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

November 4, 2019 by Karen Turner 119 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you bring your car to NYC? No.

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

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

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

Don’t walk everywhere

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

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

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

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

Avoid Times Square unless you’re a Broadway fan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give New York enough time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t waste your money on a view alone!

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

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

New Yorkers are not that rude

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

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

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

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

How to befriend New Yorkers

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

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

Be aware of yourself: Safety tips for New York

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

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

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

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

New York City is tough for solo female travelers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New York is filthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final thoughts

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

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

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

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

About Karen Turner

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

Reader Interactions

July 20, 2017 at 7:20 am

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

July 20, 2017 at 7:31 am

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

July 20, 2017 at 3:54 pm

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

November 22, 2019 at 12:04 am

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

July 20, 2017 at 8:06 pm

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

July 20, 2017 at 8:22 pm

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

July 21, 2017 at 1:17 am

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

July 20, 2017 at 8:23 pm

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

July 21, 2017 at 10:29 am

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

July 21, 2017 at 7:08 pm

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

July 21, 2017 at 11:29 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 12:49 am

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

July 22, 2017 at 1:15 am

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

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

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

July 23, 2017 at 12:16 am

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

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

Best, Karen

July 22, 2017 at 12:16 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 2:17 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 2:30 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 3:16 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 8:18 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 9:29 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 9:40 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 10:15 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 10:59 pm

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

July 22, 2017 at 11:31 pm

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

July 23, 2017 at 12:05 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 12:13 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 12:34 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 1:26 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 1:28 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 1:49 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 1:54 am

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

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

July 23, 2017 at 2:42 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 4:03 am

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

January 2, 2018 at 10:01 pm

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

July 23, 2017 at 5:15 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 7:43 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 9:52 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 10:14 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 10:23 am

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

July 23, 2017 at 12:20 pm

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

July 23, 2017 at 2:41 pm

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

July 23, 2017 at 4:57 pm

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

July 23, 2017 at 10:33 pm

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

July 23, 2017 at 11:26 pm

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

July 24, 2017 at 10:52 am

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

July 24, 2017 at 4:52 pm

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

July 24, 2017 at 6:24 pm

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

July 27, 2017 at 9:44 pm

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

July 27, 2017 at 10:10 pm

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

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

September 26, 2017 at 8:08 pm

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

December 17, 2017 at 9:15 am

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

December 21, 2017 at 7:17 pm

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

December 21, 2017 at 8:28 pm

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

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

December 22, 2017 at 4:40 am

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

December 29, 2017 at 2:26 am

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

December 29, 2017 at 3:15 am

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

January 2, 2018 at 10:15 pm

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

February 1, 2018 at 9:35 am

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

February 5, 2018 at 9:24 am

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

February 13, 2018 at 3:09 am

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

February 21, 2018 at 2:51 am

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

February 21, 2018 at 1:01 pm

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

March 4, 2018 at 8:56 pm

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

March 15, 2018 at 5:27 am

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

March 16, 2018 at 8:11 am

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

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

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

March 17, 2018 at 12:41 am

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

March 27, 2018 at 12:22 am

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

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

Aloha from Hawaii Ann

March 27, 2018 at 9:44 pm

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

April 22, 2018 at 12:19 am

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

April 22, 2018 at 11:25 am

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

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

May 22, 2018 at 11:40 am

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

May 22, 2018 at 3:08 pm

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

June 3, 2018 at 2:46 pm

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

June 7, 2018 at 3:27 pm

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

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

June 10, 2018 at 5:05 pm

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

June 17, 2018 at 11:15 am

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

June 19, 2018 at 11:40 pm

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

June 19, 2018 at 11:41 pm

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

June 21, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Thank you Karen, your tips are so precious.

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

June 21, 2018 at 2:53 pm

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

July 26, 2018 at 12:35 am

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

August 4, 2018 at 6:05 pm

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

August 7, 2018 at 2:54 pm

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

August 10, 2018 at 3:55 am

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

August 12, 2018 at 5:17 pm

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

August 29, 2018 at 3:23 am

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

September 8, 2018 at 6:23 am

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

September 22, 2018 at 5:46 pm

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

September 22, 2018 at 11:42 pm

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

April 6, 2019 at 9:09 am

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

May 4, 2019 at 10:17 pm

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

May 15, 2019 at 1:59 pm

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

June 15, 2019 at 1:29 pm

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

July 1, 2019 at 12:29 am

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

July 13, 2019 at 8:48 am

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

July 17, 2019 at 12:29 am

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

July 16, 2019 at 12:35 am

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

July 19, 2019 at 7:29 pm

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

July 21, 2019 at 5:00 pm

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

July 20, 2019 at 2:50 pm

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

July 28, 2019 at 3:59 am

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

August 12, 2019 at 11:40 pm

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

January 14, 2020 at 5:31 pm

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

August 28, 2019 at 9:07 pm

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

September 6, 2019 at 6:16 am

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

September 8, 2019 at 11:12 pm

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

October 8, 2019 at 4:36 pm

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

Thanks for sharing 🙂

January 5, 2020 at 7:53 pm

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

January 13, 2020 at 7:48 am

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

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

January 13, 2020 at 10:53 am

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

January 18, 2020 at 6:19 am

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

August 25, 2020 at 6:42 pm

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

March 6, 2021 at 6:14 am

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

April 8, 2022 at 4:02 am

Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines.

May 19, 2022 at 8:42 am

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

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

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

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

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A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, new york itinerary: an efficient plan for first timers in new york city.

New York City – A city that is amazing, endearing yet overwhelming all at once. As a first-time visitor to this amazing place, I can understand how intimidating planning for your NYC trip can be with so many activities and places to check out.

So, I’ve put together an efficient NYC itinerary that is easy to follow for you, whether you’re spending just a weekend in NYC, or a whole week or even more.

Tips for visiting NYC for the first time

How to get to manhattan from the airport.

• Taking public transportation in NYC

How much time should I spend in NYC?

When is the best time to visit nyc, where to stay in nyc.

• Day 1: The New York Essentials
• Day 2: Midtown

Day 3: Museums and Central Park

• Day 4: Brooklyn, DUMBO, and Lower East Side

Other things you can do in NYC

• Where to eat in NYC
• Is getting the New York Pass worth it?

1. Get a travel pass to save money! There are many things to visit and do in NYC, which means you’ll spend money on those activities. Getting a travel pass could ease the pain! Here are a few travel passes you can consider:

• New York Pass by Go City – This is an all-inclusive pass that allows you to visit as many attractions as possible during the duration of your pass. I’d recommend this if you’re an active traveler who wants to do everything
• Go City New York Explorer Pass – On the other hand, if you want to take a slower approach and only want to visit select attractions, this is the pass for you. Explorer pass allows you to get discounts on selected attractions.

I will go over in detail whether it’s worth it to get these passes in the “ Is getting a travel pass worth it in New York? “ section below. Or, you can see attractions included in the passes to determine whether it’s something you want to do.

➡️ Book in advance for New York Pass holders: If you are going during the peak holiday season (such as the June-July summer holidays), an advanced booking is still required on top of buying the pass, because some attractions are popular and might sell out.

2. Get the 7-day unlimited Metro pass or pay with OMNY  – The easiest and most cost-effective way to get around NYC is by using public transport, or more specifically the subway. Read more on this in the public transportation section below!

3. Download the CityMapper App  – the subway will sometimes have route diversion, outage, or just simply not running on certain days. It helps to have CityMapper handy as the app will warn you of these disruptions.

4. Download the NYC Google Maps to your phone – by this, I don’t just mean download the Google Maps app. You can download the whole NYC map to your phone so you can peruse the map when you don’t have data connections (you’ll lose connections in certain spots while taking the subway). You’ll also use less mobile data when browsing the maps! Here is how to download Maps to your phone .

5. Wear comfortable shoes meant for walking  – I averaged 22,000 steps a day for the entire week I was in NYC. If it sounds like a lot, that’s because it IS! So when I say comfortable shoes, I don’t mean any flat shoes, I mean REAL comfortable shoes made for walking. I stupidly wore my Superga sneakers thinking I’d be okay… but by day 3, my feet were so swollen and in pain that I had to buy emergency walking shoes – a pair of Puma trainers with proper cushions for my sore feet.

6. Learn about the local quirks – Jaywalking, neighborhood nicknames, why the city steams, how to pronounce “Houston” (it’s not like the city in Texas!)… I wrote an entire blog post with stories from my trip to NYC . Check it out!

7. Learn how to tip the American way  – yes, I know, the tipping culture in the US baffles every visitor. It’s confusing! But, you don’t want to shortchange someone just because you disagree with this social norm. The most common instance where you’ll need to tip is when eating at a restaurant. The general rule of thumb is to tip 20% for average service, 25% for great service, and 30% for exceptional service. You don’t need to tip at establishments where the food is not served to you. Fast food, bakeries, bodega, or dessert places are examples of these establishments, but it certainly would be nice if you felt the staff did an exceptional job. You also don’t need to tip ride-sharing drivers (but again, it is always nice to), but you must tip taxi drivers.

8. Prices do not include sales tax – If you go to a store to buy something, be mindful that the price you see does not include tax. It will be added when you pay at the cashier. This applies to tours and tickets too! But you might be happy to know that clothing and shoes below US$100 are not subject to sales tax, so the price you see is what you’ll pay for those items.

9. Learn the Manhattan grid system and areas – Manhattan contains 214 numbered east-west streets ranging from 1st to 228th, ascending from south to north. Generally speaking, Manhattan is divided into three parts:

• Uptown is anything north of 59th Street
• Midtown is from 14th to 59th Street
• Downtown is anything south of 14th Street.

Then, the areas are further divided into neighborhoods with funky abbreviations, as I’ve talked about in my stories from my trip to NYC . I recommend watching this Manhattan Grid youtube video by Bright Trip to understand Manhattan better.

10. “Downtown” and “Uptown” can also refer to the direction of travel. For example, you’ll say the train is going uptown if it’s going north, and downtown if it’s going south.

11. Wise Card worked super well in NYC – as well as the rest of the US, really. If you’re an international visitor like myself, definitely get yourself a Wise Debit Card . You’ll save the foreign transaction fee with it. I never had to use cash when I was in NYC and San Francisco !

Getting to Manhattan from the airport greatly depends on where you’re staying in Manhattan and which airport you’re coming from.

1. From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

You could take public transport all the way to Manhattan, but I find it is easier to take Uber or Lyft from the EWR airport to Newark Penn Station . From Newark Penn Station, you can either:

• If you’re staying in Midtown , take the NEC/NJCL train to Penn Station on 34th Street
• If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan , take the PATH train to World Trade Center, or

Whichever is closest to your accommodation. Then you can resume via Metro to your accommodation. The last time I did this, it cost me US$ 21 for Uber and US$ 2.75 for the PATH train. Pretty affordable!

2. From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

From the JFK Airport, you can either:

• If you’re staying in Midtown , you’ll want to take the AirTrain Red (US$ 8.25) to Jamaica Station and switch to Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station or Grand Central.
• If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan , you can take Airtrain Green and switch to A train at Howard Beach Station.

Whichever is closest to your accommodation. Then you can resume via Metro to your accommodation.

How to take Public Transportation in NYC

NYC is a city with amazing connectivity – their public transportation will take you places for an affordable price. The subway is the best way to get around NYC, but you could take the bus, Taxi, or Uber.

🚌 Tip: The Big Bus hop-on hop-off 1-day ticket (worth $60) is included in the New York Pass

Here are your options to pay for public transportation in NYC as a short-term tourist:

• Single-fare ticket / Pay-per-ride ($2.75 per ride) – A subway ride in NYC costs $2.75 per ride, which I think is quite pricey. That’s why when my 7-day pass ran out, I mostly walked on foot in NYC unless I was going somewhere far that was worthwhile for a subway ride. You can simply tap any contactless credit card you have at the turnstile, or purchase a ticket at a ticket vending machine in any subway station.
• 7-day Unlimited ride using MetroCard ($33) – You can buy the MetroCard from the vending machine at any subway station, which you can then reload. A 7-day unlimited Metro pass ($33 per 7 days) costs $33.
• Contactless payment with OMNY (capped to $33 from Mon-Sun) – With this method, you get to use your contactless debit or credit card using OMNY – No additional actions are required on your part, just tap the card at the turnstile! OMNY stands for One Metro New York, the MTA’s answer for contactless payment. You simply use whatever contactless payment method that you’re already using on the OMNY reader (be it ApplePay, Google Pay, etc). When you use this method, you will not pay more than $33 in total fares from Monday and Sunday – it’s capped at $33!

Unlimited MetroCard vs OMNY: Which one should I use for taking the subway in NYC?

If you think you’ll be taking less than 12 subway rides during your time in NYC, then any of the above methods work. You can buy a single-ride ticket or you can use OMNY.

But, if you have decided that you’ll be taking at least 12 subway rides during your stay in NYC, you might be wondering… which method should you use? The answer is: It depends. It depends on exactly how long you’ll be in NYC, the device you have, how much you plan to take public transportation, and your personal preference!

So here’s the deal – OMNY and the 7-day unlimited metro costs the same at $33, but look closer and you’ll notice that OMNY is capped only from Monday to Sunday, while the unlimited metro card is good for the next 7 days after activation.

The seven-day period for OMNY weekly cap begins at midnight on Monday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Unlimited MetroCards expire at midnight on the 7th (or 30th) day from the day you activated it, regardless of the time you activated the card on the first day. For example, whether you bought and activated the unlimited card by taking a subway ride at 3 pm or 11 pm on Monday, then your card will expire on Sunday at midnight.

Here are some tips to help you decide:

• First of all, contactless payment with the OMNY method requires you to either have a card that can do a contactless payment or a smart device that is compatible with contactless pay, such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android phone. If you do not have these devices, then you’ll be better off buying the unlimited MetroCard.
• If you’re arriving in the latter half of the week (say Thursday or Friday), and you’re planning to do more than 12 rides within 7 days, then go with the 7-day Unlimited MetroCard. Given that each ride already costs $2.75, you just need to take the subway more than 12 times to make it worth it – that’s less than twice a day, and trust me, you’ll ride the subway more than that.
• If you’re arriving earlier in the week (Monday – Wed) and plan to do more than 12 rides within 7 days, then go ahead and use OMNY!
• OMNY method is more restrictive in terms of the weekly cap, but it’s way more convenient to use, as you do not need to fuss with yet another card – you can just use your phone or watch to tap into the subway.
• The unlimited MetroCard is refillable. Don’t throw away your card after you’re done using it, because you can always reload the card! Otherwise, you’ll have to pay $1 for a new card.

If it’s your first time in NYC and you want to see everything possible, I recommend spending at least 4 days here. There are so many things to see and do in NYC! I stayed for a week and I still didn’t run out of things to do.

Generally, Spring and Fall are great times to be in NYC. Summer could get hot and humid and Winter can get very cold. I think April and May or September to November are all great times to visit NYC. I visited NYC in May and September and can vouch that the weather was great in those months.

However, if you’re a fan of the Christmas season then you’ll want to visit the city in December . The city would be decorated with beautiful lights and Christmas trees – it’s truly a magical time to be in NYC. My very first-ever visit to NYC was in December and I still fondly remember that trip, even though it was nearly 15 years ago.

Tip 💡: The holiday market tour (worth $45) and Christmas Lights walking tour ($25) are included in the New York Pass if you are visiting during the holiday season!

If it’s your first time in NYC, you’ll want to stay in Manhattan – just because… it will make your life so much easier. However, accommodations in Manhattan do tend to be more expensive.

If you want to save some money, you could stay off Manhattan and stay in Brooklyn, but you’ll probably spend more time and money commuting. It’s up to you which pro and con suits you better!

I stayed in Manhattan both times I visited NYC. Here are some hotel recommendations I’ve stayed at:

• NoMo in SoHo – Located in SoHo, this hotel is within walking distance of many good restaurants and bars in NYC. It’s also conveniently within walking distance of many subway stations.
• New York Hilton Midtown – I stayed here on my first-ever visit to NYC. It’s located within walking distance of Times Square, MoMA, Central Park, and best of all, right across from the OG Halal Guys!

The NYC Itinerary Overview

OK, so we’ve talked about all the important things about visiting NYC. Time to talk about what to do in NYC!

Below I’ve arranged daily itineraries you can do in NYC. Note that you don’t need to do the itinerary in the same order as I’ve outlined below, however, I’ve grouped the activities and attractions that are close to each other so that they can be visited together. That’s why I call this my efficient NYC itinerary!

My NYC itinerary can be divided as follows:

To visualize this NYC itinerary better, I’ve created a Google Maps link that marks all the routes and landmarks I’ll mention in this blog.

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

Day 1: The New York Essentials in Lower Manhattan

As a first-timer in NYC, you’ll want to start your visit by seeing all the must-see attractions. Let’s do that today! Most of the attractions of today will be located in Lower Manhattan and within walking distance of each other.

➡️ PS: The 9/11 Memorial Museum is closed on Tuesday. It’s a place you must visit if you haven’t, so I recommend doing this itinerary on other days that are not Tuesday .

1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

What’s a first-time visit to NYC without visiting the Statue of Liberty? Of course, this is a must! Not only do you get to see the Lady Liberty up close, but you’ll also get to take a little trip on a ferry to Ellis Island . Ellis Island was the entry point for many immigrants in the mid-1800s to early 1900s who shaped NYC into the city it is today.

Make your way to Battery Park to board the ferry, which departs every 25 minutes from 9:25 am to 4:30 pm.

🗽 Tip: Round trip ferry ticket to Ellis Island, entry to the Statue of Liberty, and admission to the Immigration Museum (worth $24) are included in the New York Pass .

2. Charging Bull and Fearless Girl at Wall Street

Once you’re done with Ellis Island and back at Battery Park, make your way down to the edge of the Financial District to see the Charging Bull , a famous bronze statue that is an iconic symbol of Wall Street, depicting the “bull” period of the stock market which means optimism and prosperity.

This bull was first illegally dropped outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall Street by its artist, Arturo Di Monica, as part of guerilla art in 1989. The bull was then moved to its current location later that year. There is a tradition to rub the bull’s… erm, scrotum when you visit, so you’ll notice that part of the bull is lighter in color compared to the rest of its body. It has also been subject to vandalism, being painted blue during the financial crisis of 2008.

After the bull, you can make your way to the Fearless Girl , a statue by Kirsten Visbal to promote female empowerment, which was installed in 2017 and was originally placed facing the Charging Bull. The placement of the girl caused some controversy and complaints from Di Monica as he feels that it changed the meaning and intention behind the Charging Bull. Since then, The Fearless Girl has been temporarily moved to face the NYSE building in 2018. As of 2022, the statue is still there, but it’s unclear how long it will remain.

Right next to the girl is none other than the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) , however, there is not much you can do here aside from observing from the outside. The building is not open to the public.

2. Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Tip 💡: The 9/11 museum is closed on Tuesdays!

From the statues, you can walk over to Ground Zero – the site of the 9/11 terrorist attack. Here, you can see where pools where the two World Trade Center towers used to stand, as well as a memorial that lists the names of all the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack on NYC.

There is the 9/11 Museum on site and this is a MUST visit – the 9/11 incident has shaped NYC (and arguably the world) today. The museum did a great job collecting photos, personal stories, and even soundbites from that day. I didn’t expect to cry in a museum, but there I was, sobbing in the middle of the memorial. Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one crying.

It was difficult to go through but necessary and very highly recommended.

➡️ Tip: The 9/11 memorial, museum, and a tour are included in the New York Pass (worth $30)

3. The Oculus at One World Trade Center

Once you’re done with the museum, make your way to see The Oculus . Opened in 2016, you can’t miss this white structure from the outside as it is very eye-catching. It looks like large wings on the outside, and once inside it looks like gigantic rib cages and a spine.

The Oculus is a shopping center and a transport hub. You can go inside to take that iconic shot from the middle of the shopping center – it is truly something else.

4. See the city from above

NYC is known for its iconic skyline, so as a first-time visitor, you must visit one of the skyscrapers to enjoy the view. I recommend doing this closer to sunset so that you get a nice light. Take note that you might have to reserve if you come during peak hours.

There are many options if you want to see the city from above. Here are the options:

• Empire State Building Observatory – This building needs no introduction, it’s the most iconic building in NYC. You have the option to go to the 86th floor or go even higher to the 102nd floor (though I think 86th is enough). Tickets cost $44-77 depending on which floor you want to go to.
• Top of The Rock Observatory at Rockefeller Center – Tickets cost $40. I think this is the best option to see NYC from above!
• One World Observatory – Tickets cost $53-63 depending on the package you choose. This observatory is the highest point in NYC, located on the 100-102nd floor of One World Trade Center.
• Edge in Hudson Yards – Tickets start from $38-42. This is one of the newer buildings in NYC.
• Summit One Vanderbilt – The only one on this list not covered by New York Pass . But you can still get your ticket ahead of time here for cheaper. Tickets for adults start at $39-45 via the online website, but they will add tax and processing fees and vary depending on the day and time of day. So it’s still a few dollars cheaper to book through my link .

For this itinerary, One World Observatory is the most convenient as you would already be in the area (It’s right on top of the World Trade Center). But I think Top of The Rock has the best view – you can see the Empire State Building and the entirety of Central Park from here!

Tip 💡: If you’re having issues choosing, you could consider getting New York Pass because ALL of the options above, except Summit One, are included in the New York Pass . You can visit even all of them if you want!

Day 2: New York Landmarks in Midtown

On this itinerary, you’ll get to explore Midtown, which as the name might have implied… is the middle part of Manhattan, between Downtown and Uptown.

Generally speaking, Midtown is from anywhere between 14th to 59th Street. And you bet there is a lot to do here! You’ll be walking plenty, so definitely put on your most comfortable shoes.

1. Best of NYC Cruise

The Best of NYC Cruise is a 2.5-hour cruise that loops around the entire Manhattan island, starting from Pier 83. They have 4 cruise times a day, at 10 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. During the cruise, you’ll see many of New York’s most famous landmarks, including a few that are out of the way and first-time visitors wouldn’t normally see, like the Yankee Stadium. It’s a great way to kick off a busy day!

💡 Tip: The cruise is included in New York Pass (worth $40-46)

2. The Vessel

After the tour, take a walk down to The Vessel – one of the newer attractions in NYC, built as part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project. A few years ago, you would have seen The Vessel all over Instagram, with its unique architecture that resembles a honeycomb.

You can access the ground level of The Vessel for free on Monday through Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11am-7pm, with no reservation required ( check the opening time here ).

Unfortunately, the other levels of the Vessel are not open to the public due to suicide cases that have happened too frequently since its opening in 2019 and again after it tried to reopen in 2021.

If you want to see the city from above, this is another chance! Edge is an observatory with 360 views from the 100th floor, which also includes an outdoor sky deck. It is one of the newer observatories in the city.

💡 Tip: Admission to Edge (worth $38-42) is included in the New York Pass

4. High Line Park

The High Line Park is a scenic 2.3km elevated trail built on a former New York Central Railroad.

From Edge, you can take a walk to High Line Park. You can enter the High Line park from the very beginning near the W 34 St & 12 Ave corner , or if you don’t want to start from the very beginning, you can enter from the entrance next to the Bloomberg Building which would be very convenient from the Edge.

The elevated platform means it’s possible to have a nice peaceful walk through the city. For once, I was able to walk around in NYC without the anxiety that some biker is going to run me over or piss someone off for not knowing how to walk like a New Yorker .

Walking from one end of the High Line park to the other should take about 20 minutes.

🚶🏻‍♀️ Tip: Highline & Chelsea walking tour (worth $39) is included in the New York Pass

5. Chelsea Market

The High Line park goes under Chelsea Market, so as soon as you see signs for Chelsea Market you can simply follow it.

And it’s time for lunch! There are many options at Chelsea Market, but a crowd’s favorite is Los Tacos No. 1 . I can vouch that it’s worth a visit! You can read more about it in my food recommendations below.

6. Iconic buildings in Manhattan

After you’re done exploring Chelsea Market, walk over to the west side of Midtown, which should take about 20 minutes. Architecture buffs would be ecstatic about this part of the itinerary! I’ll highlight three of the most popular buildings in NYC if you want to check them out, and in this exact order, for more efficient use of your time:

• Flatiron Building – You should already be familiar with this building. The name of this building gives away its shape – sharp triangular, like a flat iron.
• Chrysler Building – One of NYC’s Art Deco skyscrapers with a distinctly pointed spire and arched crown. I was especially fond of this building as it is the location of one of my favorite video games – Parasite Eve.
• Empire State Building – This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper is a cultural icon that has appeared in many classic movies, most notably in the 1930s King Kong movie where Kong climbed the building.

💡 Tip: If you’d like to go up to the Empire State Building, admission to the observatory (worth $44) is included in the New York Pass

7. Grand Central Terminal

From the Empire State Building, The Grand Central Terminal is a mere few blocks away. Grand Central Terminal is a recognized National Historic Landmark. There are tons of things to see here, but here are my favorites:

• Main Concourse – Look up and you will see the 12 constellations painted in gold leaf on a Tiffany blue background. You can also check out the Apple store on the east balcony if you’re an Apple fan, it is one of their most unique store locations.
• The Whispering Gallery – The ceramic arches next to Grand Central Oyster Bar are an acoustic phenomenon that will let you talk to other people on the opposite ends of the corner. Try it out with a friend!

After checking out the whispering gallery, you can go to Grand Central Oyster Bar for some Clam Chowder. It is the oldest restaurant in Grand Central. At the dining concourse, there are plenty of food options too! You can get a burger from Shake Shack or try Magnolia Bakery ‘s famous banana pudding.

Click here for more things to do at Grand Central Terminal.

Now that you’ve done all the New York City essentials and must-sees, I thought it would be fun to highlight yet another different side of the city. We’ll be visiting a few notable museums today. You’ll still be walking a lot, but at a more chilled-out pace than the other days. Most of these museums are located in the upper east side, in the vicinity of Central Park, on a stretch of fifth avenue called “Museum Mile”.

I’ll be recommending some museums to visit today, but of course, you can feel free to not visit all of them – only go to the ones that interest you! While visiting all of them is possible, it would be quite a rushed visit to do in one day. Also, take notes on the days the museums are closed. Museums in NYC are sometimes closed for one day in the middle of the week.

1. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (The Guggenheim)

If you appreciate modern, contemporary art and architecture, you’ll want to start your day at The Guggenheim. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it has one of the most unique museum designs, spiraling upward in a cylindrical building, with artwork lining up the walls as you continue to walk up.

The Guggenheim isn’t a big museum and there aren’t many permanent collections, so be sure to check what’s on view to see if it interests you. I think the museum is worth checking out once for its unique architecture.

The Guggenheim is closed on Tuesdays

🏛 Tip: Admission to Guggenheim Museum (worth $25) is included in the New York Pass

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Just down the street from The Guggenheim is a name you should already be familiar with. The Met is known around the world not just for its annual star-studded Met Gala, but also for housing over two million artworks.

I loved everything about this museum, especially the area that houses the Temple of Dendur . This area was formerly called the Sackler wing, but the name was removed after the Sackler family’s role in making OxyContin addiction widespread in the US came to light. But the fact remains that it is such a beautiful, photogenic, and serene space.

And if it’s a good day, don’t miss The Cantor Roof Garden Bar on the rooftop!

The Met is closed on Wednesdays

3. American Museum of Natural History

If you are interested in this museum and you’re coming from the Met, I recommend walking through Central Park from the Met and visiting Belvedere Castle on the way (see my map itinerary!)

Those of you who are interested in dinosaur fossils (real ones!), animals, and gems could spend all day here. Take note that the museum is open every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm .

🏛 Tip: Admission to the American Museum of Natural History (worth $23) is included in the New York Pass

4. New-York Historical Society

So I have a confession to make… I haven’t actually been to the Museum of Natural History, partially because of New-York Historical Society.

You see, on my last visit to NYC, I was well on my way to visit the Museum of Natural History. New-York Historical Society is located right next to the Museum of Natural History, and in my jetlagged state, I walked into the New-York Historical Society and paid for the ticket, thinking it was the Museum of Natural History (even though I knew there are supposed to be dinosaur bones at the lobby!). I realized my mistake way too late and went along with it anyway.

And I’m so glad about that mistake! New-York Historical Society exceeded my expectations in many ways. There were so many interesting arts and paintings related to New York City, but the standouts for me were the replica of the oval room of the White House, the Picasso Tapestry, and the large collection of breathtakingly beautiful and very priceless Tiffany lamps, made by Tiffany Studios (yes, THAT Tiffany).

If you can, please make time for the museum tour at 2 PM . It greatly enhanced my experience visiting the museum.

The New-York Historical Society is closed on Mondays

🏛 Tip: Admission to the New-York Historical Society (worth $22) is included in the New York Pass

5. Central Park

The museums are already on the fringe of Central Park, so I don’t need to tell you how to get there. Central Park is a massive park in the middle of Manhattan. And allegedly, it is the most filmed location in the world!

There are tons of things to do here and the park is massive, but here are a few things I think are worth checking out at the park:

• Sakura / Cherry Blossom Trees – If you’re visiting NYC in April or May, you will be interested in viewing the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees, because they will be in full bloom. Here is where to find the cherry blossom trees in Central Park .
• Bethesda Terrace – One of the many architectural features in Central Park. I’m a huge fan of the ceramic tiles that form a pattern on the ceiling of the terrace.

• John Lennon tribute – In the eastern part of Central Park is a small tribute to John Lennon. You can start at the Dakota Apartments on 72nd Street, where he lived with Yoko Ono. It was at the entrance to the apartment that he was killed. In front of the Dakota on the Central Park side, you’ll find the Imagine Mozaic on the floor, a tribute to Lennon’s most popular song, and Strawberry Fields, a tribute to The Beatles’ song he wrote.
• Sheep Meadow – excellent for a picnic with friends or a solo afternoon nap

🚲 Tip: If you have the New York Pass , a Central Park bike tour (worth $52), a walking tour (worth $27), TV & movies tour (worth $36), and a bike rental (worth $46) is already included.

6. Museum of Modern Arts (MoMA)

From Central Park, head towards the South end of the park and you’ll find MoMA just a few blocks down.

MoMA is the mother of all modern and contemporary art museums, and it’s a must-visit. MoMA houses some of the most recognized artworks of our lifetime, including The Starry Night by Van Gogh, The Dance by Henri Matisse, Water Lillies by Monet, The Persistence of Memory by Dali, Campbell Soup by Andy Warhol as well as works by Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock.

MoMA is open every day

🏛 Tip: Admission to MoMA (worth $25) is included in the New York Pass

7. Times Square and Broadway

Finally, when you’re done with MoMA, it’s time to walk over to Times Square at Broadway and 42nd Street. Times Square is arguably the most touristy yet must-visit site in Manhattan. Just avoid going there during New Year’s Eve, it’s just not worth it when it’s that crowded.

Times Square is better to visit at night or as the sun is about to go down so that you can see all the billboards and LED signs lit up into the night. I recommend having some hot dogs straight from the street vendors at Times Square, not necessarily for their culinary value, but more for that quintessentially New York experience. Hot dogs were brought to NYC by German immigrants, in the form of push carts in the 1860s. In NYC, the sausages used are made from all beef.

Here is a cool photo I took at (almost) the same place in Times Square, a decade apart. Can you spot some differences?

Times Square is also in the Theater District. You must check out some Broadway shows while you’re in the city, such as Hamilton , Lion King , Phantom of the Opera , Wicked , and Book of Mormon are some of the most popular shows.

🏛 Tip: A Broadway and Times Square walking tour (worth $39) is included in the New York Pass

Day 4: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Lower East Side

Congrats! you’re pretty much almost done with all the must-sees in Manhattan. But you’re not done with New York, no! So it’s time to leave Manhattan and cross over to the other side for a more chilled-out day of arts, food, and walks by the river.

💡 Note: This itinerary is best to do on a Saturday

1. Explore Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a gentrified neighborhood in Brooklyn, filled with things to do and shops to check out. You can start your way from Metropolitan Av station. Here are some recommendations on what to see and visit here.

• Quimby’s Bookstore – Indie bookstore providing curated titles
• The City Reliquary – A small non-profit museum where you can see memorabilia of the city. They have both permanent and rotating exhibitions. See what’s on at City Reliquary here .
• Joe’s Pizza Mohammad Ali Mural – PS: Joe’s Pizza is also not a bad place to grab a bite unless you’re here on a Saturday in which case you’ll want to check out Smorgasburg.
• Artists & Fleas – A marketplace for craft makers, where you can shop goods from local small businesses. Only open on weekends.
• Smorgasburg – If you’re here on a Saturday, you might want to check out Smorgasburg , a large open-air food market that started at Williamsburg but has now opened up in many other locations in NYC.
• Domino Park – A nice park to chill by the east river
• Mona Lisa of Williamsburg – One of the most famous murals in Williamsburg.
• More street art – If you are interested in street art and murals, you can see more on my NYC map .

From Williamsburg, you can continue to walk down south for 1 hour. If that sounds crazy, you could take the East River (ER) ferry from South Williamsburg to DUMBO for $2.75 and 12 minutes of your time – click here for the ferry route info . I say, take the ferry.

DUMBO is an abbreviation of “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. NYC is full of these amazing acronyms! You can read my NYC stories post for more NYC anecdotes like this.

In DUMBO, you must stop by to take one of these shots:

It’s the spot where you can see the Manhattan Bridge, along with the Empire state building perfectly framed in one of its lower arches. There will be tons of people here, but if you come early enough in the morning then I reckon you’ll get a pretty nice photo without anyone in it.

Aside from the viewpoint, there are also plenty of places to eat at DUMBO. My recommendation is Juliana’s which is a very popular pizzeria or Shake Shack if you have yet to give it a try by now.

3. Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan

Once you’re done exploring DUMBO, make your way to Brooklyn Bridge. If you have time, you can stroll along the river at Brooklyn Bridge Park first before going to the bridge itself. You’ll get this nice view of the Brooklyn Bridge set against Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the US, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Most visitors walk or bike through the Brooklyn Bridge. You can walk across the bridge, which will take you approximately an hour, or you can rent a bike. Either way, there will be a lot of people on the walking platform!

➡️ Tip: If you have the New York Pass , a Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO tour (worth $35), Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental (worth $40), and Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour (worth $27) are already included.

4. Explore the rest of Manhattan

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll find yourself in Lower Manhattan. You can explore the rest of Manhattan according to your interest. I’ve marked a bunch of restaurants, bars, and points of interest on my NYC map . Or, read on to find more things to do in NYC below!

Things to do in the Lower East Side

Lower East Side is one of Manhattan’s most happening neighborhoods. Take your time to enjoy Manhattan’s best food, art, and music scene.

• Hester Street Fair – If you are here on a Saturday, you can check out this open-air street fair, where you can hunt for vintage goodies.
• Katz Deli – A famous deli serving Jewish American cuisine. You can read more about it in my food recommendations below.
• The Bowery Ballroom – Fans of indie music can catch a show at this intimate venue. See what’s on at Bowery Ballroom
• Alphabet City – This area is a small portion of the east village where the streets are named Avenue A, B, C, and D. You can find restaurants and Bars here.

More things to do and places to visit in Manhattan

• Comedy Cellar in West Village – A comedy club in West Village. You won’t know the lineup until you show up, but many famous comedians (such as Dave Chapelle) have been known to make a surprise appearance. It’s considered to be the best comedy club in the country. Make reservations here .
• Sleep No More in Chelsea – The ultimate immersive theater experience, based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth , that I can’t describe with words. Even if I try, you’ll likely have a different experience than me, due to the flexible “choose your own adventure” format of Sleep No More. You just have to experience it yourself and go with the flow. As it is located near Chelsea in Midtown, I would suggest fitting this on the Day 2 itinerary above. Buy tickets here .

• Amateur night at The Apollo in Harlem – This requires traveling uptown to Harlem and only happens on Wednesdays, but it was worthwhile to make the trip out there! Similar to Comedy Cellar, you just never know which future superstar is making their debut night here, which has included names like Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonders, Lauryn Hill, and Michael Jackson & The Jackson Five. Buy tickets here .

• Bohemian in NoHo – An exclusive restaurant in NoHo, located in Andy Warhol’s former studio. You can only dine here if you know the name of someone who has been here before.
• Strand Bookstore in Union Square – A large bookstore specializing in used and rare books.
• The Django in Lower Manhattan – A Jazz Bar in Roxy hotel. Good for drinks and live acts.
• The Back Room – One of the original speakeasies from the prohibition era still in operation today. They serve drinks in unassuming white tea cups, just like how people used to enjoy their poison of choice back in the prohibition days!

Other things to do in New York

• Coney Island in Brooklyn – If you’re visiting New York during summer, you can check out Coney Island in the southwestern part of Brooklyn. It features a whimsical seaside amusement park close to the beach, with games, food, and fairs.
• Brooklyn Bowl

Where and What to Eat in NYC

There are many good places to eat in NYC, and I enjoyed eating my way through NYC during my stay. Here are a few standouts that I truly enjoyed during my stay:

Los Tacos No.1  – Yes, I queued for this. Yes, it is located in the extremely touristy Chelsea Market. But YES, it was worth it. They only serve 4 types of tacos. I tried cactus (nopal) tacos for the first time here – while this was not my cup of tacos, I do recommend trying it at least once and highly recommend the other three tacos.

Levain Cookies  – Worth. the. damn. hype. Just go get yourself their walnut chocolate chip cookie and you can thank me later. If there is a line, don’t fret because it moves super fast… so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go! I originally planned to buy the cookies and then walk over to Central Park to eat them, but let’s be honest – they only lasted a few steps outside the bakery *mouth waters from thinking about their cookies* . The original branch is on the Upper West Side, but you can find Levain in many parts of NYC now.

Kosher American Jewish Deli – Comprising approximately 13% of NYC’s population, the Jewish community in NYC is the largest in the world outside of Israel. The Jews immigrated to NYC from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, and these immigrants created what is now known as a Jewish delicatessen (or deli for short). At these delis, you can find the classic pastrami on rye and my new-found love: Matzo ball soup, among other dishes – some of which are unique to Jewish Americans.

Here are a few delis that I loved when I was in NYC:

• Katz Deli (in Lower East Side) – This is the place that introduced me to Matzo ball soup, so they needed to be mentioned. The  Harry Met Sally  thing is pretty cool too, I guess.
• Sarge’s Deli (in Midtown) – Out of all the Jewish delis I tried, their pastrami sandwich is the best! They also have the most homely ambiance, and their Matzo ball is pretty good.
• 2nd Ave Deli  (in Upper East Side) – OK, by now you guys have probably caught on that I visited all the famous delis because of my Matzo ball soup obsession… and the one at 2nd ave deli was my favorite Matzo ball soup out of them all. It comes with carrots! and a choice of 3 types of carbs!

Babka – A type of bread swirled with chocolate and cinnamon, popular with the Jewish community in eastern European countries. Many have said babka is the best sweet to get in NYC. Breads Bakery is a popular place to get Babka from in NYC.

The Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th  – Because you haven’t been to NYC without tasting that magical secret white sauce, made popular by none other than the New York cabbies themselves. They have carts all over the city now, but the OG one is this one on 53rd and 6th.

When I first came to New York, I stayed at the Hilton, which you can see in the background of the photo below.

Each time we pass by this corner around dinner time, this one food cart would have a long line snaking out. So one night just before flying back, I decided to join the line – and then I understood why. Their gyro platter with the white and red sauce is SO delicious and relatively affordable for New York’s price. I liked it so much that I hand-carried one on a flight back to LA for my family to try!

Is getting a travel pass worth it in New York?

(All currency in this calculation is in USD)

The New York Pass allows you to visit as many attractions as possible during the duration of your pass. Sounds good? Well, it depends. I would only recommend this if you’re the type of traveler who likes to move fast and want to see everything.

If you follow my itinerary above, your New York Pass utilization could look like this :

And if you decide to take the Big Bus Tour on one of the days, it would add even more to the total value of the pass to be $427. A 3-day pass costs $249 at the time of writing, so you could potentially be saving $118-178 with the New York Pass .

Of course, this is all dependent on your planning ability to use up the pass to its full potential. This is why even though the New York pass is available for up to 7 days, I can only advise getting the 3-day pass and doing as many things as possible during those days to make it truly worth it.

However, if you decide that you want to chill and only visit a few select attractions, you can consider Go City New York Explorer Pass instead. You’ll save money through this pass, provided you pick high-value attractions that cost $35 or more. The pass is good for 60 days after activation so that you can take your time!

My recommendations for such attractions:

• Top of the Rock – $40
• Central Park Bike Tour – $52
• Best of NYC cruise – $47
• The vessel – $39
• Edge – $42
• High Line Tour – $39

Okay, that was one long post on everything I know about NYC! I hope this post has been useful to you. And as usual, if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.

10 Comments

• January 2, 2024

Gratitude for the insider tips! Your advice led us to mouthwatering food and the breathtaking views from the Top of the Rock. NYC became a dream come true.

• November 6, 2023

Great Itinerary! Found helpful. Thanks for sharing!

• August 12, 2023

Hi Melissa! Thank you SO much for making this- it’s extremely helpful as it will be my sister and I’s first time in NY! I was wondering if you had a pdf or printable version of this?

Hey Jazmin, I don’t have a printable version but that’s a great idea – i should make one! I hope you have fun with your sister 🙂

• May 20, 2023

Just wanted to drop a message here saying that your blog for first-time visitors of NYC has proven to be spot on. My family and I had a blast during our 4 days in The Big Apple. Many thanks!

Nico, thanks for taking the time to write this!

• March 1, 2023

im travelling this summer and so excited to do this itinerary.. thanks a million

• February 15, 2023

Hi! Your blog makes me want to book a flight to New York!

• February 4, 2023

I just wanted to say this was incredibly helpful, and thank you so much for writing it! It’s been surprisingly difficult to find solid travel itineraries for NYC so I really appreciated how thorough and detailed this was. Thank you!

• February 5, 2023

Thank you Aleesha for taking the time to write this comment. I appreciate it!

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

New York City Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 25, 2024

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in New York City

1. Meander through Central Park

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

2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

On September 11th, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in NYC and elsewhere. Visit this somber memorial and take in the view from the Freedom Tower. On the elevator up, you can see pictures of the historical development of the city and how it’s changed over the years. To get a deeper understanding of 9/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum. It’s home to moving exhibits that illuminate the scope and significance of the tragedy. The memorial is free to visit; museum entry is $33 USD (free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm but tickets must be booked online). Get tickets beforehand so you can skip the line and save time!

3. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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

4. See the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is a massive Neoclassical statue gifted to the USA from France. It was dedicated in 1886 and stands 305-feet tall (95 meters). It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi though its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). It’s spectacular to see up close and is as big as you imagine, but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island. Here, you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but be impressed. Admission is $25 USD.

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

5. Walk the High Line

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

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

2. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

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

3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

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

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

4. Museum hop

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

5. Visit Radio City Music Hall

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

6. Take in the theater

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

7. Wander Times Square

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

8. Experience the Prohibition Bars

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

9. Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

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

10. Visit Trinity Church

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

11. Head to Top of the Rock

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

12. Just wander

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

13. Relax in Battery Park

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

14. Visit Wall Street

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

14. See Federal Hall

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

16. See Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling as everyone races to and fro. There’s also an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, visit The Campbell and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). It was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad’s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s.

17. Visit The Cloisters

Few people make it up to the Cloisters (it’s up near 204th Street), a branch of the Met devoted to medieval Europe. It took me years to finally see it, and I kicked myself for waiting so long. It was built with Rockefeller money from parts of five European abbeys between 1934 and 1939. (They even stipulated that the land across the river would forever remain undeveloped so the view would be unspoiled!). The building and its stunning cloistered garden are very, very peaceful, and beautiful. It’s one of the best things to do in the city. There are free tours each day that explain the history of the museum and the paintings and exhibits. Admission is $30 USD (which includes same-day entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

18. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

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

19. Hang out in Prospect Park

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

20. Visit the Bronx Zoo

Head north for a look at one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the United States. Opened in 1899, the zoo spans almost 300 acres and sees over 2 million visitors each year. Home to over 650 different species, it’s a great place to visit with kids. Gorillas, birds of prey, bison — there is a huge assortment of animals here and you’ll definitely learn a lot during your visit! Admission is $37.95 USD. Tickets are $17.95 USD on Wednesdays.

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

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

22. Attend a taping

TV shows like Saturday Night Live , The View , The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , The Daily Show , Last Week Tonight , Late Night with Seth Meyers , and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon offer free tickets to their tapings (although they must be reserved well in advance). See each show’s website for details and to make reservations.

22. Talk a walk through Green-Wood Cemetery

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

23. Visit the Louis Armstrong House

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

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

New York City Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking New York City Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

New York City Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in New York City

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

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

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

How to Get Around New York City

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

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

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

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

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

When to Go to New York City

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

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in New York City

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

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

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

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

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

You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

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

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

New York City Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

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

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

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

New York City Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

How to Experience Milwaukee Like a Local

The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

The 7 Best Hotels in Miami

Where to Stay in Miami: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 24 Hours in Raleigh, North Carolina

The 6 Best Hotels in Austin

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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

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The Ultimate NYC Travel Guide — including what to see, what to eat, and New York's can't-miss attractions.

New York City

New York City. The Big Apple. It’s one of the greatest cities in the world. But with so much to do and experience, NYC is also one of the most overwhelming cities. That’s why, after living here for years, we’ve decided to use our experience to create our NYC Travel Guide!

In this ultimate New York Guide, we’ll cover the can’t miss New York attractions, our favorite NYC neighborhoods, the best places to eat, how to save money, and a whole slew of NYC travel tips.

How Much To Budget For Visting NYC

New York is expensive. Even budget travelers have a hard time visiting on a budget. For example:

• Museum entrance fees are around $25.
• Food is expensive and it’s hard to spend less than $10 on a simple lunch. A decent dinner (especially with alcohol) can easily run $50/person.
• The Subway is $2.75 per ride. Taxi and Uber rides can get expensive — especially from the airport.
• A cheap hostel bed will be $35-$85/night (via Hostelworld ).
• A basic 2-star hotel will be at least $150/night (via Booking.com ).
• Broadway shows can easily cost $120+ for a ticket.

For backpacker-style travel (i.e. cheap hostel, basic meals, minimal sightseeing, etc), we recommend budgeting around $75-$100/day. You can probably spend less but this is a good ballpark figure.

For budget travel , we recommend budgeting $100-$150/day. A lot of this will come down to your accommodation. And one big meal or a few $15 cocktails can easily blow your budget.

For average travel , we recommend budgeting $150-$250/day. Again, your food and lodging will play the biggest impact on your budget.

To get a better idea of accommodation prices for your travel dates, we recommend checking out Hostelworld for hostels and Booking.com for hotels. Check Airbnb if you’re looking for an apartment.

Don’t forget to buy a mobile data plan for your phone when you visit. Check out our Guide To The Best SIM Card Data Plans For the USA .

How Long to Visit NYC

Honestly, you’ll never run out of things to do in NYC — you’re much more likely to run out of money before you run out of things to do.

We think four days is the absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in New York. You won’t be able to see much but you can see a handful of the highlights.

That said, a full week will allow you to see a few different neighborhoods and not feel like you’re rushing around at 1000 miles an hour.

The Good and The Bad Of NYC

Like every city, New York has a lot of good things going for it and a few not-so-great things as well.

• Non-Stop Action: There is a reason they call it the city that never sleeps.
• Food: NYC is one of the best “foodie” cities in the world. You can find just about everything you’re looking for.
• The Sights: New York is packed with sights and attractions. You won’t be able to fit everything in and you won’t get bored.
• Culture: Museum, shows, live music, fashion… it’s all here.
• The Subway: Ok… Europe’s subways are generally better than New York’s but it is still pretty good.
• The Shopping: You want it? Someone in NYC is selling it.
• Central Park: NY’s massive Central Park makes escaping the insanity of the city easy.
• The Prices: NYC is expensive. The food, the drinks, the hotels, the museums… It’s hard to stick to a reasonable budget.
• The Number Of People: The sheer number of people in NYC gives the city energy. But it also makes everything crowded (i.e. the subway during rush hour, the shops, the streets, the train stations…). But it also makes getting a table at a popular restaurant a pain. So expect to adjust your expectations.
• Lack Of Space: The hotels and restaurants are tiny so expect to be rubbing elbows with your neighbors.
• Airports: They’re all pretty bad and they don’t make getting into the city very easy either.

When To Visit NYC

New York City is buzzing year-round so you’ll never have a lack of things to do. That said, each season possesses negative and positive aspects.

New York can get quite hot in the summer so walking in the full sun or waiting on the hot subway platforms can be brutal.

That said, the city is fully alive during the summer. The parks are full, the sidewalk cafes are hopping, the people are out and about until late at night so it’s still an amazing time to visit.

Spring/Fall

It’s hard to beat NYC in the spring or fall — the weather is comfortable, the city has plenty of energy, and the crowds aren’t too crazy. Accommodation prices aren’t much different than the peak summer times so you’re not really going to save much money.

Note: We also love NYC in the fall because the trees in Central Park and along the Hudson river begin to change colors. Truly beautiful.

NYC is magical around Christmas with all the fun window displays and decorations. NYC does get cold and it gets a few days of snow every year. We highly recommend a pair of waterproof boots or shoes as the snow quickly turns into massive puddles of slush and muck.

The period of time between Christmas and spring is cold and grey — but prices are at their lowest for accommodation.

Where To Stay In New York: NYC Neighborhood Guide

New York has so many amazing neighborhoods and each has its own vibe. The “best” neighborhoods are also generally the most expensive so you might have to settle for a less ideal neighborhood for budget reasons.

That said, you’ll still be able to visit multiple neighborhoods thanks to a quick subway ride.

Times Square, Midtown, & Hell’s Kitchen

Ask any New Yorker and they’ll gladly tell you about their hate of Times Square and Midtown. Why? Because Times Square is where all the tourists are and many New Yorkers work in one of Midtown’s skyscrapers (so they’re not a fan of being there).

It’s true that this part of the city doesn’t have much “soul” since it’s just a bunch of tall buildings. That said, the area has a ton of hotels so this is where you’ll find most of the “affordable” hotels in Manhattan.

But this area is also home to many of NYC’s most iconic sights like Times Square, Broadway, The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and lots of shopping.

This area is also centrally located and has excellent subway connections so you can easily visit Uptown/Central Park or head to downtown Manhattan.

Note: Directly to the west of Time’s Square/Theatre District is the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. This area has long been a hub of gay culture and there are multiple bars, restaurants, and other lively nightlife options.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village is one of the most loved and most iconic parts of NYC (this is where Friends took place). It was the center of the 1960’s counterculture movement. It’s full of bars, restaurants, music venues, cafes, coffee shops, the iconic Washington Square Park, and peaceful tree-lined streets. The area has a youthful vibe as its home to New York University. It’s an amazing place to explore.

It’s also one of the most expensive parts of New York and you’ll mainly find expensive boutique hotels here.

SoHo, which stands for South Of Houston, is another lively and must-visit part of downtown NYC. SoHo is a very trendy area so you’ll find plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, art galleries, and plenty of nightlife options.

SoHo is also home to the best shopping in NYC so you’ll find everything from designer boutiques to international chain stores.

Don’t have a ton of cash to drop? No worries! SoHo has a ton of atmosphere thanks to its cobblestone streets and cast-iron-facades. You’ll love simply walking around.

There are a lot of trendy hotels in SoHo so you’ll pay a premium to stay here.

Chelsea has a mix of both midtown and downtown vibes — many people consider that “downtown” officially begins at Chelsea’s southern border.

Chelsea is home to many popular sights and attractions — including Chelsea Market (a food hall with great food options), the High Line (a park/walking trail built on former railroad tracks), the iconic Flatiron Building, the new Hudson Yards, and Madison Square Garden. There is also plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping in the area.

Chelsea has a decent amount of hotels so you can sometimes find cheaper prices here than in downtown.

TriBeCa was once an industrial no-man’s-land but all the area’s industrial buildings were turned into huge ultra-expensive lofts (i.e. Taylor Swift and Beyonce live here). On that note, the neighborhood is full of very expensive bars, restaurants, and boutique shopping.

You’ll mostly find luxury boutique hotels in the neighborhood.

East Village

The East Village is like the West Village’s less-refined, laid-back, and slightly gritty little brother. It’s a popular and hip nightlife spot that skews towards the younger crowd. It’s full of vintage shops, tattoo parlors, dive bars, music venues, and other trendy spots.

The East Village’s nightlife means it stays loud and happening well into the early hours of the morning so this might not be the best place for light sleepers.

Lower East Side

The Lower East Side has a long history of being rough around the edges and home to NYC’s tenement houses. While these days it’s fully gentrified, it still has a gritty feel. The Lower East Side has a youthful vibe as its lower rent prices and tiny apartments attract many younger Manhattanites. On that note, you’ll find plenty of bars, live music, and rowdy nightlife in the area.

In the 19th century, the Lower East Side was home to a massive Jewish population so, while most of them have long moved out of the neighborhood, these days you can find multiple excellent Jewish delis.

Little Italy

These days Little Italy keeps getting smaller as neighboring Chinatown slowing expands. That said, you can still find a handful of nice Italian restaurants and loads of ambiance in the area so it continues to be a very popular place to visit.

Chinatown is a densely populated neighborhood that buzzes with energy all day. It’s an excellent place to visit for delicious Chinese and Southeast Asian food and, knockoff purses, and cheap souvenirs.

Chinatown is one of the cheapest areas in Manhattan and it’s home to many budget hotels — but some can be a bit sketchy so read the reviews.

Financial District

The Financial District is home to Wall Street and many of the city’s largest skyscrapers. The area buzzes all day with highly paid business people and clears out at night. Many of the bars and restaurants cater to well-paid business people so it isn’t a very budget-friendly place. That said, you might be able to score a decent deal on a hotel as this isn’t one of the city’s more “desirable” places to stay.

Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is an oasis of calm compared to downtown and midtown Manhattan. It’s a largely residential neighborhood and it has a lively but laid-back vibe. And you’re never more than about a 10-minute walk to Central Park or the Hudson River.

Many people consider the Upper West Side to be classic New York thanks to its many beautiful brownstones on quiet side tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is also home to the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Ballet.

The area doesn’t have a ton of hotels but there are a handful of options.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is a quiet residential neighborhood where New York’s “old money” resides. Many of its residents tend to be older, there aren’t a ton of dining options, and there isn’t much in terms of nightlife. But you’ll find a lot of high-end shopping here.

The area is also home to many of the city’s premier museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Frick Collection, Neue Galerie, and El Museo del Barrio.

Hotel options are fairly limited except for a handful of high-end spots so not many visitors stay here.

Harlem is a vibrant neighborhood in northern Manhattan. It’s famous for tiny jazz clubs, soul food restaurants, beautiful brownstones, a diverse population, and the Apollo Theater. The neighborhood is quickly changing so more and more trendy restaurants, hip cafes, and cool coffee shops are opening every day.

Harlem hasn’t historically been a popular place for visitors to stay so there aren’t many hotels in the neighborhood.

New York’s Best Sights & Attractions

There is never a shortage of things to do in NYC so I apologize now because this section will be extremely long.

Obviously, you can’t see everything NYC has to offer so we suggest picking your favorites. Most importantly, don’t worry if you can’t “see” everything that’s on your list because you’ll run yourself ragged if you try.

Budget Tip: Consider picking up the New York City Pass if you want to see a lot in a short amount of time. You can read our New York Pass Review to see if it’s right for your trip.

Note: We’ve listed the sights/attractions below in no particular order.

Views From the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory

The most iconic views of NYC are found at the top of NYC’s tallest buildings — notably the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Tickets for all three are expensive so we suggest only visiting one if you’re on a budget.

Personally, we prefer the views from Rockefeller Center because it has views of Central Park and you can views of midtown and downtown — including amazing views from the Empire State Building.

One World Observatory is the tallest building in NYC and it’s located at the southern tip of Manhattan so you get a different POV than you get from Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building.

Tickets to the observation decks start around $35-$40/each but you can pay a little extra to buy a double ticket that lets you visit during the day and at night. You have to book a timeslot so purchase online before you arrive (in most cases).

• Official Top Of The Rock Website
• Official Empire State Building Website
• Official One World Observatory
• Empire State Skip The Line Tickets

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met)

The Met is one of the greatest museums in the world and it’s the largest art museum in the United States. Its collection covers more than 5000 years from across the world — from Egyptian mummies to Impressionist paintings to modern art and more.

If you’re even remotely into museums then the Met is a must-visit.

• Admission: $25 (it’s pay-what-you-wish for NY Residents)
• See On Google Maps
• Offical Met Website
• Take A Specialized Met Guided Tour

Local Tip: The Met has a nice rooftop garden bar that has great views of Central Park and the NYC Skyline. It’s rarely crowded as most people don’t know about it.

Museum Of Modern Art (MoMA)

The MoMA is one of the greatest modern art museums in the world and it displays many of the world’s most iconic modern and contemporary art. Some of the highlights include Monet’s  Water Lilies , van Gogh’s  The Starry Night , Picasso’s  Les Demoiselles d’Avignon , Matisse’s  Dance , and Warhol’s  Campbell’s Soup Cans .

• Free entry every Friday 4-8 pm
• Official Website
• Skip The Line Tickets and Guided MoMA Tour

NOTE: The MoMA is closed due to renovation until October 21, 2019

Local Tip: The MoMA has a second branch in Long Island City, Queens called MoMA PS1 which is dedicated to experimental, thought-provoking contemporary art. They hold frequent events and concerts — and these attract a very hip crowd. See Website and Upcoming Events

Central Park

Central Park is arguably the greatest urban park in the world and it’s a huge part of what makes NYC such an amazing city. The park is massive so give yourself a few hours to explore the park. In fact, we could probably wite a standalone guide just for Central Park as there is so much to see/do there.

We suggest entering Central Park around 72 Street as that puts you into the heart of the park. Alternatively, you can also simply start near the southern part of the park (@ 59th Street) and stroll north as you see fit.

Park Highlights

• Picnic In The Sheep Meadow: The Sheep Meadow is a huge open field near the southern part of the park. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the NYC skyline. Tip: There is a Whole Foods at the edge of the park at Colombus Circle where you can pick up picnic stuff ( See On Google Maps )
• Rent A Rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse: Boats are $15 per hour (cash only), $4.00 for each additional 15 minutes with a $20 cash deposit. Visit Website
• Explore By Bike: Central Park has an excellent bike path that snakes through the entire park so exploring by bike is a relaxing way to experience the park! Here is a list of the multiple bike rental companies.
• See Shakespeare in the Park: Tickets are tough to get. You’ll have to line-up super early to score tickets (the line is already long at 7 am) or try your luck in the online lottery. Visit Website
• Get Lost: There are lots of hidden nooks and crannies throughout the park so just start wandering and see where you end up.
• Central Park Zoo: Yes, there is even a small zoo in Central Park. Visit Website
• Take A (Free) Walking Tour: The park even puts on free walking tours . Of course, there are plenty of other paid walking tours as well.
• See On Central Park On Google Maps
• Visit The Central Park Website
• See More About Central Park Tours, Rentals, Carriage Rides, etc.

Walk The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York’s most iconic sights and it’s a great spot to admire the NYC skyline. The bridge is just over a mile long from end to end.

• Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Tour
• Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge Bike Tour

Local Tip: There are a lot of salty cyclists who use the bridge and they get annoyed when tourists walk in the bike lanes so keep that in mind as you’re walking. We also suggest visiting in the morning before the tourists hoards arrive.

Walk The High Line and Chow Down at Chelsea Market

Two of NYC’s most popular attractions are the High Line and Chelsea Market — they Highline passes Chelsea Market so makes sense to combine your visit.

The Highline is a 1.5-mile long urban park/walkway that was built on former elevated railroad parks.

Chelsea Market is an old industrial building that was converted into a food hall. It’s an excellent place to grab a quick lunch or dinner. Do a circle to see what looks good but we highly recommend Adobada taco at Los Tacos No. 1 and Num Pang for tasty Cambodian sandwiches.

• See The High Line On Google Maps
• See Chelsea Market On Google Maps
• Chelsea Market and Highline Tour

See A Broadway Play

NYC is the epicenter of theatre so there are always multiple Broadway shows worth checking out. But the tickets aren’t cheap and tickets for popular shows can be hard to get.

If your schedule is flexible, we recommend checking out one of the TKTS discount booths as they sell same-day theatre tickets for up to 50% off. The lines can get long so we recommend getting there early so you don’t have to wait more than an hour in line. You can also book tickets and get behind-the-scenes tours via Get Your Guide .

Grand Central Station

New York’s main train station is Grand Central Station and it’s an architectural sight to behold. It’s fun to look at the building and to experience the chaos.

Tip: The lower level of GCS has a decent food court if you’re hungry.

Take A Manhattan River Cruise

Manhattan is lovely from the water so a 2.5-hour river cruise can be a fun and relaxing way to spend part of your day. The cruise start around $45/person. A twilight cruise is also fun!

• Book Your Circle Line River Cruise
• 2.5 Hour River Cruise
• Book A Twilight Cruise

Take Sunset Sailboat Cruise

Sailboats are always fun so it’s no surprise that taking a sunset sail around lower Manhattan would be a magical experience. Expect to pay around $45-$80/person.

• Learn More About The Different Sailboat Cruise s

9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center

The 9/11 Memorial is an extremely sobering tribute to the tragedy of 9/11. It is an excellent museum but prepare yourself for a lot of emotions.

If you don’t want to visit the museum, we still recommend seeing the Freedom Tower and ground zero.

• Admission: $26 (pre-book your tickets online)
• Visit The Website

Guggenheim Museum

Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this building is one of the most recognizable museums in New York. While the museum has a permeate collection, the main draw is their rotating temporary exhibits — which means it can be a hit or miss as it depends what’s on display.

• Saturday from 5–8 pm is Pay-What-You-Wish but we suggest arriving early to beat the line.

Take a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

NYC is a big city so one of the best ways to see a lot in a little amount of time is via an open-top bus tour. Tickets typically cost $50 for 24-hours but you can pay a little more for 48-hour tickets. Book your tickets here .

Times Square

I may be jaded but even I think that you should see Times Square if you’ve never experienced it before. Should you go back? Ehh.

Anyways, there will be way fewer people if you visit late at night or early morning — the rest of the day will be packed with people. We prefer visiting after 10 pm so you get the full bright lights experience.

Local Foodie Tip: Looking for a great budget-friendly meal near Times Square? Check out Xi’an Famous Foods ( See On Google Maps ) for excellent counter-service Chinese food/soups and Los Tacos No.1 ( See On Google Maps ) for amazing tacos.

Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney doesn’t get nearly as much attention as other museums but it’s quietly one of the best museums in NYC. The Whitney focuses on 20th- and 21st-century American art and they get some really nice temporary exhibits — the last few exhibits I’ve seen has been very good.

• Pay-What-You-Wish on Fridays, 7–9:30 pm.
• Visit Offical Website

Local Tip: Head to the museum’s rooftop cafe for exceptional views of the city’s skyline and the Meatpacking District.

Tenement Museum

The Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side is another well-loved museum that not many visitors know about. The museum is housed in two former tenement buildings and it tells the story of the 15,000 people poor immigrants who moved to NYC and lived in these terrible conditions. They also offer walking tours of the neighborhood.

• Admission: $27+
• Visit Official Website

Take A Specialized Tour

One great way to dive deep into a city is to take a specialized tour. Below are some fun options:

• Street Art Tour
• 3-Hour Food and History Tour
• 2-Hour Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village
• Wall Street Tour
• 5.5 Hour NYC Tour

Check Get Your Guide For Multiple Other Tours

See Some Comedy

There are a ton of places to catch a comedy show in NYC — from standup and sketch to everything in between. We’re big fans of standup and you might even get lucky and see a major comedian working on their latest set.

Check out this guide from Time Out to see what kinds of comedy shows are going on.

Catch Some Jazz

You can still catch a lot of excellent jazz in NYC. We love Bill’s Place in Harlem (a tiny jazz spot in the basement of an old brownstone with about 15 seats). Here is a guide to jazz in NYC for more info about other clubs.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade & The Brooklyn Heights Neighborhood

For some of the best views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, head over to the beautiful tree-lined Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This is a favorite spot to visit on a nice day and it’s a great spot to catch the sunset.

Furthermore, spend some time walking around the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood as it’s full of beautiful old townhouses.

The Met Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park

The Cloisters, which is part of the Met, is one of these secret places that locals take out-of-towners when they want to escape the craziness of the city. The Cloisters is an old French monastery that was disassembled, shipped over, and rebuilt in northern Manhattan. Inside you’ll find European medieval architecture, sculpture and decorative arts. They also sometimes host temporary exhibits.

The Cloisters is located inside Fort Tryon Park — which is an excellent small park that has amazing views of the Hudson River and beautiful gardens.

• Note: General admission tickets include exhibitions and are valid for three consecutive days at The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters.
• Visit The Offical Cloisters Website

Union Square

Union Square is a lively square in downtown Manhattan that hosts a long-running farmers market. There are also artists and street performers around the plaza doing their thing so it’s a nice spot for people watching.

While this isn’t a “must-see” destination, it’s a nice place to walk around if you’re in the area.

• See on Google Maps

Washington Square Park

Located in Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is one of the most iconic parks in New York. It’s famous for its huge arch, fountain, and the interesting people who are drawn to the park (i.e. the people-watching is excellent).

If you’re up for the long subway ride, we suggest checking out the Bronx Zoo for a nice way to connect with nature in one of the largest zoos in the US.

• Free Wednesday (but it gets very busy)

Strand Bookstore

The Strand Bookstore is New York’s most famous independent bookstore and they boast of having 18 miles of books — which is around 2.5 million books. So yeah, the place is huge and a pilgrimage for bookworms.

• Visit The Strand Website

Staten Island Ferry

Another no-so-secret free thing to do in NYC is taking the Staten Island Ferry as it passes directly by the Statue of Liberty and it offers great views of the NYC skyline. It’s operated by the  New York City Department of Transportation and the ride is absolutely free.

The ride between lower Manhattan and Staten Island takes about 25-minutes each way so it’s one of the best freebies in town. It runs 24 hours a day and there are rides about every 30-minutes (more frequently during rush hour).

Statue of Liberty

You can’t think of New York without picturing the towering Statue of Liberty — which is why it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC.

Note: You have to pass through “airport-style” security before boarding the ferry to the Ellis Island so expect to spend an extra 30-minutes for that.

• The only official ticket reseller is Statue Cruises so it is highly recommended to buy your tickets online first and pick them up onsite — otherwise, you’ll wait in a huge line.
• Visit The Official Website
• See On Google Maps (Departure Ferry)
• Take A Guided Tour Of Ellis Island

TIP: Want to visit the Crown of the Statue of Liberty? You’ll need to book tickets around six-months in advance. See the Official Website for more info.

Kayak The Rivers

Free kayaking has exploded in popularity so there are now a handful of places where you can kayak in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. See this Time Out Article for more information.

Brooklyn Museum

Coming in at 560,000 square feet, the Brooklyn Museum is New York City’s third-largest and has a collection of nearly 1.5 million works. The museum is most notable for its ancient & modern art collections and they always have world-class temporary exhibitions.

• The museum is open late until 10 pm on Thursday nights and it’s free.

Hudson River Park and Riverside Park

While most people visit Central Park, there are two other major parks in NYC that most visitors don’t know about — Hudson River Park and Riverside Park. These two parks essentially run the length of the Hudson River.

The Hudson River Park ( learn more ) starts at the lower part of Manhattan at battery park and up until W 59th Street. This urban park features all kinds of leisure activities like tennis and soccer fields, batting cages, playgrounds, dog run, and more.

Riverside Park ( learn more ) stretches four miles from 72nd to 158th streets along the Hudson River and it’s more of a traditional park with greenspace. It also has some of the best river views and a few bars alongside the water Pier i Cafe and Boat Basin Cafe ).

Both parks have a nice bike/walking path that runs alongside the Hudson River.

Local Tip: There is free kayaking on Piers 96, 84, and 40 during the summer ( learn more ).

Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park

The Flatiron Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in NYC so it makes an excellent Instagram opportunity. While you’re there, stop by Madison Square Park for a bit of relaxation.

Local Tip: There is a Shake Shack in Madison Square Park ( see on Google Maps ) and the giant Italian food hall Etaly is across the street ( see on Google Maps ).

Chrysler Building

If you’re near Grand Central Station don’t forget to look for this iconic Art Deco–style skyscraper. You can visit the lobby but you can’t go to the top.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a breathtaking Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1879 and is now situated amongst the modern buildings of midtown Manhattan. It’s a peaceful place to stop in and rest your tired feet.

American Museum of Natural History

Another world-class museum in NYC is the American Museum of Natural History — in fact, it’s is the largest natural history museum in the world. It has tons of animals, dinosaurs, and a Planetarium. This is an excellent place for kids as well.

• Admission: $23 (pay-what-you-wish for NY residents)
• Se On Google Maps

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

What’s cooler than exploring an old WWII aircraft carrier? The deck of the Intrepid is filled with various military aircraft, and you can head below deck to explore other parts of the carrier. The Growler submarine is docked alongside the Intrepid and it can also be explored.

• Admission: $33
• Visit the Official Website

Local Tip: During the summer they set up a giant moviescreen and show free movies on the deck of the Intrepid.

New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Located in Bryant Park, the New York Public Library is the third-largest public library in the world. This Beaux-Arts building is an iconic landmark that’s been featured in dozens of movies. It’s free to explore and its lobby is worth checking out for the architecture alone. And, if nothing else, they have air conditioning, plenty of places to charge your phone, and free restrooms! They also the first Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal on display in the basement.

Where & What To Eat In NYC

Not many cities in the world rival New York when it comes to food. In fact, Manhattan has over 24,000 restaurants — and that’s not even counting the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island. So it’s safe to say that you can find just about anything you’re in the mood for.

Of course, there is no way we can list even a fraction of all the great restaurants in NYC so we’re going to stick with a few of our favorite places and a few of classic NYC food you might want to check out.

P.S. Consider taking a food tour if you want to eat your want through NYC’s best neighborhoods. Get Your Guide has a bunch of these tours to choose from.

Where To Get NYC’s Best Pizza

Pizza just might be the most iconic NYC food so there is no shortage of places to get excellent pizza and it’s impossible to pick the “best” (this topic has spawned many arguments). That said, we’ve listed some of the most-loved pizza spots so you can try them all!

NOTE: We’ve focused on pizza joints in Manhattan or within easy reach of Manhattan. There are tons of great pizza places in all the boroughs (and New Jersey) but we figured this was a good way to contain our recommendations.

Prince Street Pizza

Prince Street Pizza is a perpetual favorite and their slices are truly excellent — there’s a reason that they have a constant line coming out of this pint-size pizza shop. There are only a few standing-only tables so most people eat their pizza on the street.

• See on Google Maps ( SoHo/NoLita )

Mama’s TOO!

I’m going to be honest here… Mama’s TOO! might be the best pizza I’ve tried in NYC. They’re most famous for their square slices but they have more “traditional” triangle slices as well.

Mama’s TOO! is small so this is more of a grab-and-go spot but there are a couple of small tables.

• See On Google Maps ( Upper West Side )

Patsy’s Pizzeria

Patsy’s Pizzeria has been an NYC icon since they first started serving up thin-crust, coal-fired pizza in 1933. The original location is located in East Harlem but they have a few other locations now. Note: The Harlem location is the only location that also serves pizza by the slice.

• See On Google Maps ( Harlem, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Midtown East, and Brooklyn )

John’s of Bleecker Street

Another NYC institution that never disappoints. They’ve been serving up excellent brick-oven, thin-crust pizza since 1929. They only serve full pies here so go elsewhere if you’re in the mood for a slice.

• See On Google Maps ( West Village)

Rubirosa Ristorante

Rubirosa is another one of our go-to sit-down pizza spots when we’re in SoHo/Little Italy. Their paper-thin crust is truly amazing. Rubirosa is small so they squeeze you in and there is almost always a wait (but it’s worth it).

• See On Google Maps ( SoHo/Little Italy)

NY Pizza Suprema

Established in 1964, NY Pizza Suprema is a no-frills classic NYC pizza joint that’s is well-loved by locals and out-of-towners. Their slices are huge but they also have full pies. Expect a line (that moves quickly) and gruff employees. Lives up to the hype. Cash only.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown/Madison Square Garden / Penn Station )

Joe’s Pizza NYC

Joe’s Pizza is classic NYC. Established in 1975, they’ve become famous for serving up delicious pizza to hungry NYU students and celebrities alike. The service is a bit gruff but ultra-quick. Their West Village Location is the original but they’ve since expanded for five locations.

• See Locations on Google Maps ( West Village )

Scarr’s Pizza

Scarr’s feels more like a dive bar than a pizza place but that doesn’t stop them from making a classic New York slice made from high-quality ingredients. They have a small bar and some seating in the back but most folks eat it on the sidewalk.

• See On Google Maps ( Lower East Side )

Emily does two things really well — pizza and burgers. In fact, both their pizza and burgers are said to be some of the best in the city so might as well try both!. This place is always busy so make a reservation or be prepared for a long wait.

• See On Google Maps ( West Village & Brooklyn )

Opened in 1905, Lombardi’s holds the honor of being the oldest pizza joint in the United States. Do they make the best pizza in NY? Not really. But their coal-fired, thin-crust Neapolitan pizza is still extremely good. That said, the restaurant’s old-school atmosphere and history make the whole experience even better.

• See On Google Maps ( Little Italy )

Juliana’s

The DUMBO area of Brooklyn has spawned a handful of excellent pizza spots — including Juliana’s. The crust on their coal-fired pizzas is that perfect combination of not too soft and not too crispy. There is always a line but it moves pretty quickly.

• See On Google Maps ( DUMBO Brooklyn )

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Grimaldi’s is another iconic pizza spot in DUMBO that’s been serving up brick-oven pies for nearly than 30 years. There seems to be a constant argument whether Juliana’s or Grimaldi’s is the better DUMBO pizza spot… so you’ll just have to sample both. Grimaldi’s is cash-only and there is always a line.

• See On Google Maps ( DUMBO, Brooklyn & Flatiron )

With a name like”Best Pizza” you’d expect their pizza to be mediocre but Best Pizza actually lives up to their name. This neighborhood Williamsburg spot cranks out some of the most delicious wood-fired pizza in all of NYC. This place is super hipster (it’s in Williamsburg after all) and they specialize in both grandma-style slices and traditional NY-style slices.

• See On Google Maps ( Williamsburg, Brooklyn )

Sal & Carmine’s Pizza

Sal & Carmine’s Pizza is a quietly one of the best pizza spots in NYC but it’s relatively unknown outside its Upper West Side neighborhood. This no-frills joint serves up high-quality classic NY-style pizza in a grab-and-go setting (but there are a few tables). Sal & Carmine’s is a few streets away from Mama TOO so might as well try both!

This shoebox-size pizza spot is more upscale than most other spots on this list and their pies are “foodie-level” so you won’t be disappointed. Additionally, they probably have the best gluten-free pizza crust in NY.

• See On Google Maps ( Greenwich Village )

Arturo’s

Arturo’s may not be as famous as other classic NYC pizza spots but they’ve been a Greenwich Village staple since 1957. Arturo’s is also famous for their live jazz so it’s an excellent place to visit for coal-fired pizza and some tunes.

Lucali has become one of the must-visit pizza places in New York. We’re serious when we say that everyone in New York wants to eat there because the pizza is out of this world. It’s BYOB and cash only.

But here’s the deal — you have to get there before it opens to put your name on the list and even then you might have to wait 2-3+ hours for a table. Lucali opens at 5 pm but people start lining up at 3 pm to score a table.

• See On Google Maps ( Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn )

Where To Get Amazing Bagels in New York

Is there anymore more New York than a bagel with cream cheese? Doubtful.

Here’s the deal — you can find someone selling bagels on just about every street in New York but there are only a handful of truly standout bagel spots that are worth all those extra carbs. Most bagel places also have various flavors of cream cheese or you can get extra fancy by adding other things like eggs, cheese, smokes fish, etc.

For simplicity’s sake, most of the bagel places we’ve listed here are in Manhattan.

Local Tip: Bagels aren’t just for breakfast. Most places on this list also make bagel sandwiches for lunch (and sometimes dinner).

• See On Google Maps ( East Village )
• See On Google Maps ( Midtown )
• See Locations on Google Maps ( Midtown, Greenwich Village, and Queens )
• See On Google Maps ( Midtown East )
• See Locations On Google Maps ( Greenwich Village & Chelsea )

Where To Get Great Hamburgers in New York

Are hamburgers the most perfect food to ever be invented? Yes. Yes, they are. Luckily, NYC is hamburger heaven so you can find everything from simple to gourmet burgers.

Note: This list only scratches the surface of NYC burger joints but you can be sure that every spot on this list is excellent. We’ve also tried to hit most areas of the city so you’re never far for a solid burger.

Emily seems to make its way onto every “best burger in NY” list — and rightfully so! Their burger is seriously good and many people claim that it’s the best burger they’ve ever had. So is it worth $28? Yes.

• See On Google Maps ( West Village and Brooklyn )

Emmy Squared

Emmy Squared is owned by the same people who own Emily so it’s no surprise they also make an excellent burger here. The Emmy Squared burger is double patty burger that’s comparable to a high-end Shake Shack/ In-N-Out burger. Soooo good. Not cheap. But still great.

• See On Google Maps ( East Village and Brooklyn )

Shake Shack

Shake Shack may be “fast food” but it’s fast food done extremely well. We think it’s one of the best values in the city when it comes to price to quality ratio. And their shakes are amazing. Shake Shack has 20+ locations so you’re never far for a great burger.

• See Locations On Google Maps

Corner Bistro

The beauty of the Corner Bistro is its simplicity — it’s essentially a dive bar that makes one of the best “no-nonsense” burgers in NYC (they’re even served on paper plates). Their beef patties are thick, juicy, and well-seasoned. Furthermore, the basic burger costs around $10 so it’s one of the cheaper ‘high-quality’ burgers in the city. Cash Only.

• See On Google Maps ( West Village )

Burger Joint

Considering that it was featured on one of Anthony Bourdain’s shows, Burger Joint is one of those not-so-secret NYC hidden gems. This no-frills, graffiti-covered, cash-only burger counter is actually located inside the upscale Le Parker Meridien hotel — it’s so hidden that you have to push past a velvet curtain to get inside.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown/Central Park )

The Spotted Pig

This hip no-reservations spot is a West Village institution — you might even rub shoulders with celebrities while dining here. They’re particularly known for their excellent burgers & fries, a solid bar, and long wait times at peak dinner times.

Talk about old school, this New York pub has been around since 1817 and it’s still a local favorite. They serve up a mean burger, great drinks, and they have live music most nights.

• See On Googe Maps ( West Village )

The original J.G. Melon has been an Upper East Side staple since 1972. This laidback old-school pub has since expanded to three locations. Their burgers are simple yet extra delicious — they have other classic bar food as well.

• See On Google Maps ( Upper West Side, Upper East Side, & Greenwich Village )

Bar Sardine

Bar Sardine is yet another charming West Village gastropub that serves up an excellent burger. They also have a great bar if you’re in the mood for a pricy cocktail.

P.J. Clarke’s

The original P. J. Clarke’s has been a Midtown staple since 1884 and was a favorite of Sinatra & Jackie Kennedy. They now have three locations in Manhattan. The staff is friendly, the burgers are super tasty, and they have a nice beer selection. Expect a crowd.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown East, Upper West Side, & FiDi/World Trade Center )

David’s Cafe

This French-American restaurant in the East Village makes a truly excellent burger (among other things). It has a hip rustic vibe and your burger comes with a free beer/wine during happy hour.

Boilermaker

It’s hard to not fall in love with Boilermaker’s kitschy retro dive bar vibe. Their burgers are super tasty and affordable. They also have fun cocktails and a nice beer selection.

Joe Juniors

Old school, no-frills, straight-out-of-the-80s NYC diner vibe. Budget-friendly. They serve just about everything but get props for their burgers. Cash only.

Where To Get Amazing Deli Sandwiches in New York

Sometimes nothing will feed your hunger better than a deli sandwich that weighs as much as a small dog. Well, we’ve got you covered…

Katz’s Delicatessen

No-frills. Long lines. HUGE sandwiches. Cranky employees. Touristy. Expensive. Open since 1888. 100% worth it eating there at least once.

P.S. Order the pastrami Sandwich.

Sarge’s Deli

Sarge’s Deli is another NYC favorite Jewish deli and they’ve been around since 1964. Sarge’s is also home to New York’s largest sandwich — The Monster. They’re open 24/7 in case you get a 4:30 a pastrami craving.

2nd Ave Deli

Classic deli vibe serving up authentic Jewish fare and sandwiches.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown East & Upper East Side )

Fine & Schapiro

While not as famous as the other delis on this list, Fine & Schapiro has been serving up since Jewish cuisine since the 1920s.

Where To Get Amazing Tacos & Burritos in New York

Here’s the deal, NYC isn’t exactly the mecca of tacos and burritos but there are still plenty of places to get your fix. Below we’ve listed a few of our favorite spots in Manhattan or within a quick subway ride to Queens/Brooklyn.

Make your way up to East Harlem and squeeze into this hole-in-the-wall joint to chow down on what many New Yorkers consider to be the best tacos in NYC — they’re most famous for their excellent al pastor tacos.

UPDATE: They’ve recently expanded to a Lower East Side location!

• See On Google Maps ( East Harlem & Lower East Side )

Los Tacos No.1

Los Tacos No.1 is easily the most famous and largely considered to have the best tacos in NYC. They’re seriously good and this is where we direct folks who are craving tacos. They have two locations in Manhattan — one in Chelsea Market and a new location near Times Square. Both spots are always busy and have very little/no seating so this is a stand-and-eat kinda taco joint.

• See On Google Maps (Chelsea & Times Square/Midtown)

Another popular spot with tasty tacos and a hip/kitschy atmosphere is Tacombi. They’ve expanded to multiple locations throughout NYC but each is meant to make you feel like you’re eating on a Yucatan beach — some locations even serve you from a VW bus.

While their tacos are solid, part of the fun of La Esquina is the experience. At their SoHo location , you enter through a non-descript service entrance of a smaller restaurant (The Corner Deli), pass through a kitchen, and into a cool bar/restaurant. Reservations are recommended.

You can also get takeaway tacos from The Corner Deli you don’t want to head downstairs.

Dorado Tacos

Head to this tiny counter-service joint for Baja-style fare – including tasty fish tacos.

El Paso Taqueria

A bit of a hidden gem on the border of the Upper East Side and Spanish Harlem. This cozy cantina serves up authentic Mexican dishes and it’s a nice option if you’re looking for a peaceful sit-down restaurant.

• See On Google Maps ( Upper East Side/Spanish Harlem )

Tulcingo Del Valle

This small Mexican diner that serves up authentic Mexican fare. No frills spot but the prices are solid.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown West/Hell’s Kitchen )

The Little Taco House

There aren’t many affordable places to eat in the West Village but The Little Taco House is a rare exception. It’s a hole-in-the-wall so there isn’t much seating but it’s a solid grab-n-go option.

Zaragoza is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s actually a tiny family-owned & operated Mexican grocery store but they also make delicious take-out food at solid prices.

• See On Google Maps ( East Village)

Benny’s Burritos

Big ol’ burritos and other Mexican food. Solid margaritas and prices are reasonable.

Downtown Bakery

Don’t let the name fool you, this no-frills counter-service Mexican joint serves up tasty tacos and burritos & tacos. They have great breakfast burritos (served all day) as well.

El Diablito Taqueria

A solid neighborhood spot that serves up classic Mexican dishes at fair prices. It’s a small restaurant so there are only a couple of tables but you can always do takeaway.

Where To Get Great Chinese in NYC

NYC has a huge number of great Chinese and Southeast Asian restaurants — notably in Chinatown. Below are a few of the most well-known and best places to chow down on dumplings, pork buns, hand-pulled noodles, and more.  

Note: We mainly chose places in/near Chinatown but there are plenty of other places throughout New York. Flushing, Queens is home to many Chinese immigrants so its another spot to get authentic Chinese food. Note Two: Many Chinese restaurants in Chinatown are cash only.

Vanessa’s Dumpling House

Vanessa’s is an NYC budget-foodie institution. They’re a no-frills joins that’s always busy thanks to their amazing fried or steamed dumpling that am made fresh right in front of your eyes.

• See On Google Maps ( Chinatown )

Joe’s Shanghai

Cash only, sparse decore, super fast service, affordable prices, and amazing soup dumplings (among other Shanghai dishes) — everything you could want in a great Chinese restaurant.

Shanghai 21

Another no-frills joint with a huge menu of Chinese dishes — their soup dumplings get a lot of love. Portions are generous and prices are solid. Cash only.

Great NY Noodletown

Great NY Noodletown is known for their handmade noodles and their roast pork & duck. They’re also open until 4 am for all you night owls.

Xi’an Famous Foods

Xi’an Famous Foods is one of our favorite Chinese restaurants — they’re most famous for their excellent hand-pulled noodles. They’ve become so popular that they’ve expanded to 15+ different locations all across New York. The service is fast so it’s a very popular lunch spot for hungry New Yorkers.

• See On Google Maps ( Multiple Locations )

Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dumpling restaurant in New York that dates back to 1920. They’re always busy but service is fast and efficient.

Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen

Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen is a funny name but this place is always hopping with Chinese people so that’s always a great sign. Plus, they’re located in Midtown/Hell’s Kitchen so you don’t have to travel all the way down to Chinatown for some excellent food.

• See On Google Maps ( Hell’s Kitchen / Midtown )

Another well-established no-frills Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown. Everything they make is solid. They’re also open until 4:30 am.

Big Wong is another popular Chinese joint that specializes in Cantonese dishes. Their BBQ pork is well-loved. No frills. Cash only.

Wah Fung Fast Food

Wah Fung Fast Food makes tasty street-style Chinese food but they’re most famous for their roast pork.

• See on Google Maps ( Lower East Side )

Café China serves up traditional Sichuan dishes from a Michelin rated chef and a series of solid cocktails. Slightly more upscale than you’re typical “no-frills” Chinese restaurant.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown East)

Tasty Hand Pulled Noodle

Not surprising, they serve up tasty hand-pulled noodles and other Chinese comfort foods. Very affordable.

• See On Google Maps (Chinatown)

Wok to Walk

Ok… Wok to Walk is an international chain that started in Amsterdam so it’s not exactly “authentic” but it’s still a great budget-friendly grab-n-go option if you’re in Midtown Manhattan. The food is made fresh in front of you and it’s tasty. So, while it’s not a “destination” kind of restaurant but it’s not a bad place to eat if you’re in the area.

Red Farm is a modern, up-scale Chinese-fusion restaurant with two locations. It’s very trendy and the food is great but it’s not cheap.

• See On Google Maps ( West Village & Upper West Side )

Even More Of Our Favorite Restaurants in NYC

Ahhh! It’s so hard to list all the places we love to eat in NYC because the list seems to never end (which is why we continue to add more restaurants to this list as we discover new favorites).

Anyways, below is our always-growing list of amazing places to eat.

Thursday Kitchen

I think we must take every out of town visitor to Thursday Kitchen. It’s basically Korean fusion with French & Spanish influences. Sounds weird but it’s delicious. And they have alcoholic Capri Sun drinks with light-up ice cubes. Super cool and trendy. Just go.

Ippudo Ramen

Ippudo Ramen makes AMAZING ramen and world-class pork buns. Seriously, you need to eat here. There is always a fairly long wait during the busy times but service is quick. They have three locations in NYC.

• See On Google Maps ( Midtown & East Village )

Totto Ramen

A cozy little spot that makes flavorful ramen and pork buns. They do fill up quickly at night/on the weekend but that’s to be expected with such great food. Cash only.

• See On Google Maps ( Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown West, & Midtown East )

miss KOREA BBQ

Make your way to Koreatown in Midtown for miss Korea BBQ. This 24-hour joint serves up great Korean BBQ, hot pots, and other fried meats.

• See On Google Maps ( Koreatown/Midtown )

Malatesta Trattoria

This casual Italian is one of our favorites because their homemade pasta is delicious but it’s actually affordable (which is rare in NYC — especially in the Village). The restaurant is super cute and always busy. Cash Only.

Borscht, pierogi, and other authentic Ukrainian/Polish dishes served 24-hours a day? Yes please! The prices are very affordable and the service is friendly. They’ve been around since 1954 so they’ve been a local favorite for a long time.

Amy Ruth’s

Classic soul food in the heart of Harlem. They’re famous for their chicken and waffles. So good!

• See On Google Maps ( Harlem )

Sylvia’s

Established in 1962, Sylvia’s is a Harlem institution that serves up huge helpings of down-home Southern comfort food. Expect a wait as it’s always busy.

Red Rooster

There is no shortage of soul food in Harlem but Red Rooster is one of the standouts. It’s run by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson so that adds to the hype (aka expect to wait for a table). But the food is excellent, it has a super hip vibe, and they have frequent jazz nights.

Jacob’s Pickles

This happening Upper West Side restaurant made a name for itself thanks to their huge portions of American soul food — notably fried chicken biscuit sandwiches, housemade pickles & beers. It’s a hot brunch spot as well (with long waits to match).

The Halal Guys

What started as a popular food truck in Midtown has now turned into a multi-location gyro restaurant. The food is delicious and affordable. It’s a great place for a quick and filling meal.

• See Locations on Google Maps ( East Village, Midtown, & Upper West Side )

Gray’s Papaya

Skip those street vendor hotdogs and head to Gray’s Papaya. This is colorful and no-frills joint serves up one of the cheapest meals in the city. They’re open 24-hours.

Cafe Mogador

This much loved Moroccan restaurant has become one of the most loved brunch spots in the East Village.

• See On Google Maps ( East Village & Brooklyn )

Clinton St. Baking Co.

It’s all about brunch, pancakes, and waffles at Clinton St. Baking Co.

Super cute and casual French spot with excellent breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is top-notch but portions are a bit small and not cheap. That said, we still love this place.

Num Pang is a Cambodian sandwich shop that currently has six locations in the city. We love this place. I used to work next to one and it was always a favorite lunch spot. This is mainly a takeaway spot of some of their locations have a few seats.

Where To Get Excellent Baked Goods, Sweets, Desserts, & Other Goodies

There is no shortage of places to get a sweet treat in NYC. Here are a few f our favorite desserts and other goodies:

Levain Bakery

The BEST cookies in the world. Skip everything else at Levain and just get their cookies.

• See Locations on Google Maps ( Upper West Side, Harlem, & Upper East Side )

City Bakery

The City Bakery makes a lot of goodies but we recommend their super-rich hot chocolate.

• See On Google Maps ( Chelsea )

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery became famous for their cupcakes (which we think are a little overrated) but we absolutely love their banana pudding.

Bon Appetit magazine called Milk Bar “one of the most exciting bakeries in the country” and they’ve become famous for their cereal milk ice cream, interesting cookies, truffles, and colorful cakes.

Big Gay Ice Cream

Delicious soft serve ice cream with funny names and great flavors. Super fun (and colorful) vibe.

• See On Google Maps ( West Village & East Village )

M’O Il Gelato

You might be in NYC but you’ll be transported to Italy when you try the gelato from M’O Il Gelato. The Italian chef whips up artisanal and traditionally-made gelato in multiple flavors.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Dominique Ansel took NYC by storm in 2013 when he debuted his Cronut — a croissant-doughnut. The lines were seriously two hours long but these days you’ll only have to wait around 30 minutes during the busy times to get your hands on the infamous Cronut. They also have lots of other delicious goodies there.

• See On Google Maps (SoHo)

Serendipity 3

Frozen hot chocolate. Let that sink in for a while. Yes, it is mind-blowing and delicious.

• See On Google Maps ( Upper East Side/Midtown East )

Junior’s

Junior’s started as a diner in Brooklyn and quickly become known for its excellent cheesecake. They’re a bit touristy these days (aka Times Square location) but their cheesecake is awesome. They also serve up a full diner-style menu.

• See On Google Maps ( Times Square & Brooklyn )

Doughnut Plant

These dudes have been making handmade doughnuts using all-natural ingredients since 1994. Tons of interesting flavors. All amazing.

Sweet Chick: Rustic-chic eatery with American comfort food, such as chicken & waffles, plus cocktails & brunch.

Food Halls and Markets

Not sure what to eat? Head to one of NYC’s many food halls and food markets to peruse multiple food vendors in one spot.

Chelsea Market

We’ve mentioned Chelsea Market a lot in this guide because it’s where you’ll find multiple solid food vendors. You can visit their website for a list of what’s available but we guarantee you’ll find something you’ll like.

Chelsea Market is a very popular tourist spot so it does get very crowded around lunchtime. That said, the vendors are used to serving lots of people so the lines move fairly quickly.

Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg has become insanely popular over the past few years and has expanded to multiple locations in NYC. In fact, Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in America, attracting 20,000-30,000 people to Brooklyn each weekend to eat from 100 local vendors.

Smorgasburg currently runs April through November:

• Smorgasburg Williamsburg: Saturday from 11am-6pm (100+ Vendors)
• Smorgasburg Prospect Park: Sunday 11am-6pm (100+ Vendors)
• Smorgasburg WTC: Fridays 11am-7pm (30 Vendors)
• Smorgasburg Hudson Yards: Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-7pm (6 Vendors )

Check the Smorgasburg Website for more information.

Queens Night Market

Head to Queens for the sprawling Queens International Night Market. They have around 100 independent vendors selling everything from food to arts and crafts. It generally runs every Saturday from late April to late October.

Visit the Queens Night Market Website for more details. See On Google Maps

Time Out Market

Opened in May of 2019, the Time Out Market is an indoor food hall in Dumbo, Brooklyn. It brings together multiple restaurants and bars from across the city under one roof. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m (midnight on Friday and Saturday).

• See On Google Maps ( Dumbo, Brooklyn )

Urban Space

Urban Space is a smaller indoors food hall with two locations in Midtown East. Each location has around 20 vendors — all the of food stalls are excellent. It does get busy at peak eating times as it’s a popular spot for New Yorkers on their lunch & dinner break.

• Urbanspace Vanderbilt (Main and largest location): See On Google Maps
• Urbanspace at 570 Lex: See On Google Maps

Mercado Little Spain at Hudson Yards

Mercado Little Spain is a new Spanish-themed indoor market at the northern tip of the Highline. You can find all your favorite Spanish dishes from Jamón ibérico and churros to vermut and croquettes. Prices aren’t cheap but it’s a fun experience.

• See On Google Maps ( Husdon Yards )

Local Craft Beer & Breweries

You can get just about any kind of beer from across the globe in NYC but we suggest trying a few of the beers brewed in the city’s five boroughs (NY State also has multiple excellent breweries). Note: Many of these breweries offer tours and have on-site taprooms.

Below are some of the most popular local/craft breweries in NYC:

Birreria (Manhattan)

Ok, Birreria really isn’t a brewery. It’s actually the rooftop restaurant of Eataly and they’ve partnered with Dogfish Head and Baladin breweries to make a few beers specifically for Birreria. See On Google Maps

Bronx Brewery (Bronx)

A small brewery with an on-site taproom and a cool “backyard” where they hold events. Visit Website

Gun Hill Brewing Company (Bronx)

The Bronx’s oldest microbrewery and they have a small on-site taproom with a revolving selection of beer. Visit Website

Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn)

You can find a number of beers from Brooklyn Brewery in just about every store/bar in NYC (and many outside New York). However, they also have a few options that are only available at their on-site taproom. Visit Website

Sixpoint Brewery (Brooklyn)

You’ll also find Sixpoint beer at most bars and shops in NYC. They don’t currently have a taproom (but they’re working on it). Visit Website

Coney Island Brewing Company (Brooklyn)

Another one of the more popular breweries in NYC is Coney Island Brewing Company. While not as readily available as Brooklyn Brewery, most bars and stores will have one or two Coney Island options. They have a taproom and offer tours. Visit Website

Other Half Brewing (Brooklyn)

Other Half is a small up-and-coming craft brewery in Brooklyn. They brew a handful of nice beer and they do collaborations with other breweries from time-to-time. Stop by to visit the taproom or fill up your growler. They also have really cool looking labels. Visit Website

Threes Brewing (Brooklyn)

Threes is a craft brewery/brewpub that brews multiple kinds of beer. They also serve up some solid food options (along with cocktails) so this is a good place to hang out and have a drink. Visit Website

Mikkeller (Queens)

Ok, Mikkeller is technically a Danish brewery but they collaborate with other breweries around the world (including some NY breweries) to create unique, limited-time brews. They have a taproom at Citi Field (where the NY Mets play) in Queens and you can find their beer in bars and specialty beer shops across NYC. Visit Website

Fifth Hammer Brewing (Queens)

Fifth Hammer Brewing is a 15-barrel brewery located in the heart of Long Island City. Their taproom is a large space that’s open every day so it’s a really nice place to hang out. Visit Website

LIC Beer Project (Queens)

A small brewery with around 10 beers on tap in their taproom. Very laid back vibe. Visit Website

Singlecut Beersmiths (Queens)

Located in an old industrial area of Queens, Singlecut has a large buzzing taproom with outdoor seating and frequent live music. Visit Website

Transmitter Brewing (Queens)

Transmitter Brewing is a small brewery specializing in Belgian and French Farmhouse style ales as well as barrel-aged sour beers. Visit Website

Getting In and Around NYC

NYC has a very robust public transportation system. It’s not perfect, and there is frequent weekend construction work, but it’s pretty good.

Getting Into NYC From The Airports

• JFK: A taxi between Manhattan and JFK is a flat fare of $52 (slightly higher during peak times) — not including tolls and tips. You can also take the AirTrain to the subway to get into the city (the trip takes around an hour).
• Laguardia: A taxi between LGA and Manhattan will cost around $35-$50 — not including tolls, tip, and any applicable surcharges. You can take a city bus to upper Manhattan and then switch to the subway if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Newark: There is a New Jersey Transit train that easily connects Newark and NY’s Penn Station. A taxi will run you $75+.

Note: Always take an official taxi at the airport since many “private” cars will charge you a fortune.

Using The NY Subway & Buses

The subway and city buses run 24/7 but service is much less frequent at night. The subway can get very packed during rush-hour (8-9:30 am and 5-6:30 pm) so take that into consideration — especially if you have luggage.

A single subway and bus ride is $2.75 and it includes unlimited transfers. An unlimited 7-day pass is $33. Read More About The NYC Subway Fares .

We highly recommend downloading an NYC Subway app — it will make navigating the subway much easier. Paper maps (which are free at most subway stations) are nice but there are frequent route changes because of construction/track maintenance. The apps have live train data so they can keep up with changes.

Our Favorite Subway Apps:

• GOOGLE MAPS Navigation & Transit

While NYC isn’t the most bike-friendly city in the world, there are a number of dedicated bike lanes so traveling by bike is certainly possible. NYC has a city-wide bike share program called CitiBike that is cheap to use. Visit the Citi Bike Website .

The Best Hostels In New York

A bed in a good hostel will cost anywhere from about  $40-$70/night  with an  average of around $55/night . The cheapest hostel you’ll find will cost around $35/night but the quality most-likely won’t be great.

Check  HostelWorld  to get exact prices for your dates as prices fluctuate.

Below are are our recommended hostels:

• American Dream Hostel
• The Local NYC
• Freehand New York
• HI NYC Hostel
• NY Moore Hostel
• Chelsea International Hostel
• International Student Center

More Great NYC Travel Planning Resources

There is a wealth of travel knowledge out there. Here are a few of our favorite resources:

Lonely Planet Guide Books: We’re huge fans of Lonely Planet and we’ve used their books extensively. Check them out on Amazon .

The Infatuation (NYC): The Infatuation is a great guide to NYC’s food scene.

Time Out New York: Want to know what’s going on in the city? Check out Time Out .

Yelp & Trip Advisor: Yes, we still use Yelp and Trip Advisor quite often to find places to eat.

OpenTable: Most restaurants in NYC can be booked via OpenTable so we use it all the time.

NYC GO: The official NYC tourism website — which is actually pretty solid.

Here Be Barr: One of my favorite NYC travel youtube accounts. Check them out .

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TRAVEL BLOG

Long Weekend: New York

Backdrop of countless classic movies and TV shows, New York’s imagery is imprinted on most visitors before they even get here; but its soul is much harder to define. Natalie Buster explores the metropolis behind the mythology…

New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made, the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple. Traversing New York City is like finding over 100 different countries fit into one small island, 13 miles long and two miles wide. Including all five boroughs, this city of 8.2 million people has such a wealth of diversity and opportunity that whatever you’re in the mood for you can find it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

New York City has seen her share of hard times such as the 1863 draft riots , the fall of the stock exchange in 1929 and, most recently, the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Yet the city continues to grow and survive, a testament to the strength and tenacity of the people. New York City is constantly reinventing herself and a visit here will ensure a distinctly unique experience each and every time. Even locals can’t keep on top of everything that the city has to offer.

Best of the Beaten Track

New York City is a much safer place now than it was, say, 10 or 15 years ago. Where at one time, visitors were warned to stay away from areas such as Central Park and Times Square , now they have become tourist hotspots. Although some native New Yorkers despise the “Disneyfication” of Times Square, violent crime there has decreased by 75 percent since 1990, while Central Park should be considered a must-see for anyone visiting New York.

You can easily get lost in the 770 acres of green space and highlights of the park include relaxing along the shores of the pond in the southeastern section of the park, taking a jog around the reservoir , or simply laying out a towel for some picnicking and people watching on the Great Lawn . Every summer, free Shakespeare in the Park performances run for intrepid theatre lovers who wish to brave the multi-hour wait for tickets. You can catch a baseball game at some of the fields, or visit the Central Park Zoo .

If you must visit Times Square, do so to procure a discounted Broadway or off-Broadway ticket at the TKTS booth located at 47th Street in the heart of the square. Get your ticket quickly and avoid the overpriced touristy restaurants for some cheap and ethnic cuisine two blocks west on 9th Avenue.

The Statue of Liberty is another must-see for first timers. If you wish to avoid the ferry to the island itself, take the free Staten Island Ferry which leaves from Battery Park . Make sure to stand on the northern side of the ship to get the best view of Lady Liberty.

One more attraction that’s become a box-tick in recent year’s is NYC’s High Line Park … this elevated recreational area runs down the West of Manhattan on what used to be freight train line. Definitely worth checking.

For a complete look at what tours and other cool things to do are possible, check out Get Your Guide . From Empire State tickets to Harlem Gospel Choirs you can reserve your spot.

Hipster’s Guide

New York City is a city of green spaces, especially in the summer. Union Square Park is a great place to check out the freakishly dressed, aspiring musicians and artists, as well as the gigantic farmer’s market which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. During the summer, there is free WiFi available, and even free yoga and fitness classes.

Walk a few blocks uptown to check out the Flatiron Building and Madison Square Park where you can relax in a calmer oasis or brave the long line to the most sought after burger in New York at the Shake Shack . You can feed your prurient nature by browsing the exhibits at the Museum of Sex , enjoy rooftop vistas of Manhattan and the Empire State Building at 230 Fifth while sipping cocktails during sunset, or feast on all things Indian at the locally dubbed “ Curry Hill ” located in the Murray Hill section of New York.

For a strictly classified selection of great jazz bars, burger joints, book shops and community gardens check out our ‘Secret Seven’ NYC attractions . Whilst anyone interested in the city’s Afro-American culture will want to call by our district guide to Harlem . And if you have time to go further afield, check out Beacon “the Northern Brooklyn” before it becomes that bit too beardy…

Experience & Events

Jazz is the soundtrack of New York, so to partake in some live music visit the Village Vanguard , one of the most venerable spots for jazz in the city. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra plays every Monday night and tickets are $20. The Blue Note is also a hotspot in the Village. For less expensive or touristy options, head uptown to Smoke , where you can find nights with no cover or Cleopatra’s Needle which never has a cover. Summer is always a great time to visit NYC thanks to the street fairs which take place every weekend. It is also a great time for innovative theatre festivals. The Midtown International Theatre Festival and the Fringe Festival offer new works from cutting edge playwrights, all for about a quarter of the price of standard Broadway fare.

Naturally the Big Apple has some tasty alternative tours to be tucking into as well (ie. we’re not talking about boat trips to the statue of Liberty this time). How about exploring New York’s street art scene in Brooklyn , or taking a hip hop tour of the Bronx? (We’re planning on covering the latter soon!).

Pillow Talk

Want to a learn a little during your hotel stay? Located just steps from Grand Central Station, The Library Hotel offers guests rooms stocked with art and books representative of the ten different categories of the Dewey Decimal System . The Empire Hotel is a luxurious oasis located in the heart of the Lincoln Center area, complete with one of the most exclusive finds in the city, the infamous Pool Deck that was featured in Sex and the City. To get the prices on 1000s of rooms check Hotelscombined – I suggest you search by reader ratings. Whilst for something more authentic and local try Homestay.com , which offers hosted apartments at very affordable prices (kind of like Airbnb before they went global). Oh yeah, Urban Travel Blog readers automatically get a 5% discount – just click on the link.

If you’re determined to stay in style then check out this guide to the best luxury hotels on Manhattan island .

Whilst non-New Yorkers might not subscribe to the locals’ opinion that NYC is the capital city of the world, it can certainly be considered the world capital of food. Any type of cuisine is available. For Indian, head to Curry Hill, Little Italy has great Italian food, but if you want to be a bit more adventurous, head up to the Bronx to sample the atmosphere on Arthur Avenue . Chinatown’s Dim Sum Go Go is a must for dumplings. If you’re seeing a show on Broadway, check out Restaurant Row , where most restaurants offer a pre-theatre fixed price dinner at a discounted price.

Getting There & Around

With three major airports within the city limits, pretty much every major airline flies into New York City from destinations all around the world. It’s well worth checking a flight comparison site to compare deals on ticket prices and save a few dollars (which can be better spent in The Big Apple’s bars and restaurants). Once you’ve touched down, you can take the city bus from LaGuardia airport into the city, or hop on one of the shuttles which drop you off at Grand Central Station . Penn Station and Grand Central Station are hubs for train travel, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal welcomes in buses. If you want to arrive in a little more style and comfort you can arrange a private transfer with Blacklane .

Time Out New York is the go to guide for New York City events. Published weekly, it lists events for the week, as well as theatre and movie reviews and museum and gallery guides. Flavorpill is another good online resource for highbrow and lowbrow and often obscure/alternative events.

Hard Copy & Silver Screen

J.D. Salinger is the ultimate New York author, so any book by him, especially Catcher in the Rye would be worthwhile reading before arriving in the Big Apple. I’m a sucker for DK Eyewitness Guides, and the New York City one offers gorgeous photos coupled with some great sightseeing suggestions. For a peek into New York’s seedier past, check out The Godfather (the novel, which inspired the film ). Films-wise take your pick from the works of Scorcese , Woody Allen and countless others.

Soundtrack to the City

Take the A Train – Ella Fitzergerald New York State of Mind – Billy Joel Empire State of Mind – Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys New York City – John Lennon No Sleep ‘Til Brooklyn – Beastie Boys

Video Inspiration

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Current version updated on November 9th, 2017

First published on August 2nd, 2013

Posted in City Guide with destination tags New York , USA

10 thoughts on “ Long Weekend: New York ”

Are you going to visit NYC soon? You can easily create personal travel guide which will navigate you to only the best places of the city. It’s free and save you a lot of time. http://www.lettr.co

Check out our tips for visiting New York! http://www.kiwibox.com/about/top10/

thank you for this information

Most of the places here are really good places. New York is a big place and the people that know it the best hands down are native New Yorkers. Especially, if you are looking for the off-the-beaten path location. One place I always use is http://vidpaltravel.com . They are New Yorkers that know New York tourism and New York travel very well.

Hey, nice post! BTW: If interested in finding upcoming events around faster you should give etrigg a try. Try this for example in New York: http://etrigg.com/up/newyorkcity/ etrigg.com is a free web service optimized for quick event discovery and finding interesting stuff happening – including free events and lots of meetups for example – nearby on your mobile device…

“100 different countries fit into one small island” New York truly is one of the places one should go to. The music, food and New York’s must see places are just amazing. Never been there myself but I would definitely want to go some time. (Life goals: NY Travel) ✈️

Great pictures! Always love seeing what there is to do in NYC…you can never run out of things. Taking tours and learning from others is fun as well to get other perspectives! Thank you for sharing yours.

Going in a few weeks, absolutely can’t wait!!!

Why not to make your visit of NYC even more exciting by staying on a houseboat?

I’m planning to see New York City to see MacLaren’s, the bar in HIMYM (How I met your Mother), that is, if it really does exist. Also, I’d like to see the Statue of Liberty!

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• There are plenty of New York subway tips, one of which is to stay away from the yellow area to avoid accidents and incidents on the subway platform.
• One of the things to know about the NYC subway is that the numbers and letters on the New York subway map are more important than the colors.
• Pay attention to signs, announcements, and the subway map to navigate the subway system effectively and avoid getting lost.

No one can dispute that New York City is one of the ultimate travel destinations in the US and is where many people's dreams come true. From the epic foodie neighborhoods in NYC to the city's museums, stores, and brands, many things in the Big Apple have left their imprint on the United States and worldwide, all of which are found in this concrete jungle.

More than 8 million people call New York City home , and around one-third of them were born outside the country. The city attracts between 60 and 70 million tourists a year due to its diversity and liveliness, earning it the title of "cultural center of the world." As exciting as that sounds, getting around may seem difficult for first-timers, especially when taking the subway. So, how does the NYC subway work, exactly?

The subway New York City offers is one of the busiest in the country, and it can be challenging for newcomers to navigate safely and seamlessly. Therefore, here are a number of NYC subway tips for a safe, successful vacation in what is easily the most famous city in America!

UPDATE: 2023/12/27 21:32 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Wondering How The New York City Subway Works?

Taking public transport in NYC for the first time? No need to worry; here are a number of additional, updated, and useful tips and information on the NYC subway system

Related: 10 Crazy Things You Should Know About New York City's Abandoned Subway Stations

Stay Away From The Yellow Area

Purpose: for safety and to avoid any incidents.

The yellow part of the subway seems obvious, doesn't it? Still, first-timers on New York’s subway would be shocked at how many passengers choose to disregard the line and stand in (or too close to) the yellow area at the edge of the subway station.

Sadly, after buying a New York subway pass for tourists, some unsavvy first-timers stand too close to the edge, which may result in a serious incident (some locals even do this, too). Therefore, passengers must keep their distance from the yellow area at all times, not only when a train is approaching the station.

Get Ready Well Before Your Intended Stop

Purpose: to avoid missing your stop.

Distractions aboard the New York subway are commonplace. Characters on the train may be so interesting that first-time passengers could miss their stop, ranging from adorable Mariachi bands (sometimes too loud) to children selling candy to downright vibrant New Yorkers.

Have fun on the ride, but be mindful. During peak times, it is better to get ready and head near the train's doors before the intended stop to avoid missing it due to door closure. The doors don't stay open for long, after all, and trying to fight one's way through a crowded train during rush hour to exit is not a pleasant experience when riding the NYC subway for the first time!

Read The Signs To Find Your Train Station

Purpose: to avoid getting lost.

Over 36 separate subway lines transport people between Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The majority of subways in NYC go below ground, as the name would imply. There are a few lines that cross above, though.

However, tourists will mostly be moving underground. The secret is to pay attention to the signs that identify the subway lines that each station serves and the direction in which each train is traveling.

Related: 10 Tips For Riding New York City's Subways & Trains During The Holidays

Pay Attention To The Signs & Announcements For The Previous & Next Stations

Purpose: to know when to get off and reach the intended destination.

Modern subways contain light-up graphics that show which station tourists are on the route for, but older trains will not . Travelers should not be afraid if they miss the graphics and station signs, though, because the conductor will always make clear which stop they are at and which station is coming up.

Passengers can also see signs for the station the train has just pulled into by looking out the window if they miss the announcement. Additionally, each train car contains a New York subway map spread of the full subway network, making it easier to learn how to use the subway in NYC , even as a newbie.

Follow The NYC Subway Map’s Numbers & Letters But Not The Colors

Purpose: to understand the subway map.

Travelers pondering how to use the NYC subway as a tourist should take the map's letters and numbers into account (the colors aren't quite as important). Travelers may see the many lines on the NYC subway map in a variety of colors and counts; they should make sure they choose the appropriate subway line by letter or number since New Yorkers don't really refer to the train lines by their colors.

This is because, for example, despite the blue line showing lines A, C, and E, these train tracks ultimately diverged, and tourists can find themselves in an entirely different and even unintended location from where they started.

For more information, check out a guide to using the NYC subway and how to ride its trains .

Choose An Appropriate NYC MetroCard

Purpose: to get the most suitable card for tourists (not locals).

Two different NYC subway card types are available: an Unlimited Ride card and a normal Pay-Per-Ride card. If travelers buy the Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard, they can take the bus and metro as much as they choose and use the subway like a true New Yorker.

If tourists choose Pay-Per-Ride, they can utilize Tap-To-Pay instead of purchasing a MetroCard. They can touch their credit or debit card on the screen and even use their phone's wallet to pay.

• Costs : The cost of an Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard is $34, including a $1 card charge. Each subway ride costs $2.75 with a standard Pay-Per-Ride card, though travelers get one free transfer to a bus.

Check If Your Destination Is Uptown Or Downtown

Purpose: to select the right subway platform.

So, how do tourists use the NYC subway without getting lost, even with all the maps and tips available? Well, one answer to this is that travelers must select the appropriate platform, which tends to be based on whether the train goes uptown or downtown.

Additionally, certain subway stations feature distinct entrances for uptown or downtown-bound trains. This implies that to go in the desired direction, travelers might need to cross the street. Entry to both uptown and downtown platforms is often available from each station door at express stations.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Riding The NYC Subway

Know The Difference Between Red And Green Globes

Purpose: to understand the subway's operating hours.

Travelers may notice that most subway stations in NYC feature either a red or a green globe. These were initially put in place to inform passengers which stations are open 24/7, referred to with a green globe, and which stations are closed at night, marked with a red globe. The red globes were also intended to indicate exit-only staircases.

However, most residents and tourists to New York City probably ignore these markings.

Change Your Train Line Using Pedestrian Tunnels

Purpose: to save money and time.

Another mistake first-timers on the NYC subway system make is leaving one stop and going to another to catch a different train, incurring another fare. Some stations are connected to other stations via pedestrian tunnels; using those tunnels between the two stations can save travelers time and money.

Once someone heads down the subway, they shouldn't need to leave and enter another area; everything will be connected.

If You Need Help, Ask Someone!

Purpose: to get help from a local (or a conductor) in the know.

Travelers who are unsure if they are standing on the right side of the platform or boarding the correct train shouldn't hesitate to ask someone. They might be astonished to learn that a lot of New Yorkers are pretty friendly, and some even like helping out tourists.

Travelers can also ask the conductor aboard the train, who often points at each station's black and white striped boards. It's always better to speak up and ask questions rather than to be stuck in the wrong subway car headed toward a completely different destination.

Avoid Staring At People In The Metro

Purpose: to avoid offending (and potentially angering) anyone.

The New York City subway is typically one of the most fascinating places in the Big Apple for people watching; however, passengers should try to keep their eyes off others, for the most part. Looking without staring is usually fine; however, just like in most big cities around the world, gazing at someone for too long is a surefire way to offend them (and maybe even anger them).

Additionally, in New York, citizens normally keep calm when they see a famous person or an unusual character—the less attention someone brings to themselves, especially when new to the city, the better. Many long-time residents also claim that blending in helps keep them safe in NYC during their commutes.

Watch Your Valuables

Purpose: to avoid falling victim to pickpocketing.

A useful piece of NYC subway advice is to safeguard valuables. Travelers should avoid putting their wallets and other valuable items in their back pockets. Pickpocketing can happen anywhere, so keeping one's guard up is essential when traveling not just the NYC subway but any public transportation. That also applies to electronics, like phones, tablets, headphones, speakers, and whatever else holds a high value.

As tempting as it is to get some work or study done on the subway using a laptop or tablet, it can be a super quick and easy target for thieves. Instead, it may be safer to do any work on a smartphone, holding it very tight or having a case with a connecting string/cable to one's pants/jacket/bag.

Don't forget that there are other ways to get around NYC besides the subway .

Download Games To Play

Purpose: to pass the time and stay entertained.

One of the best ways to pass the time on the NYC subway is to play games on a phone. However, sometimes there might not be internet connectivity in the tunnels, so it's best to have a pre-downloaded game like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Sudoku, or whatever one enjoys playing.

It is surprising just how much faster the time goes by on the subway when having a distraction (a good old-fashioned book or even a Kindle also works as well).

Remember That The NYC Subway Never Stops

Purpose: to reduce "last train" anxiety and relax.

NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. Unsurprisingly, its extensive system of metro trains also never rests; the NYC Subway runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The subway really is the easiest way to get around the Big Apple, and it's rare that someone ever needs to hurry to get the last train at one of the system's 493 stations. As such, travelers can ditch the notion of rushing around for fear of missing the last train (there are plenty, and there's always another train to get people home!).

Not all lines run through the night, though, so refer to the NYC subway's late-night service to see what's operational.

Never Forget To Pay The Subway Fare

Purpose: to avoid fines.

The fares on the NYC Subway cost $2.75 for most riders (there are reduced fares for those 65 and older and certain other categories of people). People can pay using OMNY - the contactless fare payment system - or a MetroCard.

Both ways are simple and easy to use. Up to four riders can use the same payment method; just tap or swipe the appropriate number of times for each rider. Whatever the case, travelers must never forget to pay (or indeed try to fare dodge altogether), as this will incur penalties for fare evasion . In fact, those who enter the NYC subway system or ride buses without paying are subject to a $50 or $100 fine !

Related: Little Island: Discover NYC's New Artificial Floating Island Park At Pier 55

Bring Cleaning Wipes For The Seats

Purpose: to boost hygiene and reduce the risk of illness.

Another good plan for riders of the New York City subway is to bring cleaning wipes. Before taking a seat on the subway, many native New Yorkers and visitors wipe down their seats before getting comfy. This is good practice whether there is an active COVID-19 outbreak or it's regular cold and flu season (the subway is a germ field and one of the easiest ways to get sick in NYC, with all the daily passengers that commute!).

Any standard disinfectant wipes, whether Clorox, Windex, or store-brand wipes, will do. The key is finding a product to kill bacteria and clean whatever dirt, oil, or debris could be on the seat. Luckily, most NYC subway cars feature plastic seating, which is easy to clean off between stops.

Bring Headphones To Listen To Music Or Stream Shows/Movies

Purpose: to reduce exposure to subway noise.

For those who don't want to hear noise during their trip on the New York City subway, bringing a pair of headphones along for the ride for music or to watch a show or movie can be a lifesaver. Generally, it's normal to see New Yorkers in subways with their earbuds or headphones on while riding between subway lines/stops.

However, passengers don't want to be unaware of their surroundings for safety. For example, if the music playing through the headphones is too loud and someone can't hear an emergency alert or a problem in their subway car, headphones may pose an issue. As such, try to keep one ear open or have the volume turned down enough so that the subway noise is drowned out but without risking missing any issues or announcements.

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Escape From New York

Tracey's Travels

• Anguilla: A to Z Adventures of the Louche and Lazy, Pt. 1

Is there any better vacation than the one you take when you're in between jobs? The folks from the old job have stopped bothering you, the folks from the new job haven't started bothering you, you're looking forward to that raise, and you don't yet have to worry about blowing your entire retirement savings on flip-flops to match your beach coverups. You're free as a bird!

(Well, not totally free, because once that new job starts, it's a lot like a marriage: You're together nearly 24/7, you sometimes fight about money, only one person ever seems to know where that file -- or, you know, the scissors or the Advil -- is, and "I have a headache" is your daily default, not just an occasional white lie.)

Still, I had three glorious in-limbo weeks of loafing and lethargy ahead of me, and decided to do it in high style, which entailed splitting our time between two fabulous villas . . .

. . . and having the cheeseburgers brought to me .

Indeed, I packed enough sand, sea, and binge-eating into those three weeks that, in the time it would take to read a day-by-day recap, you could just fly to Anguilla yourself (which obviously isn't the worst idea). And so, in lieu of a full day of travel, a handy A to Z guide to the adventures of the idle not-so rich.

A is for AURORA Let's face it: Nobody likes change. And so when I learned that CuisinArt Resort would become the new Aurora, I balked. Would they jettison the very un-Caribbean jewel tones in the lobby? (Hopefully yes.) Would they retain the resort's justly-famous frozen mojitos? (Also hopefully yes.) When we visited, would they completely "forget" that we'd spoken the day before and require an hour of wrangling just to use two loungers on the otherwise empty beach after we dropped over $200 at lunch? (Sadly, also yes.)

Still, if you are idle and rich, it's hard to beat Aurora for chi-chi decor, cushy loungers, craft cocktails, and celestial prices.

Aurora still maintains CuisinArt's hydroponic garden, so salads are the way to go at lunch.

And they taste even better when it doesn't take three tries to get your order right. That's where the cocktails come in.

But maybe avoid the guac and . . . potato chips ?

Post-lunch, we enjoyed some frozen mojitos and our hard-won loungers.

And look, ma: No more jewel tones!

B is for BLANCHARD'S BEACH SHACK

Blanchard's has a lot going for it, chief among them being griddled hot dogs, a gorgeous stretch of beach, griddled hot dogs, excellent fresh-brewed iced tea (which has just about as much alcohol as their drinks), and griddled hot dogs.

In fact, if it weren't for BBS's refreshing iced tea, I can't guarantee that I wouldn't have another, um, hydration incident .

B also stands for Ben's, home of my favorite pizza on the island.

B also stands for "Best keep your hands off my pie, and my potatoes, and my profiteroles."

C is for CHEESEBURGERS I know, I know, you're tired of all my ravings about FBI's cheeseburgers. But this is a rave about SandBar's cheeseburgers, which are juicy and salty and perfectly slider-sized so you can just pop 'em in your mouth like Tic-Tacs.

Indeed, SandBar's sliders are so good, they give FBI's burger a run for its money. (Much like you can call your sibling an idiot, but will promptly deck anyone else who does so, only I am allowed to favorably compare anyone else's burger to Ferryboat's.)

D is for DOLCE VITA One of our favorite restaurants on the island, "Dolce Vita" is Italian for "Mangia! Until it hurts."

That face you make...

When your plates look like this, but Abbi will still ask why you didn't like your meal due that one bite of pasta standing between "pleasantly full" and "bring me a stretcher." Thank god he made us that digestif.

E is for E's OVEN E's is our favorite "date night" place because we both always order the same thing -- the moist but crunchy coconut-crusted grouper with curried beans in a decadent banana-rum sauce -- so there's no reason to fight (over that, anyway).

Of course, it's easy to roll into E's in a good mood if you've had a few martinis across the street at Anguilla Salts and Sands beforehand.

Just how good are these salts? We needed some yard work done last summer . . . and the gardener asked to be paid in AS&S salts in lieu of cash.

F is for FBI Longtime readers of this blog know that the only thing I love more than digging into an FBI cheeseburger is digging into an FBI cheeseburger while poking fun at Christian.

That's obviously harder to do from afar, especially with him being so busy up at the North Pole.

Still, there aren't many places where I feel comfortable enough to slip behind the bar and spike my own drink.

Heck, some people even have a special shirt just for visits to FBI.

Of course, we stopped by a few times for lunch, too . . . to try to get off the naughty list.

G is for GREAT HOUSE One of the oldest resorts on the island, Anguilla Great House was built in 1985, and if your brain works anything like mine, you automatically think that 1985 means 15 years ago.

Great House's piña coladas are as legendary as a flock of seagulls (how's that for an 80s-themed beach pun?), but their spectacular seafood crepes are the real unsung heroes: Huge chunks of seafood are enclosed in a paper-thin crepe and swimming in a lobster bisque-like sauce, only crepes > bisque because the crepes are served with a fork, the tines of which provide a decent defense if anyone catches a whiff and starts to make noises about trying "just a bite."

Hang on to that fork for the colada-curious, too.

H is for HIBERNIA We don't ever need an excuse to go out to eat, but when we heard about the special dinner to benefit Hibernia's orphanage in Myanmar , we jumped at the chance to revisit an old favorite while also doing some good in the world. I mean, just look at that little face!

Not me, the children .

Everything we tried was exquisite, as befits this stunning spot.

And I didn't even take a dip in the decorative pool (this time).

I is for IRIE LIFE

What was that again about blowing through your retirement savings to buy flip-flops and coverups?

J is for JOHNNY CAKES There are as many different johnny cakes on the island as there are goats that run away when I try to pet them, and everyone thinks their favorite johnny cake is the best one. But I am here to tell you that Roy's really is the best one, because it is pillowy and lightly salted and served with soft, creamy butter. Butter is always better.

K is for KALE Kale -- that curly stuff they use to decorate salad bars -- has somehow managed to actually become salad. And the best way to make it palatable is the same way you'd make anything that tastes like a tree trunk palatable: Add fried goat cheese.

L is for LOCKRUM POINT VILLA

Anguilla is chock-full of gorgeous villas, none more so than Lockrum Point Villa.

Its strategic location -- close to FBI everything, while feeling like you're a million miles from anything -- is second only to the villa's chic designer decor, sumptuous four-poster beds, and sunny private pool.

Inside, the combined living and dining area, with its soaring West Indian-style ceiling, is just as dramatic as the views outside.

In the spacious bedrooms, textural details abound.

I loved this crisp white bedding so much, I tracked it down and bought it for my bedroom at home.

Before bedtime, Lockrum Point's wild, windswept setting just east of Blowing Point affords unparalleled views of St. Martin, the crash of waves to lull you to sleep at night, and complete privacy for midnight skinny dips.

Or impromptu photo shoots.

And don't even get me started on these showers.

Inside and out.

------------------------- We still have a little over half the alphabet to go! CLICK HERE for PART 2 !

Posted by TraceyG 13:16 Archived in Anguilla Comments (13)

• Anguilla: A to Z Adventures of the Louche and Lazy, Pt. 2

Missed Part 1? Start with Letter A here !

M is for MALLIOUHANA Malli is stunning at any time of day, but sunset in their aptly-named Bar Soleil is next-level.

Especially if you happen to be lucky enough to catch a candy-striped sunset.

. . . is for NO CREDIT

Coals Man is not playing.

O is for OLAS Though only open since 2019, Eulandy's dynamite drinks and terrific tacos have quickly established Olas' as a must-do on Shoal Bay.

In fact, my only complaint about Olas is that they could use some additional loungers and umbrellas. It's only fair: If you're going to serve a caipiroska that's this good -- and this potent -- you've got to provide people with a place to lie down and sleep it off afterwards.

P is for PICANTE

P is also for, "Please do not touch my corn."

And "Pound that tequila."

And "Plenty of cheese."

And "Pigs."

P also stands for "private pool," which is the only polite place to bare your bikini bod after a few visits to Picante. The one at Lockrum Point Villa ensures complete privacy for your porcine ways.

Q is for QUACK, QUACK

R is for RAIN For the first time in recorded human history, the day we departed was the worst weather day of of our trip, not the best.

A rainy day on Anguilla is still better than a sunny day anywhere else, but a rainy travel day is a level of suckage that I would only wish on the kind of people who take the lounger right next to me when there's a whole row of empty ones.

S is for STRAW HAT Lest you think that I subsist solely on cheeseburgers and rum (ahem), behold our lunch at Straw Hat, where the Greek salad is so good that I make the occasional foray into vegetalia.

I even had fruit!

And look, more veggies!

In fact, we enjoyed our lunch at Straw Hat so much that we came back a few days later.

Lettuce marvel at the fact that I ate salad twice in three weeks.

T is for TASTY'S My point of view is that Tasty's is a great place for a dinner date.

Tasty's point of view is that this is a cool new place to hang.

And everyone shares the point of view that Chef Dale is an island treasure.

U is for UNCLE ERNIE'S Uncle Ernie's has come a long way from being a little beach shack on Shoal Bay East.

Now it's a little beach shack on Shoal Bay East avec panache français .

Plus service with a (beautiful) smile.

The beachy cuisine leans more béchamel than Ranch.

As for Shoal Bay East, it's beautiful in any language.

On this visit we learned that Veya's calamari with nuoc cham is no longer on the menu, which nearly brought me to tears. We reluctantly ordered the crudo with yuzu and Thai basil, which also nearly brought me to tears . . . but for a whole different reason.

For dessert, we shared some Key lime pie in a jar, and one of us may or may not have asked for a second helping of Veya's heavenly basil mashed potatoes.

You know how that Angel is.

W is for WILDLIFE You've got to love a sign that says "Animals Ahead" without specifying which kind. Aardvark? Armadillo? Anteater? The options are endless.

X is for XTRA WATER PICS I mean, can you get really get enough of that blue, blue water?

Y is for YELLOW Bring your sunglasses to Leon's.

And your own straw to match your drink.

If you are going to eat the garnish off a salad bar, be ye not as foolish as I was and get it with a frisbee of fried goat cheese on top next time. (See: Letter K).

If you set out to pet a chicken, you will almost never be fast enough to catch one. Fall asleep for 10 minutes, however, and the chickens will come to you .

Z is for ZEMI Gorgeous architecture, great food, a stunning beach, sexy pools, caring service, and a relaxing spa? No wonder Zemi is named for a deity -- it's pretty much heaven.

The Thai House Spa offers massages, mud wraps, body scrubs, facials, mani-pedis, and other treatments using natural herbs, oils, and polishes.

It is good to do nothing, and then to rest.

Or, you know, eat some more.

----------------------- Next up, a no-holds-barred blowout birthday someplace completely new: Antigua! Click here to subscribe , and you'll be the first to know how that, um, 35th birthday went down.

Posted by TraceyG 16:22 Archived in Anguilla Comments (14)

• Anguilla, Part 1: Newbies by the Numbers

What happens when two longtime visitors to Anguilla bring two newbies along for a week . . . besides the crushing pressure of planning the perfect trip?

A whole lot of incidents, injuries, and ill-considered decisions, which are best summed up in this handy tally:

Large ducks mounted: 1 Large ducks destroyed: 1 Times Trina went home with a stranger: 1 Times Scott went home with a stranger: 1 Times Tracey sampled a stranger's dinner: 2 Fake accents employed: 2 Injuries (cuts/scratches/scrapes): 15 Injuries (bruises): 11 Injuries (Angel): 0 (for the 22nd year running) Hexes placed upon Angel for his lack of injuries: 1 Stabbings (by a particularly sharp plant): 2 Sun rashes: 3 Swim platforms exposed to ladybits and sloshed with frozen mojitos: 1 Times we mashed de place up: 1 Bug bites (Tracey): 2 Bug bites (Trina): 7 (all localized to right butt cheek) Bug bites (Scott): 11 Bug bites (Angel): 348 Goat pettings: 0 Attempted goat pettings: 42 Faces melted by Carolina reaper & ghost pepper sauce: 2 Stories we heard about someone named Snakey: 2 New British greetings invented: 2 Resort pools crashed: 3 Cheeseburgers consumed: 8 Pizzas consumed: 6 Bottles of wine consumed: 9 Number of rum punches consumed: We can't count that high (and even if we could, we can't remember) Pounds of homemade scalloped potatoes consumed: Until nauseous

I should have known when Delta Airlines slashed our newbies' connection time at JFK to just 45 minutes -- then sent them a red, boldfaced warning which read (I'm paraphrasing only slightly here), "Hey, you're probably not going to make the connection that WE idiotically scheduled for you, so you might want to re-book at your own expense" -- that this trip was not going to be tranquility wrapped in blue, but calamity soaked in rum. But as my sister Trina and her husband Scott skidded breathlessly into the early boarding line with us at JFK and we scurried onto the plane bound for St. Maarten, I still held out a sliver of hope.

And in fact, the rest of the travel day ran like clockwork: An easy transfer from plane to dock, complete with icy bottles of water and chilled towels soaked in lemongrass oil(!); an uncharacteristically bump-free boat ride over to Anguilla complemented by a round of rum punches; a breeze through Customs; and the Jeep we'd rented waiting in the parking lot, just as Ronnie Bryan promised.

I mean, Catherine (of the fabulous Anguilla Villa Company) was even waiting at the villa wearing a fabulous tropical-patterned dress that (1) I immediately commented on and (2) she admitted to wearing just for me. Smoooooth , I tell you.

As we have on trips past, we stayed at Coconut Palm on Mead's Bay, not wanting to risk any surprises at a new-to-us place with our new-to-island peeps.

After months of agonizing, I knew I'd made the right choice when Trina and Scott sequestered themselves in the suite downstairs, leaving me and Angel with the entire upstairs to ourselves. (This was pre-Covid, when people sequestered themselves on purpose.)

But we didn't come all this way to hang around the house; I had an entire island to show off, and just one short week to do it. And so we made a beeline for one of our (literally) nearest and dearest, Malliouhana.

Soon the long day of travel began to catch up with us.

Luckily it was nothing that a couple of glasses of Minuty at Leon's couldn't fix.

That evening we decided to stick close to home for dinner, so we headed down the beach to Waves.

We ordered a round of drinks, and pretty much everything on the menu.

It was a quiet night at Waves, with just a handful of bored locals at the bar. And so, when they cranked up the music and asked if we wanted to mash de place up, who were we to say no?

The next morning we explored Coconut Palm and hung around the pool for a bit.

Soon our stomachs began rumbling, so we got ready for lunch.

I picked Ocean Echo on Meads' for Trina and Scott's first lime. I'd say they got the hang of it.

Soon the sweet smell of curry wafted down the beach, so we willed ourselves out of the water and up to the restaurant for lunch.

It was a tough choice -- eat a second pizza, or get back in the water? I think I chose wisely.

Later that afternoon, we spotted it. Like a mirage, it bobbed unsuspectingly in the distance: A gigantic blow-up swan that was just begging to be boarded.

Or, as Scott put it, "You guys are gonna mount that big duck?"

Yes, Scott. Yes, we are.

We bounded off down the beach, energized to complete our conquest.

Only later did we realize that we'd wasted precious energy jumping around like idiots, because that swan was far .

Like, really far.

Indeed, it is no accident that we look like we are drowning in this photo. Did I mention how far it was?

Finally, sweet relief! We grabbed onto the swan for dear life and clambered aboard . . . to find not an Instagram-worthy rosé party, but a couple of children sitting in a puddle of warm water that had collected in the middle.

But it wasn't until we'd, um, swanned off and headed back to shore that we realized that the "water" in that swan was suspiciously warm. Bet you never see that on Instagram.

The next day, we noticed that the swan had disappeared. I guess they had befowled it.

That evening we enjoyed the sunset at Coconut Palm before heading out for dinner.

I really wanted Trina and Scott to enjoy the island on their own for a bit, so we dropped them off in Sandy Ground while Angel and I headed up to Falcon Nest.

But not before yelling, "Don't do drugs!!!" -- Almost Famous style -- as they exited the car.

We ordered up our "usual" - two gigantic lobsters, a rum punch, and a Presidente -- and set to work.

As we were finishing dinner, we bumped into friends Sue, Dina, and Denise enjoying a pasta feast. They politely asked me if I'd like to try it, and anyone who regularly reads this blog knows what a bad move that was.

At least Denise had her head on straight. Here she is thinking, "Don't even look up. Don't make eye contact. Just eat your food before she does."

For their part, Trina and Scott had enjoyed a tapas dinner at SandBar, then walked down the beach for a couple of nightcaps at a new spot on Sandy Ground, Lit Lounge.

The next day we decided on lunch at Elodia's, which Angel likes for their strong rum punch and I like because they do not shame me for ordering off the kids' menu. But first, a stop at the scenic overlook on Back Street.

At Elodia's, Angel and I played in the water while Trina and Scott perfected their limin' technique.

Soon it was time for lunch.

We were just on our way to be seated when we ran into my friend Karen, who was in Anguilla with her parents, who also happen to read this blog. I was honored when Karen said it would make her father's trip if I stopped by to say hello and, after chatting with the three of them for nearly an hour, I was even more honored to have been so easily welcomed by this warm, charming bunch with such a great sense of humor. (Case in point: When Angel came by to gather us up for lunch, Karen's dad took one look at his dark sunglasses and shaved head, and exclaimed, "Oh, look, another celebrity: Mr. Worldwide!" How an 80-year-old man knows who Pitbull is is anyone's guess, but what you don't need to guess is whether Angel was referred to exclusively as Mr. Worldwide for the rest of the trip.)

After lunch, we settled sleepily into our loungers to while away the afternoon.

Of course, we couldn't leave Shoal Bay without introducing Trina and Scott to a local Anguillian favorite, the guavaberry colada. Tropical Sunsets makes an O.G. version that's just Pepto-y enough to satisy even the most discerning palate.

That evening we decided to go fancy for sunset at the Four Seasons.

The place was packed -- particularly for August -- but we lucked into a table with a great sunset view.

Trina and I took a stroll while the guys held down the fort.

We'd timed it perfectly in order to make our dinner reservation at Picante.

I tried to introduce Trina to my beloved seafood enchiladas, but she rebuffed them.

Instead, her and Angel had a staring/swearing/sweating contest, melting their faces off with Picante's Carolina reaper & ghost pepper sauce, made with peppers home-grown by the chef's mother-in-law.

I, of course, was not foolish enough to burn off all my taste buds so early in the trip.

Thankfully they took things down a notch at dessert, with some cool, creamy vanilla ice cream and Picante's justly-famous frozen lemon-lime pudding with the little chili-lime salt shaker on the side.

But you just know those two hotheads went crazy with the chili salt. ____________________________________ Part 2 soon come! Click here to subscribe and you'll receive an email when the new post goes up!

Posted by TraceyG 12:59 Archived in Anguilla Comments (5)

• Anguilla, Part 2: Newbies by the Numbers

By this time we were roughly halfway through our trip, and already we had mashed de place up; mounted a floating, pee-filled duck; eaten half of a stranger's dinner; endured bug bites, sun rashes, and melted faces; and consumed enough rum punch to forget all about the bug bites, sun rashes, and melted faces.

So it seemed like a good time to take our lives into our own hands.

Our friend Rob Willsher, he of the tireless will to find my missing ring , runs the island's best dive shop, Vigilant Divers, and, in a moment of gratitude for everything he'd done for us, I temporarily lost my mind and inexplicably agreed to give scuba diving a try.

We were literally that "How It Started / How It's Going" meme.

Angel did really well, but I was a disaster. First there was the fact that I literally could not stand upright, since the gear weighs 50 lbs. . . . and I weigh 100 lbs. Second was the fact that my thin-skinned body is basically a collection of dowel rods wrapped in tissue paper.

The worst part, though, was that as Angel and I were thrashing about in the water fighting for our lives, Trina and Scott were enjoying a serene, leisurely brunch at Straw Hat.

One of them even had the audacity to order a hot dog while I gasped for my last dying breaths. Next thing you know they'll be scarfing down FBI cheeseburgers at my funeral.

It is a testament to Rob's patience and professionalism that he still agreed to have lunch with us at Straw Hat after we essentially spent the morning sucking up two tanks full of oxygen in order to dunk our heads under water and then wail, "Save yourself! Go on without me!"

We were joined by Trina and Scott (who apparently never left after breakfast), Rob's wife Julie, and Straw Hat owner Anne Parles.

Rob may look like a tough guy, but he dines like the British royalty that he practically is, lunching on an elegant chicken salad and a crisp, grassy Sauvignon Blanc.

Rob regaled us with stories of his road-trip adventures in America -- all of which involved him sparring with the likes of Maury Povich and ended with us in tears of laughter -- and, as the Sauvignon Blanc flowed freely, we decided to create two new British greetings in his honor ("Beef kippers to you!" and "Great candied pears!").

That evening was a Wednesday, which could only mean one thing: Wing Night at FBI.

What appeared to be a new waitress in an AXA Brewery tank flitted from table to table, occasionally popping in behind the bar as well. When she stopped by to check on our table, we got to chatting and, after another round of rum punch, the talk inexplicably turned to which one us had the funniest baby pictures. I thought it was me (I had front teeth the size of tombstones that you could park a truck between); Trina thought it was her (she looked exactly like a Cabbage Patch kid until she was well into high school); and Amy? Well . . . Amy won.

At least she turned out gorgeous. Trina and I are still waiting.

Later Amy mentioned that she'd just gotten a new puppy to keep her existing dogs company, and did we want to come by and see him since she lived just up the hill? I certainly wasn't risking a walk in the dark -- I'm clumsy enough in the daytime and without any rum punch -- but Trina was all in, and although I'd normally be loathe to let her set off in the dark in a foreign country with a complete stranger (to see a puppy, no less -- the oldest trick in the book!), I figured it would be fine since Amy worked at FBI and Scott was going along, too. And so they set off into the Anguillian night.

Later, when Marjorie asked where they'd gone, I explained that they'd gone up to her new employee's house to see some dogs.

"You mean that blonde girl I saw earlier?" she asked. "She doesn't work here."

Luckily Trina is too small to make a skin suit out of anyway, and so her and Scott returned to FBI safe and sound and covered in puppy saliva.

The next day we decided to head over to Zemi Beach House for lunch, to show Trina and Scott how the other half (and shameless interlopers) live.

We enjoyed a delicous lunch of fish tacos, watermelon and feta salad, tomato gazpacho, and more.

After lunch we headed to the upper-level pool for a swim.

Not a bad day for a bunch of interlopers. ------------------------- There's still one more part!! Click here to subscribe and you'll be the first to know if we mount any more large, seafaring blow-up animals.

Posted by TraceyG 17:37 Archived in Anguilla Tagged vigilant_divers Comments (4)

• Anguilla, Part 3: Newbies by the Numbers

That evening our friends Hal and Donna invited us over to their villa in Island Harbour for sunset cocktails.

I wore a very special outfit: Donna made this dress for me, using a sarong I found at Irie Life. Made it! Me, I can barely use scissors without adult supervision.

After drinks we drove the short distance over to Ben's for dinner.

See that pointy plant in the foreground? It had no sooner stabbed me right in the crotch when I heard a muffled "oooof" behind me, only to turn and see Trina nearly impaled through the groin by the same sneaky shrub. (It is only with great restraint that I do not make any bush puns here.)

Sadly, she hasn't been able to sit upright since.

I knew I was having Ben's excellent pepperoni pizza, and came prepared in case I needed a slice for the road.

The next day we decided to check out Cap Juluca. Obviously they'll let anybody in this place.

Mother Nature ensured that we didn't overstay our welcome.

Ferryboat Inn may not be as fancy as Cap Juluca, but the burgers are better and that guy Christian is somewhat ok, too, now that he's married to Jenn.

Someone who is more than just ok is Marjorie, who made an entire casserole dish full of homemade scalloped potatoes just for me. Which I proceeded to inhale at a rate that would make Joey Chestnut break out in a sweat.

Of course, we made sure that we weren't the only ones who ate well at FBI that day.

Later, the guys dropped me and Trina off at CuisinArt while they checked out Christian's new venture, AXA Brewery. [NOTE: AXA Brewery is currently closed but should be back up and running soon. Save water, drink beer!]

Meanwhile, over at CuisinArt, Trina and I were busy contorting ourselves into their egg chairs and making people jealous of our frozen mojitos.

It had been a long day -- even more so for those of us who downed a bushel of potatoes at lunch -- so we picked up dinner at B&D's for a well-deserved night in.

The next morning Trina and Scott kept to their routine of breakfast at Straw Hat, while Angel and I made a pit stop at Shoal Bay West.

We split up for lunch, too, with Trina and Scott at Blanchard's Beach Shack and Angel and I just down the beach at Ocean Echo.

For lunch, we feated on Caesar salad, shrimp curry, and pepperoni pizza before retiring to our rafts.

The four of us couldn't stay apart for long, though, and met up that afternoon at the Dune Preserve.

But the swim platform at CuisinArt beckoned, and after our encounter with the Pee-king Duck, we were powerless to resist. And so we sloshed aboard, chistening everything in our paths with frozen mojito.

Trina was triumphant, while I pretended not to know her. I'm sure Scott can relate.

It was our last night on island, and I had a perfect night planned -- sunset and Sancerre at Coconut Palm, followed by dinner at our beloved Dolce Vita.

Abbi surprised me with a gargantuan veal parm, and Angel and I surprised Trina with an early birthday celebration.

The next morning we were set to depart on the ferry back to St. Martin. It was a Sunday, so we negotiated a deal: If Ferryboat would open that morning just for us, we'd provide the sausage and egg sandwiches and the entertainment (a.k.a. Trina in any sort of hat).

Although Marjorie was at church and didn't join us, she still did the Lord's work the night before and prepared some rum punch for us to take to go.

Now that is how you travel first-class.

-------------------------------- Where to next? Burgers, bourbon, and bumpkins in the Hudson Valley; a very special birthday trip to Antigua; summer on Anna Maria Island . . . and TWO MONTHS(!!) in Anguilla. Click here to subscribe and you'll be notified when a new post goes up!

Want to know what we're eating in the meantime? Follow me on Instagram @escape.from.new.york. Hope to see you there!

Posted by TraceyG 12:37 Archived in Anguilla Tagged dolce_vita ferryboat_inn Comments (6)

• St. John, USVI, Part 1: Chicken(s) of the Sea

As longtime readers of this blog already know, Angel and I are experienced Caribbean travelers. And as such, we have endured our share of only-in-the-islands hardships. There was that warm Chardonnay served in plastic cups in Abaco . The private beach dinner in Anguilla sans the tiny decorative pineapples I'd requested. And, probably most horrific of all, that Christmas Day on Tortola when I almost didn't get to eat lunch.

But none of these prior calamities could have prepared us for our pre-Covid visit to St. John.

Beautiful St. John, with its striking green mountains and stunning beaches. Peaceful St. John, with its chill vibe and charming people. Scenic St. John, with its steep switchbacks and sweeping overlooks.

And utterly terrifying St. John, with spiders the size of saucers and billipedes (that is not a typo) the size of hot dogs and bumblebees so huge they look like flying avocados. St. John, with its nightly cacophony of frogs? howler monkeys? Tasmanian devils? that sound like an angry flock of seagulls fighting over a single French fry. St. John, where the charming cottage we rented featured a screen door that never managed to bang around the same way twice, leaving us unwitting participants in a nightly guessing game of "Is it just the wind...or is it a masked intruder hoping to find more than just the 16 pairs of shoes I brought?"

There is an old adage that a particularly bad scare can so startle a person's heart as to shave one year off their life expectancy. After surprises on St. John ranging from finding an enormous waterbug on my face towel (apparently it's possible to scream so loud that you startle them ) to an unidentified creepy-crawly in my hair (more screaming, plus some wild Elaine Benes-style thrashing) to taking a pitch-black outdoor shower at night during a blackout (in the interest of preserving my few remaining shreds of sanity, I refuse to even speculate) . . . I am pleased to announce that I am inexplicably still alive given that, according to the old adage, I should have died approximately nine years ago.

Our nightly Battle of the Bugs began on the Sunday before Christmas, when we foolishly arrived with suitcases full of clothes and brightly wrapped presents instead of cans of Bop and beekeeper suits.

None of this, of course, was the fault of Sago Cottage, a charming, spotless West Indian style cottage in Calabash Boom.

We didn't want to venture too far on our first night on island, so we headed down to Coral Bay just in time for sunset at Aqua Bistro.

What beats fried calamari, tacos, rum punch, and a Bushwacker for dinner?

Obviously that was a rhetorical question.

Angel awoke bright and early the next morning, while I planned ahead for a cottage with no window blinds.

Finally I roused myself enough to get dressed and take in our fragrant surroundings.

Soon it was time for lunch, so we headed down the mountain to Skinny Legs.

Skinny Legs is proudly blender-free, but that didn't stop us from ordering up a Painkiller, a rum punch, and then the deadly Melee -- a blend of all six Cruzan rum flavors and a thimble full of fruit juice.

After lunch we decided on a swim at Cinnamon Bay or, as we were calling it after that Melee, Cimmaninn.

After that, things got wild.

That evening we dressed casually for dinner at The Longboard, only to find that the wait was more than an hour. Too hungry to hang on, we instead somehow managed to luck into an outdoor table at one of the best -- and most popular -- restaurants on the island, Extra Virgin.

Although we had reservations for later in the week and hate to repeat a restaurant on vacation, Extra Virgin's gracious service, fabulous drinks, and excellent food definitely warrant doubling or even tripling up.

The next morning we awoke to a gorgeous sunrise. Not on purpose, of course. We're not psychos.

We do sometimes dress alike, though, which I guess is close enough.

For lunch, we decided to drive into town to check out the Banana Deck.

This place serves greasy cheeseburgers, extra-cheesy fried mozzarella sticks, and Caesar dressing with enough mayonnaise in it to choke a wild donkey. In other words, I loved it.

For his part, Angel had the grilled fish sammie with a spicy BBQ sauce that damn near melted his face off . . . which means he loved it, too.

After that lunch, we thought it best to sequester ourselves at one of the more private beaches to avoid prying questions like, "Mommy, did that lady swallow a beach ball?" So we headed off to Oppenheimer Beach in hopes of snagging one of the very few parking spots.

Success! Oppenheimer turned out to be one of our very favorites of the trip.

It certainly didn't hurt that we had it all to ourselves.

When we'd finally had our fill of the sea, we headed back to Sago Cottage, stopping along the way to sample a Tropical Whiskey Punch at the Danforth and dodge some goats before cozying up in the hot tub in time for sunset.

That night was Christmas Eve, and we'd booked dinner at Rhumb Lines.

The wait for our food was a long one thanks to the holiday, but eventually we feasted on potstickers, Szechuan tuna with "Puff Daddy" noodles, and a delicious shrimp Pad Thai.

The next morning, I opened my Christmas presents, thanked Angel for his thoughtfulness, and then ran off with another man. Well, motored, actually. What can I say? The heart wants what it wants, and what mine wants is pizza.

We showed up at the dock ready to jam.

We spent most of the morning on the slide, even reenacting "A Christmas Story," since it was Christmas day.

Soon it was time for one of the catamaran crew members to make the run over the to the floating pizza shop, Pizza Pi, to pick up lunch. They don't normally take passengers with them, of course, but I can be very persuasive. Or pathetic. Whatever.

At first Angel had no idea where I'd gone, but it didn't take him long to figure out that where there's a pizza, there's a Tracey.

There might even be some rum punch.

--------------------------------- Ready to Lime Out? Click here for PART 2! To be notified of future posts, click here to subscribe and you'll receive an email whenever a new one goes up!

Posted by TraceyG 14:50 Archived in US Virgin Islands Tagged coral_bay virgin_islands usvi st_john aqua_bistro calabash_boom skinny_legs sago_cottage Comments (6)

• St. John, USVI, Part 2: Chicken(s) of the Sea

After a Christmas Day sail full of pepperoni pizza and rum punch, there was only one thing left to do afterwards: Grab some margaritas.

We ended up at Greengo's, a festive spot in Mongoose Junction.

By this point in our trip, I had almost made peace with the creepy-crawlies that were intent on terrorizing me wherever I went. At home, I styled myself as a modern-day Rambo, a can of BOP in one hand and an electric bug zapper in the other. At night, I rolled myself into a tight burrito made of bedsheets and topped with a thick layer of Deep Woods OFF. I steadfastly refused to use any light that didn't have a lightswitch after a particularly traumatizing incident involving a waterbug on a lampshade, and on occasion I even encountered an insect small enough to dispose of myself with my flip-flop, instead of my usual method of dropping a stockpot over the multi-legged beast and screaming bloody murder for Angel. In other words, I had the situation mostly under control.

Until we arrived home from Greengos and all hell broke loose.

There was a blackout . And to be honest, I'm not sure which was more terrifying: Having to use the outdoor shower in the pitch dark, or having to go to Christmas Dinner without the benefit of a mirror or a hairdryer.

Luckily our dinner was quite the distraction: a round of Copa Cabanas with Plantation overproof rum, lime, orange, and pineapple juice; tuna tartare; decadent Coquille St. Jacques; and the Caribbean version of a turducken: Lobster stuffed with shrimp stuffed with crabmeat, all topped with a creamy, citrusy sauce.

The next day we set off for the Art Bar in Cruz Bay. There, I treated Angel to a rum tasting to occupy him while I shopped their selection of beautiful hand-made jewelry.

We'd so enjoyed our earlier dinner at Extra Virgin that we decided to give their new sister restaurant, 1864, a try for lunch.

There, we enjoyed moules frites, a fabulous smashburger, and 1864's excellent focaccia.

Soon the beach beckoned again, so we set off for a soak.

After an afternoon in the hot sun, we'd worked up a thirst.

New Favorite Drink Alert: the R&R, made with St. John Brewers' draft root beer mixed with Cruzan vanilla rum.

The afternoon had turned cloudy, and by the time we got back to Sago Cottage, it had started to drizzle. Not that we let that spoil our fun.

By evening it was raining in earnest, so we decided to snuggle in with a couple of pizzas from Pizzabar in Paradise and a bottle of red wine, enjoying the sound of the rain drumming on the tin roof.

We spent the next morning taking in the spectacular view from the cottage.

Eventually we decided to check out nearby Salt Pond Bay, which is where we learned that "a trail good for all skill levels" still means that you should actually wear shoes.

Somehow we managed to make it to the beach with our ankles intact.

Happily, the day began to clear up, so we made a beeline for the Paddle-In Tiki Bar at Maho.

There, we discovered the Friend of the Devil, a Painkiller with bourbon instead of rum. I have no idea how I'd never thought of that before, but it's never too late to make a good cocktail even more deadly.

It's just a shame they were so stingy with the nutmeg.

Lunch was at High Tide, where we enjoyed crunchy coconut shrimp, spicy blackened fish, and a Caprese sandwich served with a tasty little pasta salad.

For dinner, we stuck close to home with some BBQ at Oasis, where we might as well been this potted plant for all the attention the bartender paid us.

And they were out of the mac & cheese, which is a far greater crime than just ignoring me.

The next morning dawned bright and sunny, which was perfect for what I had planned for our last full day.

We piled into the Jeep and set off for Hansen Bay and what would be one of the highlights of our trip, Lime Out.

I was practically giddy at the thought of not just tacos and Painkillers at Lime Out, but floating tacos and Painkillers, and so I was crestfallen when we learned that the pedal boat we planned to rent to get over there was not available, having filled with water from the rain the day before. But those tacos beckoned, and so Angel and a kind stranger managed to lift the massive pedal boat and drain it so we could pedal over to Lime Out.

Finally, having pedaled our little hearts out, we arrived at Lime Out, tied up our ride, and clambered "aboard."

We whiled away the afternoon with cocktails, tacos, and new friends.

Soon it was time to pedal back.

Of course, it's not every day that you find yourself pedaling away from a floating taco bar in the middle of a secluded bay at sunset and hear someone call your name, and I'll admit that my first thought was that I was hallucinating from one too many Painkillers. But there was Sandra, the caretaker who'd led us to Sago Cottage when we first arrived on St. John, and her partner Ronald on their sailboat, waving and inviting us aboard as we pedaled by.

Ronald went ashore to pick up Angel from returning the pedal boat, leaving Sandra and I alone to take silly selfies.

Sunset from a sailboat with new friends and a belly full of tacos and Painkillers? Not a bad way to end our last day.

It was our last night on island, so we headed back to what had quickly become a new favorite, Extra Virgin Bistro.

The next morning we soaked up the view one last time, said goodbye to our goat friends, and grabbed a quick lunch at the Westin before dragging ourselves to the nearby ferry dock.

On the way back to St. Thomas, we were treated to a rainbow spanning the horizon, a symbol of hope in many cultures. Angel's hope was that we'd return to St. John someday.

Mine was that I'd never see a billipede ever again.

------------------------------ You may have spent the pandemic baking bread, organizing your closets, and learning to play the ukulele, but I spent it watching Tiger King and not blogging. But now I'm back, baby, and there's at least a year's worth of trips to catch up on! Up next? Anguilla, Antigua, and anyplace else that will permit disease-ridden Americans to enter the country. Click here to subscribe and you'll be the first to know when a new post goes up!

Posted by TraceyG 12:54 Archived in US Virgin Islands Tagged terrace st_john tiki greengos the_terrace st_john_brewers pizzabar_in_paradise art_bar 1864 maho lime_out Comments (6)

• Cape Town, South Africa: From A to Z, Part 1

Like most people, I love to travel but hate to fly. The crowds, the jostling, the lines, and, worst of all, the hours of unrelenting boredom relieved only by the occasional bag of pretzels (stale) or temper tantrum (mine). And so, when I learned that a trip to Cape Town would require a 14-hour nonstop to Johannesburg, followed by another 2-hour flight to Cape Town, I jokingly thought, "Man, this place better have literally everything . I want beaches and mountains and wineries! I want chi-chi restaurants and waterfront bars and postcard views! I want rolling vineyards and world-class wines and great food and a vibrant downtown and historic architecture and sweeping vistas and . . ."

Impossibly . . . Cape Town had all of it.

In fact, Cape Town is the only city I've ever visited that's so scenic, drivers pull onto the shoulder of a busy highway, jump out of their car, and literally risk death just to take a selfie.

I, of course, would never do something so silly just for a photo.

And as if all that weren't nearly enough . . . they also have penguins .

In the end, Cape Town was such an embarrassment of riches that in the time it would take you to read a day-by-day, chronological recounting of our trip, you could have just flown there yourself. And so, here's my (mostly) A to Z list of the most beautiful, breathtaking, and beguiling reasons to visit Cape Town. [NOTE: This trip was pre-Covid. I wouldn't spend 14 hours on a plane now unless, well, it was going to Cape Town.]

AZURE We decided to have Christmas Eve dinner at Azure, the five-star restaurant at Cape Town's 12 Apostles Hotel. Twelve apostles, twelve days of Christmas, seemed appropriate.

Azure overlooks both Camps Bay and Lions Head Mountain, and even though just one of those would constitute a spectacular view anywhere else in the world, this is Cape Town, where such views are the norm. It's like Malibu and Tuscany went on a wine-fueled bender, resulting in the world's most beautiful baby.

And you know the food is good when it can distract you from the postcard views outside.

Plus, the dessert was smokin'.

BUITENVERWACHTING One of the things I loved most about Cape Town was how far in advance they take restaurant reservations...that is, until September rolled around and I found that my first and second choices for Christmas lunch were already booked. That, however, turned out to be one of the best things that's ever happened to me, because otherwise I'd never have discovered Buitenverwaching [Bite-en-ver-VACHT-ing] and their delicious, decadent, top-five-meals-in-my-life Christmas spectacular.

I originally thought we'd dine outside on the patio, but the gracious reservationist, Lanita, recommended the glass-enclosed terrace for a better view. She did not steer us wrong.

Our seven-course lunch included mozzarella espuma; marinated tuna with pan-fried baby gem lettuce and black garlic; quail saltimbocca with curried popcorn jus, chorizo, and truffles; and braised beef with crispy morels and taro crema.

All paired with Buitenverwachting's excellent wines, of course.

So much wine, in fact, that I could have sworn they served my dessert in a little Santa sled.

In fact, the only bad thing I have to say about Buitenverwachting is that they continue to torture me with emails regarding all of the other spectacular-sounding food and wine events they're hosting, so much so that we have considered moving halfway around the world to Cape Town just so we can become regulars here.

I mean, it's not the world's worst plan.

CHAPMAN'S PEAK Chapman's Peak is located on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The western flank of the mountain drops precipitously into the Atlantic Ocean and a road, known as Chapman's Peak Drive, hugs the near-vertical face of the mountain. Obviously this is not dangerous at all.

Part of the road is carved directly into the mountain, which handily combines acrophobia and claustrophobia for those who are short on time.

DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE In the U.S., Graff is known for outsized diamonds and Oscar-night jewels. But in over-the-top Cape Town, Graff is known as a paradise for wine enthusiasts, foodies, spa-goers, and art collectors . . . and those inclined to pick up a $1.2 million diamond over lunch.

Delaire means "from the sky," and it's a fitting name for a vineyard nestled on the Helshoogte Mountain Pass, which links two of South Africa's most famous wine-growing regions, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Our day at Delaire began with lunch on the terrace, where we enjoyed excellent food, stellar views, and solicitous service.

Breathtaking as they are, the mountains aren't the only African works of art around here.

Though the day's weather was perfect, it was easy to see how cozy the indoor dining room would be in winter.

After lunch, we retired to the wine lounge for a customized tasting.

The wines were fantastic; so much so that we placed a very large order to be shipped home. Otherwise we'd definitely have picked up a 10-carat diamond on our way out.

ERNIE ELS One of the highlights of the wine-country town of Stellenbosch is La Gratitude, a gorgeous 17th century Cape Dutch style mansion that houses apartments, offices, and a restaurant owned by South African pro golfer Ernie Els.

Upstairs, the private Founder's Club is a chic, clubby spot to retire with a whiskey after dinner.

But on this day, the warm, sunny weather dictated that we retire to the garden.

Oh, look, it's my living room window.

FETA CHEESE AND FANCY COCKTAILS Trust me, I wasn't expecting feta to be on the list of reasons to visit Cape Town, either. But when you split your time between New York City and the Hamptons, where feta is stingily doled out with tweezers in pieces that are both the size and price of pearls, you know a world-class bargain when you see one.

I was, however, expecting fancy cocktails from this cosmopolitan (heh-heh) city, and Cape Town did not disappoint. One of our favorite spots was The Bungalow, a chic beachfront spot in Clifton.

Another was Ginja in the V&A Waterfront, a stylish spot with killer views of Table Mountain.

And still more feta.

GUARDIAN PEAK Guardian Peak's philosophy, "Live with Wine," is built on the winery's belief that wine and food should be inseparable in our daily diet. Huh. Apparently I've been on a diet my entire adult life.

Nestled under the towering peak on Stellenbosch Mountain for which it is named, Guardian Peak's stunning estate includes a winery, restaurants, expansive terrace, and well-stocked shop.

After a customized tasting, we moved indoors to a window-side table for a multi-course lunch.

Yes, "ladies"-sized cuts of beef. Obviously they haven't met this lady.

HIKING LION'S HEAD MOUNTAIN I usually prefer to do my hiking in ballet flats and white pants , or on a bike so I don't have to walk . But when I heard that Lion's Head rewarded a beginner-level hike with sweeping views of the entire city, I bought a pair of cute boots and decided to give it a go.

As we drew nearer, the enormity of the mountain, and the stupidity of our task, became clear.

But it was a beautiful day -- Christmas Day! -- and so we foolishly stumbled off into the bush with no water, no sunscreen, and no sense.

Obviously I had no business being on a sheer vertical rock face with nothing but a flimsy chain between me and death by clumsiness...but the views made the risk worth it.

And did I mention the ladders? I mean, if using one just to clean your gutters is dangerous, then using one to climb up a mountain is downright suicidal.

Sure, it was an unconventional way to spend Christmas morning, but that was nothing compared to the penguin-palooza to come. --------------------------------------------

Posted by TraceyG 16:05 Archived in South Africa Tagged twelve_apostles cape_town south_africa stellenbosch chapmans_peak azure buitenverwachting constantia delaire delaire_graff la_gratitude guardian_peak lions_head Comments (7)

• Cape Town, South Africa: From A to Z, Part 2

JOY The oldest residential neighborhood in Cape Town, Bo Kaap is known for its charming, joyfully colorful houses.

Formerly known as the Malay Quarter, Bo Kaap is the historical center of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town and the oldest surviving residential neighborhood in the city.

KHAYELITSHA A shameful relic of apartheid, Cape Town's Khayelitsha district was formed in the early 1980s when Xhosa-speaking Blacks from the Eastern Cape moved westward to Cape Town in search of work. The apartheid regime sought to solve this "problem" by establishing new Black neighborhoods -- including Khayelitsha, which means "new home" in Xhosa -- on the outskirts of Cape Town, then forcefully relocating the Black population to these districts. In reality, the Xhosas' "new home" is the world's fifth-largest slum.

Heartbreakingly, cardboard boxes and corrugated-metal shipping containers, which stretch as far as the eye can see, still serve as home to almost 400,000 people.

To help the residents of Khayelitsha or one of Cape Town's other districts, visit Arm in Arm in Africa .

LA PETITE TARTE If Khayelitsha is the worst of Cape Town, then the city's trendy De Waterkant neighborhood -- an area once inhabited by slaves but now home to both Blacks and whites -- shows that cultural diversity makes an area more vibrant and interesting. Today De Waterkant features cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafés, a diverse popuation, and a great little bistro, La Petite Tarte.

It's like they knew I was coming.

La Petite looks like a shabby chic farmhouse, minus the stray cats and plus the extra charm.

La Petite's menu was so good that we couldn't just order just one entrée. Which is how we ended up having bobotie, a Croque Monsieur, and a chicken pot pie for lunch.

What is bobotie, you ask? Pronounced "ba-BOH-tee," it's a classic South African baked casserole of curried ground beef with a creamy, custard-like egg topping. So kind of like a spicy Shepherd's pie, if Shepherd's pie was one of the best things you'd ever tasted.

We even behaved ourselves.

Just kidding.

MOUETTE La Mouette, which means "the seagull," is housed in an Tudor building in Sea Point that was once home to the town's mayor.

It was the perfect choice for Christmas dinner, suffused with soft amber light and warmed by cozy fireplaces.

The visually stunning five-course tasting menu didn't hurt, either. Who wouldn't want parmesan custard(!!!) with cauliflower and hazelnut crumble; braised short ribs with celery root tacos; burrata with honeycomb and arugula oil; and herbed gnocchi with edible twigs and and truffle snow, all topped off with a gorgeous passionfruit curd with coconut and mango sorbet for dessert?

Most charming of all? The chef had saved all of his original, handwritten recipes from his early days as a cook, then framed them for display when he finally got his own restaurant.

Now that's the kind of place I can (celery) root for.

OWL COTTAGE We knew we'd be doing a lot of driving on this trip -- from Sea Point to Stellenbosch, Clifton to Constantia, and points in between -- and so we chose our home base carefully. That turned out to be the chic seaside suburb of Hout Bay.

We decided to stay at Owl Cottage, a charming bungalow in the Victorskloof area with a veranda overlooking the sea and Chapman's Peak, and a sweet, flower-filled patio out back.

Inside, the cottage was bright and spacious.

And my sister made sure it was decked out for Christmas, with a pair of homemade, safari-themed stockings.

They were perfect for smuggling home a couple of blocks of feta.

PENGUINS After lunch on Christmas Day, I got the best Christmas present of all time: A trip to Boulders Beach in False Bay to the see the penguins.

African penguins are obviously adorable, but they are also hilarious, clumsily waddling about, falling asleep at inopportune times, and adopting a little spread-eagle stance when it's time for a rest.

ROUNDHOUSE On our first night in Cape Town, we knew we'd be exhausted from the flight and ready for some pampering. And so we chose The Roundhouse, an upscale spot nestled under Table Mountain and overlooking Camps Bay.

Founded in 1786, the Roundhouse was originally built as a guardhouse for the Dutch East India Company, as the location was ideally situated to keep watch of enemy ships. Today it is ideally situated to have a great arrival-night meal, which on this night included cured trout with miso and tahini puree; steamed kingklip with burnt apple and fish-bone cream; beef in Rooikrans (an evergreen also known as acacia cyclops) coal oil; lamb belly with carrot and cashew puree; and Karoo Farm ostrich with caramelized milk, turnip, and sunchoke.

Dessert #1 featured buffalo yogurt with carrot and satsuma sorbets and white chocolate caramel, while Dessert #2, which was described only as "coconut, rose, lychee, green tea," featured ice cream "soil" and a swirl of dry ice.

STELLENBOSCH Affectionately referred to as "Stellies," Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest town and the epicenter of the Cape Winelands region.

It's also great place to wonder why you don't just move here already.

TOKARA Tokara Estate is situated over 1,300 feet above sea level on top of the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch. I have no idea how to pronounce "Helshoogte," but after a wine tasting here, the variations are endless.

The drive alone to Tokara is worth the trip.

In addition to wine, Tokara offers tastings of its four different types of extra virgin olive oil.

V&A WATERFRONT The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the oldest working harbor in the southern half of the world. It also offers one of the most stunning vistas in the city, which is saying a lot in a place like Cape Town.

No, we didn't ride the Ferris wheel. When I miraculously made it down from Lion's Head alive, I decided not to push my luck with any more high-risk activities.

WHISKEY World-class whiskey in wine country? You bet your bitters there is.

Home to one of the largest whiskey collections in the Southern Hemisphere -- over 500 whiskies from nearly every producing region in the world -- Bascule Bar in the Cape Grace Hotel complements the hotel’s nautical vibe, located as it is down a narrow stairway leading to what might well be the hull of a ship.

You can even get your own whiskey locker.

X, Y, Z Look, I got nothing for these letters. We played no xylophones, we ate no yams, and we covered the zebras in my safari posts . So how about some more penguins?

Posted by TraceyG 13:43 Archived in South Africa Tagged cape_town penguins south_africa stellenbosch roundhouse bobotie bo_kaap la_petite_tarte bar_bascule owl_cottage host_bay la_mouette tokara Comments (1)

• Sabi Sands, South Africa: Come On and Safari With Me (Pt. 1)

Over the past few years, as we've watched more and more of our friends hit the Big Five-Oh, Angel came to realize that no matter how big a blowout celebration was held, a birthday still lasts, well, one day -- or maybe a week, if one is lucky -- and then it is forgotten, like so many sets of keys and pairs of glasses and other things that (I hear) one misplaces when one reaches the other side of 50.

And so, the least selfish man on the planet suddenly and uncharacteristically declared that when he turned 50, he planned to keep the party going . . . all year long. "The Year of Angel," as it came to be known, gradually took shape, ranging from a bourbon tour of Kentucky (with detours to the Louisville Slugger factory, the Muhammad Ali museum, and Churchill Downs, all a gift from his generous friend Robert), to Yankees spring training in Tampa with his baseball buddy Brian, to a birthday-night dinner in Anguilla , to a cigar-and-mojito fueled trip to Havana , to the, er, wildest trip of them all: An African safari.

Our adventure began with a short, scenic flight from our home base in Cape Town to Nelspruit Airport in Mpumalanga, and if you think that's easy to say, then you didn't have nearly as many sundowners on your safari as I did on mine.

From Mpumalanga, we boarded a tiny bush plane bound for the Arathusa Airstrip.

That's air strip , not air port .

After exhaustive research in which I ruled out (1) all of the ultra-luxurious lodges that look like Ralph Lauren ads and cost more per night than my monthly take-home pay, and (2) those that allow very small children -- obviously a natural fit given that safaris feature large and sometimes deadly wild animals, a guide carrying a loaded rifle, and the expectation that everyone will be quiet -- we settled on Arathusa Safari Lodge.

Luxurious enough to offer essentials like hot showers and air conditioning, but rustic enough to require an armed escort to our suite at night, Arathusa has just thirteen suites, nine of which face a waterhole (now dry due to South Africa's ongoing drought) and four of which are remotely located within the bush.

Sought after due to its prime location within the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, which itself is adjacent to the vast, unfenced Kruger National Park, Arathusa also featured a comfortable outdoor bar and lounge, a large swimming pool, and -- incredibly, given its far-flung location -- some of the best food we've ever had on any vacation, anywhere.

We booked early and had our choice of suites, ultimately deciding on Marula, one of the four remote bush suites and the furthest one from the main lodge. Given the suite's luxe furnishings and private swimming pool, you might not think we were really roughing it, but that's only because you didn't see how far Marula was from the lodge's cocktail bar.

Thoughtful touches, like a soaking tub for two and an outdoor shower, completed the suite.

And what Marula lacked in privacy when showering indoors, it made up for with the private dipping pool and secluded patio.

We weren't completely alone, though.

Upon our arrival, we had been greeted at the airstrip by one of the guides, who ferried us over to Arathusa just in time for lunch.

Most people who spend time in the bush are fearful of contracting malaria or being mauled by a wild animal; I, of course, was worried that I might starve to death (and had packed a bag full of granola bars just in case). And so I should have known -- when Arathusa staff didn't even let us see our suite before whisking us off to lunch -- that my fears were not only unfounded, but ridiculous: Arathusa fed us so heartily, and so frequently, that I am pretty sure Angel once faked a headache just to avoid stuffing down a three-course lunch mere hours after the mid-morning snack, which itself had been preceded by breakfast and a pre-breakfast snack. Me, I'm down with any place where lunch is the fourth meal of the day.

That afternoon was our first game drive.

Concerned that the late December summer foliage would obscure our viewing, we'd brought along a high-powered zoom lens . . . which turned out to be almost completely unnecessary.

Though it was only our first drive, we were thrilled to spot three of the Big Five . . . and their babies.

We also saw the first of many, many impala, a medium-sized antelope native to Africa.

We came to prefer the evening game drives to the morning ones for several reasons -- no 4:30am wake-up call; the opportunity to bask in the late afternoon heat; and returning to the lodge in the soft blue twilight -- but the main one was . . . sundowners.

Scheduled roughly halfway through each evening game drive, sundowners are the South African version of happy hour.

And that is how I had the best gin-and-tonic of my life, at a makeshift bar in the bush, under the late afternoon warmth of the African sun.

The second half of our inaugural drive was just as awe-inspiring as the first.

That evening, exhaustion from the long day of travel started to catch up with us, but Arathusa had a little surprise in store before we could return to the lodge: Dinner in the bush, under a dark sky blanketed with stars.

It was the experience of a lifetime.

CLICK HERE TO READ PART 2!

Posted by TraceyG 05:28 Archived in South Africa Tagged safari kruger kruger_national_park sabi_sand sabi_sands arathusa safari_lodge Comments (11)

• Sabi Sands, South Africa: Come On and Safari With Me (Pt. 2)

The next morning -- early, early morning -- was our first pre-dawn game drive. We roused ourselves at 4:30am, which was just enough time to shower, brush our teeth, and get over to the lodge for Pre-Breakfast 1.

We set off on a completely different path from the day before (as we would do for every game drive), spotting kudu, waterbuck, and the ubiquitous impala along the way.

Pre-Breakfast 2 was served mid-safari at roughly 7am.

Afterwards, our talented tracker, DeBeers, led us to a Cape buffalo and a stunning, elusive leopard, rounding out in just two safari drives the Big Five we'd hoped to see.

As well as the baby elephants I couldn't see often enough.

After the game drive, it was time for our third meal of the day, Official Breakfast.

When we arrived back at our suite after stuffing ourselves silly, we discovered that some visitors had been monkeying around the place.

That afternoon was spent lazing around the pool in hopes of seeing a passing elephant (me) and passing out cold from lack of sleep (Angel).

On the evening game drive, another surprise: Animals we never expected to see in Africa, like turtles, owls, saddle-billed storks, and technicolor lizards.

And a few we did expect, like hares, mongoose (mongeese?) and vultures.

Plus zebras which, amid all the green, looked suprisingly more exotic than any other animal we saw on safari.

As well as the "usual" kudu, hippos, and lions.

Dinner that night was held outdoors in Arathusa's boma, a wooden enclosure traditionally used to house livestock.

After dinner, we hung around the bar for a bit . . . because the armed guard who escorted us back to Marula each night had spotted some leopards near our front door.

Which has to be the best excuse I'll ever have for ordering another round. --------------------------- CLICK HERE TO READ PART 3!

Posted by TraceyG 05:04 Archived in South Africa Tagged safari game_drive kruger_national_park big_five sabi_sands arathusa Comments (3)

• Sabi Sands, South Africa: Come On and Safari With Me (Pt. 3)

Another morning brought another pre-dawn wake-up call, and another surprise: Rare African wild dogs, an endangered species with only four remaining populations in Africa, one of which is in Kruger.

The painted dogs were beautiful, but can anything beat the cuteness of a baby giraffe who thinks you can't see him?

Later, more lions and some wildebeest, though -- lucky for the wildebeest -- not at the same time.

That afternoon, we joined one of the rangers on a nature walk around the Arathusa property.

I won't lie: I think I'd rather have seen a rabid wild dog than this giant termite mound . . .

And whatever the heck this is.

Our last evening safari didn't disappoint: We saw leopards and zebras; Angel got to ride back to the lodge in the tracker seat; and one of us went, well, full bush.

Our last dinner under the boma was a celebration of food, wine, and the friends we'd made along the way.

We were scheduled for one last morning game drive before checking out. It started out a bit drizzly, so we donned a couple of oversized rain ponchos and headed off into the bush.

Eventually the drizzle changed over to a much-needed heavy rain, and we returned to the lodge, chilly and soaked, for a fireside breakfast.

I told you we were roughing it out there.

Posted by TraceyG 05:40 Archived in South Africa Tagged safari game_drive kruger_national_park sabi_sands arathusa Comments (7)

• Birthday Weekend: A Treen Grows In Brooklyn

What's better than a waterfront food festival with a view of the Manhattan skyline and over 100(!) vendors representing the city's best restaurants?

Attending that food festival on a glorious 80-degree October day . . . with my sister Trina . . . who was in town for the weekend to celebrate my birthday.

Of course, that meant the entire weekend was something of a food festival, but first things first. After a quick change of clothes (meaning that Treen changed into my clothes and I changed into hers), we headed over to Williamsburg, an uber-hip Brooklyn neighborhood that would be a food and drink paradise even without Smorgasburg.

It is no exaggeration to say that we tore a hole through the place, feasting on everything from cheeseburgers and cheese steaks to BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and banana pudding . . . and a heck of a lot in between.

Of course, we didn't eat all of that one sitting. We took a cocktail break . . . and then went back .

As beautiful as Hotel Delmano is, the day was even more so, and so we snagged two sidewalk seats for a little people-watching with our libations.

Trina and I agreed that our favorite was The Alibi, made with pineapple-infused tequila, cinnamon, vanilla, lime, and molé bitters.

And after two rounds, we discovered that even the bathrooms at Hotel Delmano are beautifully designed.

After our return to Smorgasburg for Round 2, it was back to Manhattan . . . to get ready for dinner.

We decided on a low-key evening of chips & guac, Mexican street corn, and frozen hibiscus margaritas at Fonda, followed by dancing until the wee hours at an 80s club in Manhattan's edgy Alphabet City neighborhood.

Opened in 1979, the Pyramid Club is not an 80s- themed club but an actual club born in and still firmly planted in that decade, never having changed its decor, its prices, or its commitment to the East Village gay and drag scene in the last 40 years.

We had a really good time. Some of us more than others.

The next morning it was time to shake off the night's excesses with some pizza. But not just any pizza: The crispy, crunchy, burnt-just-right-on-the-ends square pizza topped with 'roni cups at Emily in the West Village.

After lunch Angel headed off to run some errands, while Trina and I decided to enjoy the gorgeous weather with a stroll from the West Village down to TriBeCa.

Eventually we found ourselves near the piers.

We weren't just meandering, though; we had a destination in mind: Grand Banks, an oyster bar aboard a historic wooden schooner, the Sherman Zwicker, which offers spectacular views of lower Manhattan.

After the sun set, we headed over to Bubby's, a TriBeCa comfort-food institution that I used to frequent when I clerked downtown.

That evening we had plans for a birthday dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Left Bank, which I love for its ever-changing menu of seasonal favorites and cozy atmosphere.

After we finished our entrees, Angel revealed a secret: Those "errands" he ran after lunch consisted of driving to the Hamptons to pick up a cake that I'd long admired at our local grocery store, King Kullen -- a traffic-filled odyssey that, mid-afternoon on a gorgeous fall Sunday, took roughly six hours round-trip. When I asked him why he didn't just pick up the cake at one of the dozens of other, closer King Kullens on Long Island, he explained that he didn't want to risk that the same cake from a different store might look even a tiny bit different from the one I liked.

He even made (yes, made ) matching wrapping paper for my gifts.

A sister who flew to NYC for the weekend just to force down 7,000 calories a day with me, plus a husband who spent 6 hours in the car to get me the perfect birthday cake?

Posted by TraceyG 05:43 Archived in USA Tagged new_york nyc williamsburg new_york_city brooklyn fonda east_village hotel_delmano smogasburg pyramid_club Comments (8)

• Anguilla, Pt. 1: Like Peas In a Pod

If you have to undertake a recon mission, Anguilla is a pretty good place to do it.

So when I finally convinced my sister and her husband to join us for their first-ever trip to Anguilla (after what we both agree was 20+ years of non-stop nagging), I knew a recon mission was in order. It had been 6 long months since our last visit, but it was only 6 short months until theirs. And so someone had to come down ahead of time to make sure the resorts were still open and the beaches were still there and the cheeseburgers still tasted the same . . . right???

And as luck would have it, generous friends stepped in to make our unexpected trip less of a burden, offering up not just free places to stay, but places with warm hospitality and spectacular views and private swimming pools. And so Mission: Newbies was born.

We made our way to the west end of the island, where a friend had invited us to stay at her beloved home, Octagon Villa, in her absence -- a bold move if ever there was one. I mean, knowing that I've walked into others' homes uninvited and critiqued their decor , what might I do with an actual invitation : Commandeer an entire bedroom just for my shoe collection? Bolt ironing boards to the floor in every room? Not just raid the fridge, but strap the thing to my back and carry it home?

It turns out I did none of those things, but only because it took the entire duration of our stay for me to learn the layout of the house. That's because, true to its name, Octagon Villa is a gated compound of eight individual pods surrounding a large, private swimming pool, with each free-standing pod containing one room of the house.

This unique layout is absolutely perfect for those travelling with kids or with another couple, since the amount of privacy is unsurpassed. It's also perfect for folks like me who love indoor-outdoor living, as even moving from the kitchen to the living room affords a quick trip outside. (And the walkways are covered, for folks like me who are allergic to rain.) If, however, also like me, you hear the phrase, "Your other left" with alarming frequency, it may take a little getting used to, as my days were spent something like this:

Me: Think I'll go to the kitchen for a diet Coke. Me (opening door to Pod 1): Whoops. Living room. Me (opening door to Pod 2): Shoot. Master bedroom. Me (opening door to Pod 3 and giving the washing machine the side-eye): Dammit! You know, I'm not really thirsty after all.

Angel, whose sense of direction is superb, of course had a field day with this, calling out "In the bedroom!" every time I yelled for him, then giggling as I made my rounds of every room in the house before finally finding (and vowing to strangle) him.

Having settled in after an early-morning arrival, we set off for the one thing I actually can find: Ferryboat Inn.

There, we planned to meet up with Rob and Julie, who had become fast friends after they spent nearly a week helping us look for my ring on our last trip; now, they'd agreed to spend an afternoon admiring my new bling and watching me gobble down cheeseburgers. Gluttons for punishment, I tell you.

They even played hide-and-seek with us.

By the time lunch was over, I was a little tipsy, a lot stuffed, and my face hurt from laughing so hard, so we decided to spend the balance of the afternoon doing nothing more than hanging around the villa. There, we discovered a bunch of other features to love, including a pool so private you could go au naturel in it (not that I would do such a thing -- ahem), a panoramic view of Shoal Bay West from the roof deck, and one of the lushest gardens I've ever seen in Anguilla.

It even had a chicken. In a tree .

I know it's hard to top a chicken in a tree, but Octagon also has three ginormous bedrooms, each of which is roughly the size of an airplane hangar.

Indeed, the rooms were so large and comfortable that eventually I gave up trying to find the other pods, since each bedroom already had everything I needed: A huge attached bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a color-coordinated mini fridge and coffee maker.

In fact, Octagon is stocked as though the Zombie Apocalypse -- or my Boy Scout husband -- is coming any minute: Virtually everything in the house comes in triplicate, quadruplicate, and more, from coolers to candles, blenders to bottled water, dinnerware to dry goods . . . you could be happily holed up here for years and never run out of anything.

But the outside world beckoned, and so we set off for a late afternoon visit to the Dune Preserve.

Dune Preserve reminds me of the tree houses and pirate ships we used to play on as kids, with the welcome addition of alcohol.

The day had gotten away from us, so we raced back to the villa for a quick change of clothes, then set off for dinner at E's Oven.

Back at Octagon, we took a quick dip in the pool, then headed off to bed.

And it only took me two tries to find my bedroom.

------------------------------------ CLICK HERE to read Part 2!

Posted by TraceyG 05:44 Archived in Anguilla Tagged ferryboat_inn e's_oven octagon dune_preserve Comments (8)

• Anguilla, Pt. 2: A Fashion Emergency

We decided to spend the next day at Ocean Echo.

The day was windy and the waves were bigger than we are used to, but it was too cold for these big babies anyway (March . . . brr!), so we spent most of the day occupying ourselves with other pursuits.

This poor guy. He never knew how close I came to grabbing that pizza and making a run for it.

That evening our friends Diana and Carl had invited us over for cocktails and snacks at their place on Barnes Bay.

Diana is always impeccably dressed like a chic Parisian woman and Carl looks roughly 20 years younger than his actual age, but for some reason we really like them anyway.

In addition, they were fabulous hosts, even kindly arranging to cap off our visit with this spectacular sunset.

We had already made separate dinner plans, so Angel and I headed over to nearby Picante to get our faces melted off.

We tried a few new things on this trip -- Theron's spicy chili, the grilled chipotle prawn burrito, a basil mojito -- as well as Old Faithful, the seafood enchiladas.

The next morning, a disaster of unprecedented proportions befell us: Due to a fender-bender near Four Seasons, the power went out.

No power meant no iron, and no iron meant that I had to scare up an outfit that didn't look like it had been balled up and shoved into the bottom of a hamper (or, you know, into a suitcase too small by half). By some miracle I'd hung up the dress I'd worn to Ferryboat, and so I suffered through the ultimate indignity -- not only did I have to be seen in public in a dress that hadn't been freshly ironed, but I had to be seen in public in a dress I'd just worn two days earlier .

Decked out in my vêtements vulgaires , we headed over to Cap Juluca, where I hoped that my messy bun and artfully rumpled dress gave off an air of "too rich to care," rather than "I just showered in a swimming pool and am wearing yesterday's clothes . . . again."

Oh, did I not mention that no power also meant no water pump for showers? Thank heavens for that very private swimming pool.

Luckily most folks at Cap are too busy looking at the stunning beach and stylish renovation to notice a fashion faux pas.

Or they just dismissed me as some weird picture-taking blogger . . .

Or that nitwit who went for a swim in the decorative pool. Whichever.

Renovated Cap has several new restaurants, including an updated Pimms, a poolside cafe, the casual, waterfront Cip's, and the Cap Shack beach bar.

Eventually we headed back to the villa to see if the power had been restored, and sweet baby Jesus, I was saved! I happily headed out to lunch in a clean, freshly-ironed dress.

Clad, at long last, in clean pressed clothes, we made the short trip across the salt pond for lunch at a longtime favorite, Tratttoria Tramonto.

At our usual corner table, we tucked into penne with basil pesto; a wild boar prosciutto panini with parmigiano, arugula, and white truffle oil; and the most gorgeous tomatoes I think I've ever seen (or tasted).

After lunch, we alternated among reading, napping, swimming, and sipping.

And, you know, ironing everything left in my suitcase . . . just in case.

------------------------------------------------------------ CLICK HERE to read Part 3!

Posted by TraceyG 06:15 Archived in Anguilla Tagged anguilla picante cap_juluca ocean_echo trattoria_tramonto Comments (7)

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Safety tips for international travel

You’ve planned your trip down to the very last detail – but sometimes when you’re on vacation, the unexpected happens. Protect yourself from travel mishaps by following these tips from Carol DiOrio, vice president of travel for AAA Western and Central New York.

Keep a copy of all your major documents

Before your trip, scan your documents (passport, visa, travel insurance, driver’s license) and email them to yourself. “This way, you’ll always have them with you – even if they get lost or stolen,” DiOrio said.

Put your money in multiple places

“Split it up among all the people you’re with, so you don’t lose everything if your wallet gets lost,” DiOrio said. The AAA Travel Store offers a variety of bags and RFID-blocking wallets, which protect the information stored electronically on your credit cards and passport.

Take care of yourself

While it’s impossible to plan for an illness, you might need to get vaccinated and immunized before you go abroad. You should also travel with an ample supply of medications so you don’t have to scramble for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place. When in doubt, ask your AAA Travel agent for specific recommendations related to your chosen destination.

Purchase travel insurance

DiOrio said travel insurance is always a smart choice, especially for international travelers. It can cover emergency medical expenses, lost or damaged baggage, and expenses related to last-minute cancellations.

Make your trip one to remember. Travel safe and travel smart with expert planning from the pros at AAA Travel. 

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

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

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

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

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

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

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

• International

Trump hush money trial

University protests

SCOTUS hears Trump immunity case

Trump criminal trial wraps for the day after opening statements and first witness

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell in the courthouse

Key takeaways from opening statements and the first witness in Trump's hush money trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell

Prosecutors and Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness — a former National Enquirer publisher — was called Monday in the historic and unprecedented criminal trial of a former president.

Each side got their first chance to lay out a theory of the case for jurors. Prosecutors told jurors that the reimbursement of hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels was part of a larger conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election.

The former president’s attorneys responded by telling the jury that Trump was innocent and not involved in the creation of the 34 business records he’s charged with falsifying. They also pointedly added that there’s “nothing wrong with trying to influence an election.”

Here are key takeaways from Monday:

• Prosecutors say Trump schemed "to corrupt the 2016 presidential election": The district attorney’s office framed the case for jurors as illegal payments to try to influence illicitly influence the 2016 election that Trump then tried to illegally cover up by falsifying business records. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo walked the jury through Trump’s efforts, along with Michael Cohen and former American Media Inc., chief David Pecker, to keep damaging information from coming to light during the 2016 election.
• Defense says Donald Trump is innocent: Defense attorney Todd Blanche began his opening statement with a simple assertion: “Donald Trump is innocent.” Blanche told the jury that the story isn’t as simple as prosecutors laid out and argued that Trump was not involved with any of the business records he’s accused of falsifying beyond signing the checks. Blanche didn’t dispute the paper trail existed, but he argued to the jury there was nothing illegal about signing non-disclosure agreements — or trying to influence an election.
• Tabloid publisher testifies first: Prosecutors called former AMI CEO David Pecker as the first witness in their case against Trump. He testified for less than 30 minutes Monday morning before the trial adjourned for the day. He’s expected to continue testifying Tuesday. Colangelo teed up the former tabloid publisher as a key player in Trump’s “catch and kill” scheme to control the public narrative about him ahead of the 2016 election.
• Gag order hearing will lead off court on Tuesday: Before the trial resumes Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan is holding a hearing on allegations that Trump violated the judge’s gag order barring discussion of witnesses. The district attorney’s office asked the judge to fine Trump $1,000 for each of several gag order violations leading up to and since the trial started. In addition to the fines, prosecutors want the judge to remind Trump he could be imprisoned if he continues to disobey the order.
• Trump was thinking about the $175 million bond hearing down the street: Meanwhile, other lawyers for Trump were in a courtroom a block away arguing over the legitimacy of the $175 million bond Trump posted to appeal the judgment in his civil fraud trial. Trump, who could not attend the civil hearing because he’s required to attend each day of the criminal trial, railed against Attorney General Letitia James.

Fact check: Trump falsely claims Michael Cohen’s crimes "had nothing to do with me"

From CNN’s Daniel Dale

Speaking to reporters Monday after opening statements in his criminal trial in Manhattan, former President Donald Trump declared that the crimes committed by his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen “had nothing to do with me.” 

Cohen is expected to be a key  witness for the prosecution . Trump said: “The things he got in trouble for were things that had nothing to do with me. He got in trouble; he went to jail. This has nothing to do with me. This had to do with the taxicab company that he owned, which is just something he owned – and medallions and borrowing money and a lot of things – but it had nothing to do with me.” 

Facts First:  Trump’s claim that Cohen’s prison sentence “had nothing to do with me” is false. Cohen’s three-year sentence in 2018 was for  multiple crimes , some of which were directly related to Trump. Most notably, Cohen was sentenced for  campaign finance offenses   connected to a hush money scheme  during the 2016 presidential campaign to conceal Trump’s alleged extramarital relationships -- the same hush money scheme that is central to this prosecution against Trump. Cohen was  also sentenced to two months in prison , to run concurrently with the three-year sentence, for  lying to Congress in 2017 in relation to previous talks about the possibility of building a Trump Tower in Moscow, Russia , including about the  extent of Trump’s involvement in the aborted Moscow initiative  and about when in 2016 the discussions ended. (The discussions continued into June 2016, the month after Trump  became the presumptive Republican nominee , and did not conclude in January 2016 before the first votes were cast, as Cohen had claimed.)

Referring to Trump as “Individual-1,” Cohen  said  at the time of his 2018 guilty plea for making false statements to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence: “I made these statements to be consistent with Individual-1’s political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual-1.” When Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to the campaign finance violations, he  said  he broke the law “in coordination and at the direction of a candidate for federal office,” Trump. 

David Pecker is an important witness in prosecutor's quest to prove criminal intent, legal analyst says

From CNN's Elise Hammond

David Pecker will be back on the stand on Tuesday to continue testimony in the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump. Not only is he the first witness to answer questions from the prosecution, but he is also a critical piece of how the state is trying to prove criminal intent, one former federal prosecutor said.

Criminal intent means that “not just an act happened, but an act happened for a purpose,” said Elliot Williams, a CNN legal analyst. “The defendant did something wrong to carry out some criminal purpose.”

As the then-chairman of American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, Pecker was involved in numerous “catch-and-kill” schemes he orchestrated on behalf of Trump, and he allegedly helped broker the deal with adult film star Stormy Daniels which is at the center of  the case.

“It’s not just the catch-and-kill payments, but catch-and-kill payments for the purpose of concealing information from voters in the context of an election,” Williams explained, referring to the 2016 presidential election. 

Williams said it’s likely that prosecutors will focus much of their questioning trying to uncover what was discussed in meetings between Pecker and Trump.

The question at the heart of the argument, Williams said, is if the payments were intended to conceal information from voters, “or was it just Donald Trump saying, ‘Well, you know, this is embarrassing to my wife and my kids, I really want to keep this hidden.’”

Read about the stages of Trump's criminal trial — and what they mean 

From CNN's Lauren del Valle, Jhasua Razo and Gillian Roberts

Former President Donald Trump’s first criminal trial is expected to take six to eight weeks from start to finish.

This trial, related to a  hush money payment  to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, is the first of  four ongoing criminal cases  that are expected to head to trial for the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee.

Now that opening statements are done, prosecutors are presenting trial evidence through witness testimony and exhibits. David Pecker, the ex-publisher of the National Enquirer, will resume testimony Tuesday.

Defense attorneys can cross examine the prosecution’s witnesses and typically aim to discredit their testimony. Witnesses’ responses are considered evidence, but not the questions posed by an attorney.

Read more about the stages of the trial, and what they mean here.

Michael Cohen jabs back at Trump's claim that Cohen's crimes have nothing to do with him

From CNN's Laura Dolan

Michael Cohen, who is expected to be a key witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial, jabbed back at his former boss in response to comments Trump made about him outside the courtroom Monday.

Speaking to reporters in the courtroom hallway after court concluded, Trump said Cohen’s crimes have “nothing to do with me."

“He got in trouble, he went to jail. This has nothing to do with me,” said Trump. “This had to do with the taxicab company that he owned, which is just something he owned — and medallions and borrowing money.”

Shortly after those comments. Cohen posted on social media, “Hey Von ShitzInPantz … your attacks of me stink of desperation. We are all hoping that you take the stand in your defense. 

Cohen, who is Trump’s former attorney, served time in federal prison after pleading guilty to breaking federal campaign laws when he facilitated the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, which is directly linked to the charges against Trump.  As for the taxi medallions that Trump referenced, Cohen was also sentenced for tax evasion related to a taxi medallion enterprise and lying to a bank in relation to a home loan. 

Trump is under a gag order and was ordered by Judge Juan Merchan not to comment about any witnesses in the trial.

CNN's Daniel Dale contributed to this post.

See courtroom sketches from today's Trump trial

No cameras are allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway, but a sketch artist captured the scene as opening statements unfolded and the first witness took the stand.

Biden builds early advertising edge as Trump spends millions on legal fees

From CNN's David Wright

President Joe Biden and his allies have nearly tripled Donald Trump’s network in ad spending over the last month and a half while the former president has had to devote millions of campaign funds to legal expenses — and sit in a New York courthouse for his hush money trial.

Since March 6, after Super Tuesday when Trump effectively secured the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, through April 21, Biden’s campaign and other Democratic advertisers spent $27.2 million on advertising for the presidential race, while the Trump campaign and GOP advertisers spent about $9.3 million, according to AdImpact data.

Ad spending data (presidential race, March 6 to April 21)

• Democrats: $27,153,293
• Republicans: $9,344,948

During that time, Biden's campaign has spent millions in key battleground states, including $4.1 million in Michigan, $3.9 million in Pennsylvania, and at least $2 million in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia. And the Biden network has used its plentiful airtime to promote the administration’s first-term record and slam Trump, focusing on key issues such as the  cost of living  and  abortion rights .

Meanwhile, Trump’s network has failed to match that effort since he became the presumptive nominee, though a pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., recently ramped up its advertising, booking over $1 million worth of airtime in Pennsylvania to coincide with Biden’s recent campaign swing through the state last week.

Trump has also benefited over that stretch from a nearly $3 million anti-Biden campaign from outside groups aligned with the oil and gas industries, which have been  running ads  in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, criticizing California fuel standards  defended  by the Biden administration. But despite some recent signs of activity, Trump’s network has been significantly outspent on the airwaves since his general election matchup with Biden came into focus. And  the latest round of FEC filings  shows how Biden’s fundraising edge is enabling that advertising advantage, as Trump’s ongoing legal battles drain millions from his campaign coffers.  

How we got here: A timeline of the Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels hush money case

From CNN’s Lauren del Valle, Kara Scannell, Annette Choi and Gillian Roberts 

The first criminal trial of a US ex-president is underway in New York, where former President Donald Trump faces charges from the Manhattan District attorney related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016. 

This is the first of four criminal cases expected to go to trial for Trump, also the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee. CNN compiled a timeline of the key events leading up to the historic trial. 

Here’s how we got here: 

• September 2016: Donald Trump discusses a $150,000 hush money payment understood to be for former Playboy model Karen McDougal with Michael Cohen who secretly records the conversation . McDougal has alleged she had an extramarital affair with Trump beginning in 2006, which he has denied. 
• October 7, 2016: The Washington Post releases an "Access Hollywood" video from 2005 in which Trump uses vulgar language to describe his sexual approach to women with then show host Billy Bush. 
• October 27, 2016: According to prosecutors, Cohen pays Daniels $130,000 to her attorney through a shell company in exchange for her silence about an affair she allegedly had with Trump in 2006. This $130,000 sum is separate from the $150,000 paid to McDougal. Trump has publicly denied having any affairs and has denied making the payments. 
• November 8, 2016: Trump secures the election to become the 45th president of the United States. 
• February 2017: Prosecutors say Cohen meets with Trump in the Oval Office to confirm how he would be reimbursed for the hush money payment Cohen fronted to Daniels. Under the plan, Cohen would send a series of false invoices requesting payment for legal services he performed pursuant to a retainer agreement and receive monthly checks for $35,000 for a total of $420,000 to cover the payment, his taxes and a bonus, prosecutors alleged. Prosecutors also allege there was never a retainer agreement. 
• January 2018: The Wall Street Journal breaks news about the hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels in 2016. 

See the full timeline.  

Trump is also facing charges in 3 other criminal cases

From CNN’s Devan Cole, Amy O'Kruk and Curt Merrill 

The hush money criminal trial against former President Donald Trump is just one of  four criminal cases  he faces while juggling his presidential campaign.

The former president is facing at least  88 charges  over the four criminal indictments in Georgia, New York, Washington, DC, and Florida. Trump has pleaded not guilty to every charge in these cases. 

Here's a recap of each case: 

• Hush money:  Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a hush-money payment to an adult film star in 2016. Prosecutors allege Trump was part of an illegal conspiracy to  undermine  the integrity of the 2016 election. Further, they allege he was part of an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, including the $130,000 payment. 
• Classified documents:  Trump was indicted in June 2023 by a federal grand jury in Miami for taking classified national defense documents from the White House after he left office and resisting the government’s attempts to retrieve the materials. The National Archives said in early 2022 that at least 15 boxes of White House records were recovered from the estate, including   some that were classified . The charges were brought by special counsel Jack Smith. 
• Federal election interference:  Smith separately charged the former president last August with four crimes over his efforts to reverse the 2020 election results. The indictment alleges Trump and a co-conspirator "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol by calling lawmakers to convince them ... to delay the certification" of the election. That case is currently on hold as the Supreme Court weighs Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in the matter. 
• Fulton County:  State prosecutors in Georgia brought a similar election subversion case against Trump and others. An Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14, 2023, indicted Trump and 18 others on state charges stemming from their alleged efforts to overturn the former president’s 2020 electoral defeat. A trial date has not yet been set in that case. 

Read more about  the four criminal cases  Trump faces.  

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