best new york city travel guide

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!

Specify dates

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

I wish you a wonderful time in New York City!

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

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

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

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

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New York City Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Famous for….well, 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. You could spend a lifetime exploring the city and never really see it all.

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. Whatever you like, you can find it in NYC. There’s everything here and I don’t have to really “sell” the destination to you. It’s NYC! You’re already in love.

As a budget traveler, visiting NYC can be tough, especially when you don’t know the hidden gems 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 without breaking 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 ($26 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 $26 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. I like its expansive Impressionist and Greek exhibits. 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 $25 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 $24 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. 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

While the MET is in a category of its own, New York City has dozens of museums worth visiting. The Natural History Museum, the MoMA, and Guggenheim are just three of the big ones. There are a handful of museums on the museum mile near Central Park that would take days to really explore. 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 $25 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.

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 Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, and more. 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. If you aren’t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn’t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but 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. 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. 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. 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 that just wandering around and looking at them 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 can see the Bible he was sworn in on). 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 $25 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. Admission is $25 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 $16 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 $41.95 USD ($26.95 if you just want access without admission to any rides or extra attractions). 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.

( 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! )

For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:

• Austin Travel Guide
• Boston Travel Guide
• Chicago Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• San Francisco Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Washington D.C. Travel Guide

New York City Travel Costs

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels start at $140 USD per night. They don’t fluctuate much between off-season and peak season either. Expect basic amenities like TV, AC, and coffee/tea makers. For a three-star hotel without breakfast included, prices start around $200 USD per night. They’re double that if you want a property with breakfast or a pool.

There are lots of Airbnb options in New York City. Private rooms start at $65 USD per night but average closer to $120-150 USD. For an entire home/apartment, prices start at $120 USD but average closer to $330 USD. Make sure to book early if you want to find the best deal.

Food – New York has every kind of cuisine you can think of — and at every price range too. Pizza slices can be found for as little as a dollar, though typically they cost about $3 USD. A bagel with cream cheese or a hot dog is usually around $3-5 USD. There are plenty of street vendors with meals between $5-10 USD. Sandwich shops, kebabs, salad shops, and cafe meals generally are less than $10 USD.

You can eat a mid-range 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.

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! But you can find main courses at many high-end restaurants for about $50 USD each, or $125 USD for a few courses and 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. Go to Fairway for inexpensive groceries.

Backpacking New York City Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking New York City, expect to spend around $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, a few subway rides, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the High Line and the Staten Island Ferry. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD more per day.

A mid-range budget of about $195 USD covers staying in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eating cheap street food for most meals, enjoying a couple of cheap drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities (like museum visits or paid walking tours).

On a “luxury” budget of $395 USD or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out at casual sit-down restaurants, go out for drinks, take more taxis, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

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!
• 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 $33 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).
• 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 big cities like NYC. 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 $1.50-2 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. If you stay outside Manhattan or come during off-season, accommodation costs drop significantly. 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 $2.75 USD, but an express ride is $6.75 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 $3.90 USD and goes up another $3 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 $3.50 USD per 30-minute ride, or $15 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 backpack and travel. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas. 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.

While post-COVID, crime went up for a bit, NYC is “back” as they say and 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 real problems. In all my years living in the city, I don’t know anyone that has had something really bad happen to them.

As a general rule, always watch people pour your drinks, keep an eye out for pickpockets, don’t flash your valuables when out and about, and stay vigilant if you’re using the subway late at night.

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. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

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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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

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Museum of Modern Art

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Brooklyn Museum

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Top of the Rock

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Coney Island

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Times Square

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Nathan’s Famous

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Yankee Stadium

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Grand Central Terminal

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American Museum of Natural History

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Met Cloisters

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Radio City Music Hall

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Madison Square Garden

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Hudson Yards

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National Museum of the American Indian

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Delacorte Theater

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Public Theater

SoHo & Chinatown

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Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art

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New York Earth Room

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Socrates Sculpture Park

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Prospect Park

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Pace Gallery

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American Folk Art Museum

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General Ulysses S Grant National Memorial

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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

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African Burial Ground National Monument

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Bronx Museum

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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.

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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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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

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New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

M Swiet Productions/Getty Images

New York City is an iconic destination chock full of attractions — but it can also be overwhelming to visit. Which days are best to visit busy places like the Met and the Empire State Building, and how do you avoid tourist traps and discover local hangouts? Did you know the city has tons of outdoorsy activities for all seasons? And what about deciding between so many acclaimed bars and restaurants of all types?

Whether you want to spend the weekend in the city or a whole week exploring, planning your trip is important to ensure you make the most of your time. Let’s explore the best the city has to offer and help you decide when to visit, learn what to see and do, and discover where to eat, drink, and stay during your trip.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Figuring out the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do on your trip. New York City is a great destination year round, but each season has its own perks (and disadvantages). Winter is great for visitors who want to experience the wonders of the  holiday season in New York City  and after New Year’s crowds really dwindle and prices drop. Spring and fall are ideal in terms of mild weather and being able to take full advantage of everything the city has to offer. And while summer can get very hot and humid and it also brings lots of crowds, there are tons of free events and beaches , pools , and parks are in full swing.
• Language: English is the official language of New York, but you’ll also hear a lot of Spanish   , Mandarin, and plenty of other languages in this melting pot.
• Currency : U.S. dollar
• Getting Around: Public transportation makes getting around New York City easy, fast, and affordable. Quite often, you’ll find it’s best to take a bus or the subway to avoid traffic and save money. Before you give it a go, familiarize yourself with the routes by looking at maps so you don’t get lost or take the wrong  train . Sometimes though, it can be more convenient or appropriate to take a taxi, Lyft, Uber , or  car service . A cab is a good option for a group and might save money. You also might feel safer in a car late at night, although buses and the subway run all night long   . Renting a car if you’re staying in the city is generally a bad idea as parking is difficult to find and/or very expensive. Plus, traffic is typically horrendous.
• Travel Tip: Remember, New York City is more than just Manhattan and all five boroughs are worth visiting, especially Brooklyn and Queens , which are quite easy to get to from Manhattan. To avoid crowds, get an early start to your day and consider visiting the mot popular sites during the week if you can.

Things To Do

Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, New York City has so much to offer. It is brimming with attractions and activities, from world-class museums and monuments to stunning parks to shopping galore . There are things for kids and families , romantic activities for couples, and friend groups can be kept busy for days. Architecture fans, history buffs, entertainment lovers, foodies , shoppers , art hounds, and culture vultures will all be happy here. Don’t miss these activities:

• Museums and Galleries: Visitors would be hard pressed to visit all the museums in NYC; from art to history to science and even food, there are hundreds of museums and galleries   to see. Beyond the classics like the Met , MoMA , American Museum of Natural History , and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum , await the Brooklyn Museum , Queens Hall of Science , Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio, and the Museum of Food and Drink, to name a few.
• Boat Rides: Remember that New York City is surrounded by water   and seeing the sights by boat is a great experience. A number of companies offer  boat tours and cruises  around the city, pay a few bucks to ride the East River Ferry to a number of locations, or hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free. 
• Theater and Shows : Broadway shows are a highlight for many visitors and for good reason. There’s also plenty of Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and experimental and avant-garde venues putting on some of the best theater in the world. And don’t forget the music scene — almost every band comes through NYC to play at one of its most famous concert venues, like Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall , Lincoln Center , Bowery Ballroom, Kings Theatre, and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Where to Eat and Drink

New York City is known for its plethora of food options, including iconic dishes that are must-eats on any trip. Be sure to grab a slice of pizza , a bagel with lox, a bodega egg and cheese on a roll, a classic deli sandwich, and a hot dog . And don’t forget to partake in brunch , a NYC tradition. But the best part about New York City is that you can find foods from across the globe here thanks to immigrants from around the world, be it inside Michelin-starred dining rooms or hole-in-the-wall eateries serving everything from Ethiopian to Burmese to Korean to Italian to Israeli to Mexican and beyond . You can go big at a steakhouse or find cheap eats throughout the five boroughs. And every neighborhood has something unique to offer if you look hard enough — even Times Square .

Drinking is just as important as eating in NYC and there are plenty of craft cocktail bars, historic taverns, breweries and taprooms, wine and Champagne bars, and even alcohol-free drink spots. And, there are some incredible coffee shops to start your day at.

Explore our articles on the most romantic restaurants , the best family-friendly restaurants, and the most expensive restaurants in NYC.

Where to Stay

Hotels are easy to find in New York City, but finding the right room for you is a different story. Where you stay is going to depend on which borough and neighborhood you prefer, if you’re alone, with a significant other , or with your family , and how much you want to spend . Midtown Manhattan is the most popular place to stay because it’s where most of the tourist attractions are but it is also one of the most expensive areas. If you’re willing to move north or south, there are some good  budget-friendly hotels in Manhattan available. And of course, if you want to stay somewhere with a  view of Central Park , near nightlife in Chelsea , or in the center of trendy SoHo , expect to pay a premium but be very happy. If you’re amenable to heading over the bridge to Brooklyn, there are some excellent options, and many people prefer its more low key vibe. Other options aside from hotels include short-term apartment rentals (a good value if you’re staying for three nights or more and may want to cook instead of eating out), hostels  for those on a tight budget, and Airbnb rentals—although beware that these might be operating illegally   .

Explore the different neighborhoods you can stay in, and see our recommendations on the best hotels in NYC with Pools and the Best NYC Airport Hotels .

Getting There

There are myriad ways to get to NYC: flying, by train, by bus, or driving. The main airports are:

• John F. Kennedy International Airport is the largest and has the most international flights, but it can be intimidating and exhausting to traverse its many terminals. It is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan and there are various ways to get there .
• La Guardia International Airport in Queens is more manageable and recent upgrades have greatly improved its look, functionality, and services. It also has plenty of flights from most major carriers but less international options than JFK and EWR and some airlines, like Delta and United, use the other area airports as their hubs and so have fewer flights from La Guardia as a result. It is a little closer to Midtown Manhattan at 8.5 miles away and there are various ways to get there .
• Newark Liberty International Airport  in Newark, New Jersey, is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan and sometimes flights there can be cheaper (but taxis generally cost more from there to NYC). It is the hub for United so almost all United flights will arrive and depart from here and it also has robust international offerings.

Amtrak trains to other major East Coast cities run fairly often to and from Penn Station and there are also trains to cities farther afield. Buses are usually the cheapest option, with Greyhound , Megabus , Bolt Bus, and smaller companies serving the city. And of course, driving is always an option but keep in mind that parking can be difficult and expensive.

Culture and Customs

New York City has a culture all its own and there are several unwritten rules that locals follow, including how to walk on a busy sidewalk (hint: don’t stop in the middle of it), subway etiquette , how to hail a cab, and proper bicycle behavior.

Tipping is important in NYC; be sure to tip taxi drivers, wait staff at restaurants, and bartenders.

Is New York City safe?  It's a question visitors ask all the time and, in general, it is a safe city   . However, swindlers and thieves can often spot “out of towners” so a little common sense is required.

Money Saving Tips

• There are tons of awesome free activities , events , and places to visit in NYC, from parks to museums.
• Several museums and attractions have certain days or times that are Pay What You Wish or are sometimes free .
• If you plan on riding the subway and taking buses at least several times a day, you can save money by getting an MTA MetroCard for a day or week of unlimited rides.
• Check out TKTS and other discount venues for cheaper Broadway tickets and don’t forget about standing room only .
• Head to the outer boroughs for many excellent yet more affordable restaurants and eateries.

Watch Now: Planning Your Visit to New York City

U.S. Census Bureau. " Languages Spoken at Home ." 2018

MTA. " How to Ride the Subway ."

NYC & Company. " Museums & Galleries in NYC ."

The Official Website of the City of New York. " New York City Water Bodies ." 2014

Airbnb. " New York, NY ." 2020

The Economist Intelligence Unit . "Safe Cities Index 2017."

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New York City Travel Guide

Visiting NYC?

Then you're in the right place! Check out my New York City Travel Guide resources.

Maybe you're traveling on a budget and want to enjoy free NYC views and cheap things to do in New York .

Or perhaps you're seeking adventure through Manhattan hiking trails or a day trip from NYC to hike in the Hudson Valley — the Bull Hill Full Loop and Breakneck Ridge Trail are both epic and nearby!

Remember, too, that while there is a lot to do in Manhattan — like exploring SoHo , the Upper East Side , and Times Square — the other boroughs also have a lot to offer.

A few of my favorite neighborhoods include Long Island City in Queens and Williamsburg in Brooklyn .

To help you plan your perfect trip to New York City, find some helpful resources below.

You can also click here to grab my free PDF New York City travel guide .

Manhattan Travel Guides

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Brooklyn Travel Guides

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Queens Travel Guides

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Long Island Travel Guides

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New York City Hiking Guides

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NYC Day Trips

Looking for day trips from nyc these guides will help you visit the hudson valley , catskills, and more.

NYC In Winter

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NYC In Spring

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New York City Guides & Resources

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Common New York City Travel Guide Questions

*Note: Some of the below links are affiliate links to trusted partners!

Q: Are there guided tours in New York City ?

Yes! In fact, I'm a licensed NYC tour guide myself and I lead private photo tours around the city that include photos of your group to keep.

Traveling solo? The tours are also great if you're looking for things to do in NYC by yourself . No need to ask strangers to take your picture!

Additionally, you can click here to view hundreds of popular New York City tourism, events, tickets and other guided tours around the city.

Curious what kind of questions are on the tour guide exam?

Check out this video:

Q: How many days do you recommend visiting NYC for?

No USA travel guide would be complete without mentioning NYC, as here's why:

If you lived in New York City for your entire life you still wouldn't have enough time to experience everything the city has to offer.

That being said, if you don't mind packing activities into your itinerary, you can do and see a lot in a weekend. Ideally, you'll plan out a 4 day NYC itinerary or more though.

Just keep in mind that many popular attractions featured in major New York City guides — like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Circle Line cruises — take a few hours each.

If you want to go beyond Manhattan and also visit Brooklyn , Queens , The Bronx , and/or Staten Island , you'll want to visit for at least one week. This will help you also explore some of the more unusual things to do in NYC .

Q: What are the best ways to visit NYC on a budget?

There are so many cheap things to do in New York City !

First of all, opt for public transportation like the subway, bus, NYC Ferry, and CitiBike.

You can also ride the free Staten Island Ferry, which offers gorgeous views of the Statue of Liberty and is exceptionally lovely after dark if you're looking for free NYC night tours .

Moreover, book budget-friendly New York hotels like the Hotel Edison , YOTEL New York City , or Pod 39 .

Finally, save money on food by using the Crave app, find inexpensive local events through newsletters like The Skint and Nifty NYC , and opt for free experiences like riding the Staten Island Ferry, attending park events, and walking the High Line.

The Crave App can help you snag budget-friendly meals in NYC

Q: Where are the best free views of New York City?

If you're seeking out views of the skyline from Queens , check out Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City and Hunter’s Point South Park.

That being said, there are loads of great free views in NYC  featured in this New York City Travel Guide.

A few others include:

• East River Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
• The Roosevelt Island Tram in Manhattan
• Governors Island in Manhattan

Also, don't forget to enjoy some stunning views in NYC at night !

And if you don't mind spending a bit of money, there are some great Manhattan skyline tours , like yacht excursions and helicopter tours, as well as NYC architectural tours that showcase the city's most iconic buildings.

Q: How do I take the New York City subway?

The easiest way to get a handle on the subway is to use an app like Google Maps or CityMapper, both of which provide step-by-step instructions from your location to your destination.

Most New York tourist information booths also include instructions!

While you don't need a MetroCard anymore (you can simply tap your credit card to enter), many people like to get one to keep as a souvenir from New York . You can purchase your MetroCard at almost all subway stations, which are marked by a green and white globe at the entrances.

Note that unless you purchase a single ride, your MetroCard is refillable.

As long as you ride the subway four or more times during your entire trip, it will be more economical to avoid single ride tickets and purchase a refillable card or even a weekly or monthly unlimited card.

One neat thing about the NYC subway:

There are no zones, so no matter where you're going you'll pay $2.75 (unless you have an unlimited card, in which case all your rides are included).

The subway is one of New York City’s easiest and cheapest ways to get around

Q: What areas of New York City do you recommend tourists avoid?

Overall, the streets of New York are safe to wander.

That being said, NYC is unfortunately a prime example of the differences in opportunities and justice caused by generational systematic racism.

Most violent crimes take place in the city's poorest neighborhoods, so tourists won't commonly find themselves in NYC's most dangerous places.

A few neighborhoods that tend to make dangerous area lists include Mott Haven (The Bronx), the South Bronx (The Bronx), and East Harlem (Manhattan), though I'll also say that as a local I've walked around all of these neighborhoods without a problem.

Furthermore, if you want to avoid getting pickpocketed , it's worth noting that this tends to happen semi-frequently in touristy Times Square. That's why I recommend pickpocket-proof garments .

Q: Is the New York City subway safe at night?

Yes, though you should always keep travel safety in mind.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and if you've had a few drinks consider hailing a taxi.

The above are also things I would suggest during the day, though are especially pertinent if you're exploring NYC after midnight .

You also might consider investing in some travel safety essentials for peace of mind.

Yes, you can ride the NYC subway at night. Just be sure to use common sense.

Q: Where can I go hiking in NYC?

People are often surprised to learn that New York City has over 1,700 parks — many of which include hiking trails.

That being said, some parks are more rugged than others.

If you're looking for a hiking experience that feels like you've escaped the city for the Catskills, check out  Inwood Hill Park (Manhattan), Van Cortlandt Park (The Bronx), and Pelham Bay Park  (The Bronx).

Pelham Bay Park is actually NYC's largest park at 2,772 acres!

Additionally, people often forget about Staten Island , which is just a 30-minute (free!) ferry ride away and is full of hiking trails. This New York City Guide includes plenty of NYC hiking opportunities.

Recommendation:

Check out Staten Island's six major Greenbelt trails . These offer a diverse array of hiking for all fitness abilities.

Now, if you're looking for something easy and scenic but not necessarily rugged for hiking in New York City, a few suggestions include:

• Central Park (Manhattan). The park's three major woodlands include the North Woods, the Ramble, and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary (shown in the below video). Visiting Central Park is one of the top things to do on the Upper East Side NYC !
• Randall's Island  (Manhattan). The island park features an approximately four-mile scenic loop around the perimeter, though you can also venture inland to extend your hike. This is also a popular spot for an engagement photoshoot in NYC !
• Prospect Park (Brooklyn). This park has the same architects as Central Park. The Ravine is particularly noteworthy for some stunning urban hiking in NYC.
• Highland Park  ( Queens ). Here you can walk around a lovely reservoir and enjoy beautiful views of the Ridgewood Reservoir, the Rockaways, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Q: How much should I save for a trip to NYC?

While there are ways to explore NYC on a budget , most travelers will want to save at least $300 per day, including a hotel, daily tours, meals, and subway transportation.

Q: What should you not miss in NYC?

Why is NYC so popular ? For one, because of all of the incredible experiences to be had!

A few things you shouldn't miss when visiting New York City are wandering Central Park, taking a cooking class, doing an NYC walking tour , eating bready foods like pizza and bagels, savoring one of the best bottomless brunches in NYC , taking a boat ride (there are also many options for hosting a birthday party on a boat in NYC ), and seeing a show (off-Broadway counts, too!).

There are also numerous Instagrammable restaurants in NYC and beautiful places to take photos .

Q: How do I not look like a tourist in NYC?

Don't ever stop in the middle of a sidewalk or block pedestrian traffic to take a photo or read a map.

Also, learn the small rules that locals abide by, like letting people off of the subway before stepping on and standing still on the right side of the escalator and leaving the left side open for walkers.

Q: Can you visit New York City without a car?

Absolutely! Unless you'll be doing a road trip from NYC , you can get easily get around the five boroughs via public transportation.

Q: What can I do in six hours in New York?

With such a short amount of time, it's recommended to choose one or two main highlights — like walking the Williamsburg Bridge or eating your way around the West Village — and creating an itinerary around that.

You might also opt for a walking tour, which can help you see and learn a lot in a short amount of time.

Here are a few fun options:

• A Private & Custom NYC Photo Journey (Including Photos to Keep!)
• Professional Photoshoot in NYC (Including 100+ Images!)
• Greenwich Village Walking & Food Tasting Tour
• Brooklyn Graffiti Lesson
• Champagne Brunch Sail
• Broadway Theaters & Times Square with a Broadway Actor

Click here for a full list of tours and experiences .

Q: What can you do in New York City for $20 or less?

There are many free and cheap things to do in NYC , like enjoying an al fresco meal at one of the many lovely NYC picnic spots , walking around one of the city's 1700 parks, doing a self-guided audio tour of the city , wandering the art galleries of Chelsea, and taking in the free New York City views from the Staten Island ferry.

What would you add to this New York City travel guide?

Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

7 Days in New York City | Travel Itinerary + Guide

“New York, New York (So Good They Named It Twice)” – Gerard Kenny, singer/songwriter

As a native New Yorker myself, I couldn’t agree more. New York City is a bustling city that never sleeps. Its streets are always alive with a vibrant energy that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it firsthand. And yes, NYC is active for 24 hours a day. Trying to cover all the attractions of New York City in just one week might seem daunting, but with the correct itinerary and plan, you can have an unforgettable experience. You can experience the best that NYC has to offer in this 7 day New York City travel itinerary. You’ll be able to explore all the tourist attractions plus get to enjoy things that native New Yorkers also love doing.

You can have many different types of things to do while in New York City, including such indulges as world-class cuisine or shopping in stores that can only be found in places such as Milan and Paris. Take a walk along South Street Seaport and see a glimpse of old New York, or take a ferry to Ellis Island and explore the Statue of Liberty. Come across cartoon characters that take pictures with you in Times Square and eat in hipster Brooklyn lined with restaurants that create new dishes all the time. New York promises the experience of a lifetime.

Keep reading this New York Trip Planner, as we take you through the best attractions, sights, and glimpses of New York that most visitors don’t get to see. New York City is a fantastic city with so much to offer, and we don’t want you to miss any of it. You’ll be in an Empire State of Mind in no time! (See what I did there.)

Day 1 – Arrival in New York City | Head right to the City Centre

Day 2 – visiting immigration history at ellis island, day 3 – central park, american museum of natural history and the met, day 4 – empire state building and the highline, day 5 – visit the next best borough – brooklyn, day 6 – 9/11 museum and downtown manhattan, day 7 – last day in nyc, top sights of new york city, where to stay in new york city, top new york city tours and activities, share this:, new york city trip guide – 7 days itinerary.

Pin this New York Trip Planner featuring a 7 Day New York City Tour Itinerary and Guide for your future Trip to NYC

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to New York City to tick off this 7 Day New York City Itinerary – 

• Book your Rental Car in New York City on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best New York City Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in New York City on Agoda or Booking.com
• Unlock Massive Savings by getting an All Inclusive New York City Pass from GoCity
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to New York City, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in New York City.

Morning: You’ll arrive at either JFK or LGA airport. Make your way from the airport via the AirTrain to the subway at Jamaica, Queens, and experience the NYC Subway right from the start of your trip. You can get a 7-Day Metro card for unlimited rides at the station, which I highly suggest doing. The subway runs 24 hours a day (most trains). Check into your hotel in New York City , which should be located in Manhattan, to get the most out of your trip.

Afternoon: Head over to Times Square, the intersection between 7th Avenue, Broadway, and 42nd Street. From here, you can go to the M&M’s World New York Store and explore the 3 floors of chocolate goodness and pick up NYC-only M&M gifts. From right outside the store, you can walk and get your picture taken with some of your favourite cartoon characters. You’ll have to pay to get a photo, though.

Times Square | New York City | Photo by Victor He on Unsplash

Evening:  Get dinner while in Times Square City Kitchen. Nestled in the Row Hotel, City Kitchen is a foodie lover’s paradise. A food hall with so many diverse food options. If you’re into comedy clubs, catch a show in Times Square. There are shows every night, and ticket prices vary from cheap to very expensive.

Pro Tip – To maximise on savings, grab the 5 Day All Inclusive New York City pass by GoCity , and visit as many New York City attractions as you want to.

Morning: Today, get *THE* iconic New Yorker breakfast. Bacon-egg-cheese with salt, pepper and ketchup on a roll. Yes, it’s ordered as one word, mainly because it’s said so fast. Ask where your closest deli or bodega is (your hotel will know) and get this delicious breakfast. Everyone from office workers to ambulance personnel will order this almost every morning. I promise you will see what you’re missing in life when you order this. Take the subway to Bowling Green. Here, head to Clinton Castle to purchase your ferry tickets to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Afternoon: Explore the island that the Statue of Liberty is on and get a chance to walk up inside of Liberty to the Crown. Tip: Make sure to get your tickets BEFORE you arrive in NYC. From here, you can take the ferry to Ellis Island and research immigration in America by visiting the museum. You can also look up your family members who came here through Ellis Island. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon looking into the history of not only New York but of your family as well. You can also book the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Half Day Tour here .

Statue of Liberty | Ellis Island, New York City | Photo by Pierre Blaché on Unsplash

Evening:  Take the ferry back to Manhattan from Ellis Island and walk around Battery Park. You can take in gorgeous views of the Hudson River, find tucked-away monuments, and find plenty of food trucks and eateries to fill up on. From here, you can also explore the Skyscraper Museum or ride on the Aquatic Carousel.

Morning: On Day 3 in this New York Trip Planner, we recommend that you head out to visit Central Park. You could relax at Central Park, walking around the Upper West Side neighbourhood. There are many trails with lots to explore. You’ll see New Yorkers sunbathing on the grass in summer or bicyclists riding on the bike paths all over. Central Park also has a zoo you can visit. For fans of The Beatles, you can see Strawberry Fields while here.

Afternoon: Visit some of the most famous museums that line the border of Central Park – the American Museum of Natural History and the MET, which also happen to be some of the top things to do in New York according to this NYC Weekend Travel Guide . Visit the American Museum of Natural History to see the iconic dioramas and fossils. Every kid loves to explore this museum. Then, head to The Metropolitan Museum of Art also known as the MET, one of the most extensive and comprehensive art museums in the world. Take advantage of the rooftop sculpture garden with views of Central Park.

⬆️  American Museum of Natural History (Left) | Metropolitan Museum of Art (Right)

⬇️ Central Park | New York City

Evening:  Look to see if a concert is playing or if actors are performing in the evening at Central Park. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants on Amsterdam Ave, about a block west of Central Park, between 77th St and 86th Street.

Morning:  Take a trip to the world-famous Empire State Building. Once the tallest building in the world until 1971, this is where you can take in breathtaking views of the City from the observation deck on the 86th floor. From there, head to the High Line, a scenic park built on an elevated rail line with views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.

Empire State Building | New York City | Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash

Afternoon:  From the Highline, you can visit Chelsea Market and see a bunch of food vendors and small boutique shops from local artists. After lunch, you can visit the Hudson Yards and walk to the top of The Vessel. It is a tall beehive-shaped structure that you can walk around and get great views of the Hudson and the City.

Evening:  End your day with dinner at one of the City’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Per Se or Le Bernardin. After dinner, head back to the Highline and grab a drink at the Rooftop Bar Gallow Green.

Morning:  Today, take the subway to the base of the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan and walk the bridge to Dumbo, Brooklyn. You’ll see the historic part of Brooklyn mixed with cute boutique stores and great eateries/restaurants for you to get world-class dining. Brooklyn is a state of mind, and you’ll see more locals here than in Manhattan. Head to The Brooklyn Flea Market. It’s one of the most popular in NYC, and you can find a great selection of records and vintage clothing. If that’s not your style, then go to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here, especially during the summer, you can sit out on the lawn, let kids run around, and get the best photos of the Brooklyn Bridge. Dumbo is a great community to walk around and explore for a few hours too.

Brooklyn Bridge | Dumbo, NYC | Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash

Afternoon: From Dumbo, head over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s another old-school neighbourhood turned hipster and artsy but offers lots to do. Smorgasburg is open on weekends and has many vendors from all over NYC selling food at decent prices. New Yorkers from all over come every Saturday and Sunday and grab food. They then chill out near the water to eat and relax or hang with their friends. After eating, spend the day strolling through Domino Park through the many paths. The park designers left a nod to the old Domino Sugar factory that used to be here, by scattering old factory equipment in the park.

Evening:  Head over to Brooklyn Bowl. In typical Brooklyn fashion, it’s an ordinary bowling alley mixed with a music venue and bar. It was called “one of the most incredible places on earth” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Grab dinner at any of the fantastic restaurants over here, and they have every type of cuisine, from Vegan to BBQ and everything else in between.

Morning: Head to the 9/11 museum today. The museum is held on the site where the towers once stood. It’s a very moving experience and helps you to understand what happened and how New York has coped with the aftermath. You’ll then see the memorial of where the Towers stood and the names posted around the edge of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day. You can even opt for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum Guided Tour , to get a much better immersive experience.

9/11 Memorial, NYC | Photo by Manuel Velasquez on Unsplash

Afternoon: Head over to Little Italy and Chinatown. Separated by Canal Street, both of these neighbourhoods are worth the trip to explore, but Chinatown offers better food options. The best way to explore the area is by taking the Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour . There are many spots for great photos and shopping for gifts to take home.

Chinatown – New York City | Photo by Travis Grossen on Unsplash

Evening:  Enjoy hanging out in Columbus Park for a few minutes before grabbing dinner. Columbus Park is like most other parks in NYC, but this park gives you a window into Chinatown. Make sure you stop for dessert at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. They offer flavors here you can’t get anywhere else, and it’s worth the visit.

Morning: In this New York Trip Planner, we recommend that you, make the most of your last day in New York and head to SoHo district. From here, you can walk around and see the original cobblestone streets of Manhattan and do some last-minute shopping at the 100s of stores in the area. Grab a coffee and sit at many outdoor cafes in the more excellent weather months and enjoy the sights and sounds of the City one last time.

SoHo, Manhattan, NYC | Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash

Afternoon:  Stroll through Washington Square Park and watch street performers playing or grab a bite to eat from the food truck vendors that hang out on the Street. This is a great way to relax before you leave NYC. Then, return to the hotel to check out and catch your flight home.

Take in a Broadway Show –  You can catch a show that’s playing, but make sure you get your tickets ahead of time.

Grand Central Terminal – This is where the trains come into Midtown Manhattan, and it is very historic with beautiful architecture.

Top of the Rock –  Get a bird’s eye view of the City from on top of the Empire State Building.

Rockefeller Plaza – This is where the famous holiday tree stands, ice skating, and the favourite NBC studios are here. 

St. Patrick’s Cathedral –  The most famous catholic church in New York City.

New York Public Library – Open to visitors to explore and experience the history of this library.

Museum of Modern Art MOMA – Another fantastic art museum has works such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

One World Observatory – Top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere with more amazing views of New York City.

Here are some of our recommended hotels in New York City that you can choose from – 

Pod Times Square |  The New Yorker, A Wyndham Hotel |  Best Western Plus SoHo Hotel | Paramount Hotel Times Square |  Walker Hotel Greenwich Village | Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza |  Hampton Inn Manhattan – 35th Street Empire State Building | The Manhattan Hotel at Times Square

Or you can simply enter your dates, and hit the search button in the box below, to search and compare prices for the Best Hotels in New York City, based on your needs.

New York Bus Tour by BigBusTours | Chinatown and Little Italy Food Tour | Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise | New York City One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour | 9/11 Memorial Tour and Museum Ticket

Book the Best New York City Tours and Activities on GetYourGuide

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Book the Best New York City Tours and Activities on Klook

Don’t forget to Pin this NYC Travel Guide and New York Trip Planner featuring an exhaustive 7 Day New York City Travel Itinerary , carefully crafted and curated by a local, which will help you in planning for your trip to New York City.

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

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

87 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3106 Edited Articles

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

A Brief History to New York City (NYC)

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

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Population:  8.62 million

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

Official Language:  English

Primary Religions:  Christianity & Judaism

Time Zone:  Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Currency:  U.S. Dollar (USD)

Country Dialing Code Prefix:  +1

Emergency Numbers:  911

Michelin Stars:  72

Getting to NYC

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

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

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

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

The following airlines service JFK:

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

Traveling From the Airport to the City

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

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

AirTrain JFK & Subway

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

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

Shuttle Bus

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

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

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

The following airlines service EWR:

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

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

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

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

AirTrain Newark

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

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

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

The following airlines service LGA:

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

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

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

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

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

Private Car Service & Car Rental

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

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

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

By Public Transportation (Subways & Buses)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay:

• Soho Grand Hotel

2. Greenwich Village

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

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

• The Marlton
• The Greenwich Hotel
• Washington Square Hotel

3. Chelsea/Gramercy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sheraton Tribeca
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Tribeca

6. Upper East Side

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

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

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

7. Upper West Side

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

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

8. Meatpacking District

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

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

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

9. Financial District

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

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

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

10. Midtown

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

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

• The Knickerbocker
• JW Marriott Essex House

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

1. Walk the High Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. 9/11 Memorial

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

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

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

4. Afternoon Tea at the Plaza

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

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

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

5. Central Park

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

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

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

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

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

6. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

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

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

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

7. American Museum of Natural History

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

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

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

8. Chinatown

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

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

Visit:  Open all the time with no admission fee

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

9. Top of the Rock

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

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

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

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

10. Brooklyn Bridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. The Gold Vault

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

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

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

2. Touch the Berlin Wall

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

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

3. Tenement Museum

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

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

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

4. Dirt Room

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

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

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

5. The Cloisters

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

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

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

6. Coney Island

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

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

7. Explore Abandoned Subway Stations

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

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

8. Kayak the Hudson River

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

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

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

9. Brooklyn Flea Market

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

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

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

10. Ellen’s Stardust Diner

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

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

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

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

1. Top of the Standard

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

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

2. Manhattanhenge

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

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

3. Wall Street

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

Visit: Wall Street, New York, NY 10005

4. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

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

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

5. The Oculus

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

Visit: Church St, New York, NY 10006

6. Flatiron Building

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

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

7. Top Floor of the Mandarin Oriental

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

Visit: 80 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023

8. Times Square

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

Visit: Manhattan, NY 10036

9. Empire State Building

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

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

10. Rooftop at Hotel Hugo

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

Visit: 525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

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

1. Joe’s Pizza

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

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

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

2. Jack’s Wife Freda

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

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

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

3. Momofuku Noodle Bar

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

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

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

4. Katz Delicatessen

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

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

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

5. Russ & Daughters

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

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

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

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

6. Mercer Kitchen

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

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

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

7. The Butcher’s Daughter

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

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

8. Luke’s Lobster

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Eleven Madison Park

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

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

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

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

1. Paper Coffee

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

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

2. Saltwater Coffee

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

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

3. Blue Bottle

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

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

4. Daily Provisions

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

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

5. La Colombe

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

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

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

1. The Campbell

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

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

2. Bar SixtyFive

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

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

3. Mother of Pearl

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

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

4. The Library Bar

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

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

5. Ophelia Lounge NYC

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

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

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

1. Magnolia Bakery

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

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

2. Serendipity 3

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

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

3. Levain Bakery

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

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

4. Black Tap

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

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

5. Dominique Ansel

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

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

6. Squish Marshmallow

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

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

7. La Bella Ferrara Bakery

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

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

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

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

9. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

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

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

10. Emack & Bolio’s

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

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

1. Staten Island Ferry

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

2. Restaurant Week(s)

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

3. Bryant Park NOT Rockefeller Center

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

4. Brooklyn Brewery

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

5. TV Show Tapings

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

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

7. Free Museum Days

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

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

8. Happy Hours

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

9. Broadway for Less

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

10. Taxi Payment on the Go

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

1. A U.S. Capital?

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

2. Many Millionaires

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

3. The Big Apple

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

4. Illegal Honking

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

5. A True Melting Pot

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

6. What, How Much?

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

7. Pizza  Tradition

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

8. Moving Day

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

9. Foodie Roots

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

10. Densely Populated

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

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

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

Emergency Contacts in New York City

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

Stay Safe in the City

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

Public Transit Safety Tips

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

At Your Hotel

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

Emergency Alerts

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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About Christy Rodriguez

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

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A Local’s Ultimate New York City Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

New York City Travel Guide Basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Language (for non-Americans)

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

Visa (for non-Americans)

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

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

Electricity Socket (for non-Americans)

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

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

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

Best Months to Visit New York City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

See more in the Places to Stay section.

You might like:

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

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

Here are prices of meals for one:

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

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

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

Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arriving into New York City

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Local Customs & Tips

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

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

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

Street-Smart Safety Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Images from Gatta Bag’s Website

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

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

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

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

How to Save Money in New York City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recap of what to pack for New York City:

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

Best Things to Do

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

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

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

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

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

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

View this post on Instagram A post shared by s a r a h • travel + lifestyle (@sarchetrit) on Mar 13, 2019 at 7:03pm PDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might like this: New York Pizza Tour

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

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

What and Where to Eat

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

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

Classic New York City Foods

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

Popular New York City Foods

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

Places I Love

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

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

You might also like:

Areas to Discover & Hotels to Stay At

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

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

View this post on Instagram A post shared by s a r a h • travel + lifestyle (@sarchetrit) on Mar 26, 2018 at 3:05am PDT

View this post on Instagram A post shared by s a r a h • travel + lifestyle (@sarchetrit) on Mar 2, 2019 at 9:26am PST

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hotels to Stay At

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

Times Square

View this post on Instagram A post shared by s a r a h • travel + lifestyle (@sarchetrit) on Jan 23, 2019 at 8:01pm PST

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

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

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

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

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

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

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

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

Long Island City, Queens

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

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

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

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

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

New York City Travel Guide Related Blog Posts

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

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

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

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

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

PIN THIS NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER

New York City Travel Guide

michael cicchi

Friday 13th of December 2019

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

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42 Best Hotels in New York City

By CNT Editors , John Wogan , Sandra Ramani , and Nicole Schnitzler

Even in the city that never sleeps, we appreciate our shut-eye—all the better if that rest can be cushioned by great eats, expert insider guidance, and gorgeous spaces. Thankfully, New York has a plethora of options, situated all across town and ranging from the over-the-top lush to the low-key cool. From historic Midtown hideaways to NoMad’s brand-new digs, here are the Big Apple’s best hotels to check out—and into—now.

Read our complete New York City travel guide here .

Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Aman New York Arrow

In the 35 years since Aman was founded and its first property opened its doors in Phuket, the brand has come to represent a certain kind of experience for a certain kind of traveler: discreet, expansive, and intimate, with a full-bodied approach to wellness and an almost chameleon-like ability to adapt to the surrounding landscape. So it goes with Aman New York, the latest jewel in its crown—the brand’s very first urban outpost in the United States, and only its second urban property in the world after Aman Tokyo . And what a crown it is: Taking up residence in Midtown Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building, a Beaux-Arts landmark carefully renovated with Belgian designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, the space dazzles with a 7,000-square-foot outdoor terrace, a spa and wellness center spread over three floors, and serene, high-ceilinged guest suites (each with its own fireplace).

Fouquet's New York Arrow

The French hotel line known for its Paris and St. Barth’s properties has arrived in the U.S. by way of New York. At a cobblestoned intersection in the Tribeca North Historic District, an industrialist red brick facade gives way to eight floors of ethereal Art Deco interior design straight out of the South of France. Fouquet’s New York’s pastel-colored luxury includes three French dining options, an indulgent underground spa (complete with a sauna, hammam, and hydrotherapy pool), and a Cannes-inspired cinema space true to Tribeca’s popular annual film festival. The theater will host programming like screenings and film premieres, and will be reservable for corporate and artistic events. The street-level outpost of the famed Champs d’Elysee bistro, Fouquet’s restaurant is a destination in itself, with signature red and black bar mirroring its Paris (and Louvre Abu Dhabi ) counterpart. A French lavender, mint green, and cream color scheme includes custom-made wallpapers with France-linked illustrations of New York City scenes like Lady Liberty, pizza-eating Central Park goers, and cartoon pigeons with croissants in their beaks.

The Ned NoMad Arrow

A short walk from the Empire State Building and flanked by landmark buildings, the location of The Ned positions it perfectly in relation to downtown Manhattan and Midtown’s business district. The NoMad neighborhood itself, which has seen tremendous transformation while also retaining its wholesale commerce underpinnings, is also worth discovering. Located in the Johnston building, a limestone-fronted 1908 Beaux-Arts landmark, it draws its character from the architecture of the building it's housed in. Once inside, spaces reveal themselves one after another like nesting Matryoshka dolls, and are served with a heap of Art Deco glam, including jewel-toned upholstery, marble floors, and mahogany wood—and plenty of moody corners to slink into. 

ModernHaus Soho Arrow

If you’re looking for someplace close to all the action of New York ’s buzzy, see-and-be-seen SoHo neighborhood—but that at once feels coolly removed from it all (and has its own rooftop pool, to boot)—this is the place for you. Formerly The James New York - SoHo, the hotel reopened on May 1 after a nearly year-and-a-half-long renovation. There are 114 rooms spread across 14 floors—10 different room categories, all generous in size. (By Manhattan standards, anyway; Modern Queen rooms start at about 280 square feet.) Its Veranda restaurant touts a modern American menu, albeit with global nods to the cuisines of India, Mexico, South America, the Middle East, and Portugal, the ancestral country of Michelin-starred head chef George Mendes (most notably of Aldea). There isn’t a spa, but there are other wellness perks on offer, including a 400-square-foot gym on the 17th floor, equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment like a Peloton bike and Technogym elliptical.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

Karthika Gupta

Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC Arrow

At the corner of Ninth Avenue and 13th Street, the Gansevoort Meatpacking  NYC is a short stroll away from the art galleries of Chelsea, the brasserie-style restaurants of the West Village, and the smart boutiques of the Meatpacking District. Highlights include the 45-foot-long, heated rooftop swimming pool with underwater lights; the Duplex Penthouse Suite with a wall of windows looking out towards the Hudson River; on-site restaurant The Chester; and the service, which is remarkable for a boutique hotel. Up on the rooftop, savor classics and shareable dishes crafted with Union Square Greenmarket produce in the lounge, or head to the tucked-away Saishin by Kissaki at the Gansevoort Rooftop for excellent a la carte and omakase sushi with a view of the downtown skyline.

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue Arrow

Three blocks north of the Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue, this polished hotel has spacious rooms starting at 420 square feet—generous for New York. All units have walnut furnishings, wondrously comfortable Duxiana beds, and deep soaking tubs, while the apartment suites each have a full stainless steel kitchen. The hotel is also home to several original paintings by New York City artist Alex Katz—the lobby is a great place to start learning about his work. Tired and don't want to go too far for a good meal? You're in luck; Ai Fiori is downstairs as part of the hotel, serving everything from top-tier pasta dishes to classic Italian negronis made with vintage Campari.

Soho House New York Arrow

Those already familiar with Soho House will feel instantly at home here, where a few of the company's signature design elements are in place, like distressed wood floors and beamed ceilings, velvet chairs and sofas, exposed brick, and flattering lighting. As befits a members' club, it feels intimate, though not exclusive (the hotel portion is open to anyone). Not only are the rooms charming, but the supremely comfortable common spaces are places you'll want to spend a lot of time in—especially if you need to get some work done or just sit and read. When you book a room here, you're welcomed into the world of Soho House like a member, which is a nice feeling in this big, busy city. Plus, the location is prime, within a short distance of the High Line.

The Wall Street Hotel Arrow

In a part of the city often overlooked by travelers—at least when it comes to choosing a home-base—The Wall Street Hotel is a unique boutique stay in downtown Manhattan whose interiors nod to the area’s history and beaux-arts buildings. The Wall Street Hotel is not only an exciting addition to the landscape, but it also provides a great reason to reconsider Wall Street as your landing pad for a trip to the city. Nearly every train runs through the nearby Fulton center, meaning easy access to just about anywhere in Manhattan (Brooklyn is just a couple stops away, as is Jersey). The neighborhood is jam-packed with history dating back to the 17th century, and a little Googling or a great tour guide can help pull stories out of the landmark buildings in the neighborhood (George Washington hung out at nearby Fraunces Tavern , to give you an idea).

The Carlyle Arrow

Since it opened in 1930, The Carlyle has become something more than the sum of its extremely alluring parts, a living legend that embodies, if not the spirit of New York City, at least one of her spirits: her brightest, most sparkling, most elegant self; witty, worldly and nostalgic. An entire movie has been made about this property— Always at The Carlyle —in which present-day tribal elders such as George Clooney, Sophia Coppola , Wes Anderson, and Naomi Campbell discuss their fondness for the joint. Broadly speaking, the rooms get better the higher the floor. Plus, you get to spend more time in the elevators—not an activity to enjoy in everyday life, but this is not everyday life. The ones at The Carlyle are the stuff of legend, as much admired as the astounding Dorothy Draper lobby or Bemelmans Bar . Imagine if you had been there when Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and Steve Jobs all piled in (true story). You would have been in awe. Not of them, of course, but of the real superstar—the unflappable, icy-calm, white-gloved Carlyle elevator operator.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad Arrow

During New York Fashion Week, this already-iconic hotel’s rooftop bar Nubeluz by José Andrés hosted a runway show for Bronx and Banco, complete with a downtown cool vibe and guest list to match—think actress Natasha Lyonne and rapper Coi Leray. Nubeluz (and The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad as a whole) was immediately cemented as an overnight New York City hot spot—just one example of how this legacy brand is reshaping its image. But how did a hotel conglomerate that is thought of as a bit stuffy create a hotel that is familiar to its existing clientele while becoming alluring to a new generation? The answers are found within the lobby which takes its inspiration and pays homage to its location in the floral district, the reservation-impossible Mediterranean restaurant Zaytinya (another José Andrés), view-laden rooms, and skin-tightening subterranean spa. Each space mixes current design trends, like hand-blown Randy Zieber floral petal-inspired chandeliers in the lobby and black Italian-marble walls, with the exceptional, discreet service that Ritz-Carlton is known for. We can’t imagine a more perfect place to shake things up than the capital of reinvention: New York.

Crosby Street Hotel Arrow

Pattern, color, whimsy—walking into Crosby Street Hotel is like entering a world representing the best of modern English design, as dreamed up by Brit founder and designer Kit Kemp. Everywhere you look, there's a special artwork or piece of furniture you'd want to stare at for awhile. It's all a big visual treat in the middle of SoHo. There's nothing better than making it through a hectic day out and about and coming back to perhaps the city's most perfectly designed (yet supremely comfortable) guest rooms. Aside from being a visual treat, the location is nearly perfect—a quiet block in the heart of SoHo, next to public transportation, but also in the most pleasingly walkable neighborhood you could find, with endless amounts of great restaurants, bars, bookstores, cafés, and shops.

The Hoxton Williamsburg Arrow

Last fall, when the Hoxton plunked itself down on Williamsburg’s Wythe Avenue—the neighborhood’s unofficial hotel strip—it was as much for New Yorkers as for visitors. Cases in point: a quirky, retro lobby that’s perfect for long, lazy Sunday afternoons; an events space that has hosted, among other things, a pop-up tattoo studio; a rooftop bar that doesn’t have a line (yet). The U.K.-based Ennismore designed the hotel to feel extremely Brooklyn, dotting it with locally sourced vintage furniture and bookshelves displaying hefty tomes on contemporary art, and ’70-style chandeliers hanging from the lofty ceiling. The three on-site restaurants—seasonal Summerly and Backyard and the year-round favorite Klein’s—are overseen by Jud Mongell and Zeb Stewart, the names behind Williamsburg’s beloved Five Leaves, Union Pool, and Hotel Delmano. The cocktails are a delight (order the mezcal-infused Fire Island), and the food spans everything from New American comfort at Klein’s to New England–style lobster rolls at Summerly. Upstairs, the 175 rooms, like the ones at the Hoxton in Paris , are not massive but fit king-size beds and have views of either the Manhattan or Brooklyn skyline.

PUBLIC Hotel Arrow

As the name might imply, the public spaces are a big factor here, and once you walk through the ground-level garden and take the glowing, futuristic elevators up to the lobby, an entire community awaits—one with big white sofas, work spaces, and plenty of locals who come to get some work done in a setting that's a bit more exciting than their neighborhood cafe.

The Greenwich Arrow

In an era of the ever-more- exclusive members’ club luring the black-card-carrying wolf pack, Robert De Niro’s hotel makes privacy feel refreshingly effortless. Built more than a decade ago in a cobblestone quarter of Lower Manhattan, it creates the sensation of stepping into the actor’s own salon. The lobby is hung with abstract paintings by De Niro’s late father, and beyond it more inner sanctums await: A book-filled drawing room merges into a pocket garden, where topiaries cast an Italianate charm. Each of the 88 rooms is idiosyncratically arranged with antique silk rugs, the odd vintage table, and marble bathtubs, while the Tribeca Penthouse is earthy and minimalist. But the enduring revelation is the Shibui Spa, where the lantern-lit pool glimmers under the beams of a 250-year-old Japanese farmhouse. A festive din still kicks up at Locanda Verde , which serves rustic plates of duck orecchiette, and New York fixtures such as Yoko Ono and Jay-Z go pretty much incognito, but things settle down early. The wolf pack can go elsewhere. 

The Mercer Arrow

The Mercer is practically synonymous with SoHo. The Romanesque revival building itself, built in 1890, is an icon of the neighborhood, and once inside, it's pretty much what you'd expect from a cool-yet-sophisticated downtown luxury hotel: muted colors and modern furniture; a wall of coffee table books; and guest rooms that seem outfitted by the ultra-cool furniture showrooms that inhabit the area. It all adds up to a quintessential downtown Manhattan experience. The staff at the Mercer will go to the ends of the earth to take care of any request for their guests. It's a big reason people keep coming back for repeat visits.

The William Vale Arrow

Its distinctive white criss-crossing exterior can be seen from lower Manhattan, but The William Vale, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, also makes an impression when seen up close. Each of the hotel’s 183 guest rooms has balconies, most with views looking over the East River and at the Manhattan skyline. The decor is light, airy, and of-the-moment with hardwood floors, glass-enclosed showers, patterned rugs, and succulents on the nightstand. The hotel also has its own elevated public park and retail shops, as well as a 60-foot rooftop pool, a restaurant from famed chef Andrew Carmellini, and a retrofitted Airstream trailer that serves burgers, fries, and ice cream in the warmer months. As for the hotel name, it’s an homage to William Vail, the original Brooklyn hipster, er, property owner in the 1800s.

Mandarin Oriental, New York Arrow

A cornerstone of the city’s five-star hotel scene, Mandarin Oriental’s New York City outpost is known elite service, a fantastic spa, and impressive vistas—the 75-foot lap pool overlooks the Hudson, the high-end MO Lounge boasts the Manhattan skyline as its backdrop, and the best rooms have bird’s eye views of Central Park. The rooms feel equal parts timeless in their definition of luxury—think heaping, decadent curtains for privacy, heavy black stained wooden desks, rich shades of the brand’s go-to purple—and contemporary, with modern artworks hung on the walls, shimmering structural light fixtures, and reflective metal details accenting every room. And the Mandarin Oriental’s spa is a destination in its own right. They offer standards like detox wraps and aroma stone massages, plus beauty treatments like hydradermabrasion and sculpting facials.

The New York EDITION Arrow

Understated, elegant, and reminiscent of a private club, the Edition isn't really a hipster hangout, nor is it an opulent, tricked-out palace. It expertly straddles the line of cool and sophisticated, with a predominately whitewashed interior accented with hits of warm mahogany and creams. The effect is a feeling of exclusivity. There are a lot of business travelers, given its convenient location to all parts of Manhattan. But they're the kinds of business travelers who care about their surroundings and who value great design, food, and amenities. Appreciate the restful simplicity of the white wood floors and little touches like the soft, faux-fur bed throw—If we had a U-Haul with us, we'd take the massive, beautiful walnut headboard against the bed. Plus, it's a couple hundred dollars less than the luxury mainstays you'd find further uptown, and right next to one of the city's best parks, to boot.

The Ludlow Arrow

Fitting into its Lower East Side location, the Ludlow feels just cool and just hip enough without overdoing it. There are brick walls, low leather sofas, a roaring fireplace, and plenty of good-looking people sipping wine or working away on their laptops. In other words? It perfectly represents its neighborhood. Although not as buzzy as it was when it opened in 2014, the restaurant, Dirty French, is still a hopping place during dinner and weekend brunch (get the spicy pork chop with celery remoulade).

The Peninsula New York Arrow

Opulence greets you the minute you walk through the doors set just off of Fifth Avenue, where flower arrangements and a grand staircase serve as the lobby's centerpiece. It's a formal atmosphere, but not an unwelcoming one. Huge, luxurious guest rooms, a top-notch spa, swimming pool, an excellent restaurant (Clement), and one of the best service staffs in NYC make for an exceptional experience. While the rooms and facilities are grand, it's the staff's warmth that encourages repeat visits .

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Arrow

Few things are as classically New York as the 1 Hotel's location at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge . Aside from the prime real estate, it's a thoughtfully designed, supremely attractive place to call home for as long you're a guest here. Plus, it has one of the prettiest farm-to-table restaurants in all of Brooklyn: the Osprey. You can feel even better staying here knowing that the entire hotel is sustainable and eco-friendly, using recycled materials for all furniture, LED lighting, and a gray water irrigation system. The rooftop pool has amazing views out over Manhattan and is where you'll want to be on warm days.

Park Hyatt New York Arrow

If James Bond had an apartment in New York, it would probably look a lot like one of the guest rooms here. It's all crisp, cool minimalism with contemporary furniture, stone floors, and dark wood. And even entry-level rooms clock in at 530 square feet, making them some of the biggest in the city. An entire day can be spent at the hotel's 25th-floor Spa Nalai or Rossano Ferretti Hairspa. After a treatment, you can try the eucalyptus steam room, whirlpool, and saltwater lap pool, which has to be the most beautiful in Manhattan. This is a chance to stay in one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan at the cross-section of the city; Central Park is just a block away. This is a chance to stay in one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan at the cross-section of the city; Central Park is just two blocks away.

The St. Regis New York Arrow

Even the most unaffected New Yorkers can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia when passing through the gilded revolving doors of the St. Regis, promptly greeted by a gentleman with white gloves and a smile. The sense of the city’s golden era lingers in that lobby, where shining chandeliers warm the pale walls to create a necessary calming counter to the crush of cabs and suits in Midtown Manhattan. It’s precisely the atmosphere John Jacob Astor IV sought to capture when he opened this 18-story, Beaux-Arts landmark at the turn of last century. Today, there’s more Michael Kors than mink in the King Cole Bar, though the order hasn’t changed: Ignore the lengthy cocktail list and go for a note-perfect dry Martini or a Bloody Mary, the house speciality, and fall into conversation with the bankers in from Boston sitting at the bar. For those who do stay on for another martini (or three), it’s nice to know that your suite is just an elevator ride away. It may be done up in lipstick-ruby wallpaper or blue velvet curtains and striped white walls, with classic pieces such as silk-stitched love seats and oil paintings to resemble that glamorous pied à terre everyone fantasizes about. This is a New York institution that channels the city’s glamorous past like no other, steps from the Fifth Avenue buzz.

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel Arrow

When a hotel opens in New York , it’s not uncommon for locals to barely bat an eye. This is, after all, a city crawling with them—big, small, modern, classic. It  takes an exceptional property to capture the collective consciousness, which is exactly what happened in 2016, when The Beekman opened. The landmark was built in the 1880s with a nine-story, glass-ceiling atrium, but throughout the past century, the atrium had been covered up as the building functioned as just another office. Now the glass skylight soars once again above the lobby’s Art Deco bar where New Yorkers flock to—come 6 p.m. it’s nearly impossible to find a free bar stool. The rooms all have vintage furnishings, with dark wood floors and distressed leather headboards: comfortable but not so much so that you don’t want to leave and miss out on everything happening around you. So many hotels like to say they’ve made the neighborhood, but in the case of the Beekman it’s actually true.

33 Seaport Arrow

Old World meets New York at this downtown hotel, where modern European hospitality and refined Italian fare are served in a setting that’s unmistakably NYC—complete with views of the Brooklyn Bridge . The overall look here is modern Italian elegance, and you’ll find plenty of that in the 66 well-sized rooms, from the gleaming polished teak accents and sedate color palette to the La Bottega bath products and made-in-Italy linens and furniture. All also have 55-inch 4K HD TVs with Chromecast, so you can continue your latest binge watch, and many have views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River or Financial District skyscrapers. For some private outdoor space, book one of the Premier Peck Slip King Terrace or Premier Front Street King Terrace rooms, which are located on the sixth and seventh floors and have furnished verandas.

The Pierre, A Taj Hotel Arrow

Stately and imposing, The Pierre lives up to its prime location across from Central Park on the Upper East Side. Think black-and-white marble floors, gilded moldings, and big, fresh flower arrangements. You can't help but feel important when you're here. The hotel’s Les Clefs d’Or Concierge team can create crafted itineraries with insider’s access to New York’s most sought-after attractions, and back onsite, a meal at Perrine restaurant showcases elegant, seasonally-inspired dining. Royal vibes continue in the rotunda—with its iconic murals, it’s one of the city’s most romantic rooms.

The Whitby Hotel Arrow

NYC’s second import by British brand Firmdale Hotels, is designer Kit Kemp at her playful best. She has created a place that's the antithesis of the staid, neutral-heavy luxury options in the area. It's like an English summer garden come to life in hotel form. A welcome addition to Midtown, it’s that rare find that is both family-friendly and sophisticated. A gorgeous hotel two blocks from Central Park with an excellent restaurant and afternoon tea, the Whitby is worth every cent.

The Lowell Arrow

The Lowell, on the Upper East Side, reopened in 2017 after a three-year renovation. Its 74 rooms got a refresh, but the important touches stayed the same: wood-burning fireplaces, grisaille wallpaper in the lobby, tasseled key fobs. Nowhere in the city feels quite as refined. Every room has fresh flowers, while huge marble bathrooms have separate tub and shower areas, Frette bath robes, and custom-made products from the high-end line DDC28. Unlike big luxury chains, there's a small-scale, quiet, and personalized feeling here that's worth the lack of extras (like a swimming pool or spa).

The Bowery Hotel Arrow

Walking into the lobby at The Bowery feels like stepping back into a Gothic version of the nineteenth century—or at least, a movie set from someone with a gothic vision. Dimly lit and oozing atmosphere, it's a world of crimson velvet, dark leather and wood, threadbare Oriental rugs and oil paintings. The effect is transportive to another time, but somehow still rooted in downtown NYC. The view from one of the upper floors is something you'll never get tired of, and is worth the splurge. The Bowery's in-house restaurant, Gemma, is a solid choice on warm evenings—grab an outdoor table and get ready for some of the best people-watching in NYC. After dinner, few places are better for a glass of red than the lobby lounge (its fireplace makes the atmosphere even better).

The Mark Arrow

The polished black-and-white floor that greets you in the lobby is the first sign that the Mark is no ordinary hotel experience. Contemporary light fixtures, furniture, and modern art combined effortlessly by designer Jacques Grange give the hotel a sense of cool elegance. The restaurant, by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is high-end New York all the way. The classic Upper East Side location combined with the contemporary, Art Deco–inspired design make for an unforgettable stay.

Casa Cipriani Arrow

This New York hotel is a Cipriani property, so it’s luxury to the max, but in that effortlessly chic Italian sort of way. Picture it: presidential suites featuring cashmere-covered walls by Loro Piana Interiors—that’s the sort of luxurious detail you’ll find in every nook and cranny of the guest rooms at Casa Cipriani. The sheets on the bed are from the 150-year-old luxury linen house Rivolta Carmignani based in Macherio, just outside of Milan . Prior to check-in guests can choose between Italian cotton or Italian linen. It’s hard not to fall completely under the spell of the hotel from the minute you step into your room or suite. Maybe it’s the Art Deco light fixtures or artwork on the wall. Maybe it’s the jazz playing softly in the background, or the way the setting sun hit the lacquer furniture and the shiny brass knobs. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about the guest rooms at Casa Cipriani are the private terraces. The spacious private terraces. Be sure to request a river-facing room because there’s really nothing like this view anywhere in town: Next to the hotel, you’ve got the Staten Island Ferry pulling in and out of Whitehall Terminal; that’s Governor’s Island straight ahead, and beyond that, Brooklyn. To your right, you’ve got the Statue of Liberty. But there’s also so much going on inside Casa Cipriani that no one would blame you if you spent your entire stay on the premises: the Club restaurant, the Jazz Café, the Pickering Room, the Promenade Bar, and the Living Room. On top of all that, the hotel service is attentive but not at all intrusive. They truly make you feel like you’re the most important person in the room, and who doesn’t want to feel like that for a few nights? From $800. —Lauren DeCarlo

Wythe Hotel Arrow

The Wythe Hotel defines Williamsburg style for many—a former industrial building given a hipster makeover with exposed-brick walls, factory windows, concrete floors, and plenty of reclaimed wood. The 6th floor Bar Blondeau, which serves French plates and natural wines, offers killer river views of Manhattan. The restaurant, Le Crocodile, has earned raves for its bold brasserie fare. If you're choosing to stay in Williamsburg, you probably want an industrial-chic vibe, and Wythe Hotel delivers.

Baccarat Hotel New York Arrow

No one knew what to expect when a 258-year-old French luxury brand opened its first property, Baccarat Hotel, on West 53rd—except that there had better be at least one over-the-top chandelier. The hotel did not disappoint, but what was surprising was how wonderful its opulence felt, after all that industrial, bare-bulb, and rough-hewn everything—like a return to Champagne after years of lager. Unabashed opulence is what you get as soon as you step into the lobby, where there are about 15,000 pieces of the brand's crystal throughout, including glassware and chandeliers. Arrangements of fresh red roses everywhere add a touch of color. But even though the hotel is a singular vision, it may be the little touches—like Baccarat tumblers in the bathroom—that make a stay special.

AKA Central Park Arrow

Designed for stays of a week or more, this upscale long-stay property blends the atmosphere (and some of the services) of a hotel with contemporary, condominium-style suites larger than many Manhattan pads. Your home base choices range from one-room, 300-square-foot Studios to suites with furnished outdoor space and Penthouses with useful extras like DVR-equipped TVs and a dining table that seats six; the largest options run close to 1,500-square feet. Most popular are the one- and two-bedroom suites, which have full kitchens stocked with fridges, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, cookware, tableware, and even dishwashing supplies, plus large living rooms with space to work and comfortable beds. (Studios have smaller kitchenettes, but they also come with most everything you might need.)

Freehand New York Arrow

It’s a given that young visitors to New York don’t want to blow the budget on a fancy hotel room. Better to book something that’s at least clean, comfortable, and strategically located, and spend the extra cash on that restaurant everyone has been posting about. Freehand takes this compromise and somehow manages to make it feel sexy and stylish. Rooms, including queens, kings, and bunk rooms for four, are basic—verging on dorm-like—but brightened up with artworks that sometimes snake across the walls and ceilings. Like the model that Ian Schrager engineered with Morgans Hotel in the 1980s, here it’s all about the public spaces, which the design studio Roman and Williams filled with glossy tiles, dark woods, and walls in deep turquoise, with quirky touches such as sheepskin rugs and plants in mismatched ceramic pots. Most importantly, there’s a feast of food and drink options: an outpost of award-grabbing cocktail joint Broken Shaker on the roof; a to-go counter off the lobby, an offshoot of downtown favorite breakfast spot the Smile; and two restaurants and another bar from Gabriel Stulman, of the West Village’s Bar Sardine. Freehand captures everything travelers come to New York for, under one well-designed, well-priced roof.

Andaz 5th Avenue Arrow

Serene rooms, a central location, and complimentary touches (like mini-bars) make this Andaz an easy choice in Midtown . The 184 rooms are decently sized—particularly for this part of town—and have a simple décor free of clutter. All come with a desk, walk-in showers stocked with NYC-based Fellow Barber bath products, and a fluffy all-white bed, as well as high ceilings and tall windows. Complimentary soft mini-bar items like chips and locally-sourced chocolate get replenished daily; alcohol, which includes beer from local brands like Bronx Brewery, is available for a charge. Not all rooms have notable views, but some of those that do also have step-out balconies or furnished terraces from which to look at the park or the Empire State Building. 

The Marlton Hotel Arrow

Walking into the Marlton feels like being transported to the 19th century, where there's little evidence of modern technology, and where guests and locals hang out in the dimly lit, fireplace-warmed lobby, which features lots of dark wood and antique rugs. The beauty of being here is forgetting what era you're in. Rooms are small, but beautiful, and if you feel too cramped, you're right in the middle of Greenwhich Village and all it has to offer. Hotel guests move to the top of the list at the in-house restaurant, Margaux. That's a good thing, as you'll want to try the Amish rotisserie chicken with smashed sweet potato and burnt lemon. Having a glass of wine by the fireplace in the gorgeous lobby is the perfect thing to do on chilly evenings. As is being able to take the elevator right upstairs to the room afterwards.

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown Arrow

This Four Seasons hotel occupies 24 floors of an 84-floor building (with condos making up the rest of the space). There is also a pool, spa, steam room, and 189 total rooms, including 28 suites designed by Yabu Pushelberg, who also handled interiors for the NYC hotel debut from the Equinox fitness brand. The two crown jewels are the Tribeca Suite and Royal Suite—the latter, at 2,400 square feet, has space for a dinner party and sweeping views of downtown New York. The Four Seasons Downtown's ground floor is home to the only New York City outpost of Wolfgang Puck's Cut, serving fresh fruit and upscale takes on egg sandwiches by day, and steaks by night.

Hotel Chelsea Arrow

Hotel Chelsea may not be filled with famous musicians anymore, but the rock-and-roll vibe remains. Long-term residents who have been grandfathered into their apartments in the building still float around, and most guests—usually drawn by the hotel’s history—have a knowingness to them, whether they’re in their 30s or 60s. The 158 guest rooms and suites have wood floors with the Hotel Chelsea monogram now inlaid; the sun dapples through ivory eyelet fabric on the windows; and the bathrooms are classically done with light and dark grey marble accentuated by bronze details. Animal-print chairs maintain a bit of spunk in the now bright, airy rooms, as do ornate dark wood bedside tables. Massive closets, their interiors a riot of wallpaper, make it even easier to imagine unpacking and sticking around for a while. If you visited the Chelsea back in the day, you’ll recognize the original fireplaces, stained glass windows, and those iconic wrought-iron balconies leaning over West 23rd Street, which have been restored. Rooms from $199. —Megan Spurrell

Pendry Manhattan West Arrow

Pendry Manhattan West aims to bring a West Coast vibe to Midtown Manhattan, with 30 sprawling suites (all with floor-to-ceiling windows) and 164 guest rooms, modern furnishings, abundant greenery, and warm recessed lighting in both the rooms and common areas. The resulting crowd is mostly cool creatives looking for a place to hole up, whom you’ll spot posted up on laptops in the lounges during the day, and beelining to the ground-floor Bar Pendry for an innovative cocktail with friends in the evenings. Arrive with plenty of busy days planned out in the Manhattan West development , knowing you’ll have a calm space to recharge at night—complete with soft slippers and bedside macarons via turndown. Rooms from $695. —Shannon McMahon

Nine Orchard Arrow

Ask any in-the-know New Yorker for their favorite neighborhood, and chances are the Lower East Side will be it. The place teems with urban cool. Tattoo parlors on every corner. Low-key restaurants where the plates rival those in SoHo, but the crowd is a blend of skaters, designers, and musicians. When Nine Orchard opened June 2022 on a historic corner in the neighborhood, it brought with it a degree of sophistication seldom celebrated here. There are the historical bones, for one, located inside an old, grand bank, with an airy lobby bar humming under old vaulted ceilings that rival those up at Grand Central . A superstar food pairing in the way of Ignacio Mattos, one of the city’s hottest chefs, means classic dishes like steak au poivre and frites are exceptional at the attached Corner Bar (the tables are lovely with their minimal settings but the pick of seats is one of the 40 stools at the wraparound bar). With a full belly, you’ll happily plunk down into one of the property’s 113 guest rooms with simple wood bed tables and hand-carved chairs that feel like a groovy space to tune into the custom radio stations created for the hotel by DJ Stretch Armstrong and Devon Turnbull, New York-based DJ and producer who focus on New York inspired music on all four of the in-hotel stations. Whatever station you choose, this landmark hotel offers locals and visitors alike a sense of being grounded in a place, and pays homage to the neighborhood and its city as one of the very best in the world. Rooms from $525. —Lara Kramer

Ace Hotel Brooklyn Arrow

The lobby in any Ace hotel is the place to be, and its Brooklyn outpost is no different. There are public workspaces galore—including a library-style table, a plant-filled garden, and a moody bar area with cozy seating—and plenty of guests, locals, and staff making use of them all. Many of the hallmarks of Ace decor are present in the 287 rooms: plywood furniture that offers both form and function, local art, and pops of color (in this case, a deep green). But the room design also leans into the industrial building’s architecture, with exposed concrete and warehouse windows.

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The best hotels in New York City

New York is brimming with places to bed down, so deciding where to stay can be overwhelming. Whether your vibe is Scandi simplicity, old world charm or loft living, we’ve done the hard yards for you and curated our pick of the best for every type of traveller. Consider your next trip across the Atlantic sorted.

Best for the detail-obsessed: Nine Orchard

Where? Lower East Side

When Nine Orchard opened in 2022, it set a new bar for cool design hotels in downtown Manhattan. Sure, this neighbourhood has a few much-loved spots to bed down at (and don’t get us wrong, we love them) but this brilliantly crafted and carefully preserved Beaux-Arts crash pad is one you’ll want to return to time after time. In the former Jarmulowsky Bank, historic features have been left to shine. The marble-carved ceiling in The Swan Bar nods to Grand Central Station, a Neoclassical domed tempietto on the roof (be sure to check out the views), the teal tiled mantlepiece and abstract Gucci wallpaper. Instead of working with a designer, the owners decided to collaborate with fellow New York creatives. The rooms have relatively simple decor and feature a custom Ojas sound system with four New York-style stations to blast all day. The mini bar — often an overlooked detail, but not here — was put together by food shop Dimes Market just down the road, while books and cookies left on the pillows at turndown come from local shops too. Downstairs, regulars flock to Corner Bar for towers of pancakes and club sandwiches on the weekend. On a Thursday night, you’ll be remiss to leave it too late to get a table at the marble bar in the former banking hall.

Rooms from £370, nineorchard.com

Best for splashing out: The Aman

Where? Midtown

This is the first city opening in the US from Aman, the lifestyle brand associated with super smart spas, exceptional service and no detail spared in design or craft. Now, it has managed to take the crown for the most expensive hotel in Manhattan, a bold move, but it has been pulled off with charm. There’s no sweeping lobby here, rather, an atmospherically lit entrance with two elevators that take you high up to the 14th floor. Staff seem to slip out from every hallway, there to help point you to your room, the inanely slick spa or high-tech gym (helpful as the signage is slightly lack and it can be hard to know where to go). But, once you get to where you’re going, you won’t want to leave. Rooms are enormous, with beds that melt and tubs that call your name. Where to eat? Two excellent spots that keep up with the pace of New York’s food scene. We loved Nama, a Washoku-focussed restaurant where adventurous folk come to nab one of the few seats at the hinoki wood bar for omakase. Sushi, sashimi and more intricate plates of savoury mochi are must-tries, as is the matcha tiramisu. In a neighborhood that can feel pretty dead after 5pm (don’t skip on shopping down 5th Avenue though), this is a big, zen-like exhale from the chaos, especially when you can while away hours in the oh-so cool jazz club.

Suites from £3,000, aman.com

Best for Parissiene style: Hotel Fouquet's New York

Where? Tribeca

France’s famed Groupe Barriere has brought its pretty pastels and bistro kitchen to New York. And while this happens to be its first stateside spot, it fits in seamlessly with the swing of the city, especially with a strong look and feel from UK-based interior designer Martin Brudnizki. The 101 rooms and suites are filled with Art Deco style furniture, gold bathrooms, two-tone marble and patterned sofas. Hospitality is as friendly and quick-paced as you might expect from a smart hotel in New York. Spot supremely elegant Francophiles, creative locals and designers in the brasserie or on the terrace, à la Le Marais, sipping pale wines and feasting on shrimp cocktail or escargot, serving as proof of the brand’s ability to blend the spirit of two cities.

Rooms from £503, hotelsbarriere.com

Best for city views: The Ludlow

Towering above the top restaurants and boutiques that have infiltrated the former tenement district, The Ludlow is a hip hotel in New York’s Lower East Side. Just around the corner from Katz Deli (of When Harry Met Sally fame) and a 10-minute walk from Chinatown, the location is ideal for exploring. Yet, the Dirty French bistro and the garden bar on the ground floor may just entice you to stay — as will the rooms with insanely good views across the city. Be sure to head to the rooftop to watch the sunset as the city turns on its twinkling lights.

Rooms from £256, ludlowhotel.com

Best for art lovers: The Whitby

The second New York City outpost for London-based Firmdale Hotels (Crosby Street Hotel was the first), The Whitby is a 10-minute walk from Central Park and just steps away from Fifth Avenue. Location aside, Kit Kemp’s knack for creating vibrant and warm hotels is instantly apparent here, with artworks and sculptures lining the reception and rooms filled with eclectic pieces. If your budget allows, opt for the penthouse for killer views and a large terrace surrounded by the city’s tallest skyscrapers.

Rooms from £573 per night, firmdalehotels.com

Best for ultimate luxury: The Mark

Where? Upper East Side

Self-described as New York’s most ‘boldly lavish’ hotel, The Mark is famously where the Meghan Markle held her baby shower. It’s a royal favourite for a reason: the rooms are grand and the views of the Upper East Side rooftops are plentiful. Expect opulence and old-world glamour as soon as you step in the lobby and The Mark — Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s French-American restaurant of the same name — is great for dinner but shines at breakfast with its riff on the American classics. You can even opt for a ‘lunch to go’ created by the famed chef and take it to Central Park on one of The Mark’s signature bicycles.

Rooms from £496, themarkhotel.com

Best for design: 1 Brooklyn Bridge

Where? Brooklyn

You can’t get much more ‘‘New York’ than walking across Brooklyn Bridge, but now you can add a stay a stone’s throw from the iconic bridge to your Big Apple hit list too. Offering scenes of the Manhattan skyline, 1 Brooklyn Bridge is in Dumbo, that teeny tiny pocket of sleek apartments and done-up warehouses near Brooklyn Bridge Park — making it a prime spot for exploring. Inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows and décor with a distinct Scandi vibe — a Bamford Haybarn Spa is hidden downstairs as well. If you can, try to book the Corner Suite with the hammock overlooking the city — it’s an ideal place to pause and watch the candy colours skies come evening time.

Read our full review of 1 Brooklyn Bridge here.

Rooms from £315, 1hotels.com

Best icon: The Plaza

A New York City institution, The Plaza rises above the corner of Central Park and Fifth Avenue — with Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman and the Pulitzer Fountain right on your doorstep. The marble-laden lobby is the first hint of something spectacular, as all of the 282 rooms offer crisp linen, spa-like baths and room for sprawling — you can even opt to stay in the Betsey Johnson-designed Eloise Suite with its vibrant pink walls and neon lights. Downstairs, slip into the Palm Court for a pastrami hash and eggs for breakfast.

R ooms from £699, theplazany.com

Best rooftop restaurant: The Hoxton

Where? Williamsburg

The first stateside outpost for Hoxton hotels (it was closely followed by Portland, Oregon and Chicago), The Hoxton in Williamsburg is neatly positioned on busy Wythe Avenue. The pastel-hued lobby was designed by Ennismore Design Studio in collaboration with Soho House and serves up seriously strong looks. There are three restaurants, with the open-air Laser Wolf restaurant on the rooftop offering views across the Manhattan and Brooklyn horizon — expect it to be busy in summer with guests sipping cocktails and munching on lamb kofte. Rooms come in matchbox-sized to nice and lofty, all with king-size beds and big landscape windows.

Read our full review of The Hoxton, Williamsburg here.

Rooms from £118, thehoxton.com

Best for Scandi-lovers: MADE Hotel

Where? NoMad

Tucked away behind the Empire State Building, you’ll find MADE — the hotel of minimalist’s dreams. The Scandi design of the 108-room hotel comes from LA-based Studio Mai, and the result is muted tones, sharp edges and fixtures draped in handmade fabrics. Debajo, MADE’s in-house restaurant serves up flavourful tapas, while locals will flock to the Lobby Bar, coffee shop Paper and upstairs to rooftop bar Good Behaviour to quench their thirst.

Read our full review of MADE hotel here.

Rooms from £173, madehotels.com

Best for minimalism: New York Edition

Spread over a cool corner on the east side of Madison Square Park, the New York Edition is really right in the thick of it. Housed in one of Manhattan’s original skyscrapers, a 41-storey clock tower, this is the fourth of Ian Schrager’s Edition hotels. Here, the Studio 54 founder has designed a hotel with a minimalist palette, except for the occasional royal blue accents and inclusion of rooms that feel more like oppulent residences. The Michelin-star restaurant The Clocktower is often filled with regulars who come back for the wonderfully rich plates that nod to British contemporary cooking.

Read our full review of The New York Edition hotel here.

Rooms from £339, editionhotels.com

Best for sustainable eating: 1 Hotel Central Park

As the name suggests, 1 Hotel Central Park is located a two-minute walk away from the famed Manhattan landmark, on the corner of Sixth Avenue and W 58th Street. Designed using reclaimed materials, the hotel draws on the park for exterior influences with its foliage-covered walls and interiors filled with natural furnishings. The rooms follow the nature-inspired design theme as well, with some offering sweet window nooks and others views over the leafy park. The farm-to-fork ethos is upheld at Jams, with seasonal menus curated by Chef Jonathan Waxman. The hotel also has a Lobby Farmstand that allows guests and locals to forage for seasonal ingredients.

Rooms from £562, April to June, 1hotels.com

Best for Midtown exploring: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

Where? Greenwich Village

An easy walk to both Union Square Park and Washington Square Park, and primed for getting under-the-skin of the much-loved Greenwich Village, Walker Hotel Greenwich Village is a pretty hotel that puts a big emphasis on design. Channeling old-school glamour, the Art Deco interiors see antique mirrored glass, walnut fixings and a chunky white marble splashed about the hotel. Downstairs, the Society Café sources its meat and fish from the Union Square Green Market and dishes up a great list of local wines from 5pm on. Rooms on the higher floors offer dreamy glimpses of the the village too, so ask for the highest floor you can get.

Read our full review of the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village here.

Rooms from £243, walkerhotel.com

Best for elegance: The Lowell

One of New York City’s grand dames, The Lowell’s tonal pink façade is just the beginning of what this uptown spot has to offer. It’s a short stroll from the wonders of Central Park and has been such a long-standing love for many Upper East Siders it’s come to define timeless elegance in the city since its opening in 1927. All 47 suites and 27 bedrooms feel homely and come complete with shiny white marble bathrooms. During your stay, be sure to check out Majorelle which was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle gardens in Marrakech.

Read our full review of The Lowell here.

Rooms from £880, lowellhotel.com

Best for Fifth Avenue shopping: The Peninsula

On the corner of Fifth Avenue and W 55th Street, The Peninsula towers above the crowds getting their steps in up and down one of the best shopping streets in the world. MoMa, Central Park and Times Square are all a few blocks away. Upstairs, rooms are quiet (those firetruck sirens a mere murmur down below), with TVs in the bathroom for when you need a break from the pace of the city. The spa is worth splashing about in — the hotel even has an indoor pool to soothe those pavement-pounding legs in. At the weekends, Clement Restaurant is packed with diners hungry for bold brunch plates — the truffle egg omelet and Catskills smoked salmon are top hits. Be sure to head to the roof to visit Salon De Ning if you’re there during the summer.

Read our full review of The Peninsula here.

Rooms from £717, newyork.peninsula.com

Best boutique hotel: The Bowery Hotel

Where? Bowery

Wedged between Nolita and NoHo, the Bowery district seamlessly blends Lower East Side cool with the madness of Midtown. The Bowery Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in the city, with its art deco-esque bar, Moroccan-style rugs and colourful tiling. Light floods into the rooms thanks to the floor-to-ceiling, factory-style windows, and there are distinct Seventies influences in both colour and design, which have been stylishly modernised. Downstairs, you’ll find Gemma, the Italian Trattoria run by Chef Andrea Taormina which pairs seasonal cuisine with an extensive wine lest. This bolthole is one of the city’s hidden gems.

Rooms from £398 theboweryhotel.com

Best for escaping the Wall Street workers: The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

You’ll find The Beekman downtown in trendy Tribeca, just a few blocks from Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and the 9/11 Memorial. Owned by New York-based Thompson Hotels, the building was built in 1883 but the hotel only opened in 2016, which means you’ll find modern and moody interiors, including fringed lamps, velvet ottomans and teal-hued bar stools. The buzzy Temple Court restaurant offers both a tasting menu and an a la carte menu based on classic American cuisine but if you prefer French food, head to Augustine for a Brasserie-style experience. The Alley Cat is an intimate bar hidden in the cellar and The Bar Room offers bespoke cocktails — it’s very popular with locals.

Read our full review of The Beekman here.

Rooms from £562 in high season, thebeekman.com

Best for Manhattan views: Wythe Hotel

Self-described as ‘the original Williamsburg hotel’, Wythe Hotel has been a Brooklyn institution since it opened in 2012 — just as hipsters started to infiltrate the now trendy borough. In a 117-year-old factory building, many of the hotel’s 70 rooms offer stunning views over Manhattan with their floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms are deliciously minimal, with heated concrete floors, locally made furniture (including custom beds made from the building’s reclaimed ceiling pine) and boast lofty ceilings. On the roof, you’ll find Bar Blondeau — a French-style bar serving up some subtle seafood small plates alongside a zingy natural wine list.

Read our full review of The Wythe here.

Rooms from £276, wythehotel.com

Best for millennials: Public Hotel

Located in the vibey Lower East Side of Manhattan, the 367-room Public Hotel is a tech-loving millennial haven. Rooms have 10 USB points so you will never have to decide whose phone is in more desperate need of a charge and self check-in and keys for rooms are available on guests’ smartphones. Floor-to-ceiling windows are mainstays in the light-filled rooms which offer stunning views across the city. Nearby, you’ll find some of the best noodles in the city at Ivan Ramen on Clinton Street and pastrami delights at Katz Deli around the corner.

Read our full review of Public Hotel here.

Rooms from £150, publichotels.com

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25 of Our Readers’ Favorite New York City Restaurants

We asked, you answered: Here are the restaurants our dining-obsessed readers would rank the best in the city.

The Grand Central Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal is popular with readers. Credit... Benjamin Norman for The New York Times

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By Nikita Richardson

Nikita Richardson, an editor for Food, writes the “ Where to Eat: New York City ” newsletter.

• Published April 11, 2024 Updated April 12, 2024

Last week, we shared Pete Wells’s revised list of the 100 best restaurants in New York City . Our restaurant-loving readers had notes, to the tune of more than 600 comments. So we gave them another chance to tell us all about their favorite restaurants, and received nearly 900 responses — many effusive in their praise. (Side note: Have you all considered becoming food writers?)

Many readers aligned with Pete: Some agreed that there’s no restaurant quite like Le Bernardin (No. 3), and Gramercy Tavern (No. 33) remains a perennial favorite 30 years later. Some felt strongly that Shukette (No. 71) and M. Wells (No. 83) deserved a higher ranking. But by and large, readers suggested restaurants that may not be on critics’ lists, but remain deeply special to them. Below are 25 of our favorite submissions, which have been edited and condensed.

Memories of Past Meals

Gennaro , Upper West Side

I feel like I’m eating in Italy circa 1975 every time I go to Gennaro. The fava bean salad is tangy; the homemade pasta con le Sarde whisks me to Sicily; and calves liver? Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh, and did I mention that you can hear yourself talk?

— Maria Lissandrello, Upper East Side

A&A Bake & Doubles Shop, Bedford-Stuyvesant

When I lived in Bed-Stuy in the 2010s, I would line up there early, because the star attraction was sold out by 9 a.m. That would be the doubles — sublime, every time. The baras are more chewy than crisp, but that’s all the better to hold the channa, which is beautifully soft and slightly sloppy (a good thing!). Then there’s the pepper sauce. It’s the perfect topping, fiery and sweet. Food apart, there’s also the community that somehow forms when Indo-Carribbean aunties and uncles, students, bipsters, hipsters and whoever else has found their way to Bed-Stuy and A&A. They jostle, sigh and yet wait patiently until one of the servers says, “What you gettin’, darlin’?”

— Bix Gabriel, Jackson Heights

Kashkar Cafe , Brighton Beach

As a broke and overworked line cook in my 20s, I used to ride the Q train to Brighton Beach on days off. I prided myself on being a cook with abilities and a work ethic that could stand up to the city’s best — but the food at Kashkar was different. It was Uzbek-Uyghur, and at the time I had no idea what that meant. Lamb plov, dumpling soup, a simple eggplant salad — if I made them 100 times over, they’d never be as soulful.

— Peter Zinn, Portland, Maine

Premium Sweets and Restaurant, Jackson Heights

Between Covid and archaic immigration policies, I’ve been unable to go home to Bangladesh for years. Home is my family, my friends and the food. Try as I may to replicate most of the flavors, some dishes are out of the purview of my studio home kitchen. Whether it be a simple paratha and aloo bhaji, or an intricate, adroitly made kacchi biryani, Premium has it all. A warm meal, made with the love I grew up with, served in a language that helps me break causality and be home for a good hour and back.

— A. Nafis Arafat, Upper East Side

The Neighborhood Staples

The Freakin’ Rican , Astoria

It’s not only the food that makes this place so remarkable , it’s the community it brings and its ability to turn pork chops and white rice into a delicious trip down memory lane. The chef is top-notch and dedicated to perfecting his craft, a homage to Puerto Rican food, but is also personable and treats everyone eating like family.

— Marisol Salaman, Astoria

Mama Yoshi Mini Mart , Ridgewood

This is the only favorite restaurant I have ever had because it has opened me up to comfort food that I never knew I couldn’t live without. Everyone loves the chicken katsu sandwiches — a crispy chicken cutlet bigger than a human head on a comparably tiny bun — and the Spam breakfast burritos, but their grab-and-go section is my favorite in the city. It’s stocked with baskets of affordable food like fresh onigiri, macaroni salad with the correct amount of mayo, housemade pickles and more.

— Lu Levin, Ridgewood

Alison , East Harlem

A sweet neighborhood spot with an extensive wine list and diverse menu. The kofta lamb kebab with feta and avocado spread is not to be missed. I’ve been 100 times and would go 100 more.

— Kate Bernardoni, Upper East Side

Jake’s Steakhouse , Fieldston

The crown jewel is any steak, but with Jake’s Style, the blue cheese just melts in your mouth. The sides taste doubly amazing, specifically the creamed spinach and croquettes. To add the cherry on top, they have the best homemade steak sauce and even sell their neighbor Lloyd’s famous carrot cake.

— Daisy Nuñez, Soundview

G’s Coffee Shop, Inwood

This small diner and lotto shop in Inwood actually seems interested not only in the food, but in the people it serves, too. I have never seen a neighborhood more devoted to — and defined by — one single restaurant than this.

— Benjamin VanWagoner, Inwood

Q Rico Restaurant, South Bronx

A Michelin experience for blue-collar prices. We left satiated with admiration and respect. A meal my young kids will remember. The cassava dish was fantastic.

— Risa Sibbit, Grand Concourse historic district

Menus That Truly Stand Out

Sabry’s Seafood , Astoria

Fresh fish and a lively assortment based on what’s in the fish market that day. The most amazing pita bread baked on the premises with eggplant, hummus and tahini, unparalleled as appetizers. Watch that bread as it becomes addictive! Sardines, smelts, ask for a preparation customized to you and you will get it. The staff is lovely and friendly, and Sabry is there in the open kitchen. Have traditional Egyptian tea with mint to finish an amazing meal!

— Nancy ElNaggar, Forest Hills

Archer & Goat , Central Harlem

The unique fusion of flavors from Latin America and Southeast Asia set the restaurant apart. Who doesn’t love an arepa topped with chicken vindaloo? Looking forward to a summer evening in their back patio with the string lights, a fancy mezcal cocktail and some Pirulo playing.

— Anderson de Andrade, Harlem

HAGS , East Village

Telly Justice and Camille Lindsley have one of the most creative and queer restaurant spaces New York City has ever seen. HAGS brings in queer chefs, artists and workers to learn the trade, and they are given free rein to experiment, create and shine. The seasonal tasting menu by Chef Telly is unlike anything I have ever tasted. Who knew tempeh could be so grand? They also provide a weekly pay-what-you-can meal. Imagine Eleven Madison Park vibes in cardboard containers.

— Michael Fellows, Downtown Brooklyn

Win Son , Williamsburg

I don’t plan to wind up on death row, but if I ever have to choose a final meal, the last thing I ever eat would be the tián miàntuán (with peanuts and cilantro, of course).

— Benjamin Schindel, Baltimore

The Repeat Customers

Inga’s Bar , Brooklyn Heights

Since it opened , we’ve celebrated everything there — from birthdays to New Year’s Eve, and it hits no matter the occasion or non-occasion. The burger, the monkfish and everything in between. It’s exactly the right balance between fancy and comfortable.

— Jane Merrill, Clinton Hill

Frankies Spuntino , Carroll Gardens

There is no better meal in New York City than the fennel salad, followed by the sausage and cavatelli, then the prunes and mascarpone for dessert with cocktails, wine or coffee along the way.

— Brie Ashley, Bay Ridge

Sofreh , Prospect Heights

I have been to Sofreh five times and have never had a single bite that I wasn’t obsessed with. Chef Nasim is usually walking around making conversation, which adds to the inviting feel. The perfect restaurant in my opinion.

— Kayla Wadwa-Hansel, Prospect Lefferts Gardens

The (Relatively) Well-Kept Secrets

Fuska House Food Cart , Jackson Heights

This food cart is so fire. I had never had Bengali food before my friend introduced me to this spot. On a busy street in Jackson Heights a line of food trucks all sell the same dish : fuchka pani puri , a crispy spherical shell filled with chickpeas, potato, onions, egg and a variety of delicious Bengali spices. It’s crispy, $7 for a tray of 7 and comes with a cup of tamarind sauce for dipping. The cart also sells cups of hot chai, which is a perfect beverage for this street food delight.

— Halley Gerber, Flatbush

Cheburechnaya , Rego Park

This restaurant showcases the breadth and diversity of Bukharan Jewish food with its Silk Route influences in a lively, no-frills setting. Rich soups, flaky cheburek pastries and skewered meats arrive fresh off the grill — and it’s all kosher. Many large parties come for celebrations and since it’s B.Y.O.B., it’s fun to watch the bottles of vodka pile up on the celebrants’ tables.

— Joshua Waxman, Glen Rock, N.J.

Tia Pol , Chelsea

I’ve never seen this hidden gem on any buzzy restaurant lists, but it is such an authentic, wonderful slice of Spanish cuisine in West Chelsea. Every plate — despite mostly standard tapas fare — is elevated thanks to the quality of the ingredients. The space makes you feel as if you’d been transported to another time and place. Which is what New York City dining is all about, right?

— Rachel Jablon, Upper East Side

Paul’s da Burger Joint , East Village

I have never brought anyone, from anywhere in the world, to Paul’s without them being astonished by how great the burger is or the gritty old-school New York City vibe of the place. It’s the kind of New York “dive” real New Yorkers wax nostalgic about when they talk about places that don’t exist anymore. Except it does. And it’s awesome.

— Deanna Wallach, Bedford-Stuyvesant

They’re Classics for a Reason

Raoul’s , SoHo

The only place I order steak. The best dirty martini. Love the bartenders and Eddie at the door. If I return from summer and I’m bummed to be back in the grind, I go to Raoul’s and I’m back!

— Erin Crandall Phillips, West Village

Cafe Luxembourg , Upper West Side

Cafe Luxembourg is the crown jewel of the Upper West Side. This neighborhood has seen dozens of food and drink establishments come and go in the 25 years I have lived here. Despite the challenges the city has faced — Sept. 11, the 2008 financial crisis, Covid— Cafe Lux has remained a beacon of excellent dining. This is how you run a restaurant. It is my happy place.

— Bruce Weinstein, Upper West Side

Grand Central Oyster Bar , Midtown Manhattan

There’s a comfortable spot for everyone who comes through the classic doorway. My father would stop for a cup of oyster chowder before commuting home to Scarsdale in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Now my husband and I go there to meet friends, celebrate and take in the historic setting.

— Barbara Potter, Upper West Side

La Bonbonniere , West Village

This is a classic New York City diner. So greasy. So good. They once kept a bottle of real maple syrup in their fridge for us even though we only came around once a week.

— Kevin Hertzog, Guilford, N.Y.

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Nikita Richardson is an editor in the Food section of The Times. More about Nikita Richardson

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant Included

Here's where to eat, stay, and explore in Montreal, according to a local.

Best Hotels

• Best Things to Do

Best Places to Eat

Best nightlife, best shopping, best neighborhoods to visit, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

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Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais , are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of their favorite cities in Canada in 2023 .

The sophisticated, French-speaking (yet very bilingual), culturally diverse city lays claim to world-class restaurants, lovely parks, superb art galleries and museums, a dynamic music scene, inspiring 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

It can also be a lot of fun in the winter , when locals like to get out and celebrate the cold and snow, even extending the revelry at outdoor festivals and concerts at night.

Thom Seivewright, a Montreal expert and former hotel concierge, launched his small-group tour company, Tours Montreal , in the Canadian city in 2016. “Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size,” he says. “There’s obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.”

There’s a big emphasis on food , too. Montrealers love their bagels, cheeses, poutine, and maple syrup, and they’re loyal to their chef-owned restaurants. “It’s a little gem of a city that has world-class dining — and world-class junk food,” says Seivewright. 

Long known for its exuberant after-dark scene, Montreal has it all, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, jazz bars to pulsating dance clubs. The city is even planning to create a 24-hour nightlife district .

Here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The fashionable, Parisian-style brasserie and rooftop terrace at Hôtel Le Place d’Armes, a boutique luxury property overlooking Place d’Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also responsible for New York City’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal is an oasis of greenery in the city center.
• Mon Lapin, a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy serving natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small plates, was voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 . 
• Bar Furco’s lovely terrace becomes lively in the summer during Montreal’s ritual cinq à sept (happy hour).
• Saint Laurent Boulevard, a.k.a. the Main, is a good place to get a glimpse of Montreal’s 19th- and 20th-century immigrant history. It's also the historical dividing line between French and English in the city.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan , located in the heart of Old Montreal, was T+L readers' favorite city hotel in Canada in 2023 . Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront. Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Another T+L reader favorite, Hôtel Place d’Armes is housed in four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica. The property is highly rated for its tasteful rooms featuring hardwood floors and brick walls, swanky French brasserie , and popular rooftop terrace. 

Hôtel Uville

One of the city’s newer hotels, opened in 2020, Hôtel Uville got its name thanks to its location in Old Montreal’s Place d’Youville. Uville is part design hotel, part museum — a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and '70s. This was transformative period, a time when francophone Quebecers were turning away from the Catholic church and leading the charge in North America vis-à-vis cuisine, style, and design — the culmination of which were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics.

“This hotel is very cool,” says Seivewright. “They did a great job. The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing. They’ve got archival photos and artifacts from the '60s and '70s in each of the rooms, and documentary films from the National Film Board that you can watch on your room’s TV.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Montreal’s grande-dame hotel, the Ritz-Carlton , opened in 1912 in the city's Golden Square Mile. In addition to housing chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud , the refined property offers afternoon tea in the ornate Palm Court and seasonal garden terrace, Spa St. James, and an indoor saltwater pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Located in Golden Square Mile since 2019, the posh  Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is connected via a third-floor walkway to the luxury department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy . The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator.

Best Things to Do 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Parc du Mont-Royal

What Central Park is to New Yorkers and Hyde Park to Londoners, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Mount Royal Park, is to Montrealers. At 764 feet high, Mount Royal may not be much of a mountain, but the park is, as Seivewritght says, “the heart and soul of the city.” He adds, “The fact that Montreal is a four-season city and Mount Royal is a four-season park makes it even better because you’ve got skiing, skating, and tobogganing in the wintertime. And in the summer, you can go biking and walking.” You can also go for a picnic and rent a rowboat or Mölkky or spikeball equipment at Beaver Lake. 

Old Montreal

With its graystone buildings and narrow streets, Old Montreal can sometimes feel like a slice of Europe in North America. Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here. Not only will you find the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica , the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel , the Second Empire-style City Hall, and the neoclassic Marché Bonsecours , but it’s also home to pretty boutique hotels, haute-couture shops, and chef-owned restaurants.

Pointe-à-Callière

A national archaeological site, Pointe-à-Callière , now an impressive archaeology and history museum, sits above the ruins of the birthplace of Montreal. “The Pointe-à-Callière museum is amazing,” says Seivewright. “They’ll take you underground to see the ruins of the original fortifications of Montreal, the original city the French built here in the 1600s.” Visitors can also see Indigenous artifacts uncovered during a dig and part of North America’s first collector sewer, built between 1832 and 1838.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Gallery

Opened in Montreal in an 80,000-square-foot building in 2011, Arsenal Contemporary Art has since expanded to include locations in Toronto and New York City. “Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town. These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal. It has an amazing [selection] in its permanent collection, but it also puts on temporary exhibits that are just mind-blowing,” says Seivewright.

Montreal is a city of festivals, with everything from jazz (the city hosts the world’s largest jazz festival) to Pride to circus arts celebrated here. There’s even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called the Quartier des Spectacles . While there are festivals year-round , May to September is the city’s busiest period.

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La Banquise

One of Quebec's most beloved foods is poutine, traditionally a mess (translation of "poutine") of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But poutine continues to get more upscale. A veritable institution since 1968, La Banquise doesn’t claim to be high-end, but the casual eatery serves 35 kinds of poutine and it’s open 24 hours. “La Banquise is a classic. I’m [vegetarian], and in my opinion, the veggie gravies are even more delicious,” says Seivewright. “A lot of people knock La Banquise because it’s popular, but I stand by it.”

Montreal Plaza

The design at Montreal Plaza is elegant and stylish, yet also notable for its eccentric touches like a dollhouse hanging upside down from the ceiling and Elmo sitting on the bar. Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs. Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crête and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way. “This is my favorite place,” says Seivewright. “It’s not the just the way the food is prepared or what it is, but the whimsical, creative way it’s presented.”

Sushi Momo , from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreal’s best vegan sushi restaurant. The sleek, dimly lit, botanically adorned space in the Plateau area is inviting, while the artfully plated confections are a feast for the eyes and the fusion of flavors a song for the taste buds.

Nora Gray , a lively, casual restaurant in Griffintown, is known for its southern Italian cuisine, updated cucina povera , and privately imported natural and organic wines. The dark wood, banquettes, long bar, and warm candlelight lend the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and club-like feel. 

Dominique Lafond

Voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 , Mon Lapin is a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy. It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.

Henryk Sadura/Getty Images

Cloakroom Bar

The 25-seat Cloakroom Bar , with a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere, was named Canada’s second-best bar in 2023 . “It’s one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world,” says Seivewright. “It’s hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler. It’s very exclusive feeling. You tell them, 'I like gin, I like citrus,' and they’ll create something for you. If you’re three people and you all like the same thing, they’ll create three different drinks.”

Situated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Diese Onze is an intimate jazz bar that also serves tapas and mains. “I’m a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze,” says Seivewright. “It’s a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.”

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

A Montreal institution since 1995, Upstairs is, funnily enough, located in a basement. It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 

Established in 1997, this European-style pub between the Quartier des Spectacles and student-heavy Quartier Latin is quite cozy inside, but it’s the enclosed, leafy terrace at the back that draws people here come summer. The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Élisabeth is about the ambience. 

The minimalist redesign of the Canadian Fur Company building (hence Furco ), located on a downtown back street, is a big draw for wine lovers and the happy hour crowd. It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.

Maison Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre 's Montreal-made, ready-to-wear pieces marry timeless feminine styles with contemporary flair and function.

Entering this handsome Crescent Street atelier-cum-boutique near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is like stepping into an old-school European tailor shop. Started by their father, Arthur Der Shahinian, sons Tavit and John carry on the tradition of crafting impeccably fitted and designed bespoke men’s suits and shirts, with damask silk lining and hand-sewn button holes, never compromising on quality or friendly, professional service.

Simons is originally from Quebec City, but it’s popular in cities across Canada. The small, mid-range department store downtown carries popular fashion brands as well as its own collections, in addition to homewares. “I’m a big fan of Simons,” says Seivewright. “I buy half my clothes there. The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that it’s a local brand.”

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

Montreal’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a one-stop shop for all things luxury, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Clients can also enjoy a personal shopping experience in one of the five fifth-floor suites or the glamorous art-deco Café Holt, with its remarkable solar-like orb set above the central bar.

Saint Laurent Boulevard

“Saint Laurent [Boulevard], between Saint Joseph Boulevard and up to Van Horne Avenue, has the best boutique design shopping nowadays,” says Seivewright. “You could go all the way up to Little Italy and it’s still amazing. I was walking there the other day and every single window I walked by made me want to go in. There are furniture shops, clothing shops, and jewelry shops — some of it is new, some of it is vintage, and it’s all local.”

Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri, once a francophone working-class neighborhood, is now gentrified, replete with popular, chef-owned wine bars and restaurants, antiques shops, cafes, and boutiques. Still, it retains pockets of its former self. “I love it because it has parts that haven’t changed in a hundred years and others that make it the most modern neighborhood in Montreal,” says Seivewright. “It’s got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll have a multimillion-dollar home next to a really rundown place, and you see that contrast. Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English. You've got old people, young people — it’s a neighborhood where everything mixes.”

Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End

Once relegated to working-class European immigrants, the Plateau/Mile End area is the epicenter of Montreal’s creativity and bohemian joie de vivre. Leafy streets lined with triplexes fronted by balconies and steep, often-winding, wrought-iron staircases invite visitors to explore this neighborhood bursting with convivial cafes, top-drawer restaurants , funky vintage shops, and trendy boutiques.

For a glimpse into how the upper crust of Montreal lived until the 1970s and '80s, head to the neighborhood of Outremont. Its two main shopping and dining strips are Bernard Ouest and Laurier Ouest avenues — part of the former turns into a pedestrian-only area come summer, with restaurant terraces sitting directly on the street.

Montreal is a four-season city. Late April to mid-May tends to be best for blooming trees, while October to early November is usually prime for leaf peeping. The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare. For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal. Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May. Visit in May, June, or late August through September and October to avoid the worst of the summer temperatures and crowds.

Chris Jongkind/Getty Images

Montreal can be reached via regular flights with Air Canada, Delta, American, and United. Flying from New York’s LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, better known as Dorval (YUL), takes about 90 minutes gate to gate. Driving may be cheaper, but it takes about seven hours, and unless you’re planning to pay for hotel parking, parking in Montreal can be a hassle. For travelers living in New York or Vermont, a more scenic and leisurely option (10 hours) is Amtrak’s Adirondack train from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station).

Patrick Donovan/Getty Images

In summer, the best way to get around is on foot or by Bixi, the city-wide bicycle rental system. In 2023, Bixi decided to end the storage of their bicycles during the winter, so they are now available year-round. However, there are not as many stations as in summer. The metro (subway) is fairly reliable and frequent during rush hour — and often the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not. An Opus card can be purchased with several fares added, if you’re planning on using the metro and/or buses often. Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.