The ultimate New York City travel guide
Everything you need to know about the Big Apple
Are you ready to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world? New York City is an incredible destination, filled with endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this city has something to offer everyone.
In this ultimate travel guide to New York City, we will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip, including tips on where to stay, what to see and do, and the best places to eat. So get ready to explore the Big Apple - it's time to experience all that New York City has to offer!
About New York City
New York City is the largest city in the United States and a major global cultural, financial, and media center. It is located at the southern tip of the state of New York, along the Hudson River. As of 2019, the population of New York City was estimated to be 8.4 million people.
The history of New York City is long and varied, beginning with its settlement by Native Americans many thousands of years ago. The Dutch founded the first European settlement in 1625 and eventually handed the city over to the British in 1664. It became an important trading post and eventually one of the 13 original American colonies.
Today, New York City is home to a diverse population that includes people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in its many neighborhoods, which are known for their unique character and atmosphere. From Harlem to Chinatown to Little Italy, each neighborhood offers something unique to explore.
New York City is a major center for culture, art, fashion, entertainment, and cuisine. There are many world-famous museums and galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The city is also home to some of the most famous restaurants and chefs in the world. It's no wonder that it has earned the title "The City That Never Sleeps!"
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, New York City has something for everyone. With its unparalleled attractions and endless possibilities, it’s easy to see why it remains one of the most visited cities in the world.
Planning Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, there are a few things you should consider. To start, decide what season you want to visit. Different seasons bring different experiences; for example, summer is great for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and soaking up some sun, while winter is an ideal time to check out its art and culture scenes. Once you’ve picked a season, you can start researching the specific attractions and activities you want to experience in the city.
The next step is to decide how long you want to stay in New York City. Whether it’s a few days or a few weeks, plan accordingly. Keep in mind that the city is big and has a lot to offer – be sure to give yourself enough time to explore all the major sites and attractions.
Once you have a timeline established, it’s time to start budgeting. New York City can be expensive but there are lots of ways to save money. Consider staying at a hotel or Airbnb away from the tourist areas and look into discounts on attractions like museums and shows. It’s also helpful to research transportation options, as using public transportation is generally much cheaper than taking a taxi or rideshare.
Finally, make sure you have all your documents in order. This includes your passport or driver’s license, travel insurance and any necessary visas. With these things taken care of, you can start packing for your trip!
Getting there
No matter where you’re coming from, getting to New York City is easy. There are many airports around the city offering international and domestic flights, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
For those travelling by train, Amtrak offers service to Penn Station in Manhattan as well as two other stations in Brooklyn and Queens. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider taking the bus. Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus are just some of the companies that offer service to the area.
Driving to the city is also an option, with the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Triborough Bridge providing routes from New Jersey, Long Island, and other parts of New York State.
No matter how you choose to get to New York City, you can be sure that it won't disappoint. From its bustling streets to its iconic landmarks, the Big Apple is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Getting Around
New York City is an easy place to get around, no matter what your preferred method of transport. While public transportation is the most convenient option, there are plenty of other ways to get around the city.
Public transportation is the most popular way to get around in New York City. The city is served by an extensive network of buses, subways, and commuter trains that make it easy to get to any destination quickly. All forms of public transportation accept the MetroCard, which can be purchased from vending machines located at subway stations and some bus stops.
Taxis are another great option for getting around the city. Taxis are plentiful, easily recognizable, and relatively inexpensive. They can be hailed on the street or booked online or through an app.
Cycling is also becoming increasingly popular in New York City. There are numerous dedicated cycling lanes throughout the city, and several bike-share programs that make it easy to rent a bike and explore the city.
For those who don’t mind doing a bit of walking, New York City is incredibly pedestrian friendly. The city is home to thousands of miles of sidewalks and paths, making it a great option for getting around.
We’d say hiring a car isn’t worth it in New York City. The traffic is terrible, and you’ll get places much faster on the subway or even on foot! Only hire a car if you plan on travelling to other places or cities as part of a longer trip to the East Coast.
Where to Stay
You definitely won’t be short of amazing places to stay on your trip to New York. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, you’ll find something to suit your needs. Here are five of the best hotels in NYC that you should consider for your stay. We’ve picked our favourite high-end hotels for an extra-special stay.
The Plaza
Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Plaza is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in New York City. Offering opulent guest rooms and suites with stunning views of Central Park and the city skyline, this hotel offers the perfect combination of class and comfort.
The Surrey
The Surrey is a luxurious hotel located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This hotel offers five-star amenities and an exquisite spa with a variety of treatments. Guests will also enjoy the outdoor courtyard with lush gardens and terraces.
The Baccarat
With its chic decor and modern amenities, The Baccarat Hotel is an ideal choice for luxury travelers. This stylish hotel offers chic accommodations, a world-class restaurant, and an impressive spa.
The Ludlow
Located in the trendy Lower East Side of Manhattan, The Ludlow is a boutique hotel offering sophisticated guestrooms, top-notch amenities, and a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city.
The Nolitan
An elegant boutique hotel in Lower Manhattan, The Nolitan features contemporary accommodations, award-winning design, and excellent amenities. This stylish hotel is just minutes away from SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown.
New York City’s five boroughs
New York City is a bustling metropolis that offers an array of experiences for visitors. With its diverse neighbourhoods, from the iconic Manhattan skyline to the trendy and hip Brooklyn borough, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit neighbourhoods in New York City.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the city’s most iconic borough, home to world-famous attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Whether you want to explore a museum, go shopping on 5th Avenue or just soak up the atmosphere, Manhattan is the place to be. Don’t miss Chinatown and Little Italy too!
Read: The 20 best things to do in Manhattan
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the city’s trendiest borough, with plenty of independent shops, galleries and street art. Visit hip neighbourhoods such as Williamsburg, Bushwick and Greenpoint to see what all the fuss is about. Don’t miss Brooklyn Heights, where you can get spectacular views of lower Manhattan across the East River.
Queens
The borough of Queens is known for its cultural diversity and eclectic neighbourhoods. Home to two of New York City’s major airports – JFK and LaGuardia – it’s a great place to explore and experience different cultures. Highlights include Astoria, Flushing and Jackson Heights.
The Bronx
The Bronx has vibrant African-American and Latin cultures and is home to the New York Yankees baseball team. If you’re looking for authentic cuisine and interesting places to visit, this is the borough for you. Head to Little Italy for a taste of authentic Italian food and check out Fordham Road for some great shopping.
Staten Island
Staten Island is the least visited borough, but there’s still plenty to see and do here. You can take a ferry ride over to Staten Island to see views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan or explore Historic Richmond Town – an open-air museum village full of 18th century buildings.
No matter where you go in New York City, there’s something new around every corner. So make sure you check out these amazing neighbourhoods during your trip!
What to Do
New York City is an amazing place filled with a variety of activities and attractions to experience. Here are the best things to do while you’re in the city:
Be amazed at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Get a spectacular view of New York City and its iconic skyline from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck located on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center.
Take a stroll through Central Park
Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Enjoy the stunning scenery and take in the sights and sounds of this natural oasis.
Read more: The best parks in New York City
Explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Take a step back in time and explore the vast collection of artwork at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There’s something for everyone, from classic works to modern pieces.
Read: Metropolitan Museum of Art travel guide
Visit Times Square
No visit to New York City would be complete without a stop at Times Square. This iconic area is filled with bright lights, street performers, and plenty of places to shop and eat.
Shop along Fifth Avenue
Spend a day shopping along Fifth Avenue, home to some of the most luxurious stores in the world. From Tiffany & Co to Prada, this street has something for every shopper.
Take a cruise on the Hudson River
Experience the beauty of New York City from a different perspective by taking a cruise on the Hudson River. This is a great way to see the city and get some amazing photos.
Go ice skating at Rockefeller Center
Skate around Rockefeller Center's iconic ice rink and get a close-up look at some of New York's most recognizable landmarks.
Visit the Statue of Liberty
Take a boat ride out to Ellis Island and visit one of America's most iconic monuments, The Statue of Liberty. This is an unforgettable experience that you won't soon forget!
Attend a Broadway Show
Catch a live performance of one of Broadway's most famous plays or musicals. This is a must-do activity when visiting New York City.
Check out the view from the Empire State Building
Climb to the top of one of New York City's most famous buildings and take in the stunning views from the observation deck.
Read: The ultimate Empire State Building travel guide
What to Eat
New York City is a foodie paradise, offering a variety of delicious cuisines from all around the world. Whether you’re looking for traditional New York specialties such as pizza and bagels, trying something new such as ethnic dishes, or indulging in some of the city’s finest restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
For traditional American fare, there are countless pizza shops and delis across the city. New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin crust, large slices, and signature foldable dough. Meanwhile, iconic New York delis offer classic sandwiches piled high with meats, cheeses, and pickles.
For an upscale dining experience, New York offers some of the world’s best restaurants. High-end steakhouses, Japanese sushi bars, modern French bistros, and Spanish tapas restaurants can all be found in Manhattan.
New York also has plenty of more exotic options. From Central American empanadas to North African couscous dishes, you can explore the flavors of cultures around the globe.
Ethnic restaurants serving Chinese dim sum, Korean BBQ, and Indian curries abound. For a truly unique culinary adventure, you can also find a wide array of food carts and food trucks across the city that serve up creative dishes and snacks.
No matter what type of food you’re looking for, New York City is sure to satisfy any palate. Bon Appétit!
Shopping
Read full article: The best department stores in New York City
New York City is a shopper’s paradise, no matter your budget. Whether you’re looking for designer labels, bargains or unique boutiques, the city has something for everyone.
For high-end shopping, head to Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Both streets are lined with designer stores like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Other high-end shopping centers include Rockefeller Center and Soho.
If you're looking for more affordable options, head to the Garment District or Chinatown. You can find great deals on clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and more. You'll also find bargain shopping in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Exploring New York City’s neighborhoods can lead to some interesting finds. From vintage clothing stores in the East Village to hip boutiques in Williamsburg, there's something unique to be discovered around every corner.
Outdoor markets offer a wide variety of items ranging from crafts to food to vintage items. The best outdoor markets are Union Square Greenmarket, Chelsea Flea Market, and Hester Street Fair.
No matter what type of shopping experience you’re looking for, you can find it in New York City!
Useful Tips
• Pack an umbrella, as New York City can get quite rainy.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Download apps such as Citymapper and Google Maps to help navigate the city.
• Carry some cash with you in case certain places don’t accept credit cards.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Make sure to check out the free attractions in New York City.
• Take advantage of tourist discounts offered at certain attractions.
• Plan ahead and book tickets online to avoid long lines.
• Keep an eye out for discount coupons and travel deals.
New York City FAQs
Q: Is New York City a safe place to visit?
A: Yes, New York City is generally a safe place to visit. Like all major cities, there are areas of the city that should be avoided. It is always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when travelling in an unfamiliar area.
Q: What is the best way to get around New York City?
A: The best way to get around New York City is by using public transportation. There are extensive subway and bus systems in NYC, making it easy to get from point A to point B. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a taxi or ride-share services such as Uber or Lyft.
Q: Is New York City expensive?
A: Yes, New York City can be expensive, depending on where you stay and what you plan to do. Many attractions and activities in NYC can be done for free or at a low cost. Additionally, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options available.
Q: What language is spoken in New York City?
A: English is the primary language spoken in New York City. Spanish is also widely spoken in some neighborhoods.
Q: What is the climate like in New York City?
A: New York City experiences all four seasons. Summer temperatures range from the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit and winter temperatures range from the low 20s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year with snow occurring between December and March.
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