an Instagram account gets their shots of both the Manhattan Bridge and the (older, better-known) Brooklyn Bridge. Plenty of people will visit this area then turn their back on Brooklyn, but I’d recommend sticking around New York City’s most populous and, depending whom you speak to, trendiest borough.

Pop by Jane’s Carousel , an exquisitely restored 1922 ride which is plonked between the bridges, and then walk south through Brooklyn Bridge Park. You’ll go past several piers – once working docks now transformed into leafy picnic and sport areas. There are magnificent views across to Manhattan. It’s a nice spot to propose to a partner, as my little brother did last year. If you don’t want to do that, but do like to play soccer or basketball or roller-skate, you’re in luck.

After you hit Pier 6, where there’s a pleasant, if expensive, rooftop pizza restaurant called Fornino , walk up Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and coffee at Goose Barnacle , an independent clothing store with a hidden bar in the back. The owner, Dave Alperin, a fourth-generation Brooklynite, is very friendly and knowledgable about the area and can give you tips about everything from where to buy the best sandwich ( Lillo Cucina Italiana – try the Mamma Roma) to the location of a semi-secret basement speakeasy ( Le Boudoir ) nearby.

From there I’d take a bus or cab to Fort Greene, a very pretty neighborhood whose townhouses are the sort of Brooklyn thing you see in the movies, and grab dinner at Olea . If you make it before 6.30pm, there’s a great happy hour.

Day 2: Rude T-shirts and not-quite Rolexes

Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood has all the posh shops, so if you have money, or like looking through windows at expensive clothes and bags, walk east along Prince Street from West Broadway. There are nice buildings to look at around here too – the newly constructed towers that abound in the city are largely absent in this neighborhood. Stop in at Fanelli Cafe , a neighborhood stalwart that has been around since 1847, for a coffee or some food, then head south along Broadway to Chinatown.

There are lots of great dim sum places, including Golden Unicorn , whose large fancy dining hall is located on the second floor of a marble-esque building. From there I’d take a walk along Canal Street, dipping into sidestreets for cheap souvenirs – snow globes, little statues and that sort of thing – and bizarre T-shirts (many of which are very rude).

Chinatown also does a roaring trade in imitation watches and handbags. So if, like me, you will not and cannot spend $30,000 on a watch but have about $100 to spare, you can get (to my eye) a fairly good imitation. The food markets along Canal Street also sell real nice timepieces – they even work – if you fancy sticking it to big watch. You’ll find plenty of “designer” bags too.

Hopefully you’re hungry again, because Great N Y Noodletown is, per its name, great – especially the roast pig on rice.

From there I’d head farther south and stop in at Whiskey Tavern , the friendliest bar I’ve ever been to in my life (and I’ve been to a lot of bars). They print out personalized welcome signs that they will stick to your table or behind the bar, which sounds a bit naff – but isn’t. The real reason to come is to chat to locals and regulars. It’s also one of the closest bars to city hall, which means there’s a regular stream of “Just Married” couples doing shots of whiskey and eating chicken wings.

If you’ve still got energy, and like singing or shouting, go to Up Stairs , a karaoke bar tucked behind a nondescript doorway on Canal Street. Drinks are cheap, and it gets packed with revelers.

Day 3: Seaside shenanigans

If, like me, you’re a fan of once-glamorous seaside attractions that are now in a state of faded glory, then take the F train to Coney Island. People seem to overlook the fact that the city is surrounded by water, and while Coney Island isn’t the nicest beach for bathing (for that, try Fort Tilden or Jacob Riis Park), there’s loads to do.

Kick things off by watching a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The Cyclones are a feeder team to the New York Mets. They play at Maimonides Park, tickets are usually dirt cheap and easy to get, and you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want a snazzy memento, buy a beer in a foot-long plastic baseball bat. Sometimes they let the crowd “run the bases” after the game, which is a lot of fun, especially if you’ve had more than one of the baseball bat beers.

After the exhilaration of taking in second-tier baseball, walk east towards the Cyclone , one of the oldest and, as far as I can tell, rickety-est rollercoasters in the US. The wooden ride – described as “pretty extreme” by Coaster Critic – will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2027, and it sounds and looks its age. Buyer beware.

Once you’ve stumbled off the ride, go for a settling drink at Ruby’s , the oldest bar on the boardwalk. You can take in the black-and-white shots of Coney Island in its 1930s glory, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a cardboard box full of clams.

Every Friday night from late June to September there is a fireworks show on the beach, which draws a large crowd. You could take it in while eating borscht and sipping coffee or vodka at Tatiana’s , a Russian restaurant-cum-nightclub a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk from the Cyclone.

Side note: you don’t need to wait until summer to visit. I went a day after it had snowed, and it was brilliant.

Question time

How many days do you need to visit new york city.

Three would be fine. If you want to take in all the Instagram favorite destinations, then maybe four.

What’s the most-visited attraction? Is it worth it?

Times Square. And not really. But it’s near enough to other attractions that if you’re heading to a Broadway show then you might as well walk through it.

When is the best time to visit?

The peak of summer can be boiling hot, and winter can be freezing cold. May through early July and September through October are usually a safe bet.

How expensive is it?

New York City is expensive. If you’re staying in Manhattan you’d be (very) lucky to get a hotel room for about $200 a night – but bear in mind that there will usually be hefty taxes on top of that. A bog standard coffee will cost you about $5, a pint anywhere from $6 to $10. The subway fare recently went up: it’s $2.90 a ride now.

Adam Gabbatt is a writer for the Guardian and is originally from the north of England. He has lived in New York City for 13 years and now says “trash” instead of “rubbish” and “sidewalk” instead of “pavement” and his family hates him for it

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Experience all Manhattan has to offer from the sophisticated lodgings available at Marriott Vacation Club®, New York City, part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ City Collection. Situated in the heart of Midtown NYC in the Fashion District our family friendly vacation ownership property offers all you need for an incredible visit. Travel the New York City subway lines, Penn Station, and Grand Central Station. Get easy access to every corner of the city with Madison Square Garden, Times Square, Bryant Park, Central Park, and the shops of Madison Avenue nearby. Enjoy evening cocktails at our popular rooftop bar Top of the Strand, overlooking the Empire State Building. Our guest room accommodations feature mahogany furniture, plush bedding, and views of the NYC skyline. No matter if you stay a week or weekend, we look forward to welcoming you to our vacation property in New York. Marriott Vacation Club, New York City is marketed by Juris Properties NY, LLC, 33 West 37th Street, New York, New York 10018.

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Getting around New York City, NY

Planning to travel in New York City? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your New York City experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in New York City.

Reserve car service in New York City with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in New York City. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to John F. Kennedy International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in New York City

Getting around New York City without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring New York City.

New York City-area airport car service

When your travel in New York City takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Laguardia airport (lga), newark liberty international airport (ewr), choose the best ways to get around new york city, taxi in new york city.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around New York City. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in New York City

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in New York City by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in New York City

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in New York City. If bikes are available in New York City, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.

Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.

After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, emailing [email protected], visiting help.uber.com , or calling 800-664-1378.

In accordance with New York State law, trips may incur a 3% surcharge for the Black Car Fund.

There is a $20 surcharge on all trips between NYC and New Jersey. All trips beginning in NYC are limited to 4 hours. Intrastate trips provided by vehicles affiliated with Black Car bases include applicable New York sales tax.

There is a $10 surcharge on all non-taxi trips starting on Randall’s Island.

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The ultimate guide to getting to and from New York City’s airports

Mar 29, 2024 • 10 min read

You can get to all of New York City’s three airports by public transport. Here’s what you need to know © Sergi Reboredo / VW Pics / Getty Images

If you’ve ever landed in New York City and splurged upward of $50 on an Uber to take you on from there, we salute your struggle.

So we propose another option: public transport. While this choice may seem daunting, in truth taking the train, subway and/or bus to and from the airport isn’t as scary as it seems.

And you might even get to your destination faster.

LaGuardia ,  John F Kennedy  and Newark airports are all reachable via public transit – with NYC subways and buses to JFK and LaGuardia the cheapest option by far. However, since there’s no one-stop public-transit option to the center of town (as in many cities in Europe and Asia), a little bit of homework will go a long way toward making your journey as seamless as possible.

Here’s all you need to know about getting to and from New York City’s three airports. Even if you ultimately do choose to take that rideshare.

Read our full guide to transportation in NYC

Getting to and from LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Minimum cost: $2.90

By public transit, take either the 7 train to 111 St/Roosevelt Ave, then connect to the Q48 bus; the 7, E, F, M and R trains to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74 St, then connect to the Q47 bus; or pick up the M60 SBS bus in Manhattan, which meets the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C and D subway lines at 125 St, the 1 line at 116 St, and the Metro-North Railroad at Harlem–125 St. 

The Q70 SBS also stops at LGA, with connections to the 7, E, F, M and R lines at 74 St/Roosevelt Ave and the LIRR’s Woodside station at 61 St/Roosevelt Ave. 

There are designated spots for rideshare pickups and drop-offs at each terminal, as well as queues for yellow cabs.  Taxi fares are metered to and from LGA, so the total will depend on the distance to or from the airport. A $1 surcharge applies on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, and a $0.50 surcharge weekdays between 8pm and 6am. A $0.50 tax for trips within New York State and a $1.25 fee for pickups also both apply. Tips are additional; 15% to 20% is customary.

Local Lonely Planet staff tips on getting to LGA

“Going to LGA from lower Manhattan, I often take the L train to Williamsburg and then Uber from there. It’s both more cost-effective and usually faster. Honestly, the same applies for JFK – it’s just a bit further.”  – Katharine Leitch, Director

“If there’s an airport you want to get to early, it’s LGA – not because you need to get through security (it’s the fastest of the three airports in my experience), but because it’s shiny, new and painless to be in. The bathrooms here are also stunning.”  – Ann Douglas Lott , Associate Editor

“LaGuardia is a car service for me, but I use a local one instead of the big guys. It’s half the price – and if you pay in cash, it can be even cheaper. A popular one is Arecibo . There are others like Carmel and Dial 7 that only old-school New Yorkers like me know about, and while it’s a bit clunkier than Lyft or Uber, it’s so insanely cheap." – Brekke Fletcher , Senior Director of Content

“I am obsessed with the Q70 SBS (aka the “LaGuardia Link”). The Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave/74 St subway station is only 15 or 20 minutes from Midtown on the express subway; you can it pick up from a dedicated bus platform right where you get out. (No need to get a ticket – tap to pay when you board). The bus then takes a dedicated lane on the freeway to whisk you on to the airport; in good traffic, you’ll be at your terminal in 10 minutes. Oh, and if you have time, grab a bite at a Colombian, Tibetan or Indian restaurant in Jackson Heights en route. It’s really one of New York’s most exciting neighborhoods .” – Brian Healy , Contributing Editor

Getting to and from John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Minimum cost: $11.40

Take a  subway or commuter train  to connect to JFK via the AirTrain, a dedicated people-mover system. First, take the MTA’s A train to Howard Beach or the E, J and Z to Sutphin Blvd; or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station, departing from Penn Station or Grand Central in Manhattan, or Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal. 

From there, the AirTrain , a shuttle on rails, will take you onward to the passenger terminals, airport parking lots, hotel shuttle pick-up areas and rental-car centers. The ride costs $8.50 to or from Howard Beach and Jamaica station; you can now a contactless method to pay the additional fare.

You can also take a city bus to JFK: the Q3 , Q6 , Q7 , Q10 , Q10 LTD and B15 lines all provide service to JFK. 

Each terminal at JFK has designated spots for rideshare pickups and drop-offs, as well as queues for yellow cabs. (Note that due to major ongoing construction, these designated areas can be quite far from the terminals themselves.) Taxis charge a flat rate of $70 – not including tip or tolls – for trips between JFK and Manhattan, plus a $5 surcharge on weekdays from 4pm to 8pm, a $0.50 tax for trips within New York State and a $1.25 fee for pickups.

Local Lonely Planet staff tips on getting to JFK

“When ever I take the AirTrain to JFK, I try to stop at the TWA Hotel for a drink or a snack, regardless of which terminal I’m actually flying out of. You can’t really do that if you’re taking an Uber.“  – Laura Motta , Senior Director of Content

“If time is your main concern, cars are not faster. From my apartment in Brooklyn, I love taking the LIRR to Jamaica and the AirTrain. (It’s closer than Penn Station.) Another great option is the A train to Howard Beach. It’s trickier because you need to get on the correct A train, and sometimes it doesn’t run.”  – Brekke Fletcher

“Certain terminals at JFK are undergoing construction for the foreseeable future, which means not all terminals are open for Ubers. By the time you get on the AirTrain to change terminals, you may as well just take the subway.”  – Serina Patel

Getting to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Minimum cost: $6.25

The fastest route from Manhattan to Newark – located just across the river, in New Jersey – is usually via NJ Transit to the Newark Airport stop (about a 25-minute ride), then the AirTrain  monorail on to your terminal. Your NJ Transit fare will include the $8.25 AirTrain access fee; scan your QR-coded ticket at the exit to connect to the AirTrain, on a separate platform. If you’re coming from points farther afield, Amtrak also serves the Newark Airport station, which is along its busy Northeast Corridor line.

If you’re not in a hurry, you can take the Port Authority’s PATH train  from lower Manhattan to the end of the line, at Newark Penn Station. From there, switch to an NJ Transit train (this is a separate fare; purchase your ticket in advance with the app , or allow time to buy from a kiosk at on the station platform), then transfer to the AirTrain (as described above).

You can also take the PATH to a local or express NJ Transit bus – a longer but cheaper option, as well as an accessible one. NJ Transit trains only run between 5am and 1am, so you should  plan to use the PATH or the #62 bus if you’re traveling outside those hours. 

Taxis to and from EWR are pricey. If you take a taxi from EWR, there’s a $10 surcharge from the airport to all destinations in New York State on weekends (12pm to 8pm) and during weekday rush hours (6am to 9am; 4pm to 7pm). There’s also a $1.25 fee for pickups, a charge for each piece of luggage 24 inches or bigger, and a $5.50 surcharge for all credit card transactions. Yellow New York City taxi fares  to EWR are subject to a flat $20 surcharge.

And don't forget about the tolls : whether you're driving yourself or taking a cab, the Port Authority charges a fee to enter New York by bridge or tunnel, starting at $12.75 per car at off-peak hours. (Traveling   in the direction of New Jersey is always toll-free.) Since the pandemic, many toll plazas have suspended cash payments or gone fully cashless permanently, so you – or your driver – will need an E-Z Pass , unless you want to get hit with the bill later.

Local Lonely Planet staff tips on getting to EWR

“I go through Penn Station, where I love the new Moynihan Train Hall food court. I especially love Irish Exit . It’s by the same people as The Dead Rabbit , and I seriously go out of my way to stop there – they have great cocktails (also lots of beer, of course). And Pastrami Queen or Alidoro for sandwiches to go.”   – Caroline Trefler , Destination Editor

"If I have   to go to Newark, it’s only because the flight is cheaper and in a terminal that has a lounge (big win). Living in Williamsburg, sometimes it takes two hours and $100 to get to EWR in an Uber – and if you know driving in NYC, it means a 100% chance of getting carsick. If I have the time, I’ll take the M or F to the city and transfer to the PATH to Jersey City – then call an Uber from there.”  – Serina Patel

“I actually really like the NJ Transit route to Newark, especially from Midtown. I used to plan all my flights to leave post-work so I could commute in and head to the airport afterward. I also would try to red-eye back and go straight into work to maximize travel time as much as I could...but that part’s not for everyone. That bit was always rough.” – Pia Peterson Haggarty, Photo Director

More tips for your journey

“I pick my flight based on the cost of travel to the airport and safety — because I don’t want to take my usual and very inexpensive AirTrain to the A train at 1am. So if I have to take a $100 Uber to get home on a cheaper flight because it’s super late or early, maybe it makes more sense to take the slightly more expensive flight during daylight.”  – Deepa Lakshmin , Social Media Director

“For all of these, the Transit app is the most reliable when you’re not doing the usual routing. Also, stay away from yellow cabs. They charge lots of extra fees.”  – Brekke Fletcher

“If you’re coming from Brooklyn, the best case is to fly out of LGA or JFK and take the A, C or J train and transfer to the AirTrain. It’s even nicer now that they take Apple Pay.”  – Serina Patel

“I’ve saved so much money scheduling Ubers and Lyfts a day in advance, but it really depends on the time of day you will be en route to the airport. Rule of thumb: if it’s going to be rush hour, book ahead of time.”  – Ann Douglas Lott

“I always take the train to the airport – since you always know how long it will take, even if that’s longer than by car (though with NYC’s horrendous traffic, that’s hardly a given). Then, after a long day of flying, I always splurge on a rideshare or taxi back home.” – Brian Healy  

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President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Washington. (AP)

If Your Time is short

President Joe Biden has a history of commuting by car and rail from his home in Delaware to Washington, D.C.

In comments following the disaster, Biden said he had been over the Francis Scott Key Bridge “many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car.”

Learn more about PolitiFact’s fact-checking process and rating system.

President Joe Biden came under criticism following his remarks about the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

"#BREAKING," read a screenshot of an X post shared on Facebook on March 26. "Joe Biden says he’s commuted over the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore many times via train. The problem is that the bridge features no train tracks."

Some news coverage also focused on Biden’s comments about taking trains. And former President Donald Trump’s campaign cited it as evidence that "Biden (confused — again) claims to have gone over the Francis Scott Key Bridge by train ‘many times.’" 

Before it collapsed, the four-lane bridge spanned 1.6 miles — and, no, the bridge does not have train tracks.

But these social media posts did not present Biden’s full statement that allowed for some ambiguity; he mentioned commuting by car.

Here’s what he said March 26 at the White House:  "At about 1:30, a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which I’ve been over many, many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car."

The White House clarified Biden’s comments to the New York Post, which ran a story headlined: "Biden claims he commuted over collapsed Baltimore Key Bridge by train’ many times’ —  but it doesn’t have any rail lines."

"The President is clearly describing driving over the bridge while commuting between Delaware and (Washington) D.C. during his 36-year Senate career," the New York Post quoted White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson saying in a statement.

Biden has a long history of commuting to the capital. 

On the White House website , a section recounting the president’s history says that after he was sworn into the U.S. Senate, he "began commuting from Wilmington to Washington every day, first by car, and then by train, in order to be with his family. He would continue to do so throughout his time in the Senate."

In 2023, The Associated Press called him "arguably the nation’s biggest Amtrak fan." 

PBS NewsHour said in 2021 that, as a senator, Biden "was a fixture on Amtrak trains between his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., when the Senate was in session. He continued riding Amtrak as vice president. He has sometimes been referred to as ‘Amtrak Joe.’"

Our Sources

Facebook post , March 26, 2024

The White House, Joe Biden , visited March 27, 2024

The Associated Press, ‘Amtrak Joe’ Biden visits Delaware to promote $16 billion for passenger rail projects , Nov. 6, 2023

PBS NewsHours, WATCH: Biden celebrates Amtrak’s 50 years on the rails , April 30, 2021

The White House, Remarks by President Biden on the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge , March 26, 2024

The New York Post, Biden claims he commuted over collapsed Baltimore Key Bridge by train ‘many times’ – but it doesn’t have any rail lines , March 26, 2024

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Joe Biden said he commuted by train and car as a senator, including over the Baltimore Key Bridge

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‘A Lot of Chaos’: Bridge Collapse Creates Upheaval at Largest U.S. Port for Car Trade

A bridge collapse closed Baltimore’s port, an important trade hub that ranks first in the nation by the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles.

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Shipping in the Port of Baltimore

Monthly cargo handled by the Port of Baltimore

By Peter Eavis and Jenny Gross

• March 26, 2024

The Baltimore bridge disaster on Tuesday upended operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports, with disruptions likely to be felt for weeks by companies shipping goods in and out of the country — and possibly by consumers as well.

The upheaval will be especially notable for auto makers and coal producers for whom Baltimore has become one of the most vital shipping destinations in the United States.

As officials began to investigate why a nearly 1,000-foot cargo ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the middle of the night, companies that transport goods to suppliers and stores scrambled to get trucks to the other East Coast ports receiving goods diverted from Baltimore. Ships sat idle elsewhere, unsure where and when to dock.

“It’s going to cause a lot of chaos,” said Paul Brashier, vice president for drayage and intermodal at ITS Logistics.

The closure of the Port of Baltimore is the latest hit to global supply chains, which have been strained by monthslong crises at the Panama Canal, which has had to slash traffic because of low water levels; and the Suez Canal, which shipping companies are avoiding because of attacks by the Houthis on vessels in the Red Sea.

The auto industry now faces new supply headaches.

Last year, 570,000 vehicles were imported through Baltimore, according to Sina Golara, an assistant professor of supply chain management at Georgia State University. “That’s a huge amount,” he said, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the current inventory of new cars in the United States.

The Baltimore port handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year, and it was the 17th biggest port in the nation overall in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Baltimore Ranks in the Top 20 U.S. Ports

Total trade in 2021 in millions of tons

Baltimore ranks first in the United States for the volume of automobiles and light trucks it handles, and for vessels that carry wheeled cargo, including farm and construction machinery, according to a statement by Gov. Wes Moore of Maryland last month.

The incident is another stark reminder of the vulnerability of the supply chains that transport consumer products and commodities around the world.

The extent of the disruption depends on how long it takes to reopen shipping channels into the port of Baltimore. Experts estimate it could take several weeks.

Baltimore is not a leading port for container ships, and other ports can likely absorb traffic that was headed to Baltimore, industry officials said.

Stephen Edwards, the chief executive of the Port of Virginia, said it was expecting a vessel on Tuesday that was previously bound for Baltimore, and that others would soon follow. “Between New York and Virginia, we have sufficient capacity to handle all this cargo,” Mr. Edwards said, referring to container ships.

“Shipping companies are very agile,” said Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a professor in the department of maritime business administration at Texas A&M University-Galveston. “In two to three days, it will be rerouted.”

But other types of cargo could remain snarled.

Alexis Ellender, a global analyst at Kpler, a commodities analytics firm, said he expected the port closure to cause significant disruption of U.S. exports of coal. Last year, about 23 million metric tons of coal exports were shipped from the port of Baltimore, about a quarter of all seaborne U.S. coal shipments. About 12 vessel had been expected to leave the port of Baltimore in the next week or so carrying coal, according to Kpler.

He noted that it would not make a huge dent on the global market, but he added that “the impact is significant for the U.S. in terms of loss of export capacity.”

“You may see coal cargoes coming from the mines being rerouted to other ports instead,” he said, with a port in Norfolk, Va., the most likely.

If auto imports are reduced by Baltimore’s closure, inventories could run low, particularly for models that are in high demand.

“We are initiating discussions with our various transportation providers on contingency plans to ensure an uninterrupted flow of vehicles to our customers and will continue to carefully monitor this situation,” Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, said in a statement.

Other ports have the capacity to import cars, but there may not be enough car transporters at those ports to handle the new traffic.

“You have to make sure the capacity exists all the way in the supply chain — all the way to the dealership,” said Mr. Golara, the Georgia State professor.

A looming battle is insurance payouts, once legal liability is determined. The size of the payout from the insurer is likely to be significant and will depend on factors including the value of the bridge, the scale of loss of life compensation owed to families of people who died, the damage to the vessel and disruption to the port.

The ship’s insurer, Britannia P&I Club, part of a global group of insurers, said in a statement that it was “working closely with the ship manager and relevant authorities to establish the facts and to help ensure that this situation is dealt with quickly and professionally.”

The port has also increasingly catered to large container ships like the Dali, the 948-foot-long cargo vessel carrying goods for the shipping giant Maersk that hit a pillar of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Dali had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off toward the 1.6-mile Francis Scott Key Bridge.

State-owned terminals, managed by the Maryland Port Administration, and privately owned terminals in Baltimore transported a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo in 2023, worth $80 billion.

Materials transported in large volumes through the city’s port include coal, coffee and sugar. It was the ninth-busiest port in the nation last year for receiving foreign cargo, in terms of volume and value.

The bridge’s collapse will also disrupt cruises traveling in and out of Baltimore. Norwegian Cruise Line last year began a new fall and winter schedule calling at the Port of Baltimore.

An earlier version of this article misstated the Port of Baltimore’s rank among U.S. ports. It was the nation’s 17th biggest port by total tons in 2021, not the 20th largest.

How we handle corrections

Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross