ny travel tips

New York City Tips: 50 Dos & Don’ts for Visiting NYC Like a Pro

If you’re looking for New York City tips that have been tried and tested by a local New Yorker, you’re in the right place!

For more than 2 decades (and counting), New York has been my home. I even married a native New Yorker! The NYC dos and don’ts below come from my own experiences of living here and helping visitors navigate the city.

So whether it’s your first visit or fifth to New York City, I’ve got 50 of the best NYC tips to help make your time in the city a success,

New York City Tips: 50 Dos & Don’ts for Visiting NYC like a Pro!

Living in New York City was always one of my dreams. As a young girl, I was fascinated with Broadway, the bright lights, and the endless number of things to do in NYC.

Fast forward to when I arrived and I had no idea what I was doing!

On my first full day living in New York, my aunt tried to help me get my bearings. We walked around, and in between getting jostled by people racing to wherever they were going, I got every single one of the questions on her New York City quiz wrong.

Luckily for you, it’s been 25+ years since that failed quiz and now there’s no denying my status as a New Yorker!

I’m also a traveler, who knows that local tips can’t be beat when you’re exploring a new place, so I wanted to pass on some tried and true New York City tips for your first/next trip to the Big Apple!

NYC Tips: Planning Your Trip

When you’re planning a New York trip , there are a few basics you want to keep in mind.

It’s impossible to see and do everything. Instead, you want to focus on the time you do have and decide which places and activities are at the top of your must-see list.

Then, take advantage of the New York travel tips below to help you save money and time, as well as plan for your arrival.

1. Do plan ahead and spend enough time.

Ideally, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days visiting New York City, especially if you’re one of the many first-time visitors who come to NYC each year. This will ensure you have time to see some of New York City’s top sights, as well as a few nights to enjoy NYC’s restaurants and entertainment.

Maximize your time in New York City by planning sensible logistics (avoid backtracking) and making advance restaurant and ticket reservations to avoid missing an opportunity and waiting in long lines.

This includes booking timed-entry tickets for tourist attractions like Summit One Vanderbilt , the 9/11 Museum , and the Statue of Liberty if they’re on your list of places to visit.

And if there is a Broadway show that you’re deadset on seeing, it’s best to secure those tickets ahead of time instead of leaving to chance getting discounted tickets last minute.

2. Don’t overstuff your NYC itinerary.

It’s easy to be wide-eyed as you plan what to see and do in New York City. The city has an endless number of things to do. But you also want to take the time to enjoy your time and not just race from place to place.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Unless you’re an absolute die-hard art lover, don’t visit more than 1 art museum in a day. Museum fatigue is real and you’ll likely stop absorbing what you’re seeing after a couple of hours.

If you can, mix in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA in the morning and then spend at least part of the afternoon in Central Park. Similarly, you might want to plan a morning or afternoon visit to the 9/11 Museum and the other part of the day walking across the Brooklyn Bridge or exploring Chinatown.

Lastly, if managing the entire day independently feels overwhelming, join a guided tour or activity for part of the day. Guided neighborhood walking tours can help you explore a new part of the city without worrying about where to go or what to see.

3. Do consider saving money with a sightseeing pass.

If you’re planning a heavy sightseeing itinerary, absolutely consider getting a bundled pass like The New York Pass or New York CityPASS . These passes can help you save a good amount of money when compared to buying tickets individually.

The New York Pass lets you choose the duration of your pass, from 1-10 days. This is a great way to pack together consecutive days of unlimited sightseeing with a choice of 100+ attractions.

The New York CityPASS , on the other hand, gives you access to 5 attractions (2 fixed and 3 of your choice from a set list) over 9 days. This pass is great if you want to sightsee at your own pace while mixing in other activities and experiences around the city.

4. Don’t miss NYC’s numerous free things to do.

Fortunately for your wallet, there are also plenty of amazing free attractions in New York City. Quite a few of them also happen to be top places to visit in NYC, too.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the harbor and Lower Manhattan views. This is a top New York City thing to do and shouldn’t be missed!

Central Park, Bryant Park, the High Line, Little Island Park, Riverside Park, and numerous other green spaces are all free to explore. Some like the High Line come with art exhibitions, while Little Island Park hosts free performances.

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the main branch of the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal…all for free!

Many of New York City’s museums have free days including MoMA, the Met, the 9/11 Museum, the Guggenheim, and the Morgan Library. Check individual museum websites for more info and, in some cases, to make a free reservation.

In Lower Manhattan, you can visit the 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools for free, as well as ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty and head to Governor’s Island for free.

And on any given day, the city hosts numerous free activities and cultural events from art shows to concerts and live theater productions. Use a resource like TimeoutNY to check free events happening during the days you visit.

5. Do learn how to navigate New York City’s streets.

One of the great things about getting around New York City is the grid pattern of its streets on most of Manhattan (down to 14th Street). The simple tic-tac-toe set-up combined with numbered streets makes it easy to orient yourself and find where you need to be.

NYC’s streets (i.e. 37th St., 38th St. 39th St.) run east and west across the island of Manhattan. Roughly 20 of these “city blocks” are about 1 mile. When you’re walking with the numbers going up, you’re walking uptown. If the numbers are going down, you’re heading downtown.

New York City’s avenues (Madison Ave., 5th Ave., 6th Ave., 7th Ave.) run north and south. These avenues intersect the numbered streets. The distance between avenues is greater than the distance between streets. About 7 avenues add up to 1 mile.

At 5th Avenue, you’ll find the dividing line between the west and east sides of the island.

For example, if you’re at 42nd St. & 5th Ave., walk in one direction along 42nd Street and you’ll see that it’s E.42nd Street. But if you walk the other way, you’ll notice the signs say W.42nd Street.

Street addresses get smaller the closer they are to 5th Avenue and bigger the farther they are from 5th Avenue. So, if you need to go to MoMA at 11 W.53rd Street, you know that the museum is on the west side of Manhattan and close to 5th Avenue because the building number is 11.

Lastly, New Yorkers typically use intersections or cross streets to explain where they are or to tell a taxi where to take them. You wouldn’t say to a taxi driver, please take me to 11 W. 53rd Street. Instead, you’d say, 53rd and 5th, please. This tells the driver the intersection where you’d like to be dropped.

6. Don’t rely on taxis to get to Manhattan from the airport

This might be one of the most important New York City travel tips on this list.

I highly recommend having a plan for getting from your airport to Manhattan. All the airports have taxi lines that will take you where you need to be. The problem is they’re expensive and sometimes come with a lengthy wait in line for an available taxi.

From JFK to Manhattan, taxis charge a flat rate of $70. This does NOT include extra for tolls, tips, and any surcharges in effect. From Laguardia and Newark Airports, taxi fares are calculated by the meter with tips, tolls, and surcharges tacked onto that. Depending on traffic, taxi fares calculated by the meter can add up quickly.

Instead, use public transportation or book a transfer service in advance so that you know the cost ahead of time. These guides will help you figure out the best way to get from each airport.

• JFK to Manhattan
• LaGuardia to Manhattan
• Newark Airport to Manhattan

7. Don’t shy away from spending Christmas in New York

I reject the idea that you should think twice about spending Christmas in New York .

Yes, it’s very crowded and hotel prices can be high especially right around the time of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting and during the school break week between Christmas and New Year’s.

But, Christmas in New York is absolutely beautiful. The city sparkles with lights and decorations. The atmosphere at the holiday markets is festive enough to warm even the coldest of Grinch hearts. Even “hardened” New Yorkers can’t help but feel the Christmas spirit.

8. Do know the mistakes to avoid spending Christmas in New York.

That being said, you want to make sure you’re a little extra prepared so that you don’t fall victim to some of the classic New York City Christmas mistakes.

Knowing what to avoid, how to dress, or the best places to ice skate all help to make your New York City Christmas trip a success!

New York Travel Tips: Getting Around

Pay attention to these New York tips for navigating the city. Getting around NYC (or lack thereof) can make or break your entire trip.

The last thing you want is the stress of getting lost or arriving late only to realize you’ve missed out on something you were really looking forward to.

The good news, though, is that with a little common sense and advance studying by reading these NYC tips, you’ll be on your way to getting around the city like a pro!

9. Don’t drive.

Traffic is horrendous and parking is worse. It can take a maddening amount of time to get around NYC by car and will inevitably waste hours.

And even if for one crazy fleeting moment, you think driving around New York City makes sense, remember that no restaurants, bars, shops, or sightseeing attractions have parking for their customers.

Bottom line. There are no good reasons to justify driving into or around New York City.

10. Do use public transportation.

The subway (and even walking) will typically be faster than taking a taxi, perhaps except for hours in the dead of night when NYC quiets down. (Although this is never a guarantee because night road work is always happening somewhere!)

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are well connected by subway trains and buses. This is why millions of people use them every day,

You can get anywhere you’d want to go in the city and be much happier when you arrive…not to mention on time, too!

11. Don’t be a subway oaf!

The fastest way to annoy New Yorkers is to in any way block the turnstiles, the stairways, or the train entrance. We understand that you might not be familiar with the subway system. All we ask is that you move to the side or to a place that is out of the way so you can figure out which way you need to go.

Think of it like this. Navigating the subway is part of our daily commute. Would you stop your car in the middle of a highway entrance ramp (during rush hour) while you read all the signs or looked at a map? No. The subway tunnels, stairways, and turnstiles are no different.

Once you know the train you need, be sure to stand back on the platform. When the train arrives, don’t block the door. Step to the side to allow people inside to get off the train.

Once you’re inside, move all the way into the subway car. You’ll notice that New Yorkers have mastered the art of making no eye contact even when we are smushed together in a cramped space. You should practice this skill, too.

And, whatever you do, don’t lean your whole body on the poles inside the train. On a crowded train, these are the only things that a lot of people can hold onto once the train is moving.

Yes, it’s a petri dish of bacteria, but hold onto the poles with your hands so other people around you have space to hang on, too. This is exactly why those mini bottles of hand sanitizer were created in the first place.

12. Do have your subway payment method ready.

As of 2023, you can still swipe a MetroCard to enter the subway. Although, they will eventually be phased out. The subway and bus fare is $2.90.

Metrocards are refillable (except those that are single-ride cards) and can be used on buses, PATH trains to/from New Jersey, and for the AirTrain at JFK Airport. There are also 7-day unlimited ride Metrocards which make sense if you ride the subway at least 12 times no matter how long your New York City itinerary is.

You can also use the contactless payment system on all turnstiles with your smartphone or contactless credit card. Just tap to pay and you’ll be able to go through the turnstile. Be sure to use the same device or card so the system will recognize if/when you’ve reached 12 rides in a 7-day period. Any rides past that in the same window of time will be free.

13. Don’t get in an empty subway car !

While we’re talking about the subway, I feel obligated to mention this.

I did this once with a college friend of mine. I was new to New York City and flat-out didn’t know any better. Just trust me on this one…unless, of course, you enjoy breathing the foulest stenches in creation.

14. Do move down the platform and find a car with people on it.

If an empty subway car (while all the others are pretty full) pulls up in front of you on the platform, no you did not just get incredibly lucky. There’s 100% a reason why others have skipped the empty train car in favor of wedging themselves into a more crowded part of the train.

Instead of thinking you landed a jackpot, quickly move to a train car with people on it. Your nose and taste buds will thank you.

15. Do know the difference between local and express trains.

Several subway lines run express and local trains. It’s exactly as it sounds. The local trains make all the stops on the line, while the express trains bypass many stations stopping only in select places.

Know which one you need before you get on the train. Don’t waste time having to backtrack to a station because the accidental express train you were riding skipped your stop.

Look at an NYC subway map. Local stations are marked with a filled-in-all-black circle. Express train stops are marked by a white or unfilled circle. Where the white circle (or oval) overlaps several train lines, it means you can connect underground to these other lines without having to pay again.

Sometimes it’s knowing the simplest of NYC travel tips that can make all the difference.

16. Don’t block the subway station escalator.

Some subway stations have escalators to carry you to or from the train platforms. While riding these escalators, it’s expected that you move to the right if you’d like to stand and ride and move to the left if you’d like to climb the stairs and pass others.

Please don’t stand on the left or place suitcases there while others are trying to move quickly to wherever they are going (i.e. work, doctor’s office, picking their kids up from school).

17. Don’t be the cause of a sidewalk traffic jam.  

Other than the subway and buses, New Yorkers’ primary mode of transportation is their feet. The sidewalk in New York is like a pedestrian highway. Walking in a line across with your whole family blocks others from passing.

If you stop suddenly, the people behind you won’t expect this and just might walk into you. Just like there are rules of the road when you’re driving, NYC’s sidewalks come with similar protocols.

18. Do “pull over” to the right

Not to worry if you’re just strolling, are a slow walker, or want to stop and figure out where you are and where you’re headed! Just move to the right which signals to those around you that they are free to move past you.

This also applies if you want to look up or take photos of something. And don’t worry if you need to look at a map. Use Google Maps on your smartphone. No one will be the wiser that you aren’t sure which way to go because everyone else will be looking at their smartphone, too!

19. Don’t wait for a walk sign if there are no cars.

Ok obviously always check for cars before crossing the street. But if you want to blend in with real NYers, it’s okay to cross even when it doesn’t say “Walk” as long as no cars are coming.

20. Do watch for buses and bikes.

Just don’t forget about bike and bus lanes! Bike path traffic can be dangerous and they’re less forgiving than cars. So if you see a small painted green lane as you cross the street, be sure there isn’t someone racing by on a bike or e-bike!

New York City Tips: During Your Trip

The New York tips below are all about helping you take advantage of some of the best NYC has to offer while avoiding some of the pitfalls that an unknowing (first time) visitor might not realize.

21. Don’t spend too long in Times Square.

For that matter, don’t stay in Rockefeller Center, either. These places are iconic, sure. Go see them, take some photos in front of the ice rink or the giant billboards with their flashing lights, and then get out of there.

Times Square is full of tourist traps from costumed characters looking to be paid to take photos with visitors to chain restaurants overcharging for bad food.

Besides just seeing the spectacle that is Times Square, the only other reason to spend any length of time there is to get discounted Broadway show tickets at the TKTS booth on W. 47th Street.

22. Do explore other parts of New York City.

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. And within these boroughs are countless neighborhoods, each with their own character and culture. Together, they make up the endless number of amazing things to do in New York City.

Why not head to Lower Manhattan to visit the Financial District and to see the 9/11 Memorial & Museum? The tiny streets at Manhattan’s southern tip are where the city first took root as a colony in the 1600s. When you look closely, you can see remaining bits of colonial history and even visit the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton.

Walk the High Line as it snakes through Chelsea or head uptown to the Upper West Side to visit the northern parts of Central Park and the iconic St. John the Divine. When you’re hungry, take the subway down to Chinatown to sample plates of noodles and Dim Sum.

When you’re ready, ride the subway to Brooklyn for a stroll through one of the most incredible open-air street art galleries in the world.

23. Don’t eat in Little Italy…unless you know where to go.

It pains me to say this as a girl of southern Italian ancestry but unfortunately what’s left of this neighborhood is just a couple of streets with souvenir shops and restaurants serving mediocre Italian fare.

If you do go, avoid the restaurants with wranglers trying to persuade you to sit down. The places worth visiting don’t have people doing this. For example, Di Palo’s on Grand and Mott is famous for their sandwiches and homemade mozzarella. (The line is worth standing in!) Il Cortile has fantastic northern Italian dishes and Ferrara Bakery has been making Italian sweets like cannoli for over 100 years.

24. Do walk down Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village.

Between 6th and 7th Avenues along Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village , you can taste delicious pizza at legendary places like Bleecker Street Pizza, John’s of Bleecker Street, and Joe’s Pizza. Save room for a couple of rice balls from Faicco’s Italian Specialties and cannolis at Pasticceria Rocco.

If you want to have a sit-down Italian dinner, New York City has no shortage of options! Some of my favorites are  Morandi , L’Artusi , and Via Carota .

And if you’re up for taking a bit of a trip “north,” head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for another authentic Little Italy neighborhood!

25. Don’t take disrespectful selfies .

Sadly this makes the list, but crimes, tragic or sad events, homeless people, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are off-limits when it comes to selfies. Just please don’t do it.

26. Do take photos of NYC’s iconic skyline.

That being said, please take as many photos as you’d like of the city itself and all of its beautiful sights and attractions. This is especially true of the New York City skyline as seen from above.

Contrary to what others might say, I recommend visiting one of New York City’s skydeck experiences. There are plenty of options so choose the one that speaks to you the most or works best with your itinerary.

For example, Summit One Vanderbilt is the most popular immersive skyline experience and has amazing views, especially of the Chrysler Building. The Empire State Building is an iconic art-deco building full of classic NYC history. The view from the Top of the Rock is gorgeous at night when you can see the Empire State Building and all of Manhattan lit up.

Take a look at each one to decide.

• Summit One Vanderbilt
• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock
• One World Observatory

You might even splurge and take a helicopter ride over New York City to take in the epic views. Either way, it’s a quintessential NYC experience to see the city from above.

Can you accomplish the same thing by visiting a rooftop bar or restaurant?

That depends on where you go and what you’re hoping to see. Some rooftop bars and restaurants can come with fabulous views and even ones that are from a unique angle or height. But they’re also usually not the places where you snap off an endless number of photos without running the risk of irritating those around you.

Skyline experiences are for really marveling at the skyline and taking in the incredible scene before you. While rooftop restaurants and bars are for savoring the ambiance of being high up among the city’s skyscrapers.

27. Don’t eat at a chain or theme restaurant.

New York City is home to an unlimited number of incredible restaurants in every cuisine you can imagine. And you only have a limited amount of stomach real estate. Don’t waste it on food that you can get anywhere.

Besides if you’ve landed in one of these chain restaurants, you’ve most definitely fallen victim to one of NYC’s tourist traps. Restaurants like Olive Garden and Bubba Gump Shrimp typically exist in places like Times Square for a reason. You won’t find restaurants like these in the West Village or Dumbo in Brooklyn because most New Yorkers go for local restaurants instead.

You should do the same.

28. Do eat classic NYC foods.

That being said, not every meal has to be at a five-star restaurant. After all New York City is the land of pizza and bagels!

Order a bagel sandwich with cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon) from Absolute Bagels or Leo’s. Grab a slice of pizza at Prince Street Pizza or go for a classic margherita pie at Juliana’s in Brooklyn…my pick for the best New York style pizza in the city!

Try a new type of ethnic food. Whether you seek out local spots near your NYC hotel or you head to ethnic-specific neighborhoods like Koreatown or Little India, you won’t be disappointed by the endless array of authentic dishes. Not to mention, many of these spots are much better priced than what you might expect in New York.

29. Don’t eat at restaurants without an A rating.

Regardless of where you choose to eat, always look for the Health Department’s rating which must be hung in a prominent place in the front of every restaurant.

With so many restaurant options to choose from, there’s no reason to eat anywhere that doesn’t have an “A” rating. Hopefully, there’s no need to go into any more detail on this one.

30. Do take advantage of cheap eats in NYC.

In a city full of famous restaurants, you might think cheap eats in NYC don’t exist. You just have to know where to look.

Los Tacos No. 1 is hidden in plain sight in famous Chelsea Market. Gray’s Papaya is famous for its hot dogs & “recession special.” Mamoun’s Falafel is listed as one of the 1000 places you need to visit before you die. And Empanada Mama in Hell’s Kitchen will fill you up for about $10. Not to mention Chinatown and its plentiful options of cheap noodle and dumpling dishes.

Or keep your eyes out for any number of New York City’s famous food trucks from one of the Diso’s trucks around 46th Street or in the W. 50s. serving up Italian deli sandwiches to a Souvlaki GR truck also in midtown offering delicious Greek bites!

31. Don’t initiate small talk with locals.

This is not meant to seem rude. But most of us are out and about trying to run errands or get to appointments or work on time. In the process, we get a few moments to pop in our Airpods to listen to some music or a favorite podcast.

And for sure there’s a safety component to this, as well. There’s no need to open up a box of worms if you don’t have to. Better to just go about your business and let others do the same.

32. Do ask a local for directions if you’re lost.

Even with the above small talk NYC tip, I don’t want you to get the impression that NYers are really rude. In fact, I’ve seen countless New Yorkers go out of their way to help visitors who are lost or have a question…myself included!

So if you’re lost or need help, don’t hesitate to ask someone nearby, If you’re unsure about talking to a stranger, pop into a hotel or restaurant or even ask a doorman at one of the city’s many apartment buildings.

I guarantee you’ll come across a friendly local willing to help out!

33. Do avoid tourist traps.

In addition to chain restaurants, places like Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and experiences like a pedicab or horse-drawn carriage rides are best avoided.

They’re overpriced and gimmicky. Plus, in the case of the horses, they aren’t always treated right.

But for the record. I don’t think going to the top of the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, or the Book of Mormon are tourist traps, contrary to what you might read elsewhere. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

34. Don’t miss the chance to see a Broadway show.

In an era where everything is on a screen, the experience of seeing a live theater production is an unforgettable experience and totally worth it.

Feel free to choose the play or musical that most interests you. Broadway and the countless Off-Broadway theaters have something for everyone’s taste and budget.

Take advantage of discount tickets on websites like Broadway Box . Grab same-day discounted tickets from TKTS in Times Square or Lincoln Center. Or even try your luck at winning a Broadway lottery .

Either way, don’t miss this classic NYC experience!

35. Do tip appropriately.

Tipping in New York City is so important.

If you’re happy with the service you get from a waiter, bartender, delivery person, or taxi driver (to name a few), be sure to tip 15%-20%. These service workers make horribly low hourly wages and rely on these tips to survive in New York City. Don’t forget about tour guides, too, especially the ones giving free walking tours.

While it’s never an obligation if you don’t think a tip is earned, it’s greatly appreciated and often supports artists and students who live off these tips.

36. Don’t give money to beggars.

As difficult as it may be, don’t give money to beggars. You never know what that money is truly going to be used for. If the opportunity presents itself and you feel compelled, purchase a coffee or some food. But always beware that if it’s not asked for, your kind gesture can always be rejected.

And to be clear, I don’t consider musicians to be beggars. If you’re on a subway platform or walking through Central Park and appreciate the music someone is playing, feel free to contribute to their tip jar.

37. Do use bathrooms when they’re available.

Of all the travel tips for NYC, this one cannot be overstated. New York City has hardly any public restrooms. This poses a real challenge when you’re on the go all day.

So the golden rule (sorry pun not intentional!) is to always use a bathroom when you have one available to you regardless of whether or not you really feel like you need to go.

All of NYC’s top sights and museums have bathrooms for visitors. Be sure to use them when you’re visiting. The same goes if you’re at a restaurant or cafe for lunch or a coffee break. Take advantage of the access to bathrooms.

In an emergency, there are bathrooms at Grand Central Terminal. Nearby Bryant Park has one of the cleanest public bathrooms in the entire city. Public libraries have bathrooms, as do markets like Chelsea Market. Hudson Yards and the Shops at Columbus Circle have restrooms. And if you’re in Lower Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial & Museum , the Oculus has bathrooms.

Otherwise, you’ll likely have to go to a coffee shop or restaurant and buy something to use the bathroom.

38. Don’t use ATMs outside of bank locations.

Nearly everywhere you go in New York City, debit and credit cards are accepted. So there’s never a reason to carry large amounts of cash. However, if you need some money, use an ATM at an established banking location.

ATMs in places like delis, bars, or drug stores aren’t monitored as closely making it easier for skimmers to add devices to card readers that’ll help them steal account numbers and PINS.

Tips for NYC: Safety

Is New York City safe is one of the most common questions I get from readers who are considering a trip to the Big Apple. So in this section of New York City tips, you’ll find the common sense safety advice that I live by.

39. Don’t walk scared .

Despite what you might see on the news, New York City is still one of the safest mega-cities in the world. Yes, the pandemic’s empty sidewalks allowed a rougher element to surface. You will see homeless and mentally unstable people more so than perhaps in the years just prior to 2020.

However, with each day that life has returned to normal, the city’s residents and visitors alike are reclaiming the sidewalks, so to speak. To be a part of this, walk with purpose…like you know the streets like the back of your hand.

The more confident you look (and the faster you walk), the more you’ll blend in with every other New Yorker.

40. Do stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Yet with any big city, you need to exercise some basic caution. You should always be aware of where you are and the others around you. And if something doesn’t look right, move yourself away from the situation quickly and calmly.

Remember, pickpockets and others hoping to pull off petty crimes are opportunistic. They’re looking for anyone who has an unzipped bag or isn’t paying attention to where their belongings are. Everyone has a smartphone but don’t flash other expensive electronics.

Leave your best jewelry at home and don’t walk around with huge amounts of cash. And never carry phones or wallets in your back pants pocket. It’s an invitation for a quick-fingered thief.

41. Don’t react to catcalling.

As a female living in NYC, I’ve experienced plenty of catcalling. It’s always eye-rollingly annoying, especially when you’re just trying to enjoy the city’s sights like everyone else without feeling self-conscious about how you look or what you’re wearing.

The most important thing is not to react. Just keep walking and don’t make eye contact. I know the feeling of wanting to react but trust me, it’s not worth it.

42. Do trust your gut.

But you should always trust what your gut is telling you. If the catcaller (or someone) escalates their advances or you feel unsafe in any way, don’t hesitate to get out of there, seek help, look for a police officer, or even draw attention to what’s happening.

Go into the first available shop or restaurant. Cross the street. Stop walking and let whoever is bothering you pass so that you can see them in front of you rather them being behind you. Speak loudly so that others nearby are made aware of what is going on.

The same holds true outside of a catcalling situation. Something feels off on a subway car you’re riding? Move to another car or get off the train. The street is too dark or quiet? Take a different route. Always do what you feel is right for your own safety and remember the majority of New Yorkers around you will help if they can.

NYC Tips: What to Wear

What you pack for your trip to New York City is so important! With a lot of your trip spent outside, you’ll need to wear clothes that align with whatever the weather happens to be, while of course, achieving a few fashion points along the way.

These tips for traveling in NYC are all about the best clothes and shoes.

43. Don’t pretend it’s spring when it’s winter .

It doesn’t matter if you’re hot all the time. The streets in Manhattan have a really special way of funneling the cold winter wind right in your direction. It might feel crisp and refreshing at first, but after a few hours of walking around, you’ll be shivering miserably.

What to wear in New York in winter is not the same as what to wear in spring, summer, or fall. It’s also not like home where you likely go quickly from your heated house to your heated car to your heated destination.

During New York City in winter you have to be prepared to spend long periods of time outside regardless of what the temperature is or what the weather is doing. Otherwise, the winter weather can quickly put a freeze on whatever you had planned during your trip to New York City.

44. Do dress for the weather.

No matter when you plan to visit New York City, you’ll be walking outside, a lot. No matter how much planning you do before your trip, it’s so important to check the weather in the days leading up to your arrival. The right clothes and shoes will make all the difference during your New York City trip.

Fall in NYC is a great time to visit, weatherwise! The days are comfortable, with little humidity and plenty of blue skies. Similarly, visiting NYC in April or May comes with moderate temperatures and blooming flowers.

Winter and summer, obviously, come with more temperature extremes.

But regardless of what the calendar says, the weather forecast should dictate how you pack. Visiting in April and New York City is going to be 80+ degrees during the day? Pack like it’s summer with some layers for potentially cooler evenings.

Or are you planning a Christmas trip to NYC with sunny weather and 60-degree days in December? Leave your heaviest winter gear at home. You’ll only end up hot and sweaty as you walk around Manhattan.

45. Don’t underestimate the importance of the right shoes.

In a blink of an eye, you’ll have walked 10k+ steps in New York City. You need the right shoes so that you can sustain this amount of pedestrian life for a successful trip.

Fashion sneakers, flat boots, and sporty sandals all work depending on the season and how comfortable they are when you’re walking in them all day. These sneakers are among the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn and I often wear them for everyday walking around New York City.

And of course, weather plays a role. Don’t wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty during hot summer days. That’s a recipe for blisters. (Which is also why you should travel with at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes. You can switch them from day to day so that your feet aren’t being continuously rubbed in the same places.)

The same goes for wearing the right shoes in the rain or snow. Wet and cold feet or shoes that can’t grip the sidewalks on bad weather days are the fastest way to put a damper on what you hoped to do in New York City.

46. Do leave the high heels at home.

Seriously. Unless you’re attending a gala or making an appearance in a Sex and the City sequel, you likely don’t need them. Not to mention, they hardly double for a shoe you can also walk in…outside…for several blocks.

If you need or want something dressier for nights out, consider shoes or boots with more of a platform or wider base that can also serve as functioning walking shoes.

47. Don’t wear your souvenirs here.

Your “I <3 New York”, subway line, or Broadway show tee-shirt will be much cooler at home. Not to mention, wearing items like these immediately identifies you as a tourist just when you might be trying to blend in with the crowd.

48. Do dress stylishly and comfortably .

With all the clothing tips for NYC focusing on comfort and the weather, you might think I’m suggesting you toss all fashion sense out the window. On the contrary! NYC is still a place to look put together. But you can do this in a smart way that combines utility and function.

Jeans are always a good start because you can dress them up or down. Boots, flats, oxfords, loafers, and fashion sneakers are all better choices than your standard gym sneakers.

Think minimalist fashion basics that are chic yet allow you to move comfortably (on foot) around the city. And don’t be afraid to accessorize with a scarf or a hat that will instantly add a bit of flair to your outfit.

49. Don’t wear white/light colors.

Ever wonder why a lot of New Yorkers seem to love wearing black? It’s because NYC is grimy and messy and most of us don’t have washers and dryers in our apartments!

This tip applies especially to pants, shoes, and jackets because they come into contact with park and subway benches and get splashed on by puddles and anything kicked up as you walk. Some of which may never come out even after being scrubbed or washed repeatedly.

Plus, if you’re trying to pack light and plan to wear things more than once, the soot and muck of New York City may upend that plan when it comes to those white pants or pastel pink jacket.

50. Do dress in darker colors.

Instead go for blacks, grays, and even dark colors like forest green, navy, or burgundy when packing bottoms and outerwear. You’ll have a better chance of hiding the inevitable filth that winds up on your clothes after traversing the city by foot and public transportation.

Not to mention, you’ll blend in with the crowd and have a better chance of re-wearing things you’ve packed.

New York City Tips Bottom Line

Your trip to New York City is destined to be fantastic now that you’ve prepared yourself with these NYC travel tips!

If you put these tips for visiting New York City into action, you’re on your way to saving money and time, as well as looking like a total pro as you sightsee, eat, and get around fantastic NYC.

What questions do you have about the best New York City travel tips?

Like this post? Please share it on social media using the share buttons below.

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70 thoughts on “new york city tips: 50 dos & don’ts for visiting nyc like a pro”.

Perfect timing as we are going there in a few weeks, so have made notes from your post on NYC. Thanks

Excellent, Paula! So glad the tips will be useful. Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Love this tip – “Whatever you do, don’t take out a map. Look cool and use Google Maps on your smartphone!” haha. And are selfies ever respectful;?? Great post. It has reminded me that I really need to visit soon!

Glad to make you laugh, Dave! I only do selfies when the landscape behind me needs to be in the shot, like when I was hiking in Patagonia. Hope you make it to NYC soon!

Great tips. I used to spend summers in NYC growing up, but I have to admit, I’ve never been in the subway (mostly because of that petri dish of bacteria thing).

Thanks, Mags. The subway is THE way to travel while in NYC. If you’ve survived the air on planes, you’ll be fine. 🙂

I love your do/don’t format. You’ve given better options for things many tourists would probably want to do.

Thanks, Beverly! Local tips can’t be beat!

Great tips! We really want to make it back to NYC especially since we were there for such a short time on our last visit. I hate when people stop in the middle of sidewalks too–so frustrating!! And good thing to note about the empty subway cars! I would have probably jumped in one too, haha!

Thanks, Jenna! Seems logical to jump in that empty subway car, at first….but, oh how quickly you regret it! Thanks for your comments and hope you make it back to NYC soon!

I once was in the unfortunate position of having to drive in Manhattan. To this day that stands as the scariest thing I have ever done.

I believe it, Brianna! If you don’t know where you’re going and the aggressive style of the New York driver, then you’re in for a terrifying experience.

Dressing for the weather!! Definitely a good tip! I was in NY last winter and almost froze to death!! Great tips.

You’re not alone, Anna. Many people visit NYC, and are so used to getting in and out of their cars, they don’t realize how important dressing for the weather is.

Hi! great list! Thank you! #theweeklypostcard

Thanks, Tanja!

I’ve always wanted to go to NYC, I grew up only a couple hours away in Connecticut, have been inside JFK twice and to Yankee Stadium (the real one,) and that;s it. It was such a small taste and I need more… I gotta get my fix jack lol

So close, Adam! You should definitely not form your NYC opinions on JFK! And, I totally agree with you about the old Yankee Stadium being the real one! 😉

OK, now I am very afraid I want to know what on earth has happened inside an empty subway carriage. Especially as I gather this is a relatively frequent thing?

I would have to take a cab just once I think though. Unless New York taxi drivers are less legendary than they are painted? That would be disappointing.

*grins* I am not sure I agree with you about not wearing your souvenirs in country. I see it as an exuberant celebration of how much fun people are having when they are there, and am therefore quite tolerant. I am actually less so when people save it until they get home.

What good tips though. Especially about where is *really* interesting to go.

Thank you for your comments! If the subway car is empty, it’s typically because someone has become sick, a person who has not bathed in quite a while has taken a nap in there, or someone has used it as a bathroom. While I have a great deal of empathy in my heart for someone in these conditions, I don’t want, nor is it recommended, to ride in that car.

A taxi ride is an experience, but drivers can be hit or miss. Fair points about wearing souvenirs, even though it still wouldn’t be a “NYC Pro” move. Thanks again for your comments! 🙂

I live visiting nyc. Wanted to live there when I was younger but now I think the tourists and other inconsiderate people there would give me too much anxiety.

You would have loved it, Laura! But, it can, indeed, be a stressful city.

Great tips! I have to remember those for next time we visit. We did not take the subway once when we stayed in NYC for three days, we walked. And we did eat at non-chain restaurants we found near the hotel, and I’m glad of it. And yes, Times Square is a zoo!

The subway is a lot easier than it seems, Jolanta. Definitely give a try on your next visit. So glad you were able to enjoy some food at an NYC restaurant! Thanks so much for your comments! 🙂

I loved visiting NYC. There is just so much to love! I wish I had ventured out a little more to explore little restaurants and bars but there is always next time! Also “pulling over” out of peoples way should be practiced around the world haha

Absolutely, Sally! I agree with pulling over being a worldwide courtesy.

Really helpful tips! Bookmarking this one for future reference. Particularly like the one about the empty subway car as I’m sure I’ll be jumping on one if I didn’t read this, but now I know… 🙂

Thanks, Olivia! Good thing for your nose!

Great tips! I finally walked across the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time last year and it was one of the highlights of my trip!

The Brooklyn Bridge is my favorite too, Elena! It’s such a special landmark.

Great tips! We LOVE experiencing the restaurants in NYC. Some of the best food we’ve ever eaten. We often wonder how chain restaurants survive there. Who eats at a chain when there is a plethora of other amazing options!

Thanks, Amanda! Those chains survive only from the tourists who never venture outside of the Times Square tourist zone.

what a clever way to tell New York story:) i may not agree with all the tips, but i love that your personality shows through:) You got me with a paper map- I love those and will always use:)

Thanks for your comments, Victoria. Just be sure to pull over when you take out that paper map (wink wink!) 🙂

I must say, I read many articles about tips for NYC, this one ranks at the top! Most of the people writing about NYC have visited a few times. You are clearly someone who knows the city well! My biggest tip for any city I visit is to walk like you know what you are doing, even if you don’t. Duck into a store or side street to check where you are going rather than stopping in the middle of the sidewalk!

I have been planning a 10 day NYC itinerary for someone going for the first time. She gave me a list of places she wanted to see, and my first thing was to scoff. Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building. All these places are the things I was trying to tell her to avoid! But then I had to think like her, a person who has never seen NYC (and not like me—someone who grew up there), and understand that it is OK to want to see those places! They are iconic for a reason! So I guess my biggest piece of advice is that its okay to visit all of those popular tourist places in the city, just know that there is more to the city than Times Square!

Hopefully that all made sense! Cheers, Katie

Thanks, Katie! I’m so glad you got one of the post’s main points, which is to enjoy and explore New York City’s iconic sights, but also remember there’s so much more to see and do in the city! It’s such a fabulous city and, those of us who live or are from here, want everyone to get the most out of their trip. 🙂

Do go out and take in a comedy show, especially any of the local clubs that support upcoming talent.

Don’t wear sandals, especially if you are going to walk around Manhattan all day. Not only will your feet hurt, but it will take literally days to wash the sludge that built up in between your toes!

Do check out Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! It is probably one of the best outdoor festivals that you will ever see in your life.

Don’t get caught in the middle of an intersection during a red light unless you are cool with angry New Yorkers laying down on their horn like nobody’s business.

Do go to the Top of the Rock to get the best view of Manhattan. Don’t throw objects off the Top of the Rock. You might hurt someone and it’s illegal!

Been to NYC four times in my life and this city just gets better every single time!

Ray, these are awesome tips! Thanks for helping to make the list even better! Love the point about the sandals and walking around NYC all day and there is certainly no shortage of great comedy shows!

Interesting set of Do’s and Don’t while visiting NYC…..Thanks for Sharing Informative article…

Thanks for reading and commenting, Maggie.

This is great we are coming over from Australia in March and it is always a bit weird going to a new city! where would you recommend someone to stay? I was looking at the Roosevelt in Manhattan ?

thanks for the advice!

Hi Sharna, Thanks for reading. How exciting to be visiting NYC! I haven’t checked out the Roosevelt Hotel, but it is in a good location. You are just footsteps away from Rockefeller Center, Broadway, and the subway. Midtown east tends to be quieter at night than midtown west, but this is not so far east that you’d feel remote or unsafe. I have more hotel recommendations and all the tips to make your first trip a success in my NYC Guide . Plus, you can even download a cheat sheet to take with you if you want. 🙂

Hi Jackie, Thanks for your advice, what is the best area to stay in that is easy to get around, safe and not overly pricey ?

Thanks for reading and commenting. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I’m traveling and my wifi is a bit spotty. Ugh! Of course, the most convenient areas to stay are right in midtown, but these will also likely be the priciest areas, too. I’d recommend looking uptown on the west side of NYC, close to the 1,2,3 (red) subway line. It’s quick and easy and has connections in Times Square to nearly every subway you could want. If you really prefer midtown, east will likely be cheaper than west. I wouldn’t go past the Lexington Ave area, though. It’s safe, but so far east it’ll be a long way to walk to a train or to the main tourist areas of Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, etc. Hope that helps, but feel free to comment again if you need anything else. Enjoy your stay in NYC! 🙂

Hi Jackie what a great post and so spot on! I am a former New Yorker, been gone 20 years and I was visiting recently last month. It was so much windier than I’d remembered. It must be the tall buildings creating wind tunnels or something. I don’t remember that for 20 years ago. Maybe the buildings have gotten taller. I would also recommend the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Gardens which make you feel as if you’re in an English countryside.

Thanks for reading, Mary. How great to get back to the city after many years. Great tip about the NY Botanical Gardens. It’s a favorite of mine, especially in fall.

Hi Jackie! Thank you for sharing such interesting tips. I will be visiting my Uncle and his family this June and it is my first time to go to US, and I am glad to be visiting New York. However, I do not have any idea what type of clothes to bring. Your suggestions will be very much appreciated.

Hi Faith, Thanks so much for reading. 🙂 Summers in NYC are warm and some days even, really hot. Sundresses, short sleeve shirts, shorts, capris, elephant pants (loose-fitting pants) are all good. NYers always wear jeans no matter what time of year. As for shoes, NYers wear all kinds of shoes, but we are also used to walking in them. Sandals are fine if they’re comfortable to walk in. Also, there can be afternoon rain storms, so pack an umbrella or pick up one once you arrive. Finally, most places have Air Conditioning, so sometimes a light sweater or sweatshirt comes in handy! Hope that helps, Faith. If you’re looking for more first-timer NYC tips, check out this post . Enjoy NYC!

This is a great list, except that blocking people in the subway is absolutely not “the fastest way to ingratiate yourself with New Yorkers.” It is, in fact, just the opposite since to ingratiate yourself means to bring yourself into favor.

Ha! I can’t believe I never picked that up after all this time, Lizzy! I guess that’s why it’s good to have lots of eyes reading. 🙂

This is a great post love all the tips. I am traveling there soon so will be very handy.

Thanks so much for reading. Glad the tips will be useful.

Great post. I am a travel and sports blogger who was born and raised in New York City , even though I lived in other places. I would definitely recommend that tourists check out the Outer Boros. Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry , which is free. See the real Little Italy on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. See the Queens Zoo as well as attending a game at either Yankees Stadium or Citi Field . See the other Chinatown in Flushing. Have some Asian, Indian or Latin American food in Jackson Heights . Visit Grants Tomb or Alexander Hamilton ‘ s home Hamilton Grange in Harlem. There is more to New York City than times square . Also, please tourists , don’t take a picture of the rats on the subway. They’re just like their human New York City cousins , aggressive and in a hurry to get to the train.

Thanks for reading, Jo Ann, and for all the tips! You are soo right about getting to the outer boroughs. I’ve included many of these in my 100 things to see and do in NYC. 🙂 Love that last bit about the rats. They’re definitely camera shy!

NY is like a dream city to me. Thanks for the o do list and not to do list. Great. Thanks.

Thanks for reading, Jimmy. Enjoy NYC. 🙂

Hi going to New York for the first time late June for 4 nights then heading to upstate for a wedding. I’m getting freaked out because I’m disabled with visual and balance disabilities. So with that in mind do I stay in Manhattan and cab into the city for getting a feeling of NYC? I walk slowly and afraid of getting bumped around. 4th of July holiday Yikes what have I gotten myself into!?!

I’m so glad you reached out, Lisa. It’s more than possible to enjoy NYC in a way that you’ll feel comfortable. I’d recommend looking into the Global Greeter Network. There are locals who volunteer to show visitors around for free. It’s even possible to be paired up with a local who also has some type of disability. I’d also think about bus tours if the idea of getting bumped around too much is nervewracking. You’d be able to get around to different parts of the city without the stress of doing it on your own. Thanks so much for reading and I’m sure your trip to NYC will be great. 🙂

Ok list, but remember I think the the thing to remember is A LOT of people walking on streets in NYC are tourists! Been there many times and it runs like any other large city. I think the thing to remember, do what you want…there are no “rules” to walking around and subways just use common sense.

Thanks for reading, Nicole. Common sense goes a long way in NYC!

Wow, how kind of you to share this information. I am taking my wife Dec 14-18 and 3 exchange students–all 16, here for entire school year. This is a surprise for them (first trip), and I am attempting to put this all together, a play, a convenient hotel (will need two rooms) and recommendation would help. Prior post indicated you may have an article(s) out there with this information. Also, flying in from the south, ATL so all airports are reasonably price options, any recommendations there? Thanks again for taking time to share important information. Mark

Thanks so much for reading, Mark. That will be such an amazing surprise! I do have a where to stay in New York article. If you’re open to seeing any play or musical, I’d recommend going to TKTS the discount ticket booth in Times Square just before showtime. So if it’s an 8pm show, go to TKTS at 7:30. There will still be tickets available and no line like there would be had you gone earlier in the day. If you have a specific show in mind, look at websites like Broadway Box for discounts and buy in advance. As for airports, I have guides on all 3 NYC airports (JFK, LGA, and Newark) and how to get to Manhattan. I’d recommend JFK or Newark because their public transportation options are the best. But LGA also has options, so no need to worry if that’s where you fly into. 🙂

4 years on… do you have any new tips to add to the above? 🙂 Thanks Ryan

Thanks for reading, Ryan. If you’re visiting NYC for Christmas, I have these mistakes to avoid . I will also be updating this article soon. 🙂

I have a package deal and have to travel to NYC before 11/25/2020. When do you suggest I go? I would like to see the decorations and some iconic sites also and maybe a show or two but am only there 4 days and 3 nights. I will be staying somewhere in Manhattan, not sure where, yet.

Thanks for reading, Ellen. New York City in the fall is the best time to come. If you want to see some decorations, I’d recommend next November right before your package expires. The Rockefeller Center tree won’t be lit but there’s a chance it’ll be up. The ice rink will be up and the Bryant Park holiday markets typically begin right after Halloween. Not to mention the weather tends to be a little chilly but mostly pleasant for walking around. Hope that helps. If you need other NYC tips, start with this guide.

Would really like to know what was in that empty subway that made it smell so bad???

Also, great tips!

Thanks for reading, Shannon. 🙂 To this day, I don’t know. But it was absolutely putrid!

I plan on driving to visit New York from Virginia with my two teenagers this summer. I’m driving because we also plan on visiting family in Rochester. I do not want to drive in the city. Where do you recommend we stay and park our car while taking public transit into the city to sightsee?

Thanks for reading, Rachel. What I would do is to look for cheap parking around Newark Airport or JFK Airport. You can find cheap airport parking at hotels and off-airport sites and then take public transportation into NYC from there. Definitely a smart choice to avoid driving in Manhattan. Enjoy your trip!

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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.

The 41 Absolute Best New York Attractions In 2024

10 FREE Things to Do in New York City

The 36 Absolute Best Museums in New York

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!

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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 !

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20 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting New York by a native New Yorker

November 4, 2019 by Karen Turner 119 Comments

I’m a proud New Yorker who was born and raised in New York City. When someone asks me what they should know when visiting New York for the first time, I don’t always know where to start as there’s so many things to do in New York. I’ve decided to take a different approach here with some NYC local secrets to help you navigate your trip better.

Expect some humorous tips for first time visitors to New York (although those on their fifth trip to NYC might find this travel advice helpful). I sincerely hope that these New York travel tips come in handy and help you avoid some of the mistakes that people make on their first trip to New York. 20 Insider tips for New York under the cut.

• 1 You have not seen all of New York City until you’ve left Manhattan. ​
• 2 NYC taxis are slow due to traffic and there is a proper way to call a taxi.
• 3 Public Transit in New York is great, including the subway.
• 4 Should you bring your car to NYC? No.
• 5 Don’t walk everywhere
• 6 Avoid Times Square unless you’re a Broadway fan.
• 7 Check if restaurants have an “A” rating from the NYC health department.
• 8 Eat all the delicious food in NYC! Don’t eat at chain restaurants and don’t feel like you only need to go to only cool hotspots.
• 9 Give New York enough time.
• 10 The holiday season in New York is magical, but expensive.
• 11 A cheap New York trip is​ possible if you do your research ahead.
• 12 Don’t obsess about the main tourist attractions in NYC; you can’t see everything in one trip.
• 13 Don’t waste your money on a view alone!
• 14.1 How to befriend New Yorkers
• 15 Be aware of yourself: Safety tips for New York
• 16 New York City is tough for solo female travelers.
• 17 Avoid the tourist traps in New York and don’t buy anything off the street!
• 18 You don’t need to be fashionable in New York, but it can’t hurt.
• 19 New York is filthy
• 20 There’s not ONE New York culture; New York is ever-changing
• 21 Final thoughts
• 22 Have you been to New York? Did you fall in love with New York? 

You have not seen all of New York City until you’ve left Manhattan. ​

Most people only associate New York City with Manhattan, however New York has so much more to offer, including four other boroughs. That includes Brooklyn, Queens , Bronx , and Staten Island .

I cannot tell you how many times people have told me that they’ve been to New York and they’ve done everything.  When I ask if they’ve been to Queens, it’s always a no. ( Hint : I grew up in Queens, which is also where LaGuardia Airport and JFK are located. This is also one of the most diverse counties in the United States!)

NYC taxis are slow due to traffic and there is a proper way to call a taxi.

You know the movies where the hero calls a cab in New York and rushes to tell the one that he/she loves her/him? You won’t make it in time in real life.

Taxis are generally very expensive in New York and if you’re in a rush, traffic will make it about the same speed (or slower) than the subway. Sometimes, walking is even faster .

Side note: When you’re walking, you’ll see metal grates and cellar doors. Don’t walk over them. There’s  always some horror story about them. Urban legend? Probably, but better safe than sorry.

If you want to call a taxi in New York City, this is how to do it: Stand on the curb NOT by a bus stop , put your arm confidently UP and stand there intensely looking at the cars.

Public Transit in New York is great, including the subway.

Don’t be afraid of the subway in NY besides the handrails [ more about this later ].  I’m not really sure where the stigma of the subway comes from, but I promise you: I’ve never met a mole person (although I admit: count the rats is a real game that I play with friends).  The week unlimited subway pass is worth it if you’ll be taking the train a lot over 4-5 days.

Subway etiquette includes NOT making eye contact. Like, you’re allowed to look around ~subtly, but don’t be that creep who stares directly at someone the whole time. It’s weird and creepy. It’s only okay if someone has a kitten that they’re carrying on the subway. In that case, feel free to go crazy over it. (Thanks to Mae Ahern for this amazing photo.)

Express v. Local Subway Trains (or Buses). Don’t get on the express subway or bus unless you’re sure that it’s going to stop off where you want it to.  The regular train will stop at the majority of the stops (with skipping some) while the express trains will skip on average half the stops. Don’t get on the local train because it will take twice the time.

You need to know which entrance you need for the subway via the direction that you’re headed. Check before you pay to get into the subway station as you might need to exit to get to the other side.

East Bound/ West Bound and Uptown / Downtown can be a bit confusing if the endpoint is in a different borough, but a good subway map should help you figure out the endpoint. If you’re in Manhattan, imagine a grid with yourself looking up (uptown) and to the right (east).    Click for a full post of subway tips.

Should you bring your car to NYC? No.

In general, I don’t recommend driving or parking in New York City.  When my husband drove with me to New York, he was shocked about the cost of the bridges, which are not cheap. You can’t really avoid them, so if you can find reasonable parking, it’s nice not needing to deal with parking and driving in New York City. Most New Yorkers also hate paying the bridge tolls, even if they get a discount.

If you’re visiting New York City and you have a car, the best thing to do is to find a parking lot near a New Jersey transit station or Newark airport and park it there.  It’s typical to pay at least $25 per day.

If you don’t have a choice, my dad swears by the BESTPARKING app for checking deals at various parking garages to find the cheapest ones and getting coupons by reserving a spot.  The only thing is that you need to “reserve ” the spot then show your deal to the parking attendant.

Don’t walk everywhere

I consider this one of my most important tips for first-time visitors to NYC.  It takes a while to get around New York, so take public transit in between neighborhoods. Although I definitely encourage you to walk around New York, it’s best to limit your walking to smaller neighborhoods where you won’t be going 6+ blocks without seeing anything you’re interested in.

Although you might think that walking is a good idea (and you can see a lot), your feet will be killing you by the end of day 1.  It’s good to see one neighborhood, hop on the train to the next, and then hop back on the train once you’re done.

When showing friends around, they worry that they’ll be missing out if they take the train, however, if you take the train in some of the boroughs outside of Manhattan, you’ll have a very scenic train ride. It depends on the subway, however I always love taking the N, Q, and 7 trains in Queens due to the fact that you’re above ground. This is also the case for some Brooklyn trains as they head towards Coney Island .

Don’t worry: You’ll still be walking enough to burn off those bagels and delicious meals , but you’ll be able to see SO MUCH more than if you decide to walk just for hours on end. (Also it gets tiresome to walk past the millionth office building in between SoHo and Midtown.)

Avoid Times Square unless you’re a Broadway fan.

I think of Times Square as a light bulb as it attracts the worst of NYC: the crowds, overpriced things, and chain restaurants. Don’t bother visiting Times Square during the day or rush hour. Besides it is a must for most visiting tourists (especially at night), there’s mostly overpriced chain food directly on the Square. You can check out my guide to Times Square for a surprisingly good local coffee shop that I love with fantastic desserts, but otherwise, I only head to Times Square for occasional shopping, subway transfers, and when people are visiting.

That said, I understand if you want to see it at night. Times Square at night is like daylight, so your photos will actually come out better and it’s quite atmospheric to see the entirety of Times Square lit up like its Christmas every day.

My insider tip is to get a last-minute ticket at the TKTS booth in Times Square for a Broadway production (clear your morning) and once you’re in a Broadway show, you’ll finally understand why New Yorkers endure this area. You’ll also find a lot of TV shows filming in this area, so you might be able to watch a favorite comedian or talk-show host filming for free!

Check if restaurants have an “A” rating from the NYC health department.

Only eat at restaurants that have an A rating from the NYC Health Department. If you do not see an “A” posted outside of the restaurant, leave and do not eat there. To be fair, street food does not currently have ratings, so use your judgment in evaluating whether or not you want to eat at a place.

Simply: A non -A rating means that they do not have a clean kitchen and/or the restaurant received infractions on their cleanliness rating for something.  My dad always looks at  what the infractions are prior to committing to eating at any restaurant, but I can’t really say that it’s always appetizing to read these reviews….

Eat all the delicious food in NYC! Don’t eat at chain restaurants and don’t feel like you only need to go to only cool hotspots.

There are about a million cool eateries and the best places to eat in NYC list is ever-changing, however, there is something to be said for the foods that make me miss New York.

That list is fairly constant and includes bagels, pizza, and Chinese food.  Just take out some cash as many cheaper New York restaurants that mostly cater to locals are  cash only .  You’ll easily find ATMs all over Manhattan, so don’t worry about finding one.

Food lovers, consider this a competition of how many you can try while in New York: bagels (with lox and schmear [cream cheese)), New York Style PIZZA (don’t ever let anyone tell you Chicago style is better), great Dim Sum (Flushing), Chicken & Rice (Halal Brothers), Bialy (the delicious cousin of bagels), Black & White Cookies, Cheesecake from Junior’s, Babka (delicious chocolate loaf cake), steak, pastrami sandwiches, knishes, hamburgers (Shake Shack), and delicious Ramen.  Click for my tips on where to find the best classic New York City foods!

Note that rainbow bagels are  not  on this list as they taste like play-doh. There are so many better foods to eat AND Instagram while you’re in New York.  Prioritize taste over appearance.  It’s also great not having to wait in line for one treat. For bagels, I think that it’s harder to find a place with a bad bagel… At least I haven’t found one yet!

Give New York enough time.

Wondering how long to spend in New York City? New York City is SO BIG and I usually recommend that you take spend 3 days in New York at a minimum . I think that this is the minimum for just going to the main attractions in Manhattan.

I consider 5 days in New York City to be the sweet spot for being able to explore New York without being rushed. If you have more time, seven days is great as you can take more time to see the outer boroughs!   For more info on what to see, do, and eat over 5 days in NYC, click here for my insider’s guide!

The holiday season in New York is magical, but expensive.

New Year’s Eve in New York City….is definitely something to experience once. Personally, it wasn’t for me between the waiting, crowds, and lack of bathrooms, but some people love it. I went one year with friends and I found it claustrophobic and cold. I wrote a bit more about my experience here: Click for insider tips for visiting New York City for the holiday season, including Thanksgiving and New Years !

More generally, the holidays are a magical time in New York City due to the Christmas windows at the stores, but you’ll pay a premium to be in New York around this time. Book your hotels well in advance and plan your meals carefully on days when many restaurants will be closed.

There is something about cozying up with a hot chocolate watching the Thanksgiving parade floats being blown up. As a child, my parents brought me quite a few times to see the Thanksgiving floats blown up the night before. It is really worth it!

For getting off the beaten path, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for their crazy Christmas light displays! I have a weakness for the Christmas windows along 5th Avenue myself. I wrote an entire post focused on Christmas in New York that includes what to do on Christmas itself.

A cheap New York trip  is ​ possible if you do your research ahead.

New York doesn’t have to be expensive, but you need to do your research ahead to know which museums you can get into with a suggested donation and which areas to stay in. It’s very important to do your research in New York on good neighborhoods as not everyone is used to big cities and NYC is big enough that you want to think carefully about what makes sense for your trip.

Just book your hotel ahead of time and if you can, avoid using Airbnb. Airbnb has been a mess in New York City and New York has been cracking down on illegal rentals.  Given how tight the New York housing market is for locals and how Airbnb has not helped the housing situation, I encourage you to stay at a hotel.

You can save a lot of money by staying outside of Midtown in Queens, Brooklyn, or even Staten Island.  Even now, there are more hotels that are a mix of budget and luxury with great central locations although you will always sacrifice something if you find a cheaper hotel in New York City.    I have a few recommended affordable hotels that I recommend staying in. 

A lot of the best parts of New York involve just walking around and soaking in the city.  A little glimpse into my favorite free activities: wandering around Central Park, walking around the Lower East Side , doing a self-guided food tour of Flushing (one of the best neighborhoods in Queens!), and strolling around the High Line.  Click for free and budget activities in NYC all under $10 including tips on finding cheaper accommodations!

Don’t obsess about the main tourist attractions in NYC; you can’t see everything in one trip.

Don’t feel like you need to do everything . A lot of my friends come to NYC feeling overwhelmed and like they need to see/do all the major attractions. As someone who grew up in New York, I can tell you: you will NEVER see everything. I’ve tried, but New York City never stays the same… That said, the major attractions remain there for your next trip.

Nothing remains stationary, so even if you live in New York, you’ll constantly be discovering new neighborhoods, museum exhibits, and eateries! I love to pick up Time Out New York or check their website to find out about upcoming parties, events, and museum exhibitions. A new edition comes out each week.

I think that one of the most important things to know when traveling to New York is that you can try and rush about to see AS MUCH AS possible, but at some point, consider what you actually want to see rather than ticking off every box off some list you found on the internet.

Don’t waste your money on a view alone!

Don’t waste your money on a view if you can get a drink AND a view for half the price. There are so many great rooftop bars in New York City, so don’t feel that you need to go to the top of the Empire State Building if you’re 21+.

There are many rooftop bars in New York that vary in terms of how formal and crowded they are.  I recommend looking into Pod39, which is one of the lesser-known ones, where you can also buy a taco.  In general, it’s best to dress up if you intend to get into a rooftop bar. It’s a bit easier to get in earlier in the day, especially in the afternoon.

New Yorkers are not that rude

A lot of people that I meet expect New Yorkers to be very rude, but like anywhere, you might find someone you don’t like. Maybe we’re a bit more brusque than Midwesterners or Kentuckians.

We’re 99% human underneath all those black clothes (I kid; I own a red dress).   I’d say on average that we’re a bit more skeptical of strangers, but we’re good souls who will talk your ear off given the opportunity about how amazing (and expensive) New York City is.

​Please don’t give a 5-minute explanation if you’re asking for directions. I recommend avoiding people with headphones and those who are on the phone as they’re just busy!  Look for someone who isn’t in a rush (the biggest barrier to being able to help!) and ask your question straight away, “Where is X?” or “ How can I get to X using Y?” “Which stop do I get off at for Z?”

Even I’m guilty of getting impatient with visitors who tell me that they’re visiting from _____ and it’s their first time in NYC, but you will always find people happy to help if you’re not taking up a lot of time. Just prepare your question before you stop someone.

How to befriend New Yorkers

• Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look up and/or take photos.
• Let fast people walk in the middle on the right side and if you’re going slow, stay on the edges away from the middle.​
• Don’t dance on the subway poles.
• If you’re with a group, do not walk all together in a group in a row blocking everyone from passing you.
• Don’t block the subway doors even if it’s crowded as people might be trying to get out of the subway doors.
• Let people exit the subway/bus before you get on.
• Asking us to say the word coffee a million times. The New York accent is very real although surprisingly diverse. Mine has receded a bit in recent years, but it’s still there!

I swear that we’re nice. Just give us a chance and don’t cut us in line.

Be aware of yourself: Safety tips for New York

I wish that I didn’t need to write this, but crime can be an issue in some areas of New York, especially compared to some very smaller towns that many people visit from.

It depends on the neighborhood, so always look up the reputation of the neighborhood where you’re staying before you book .  Be smart. Do not wear your headphones at night and don’t flash all your electronics in public places. Lots of New Yorkers have iPhones, but it’s best not to carry around items that you don’t need. Secure your laptop and other items in your hotel room.

New York is safe most of the time , but you need to use your common sense and not leave your items out unattended . Pickpocketing isn’t an issue like in Europe, but if you leave something out, you might not get it back.

Most importantly: use your spider senses. If you’re not feeling good about a situation, get out of there. I generally don’t like walking in parks late at night and I’d say that this is generally good advice, especially on Fridays and Saturday nights.

New York City is tough for solo female travelers.

NYC is not a cakewalk for solo female travelers. I love New York, but I’ve experienced some of the worst sexual harassment that I’ve ever endured anywhere…in New York.

Even after traveling to almost 30 countries, I’m still shocked by how many patronizing comments you’ll hear as a young woman just walking down a street by passing dudes. “Why don’t you smile?”  “ You look so sexy “

I once got harassed by a passing truck driver while I was wearing a puffy down jacket, baggy pants, and winter boots!?  I take a strong stance that women should be able to travel without harassment, but this is a reality for many women here. It’s gotten better as I’ve gotten older, but it can get to you.

If you’re uncomfortable, don’t feel like you need to be  nice .  I find just walking away is very effective although putting in your headphones works too. For the record, it does NOT matter what you wear.  If anything happens, find a nearby cop or call 911. If you’re worried that you’re being followed, work at trying to step into an open shop and losing your tail by a series of quick turns if possible. Also, consider finding another woman to recognize on the street before explaining your situation.

Avoid the tourist traps in New York and don’t buy anything off the street!

There are a lot of tourist traps in New York and some people will tell you anything to get you in the door. If you’re walking through a heavily trafficked area and someone gives you a flyer for an attraction promising you that you’ll see Aziz Ansari (or any other comedian) for $0/$5, don’t believe it. Those comedy nights rarely include anyone famous and many of these shows are “free” as long as you meet the $15 drink minimum.

Similarly, there are a lot of restaurants that CLAIM to have authentic food, but the ones that are authentic don’t need to assert that they were the first or the best. The real ones will be FULL with locals waiting for a table, so use Yelp to find the real thing.

Don’t buy stuff, especially water bottles, on the street. I always check if the bottle has been previously opened, however paying more than $1 for a water bottle is a rip-off.  No matter how thirsty you are, keep walking to the nearest bodega.  The CVS down the street, as well as the local bodega, are good places to buy a bottle of water. (You can refill your water at water fountains usually found within parks!) Paying with a card shouldn’t be a problem. I wrote a guide about finding the best souvenirs in New York on a budget, so skip the aggressive street sales and go straight for stores with set prices.

If someone offers you something on the street, please don’t take it whether it’s drugs, fake designer purses, or an offer for a massage. You know it won’t end well.

You don’t need to be fashionable in New York, but it can’t hurt.

Wondering what to wear for your trip to New York? Don’t feel like you need to be a fashionista and wear comfortable shoes.  Despite its reputation, nobody cares whether you look fashionable OR cool beyond not looking sloppy.

You can look cool (and black is always in), but go for comfy cool. Think black dresses with white sneakers or chic comfy flats, but if you want to wear the craziest outfit you have, go for it. If anything, someone might ask you for a photo as they love your outfit.  (It’s happened to me!) Uniqueness is valued, so bring some fun clothes with you (or buy them here).

Don’t wear heels if you can’t walk for miles in them.  You can always carry them in your bag if you want them for photos, but if your goal is to SEE as much as possible, I recommend a comfortable pair of sneakers rather than heels. You’ll be walking miles, even if you don’t intend to!

New York is filthy

After reading enough studies about subway handrails (touching one is like shaking hands with 10,000 people), I always carry antibacterial gel with me at all times and avoid touching the handrails/buttons everywhere.  I strongly recommend that you do the same.

You will need to pay for a clean bathroom whether it’s by buying a coffee or a water or…just paying a fee. Starbucks is on every corner, but don’t use the bathroom of the one in Penn Station.

​If you’re walking around, I generally do not recommend the public bathrooms and/or the bathroom at the local bodega (corner store) most of the time. Pay for anything at a coffee shop, bar, or restaurant and trust me, it is worth every penny. My recent habit is to go into nicer looking bars (if you’re over 21+) as the women’s restroom is generally well maintained.

There’s not ONE New York culture; New York is ever-changing

NYC might be famous for its skyscrapers, but at its heart, New York is a city of immigrants. It’s estimated that more than 800 languages are spoken in New York and all that matters for being a New Yorker is that YOU call yourself a New Yorker.

Most New Yorkers are not born in New York City ( I’m an exception ), let alone the United States, but this means that we have a common bond: our love of this gritty, dirty, noisy, iconic city that we call home.

If you come to New York looking for the New York that you see in movies/TV shows, you’ll find it. But, I think it’s far more important to see the real New York that inspired it.

You’ll understand why people fall head over heels for this dirty city ( I warned you ), you need to experience the uniqueness that defines New York: the many different groups that coexist here side by side with their own distinct bits that they contribute to New York’s culture.

Whether you’re after knishes, Chinese food from a region next to the Korean border, Colombian areas, Yemeni tea, Himalayan food, cannolis, or even New York cheesecake, you’ll quickly understand why we love this city before dinner time.

Final thoughts

New York City is just magical. You know that saying: ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN NEW YORK?   It’s true, including the fuzzy feel-good stories that made Humans of New York famous, people carrying around kittens on the subway, seeing some of the world’s best fashion on the street, spotting celebrities walking into your neighborhood deli, impromptu dancing in the street, and even getting discovered by modeling agents (it happened to Jennifer Lawrence).

New York City can wear you down, but if you allow it to show itself to you with all its quirks, beauty, and charm, you’ll fall in love with New York (or just really hate it). I hope that you get the chance to judge it for itself.

Have you been to New York? Did you fall in love with New York? 

• For more insider tips for New York City, keep reading:
• 5 Days in New York: Your Ultimate Guide by a New Yorker
• New York City on a Budget
• Two days in New York
• Where to shop in New York
• New York Off the Beaten Path
• Best Museums in NYC
• The Best of NYC for the Holidays
• NYC for Christmas
• JFK Airport to Manhattan
• Your guide to the New York City Subway by a New Yorker 

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

July 20, 2017 at 7:20 am

I’ve been to NYC and was too scared to take the subway, which is funny because I grew up riding trains all the time (I grew up in Japan). Your tips are awesome and I’ll def make sure not to make eye contact! 🙂

July 20, 2017 at 7:31 am

Loved it. I cant wait to go to NY.. got my visa and plotting my bucketlist. Will be referring to this article when planning.thanks

July 20, 2017 at 3:54 pm

This is a terrific list – love the tip about finding a clean bathroom. I’m not sure I would enjoy the ‘count the rats’ game, ha!

November 22, 2019 at 12:04 am

I’m from Portugal and I am planning to spend 10 nights in NY in April. It will b my 1st time in the city. I loved your post and took many notes. Thank you for your great post!

July 20, 2017 at 8:06 pm

Awesome post. I love the way you describe New York and I agree. Based on my three days experience at Christmas time in Manhattan 😀 Since that time I always wanted to come back to explore the other neighbourhoods, too. I will do so one day, for sure!

July 20, 2017 at 8:22 pm

Right on. I grew up in Jersey so I have visited NYC quite a bit. I recently went during Christmas time because like you said, it’s magical. I found myself laughing quite a bit during this post ESPECIALLY about making eye contact. I live in Texas now and have to let people know that making eye contact is something I have to gradually condition myself to.

July 21, 2017 at 1:17 am

Thanks so much for commenting Courtney! I really think kittens make everyone’s day, but yeah I’m also bad at eye contact. I either do it too much or I avoid it. Glad it made you laugh!

July 20, 2017 at 8:23 pm

That’s a great tip about the A ratings for restaurants, and thanks for being so honest about NYC for female travellers. Really appreciate that.

July 21, 2017 at 10:29 am

Great post and insight! I really like that you included the Queens/Brooklyn bit. My best friend lived in Astoria for a bit and I couldn’t get over how different it was when I visited her many moons ago. I def agree with dining locally; but I think that should always be the case for anyone traveling in the USA. Mom and Pop places are the best! I’ve been to NYC quite a few times (and lived in Greenwich Village for a summer when I was 16), but I was a bit salty that we had to go to Times Square and other touristy things last time I was there as James wanted to see it all. We did some fun stuff as well 🙂 There’s always something to see and do there!

July 21, 2017 at 7:08 pm

Seriously great list girl, I’ve never seen tips this practical and real! I’m headed to NYC next week, so this is perfect!

July 21, 2017 at 11:29 pm

I love all these tips! I made the mistake of #5 and realised quickly that NYC was massive… and i had sore feet the next day!!!!

July 22, 2017 at 12:49 am

Very interesting post. I didn’t know anything about New York to be honest so this post was a nice read and very helpful as well. I especially had to laugh at the How not to piss off the locals tips – that was a great one and I think everyone who travels should read this as it counts for every single touristy city!

July 22, 2017 at 1:15 am

Loved every minute of this Karen! I’ve NEVER been to NYC – can you believe that? But it is on my list, especially now I’m living in North America. Not only is this list super comprehensive – there are a myriad of other articles that i’m now about to spend 2 hours reading haha. Absolutely returning to this to make notes when I finally book my trip!

I particularly enjoyed your taxi advice – haha! Cash only restaurants is so useful, would never have thought about that as I only ever pay on card! The different neighbourhoods I will definitely explore now – you should do neighbourhood guides too!

How not to piss off locals was hilarious – it sounds EXACTLY like London. The number one way to piss of a local there however is to STAND on the wrong side of the escalator and block the people who are in a rush. Is that the same in NYC?? I wonder if it’s the other side like the roads…hahaha. Great work!

July 23, 2017 at 12:16 am

Hey Elise, London reminded me A LOT of NYC actually. I definitely feel like I did when I was there just because my American sense was making me think that I should be on the other side …. Oops.

I’m so glad that you loved this and I can’t wait to hear your feedback after you visit NYC for the first time.

Best, Karen

July 22, 2017 at 12:16 pm

Haha the bit about not pissing off the locals is basically all true for London too except the ‘coffee’ part! Also OH MY GOD A KITTEN. I’ve been to New York a few times (the first time I spent most mornings queuing at the TKTS booth for Broadway shows and I never once felt unsafe despite being on my own). These are great tips, if I ever go back I’m going to make it my mission to explore further out than just Manhatten/Staten Island.

July 22, 2017 at 2:17 pm

What a great post filled with the perfect tips! I tell everyone #13. I however love walking everywhere cause you always see something new or experience something different!

July 22, 2017 at 2:30 pm

It makes me sad when I see people eating at the chain restaurants! I have such a long list of restaurants I want to try.

July 22, 2017 at 3:16 pm

Some excellent points! I am a fellow Northeasterner (Boston) so I’ve been to New York a handful of times and these are things I definitely needed a reminder of because New York is SOOOO much bigger than Boston and is a totally different vibe. My favorite were your tips to not piss off locals, lol!

July 22, 2017 at 8:18 pm

First things first… The kitten is adorable! I spent a few moments just admiring the little guy! That being said…. I agree with using your spidey sense. Not just in New York City (I haven’t been there yet! Need to !) but wherever in the world you may live or travel to. If you sense something is wrong then get your butt out of there! Better safe than sorry!

July 22, 2017 at 9:29 pm

As a fellow New Yorker, I found myself nodding in agreement to all of this! So many great tips and pointers (which everyone who lives here will appreciate). It’s always nice to see an NYC post that’s more in depth than “visit the Highline!”

July 22, 2017 at 9:40 pm

Great post, agree 100% on the comfortable shoes! By the end of day one in New York I was craving my workout trainers 🙂

July 22, 2017 at 10:15 pm

Great list! I’d add for #16 that it’s more annoying than that you feel unsafe. One of the things I love about NYC is that there are always people around so there’s always someone you can go to if you need to just roll your eyes at someone about something or if you truly do need help.

July 22, 2017 at 10:59 pm

Hi Erin, I’d disagree. It really depends on the time of day and where you are. There have been times where I’ve been totally alone and felt unsafe. I’m glad you haven’t had these experiences, but they are mine.

July 22, 2017 at 11:31 pm

I love New York, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. It is, however, not that easy for newbie visitors. Your post is one of the best I’ve read — I agree with all your tips, and learned a lot too.

July 23, 2017 at 12:05 am

I love the photos in this post – especially the one with the white triangular roof. Gorgeous! I feel like I had done NYC to death as a tourist, but now I know a few of the local hints and tricks I might be tempted to go back. Even just to count the rats 😉

July 23, 2017 at 12:13 am

Hi Anna, That’s the new One World Trade with all credit to my dear friend Laura. 🙂 I hope you return soon to see it for yourself!

July 23, 2017 at 12:34 am

I’m so glad I saw this post! I happen to be heading to NYC next week for the second time and this was actually super helpful. Last time I was there, I did a lot of the “touristy” stuff, so I’m more excited to try local foodie spots and a couple happy hours. Thanks for the encouragement about visiting the other boroughs! I’ve only been to Manhatten and Brooklyn, so I might branch out more this time :). Great post!

July 23, 2017 at 1:26 am

I grew up right outside of NYC and this article is spot on!

July 23, 2017 at 1:28 am

Love this post, Karen! I am visiting NYC around Labor Day and am excited to utilize your tips. Pinning for later! Thank you so much! <3

July 23, 2017 at 1:49 am

I loved reading this post, New York is one of my favourite places in the world. I’m visiting twice later this year, first by myself and second right before christmas which I’m so excited about. As I’ve been to quite a few of the main tourist attractions before, I’m really looking forward to exploring the city further and finding some amazing food places! xo

July 23, 2017 at 1:54 am

omg I actually LOVED #14, made me giggle a bit on your mention of Midwesterners (I live in Wisconsin). I’d applied for my dream job fresh out of college and it was in NYC, and a direct quote from my dad was “You’re going to get eaten alive in NYC.” (The job was for Buzzfeed, which of course I had no chance in getting but HAD to apply)

I’m also just super curious about the urban legends around the cellar doors and metal grates… now going to look those up!

July 23, 2017 at 2:42 am

I 100% agree with all these tips for visiting NYC for the first time! I just came back from visiting the city for the 4th time and actually spent most of my time in Brooklyn and some time in Queens!! I’m definitely excited to go back again because NYC is constantly changing, which is what I love the most about it!! Thanks for summing up all these tips!

July 23, 2017 at 4:03 am

I wish I had read this in February when I went to New York because I booked an Airbnb. That is an essential tip. Also, I’ve always wondered what the NYC rainbow bagels taste like….it’s good to know I’m not missing out! This post definitely made me miss all of the wonderful food, especially the photo of the bagel and lox. I’ll keep these tips in mind for when I visit NYC next 🙂

January 2, 2018 at 10:01 pm

ok so I am researching booking a trip in october and I was considering airBnB. Is it really that bad? also I will be with my elderly grandparents so I want to stay somewhere comfortable for them. any thoughts?

July 23, 2017 at 5:15 am

Well I was 13 when I went to New York so it’s safe to say that I haven’t seen much of the city . . . and I have been dying to go back ever since. This is very useful, especially because it’s good to be reminded that there is no “one” New York. New York is so many things to so many different people from different backgrounds. I want to experience what calls to me, not just what is on the top lists because for me that’s the best way to see any place.

July 23, 2017 at 7:43 am

Love this, as someone who used to live in NYC, I can 100% agree with all of this. My favorite tip is, and always will be, do not go to Times Square!!! Lol

July 23, 2017 at 9:52 am

I visited NYC about 10 years ago and wandered around totally aimlessly as I had no idea what to see! I still really enjoyed it though and was charmed by the yellow taxis and steam rising from the pavement grids. It seemed just like the movies. I visited Williamsburg and Brooklyn so hopefully didn’t only spend my time in Manhatten. I remember sharing beers with some firemen at a bar and being in awe of their accents (I’m from England). A great city! Such a helpful post. Makes me want to revisit.

July 23, 2017 at 10:14 am

Wish I had known some of these tips before I went to NYC. The first time we used the subway we were unaware of the normal vs. express line. So we just hopped on one train. After a few stops, I was like “Ehhh, isn’t this already past Central Park??” I checked the map and found out that we were on an express line… Well, we learned from this experience 😀 We spent only 4 days and in Winter. I definitely wanna go back for a week in spring because I also wanna see more outside Manhattan 🙂

July 23, 2017 at 10:23 am

Been to New York several times and still learned something from your tips 🙂 Not surprised by the sexual harassment part – same in LA, I feel like… Unfortunately!

July 23, 2017 at 12:20 pm

I lived in NYC for 7 years and cannot love and agree with this list more – esp #8! Fine dining in NYC is next level but the local spots are still some of the best food I have had in the world.

July 23, 2017 at 2:41 pm

Oh New York. One of my favourite cities in the world. Absolutely love the city and your guide!

July 23, 2017 at 4:57 pm

This was so much fun to read through! Having been to NYC on many occasions to visit some of my native New Yorker friends, I’m sure they would wholeheartedly agree with you! And I’m proud to say that I’ve been to Queens and Brooklyn and The Bronx!

July 23, 2017 at 10:33 pm

Such awesome tips for New York ! It sounds like an incredibly vibrant city. I love your sense of humour : How not to piss off locals was hilarious ! And I love also the tip about finding a clean bathroom !

July 23, 2017 at 11:26 pm

This post made me laugh – I’ve been to NYC countless times (including Brooklyn but not Queens yet!) and so much of this is true! I learned quite a few things too (re: rainbow bagels hah)! I feel like you covered it all and it was a fun read 🙂

July 24, 2017 at 10:52 am

This is so on point! Wow! I have visited many times and lived in Brooklyn for 6 months while working UES so I totally get so many of these things. Someone needed to write this! I had so many issues with the damn cabs. I was smiling at the memories of all the great food you mentioned. The pizza, bagels, shake shack. MMM. The “why don’t you smile” makes me homicidal! Oh and the shoes part! During the height of the Sex and the City era I tried walking everywhere in ridiculous Carrie Bradshaw type shoes and deeply regretted it!

July 24, 2017 at 4:52 pm

I absolutely loved this post! As a NYCer, #1 and #2 especially stuck out to me. There are so many amazing things can be be found off the island of Manhattan and so many visitors (and people who even live here!) don’t explore as much as they should and to #2, amen to walking sometimes being faster!

July 24, 2017 at 6:24 pm

As someone who has lived here for 13 years now, it is a great guide! My family is coming this December and I can’t wait to share the holiday season in NYC with them. It will be pricey but I am trying to find some great things for them to see/do on a budget!

July 27, 2017 at 9:44 pm

Those tips are amazing – thank you so much! I’ve always wanted to go to NYC, maybe I’ll treat myself for my next birthday 🙂 Where would you recommend staying? Like, where is coolest?

July 27, 2017 at 10:10 pm

Hi Kathi, Definitely hope you do! It is a GREAT vacation spot.

I really love Astoria and LIC. Williamsburg is pretty cool too! You can go even more hipster and go to Greenpoint, but the train connection is more difficult. 😉

September 26, 2017 at 8:08 pm

I think you’re right: 4-5 days is the sweet spot, for a first-timer or a veteran like me who realizes she’s better suited for the mid-size cities she left New York for 😉 Anything more than that can take a toll on you. I think doing a Thursday-Monday weekend to New York every year or so allows you to explore so many different parts of it in more digestable chunks of time.

December 17, 2017 at 9:15 am

thanks for writing that, I am sure it will help when we visit May 18

December 21, 2017 at 7:17 pm

I am originally from Long Island, NY. I also spent time living in upstate NY in the Catskill Mountain region. I now reside in Pennsylvania south of Pittsburgh. About a month before 9/11 I went back to Long Island for a visit. On the way home, at night I missed my exit by mistake and found myself in an area I wasn’t familiar with. I tried to use my sense of direction and drove towards where I thought I would get back on track. I was looking for the Holland Tunnel. I found myself in front of one of the World Trade Towers. There was a man outside that was dressed like a doorman. I asked him while still in my car if he could tell me how to get to the Holland Tunnel. He was very rude and just shook his head. There was also a man and woman there and the woman wanted to tell me but the man that was with her told her not to tell us. The woman was nice and tried arguing with the man to let her tell me how to get to the tunnel and finally she just pointed where I had to go without giving me any directions on how to get there. I thought this was very strange. Can someone tell me why these people acted so strangely?

December 21, 2017 at 8:28 pm

Hi Lori, What a strange situation to say the least and what weird people. Luckily, Google Maps exists now, so you won’t encounter these weird people again.

On an unrelated note, I absolutely love the Catskills and that part of Pennsylvania close to Fallingwater.

December 22, 2017 at 4:40 am

Hi Karen! Thank-you for replying. Yes, I found it weird too but I keep wondering why these people acted like they did. Could it be because I have a NY accent and they thought I was pranking them? Like maybe they thought I lived in NYC and thought I was pranking them? I don’t know I used to live in a town called Cairo in the Catskills. Do you know the town? It used to be a big resort town but no more. I can remember the days during the summer all the people that would come up from the city and Main Street would be packed. All those beautiful resorts. Some of them were turned into apartments. It’s sad to see other resorts with grass and weeds overgrown. There used to be famous people that came up to put on shows for the resorts. People like Joey Castle which was a personal friend of mine. He passed away from a brain tumor. He sounded a lot like a young Elvis and you can listen to his songs on Youtube. I also remember George Valentine. He was a comedian. One of the places he performed was the Acra Manor. Then there was Al Martino. He was an Italian singer. Then there was the Catskill Game Farm and Carson City. I enjoyed going to those places. Fallingwater…yes I don’t live very far from there. There is also the Laurel Caverns.

December 29, 2017 at 2:26 am

This was a fantastic read, and eye opener and very helpful thank you! We are hoping to head to NY for Christmas next year with our 3 kids all the way from Australia! These tips will surely make things smoother for us!

December 29, 2017 at 3:15 am

Hi Zara, I’m so glad to hear that. I’m not sure if you’ve seen my NYC holiday post, but I really think Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit New York. Have a great trip and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. 🙂

January 2, 2018 at 10:15 pm

I think it really depends on the person. My parents don’t find airbnbs comfortable just as they prefer the comforts of a hotel and the ability to call downstairs any time of night if anything is wrong. I’ve heard it can be good for those with young kids, but I’d ask your grandparents what they think about it. A hotel is probably more familiar and the price difference isn’t much, so I’d go with a hotel personally.

February 1, 2018 at 9:35 am

I’m so glad I found your blog, great insider tips. I was looking for AirBnBs but will check out hotels now too. We live in the Netherlands and are planning to visit New York with our teenagers. Any tips for teens are very welcome!

February 5, 2018 at 9:24 am

Hi Dhani, I’m glad to hear that! I’m trying to think what I liked as a teenager. I think that I’d definitely recommend a Broadway show (pick a cool one), Central Park, the Village (close to NYU), and maybe Coney Island if it’s summer. I very clearly remember refusing to go to a lot of art museums as they were “boring.” I hope you all have a great trip. 🙂

February 13, 2018 at 3:09 am

Very insightful and useful tips for travelling to New York. I have bookmarked this link would be using this when we plan our next travel.

February 21, 2018 at 2:51 am

This is a great list..awesome post!! Heading to NY this coming weekend..for the first time! Thanks for the tips

February 21, 2018 at 1:01 pm

So glad to hear that Violet! I hope you have a great time!

March 4, 2018 at 8:56 pm

I had a wonderful experience with Airbnb last May/2017! It was in Brooklyn Heights, which is beautiful and only 5 minutes from Manhattan by Subway!!

March 15, 2018 at 5:27 am

Omg! Thanks so much for this helpful info. I’m going to NY too meet up with My Sister for vaca. I’m going 2days before she arrives. I love all the info you provided and have screen shoot it!! Blessing…

March 16, 2018 at 8:11 am

There are many good tips here. However, on one I must disagree.

Eat only at “A” rated restaurants? Are you kidding? While some places with “B” ratings MAY have problems, anyone who works around the bar and restaurant can tell you that the ratings system in the city can be more of a shakedown racket than a true measure of cleanliness or an indicator of bad business practices. I’ve seen super disciplined and near spotless places get downgraded by inspectors that do major excavations and get into deep areas where any food or drink establishment is going to have some evidence of some germ or some dirt. There’s no such thing as complete antiseptic conditions, and the city makes a lot of money intimidating businesses with these practices.

OK, “C” ratings seem pretty drastic, but I’m still suspect of some of those too. By no means pass up intriguing or compelling restaurants and bars just because of a “B” rating. Use your head, and your eyes, and look over the crowd. Be smart, don’t just look for a “sign” of approval. You’ll miss some great meals and beverages otherwise.

March 17, 2018 at 12:41 am

Hi Justin, I get that it’s a bit strict, however I generally go a bit more overly cautious here as I really want people visiting New York to have good experiences eating the delicious food here from kitchens that are (mostly) clean without getting sick. I get that the food violations in the grading criteria sometimes seem kind of petty/small, but that’s why I often look up the recent grades before commiting to a place with a B as I like to know upfront if it’s something like mice droppings or something less noteworthy regarding silverware. In some cases, I’ll also overlook it myself. I think that it’s good to be informed at least about the food rating system (as many of my friends from out of town had no idea what the letters stood for) and to take it into account when deciding about a restaurant. Best, Karen

March 27, 2018 at 12:22 am

Thank you for the tips. Planning to go in August for the first time so this helps a lot.

I have a question about the water. Is it okay or do I have to make sure I don’t drink it like when I brush my teeth or take a shower?

Aloha from Hawaii Ann

March 27, 2018 at 9:44 pm

Hi Ann, The water tastes fine and it’s perfectly safe to drink. No worries. 😉

April 22, 2018 at 12:19 am

What great information you’ve provided. We will be in NYC for two weeks and coming from relatively rural northern California, and being seniors, we are researching like crazy. Still haven’t chosen a hotel but want one by the action in midtown east and right by a subway stop. Any suggestions? I know the area is pricey.

April 22, 2018 at 11:25 am

Hi Sarah, Glad to hear that it’s been helpful! Look up The Iroquois New York. It’s a classic New York hotel. 🙂

http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-iroquois-new-york.html?aid=1138430&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2 The link to it. ^

May 22, 2018 at 11:40 am

Hi Karen, we are four friends in our 50’s coming to New York in September for four days – staying at the Conrad Hotel in Battery Park area. How easy will it be to get uptown – eg Central Park, Grand Central Station, Madison Square garden etc – we are happy to walk or is the Metro easy

May 22, 2018 at 3:08 pm

Hi Claire, I hope that you have a fantastic trip to NYC! The Battery Park area is lovely. It’s very easy to get uptown by subway or bus although I’d recommend subway due to traffic. You can check my NYC Subway Guide (https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/nyc-subway-guide) for more tips on getting around NYC by metro. It’s a bit far to walk and I wouldn’t recommend it. I hope you have a great trip.

June 3, 2018 at 2:46 pm

Great article! Next weekend will be my 3rd visit to NYC. I totally agree with you, you will either love it or hate it. My first visit was not so great. I hated it. I’m from the midwest (Chicago) and our big city experiences are very similar, but midwesterners aren’t as rude (for the most part). I like how you explained how NYers aren’t rude. Thanks for the explanation, I will look at it from your point of view on my upcoming visit (I’m an optimist). My 2nd visit was very pleasant. I liked it a lot. My stay was longer, I did more things, I had a lot of fun. I just had one major issue. I don’t understand why there is so much filth and garbage in every area; high end and low. There is more money in NYC than there is in many states put together. Clean up the joint. LOL! We ate at some very nice restaurants but had to look at piles of garbage outside. Please help me understand how NYers deal with that. I’m fasting right now but I’m sure I will go to some very nice restaurants with friends. How do you do it!?! Your article was very fun, easy to read, and accurate. However, there is one correction to be made… NOBODY has better pizza than Chicago!!! (says the Chicagoan). That’s a fact not an opinion. Lol! Just having fun. NYC get ready for me and my girls. Thanks for the great read.

June 7, 2018 at 3:27 pm

Glad you enjoyed my article and I hope you have a great trip. I still assert that NY pizza is better although Chicago style isn’t bad. 😉

Yeah, New York isn’t the cleanest city. I’d love to see less trash… Go to Singapore if you want to see clean streets.

June 10, 2018 at 5:05 pm

You speak to my soul with the “groups walking in rows” statement. I’m visiting NY from Seattle, and it is an EPIDEMIC out there. I find NY magical as well for all the reasons you’ve listed, but YES. I also respect New Yorkers for their awareness. Thank yooooooooou!

June 17, 2018 at 11:15 am

Great tips! My daughter and I took out first trip to NYC last fall. I have to comment on the friendliness and kindness of New Yorkers. Everywhere we went we encountered the most wonderful people! I was truly blown away and this was not at all what I expected. It seemed like people went out of their way to be kind and helpful. I slipped and fell on the subway one time and 6 people rushed to help me! We cannot wait to go back!

June 19, 2018 at 11:40 pm

Hello! I am going to New York for some weeks. What if I get sick (something mild)? I am taking some general medication with me but if I need any kind of medical consultations, is there any way to have it? I’m European.

June 19, 2018 at 11:41 pm

I hope you have travel insurance. Please contact them about this. We have many great hospitals in New York City. It just isn’t cheap out of pocket.

June 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Thank you Karen, your tips are so precious.

What do you think about late night walk in Central Park or Brooklyn’s Prospect Park?

June 21, 2018 at 2:53 pm

A walk around sunset or early evening is fine, but I personally avoid late night walks in the park. It’s much better than years ago, but personally, I still wouldn’t be walking around too late.

July 26, 2018 at 12:35 am

“Airbnb has been a mess in New York City ” why/how ? please elaborate a bit.

August 4, 2018 at 6:05 pm

I 100% disagree with your assessment about on avoiding any restaurant that doesn’t have an “A” rating. Restaurants get knocked to “B” for small infractions that have little to do with cleanliness or how they care for the food. This letter-grading system, imported from Los Angeles, is not really fare to restaurants, as most of the general public is ignorant about what a “B” means, for example. Even a “C” means there were issues but the health department still deems it okay to eat at — if it wasn’t okay they would shut it down.

August 7, 2018 at 2:54 pm

I grew up in a tiny town in the Midwest that has no public transportation. When I got the opportunity to visit NYC with a choir, I jumped on it, but I knew I couldn’t afford taxis. I got a handy subway map from Amazon for Manhattan and figured it out. Crowded, yes, but the subways were not scary! And I was pleasantly surprised by how polite everyone was. People made sure that the elderly had seats and I even had an older man insist I take his seat because I’m a girl. The crowd can be intimidating, but most of the people in it are perfectly normal.

August 10, 2018 at 3:55 am

***Helpful Tip*** If you wait In line at the TKTS booth to get broadway tickets, you can go back to the booth the next day with your ticket stub and skip the line!

August 12, 2018 at 5:17 pm

The view from the 7 train is amazing. But I thought an A rating meant the restaurant owner gave the inspector a hundred bucks.

August 29, 2018 at 3:23 am

Really enjoyed reading this! We’re travelling from the UK next year and can’t wait to explore this wonderful city.

September 8, 2018 at 6:23 am

I am planning to visit NYC soon. I started doing some research. I find it a little overwhelming. There is so much to do. I’m struggling with which hotel to stay. I live in update NY. My daughter is a senior in high school now and is interested in attending FIT. I will definitely be using your tips. I find them very helpful. Thank you

September 22, 2018 at 5:46 pm

I was only in New York City for 2 and a half days, and I still came out ahead when I bought the 1 week unlimited subway pass. I took something like 15 trips on the subway, so that saved me over 8 dollars compared to paying $2.75 per trip.

September 22, 2018 at 11:42 pm

Hi Karen! Thank you for the comprehensive guide. I followed your tips for the most part and did it ever turn out well! I had a great time during my first visit to New York last week thanks to your guide.

April 6, 2019 at 9:09 am

Fantastic blog, I went to NYC. With a pipe band in the April after 9/11. To help raise money for the families of the victims, I am from Glasgow, Scotland, and like New York, we have a reputation we don’t really deserve, I fell in love with NYC as like my home town the people are fantastic, a bit brash sometimes but helpful and will do anything for you, I am going back in 2020 and your blog will help me have a fantastic experience. Take Care

May 4, 2019 at 10:17 pm

Great post & tips, Interesting and funny to go through the comments from people around the world! The cultural and personnal perspectives on your post are enlighting and helpful. Leaving TOMORROW for first time in NYC, we’ll be avoiding eye contacts (in spite of coming from a place you hugg and kiss strangers you meet for the first time!) and have enough cash money to enjoy “A” and local restaurants.

May 15, 2019 at 1:59 pm

I’m on my way to NY for the first time so I really appreciate your guide I feel more prepared now. One small correction though Chicago pizza is definitely better (Chicago Native 🙂

June 15, 2019 at 1:29 pm

Thanks for informative sharing. I also spent a really good time there and came back with great memories.

July 1, 2019 at 12:29 am

I’m heading to NYC in October and it’s articles like yours that are helping me feel more prepared about my trip. I will be staying for 7 days and staying in Tribeca. I plan to study the subway system before I arrive, so that I can cover more ground. I will make sure to stock up on hand sanitiser for when I’m exploring. Thank you so much for the pretty much priceless (to someone like me anyways) information x x

July 13, 2019 at 8:48 am

Great tips! Some of the best conversations we had as a family were in NYC and San Fran when we DID make eye contact. Travelling with kids is even better than travelling with kittens!

July 17, 2019 at 12:29 am

Glad to hear that! I like to think that New Yorkers are very friendly when we have the time to chat. Not everyone has the time though!

July 16, 2019 at 12:35 am

I think it’s a great artikel! The way you wrote it really shows the love you have for the city but that you also see it flaws. I’ll be visiting New York in August and I think this artikel will be really helpfull!

July 19, 2019 at 7:29 pm

Thank you, Karen, for these great tip! Fun read. My husband and I would like to take our son and daughter for 4 days/3 nights, but we’re having trouble deciding when given their college schedules. Choices include Labor Day weekend, the week before Christmas, the week after Christmas (but not NYE!), or the week after New Year’s Day. Do you have any points to consider that would help us decide?

July 21, 2019 at 5:00 pm

That’s very tough. I’d say that the Christmas season is quite pricey, but it’s really nice as you can enjoy the windows, so either period should be good if you are interested in that. It’s slightly cheaper after NYE and I believe the windows should still be up then, but I’d recommend checking that. Labor day is nice if you want good weather and want to enjoy the parks more. It’s a quieter time as many New Yorkers head out of NYC that weekend. Hope that helps! Please check my other post about Christmas in NYC for more information!

July 20, 2019 at 2:50 pm

Hi! I am also a native NYer and this post is really well done. Totally agree with Pod39 Rooftop – and seeing the skyline with a cocktail vs just one of the three major observatories. My new favorite view is Manhattan – best views since Windows on the World.

July 28, 2019 at 3:59 am

This is an awesome insight and one article I wish I had read before heading to NYC, but I will be back! One of the biggest mistakes we made was not getting to Brooklyn or Queens. We were lucky enough to have 10 nights there which was amazing, and we didn’t do anywhere near everything, Totally agree about the subway, it’s a fabulous way to travel and I have included it as an essential for getting around in my article on my blog “My 17 Best Tips for Visiting NYC” but no-one can give insight like a local can. Food was fantastic – the pizzas, the bagels, the giant pretzels, we loved it all. I also recommend checking out the New York City Pass website. You don’t need to buy it, and I wouldn’t necessarily guarantee buying it because you have to go hard to get your money’s worth, but what it does do is give you a great list of most of the big ticket items as well as some quirkier ones like the Catacombs tour that we enjoyed. Keep up the awesome work, this is a great blog.

August 12, 2019 at 11:40 pm

Hi, this was one of the most valuable posts i’ve read when i was planning our trip to NYC. We’re 1 week in NYC, took our 4yo son and he loved it. We got a bit lost in Brooklyn and got help from one super nice girl, in the subway talked to an amazing old lady and overall the people were very helpful and friendly. We’ve followed your tips and the trip was delightful. Thank you

January 14, 2020 at 5:31 pm

We are going in June this year. I was reading through the comments and saw yours. We are taking our son that is about the same age as yours. Any tips or suggestions for going with Lea little one?

August 28, 2019 at 9:07 pm

Really enjoyed this read. I almost wish I had read it before traveling to NYC for the first time as an adult, but half of the fun was figuring out the city on our own (with a little help from some older ladies at a bus stop) I’m from southern CA and I absolutely fell in love with NYC and would jump at the chance to live there if I could. I absolutely love being able to do everything I want without having to drive. I love the food culture, the energy in the streets, even the way most citizens are totally unfazed by almost getting hit in the middle of a crosswalk. I can’t wait to return for an even longer trip next time!

September 6, 2019 at 6:16 am

“Stay away from chain restaurants”, why reccomend shake shack than? First of all, it’s horrible, second it’s a chain restaurant. There are a lot of great burger places in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, for example: bare burger, burger bistro etc.

September 8, 2019 at 11:12 pm

I was born and raised in NYC. Harlem,to be exact. I’ve traveled to all the boroughs and I love my city. Just like any other city, be careful and use common sense. Otherwise, it’s a melting pot of cultures and lots of things to do. That’s why it’s called, “The city so nice they had to make it twice!!” And “The city that never sleeps!!” Literally. I live in Florida now but do go back to NY once in a while just to recharge my battery. Lol!!

October 8, 2019 at 4:36 pm

This is a very well written blog!! It gives a “real” insight.

Thanks for sharing 🙂

January 5, 2020 at 7:53 pm

We’re heading to New York for the first time in May and found this post super helpful – definitely sending it to my husband to read. Thank you x

January 13, 2020 at 7:48 am

Great article! I’m taking my daughter and friends in April for her Sweet 16. This will be my third trip and get first. I am SO excited as we are born to travel!!! One tip I would include from my previous experience is to realize how difficult it is to find a bathroom. By law, hotels have to let anyone use the bathroom. You would be amazed how valuable this is to know. When you’re out and about, just stop into any hotel lobby for a bathroom break.

Thanks for the great tips- def tagging this for our “girls’ trip to the city” planning!

January 13, 2020 at 10:53 am

That is a great tip! There’s an app for this called Flush, I believe. 🙂

January 18, 2020 at 6:19 am

Yes and YES! We went, we fell in love, we’re planning our next trip for Jan 2021. Australian family of 4. Our kids (11 and 12) were especially enamoured with the Big Apple. We felt at home as soon as we arrived and loved everything about your City. Maybe it was because of Crocodile Dundee or Sex & the City we grew up watching? Never once found New Yorkers to be gruff or rude – we just ploughed through and asked them for directions anyway. Turns out, they love Aussies. We can’t wait to return and next time, we’re taking our extended family. So much good food, great shows, awesome streetscapes, history and just a great pace of life. You can’t think of the expense as a visitor, esp from Australia. It’s such a long way to go, so we made the most of it.

August 25, 2020 at 6:42 pm

Pay attention to what she says. It’s very good advice. I’m a former New Yorker. And I miss it every day.

March 6, 2021 at 6:14 am

Hi! I spent 4.5 days in NY in Dec 2019. Traveled as a single female in her 40s with a heavy country girl accent. Stayed at the hotel Alziz. Visited their fantastic bar, great views and drinks. Saw some Broadway shows, visited the natural history museum, took a boat ride past the statue of liberty. Also saw all the Christmas decor and the Rockefeller Center tree. Highly recommend! I didn’t try the subway until my third day, and OMG I wish I’d had used it sooner. Such a time saver. Everyone was so nice! Except for 1 police officer, He was a dick. Sorry, but I was unaccostomed to seeing police standing around holding rifles out without there being some big trouble going on. When I asked one of them what was going on and if I could go on down the street, because, honestly, I thought something really bad must have happened, He was like, “You’re a tourist, just go on and leave me alone.” But other than that, I had the time of my life!

April 8, 2022 at 4:02 am

Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines.

May 19, 2022 at 8:42 am

[…] you see really crazy stuff or people carrying KITTENS on the subway.  ON THEIR SHOULDER. That’s New York.  (You never know what will happen. […]

[…] with me here, but as a native New Yorker, I’m picky about my pizza.   However, the style of pizza in Buffalo is different and good. […]

[…] Make sure you know where you're going! Sounds obvious, but I'm not just talking about destinations. You want to find out you're going to the right motel. If you're searching 'near me', take a second to choose the right neighbourhood in your chosen city or town. Because remember, if you're only going for two to three days, you will want to see as much as you can. Checkout local blogs like this one for New York. […]

[…] York natives, though, often try to avoid most of the big Christmas destinations and events that the city has to offer. Especially after […]

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New York City

Epicenter of the arts. Architectural darling. Dining and shopping capital. Trendsetter. New York City wears many crowns, and spreads an irresistible feast for all.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Upper East Side

What started with a handful of paintings brought over from Europe or donated by a coterie of philanthropically minded robber barons in the 19th century…

Central Park

Upper West Side & Central Park

One of the world’s most renowned green spaces, Central Park comprises 843 acres of rolling meadows, boulder-studded outcroppings, elm-lined walkways,…

Ellis Island

Financial District & Lower Manhattan

Located in New York Harbor, Ellis Island is the US's most famous and historically important gateway and is home to one of the country’s most moving…

Empire State Building

The Chrysler Building may be prettier, and One World Trade Center taller, but the queen bee of the New York skyline remains the Empire State Building. NYC…

One World Observatory

Spanning three levels at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers dazzling panoramic views over Manhattan's…

Guggenheim Museum

A New York icon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, more commonly known as the Guggenheim, is an internationally-renowned art museum and one of the most…

Statue of Liberty

It’s been over a century since Lady Liberty made her debut appearance on the New York skyline, but this iconic statue is still one of the city’s most…

National September 11 Memorial Museum

When the twin towers of the World Trade Center toppled during the awful events of 11 September 2001, it led to years of soul-searching about what would be…

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15 of the best things to do in new york city in 2024.

Chrysler Building

Designed by William Van Alen and completed in 1930, the 77-floor Chrysler Building is the pinup for New York's purest art deco architecture, guarded by…

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Opened in 1911 and now one of Brooklyn's most picturesque sights, this 52-acre garden is home to thousands of plants and trees and a Japanese garden where…

This 265-acre zoo is the country’s biggest and oldest, with over 6000 animals and re-created habitats from around the world, from African plains to Asian…

West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District

It’s hard to believe that the 1½-mile-long High Line – a shining example of brilliant urban renewal – was once a dingy freight line that anchored a rather…

Museum of Modern Art

Superstar of the modern-art scene, MoMA's galleries are a Who’s Who of artistic heavyweights: Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Rothko,…

Brooklyn Museum

This encyclopedic museum, imagined as the centerpiece of the 19th-century Brooklyn Institute, occupies a five-story, 560,000-sq-ft beaux-arts building…

Top of the Rock

When it comes to views in New York City, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The One World Observatory may have the edge for height, and the Empire State…

The original Luna Park, the most famous of Coney Island's competing amusement parks, opened in 1903 and reigned for decades until destroyed by fire in the…

Coney Island

About an hour by subway from Midtown, this popular seaside neighborhood makes for a great day trip. The wide sandy beach has retained its nostalgic,…

New York Botanical Garden

Founded back in 1891, this welcome expanse of green takes in 50 acres of old-growth forest, alongside lush gardens, ornate greenhouses and water features …

Times Square

Love it or hate it, the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Ave (aka Times Square) pumps out the NYC of the global imagination – yellow cabs, golden…

Nathan’s Famous

The hot dog was invented in Coney Island in 1867, which means that eating a frankfurter is practically obligatory here. The top choice: Nathan’s Famous,…

Industry City

These six towering warehouses by the Brooklyn waterfront have been repurposed as a 35-acre hub for shops, design studios, start-ups and nonprofits. The…

Yankee Stadium

The Boston Red Sox like to talk about their record of nine World Series championships in the last 90 years…well, the Yankees have won a mere 27 in that…

Grand Central Terminal

Completed in 1913, Grand Central Terminal – commonly, if incorrectly, called Grand Central Station – is one of New York’s most venerated beaux-arts…

American Museum of Natural History

Founded back in 1869, this venerable museum contains a veritable wonderland of more than 34 million objects, specimens and artifacts – including armies of…

Met Cloisters

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

On a hilltop overlooking the Hudson River, the Cloisters is a curious architectural jigsaw, its many parts made up of various European monasteries and…

Radio City Music Hall

This spectacular moderne movie palace was the brainchild of vaudeville producer Samuel Lionel 'Roxy' Rothafel. Never one for understatement, Roxy launched…

Madison Square Garden

NYC's major performance venue – part of the massive complex housing Penn Station – hosts big-arena performers, from Kanye West to Madonna. It’s also a…

The home of the New York Mets, the city's underdog baseball team, Citi Field opened in 2009, replacing the earlier Mets HQ, Shea Stadium. In contrast to…

Rockefeller Center

This 22-acre 'city within a city' debuted at the height of the Great Depression, with developer John D Rockefeller Jr footing the $100-million price tag…

21 best free things to do in New York City

Green-Wood Cemetery

If you want to enjoy a slice of scenic Brooklyn in total peace and quiet, make for Green-Wood Cemetery. This historic burial ground set on the borough’s…

New York Public Library

Loyally guarded by 'Patience' and 'Fortitude' (the marble lions overlooking Fifth Ave), this beaux-arts show-off is one of NYC's best free attractions…

Museum at FIT

Fashionistas won't want to miss a visit to the fabulous sartorial exhibits at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), which holds one of the world's…

David Zwirner

David Zwirner operates several galleries around Chelsea, including this five-story, sustainability-certified building with 30,000 sq ft of exhibition…

With the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie gracing its stage since it opened in 1981, Blue Note is one of NYC's premier jazz…

Hudson Yards

After six years of construction and $25 billion of investment, the first phase of Manhattan's new megadevelopment 'neighborhood' on the Hudson finally…

National Museum of the American Indian

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this elegant tribute to Native American culture occupies Cass Gilbert's spectacular 1907 Custom House, one of…

Delacorte Theater

Every summer the Public Theater heads here to present its fabulous free productions of Shakespeare in the Park, which founder Joseph Papp began back in…

Public Theater

SoHo & Chinatown

This legendary theater was founded as the Shakespeare Workshop back in 1954 and has launched some of New York's big hits, including Hamilton in 2015…

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art

The world's first museum dedicated to LGBTIQ+ themes stages six to eight annual exhibitions of both homegrown and international art. Offerings have…

Strawberry Fields

Standing inside the park across from the famous Dakota Building, where John Lennon was fatally shot in 1980, is this poignant, tear-shaped garden – a…

New York Earth Room

Since 1980 the oddity of the New York Earth Room, the work of artist Walter De Maria, has been wooing the curious with something not easily found in the…

Socrates Sculpture Park

First carved out of an abandoned dump by sculptor Mark di Suvero, Socrates is now a city park on the river's edge with beautiful views and a rotating…

Prospect Park

Brooklyn is blessed with a number of historic, view-laden and well used green spaces, but its emerald is Prospect Park. The designers of the 585-acre park…

Pace Gallery

With seven galleries across the world – including this eight-story Chelsea flagship – and decades of experience showing the work of such artists as Willem…

American Folk Art Museum

This small institution offers rotating exhibitions in three small galleries. Past exhibits have included quilts made by 19th-century soldiers and…

General Ulysses S Grant National Memorial

Popularly known as Grant’s Tomb (‘Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?’ ‘Who?’ ‘Grant, stupid!’ goes a classic joke), this landmark holds the remains of Civil…

This compact bar and performance space, named after a neighborhood in Paris with a strong North African flavor, is owned by French musicians (and longtime…

Village Vanguard

Possibly NYC's most prestigious jazz club, the Vanguard has hosted literally every major star of the past 50 years. Starting in 1935 as a venue for beat…

African Burial Ground National Monument

In 1991, construction workers here uncovered more than 400 stacked wooden caskets, just 16ft to 28ft below street level. The boxes contained the remains…

Bronx Museum

Culture vultures will enjoy the Bronx Museum for its its well-executed exhibitions of contemporary and 20th-century art. The Bronx Museum has a strong…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

A perfect balance of urban landscape and green space, New York lends itself to one of the healthiest, most enjoyable outdoor pursuits – cycling.

Best Neighborhoods

Here’s our multi-borough guide to some of the most exciting neighborhoods in the Big Apple.

From sleepy towns to vibrant beaches on the Jersey Shore, here are the top day trips from New York City, all within a two-hour journey.

Money and Costs

NYC is certainly not cheap but there are bargains (and freebies!) to be found if you know where to look. Here's how to visit the Big Apple on a budget.

Transportation

NYC and its transport never rest. From 24-hour subways and buses to taxis and bikes, it's all here. This is all you need to know about navigating New York.

Free Things to Do

No filler. No fee. This is the best of New York City for free.

Traveling with Kids

NYC has something for kids of any age. Explore a museum or run wild at a city park: the Big Apple is filled with family-friendly activities.

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NYC is filled with incredible galleries and museums, fully reflecting its status as a hub of culture and artistic expression. These are our top eight.

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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 can afford to check into the best New York City hotels — or always dreamt of sleeping in a castle — this is the property 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 .

New York City   Travel Guide

Why Go To New York City

Cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, constantly evolving … the Big Apple blends big city splendor with small-town charm. Amid New York's iconic landmarks and towering skyscrapers, you'll experience a vibrant culture permeating each of the city's distinctive neighborhoods and boroughs. Follow trendsetters to the East Village and Brooklyn to check out indie boutiques, iconic bakeries and trendy coffee shops. Afterward, peruse the racks of the sleek shops lining Fifth Avenue , admire the cutting-edge art collections at the MoMA  and the Met , catch a memorable show on Broadway or sit down for a meal at the latest "it" restaurant.

As the most populous city in the U.S. – set at the forefront of food, fashion and the arts – NYC requires stamina. But don't let the Big Apple's frenetic sights and sounds intimidate you from soaking up its grandeur. Enlist the help of a local to help you navigate it all. Wander through the concrete jungle and you'll discover roaring taxis zipping down bustling blocks, fast-paced pedestrians strolling past on their way to marquee galleries and trendy cocktail bars, and Times Square 's neon lights flickering at all hours. And yet, the city's twinkling lights and chaotic corners also invite you to embrace every New York minute, explore every enclave and create your own urban adventure. There are endless ways to spend your time in the city that never sleeps, but before you leave, stop and look around – what's here today will be transformed into something bigger and better tomorrow.

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• # 1 in Best East Coast Vacation Spots
• # 1 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit
• # 2 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.

See All 11 Rankings

Best of New York City

Best hotels in new york city.

• # 1 in The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York
• # 2 in The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
• # 3 in Baccarat Hotel New York

Best Things to Do in New York City

• # 1 in Central Park
• # 2 in National September 11 Memorial & Museum
• # 3 in Empire State Building

Popular Tours

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

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SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

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Empire State Building Ticket

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New York City Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit New York is anytime . Each season in Gotham offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations. Deep winter – January and February – is cold, but that also means cheaper hotel rates . Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park and dining outside. Summer is hot, but hey, so are lots of places, and at least this is New York. No matter when you decide to visit New York City, consider travel protection – such as a  travel insurance policy or a cancel for any reason plan – in the event you encounter weather issues or trip delays.

Weather in New York City

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Exercise shopping smarts If you're a high roller with a thick wallet,  Fifth  and Madison avenues are your shopping strips. Bargain-hunters should stick to SoHo and Chinatown.

Enter the subway with caution Many subway stations have different platforms for trains going uptown and downtown. Make sure you enter the correct platform before swiping your ticket through the turnstiles. 

Skip the train If you live in a major East Coast city, chances are you'll be able to reach New York City for a relatively affordable price by hopping on the BoltBus or Megabus , two companies that transfer visitors to NYC for cheap.

Take a tour Seeing all of the Big Apple's top sights can be a challenge, which is why signing up for a guided tour may be a smart idea. Whether you're looking for a walking tour , a  food tour , a boat tour , a helicopter tour  or a bus tour , you'll find a variety of experiences to choose from.

How to Save Money in New York City

Say no to cabs A cab here, a cab there … pretty soon, you'll find that cabs have eaten up all your spending cash. Yes, they're convenient but cost-efficient they are not. Learn the subway system instead, or try Uber or Lyft.

Say yes to street vendors Eat some cheap meals on the street at vendors, especially the ones with "Vendy Awards" posted, and you can put the money you would've spent on an expensive lunch toward your MoMA admission.

Say maybe to the TKTS booth If you're willing to spend an hour of your New York City vacation waiting in the half-price ticket booth in Times Square , you could save some serious money on a Broadway show.

Culture & Customs

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. So it should come as no surprise that it's also one of the most diverse. The city is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, as well as its status as the country's trendsetter, making it difficult to define one specific "culture" of the Big Apple. As home to the most vibrant theater and fashions scenes in the country and a large contingent of schools and Wall Street on top of that, NYC also shelters a large gay community as well as many students, artists, fashionistas, writers, businessmen and so on. 

Stereotypically, New Yorkers are portrayed as brash and rude. But as TripAdvisor explains, "New Yorkers are unfailingly proud of their great city, and this pride can, at times, come off as arrogance." Contrary to popular belief, most New Yorkers are happy to help you explore their home.

What to Eat

It's fitting that New York's most popular nickname includes a reference to food. Experts say that the city is jam-packed with delicious places to eat, from the high-end celebrity chef hot spots to cozy eateries. When you're in this cosmopolitan city, you'll have to sample some of its specialties. Most people associate NYC with pizza: New York-style pizza consists of hand-tossed thin crust, a light layer of tomato sauce, plenty of mozzarella cheese and an assortment of toppings. There are dozens of pizzerias dishing out traditional pies across the city, but locals say Joe's Pizza and Grimaldi's Pizzeria are two of the top spots to grab a slice of pizza . Another New York staple? Bagels. The large, soft, doughy bagels can be topped with thick cream cheese (often you can choose from various schmear flavors), lox or your favorite breakfast sandwich accoutrements. Experts say you can't go wrong with a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel , Bagel Bob's or Tompkins Square Bagels .

In addition to its casual eateries, New York City has a vibrant food market (visit Chelsea Market and Gotham West Market ) and farmers market scene. And of course, the Big Apple is home to numerous upscale restaurants highlighting cuisine from around the world. The list of must-try restaurants is constantly changing, but those looking to enjoy an exquisite multicourse meal should make reservations (well in advance) at Eleven Madison Park , Le Bernadin or Daniel . If you'd like to explore fine dining restaurants with more reasonable price tags, Butter , Scarpetta and Marc Forgione are a few celebrity chef-helmed eateries that won't completely bust your budget. The wealth of food options in the city is also part of why New York City consistently lands on the U.S. News ranking of the Best Foodie Cities in the USA . For a comprehensive understanding of the city's dining scene, take one of the Big Apple's top food tours .

What's more, New York City isn't only home to fantastic restaurants, but also to several stand-out bars and breweries . When the weather warms up, locals and travelers alike love heading to the top rooftop bars around the city to soak up the skyline views.

In the past, New York City has owned a reputation for being a rough and dangerous city, but now it's one of the safest large cities in the country. As a tourist, you're not likely to encounter any serious crimes, but you should still use common sense when exploring the city. In the evenings, stick to well-lit areas with other people and keep a close eye on valuables. To discourage pickpockets, keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purses zipped closed.

Like other large cities, New York City is filled with its own group of eclectic personalities. Should someone out of the ordinary approach you, follow many New Yorkers' leads and simply walk away. Be particularly wary in places like Manhattan's Lower East Side and parts of boroughs Queens, Brooklyn and especially the Bronx. Central Park can also get seedy at night.

Despite what people may think, the subway in New York City is safer now than it has ever been. That said, you should be particularly watchful of your belongings while riding, especially when the trains are packed and crowded. Stay near the ticket booths and get into cars with more people or with the conductor, who will normally stick his head out when the train stops. Consider taking a cab at night if you are alone.

Getting Around New York City

The best way to get around New York City is on foot as traffic is fairly heavy around-the-clock. That said, the subway system is a convenient option, too, and it extends throughout Manhattan and into the other New York boroughs. Buses are another affordable way to get around, but keep in mind they traverse streets clogged with weaving cars and cabs. Picking up a car isn't the best mode of transportation, as traffic is heavy. To get from the two main airports – LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – into the city, you'll likely want to take a taxi or ride-hailing service like Lyft or Uber. If you'd like to mix in a little sightseeing with your transportation, consider a bus tour  or a boat tour .

Many East Coast travelers tend to arrive in New York City on one of the bus services like FlixBus  or Megabus . Amtrak is another popular way of getting into the city and trains roll into Penn Station daily.

Central Park occupies more than 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan and is the largest urban park in the United States.

Explore More of New York City

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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New York Travel Guide: Insider Tips for a Memorable Trip

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New York is a city that needs no introduction (yet, here a I am writing an introduction to this travel guide). It’s the number one most visited destination in the United States with people from all over the world coming to see it’s iconic skyline and experience the city. Not to mention the art, the food, and the wonderful chaos that is New York City.

Enjoy a moment of solitude in Central Park, see famous landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, visit incredible museums, and eat like you never have before. One lifetime is not enough to experience everything New York has to offer!

This New York travel guide is a roadmap for you to immerse yourself in the life of a New Yorker. Explore the city’s lesser know neighborhoods and venture to some more offbeat experiences, without breaking the bank!

What to See and Do

Where do I even start? New York has so many things to see and do that I could spend the rest of life writing about it and still not cover it all!

There are a few things that every visitor needs to experience in New York: see the Statue of Liberty, walk the High Line, take an stroll on Fifth Avenue, admire Grand Central Station, see the Empire State building from the Top of The Rock, grab a snack at Chelsea Market, eat dinner in Little Italy, and take a moment to reflect at the World Trade Center Memorial.

75+ New York Bucket List Experiences

I wrote a list of 75+ things to add to your New York bucket list but to give you a taste, here are 5 of my favorite things that I recommend to anyone visiting the Big Apple:

1. Visit one (or all) museums.

NYC is home to many world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka The Met), MoMa, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, and the American Museum of Natural History to name a few. And you can get in many of New York’s museums for free on certain days .

2. Experience Broadway and Times Square.

I remember the first time I got off the subway in the middle of Times Square… There’s so much going on, people walking in every direction, cars honking, lights everywhere. It takes you a second to adjust and it’s something you should experience. While you’re there, be sure to watch a Broadway show!

3. Get Lost in Central Park.

You could spend a whole day in Central Park if you wanted. But if you’re only in NYC for a couple of days, get in there and enjoy what you can—the beauty of Central Park is the serenity it offers, so don’t rush it. A few of my favorite spots in the park are the Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, The Ramble, and the North Meadow.

4. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC. If you’re a morning person, I recommend grabbing a cup of coffee or your running shoes and heading over there early. That way you can take in the views of the river and New York skyline with

5. Eat, eat, eat.

I’ve been know to travel for food and New York is one of my favorite foodie destinations. From pizza, pastrami sandwiches, bagels, to authentic Chinese, Indian, and Greek food, to endless fine dining and 70+ Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s safe to say you will not be hungry in NYC. To find great food, avoid restaurants in super touristy areas and skip restaurant chains (you can eat that anywhere).

Planning Your Trip

If you ask me, anytime is a great time to go to New York! But I’m a big fan of the April-May and September-October shoulder seasons. That’s when the weather is nice and you can avoid the bulk of the crowds.

But all seasons have something going for them. In the peak of Spring, New York weather is gorgeous and there are flowers everywhere.

If you visit New York in the Summer (and don’t mind the heat), you get to experience a lot of the events and outdoor activities like Shakespeare in the Park and the Pride Parade.

The weather in the Fall is a lot more pleasant and New York looks beautiful when the color changes. And towards the end of the season you start to see holiday decorations and maybe catch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Finally, Winter in the city can be cruel. But there’s nothing like ice skating in Central Park, warming up with a nice cup of hot chocolate in a cozy cafe , or taking in the winter views from a NYC rooftop bar .

Where to Stay

New York is an expensive city so when it’s no different when it comes to hotels. However, there are many options of accommodations in the city, no matter what your budget is.

Since this is a New York travel guide, I don’t recommend staying in Times Square, where I feel most first-time tourists end up. Instead, stay in less crowded and loud area like The West Village, Greenwich Village, Bowery, SoHo, or the Upper East or West side for easy access to Central Park and the Museums.

For non-Times Square hotel options, check out some of my favorites: The Bowery Hotel , Wythe Hotel New York , and voco The Franklin New York .

You can always venture outside of Manhattan and stay at the Moxy Williamsburg , which is a great area to stay and easy to access via subway. Or plan your visit on the off-season, when you can get some incredible deals on some very unique boutique hotels in NYC .

Holidays, Festivals and Events

Here are some of the best NYC events, holidays, and festivals month-by-month so you can plan your trip with them or around them:

January : Broadway Week (2 for 1 tickets), Winter JazzFest, NYC Restaurant Week (note that Broadway Week and Restaurant Week can happen in January or February, so check the dates)

February : New York Fashion Week, Winter Festival in Bryan Village, NYC Half Marathon

March : St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (March is also your last chance to enjoy the ice skating rinks, which won’t be back until the Winter. The best ones are at Bryant Park, Central Park, and Rockefeller Center)

April : Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival, NYC Pillow Fight, Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Macy’s Flower Show

May : Spring Food Markets, Fleet Week on the Hudson River

June : Shakespeare in the Park, Pride Festival, SummerStage in Central Park, Night at the Museums, Celebrate Brooklyn!

July : Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, Bastille Day, Shakespeare in the Park, SummerStage in Central Park, Restaurant Week and Broadway Week (again, check dates between August and September)

August : US Open Tennis Tournament, SummerStreets

September : US Open Tennis Tournament, Labor Day Parade, New York Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, Brazilian Day

October : New York Film Festival, Columbus Day Parade, Halloween Parade, Open House New York

November : NY Comedy Festival, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, Rockefeller Tree-Lighting Ceremony, Black Friday (skip Black Friday and go enjoy New York!)

December : Winter Village at Bryan Park, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Ice Skating Rinks, Times Square New Year’s Eve.

How to Get Around

Public transportation is by far the best way to get around New York.

The subway is very reliable, runs 24/7, and will get you to anywhere you want to be, or very close to it, without the traffic!

I recommend buying a MetroCard at any of New York’s subway stations. You can refill it and pay-per-ride, of use as much as you like for a 7-day and 30-day period. Depending on how long you’ll be in the city and how you’re planning to ride the subway, the unlimited MetroCard might be worth the cost even if you don’t need all 7 or 30 days.

Walking is also a great way to see New York and explore its different neighborhoods. So be sure to wear comfortable shoes! I know you want to look cute in all those Instagram photo-ops around NYC but you’ll be miserable if you’re shoes are not good to walk.

Taxis and ride shares like Uber and Lyft are also options if you need to carry luggage around but be mindful of traffic if you need to be somewhere at a specific time (like the airport!).

New York for Solo Travelers

New York City is a fantastic and safe destination for solo travelers. There’s so much to see that you won’t ever be bored. And despite the reputation of being “mean”, people in New York are actually very open to chat with solo travelers.

New Yorkers are very proud of their city and they’ll be eager to share tips and advice about things to do, cool places to visit, where to eat, etc. So don’t be shy and talk to a stranger—I find the line at Starbucks is a great place to start.

New York Safety Tips for Visitors

New York city is generally safe for tourists. But as with any large city, it’s smart to exercise some common sense so you don’t get into unnecessary trouble. You know the drill: alway be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables safe, and don’t flash expensive stuff in crowded areas.

When riding the subway, especially late at night, be extra alert, especially if you’re a woman. If you’re rising the subway alone at night, try not to look like a tourist. Memorize your stop so and least pretend to know where you’re going.

This New York travel guide would not be complete if I didn’t mention tourist scams. And honestly, the biggest threat to tourists in New York are scam artists.

Times Square is a prime spot for scam artists selling fake tickets to shows and tours and performers in character costumes posing for photos then demanding payment.

Also, watch out for illegal cabs at the airport—the line for the official yellow taxi is hard to miss.

Finally, the Staten Island Ferry, which gives you an up close look at the Statue of Liberty, is 100% free so don’t fall for someone trying to sell you a ticket.

NYC Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

✈️ Find your flight with  Skyscanner . 🛎 Get your hotel with  Booking.com  or hostel with  Hostelworld . 🏠 Rent a unique home or apartment with  Plum Guide and VRBO . 🚘 Rent a car with  Discover Cars . 🏰 Book tours and excursions with  Get Your Guide or Viator . ☂️ Get travel insurance from  SafetyWing . 📱 Avoid roaming fees with eSIM card from  Airalo . 🌋 Go on an adventure with   G Adventures .

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

New York City Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

It’s famous for….well, just about everything, New York City is the beating heart of the world — which is why I call it home. Every culture, language, and food is represented here.

Unsurprisingly, there is a never-ending list of things to do here. No amount of time you spend in NYC will be enough so don’t worry about running out of things to do. You could spend a lifetime exploring the city and never really see it all. And, whatever your interest, no matter how obscure, you can find it in NYC.

As a budget traveler, visiting NYC can be tough, especially when you don’t know the hidden tricks that make living here affordable. There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg — if you know where to look!

This travel guide to NYC can help you make the most of your visit, get off the beaten path, and not break the bank.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on New York City

Top 5 Things to See and Do in New York City

1. Meander through Central Park

It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it spans over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around or having a picnic. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions here too. From the spring to the fall, there are free guided walks on Saturdays as well. Personally, I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine. 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 Get Your Guide ($25 USD). It will really give you a good understanding of the park.

2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

On September 11th, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in NYC and elsewhere. Visit this somber memorial and take in the view from the Freedom Tower. On the elevator up, you can see pictures of the historical development of the city and how it’s changed over the years. 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. The memorial is free to visit; museum entry is $33 USD (free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm but tickets must be booked online). Get tickets beforehand so you can skip the line and save time!

3. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. If you only see one museum in New York, make it this one. It has a wide array of art, artifacts, photographs, and other exhibits from around the world. There’s a whole collection of armor and another dedicated to costumes. You’ll see pieces from the ancient world as well as contemporary art. I like its expansive Impressionist and Greek exhibits, but there are more than 490,000 works of art on display. It’s chaotic and filled with people, especially on the weekend, but since it is so big, you can usually find some quiet spots away from the crowds. Budget at least a half-day here as a few hours won’t do this place justice. Admission is $30 USD and you can buy tickets in advance.

4. See the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is a massive Neoclassical statue gifted to the USA from France. It was dedicated in 1886 and stands 305-feet tall (95 meters). It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi though its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). It’s spectacular to see up close and is as big as you imagine, but the real highlight of this combo is 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. Admission is $25 USD.

Here’s an overview of what the tours are like .

5. Walk the High Line

Other things to see and do in new york city, 1. take a walking tour.

A great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You’ll learn some history, see the main sights, and explore all the city’s nooks and crannies. I think free walking tours are a wonderful activity in any city (I always take them when I arrive somewhere new). If you’re on a budget, I recommend Free Tours by Foot. For paid tours, go with Take Walks . They have specific tours in the city that focus on art, food, and history, and they are pretty affordable too. (I wrote a whole blog post about New York City walking tours that you can check out here. )

2. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

That two-hour-long line to see the Statue of Liberty not appealing? Walk a few blocks to the Staten Island ferry. This free ferry takes you across the harbor and offers a nice view of both the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. You won’t get to stop at Ellis Island but you’ll get a nice (and free) view while you enjoy the historical route that New Yorkers have been taking for centuries. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way.

3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get a picturesque view of the New York skyline and harbor. It’s a long walk, but good food and drinks await you on the other side. Stopping to take in the view and meandering along the way makes the walk about 40 minutes. I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. Otherwise, come early to beat the crowds. It’s a super popular spot for taking photos so be sure to bring a camera (or you can hire a NYC photographer if you really want to snag some impressive pics).

If you want a more nuanced experience, take a guided tour across the bridge . Not only will you learn some fascinating history but your guide can show you all the best spots to take photos.

4. Museum hop

New York City has dozens upon dozens of museums worth visiting. You have The Met, Natural History Museum, the MoMA, Frick, Guggenheim, the Museum for African Art, Museum of the City of New York, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum (a branch of the Smithsonian Institution), The Whitney, The Brooklyn Museum, and so many more! Pick the ones you want to see the most and visit those unless you have weeks in New York to see them all. Admission varies, but expect to spend around $28 USD per person per museum.

5. Visit Radio City Music Hall

Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s (at the time, it was the largest auditorium in the world). It’s the home of the precision dance company The Rockettes, who have been performing here since 1932. It’s also been the venue for all kinds of award shows, including the Tonys and the Grammys. There are still concerts, comedy shows, and other entertainment happening all the time. Check their website to find out what’s happening during your visit. There’s also an hour-long tour you can take that will get you behind the scenes to see the Great Stage and The Roxy Suite. Tickets start at $42.

6. Take in the theater

You can’t come to NYC and not see a Broadway show. There are tons of amazing shows here from grand musicals to traditional Shakespeare to offbeat shows. There’s nothing better than witnessing NYC theater, and it’s such an integral part of life here you should check it out. Current highlights include Hamilton, Chicago, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Six, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, and more. Most shows have performances roughly eight times per week. If there’s a specific one you’ve been wanting to see, you should be able to find a time while you’re in the city. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half-price tickets. To see what shows are playing during your visit, check out broadway.com.

7. Wander Times Square

No matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out and tons of (overpriced) restaurants and stores. It’s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk. Try to come at night when it’s all lit up with all the signs and neon lights. That’s when it looks the best!

8. Experience the Prohibition Bars

I love the 1920s. One of the reasons I love NYC so much is because there are tons of other people here who love the Jazz Age. There are lots of Prohibition-style bars serving classic drinks and hosting live jazz and swing music. While the fancy cocktails they serve may not be cheap ($15–20 USD), I’m hooked on the atmosphere. Stepping into these bars with the music playing, people dancing, and everyone dressed the part transports me to an era when things were classy, carefree, and fun. Some of my favorites are The Back Room, Apotheke, The Dead Rabbit, and Bathtub Gin.

9. Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

This museum highlights how immigrants from around the world lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s as they tried to make it in America. It’s 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. The museum is actually an apartment building that’s been used to recreate the living conditions during different periods of the city’s history. Each tour tells the story of a different family and what their life was like here during their time. The tour will take you through apartments that have been recreated to match the time period of the story. You can choose from tours that highlight women or specific immigrant groups. I like that live actors are used to portray and share the stories of newly arrived immigrants as it makes the experience much more memorable. Tours last 60-75 minutes. Admission is $30 USD.

10. Visit Trinity Church

Built in 1698, the original Trinity Church was a small parish church constructed by the Church of England. When the British seized New York after George Washington’s retreat, it was used as a British base of operations. After the war, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton regularly worshipped here. The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and holds many a famous Americans, including Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Lewis (signatory on the Declaration of Independence), John Alsop (Continental Congress delegate), Albert Gallatin (founder of NYU), and Horatio Gates (Continental Army general).

11. Head to Top of the Rock

This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show , shop, snack, and then take the elevator to the “Top of the Rock” for a bird’s-eye view of the city (I personally think the view is better than the Empire State Building since you get the Empire State Building in your pictures). Tickets cost $40 USD.

12. Just wander

Walk from the east side to the west side and marvel at the beautiful New York City architecture such as Grand Central Station, Union Square, the New York Times building, the Chrysler Building, the Flat Iron building, and more. There are so many historic buildings in New York City to see! You can talk a walk past the United Nations Headquarters on the East side of Manhattan. Madison Square Garden and Chelsea Market are great spots for wandering on the other side of the island. In lower Manhattan, you can grab a slice of pizza in Little Italy or take in the bustle of Chinatown. Just wandering around the city and seeing what there is to see is a fun afternoon activity for every budget traveler.

13. Relax in Battery Park

Located on the southern tip of Manhattan, this park is where the Dutch built Fort Amsterdam in 1625 to defend their settlement. The British took the area over in 1664 and eventually renamed it Fort George. While the fort was mostly destroyed during the Revolution, the battery was expanded after the war’s end. Today, there are over 20 monuments and plaques in the park, covering everything from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to immigration and much more. You can wander around the fort and then stroll through the surrounding park and take in the beautiful waterfront views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.

14. Visit Wall Street

Take a photo with the famous charging bull statue (which was created in 1989) and then walk to Wall Street and see where all those bankers destroyed the economy. There’s heavy security in the area, but you can sit and watch people whiz in and out of buildings on their way to cause some other financial disaster. Guided tours around Wall St with Get Your Guide cost $35 USD and cover the highs and lows of the (in)famous finance hub, highlighting the lives of famous elites from John D. Rockefeller to Warren Buffet. I found the tour really interesting!

14. See Federal Hall

One of the most overlooked museums in the city sits across the street from the NY Stock Exchange (NYSE). Federal Hall, built in 1700, is where George Washington took his oath of office. You’ll see the Bible that was used when he was sworn in as president, which was loaned to him from the local Masonic Lodge. It was the site of the US Customs House in the late 1700s and the first capitol building of the US. Though the original facade was rebuilt, it’s one of my favorite attractions in the area. I especially love the old vaults. I highly recommend you visit. Admission is free.

16. See Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling as everyone races to and fro. There’s also an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, 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.

17. Visit The Cloisters

Few people make it up to the Cloisters (it’s up near 204th Street), a branch of the Met devoted to medieval Europe. It took me years to finally see it, and I kicked myself for waiting so long. It was built with Rockefeller money from parts of five European abbeys between 1934 and 1939. (They even stipulated that the land across the river would forever remain undeveloped so the view would be unspoiled!). 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. Admission is $30 USD (which includes same-day entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

18. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Head over to the MoMA for lots of beautiful (and weird) modern art and some vivid impressionist art. Personally, I dislike modern art. I just don’t “get” it. How is a shovel on a wall art? While I’m not a fan, this museum does have Van Gogh’s Starry Night as well as other post-impressionist art, so I can’t hate it completely. If you love modern and contemporary art, this (I’m told) is one of the best in the world. The galleries display works from the 1880s through the modern day. The museum regularly has events that are interactive for kids, teens, and adults. They also show films as part of their art exhibitions. Check their website to see what’s on while you’re visiting. Admission is $28 USD. The MoMA’s Sculpture Garden is free of charge to the public daily from 9:30am–10:15am.

19. Hang out in Prospect Park

Get out of Manhattan and explore Brooklyn’s version of Central Park, which spans almost 600 acres. While you’re here, don’t miss the nearby Brooklyn Museum. Spend the afternoon discovering its vast collection of both historical and contemporary art and artifacts (there are over 1.5 million items in its collection). It has art exhibitions highlighting ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, colonial USA, and more. Tickets are $20 USD.

20. Visit the 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 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! Admission is $37.95 USD. Tickets are $17.95 USD on Wednesdays.

21. See a Yankees/Mets/Rangers/Knicks game

Like sports? NYC has some world-class sports teams. I’m not a big sports fan (the Yankees play soccer, right?), but games are fun when you have friends to share the experience with. If you have a chance and the desire, don’t miss a sporting event, because New Yorkers are serious about their local teams!

22. Attend a taping

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 offer free tickets to their tapings (although they must be reserved well in advance). See each show’s website for details and to make reservations.

22. Talk a walk through Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood in Brooklyn was the first rural cemetery in the US and is now a National Historical Landmark. You’ll see graves of famous Americans like the Roosevelt family, Laura Keene (she was one of the actresses on stage when Lincoln was assassinated), and many others. There’s a free map at every entrance so you can easily find where you want to go in the 478-acre grounds. This was also the site of the Battle of Long Island during the Revolutionary War. The grounds are open year-round and free to visit.

23. Visit the Louis Armstrong House

Jazz legend Louis Armstrong and his wife lived in this house on 107th Street in Queens which has been turned into a museum, which opened to the public in 2003. The main exhibition features Louis’s life, career, and impact within the musical and local communities. Other exhibits show the collection of music, photographs, recordings, and other personal items from Louis and his wife, Lucille. You’ll even see a trumpet that Louis gave to King George V of England. There are guided tours available for $20 or you can walk through the exhibit on your own for $10.

( Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to New York City filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc.), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book! )

New York City Travel Costs

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $120 USD per night during the winter and about $160 USD a night the rest of the year. Expect basic amenities like TV, AC, and coffee/tea makers. If you want cheaper accommodation, it’s much better to stay in Hoboken/Jersey City or Brooklyn, where there’s more budget options. In Manhattan, accommodation is going to be the most expensive, especially if you come during the summer, where most hotels are around $200 USD or more per night.

Airbnb is technically banned in NYC for anything under 30 days, unless the host lives there. Private rooms start at $80 USD per night but average closer to $130-150 USD, especially if you want to stay in Manhattan. For entire places, you can still find some listed online but Airbnb is constantly trying to remove those in order to comply with the law. I’d try to avoid them.

Food – New York has every kind of cuisine you can think of — and at every price range too. This is the land of cheap eats and $1000 dinners! Post-COVID, prices have risen a lot and, while can get pricey here, there’s still a few cheap ways to save.

Pizza slices can be found for as little as a dollar, though typically they cost around $3 USD for a slice of cheese and about $5 USD for one with a topping. A bagel with cream cheese or a hot dog is usually around $3-5 USD. The famous “BEC” (bacon, egg, and cheese) sandwich will cost about $10 USD. There are plenty of street vendors with meals between $5-10 USD.

Sandwich shops, kebab places, salad shops, and cafes are generally going to be between $15-20 for a meal.

You can eat a sit down restaurant for $15-25 USD per main course. Appetizers can range from $8-15 USD. Dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $100 USD. This is any random place in NYC that’s not too fancy. Think the random Mexican, Thai, or Italian place you walk across. For sushi, you’re looking at about $40-50 USD for a meal (though you can get lunch specials for around $15 USD) and about $100 USD for an omakase.

If you like fast food (I don’t), you can usually find value meals for $10-15 USD.

Prices just go straight up from there as NYC has some really fancy and expensive restaurants. I mean, you can pay upwards of $350 USD for a prix-fixe dinner! main courses at many high-end restaurants can sometimes be $50 USD each! If you were to go to a really fancy place, you’d probably spend at least $200 for two people, especially if you got drinks.

A latte/cappuccino is $5 USD while bottled water is $2 USD. For drinks, you’ll find beer for around $8 USD, wine between $12-15 USD, and cocktails for between $15-20 USD. (For tips on how to get cheaper drinks, see the money saving section below.)

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between $65-80 USD per week for groceries that includes basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. Shop at Fairway for inexpensive groceries. If you don’t have a kitchen, Whole Foods and Wegman’s have really good prepared meals and hot / salad bars.

Backpacking New York City Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking New York City, expect to spend around $100 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, public transportation, cooking your own meals, and free attractions. If you plan on drinking, add $40 USD more per day.

A mid-range budget of about $300 USD covers staying in a cheap hotel, eating cheap, enjoying a couple drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities. You could probably lower this cost a bit (see the next section) but, given the price of accommodation, it’s the most realistic daily budget.

On a “luxury” budget of $600 USD or more per day, you can stay in a fancy hotel and do whatever you want! The sky is the limit after that!

New York City Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

New York City can easily drain your wallet. It is expensive and your money really, really quickly if you aren’t careful. Prices for everything have dramatically increased post-COVID. Luckily, this is the city of starving artists so there are always deals and ways to save. Here are some ways to save money in New York City:

• Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to the city. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end! This post on NYC walking tours can give you my favorite companies .
• Get a MetroCard – You’ll be taking the subway a lot and fares can add up. Get one of the Unlimited MetroCards and save yourself a bundle during your trip. 7-day unlimited cards are $34 USD.
• Get cheap theater tickets – Broadway tickets can easily run hundreds of dollars, especially for new and popular shows. The TKTS stand in Times Square offers 40-50% off select shows. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have but it’s usually a wide selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. TKTS also has offices at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn.
• Visit the museums for free – NYC is full of some of the best museums in the world. In addition to the MoMA, many offer free entry on certain days of the week: the Whitney Museum of American Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday afternoons, the Solomon R. Guggenheim has pay-what-you-wish between 4-6pm on Saturdays, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design has a pay-what-you-wish policy on Saturday nights.
• Visit the tourism website – New York City’s tourism website has a great list of free activities, museums, and shows. Visiting their website can help you figure out what is free in the city. While NYC is expensive, there’s always free things going on. The tourism board’s website is a great place to find those things.
• Eat on the cheap – Between the food carts, dollar slice shops, kebab places, and cheap eateries (Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai are some of the cheapest places in the city) you can eat really cheap in NYC. Some of my favorite places to eat cheap are The Dead Rabbit (oyster happy hours), Percy’s Pizza, Noodle Q (Chinese food with big portions), and Gray’s Papaya (cheap hotdogs).
• Get the lunch special – Most restaurant in NYC have lunch specials and those are usually the best time to eat out. You can usually find set lunches for around $15-20 USD. Personally, I tend to eat at lunch and cook my dinners because it’s so much cheaper.
• Hit the happy hours – Happy hour is the best time to get discounted food and drinks in the city. We NYers love happy hour because it’s one of the best ways for us to save money while still going out. Drinks will be about 50% of what you normally find. I love the happy hour at The Gray Mare. For current best happy hours, try Eater. They have a good list!
• Consider getting the New York Pass – This sightseeing pass allows you free entry to over 115 attractions. If you plan on seeing a ton of attractions, this can save you money. A one-day pass is $134 USD per person while the two-day pass is $179 USD.
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in NYC because hotel prices are really high, especially since Airbnb has been banned. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car, and adjust your budget accordingly.
• Hit the oyster happy hours – Love oysters? Eat them during the happy hours that happen all over the city where they cost around $2 USD.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in NYC and, with few hostels, there aren’t many options for a budget traveler. Use a hospitality website like Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. There is a huge network in the city with tons and tons of hosts. To increase the chance of success, request as far in advance as possible!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in New York City

Accommodation is very expensive in New York, and there aren’t a ton of hostels in the city. Here are some places to stay in NYC:

• HI New York City Hostel
• Heritage Hotel NYC
• The Local NYC
• Pod Brooklyn
• Chelsea International Hostel
• The Marlton

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in New York City.

How to Get Around New York City

If you can’t get to where you’re going by subway, the bus will get you there. Like the subway, the fare is $2.90 USD, but an express ride is $7 USD (you can’t use a regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard for express rides).

The Staten Island Ferry is a staple of morning commuters. It operates 24/7 and is free. The NYC Ferry Service is also a reliable way to commute and connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx along the East River. The ferries make many stops along the East River and are the same price as the subway.

Taxis – Taxis are definitely not the cheapest option for getting around New York City. The minimum fare starts at $3.00 USD and goes up another $3.50 USD per mile. Skip them if you can. However, during peak times, they are cheaper than Uber since they have set fares.

Ridesharing – Uber, Lyft, and Via are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings.

Bike rental – You can bike just about anywhere in New York City, especially if you want to explore big parks like Central and Prospect. Citi Bike is a bike-sharing system, starting from $4.79 USD per 30-minute ride, or $19 USD for 24 hours. There are about 10,000 bikes all over the city, so one is always within reach!

When to Go to New York City

Anytime is the best time to visit New York! Each season offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun, and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations.

Deep winter – January and February – is cold, with temperatures ranging between 18-23°F (-7 to -5°C). But coming in winter means better hotel rates, ice skating, and hopping around cozy cafes and bookstores.

Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park, and dining outside. Summer is hot, with average daily temperatures around 77-86°F (25-30°C).

Personally, I think the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer the best experience: there are fewer crowds and the weather is more bearable, averaging around 56-63°F (13-17°C) in the spring and 53-78°F (11-25°C) in September and October. Walking around snapping photos is a great way to see the city, but doing so when it’s sweltering can be challenging. If you love the heat, however, then summer is the time to visit!

How to Stay Safe in New York City

New York City is a safe place to visit. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas. And there’s not a lot of gun violence. Petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks and on the subway will be your biggest concern. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

During COVID, crime went up for a bit but crime going down now. There are very rarely instances of violence or crime in any place you’d want to go as a visitor. In Manhattan, most of Brooklyn, and Queens, the city is really safe and you’re unlikely to encounter any major crime. In all my years living in the city, I don’t know anyone that has had something violent happen to them.

That said, there has been a rise in homelessness and vagrants, especially on the subway so you’ll just want to follow the locals and stay vigilant. Most people I know don’t ride the subway after midnight just because there’s not enough people on it.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply. For specific safety tips, consult one of the many solo female travel articles on the web.

Beware of anything that seems too good to be true in Times Square — it probably is. Try not to buy any tickets, massages, facials, or experiences from hawkers in the area. They prey on tourists here. If you do, you risk getting your credit card charged multiple times, getting less than you paid for, or getting ripped off altogether. Also, if you want to take a photo with the life-sized costumed characters in Times Square, they will demand money from you.

You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

New York City Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!

While I have a lot of free tips on New York City, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorites restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of New York City that I got from living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.

New York City Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

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Places to Go in New York

New York State is  historic . It's untamed. It's iconic. But more importantly, it's anything you want it to be. From the lights of Times Square to the mists of Niagara Falls , Lake Placid 's Olympic legacy to Cooperstown 's baseball roots, Albany's 400-year history to Jamestown 's comedy treasures, the castles of the Thousand Islands to Long Island 's  Gold Coast mansions , the  Hudson Valley 's inspiring landscapes to the Catskills' sweeping mountain views and stunning  Finger Lakes  wine country— there’s something for everyone. 

With top attractions that are totally worth the hype , like the Statue of Liberty  and Strong National Museum of Play , unique experiences  and hidden gem destinations  there's no shortage of places to explore in New York.

Whether you're looking for a day trip,  weekend escape , romantic getaway , or budget-friendly trips , find travel inspiration and itineraries by exploring our 11 unique vacation regions below and discover what it is that you LOVE about New York.

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Central New York

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New York travel tips: 20 hacks for first-time visitors

Things to do in New York New York Travel Guide New York City Travel Tips

In all honesty, visiting New York can be overwhelming. What all can I squeeze into my itinerary? Which Broadway show should I watch? Should I eat from the tourist traps for my 'gram or just eat delicious cheap food in bento boxes? Trust me, such conundrums are absolutely normal and it's okay to have all these dilemmas. I was in New York for a week earlier this March and based on all that I saw and experienced at the Big Apple, I have jotted down a few tips that could help clear your head a little. From shopping tips to sightseeing tips, I've got you covered.

New York Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to New York. Read more about all you need to know before stepping foot in NYC. Quick tip: Know the difference between your dimes, pennies, quarters and nickels; or you'll spend your day diving into your bag for the right one.

Language English

Time zone GMT-5

Country Code +1 212

Socket Type A

Currency Dollar $

Best Time To Visit New York

May to June & September to November

With global warming and the temperatures being haywire, it's hard to pin point a month when the temperatures are just about perfect. While I planned my trip in April thinking spring and cherry blossoms were around the corner, sadly Spring did not hit the city until May. April saw barren trees and chilly winds, which wasn't the case a few years back. Fall, what the Americans call Autumn also makes for a great time to visit New York. The city is draped in shades of orange with fallen leaves making Central Park more beautiful than ever!

New York Tips 101 - Insider Tips To Visiting NYC

Here are the New york tips and tricks you're here for (finally!) Read on and you can thank me later! ?

#1 Always get your sim cards from the official store

If you're planning to get a temporary sim card, make sure you get yours from the official store. Whether you opt for AT&T, TMobile or Verizon sim, hit up the store in the airport or the authorised store closest to your hotel and grab your sim. DO NOT get your sim from a 7/11 or a grocer, since you'll be paying 10$ for just the sim card when it is actually free. You techincally have to pay only for the plan and the sim card comes free.

#2 Download these Apps for a breezy trip

From apps like Exit Strategy that tell you which subway exit to take to apps like Sit or Squat that tell you where to head when nature calls, everything is a touch and swipe away in New York. However, some of the apps that I found most useful were:

• 1. MyTransit NYC Subway, Bus, Rail (MTA) : This is the official app for the public transport system in New York. Whether you're taking the bus, subway or train, you can find the schedules and track your transport on this. It's user friendly and an absolute must if you plan on using the public transport.
• 2. Yelp : Reviews, listings, maps, and menus for every type of food and restaurant you can imagine, Yelp is your one stop solution for all dining. Whether you're craving a gyro or some sushi, Yelp will help you find the best place in the vicinity.
• 3. Headout : For spontaneous experiences and last minute tickets to over thousand experiences in the city, Headout is your app. Especially if you're planning to buy Broadway tickets, Headout has heavy discounts and daily deals. They also have a great curation of offbeat experiences in the city and walking tours that I can vouch for.
• 4. Lyft : This one is Uber's rival in USA and offers competitive pricing on cabs in the city. I'd suggest looking at prices on both as they are dynamic and sometimes Uber may work out cheaper than Lyft.
• 5. ILoveNY : This one's the official New York Tourism Board app, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive source for the must-knows in the city. You'll find the latest events and happenings across the 5 boroughs on this app.
• 6. Citi Bike : Environment conscious? Zip around New York City on two wheels with the city’s official bike-share program. The app will help you find the nearest docking station, save your favorite stations, purchase a day pass, and track your ride stats.

#3 Everyone in NYC is in a hurry, and you dare not get in their way.

While this is wide known, everyone in New York is on a secret mission (non-New Yorkers are not privileged to know) and are always hustling and hurrying. While everyone is really helpful and kind, you better not slow them down. Make sure your escalator etiquettes are perfect ( stand to the right, walk to the left ), you do not walk against the crowd and make sure you follow pedestrian signals to avoid being abused at! Always know how to use your metro card in the subway and if you don't move aside and let others pass (preferably learn from them) . Just blend in, walk as fast as the New Yorkers and you'll have burned some calories and reached your destination faster than expected.

#4 The New York Explorer Pass is god sent.

Guilty as charged, but I love hitting up touristy spots in a city. There's a reason they are popular and I very well would like to go and see why ( though I do regret my decision sometimes). I stayed back in the freezing cold just to see Times Square turn magical( read busy) at night. I also stayed an extra hour at the Top of The Rock to see the sun set behind the Empire State Building. If you're like me and love the cliche, buying the New York Explorer Pass could be the best decision ever. From an array of 77 attractions, including walking tours, ferry rides and tickets, the NYC Explorer Pass allows you to choose a different number of attractions – 2, 3, 4 and 7 attractions and save upto 50% on admission prices. You can read my review on using the New York Explorer Pass for a week, with the itinerary I charted using the Pass!

#5 New York is synonymous to Broadway shows

You simply cannot leave New York without watching a Broadway show. Whether you're a theatre lover or not, watching a Broadway show will convert you into a fan for life. I was planning to skip the whole Broadway experience, mainly because it was way over my budget but when I stumbled upon the prices on Headout, I couldn't resist buying tickets for the Book of Mormon. Best money ever spent. Whether you opt for a musical or play, you cannot go wrong with a Broadway show. Each one better than the other, Broadway shows are a highlight for many tourists in New York and you do not want to miss out on this.

Check out the trending Broadway shows

#6 Your Instagram Feed needs the Vessel at Hudson Yards

Image Courtesy

The latest attraction that has graced New York's skyline (also the most instagrammed spot in NYC right now ) is the Vessel . The stepwell-inspired Vessel features 2,500 steps across 154 flight of stairs with 80 viewing landings. While climbing up is free, you need to reserve a spot for a specific slot on the official website. I didn't need a cardio workout hence didn't climb up, but the views of Hudson Yard from the top are said to be stellar. Pro Tip : Food trucks around the Vessel are expensive, so steer clear unless you want to dish out 5$ for a hot dog.

59 Ultimate List Of Things To Do In New York

#7 eat your way through smorgasburg.

New Yorkers love anything outdoorsy and this annual food flea market at Williamsburg’s East River Park is every locals' favourite. Smorg features over a 100 vendors selling super delicious and graciously cheap snacks every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM from April through November, rain or shine. And on Fridays, from 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM.

#8 Never, I repeat never enter an empty subway car

While an empty subway car might seem like an absolute solace, away from the teeming crowds, there's a reason it's empty. You never know what you'll see and the stench would definitely be unbearable. Also, always make sure you check your seats before sitting in the subway. You never know what that water could be!

#9 Say no to freebies

Little Italy and Chinatown have an underground counterfeit industry flourishing and many people fall prey for it. They'll show you "Gucci" and "Prada" designer purses for less than half the price and you'll be amazed at how authentic they look. They are fake. Period. Do not follow such people, however friendly they may be and once you're in their shop, you'll be forced into buying something.

#10 Explore New York by the neighbourhoods

Find a map, lay it down and mark the neighbourhoods you want to visit. While New York is divided into 5 boroughs - Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island ; the neighbourhoods are familiar names for more tourists. The neighbourhoods you cannot miss are - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Chelsea, Greenwich, Little Italy & China Town. A week is ideal to skim through the best of New York, but if you're staying for a shorter period, you should chart your itinerary carefully.

#11 Your MET tickets are valid for 2 days

I think the MET knows that it's way too big to be completed in a day, hence you have the liberty to re-enter the MET with your ticket the next day as well. Make sure you preserve the ticket they give you if you plan on re-entering.

#12 If you order coffee, you get drip coffee

Now, this was a shocker for me because I'm not a fan of black coffee and that's what you get when you order a coffee in New York! Or anywhere in USA for that matter. They give you a cup of plain coffee with no sugar, no milk, no cream and direct you to the stand where you've got to basically prepare your own coffee. Quite ridiculous, eh? If you need coffee with milk, you've to order to latte or cappucino. The half and half cream can get quite confusing too, because I was under the impression you require to pour half a cup cream and half a cup coffee, but you actually just need a touch of the cream.

#13 Airbnbs & Hostels are actually illegal in NYC

Well, not entirely. It’s legal if you stay for 30 days or more at an Airbnb or if the owner is present the entire time (ie; renting their couch or extra room). Hostels are also illegal in the city and the few hostels that legally operate are registered as hotels with hostel-like amenities.

#14 If you're lost in Central Park, look for this.

If you get lost inside Central, look at the closest lamp post. Each one has four digits at the base: the first two are the nearest street and the second indicates East or West. Even numbers denote East and odd numbers are West.

#15 Avoid Times Square during rush hours

While Times Square is magical, lively and all the other superlatives possible, stay out of there during peak hours. There are many offices on Times Square and from 4 PM to 7 PM the place is a mad house. You'll most likely be shoved to some side or be taken elsewhere with the human flow. Unless you have a broadway show to attend, come back to Times Square after 8:30 PM to see the lights and "magic".

#16 Plan your itinerary around free museum days.

Heck, plan your entire trip around free museum days! Many museums in the city have free museum days or pay as you wish days. I love museums and hit up quite a few of them. If not for the NYC Explorer Pass with which I had most of the museums free, I would have burned a huge dent in my pocket. If you're not planning to buy the explorer pass, then plan your itinerary around these free days. Here's a list of the free days for the top museums in NYC -

• Museum of Modern Art: Friday, 4–8pm
• 9/11 Memorial Museum : Tuesday, 5 pm to closing time
• Whitney Museum of American Art: Friday, 7-10pm
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Saturday, 5:45-7:45pm
• Museum of Arts & Design: Thursday 6-9pm
• The Frick Collection: First Friday of every month, 6–9pm
• Brooklyn Museum: First Saturday of every month, 5–11pm
• Neue Galerie New York: First Friday of every month, 6–8pm
• Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: Saturday, 6-9pm
• The Jewish Museum: Saturday, free all day
• New Museum of Contemporary Art: Thursday, 7-9pm
• Asia Society: Friday, 6–9pm, Labor Day through June
• Studio Museum in Harlem: First Sunday of every month, all day
• El Museo del Barrio: Third Saturday of every month, all day

#17 Get to the TKTS Booths sharp on time.

You reach the TKTS Booth one minute later than 5:00 PM and you'll have lost your chance at cheap tickets to your dream Broadway show. Make sure you're not carried away by the red steps and stand in queue on-time to get your tickets. Also, in case you lose out on the day's deal, you can check out last minute discounted broadway tickets on Headout. It's just a swipe away on your phone and you can actually do away with queues and being punctual (tsk,tsk).

Read all about the 3 TKTS Booths in NYC and more ways to get last minute discounted tickets to Broadway shows in the city

#18 Jay walking was born in New York

If you have never heard of the term “jay walking” you can thank New Yorkers. Jay walking is crossing the street without waiting for the appropriate signal or crossing somewhere outside of the pedestrian walk. You can clearly differentiate a New Yorker and a tourist from the way they react to the lights ( signal). While tourists are patiently waiting, the locals go ahead and cross the street anyway. While you can join them, make sure you know where the cars are coming from. Also, if you do cross against the light, sprint like you have somewhere you had to be yesterday.

#19 There's so much more to New York than Manhattan

Do not ignore the outer boroughs. I urge you to get out of Manhattan while visiting New York. At the very least, walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and spend a couple of hours in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO. You should check out Williamsburg for the best eateries in the city too. The Bronx is great, but a little far and for a change in culture you should hit up Queens. If you're New York and don't visit Lady Liberty on Staten Island, I don't know what to say!

#20 Head to Niagara or Washington DC if you have time

Since I was in NYC over a week, I took a day trip to Niagara . Being centrally located, most people club their New York visit with a day trip to either of these locations or maybe both! If you're a museum buff and want to see the White House, then Washington is your city. If you're outdoorsy and want to see the iconic Niagara, then the 6 hour journey from New York is worth it. I'd suggest staying for a day to make things less rushed.

New York Sightseeing Tips

• Keep aside a whole day for visiting the Statue of Liberty . Taking the ferry, walking around Liberty Island and then spending time at the Immigration Museum at Staten Island is a whole day's affair. The Governor Island is open from May 1 through October 31 and you should hop down here if time permits. Also, Battery Park is a great place for a stroll, so you'll end up spending a good amount of time there as well. All in all, visiting Lady Liberty ends up taking a whole day.
• If you had to choose one Observation Deck in the city, I would opt for Top of The Rock . You get a terrific view of the Empire State Building and if you visit around sunset, you get to see the city draped in hues of pink with the sun setting behind the Empire State Building. While the Empire State Building is definitely more iconic, you get better views from the TOTR. The One World Observatory gives a whole different view, not comparable to the two, yet less stellar than TOTR.
• Instead of a Hop On Hop Off bus ride, take The Ride NYC . It's an epic bus ride that acquaints you with Manhattan in the best way possible. To get an idea of what to expect on The Ride, head here. PS: It comes free with the Explorer Pass.
• Make sure you sign up for atleast one walking tour. I'd recommend New York Tours1. They have great tour guides and a really interesting route. I especially loved their SoHo, Little Italy and China Town walking tour. New York has many interesting neighbourhoods and exploring these with a local adds to the fun. Also, if you're a foodie, you won't regret taking a food tour . There's so much to eat here, you'll want to loan a stomach!
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge from the Brooklyn side to Manhattan. Most people walk it i reverse and the view is not so great. The DUMBO is a great place to walk around and has great eateries too.
• New York has one too many and hitting them all up over a vacation is impossible. You'll in fact grow tired of museums after 5. Plan out museums you'd like to visit in advance. They are all far flung which is great because you should not squeeze in more than one museum a day. You won't be able to do justice to either. Check out the top 10 museums in NYC and choose your pick.
• If you enjoy seeing aerial views of a city, there's no better way than a helicopter tour to see the glassy skylines of Manhattan. Here's all you need to know about helicopter tours in NYC.
• You HAVE to walk the Highline at Chelsea. It is an elevated linear park with scenic views and quirky graffiti giving you company throughout. You'll find a lot of interesting things happening around and if you're interested in knowing more about the route and what you're looking at, download the Chelsea Highline App.

New York Subway Tips

• For starters, you use a MetroCard to get access to the subway, but if you ask a New Yorker for the closest Metro, chances are they'll not know what you're talking about. It's not the tube, not the metro ; only subway.
• When asking for directions, you're likely to refer to them by the colour of the train line - Blue, Red, Green etc. However, New Yorkers refer to their subway system by numbers. So, ask about the specific train number and you're likely to have the right answer.
• I used Google Maps to get myself through NYC. Even for subways. You just have to feed your destination and choose the "train" icon instead of the default driving or walking route. This will direct you to the closest subway station and the fastest way home. No brainer!
• It's good to know a general direction in your head so you know which side of the platform to stand on. You'll see UPTOWN which means the train is either going towards Queens or Bronx. When you see DOWNTOWN, you know you're heading to Manhattan Downtown & Brooklyn.
• If you are planning to use the subway as your primary mode of transport, it pays to get a weekly unlimited MetroCard. It costs $32 for a week and you can take as many rides you'd like. Honestly, if you're in NYC for over 4 days, the MetroCard pays for itself.
• As the name states, Express Trains skip a few stations. If you're getting on an Express Train, make sure you know that it stops at your destination.
• I cannot stress this enough, but do not stand in front of the doors when the train stops. You'll be shoved aside, mercilessly. Unlike India, the subways do not close without everyone getting in (the driver peeps his head out). So take your time and don't piss people off.
• You don’t need to swipe out, while exiting the subway. But,the hardest decision of your day will be figuring out which subway exit to use. There are so many and Google maps does not really come handy in this regard.
• Try not to travel with luggage during rush hours. It’s going to be really tough to get on the train and you'll struggle to find space for yourself, let alone your bag.
• Service changes on the Subway are super frequent, especially on nights and weekends. And in this scenario, Google Maps are not your best friend since they don't really notify or change course as per the service changes. Hence, install the MTA Transit App for real time updates on train schedules.

New York Shopping Tips

• Prices in most shops are shown without the VAT included, so if the price of a dress is $110 (each item counts separately), 8.875% would be added to it during check-out.
• If not shop, you have to window shop at the Fifth Avenue. This Upper East Side avenue is associated with luxury and glamour, with brands like Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, or the luxury department stores, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks; you're in the right place. Madison Avenue which runs parallel to Fifth Avenue has flagship stores of all the biggest designers - Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Prada and many more.
• While Broadway is known for their shops, the streets are lined with countless shops like Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s and many more to suit every style and every budget. The Apple Upper West Side store on Broadway is also a must check-out.
• If you're looking to actually shop till you drop ( without letting your bank balance drop), travel an hour outside New York city and head to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. They have over 100 stores featuring luxury name brands - Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Banana Republic, GAP, Levi’s, Superdry, Timberland, American Eagle Outfitters and a whole lot more. You may also find luxury labels like Burberry, Chanel and Gucci selling heavily discounted products (stock clearance). You can get to the outlet very easily from the Port Authority Bus Terminal by taking the number 7 bus. Pro tip : Get there early because you'll legit need 8 hours to go through the whole place.
• There's no leaving New York without entering Macy's. The Macy's in New York is not only the largest store in the world, they also have a sale just about every day. Pro Tip: If you hold a foreign passport, get a 10% discount on your purchase by flashing your passport at the visitor's center.

Top 10 Things To Do in New York City

I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in NYC. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, built on the 12-acre Liberty Island in New York Harbor, was erected to honor Roman Goddess Libertas. The statue is a gift from the French to commemorate the United States' 100th birthday. Lady Liberty was a welcoming symbol for millions of immigrants seeking refuge from their native countries during the turmoil associated with World War I.

2 Broadway show

If you're seeking for something energetic to tap your feet to, check out a Broadway show. These musicals are guaranteed to blow your mind with some fantastic music, dance, and storylines!

3 Top of The Rock

An introduction to the legendary Rockefeller Centre is not necessary for those seeking for the American dream. The center, with sweeping panoramic views and magnificent architecture that makes it one of the most renowned structures in New York, houses 19 commercial buildings spread over 22 acres.

4 Empire State Building

The Empire State Building offers incomparable views of New York City, and a trip to the Big Apple is meaningless without gorging on the city's unblocked panoramic vistas from the iconic structure. The view of Manhattan Island and the ocean from the open-air 86th-floor observatory is a feast for the eyes, as is the sight of the city skyline from the 102nd-floor deck.

5 Musueum of Modern Art

Many art experts regard MoMA as a repository of modern Western masterpieces. The collection house includes works by some of history's most renowned artists, as well as their own work, and it offers a broad selection of significant European and American artists. MoMA's curated collection includes pieces from architecture, design, painting, sculpture, photography, illustrated books, and film.

6 One World Observatory

On May 29, 2015, the One World Trade Centre Observatory opened almost 15 years after the terrorist attack on the previous World Trade Center. It was designed to be the tallest building in the United States and has an architectural height of 1776 meters, which is a deliberate allusion to the year that the United States Declaration of Independence was signed. Since then, it has been surpassed in height by several other buildings, including the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago and the new World Trade Center.

How do I get around in New York?

The best way to get around New York is by using the subway system. You can purchase a MetroCard at any subway station. The MetroCard gives you unlimited access to the subway for a certain period of time. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you may want to purchase a 7-day unlimited MetroCard.

What are some of the best places to visit in New York?

Some of the best places to visit in New York include Times Square, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. If you're interested in art and history, be sure to check out the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What are some of the best restaurants in New York?

Some of the best restaurants in New York include Per Se, Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, and Eleven Madison Park. If you're looking for something a bit cheaper, try Shake Shack or Chipotle.

What are some tips for saving money in New York?

Some tips for saving money in New York include staying in a hostel or Airbnb, eating at cheaper restaurants, and purchasing a MetroCard. You can also save money by walking or taking the subway instead of taking taxis everywhere.

What should I know before visiting New York?

Some things you should know before visiting New York include being aware of your surroundings at all times, keeping your belongings close to you, and not carrying large amounts of cash with you. You should also be aware that New York is a very diverse city and you will hear many different languages spoken.

Where should I avoid in NYC?

There are a few areas in NYC that you should avoid, especially if you are not familiar with the area. These areas include Harlem, the South Bronx, and Bedford-Stuyvesant. If you are unsure of an area, it is always best to ask a local before venturing into it.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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• In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

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New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

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In 2024, The MICHELIN Guide is announcing the first ever MICHELIN Keys — a brand new distinction that recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world. Head here for everything you need to know about the new Key distinction, and visit this page to explore the full list of Key hotels in the United States.

The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (33 properties) is difficult enough, but only 11 hotels earned Three Keys in the United States. Of those, four can be found in New York City. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. But in this series , we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our four Three Key hotels in New York City.

Casa Cipriani

Whitby Hotel

Aman New York

Crosby Street Hotel

Hero Image: © Aman New York

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Michelin’s us hotel guide debuts with 11 worthy of top award — and 4 are in nyc.

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Hoteliers had better sleep with one eye open.

The restless restaurant gurus at Michelin have decided to cast their famously critical eyes on the world’s most luxurious hotels, establishing a key rating system for the first time — and just 124 snooze shops around the world managed to snag a slot on the tiremaker’s debut list for the US, released Wednesday.

Out of that already elite group, 11 pampering palaces — sticking to the mix of American destinations where Michelin publishes a restaurant guide — were considered worthy of the coveted “3 Keys” award, with four of the properties found right here in the Big Apple.

Aman , Casa Cipriani , Crosby Street Hotel and the Whitby Hotel were named the best in New York.

The 83-suite Aman brings the elite retreat brand — better known for remote resorts around the world — into the heart of Midtown, where guests are invited to leave the city behind and disappear into the spacious hotel spa, relax on the garden terrace or canoodle in a speakeasy-style, underground club.

And while a 1906 ferry terminal at the foot of the FDR Drive might not seem like the most exclusive spot, the 47-room and suite Casa Cipriani has wowed some of the pickiest celebrity travelers since its debut with stunning river views and an onsite supper club.

In Soho, nestled between Spring and Prince, London’s can’t-fail Firmdale Hotels knocked it out of the park with the Crosby Street Hotel — its first stateside effort — delivering one of the Big Apple’s finest stays on one of its most charming streets.

And proving the Crosby Street was no one-hit wonder, Firmdale Hotels swept into Midtown with the Whitby Hotel to remind the giant palaces that predominate in the neighborhood that scale and luxury are two different things.

Michelin has been recommending hotels for years, however the key system is new.

“With this new distinction, the Michelin Guide has opened up a brand-new chapter in the service it provides for travelers, which has been its lifeblood for the past 124 years,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director, in a statement.

“Steadfast in our field-based approach, the Michelin Guide inspectors drew up this unprecedented list to share their best hotel experiences in the US. Every establishment awarded one, two or three Michelin Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals,” he added.

The first key awards — for France, naturellement — were announced April 8. The US awards were announced at a ceremony in Manhattan Wednesday.

“Over the last four years, our selection team of passionate, independent experts vetted, scrutinized, and ultimately determined more than 5,000 remarkable hotels for inclusion in our collection,” an earlier statement read.

“Each has been selected for its remarkable quality. Out of these thousands of hotels, those offering the most outstanding stays will be awarded the special Michelin Key distinction.”

So what do the Michelin keys mean?

“Just like the famous Stars that indicate the best culinary experiences in the Michelin Guide restaurant selection, the Michelin Keys reveal accommodations in the Guide’s hotel selection that offer the most outstanding stays. They are a new benchmark for travelers, qualifying each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities,” the publisher stated.

A One-Key Michelin hotel is described as a “very special stay.”

“This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments,” the experts said.

For one level up, a Two Key is “an exceptional stay.”

“Somewhere truly unique and exceptional in every way, where a memorable experience is always guaranteed. A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with obvious pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design or architecture, and a real sense of the locale make this an exceptional place to stay,” the pros explained.

Three Key is the cream of the crop, described as “an extraordinary stay.”

“It’s all about astonishment and indulgence here – this is the ultimate in comfort and service, style and elegance. It is one of the world’s most remarkable and extraordinary hotels and a destination in itself for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts.”

Here are the 11 Three Michelin Key hotels for 2024 in the United States:

• Aman , New York
• Auberge du Soleil , Napa Valley, Calif.
• The Bel-Air Hotel , Los Angeles
• The Beverly Hills Hotel , Los Angeles
• Canyon Ranch Woodside , California
• Casa Cipriani , New York
• Crosby Street Hotel , New York
• Meadowood , Napa Valley, Calif.
• Post Ranch Inn , Big Sur, Calif.
• SingleThread Inn , Healdsburg, Calif.
• The Whitby Hotel , New York

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The Bazaar Guide to New Orleans

Just in time for Jazz Fest

Even if you can’t make it to Jazz Fest, the city’s busy cultural calendar means there’s really never a bad time to plan a trip to the Crescent City. Ahead, Harper’s Bazaar shares our favorite spots to eat, drink, dance, and shop in New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps rouler —let the good times roll!

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One of the greatest things about New Orleans is that there’s no shortage of gorgeous hotels to host you. A personal favorite of mine is Hotel Saint Vincent —a former orphanage turned mod-inspired abode (and also where I happened to get married)—tucked away in the quiet Lower Garden District and home to one of the best pools in the city. Those who want to be closer the action (i.e., the reckless abandon of Bourbon Street) can opt for lodging closer to the French Quarter, where Expedia-approved properties such as the Eliza Jane , the Kimpton , and the newly renovated Four Seasons New Orleans provide not only top-tier hospitality, but also the ultimate convenience: being able to step out the door and join any party that’s passing by. New Orleans has a subtle duality that one notices once they get to know the city better—and part of its beauty is being able to switch between the lavish celebrations and the more laid-back, slow-to-start Southern mornings.

WHERE TO DRINK

There’s no such thing as a bad drink in New Orleans. Whether you’re looking for an artisanal cocktail or a glass of funky natural wine, anywhere you stumble into will likely have the libation you’re looking for. For those who want to spend the day with a bottle and the best damn charcuterie plate you’ll ever have, head to Bachannal in the city’s hipster haunt of Bywater. If it’s time for happy hour, Luke’s downtown has a perfect French 75 (with cognac! the NOLA way!) paired with a dozen fresh oysters, and there’s Peychaud’s or Columns Bar for dirty martinis done right. Paradise Lounge at Hotel Saint Vincent also makes a mean Italian margarita and rosemary spritz, and the roof of the Ace Hotel is the perfect spot for a nightcap (and makes a top-shelf espresso martini).

WHERE TO EAT

Don’t tell New York, but to me, New Orleans is America’s best food city. While on a macro level the town is known for the obvious contenders (beignets! gumbo! po’boys!), it also has so many hidden gems from local chefs aiming to reinvent how the world sees Creole cuisine. Be sure to visit Acme’s Oyster House for traditional New Orleans eats, (get a dozen chargrilled, add hot sauce, and ask for extra bread), Elizabeth’s in Bywater for a perfect Southern breakfast (praline bacon: Don’t ask, just do!), and Cafe Sbisa for chicken and (sweet potato!) waffles and sinfully good shrimp and grits. For chef-driven sandwiches bigger than your head, head to Turkey & the Wolf ; or for a gorgeous weekend brunch in a dreamy garden, opt for Cafe Amelie . Satsuma is great for vegetarians or anyone hoping for bit of lighter fare, and Dakar has been highlighted nationwide for its take on Senegalese cuisine. Cafe du Monde and its pillowy-soft beignets are, of course, nonnegotiable.

WHERE TO DANCE

Technically, the party can be wherever you want it to be in New Orleans, but for the sake of brevity, the best place to find live music in the city would be anywhere on Frenchman Street. Nightlife staples include DBA New Orleans , the Spotted Cat Music Club , the Rabbit Hole , and Treme Hideaway , among many others .

WHERE TO SHOP

New Orleans is a city for music lovers and eccentric dressers. Any vinyl fan will have a field day sorting through vintage LPs at NOLA Mix Records in the Lower Garden District, while independent boutiques like Lekha , Elysian by Emily Morrison , and Saint Claude Social Club provide provide eclectic pieces for your home and wardrobe. Nestled inside of Hotel Saint Vincent, ByGeorge is perfect for any luxury lover: The mini boutique sells resortwear and accessories from brands like Loewe, Dries Van Noten, Christopher John Rogers, and Rabanne.

Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com , where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed. 

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Travel | Four Bay Area properties awarded 3 ‘Keys’ from…

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Travel | Four Bay Area properties awarded 3 ‘Keys’ from new Michelin hotel guide

Eleven hotels earned the top three-key distinction, in a list that focused on major markets rather than being truly comprehensive..

By Nikki Ekstein | Bloomberg

Last year, when World’s 50 Best issued its first global ranking of hotels, only two properties in the US made the cut: the Equinox and Aman New York hotels, both in Manhattan.

Now Michelin has arrived stateside, in its second-ever presentation of “keys”—a new system from the eponymous tiremaker that’s doling out one, two or three key emblems, like its restaurant stars but to the world’s worthiest hotels.

Out of more than 1,000 luxury hotels across the country, 11 were awarded three keys. The winners were all in California and New York, from Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur to Canyon Ranch Woodside and the Whitby Hotel in Midtown. Aman New York, echoing its position on World’s 50 Best, was also included; Equinox, meanwhile, received no keys at all.

Importantly, keys were only distributed to hotels in seven primary markets across the US where the Michelin Guide also reviews restaurants: New York City, California, Chicago, Florida, Colorado, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Michelin says next year’s ceremony will expand to include more of the US.One key denotes a “special” stay, two make it “exceptional” and three reflect hotels that are “extraordinary.”

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, has described the criteria for these awards in highly subjective terms. Earlier this month he told Bloomberg that these most exceptional properties will be judged based off “the experience” alone. Rather than requiring them to adhere to certain definitions—like having a spa, pool or minimum staff-to-guest ratios—the hotel experience “has to be memorable and singular in a way that will give people a feel for local character,” he explained. At the awards ceremony, he built upon that sentiment. “We’re not a checklist of amenities,” he said.

“We have boots on the grounds, inspectors working the field in every country, leaving no stone unturned and also looking for discoveries, new openings, in order to be fully up to date in their recommendation,” Poullennec said in remarks during the key presentation.

The intimate US ceremony, held at New York City’s Museum of Art and Design, is the second such presentation by Michelin this month, with the first-ever awards being handed out to French hotels on April 8, in Paris. At that event, 24 hotels were awarded three keys, including five of Paris’ 12 “palace” hotels. And more such ceremonies are coming: Awards will be announced in Spain next week and in Italy on May 7, before heading to Japan in July.

To some US hoteliers, Michelin’s recognition holds outsize importance. In background conversations leading up to the event, owners of several new independent hotels in major cities held hope that earning multiple keys could help them compete with better-established luxury brands such as Aman, Rosewood or Ritz-Carlton. That may be the case for the boutique London-based Firmdale Hotels, whose two New York hotels, the Whitby and the Crosy Street Hotel, both earned three keys.

Others in more remote locations expected that any honor could help them lure talent—places like Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont, or Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, for example. Unfortunately the prospect will have to wait.

It’s not that Michelin is the only designation that consumers can use to parse quality hotels. Walk into many of the key-awarded hotels, and you might see a Forbes’ five-star plaque—that honor was given to some 80 luxury hotels in the US in 2023, and American travel magazines dole out similar recognitions each year. But Michelin’s reputation spans much of the globe, in a way that the others do not.

“Our users say that when they are looking for places to stay, they will spend on average 10 hours on 10 different platforms to do so,” Poullennec said at the ceremony. “They’re at a loss. There is a demand for real recommendations and independent ones, that you can trust and go beyond brand labels, and that apply from one country to another—a global reference.”

Still, there are many skeptics. Michelin’s entry into the hotel market comes at a time when the company is looking for new revenue streams and attracting criticism for expanding its Michelin Dining Guides in a way that prioritizes destinations with big marketing budgets, even when they don’t have the restaurant quality to back it up.

The Atlanta Michelin Guide, for instance was sponsored by the local tourism board in a deal worth $1 million, but no restaurant in the city earned more than a single star. Its inclusion as one of the first destination in the hotel keys presentation will come as a surprise to luxury hotel afficcionados; the city is not widely known as a hub for luxury hotels, and only three hotels in the city were included, each with one key.

Pouillennec tells Bloomberg the overlap is because restaurant critics need places to sleep; that made it logistically feasible to prioritize these places. Although, as he told Bloomberg earlier in Paris, they’re not excluding the possibility of sponsored hotel guides in the future.

Also leading to skepticism about the awards is Michelin’s acquisition of Tablet Hotels, which took place in 2018 for an undisclosed sum; it’s a curated booking platform for luxury and boutique hotels that features some 6,000 hotels globally and around 950 properties in the US.

The technology gives Michelin a place where it can facilitate bookings for its recommended hotels, earn commissions from them, and also collect feedback from guests about their stays. As a result, some hoteliers have wondered whether Michelin has prioritized Tablet properties in its inspections; the company says reviews are completely independent and carried out by full-time employees, but adds that every hotel it recognizes is immediately bookable on its website.

“Nothing matters more than the independence of our recommendations,” Poullennec said.

In all, 124 hotels in the US were recognized with keys. Here is the full list of winners divided by market:

California:   The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection,| Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur | SingleThread Inn, Healdsburg | Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection, Los Angeles| Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection, Rutherford| Meadowood Napa Valley, St. Helena| Canyon Ranch Woodside, Woodside

New York City: Crosby Street Hotel| The Whitby Hotel| Aman New York| Casa Cipriani New York

California: L’Ermitage Beverly Hills | The Maybourne Beverly Hills| The Peninsula Beverly Hills | Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort | Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley | The Stavrand, Guerneville | Montage Healdsburg | The Madrona, Healdsburg | Montage Laguna Beach | Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito | Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, Napa | Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero | The Battery, San Francisco| Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito | Pendry West Hollywood| Chateau Marmont, West Hollywood | North Block, Yountville | Bardessono, Yountville

Chicago: Pendry Chicago | The Langham | The Peninsula Chicago

Florida: Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Miami | The Setai Miami Beach | Faena Hotel Miami Beach | Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami Beach

New York City : The Fifth Avenue Hotel | The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel | The Mark Hotel | Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York | Nine Orchard | Pendry Manhattan West

Washington, D.C. : Rosewood Washington, D.C. | The Jefferson

Atlanta: Stonehurst Place Atlanta | The Candler Hotel Atlanta | Hotel Clermont

California: Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, Calistoga | Harbor House Inn, Elk | Downtown LA Proper Hotel | Soho Warehouse DTLA, Los Angeles | The Aster, Los Angeles | The Paramour Estate, Los Angeles | The Prospect Hollywood, Los Angeles | Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, Napa | Pendry Newport Beach | Dive Palm Springs | Holiday House Palm Springs | La Serena Villas, Palm Springs | Sparrows Lodge, Palm Springs | Rancho Caymus Inn, Rutherford | 1 Hotel San Francisco | Hotel Drisco, San Francisco | Hotel San Luis Obispo | San Luis Creek Lodge, San Luis Obispo | El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara | Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica | Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica | Santa Monica Proper Hotel | Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica | The Georgian, Santa Monica | The Sea Ranch Lodge, Sea Ranch West | Chamberlain West Hollywood | Hotel 850 SVB, West Hollywood | Palihouse West Hollywood | Soho House Holloway, West Hollywood | Sunset Tower Hotel, West Hollywood | The Charlie, West Hollywood

Chicago: Chicago Athletic Association | Nobu Hotel Chicago | The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago | Viceroy Chicago | Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Colorado: Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, Aspen | The Little Nell, Aspen | Mollie Aspen | Clayton Hotel & Members Club, Denver| Four Seasons Denver | The Crawford Hotel, Denver| Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail |Four Seasons Vail

Florida: Mandarin Oriental Miami | Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove| 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach | Esmé Miami Beach | Hotel Greystone – Adults Only, Miami Beach | The Betsy – South Beach, Miami Beach | Ette Hotel, Orlando | Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Orlando | The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes | Palihouse Hyde Park Village, Tampa | The Tampa Edition

New York City: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn | Ace Hotel Brooklyn | Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn | 1 Hotel Central Park | Baccarat Hotel & Residences | Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park | Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad | The Beekman – A Thompson Hotel | The Bowery Hotel | The Greenwich Hotel | The Hotel Chelsea | The Lowell | The Ludlow Hotel | The Mercer | The Peninsula New York | The Wall Street Hotel |Warren Street Hotel

Washington, D.C: .Eaton DC | Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf | Riggs Washington DC | The Dupont Circle Hotel | The Hay-Adams Hotel

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

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