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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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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

New york city travel guide | the insider’s guide to nyc.

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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New York City Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Famous for….well, everything, New York City is the beating heart of the world — which is why I call it home. Every culture, language, and food is represented here. You could spend a lifetime exploring the city and never really see it all.

Unsurprisingly, there is a never-ending list of things to do here. No amount of time you spend in NYC will be enough so don’t worry about running out of things to do. Whatever you like, you can find it in NYC. There’s everything here and I don’t have to really “sell” the destination to you. It’s NYC! You’re already in love.

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

This travel guide to NYC can help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank!

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in New York City

1. Meander through Central Park

It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it spans over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around or having a picnic. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions here too. From the spring to the fall, there are free guided walks on Saturdays as well. Personally, I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine. If you want to take a guided tour around the park to learn more about the statues and sculptures, ponds, parks, and famous filming sites, take a guided tour with Get Your Guide ($26 USD). It will really give you a good understanding of the park.

2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

On September 11th, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in NYC and elsewhere. Visit this somber memorial and take in the view from the Freedom Tower. On the elevator up, you can see pictures of the historical development of the city and how it’s changed over the years. To get a deeper understanding of 9/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum. It’s home to moving exhibits that illuminate the scope and significance of the tragedy. The memorial is free to visit; museum entry is $26 USD (free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm but tickets must be booked online). Get tickets beforehand so you can skip the line and save time!

3. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. If you only see one museum in New York, make it this one. It has a wide array of art, artifacts, photographs, and other exhibits. I like its expansive Impressionist and Greek exhibits. It’s chaotic and filled with people, especially on the weekend, but since it is so big, you can usually find some quiet spots away from the crowds. Budget at least a half-day here as a few hours won’t do this place justice. Admission is $25 USD and you can buy tickets in advance.

4. See the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is a massive Neoclassical statue gifted to the USA from France. It was dedicated in 1886 and stands 305-feet tall (95 meters). It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi though its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). It’s spectacular to see up close and is as big as you imagine, but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island. Here, you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you’ll even find my family’s name inscribed on the wall). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but be impressed. Admission is $24 USD.

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

5. Walk the High Line

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

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

2. Ride the Staten Island Ferry

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

3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

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

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

4. Museum hop

While the MET is in a category of its own, New York City has dozens of museums worth visiting. The Natural History Museum, the MoMA, and Guggenheim are just three of the big ones. There are a handful of museums on the museum mile near Central Park that would take days to really explore. Pick the ones you want to see the most and visit those unless you have weeks in New York to see them all. Admission varies, but expect to spend around $25 USD per person per museum.

5. Visit Radio City Music Hall

Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s (at the time, it was the largest auditorium in the world). It’s the home of the precision dance company The Rockettes, who have been performing here since 1932. It’s also been the venue for all kinds of award shows, including the Tonys and the Grammys.

6. Take in the theater

You can’t come to NYC and not see a Broadway show. There are tons of amazing shows here from grand musicals to traditional Shakespeare to offbeat shows. There’s nothing better than witnessing NYC theater, and it’s such an integral part of life here you should check it out. Current highlights include Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Lion King, and more. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half-price tickets. To see what shows are playing during your visit, check out broadway.com.

7. Wander Times Square

No matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out and tons of (overpriced) restaurants and stores. If you aren’t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn’t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but it’s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk. Try to come at night when it’s all lit up. That’s when it looks the best!

8. Experience the Prohibition Bars

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

9. Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

This museum highlights how immigrants from around the world lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s as they tried to make it in America. It’s a good follow-up to what you see on Ellis Island. You can only visit this museum via guided tours, and they need to be booked in advance. I like that live actors are used to portray and share the stories of newly arrived immigrants as it makes the experience much more memorable. Admission is $30 USD.

10. Visit Trinity Church

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

11. Head to Top of the Rock

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

12. Just wander

Walk from the east side to the west side and marvel at the beautiful New York City architecture such as Grand Central Station, Union Square, the New York Times building, the Chrysler Building, the Flat Iron building, and more. There are so many historic buildings in New York City that just wandering around and looking at them is a fun afternoon activity for every budget traveler.

13. Relax in Battery Park

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

14. Visit Wall Street

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

14. See Federal Hall

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

16. See Grand Central Terminal

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

17. Visit The Cloisters

Few people make it up to the Cloisters (it’s up near 204th Street), a branch of the Met devoted to medieval Europe. It took me years to finally see it, and I kicked myself for waiting so long. It was built with Rockefeller money from parts of five European abbeys between 1934 and 1939. (They even stipulated that the land across the river would forever remain undeveloped so the view would be unspoiled!). The building and its stunning cloistered garden are very, very peaceful, and beautiful. It’s one of the best things to do in the city. There are free tours each day that explain the history of the museum and the paintings and exhibits. Admission is $25 USD (which includes same-day entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

18. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Head over to the MoMA for lots of beautiful (and weird) modern art and some vivid impressionist art. Personally, I dislike modern art. I just don’t “get” it. How is a shovel on a wall art? While I’m not a fan, this museum does have Van Gogh’s Starry Night as well as other post-impressionist art, so I can’t hate it completely. If you love modern and contemporary art, this (I’m told) is one of the best in the world. Admission is $25 USD. The MoMA’s Sculpture Garden is free of charge to the public daily from 9:30am–10:15am.

19. Hang out in Prospect Park

Get out of Manhattan and explore Brooklyn’s version of Central Park, which spans almost 600 acres. While you’re here, don’t miss the nearby Brooklyn Museum. Spend the afternoon discovering its vast collection of both historical and contemporary art and artifacts (there are over 1.5 million items in its collection). It has art exhibitions highlighting ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, colonial USA, and more. Tickets are $16 USD.

20. Visit the Bronx Zoo

Head north for a look at one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the United States. Opened in 1899, the zoo spans almost 300 acres and sees over 2 million visitors each year. Home to over 650 different species, it’s a great place to visit with kids. Gorillas, birds of prey, bison — there is a huge assortment of animals here and you’ll definitely learn a lot during your visit! Admission is $41.95 USD ($26.95 if you just want access without admission to any rides or extra attractions). Tickets are $17.95 USD on Wednesdays.

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

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

22. Attend a taping

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

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

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

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

New York City Travel Costs

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

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

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

You can eat a mid-range restaurant for $15-25 USD per main course. Appetizers can range from $8-15 USD. Dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $100 USD.

Prices just go straight up from there as NYC has some really fancy and expensive restaurants. I mean, you can pay upwards of $350 USD for a prix-fixe dinner! But you can find main courses at many high-end restaurants for about $50 USD each, or $125 USD for a few courses and drinks.

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

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between $65-80 USD per week for groceries that includes basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. Go to Fairway for inexpensive groceries.

Backpacking New York City Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

New York City Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

• Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to the city. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Get a MetroCard – You’ll be taking the subway a lot and fares can add up. Get one of the Unlimited MetroCards and save yourself a bundle during your trip. 7-day unlimited cards are $33 USD.
• Get cheap theater tickets – Broadway tickets can easily run hundreds of dollars, especially for new and popular shows. The TKTS stand in Times Square offers 40-50% off select shows. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have but it’s usually a wide selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. TKTS also has offices at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn.
• Visit the museums for free – NYC is full of some of the best museums in the world. In addition to the MoMA, many offer free entry on certain days of the week: the Whitney Museum of American Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday afternoons, the Solomon R. Guggenheim has pay-what-you-wish between 4-6pm on Saturdays, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design has a pay-what-you-wish policy on Saturday nights. 
• Visit the tourism website – New York City’s tourism website has a great list of free activities, museums, and shows. Visiting their website can help you figure out what is free in the city. While NYC is expensive, there’s always free things going on. The tourism board’s website is a great place to find those things.
• Eat on the cheap – Between the food carts, dollar slice shops, kebab places, and cheap eateries (Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai are some of the cheapest places in the city) you can eat really cheap in NYC. Some of my favorite places to eat cheap are The Dead Rabbit (oyster happy hours), Percy’s Pizza, Noodle Q (Chinese food with big portions), and Gray’s Papaya (cheap hotdogs).
• Hit the happy hours – Happy hour is the best time to get discounted food and drinks in the city. We NYers love happy hour because it’s one of the best ways for us to save money while still going out. Drinks will be about 50% of what you normally find. I love the happy hour at The Gray Mare. For current best happy hours, try Eater. They have a good list!
• Consider getting the New York Pass – This sightseeing pass allows you free entry to over 115 attractions. If you plan on seeing a ton of attractions, this can save you money. A one-day pass is $134 USD per person while the two-day pass is $179 USD.
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like NYC. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car, and adjust your budget accordingly.
• Hit the oyster happy hours – Love oysters? Eat them during the happy hours that happen all over the city where they cost around $1.50-2 USD.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation is expensive in NYC and, with few hostels, there aren’t many options for a budget traveler. Use a hospitality website like Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. There is a huge network in the city with tons and tons of hosts. To increase the chance of success, request as far in advance as possible!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in New York City

Accommodation is very expensive in New York, and there aren’t a ton of hostels in the city. If you stay outside Manhattan or come during off-season, accommodation costs drop significantly. Here are some places to stay in NYC:

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

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

How to Get Around New York City

If you can’t get to where you’re going by subway, the bus will get you there. Like the subway, the fare is $2.75 USD, but an express ride is $6.75 USD (you can’t use a regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard for express rides).

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

Taxis – Taxis are definitely not the cheapest option for getting around New York City. The minimum fare starts at $3.90 USD and goes up another $3 USD per mile. Skip them if you can. However, during peak times, they are cheaper than Uber since they have set fares.

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

Bike rental – You can bike just about anywhere in New York City, especially if you want to explore big parks like Central and Prospect. Citi Bike is a bike-sharing system, starting from $3.50 USD per 30-minute ride, or $15 USD for 24 hours. There are about 10,000 bikes all over the city, so one is always within reach!

When to Go to New York City

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

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in New York City

New York City is a safe place to backpack and travel. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas. Petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks and on the subway will be your biggest concern. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

While post-COVID, crime went up for a bit, NYC is “back” as they say and there are very rarely instances of violence or crime in any place you’d want to go as a visitor. In Manhattan, most of Brooklyn, and Queens, the city is really safe and you’re unlikely to encounter any real problems. In all my years living in the city, I don’t know anyone that has had something really bad happen to them.

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

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

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

You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

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

New York City Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

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

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

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

New York City Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

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The 7 Best Hotels in New York City

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

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Hi! Is this your first time here? I am glad you stopped by. Whether planning your first visit or moving to New York, you will find everything you need to make the best of your stay and life in the Big Apple.

NYC Hummingbird is a New York blog with travel and lifestyle information, travel guides, tips, advice, and inspiration to make the best of your New York City visit.

I will share New York City travel tips, day itineraries, and things to do. You will find information about what to bring and pack for your trip, tips and advice for every season and weather, how to visit New York on a budget, what to do when traveling solo, and so much more. I’ll share a list of my favorite and super cute cafes in NYC to unwind and get your coffee fix, food guides, and lovely places to have a bite between visiting epic NYC sights and landmarks. Stay tuned, stay connected, and do not hesitate to ask me some questions. Welcome!

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4-Day New York Itinerary: Experience The Best Of NYC In 2024

New York is an exciting city, with lots to see and do, but you can get a lot of enjoyment out of a 4-day New York itinerary.

Sure, you won’t see and do everything there is to see and do in New York –but it’s an expensive city and we don’t all have a huge amount of time and money to spend. Many of us, myself included, might only have a few days to explore the Big Apple, so we need to make the most of that time. In fact, all of my trips to New York have either been 4 or 5-day trips, so I feel like I am well-practised at making the most of 4 days in new york!

This 4-day New York itinerary is based on my experience of all of my previous trips: what worked and didn’t work well. I wrote this with an NYC first-time visitor in mind, and as such, it covers the main sights that most visitors will have on their NYC bucket list , but also a couple more unique NYC experiences . This itinerary would also work well for someone who hasn’t been to New York for a long time and wants to rediscover the city.  

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

4-Day New York Itinerary – At A Glance

If you follow my 4-day New York itinerary, you’ll get to experience the following in NYC:

• Day 1: Greenwich Village, Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, New York Public Library Fifth Avenue, The Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, Top Of The Rock and Hudson Yards
• Day 2: Lower East Side, Little Italy, Chinatown, 9/11 Memorial & One World Trade Centre, Financial District, Staten Island Ferry & Brooklyn Bridge
• Day 3: Central Park, the Upper West Side, Times Square and Broadway
• Day 4: Harlem, the Upper East Side, the Metropolitan Museum Of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel

This 4-day New York itinerary assumes you’ll have four full days, so it could work for either a 4 days + 4 nights duration or 4 days + 5 nights. 

In order to maximise the time spent in the city, I’ve put quite a lot of activities into the first two days, but, mindful that it can be exhausting to explore all day for four days, the second two days have a slower pace.

4-Day New York Itinerary – In Detail

Here’s my 4-day New York itinerary in detail, with recommendations for places to eat lunch and dinner throughout.

Day 1 – Greenwich Village, Midtown & Fifth Avenue

Start your day by exploring the cutest neighbourhood of NYC: Greenwich Village . In the 1950s and 60s, Greenwich Village was the bohemian capital of New York City, the nucleus of art, counter-culture and the LGBT community. It has been increasingly gentrified over the last few decades and these days, the quiet, leafy streets of Greenwich Village feel somewhat sedate.

You could follow my free self-guided walking tour of Manhattan , which starts in the East Village and then heads westwards into Greenwich Village.

Things to do in Greenwich Village include

• Wander the pretty streets – this area has many attractive tree-lined streets
• Walk the High Line , which is an elevated walkway starting at Gansevoort Street and Washington Street and heading north into Chelsea (although you’ll need to either start early or only do a short bit of this if you want to fit in the rest of what I have planned for Day 1!)
• Washington Square Park , a vibrant city park that contains the Washington Square Arch monument
• Stonewall National Monument , which is The Stonewall Inn, where there was a significant protest against harassment of LGBT people in 1969.
• The Village Vanguard , a legendary club that showed folk music, beat poetry and now jazz music.
• See the ‘Friends building’. The building that was used for the exterior shots of Monica & Rachel and Joey & Chandler’s apartments in the TV show is on the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street
• See Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment from Sex And The City. The exterior of her brownstone building was shot at 66 Perry Street (even though she is supposed to be living on the Upper East Side).

For something nice, I really liked Gotham Restaurant on East 12 th Street, but it’s not low-cost. A cheaper alternative could be Joe’s Pizza , a classic NYC pizza joint that sells by the slice.

Head into midtown. I suggest you do this on foot (again, you can follow my Manhattan walking tour ) – I think walking is the best way to really get the feel for a place. But you could take the subway or buses if you prefer; and taxis if you have the budget.

Tip: if you don’t know NYC public transport, try the Citymapper app, which can help you plot a route via subway, bus or train.

Midtown contains many famous landmarks in NYC, which you can see in this order if you head north from Greenwich Village sticking close to Fifth Avenue (an attraction in its own right for shopaholics):

• Union Square Park – a smallish park known for its chess players
• Flatiron Building – the iconic 1902 tower with a narrow angled front
• Madison Square Park – surrounded by skyscrapers, this small park is a lovely spot to take a rest (and you have Eataly right next to it if you need some refreshment, or somerhere to seek shelter if it’s a rainy day in NYC )
• Empire State Building – the enduring landmark of NYC dominate midtown
• New York Public Library – the calm beaux-arts style building is a rare
• The Chrysler Building – an art deco showpiece and my favourite part of the new york skyline
• Grand Central Terminal – has an impressive interior – even if you have no intention of catching a train, it’s worth checking out
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a new viewing experience with an art installation as well as wonderful views across Manhattan
• Rockefeller Centre & Top of the Rock – the best viewing platform in my opinion with both indoor and outdoor floors offering 360-degree views of NYC
• St Patrick’s Cathedral – nestles between the skyscrapers, this catholic Cathedral is known for its Gothic Revival style steeples
• Some of NYC’s high-end shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany’s .

Some of these are likely to be of more interest than others, so you can pick & choose which landmarks you spend time on vs simply taking a look and moving on.

If you’re choosing which observation deck to go up, my personal recommendation is Top Of The Rock. While the top of the Empire State Building is a classic (and also one of the romantic things to do in NYC ), I think the view from the Top of the Rock is better because it has the Empire State in it – slap bang in the middle of the southward view towards downtown.

You’ll have worked up an appetite, so why not reward yourself with a classic New York steak? Keens Steakhouse has quirky old décor and amazing cuts of meat. It’s the perfect place to relax in the evening.

If you have any energy after dinner, head west from Keen’s towards Hudson Yards where you’ll find a couple of the newest attractions in NYC:

• The Vessel , an interactive artwork structure made of open-air stairways
• Edge , the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with views across Manhattan. It is open until 10pm if you want to see the city lit up like Christmas.

Day 2 – Lower Manhattan, Staten Island Ferry & Brooklyn Bridge

Today, you’ll explore the historic area of lower Manhattan or downtown Manhattan.  It is one of the oldest areas of the city, dating from the 17th century. The land was originally inhabited by Indigenous Americans, but Dutch colonists built a city they called New Amsterdam (later renamed New York by the English). This area of NYC remains the financial and civic heart of the city.

You can follow my self-guided walking tour of lower Manhattan on Day 2 of this 4-day New York itinerary if you like.

Start your day in the Lower East Side , which was an area known for immigration in the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries. Visit the Tenement Museum to learn about the experience of working-class immigrants living in cramped conditions in tenement buildings.

Early Lunch

Katz Deli is an old lower east side favourite. It’s one of the many well-known movie locations in NYC, having been the setting for a memorable orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally. Come early to avoid too much of a queue (and because we have a lot planned in the afternoon). And if you do have to queue, know that the hot sandwiches are worth it!

Continue on foot into some of the other neighbourhoods of Lower Manhattan, including:

• Little Italy , named for the Italian immigrants who formed a community around Mulberry Street here in the late 19th century
• Chinatown – a buzzy community that, unlike Little Italy, is still home to many Chinese Americans. My favourite spot is Columbus Park , where you might see people playing Mahjong or Xiangqi (Chinese chess)

Next, head to the 9/11 Memorial and the Freedom Tower . If you’re following the lower Manhattan walking tour , this will take you past New York City Hall on the way.

The 9/11 Memorial is comprised of two square pools that are on the footprint of the two towers of the World Trade Centre, which fell on September 9, 2001. The names of the 2,977 victims are engraved on marble around the edges. There’s also Survivor Tree’ a pear tree that survived the terror attacks and was re-planted in the Memorial in 2010.

One World Trade Centre  opened in 2014, with the  One World Observatory  at the top (although time-wise, you might have to skip this one).

After the 9/11 Memorial, go deeper into the financial district to check out:

• Wall Street
• The New York Stock Exchange
• Charging Bull

From Battery Park , you could catch the free Staten Island ferry to Staten Island and back again.  It’s a nice ride, and you get a view (from a distance) of the Statue of Liberty. For a better view, you’d have to book a boat tour to Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty.

End the day with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge . The brick towers are iconic and walking along the bridge will give you plenty of opportunities to look backwards and take in the skyline of lower Manhattan as you get further away from it.

There’s a really special place for dinner just under the Brooklyn Bridge. The River Café is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves amazing food with a view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn bridge – it a wonderful at sunset as the sky goes pink and the lights come on. It’s perfect for a special meal.

However, it is pricey, and you need to be smartly dressed, so if that feels like too much of a stretch, consider one of the other places in the Dumbo area of Brooklyn, including Juliana’s Pizza or The Migrant Kitchen .

You could spend the evening in the Dumbo area enjoying the view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridge.

If you want to see even more, of the skyline, jump on the subway or get a taxi to Westlight , the rooftop bar on top of the William Vale Hotel in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The cocktails are great, and the view of midtown Manhattan is breathtaking! It’s one of the best things to do in New York at night .

Day 3 – Central Park, Upper West Side & Times Square

On the third day of this 4-day New York itinerary, your schedule will be less busy – and if you’ve been walking as much as I recommend, your feet might thank you for going slower today.

Start by exploring Central Park at a leisurely pace. It’s a big park (843 acres!), with a variety of landscapes, including trees, boulders, meadows, ponds, a lake and a reservoir.

Some of my favourite spots to check out include:

• The Mall and Literary Walk
• Naumburg Bandshell
• Bethesda Terrace & Bethesda Fountain
• The Lake , on which you can go row-boating (another one of the romantic things to do in NYC )

You could of course bring your own lunch in the form of a picnic that you eat in Central Park. The Sheep Meadow is a popular spot for picnics.

If you prefer a sit-down meal, why not go for a classic central park restaurant: Tavern On the Green (which features in the movie Ghostbusters, if you’re interested in movie locations in NYC ).

After lunch, have a mooch around the affluent Upper West Side and admire some of the iconic apartment buildings that line the park, including The San Remo , whose residents have included Rita Hayworth, Bruce Willis and Bono, and The Dakota , where John Lennon lived and was killed in 1980.

If you’re a history fan, why not visit the American Museum of Natural History , which has a pretty broad mission to ‘to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe’. I feel like we all know it for the dinosaur exhibits, though!

Other things to do in the Upper West Side are:

• Satisfy your sweet tooth at Levain Bakery , renowned for their cookies
• Check out another landmark NYC building: The Ansonia
• Catch a performance at Lincoln Center for The Performing Arts
• Shop for delicacies at Zabar’s , a gourmet food emporium
• Stroll through Riverside Park , on the waterfront of the Hudson River

I’m a fan of Jean-Georges , an upscale restaurant just off Columbus Circle on the SW corner of Central Park. Their salmon sashimi is incredible – I had it on one trip to NYC and then I had to return the next time I was in the city!

However, it’s rather expensive, so might not be for everyone. There are some lower-cost alternatives in this area, including Bareburger and Joe G Pizza .

With the night lights on, why not have a quick wander through frenetic Times Square (it’s not somewhere to dwell long, in my opinion) – another great thing to do in NYC at night .

NB. If you wanted to do a Broadway show (such as The Lion King ) while you’re in this area of NYC, you’d have to either have an early dinner or a late one, to work around the show time.

Day 4 – Harlem & The Upper East Side

On the last day of your 4-day New York itinerary, head to Harlem , in Upper Manhattan

Harlem is named for the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands because the first European settlers here were Dutch. In the 20 th Century, its African-American community grew and the area is known for the Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual and cultural revival of African American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theatre and politics in the 1920s and 1930s.

In the morning, have a wander around the area. You might want to check out:

• Martin Luther King Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard , named after the civil rights activists
• The Apollo Theater , a former burlesque theatre and music hall on 125th Street
• El Museo del Barrio , which documents Latino, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures
• Graffiti Hall of Fame in East Harlem

Lunch / Brunch

Try to get a table at the Red Rooster (you’ll need to book well in advance), which serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The Red Rooster is known for its American comfort food and its live music. The Sunday Gospel Brunch involves a full-on gospel choir performance. I was blown away by the performance when I visited – I’d never heard anything like it live. It is definitely one of the more unique things to do in NYC .

Tickets are $12, on top of the food.

After lunch, saunter on down into the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I quite like to wander around here, admiring the handsome streets and smart apartment buildings of this elite neighbourhood, imagining what it might be like to live here.

Check out Madison Avenue , which lent its name to the ‘Mad Men’ nickname for advertising execs in the 1960s, and of course Park Avenue , a sought-after address. On 60 th street, you’ll find the high-end department store, Bloomingdales .

There are some great museums and galleries, here, too.

• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is a uniquely shaped building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Its main exhibitions of modern art are shown for a season and then change. You can check what’s coming up online. I didn’t love the collection I saw when I went, but I did love the interior of the building.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or, simply, the Met) is a major museum with a huge collection of art from ancient times to contemporary works. It is also known worldwide for its glamourous Met Gala.
• The Frick Collection is an art collection known for its Old Master paintings and European sculpture and decorative arts. The museum is temporarily closed at the time of writing, but only for renovation, so it is expected to reopen.

On your last night in NYC, have a drink in Bemelmans Bar , possibly my favourite cocktail bar in the world (and I’ve been to a few!).

Stepping inside feels like going back in time: it has intimate tables with leather banquettes and low lights. Exquisite cocktails are served by immaculately-dressed waiters; a jazz pianist plays live music.

Bemelmans is part of the stylish Carlyle Hotel on 76 th Street and Madison Avenue. It gets its name from the artist whose illustrations decorate the walls and lamps: Ludwig Bemelmans.

As you’d expect in a luxury hotel like this, the drinks are not cheap (priced in the $20s and $30s) and there are cover charges which kick in from 5:30 pm and increase at 9/9:30 pm when a jazz trio plays. So, this is why I suggest you go early, then go on to dinner later in the evening.

How about Italian for dinner? Caravaggio is an elegant Italian restaurant on 74 th and Madison Avenue

Map: 4-Day New York Itinerary Things To Do

Here’s a map showing all the things to do for each day of this itinerary.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

4-Day New York Itinerary FAQs

Is 4 days long enough in new york / how many days is ideal in new york.

There’s no correct answer to these questions. New York is a big city, so you could definitely spend more than 4 days there and not get bored. And you could also have a great time with only 1, 2 or 3 days in New York. However, I think four days is a decent amount of time to get to know the city Centre, focussing on Manhattan. And it’s especially good if it’s a 5-night trip so that you have four full calendar days in between arriving and departing.

I’ve done several 4-day trips to New York and had a great time on all of them. This itinerary is based on my experience across 4x 4-day/-night trips to New York, learning from what worked and didn’t work on those trips.

What Should I Pack For A 4-Day Trip To New York?

The most important thing for an itinerary like the one I have laid out above is comfortable shoes because it involved a lot of walking around New York City.

In terms of clothes, it’s going to depend heavily on what season you go in. The winters can be very cold (with lows of 26-27 degrees F / -3 degrees C in January and February), so you’ll want layers, a good coat, scarf and gloves.

And the summers can be super-hot (average highs of 85 degrees F / 29 degrees C in July), so you’ll want clothes to help keep you cool (and also sunscreen).

I most prefer NYC in Spring (eg April-May) and early Autumn (Fall), especially September. There’s a chance of rain in these shoulder seasons, but generally, the milder temperatures make it far more comfortable to explore the city, whether on foot or using public transport.  In these seasons, light layers are good, so you can adjust to the weather, plus a waterproof if you get caught out with showers.

How Much Does It Cost To Go To New York For 4 Days?

Sorry to keep saying ‘it depends’, but of course, it does depend on lots of things including the kind of accommodation you like and the kinds of activities you want to do. If you want to try several of the amazing observation decks and tours in NYC, you could be looking at around $40-50 each. Add some meals out and the costs will start adding up.

As a very rough guide, if I was trying to go to New York on a low budget, while still doing some activities and eating out at modest places, I would probably plan for the following:

• $150 a night minimum for a budget hotel, which might well have a shared bathroom (I always think hotels are the first place to cut spend)
• $75 a day for food, excursions and getting around

But I feel like there’s no upper limit on what you could spend in NYC!

How To Get To New York

New York has three airports you can fly into:

• John F. Kennedy International (JFK) is the main international airport for NYC and is based in Queens. You can connect via the AirTrain to the subway, but you can also get a taxi for a flat rate to anywhere in Manhattan.
• Newark Liberty International (EWR) – although this airport is in New Jersey, it is relatively easy to get to and from if you’re staying in Manhattan. Trains go to and from Penn Station and Newark Airport Express buses from mid-town 
• LaGuardia (LGA) – more popular for domestic flights, and based in Queens, LaGuardia connects to the central parts of NYC by bus  

I use Sk y scanner to find well-priced flights.

Where To Stay In NYC

For all my recent New York visits, I have stayed in AirBNBs in NYC, but I’ve started to wean myself off these back to hotels, mainly because I typically travel solo these days.

If I was going back to New York soon, I’d check Booking.com , because they have a wide range of hotels, apart-hotels and also hostels.

Here are a couple of pretty special-looking places that have been recommended to me:

• Arlo NoMad  in Midtown offers rooms with big windows and outstanding views of the city
• The  Dominick Hotel  in SoHo has a suite called the Landmark Sunset Suite with bedroom views of the World Trade Center and Lower Manhattan skyline and two bathrooms with soaking bathtubs with views of the city or Hudson River.

You could also check out this guide to the best places to stay in New York from a fellow travel blogger.

The Last Word

I hope this itinerary for 4 days in New York has been helpful in showing you how you can maximise your time in this exciting city!

If you’d like to get a little more off the beaten path, do check out my post on unusual and unique things to do in NYC . And, if you’re going to be in New York as a couple, you might want to read my guide to the most romantic things to do in NYC .

Finally, if the forecast is bad, you might need my ideas for things to do in NYC on rainy days .

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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4 thoughts on “4-day new york itinerary: experience the best of nyc in 2024”.

Wow what a packed and exciting itinerary you’ve put together. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge of the city with us and making an excellent selection on activities for a New York Itinerary covering 4 Days. New York strikes me as one of those places that will keep on giving no matter how often you come back to it. Of course as a first time visitor you want to see all the popular sights and have some downtime to take all the impressions in. I agree with you, walking is the best way to explore and make your own mental map of a new destination.

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

Thanks for your encouragement, Carolin! Days 1 & 2 are definitely packed! And when I did the day 1 route, I went further and carried on into the Upper East side – but my feet didn’t thank me the next day, so I thought it would be too much to recommend to anyone else, ha ha

What a fun trip. You saw so much during this 4 day stretch. Well done. Central Park itself is like a small city when you walk the entire park. I sometimes walk the sidewalk perimeter outside of the park but also do the path-track-road too. Big time workout. Plus you have the seemingly endless fields, mini-parks and woods on the interior. My favorite experience: running on the quiet north end in Harlem one late evening with 10 degree F temperatures. I saw no humans for virtually the entire workout but ample raccoons and other wildlife. Special evening, that was.

Oh that sounds really nice! It’s special to find those quiet places and moments in an otherwise frenetic city, isn’t it?

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New York Travel Guide: Insider Tips for a Memorable Trip

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

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

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

What to See and Do

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

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

75+ New York Bucket List Experiences

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

1. Visit one (or all) museums.

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

2. Experience Broadway and Times Square.

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

3. Get Lost in Central Park.

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

4. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge.

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

5. Eat, eat, eat.

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

Planning Your Trip

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay

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

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

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

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

Holidays, Festivals and Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August : US Open Tennis Tournament, SummerStreets

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

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

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

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

How to Get Around

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

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

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

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

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

New York for Solo Travelers

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

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

New York Safety Tips for Visitors

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

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

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

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

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

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

NYC Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

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

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Girl Eat World

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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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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NYC Travel Influencers and Bloggers to Follow

Written by Becca

Updated on April 15th, 2024

Looking for new travel bloggers and influencers who call NYC home? These NYC-based professionals are talented, and will give you inspiration to travel, in addition to exploring NYC.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

NYC Travel Influencers

• Becca & Dan, @halfhalftravel
• Jeremy Cohen, @jermcohen
• Gabi & Shanna, @27travels
• Saunak Shah, @saunakspace

Richard Cadrouce, @richardcadrouce

• Sebastian Modak, @sebmodak
• Meir Kay (Meir Kalmanson), @meirkay

Dan Calderwood, @dancalders

• Krity Shrestha, @krity_s
• Bethany Looi, @bethanylooi

Lauren Grossman, @yournextbucketlist & @eats.and.the.city

Stacie flinner, @stacieflinner.

• Josh Katz, @joshkatz

Greg & Corina, @barbieandpanda

Chase guttman, @chaseguttman.

• David Yarus, @davidyarus

As you know from our travel guides and travel advice , we love to see the world and experience all the beauty and culture that exists as soon as we leave home.

While we live to adventure to far-off places, we do have a home base, and that’s in Brooklyn, NY ! We’ve found that the more we find travel photographers , influencers and professionals with whom we interact over social media , the more we find that many of these people have home bases.

And, lots of them live in New York. Check out this list of NYC-based creatives, photographers and influencers who call the city home and travel at every chance they get.

Becca & Dan, @halfhalftravel

Surprise, it’s us! Are you following us on Instagram ?

We’re a NYC-based couple who met in 2015. Aligning over a love of travel, photography, exploration and learning about new cultures, we’ve traveled to more countries together than we can count (we stopped counting, actually). You can see our travels here.

Next, we both love living in New York City (it’s the greatest city in the world). We like that you can feel like you’re always seeing something new, because the city itself is massive and there’s always something to do.

We like to do cool stuff like take photos from the top of the Empire State Building , go for a run in all of NYC’s parks and tell you all about day trips you can take from NYC , because we’ve done them!

If you’d like to find us, we’re probably out taking photos at our favorite photo spots in Brooklyn , or we’re home on our couch writing this website.

Eager to learn more about us? Check out our story .

Follow us on Instagram

Jeremy Cohen, @jermcohen

Jeremy Cohen has a great aesthetic and got a heap of press in 2020 for doing his creative (and adorable) “Bubble Boy” idea to serenade a girl on a neighboring rooftop during quarantine.

His Instagram @jermcohen has a massive following, and is varied, from shots around NYC to portraits from around the world. His additional portrait portfolio is on Instagram at @todayiphotographed .

A bit about Jeremy Cohen:

I love to travel. I’m grateful I get to go so many places for work, but often while traveling for work, I don’t have much free time for myself. My trick is to get my flight back home a couple days or so after the shoot ends, so I have free time to explore for myself. I like to think of it as a free mini-vacation.”

How important is travel for his business?

It’s imperative for me to travel as a person and as an artist. Its so easy to get stuck in our own bubble of only knowing how life works where we live, by traveling and seeing how different life is in other places, it gives me perspective. I’m in the business of photographing people, and meeting people from all over the world gives me a better understanding of people, which makes for better portraits.

Most memorable place you’ve traveled to recently:

How do you use nyc as a canvas for photography or emulate travel experiences in the city.

There are so many characters to photograph here in NYC, I like to walk around with my camera, and often I see someone that catches my eye and want to photograph. Doing this so much here built up my confidence to photograph strangers in other countries, even if there’s a language barrier. I have a side project where I photograph strangers all over the world on IG at @TodayIphotographed.

Follow Jeremy on Instagram

Gabi & Shanna, @27travels

Gabi & Shanna describe themselves as two lesbians in love, traveling the world, on their colorful Instagram . When they’re not traveling, they’re attending LGBTQ+ pride events in NYC, showing us their behind-the-scenes of making videos and sharing a ‘slice of life’ of living as NYC locals!

They also run a blog where they feature cool articles like a vegan guide to Curacao , where interestingly enough, one of them has some family ties.

Follow Gabi & Shanna on Instagram

Saunak Shah, @saunakspace

Saunak Shah is one of our favorite portrait photographers to follow on Instagram , and we’re so happy that he recently moved to Brooklyn!

We met Saunak through the Remote Year professional network at an event called the Future of Work, and we’ve been virtual buddies ever since. Lucky for us, we’ve been able to attend two of his gallery openings this year in Manhattan and Brooklyn for his collective, Pursuit of Portraits .

Learn more about Remote Year and get more info here !

Saunak is incredible because he has this special gift of creating community and linking talented photographers across the globe with each other. He’s always on the road and has traveled to more than 35 countries across five continents, but now he calls NYC his home base as well.

Tell us about yourself, in regard to how you moved to NYC and still travel all the time!

Living in New York is tough, but I realized that if you can find a way to travel and get paid , it’s a win-win if that’s the lifestyle you choose to seek. I quit my corporate job, sold my car and rented my house in Jersey so I could get a small studio in Brooklyn with bare essentials and be able to travel when an opportunity arises.

The thing about a nomadic work culture is to not get locked into any one situation and to be able to pack a bag and set out on the road as often as you can. Eventually, you learn to strike a balance between what pays the bills and what truly drives you to live your life.

How travel is important for your brand & business?

Pursuit of Portraits was created with the mission to bring the global community of creators together. Fueled by our partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, travel has enabled us go places and meet creators in person.

In a digital landscape, we have been able to drive our mission by bridging the gap between online and in-person connections, capture visual stories and measure impact to provide value to our partners and brands alike. Travel from the onset has been essential and has been the DNA of everything we do.

What have been some of the most unique trips you’ve taken recently?

The month of November I visited Tulum in Mexico, Havana & Trinidad in Cuba and Antigua in Guatemala. The most memorable place was summiting the Mount Acatenango and witnessing the active volcano Fuego erupt on the summit from a distance at sunrise.

How are you using NYC as a backdrop?

Documenting elements of city life are key to my storytelling. People and places and how they co-exist among the landscape of nature, architecture and city life is what makes a place interesting for me. Needless to say, New York City is a constant rush and I’m often looking for everyday moments that otherwise get lost in the busy routines.

I’m always looking to create narratives in portraiture that surround themes related to identity, style and fashion, sense of place, color and overall mood.

Follow Saunak on Instagram

Richard is a fashion and social media YouTuber and Instagrammer from Venezuela. In a recent move, he now calls NYC home, and he’s brought his infectious smile and humor here! It’s hard to watch one of his videos without laughing because he is so peppy and expressive.

What’s great about Richard’s photos is that he uses NYC as a backdrop for showcasing looks in fashion and things to do. Just looking at his photos makes us want to hang with him at one of his fun photo shoots. It also makes us feel like we need to get out of the house more and explore the streets of NYC .

If you want to practice (or learn) Spanish, start following Richard and you’ll start picking it up fast!

How does NYC make you feel now that you’re here?

Living in the city has been the wildest experience in my life so far. New York makes you feel creative every single minute of the day.

Tell us about how travel is important for your brand & business

I want to connect with my community through experiences, and I think traveling is the number one on their lists. That’s why I’m trying to add more traveling content to my platforms — so we can make it happen together.

What’s your the most memorable place you’ve traveled to recently?

Miami. That was my last trip and it was great! I went there for Miami Fashion Week and of course, to visit my family and friends.

How would you say you use NYC as a canvas for photography?

Thanks to the city, I’ve learned that every single corner is special. Each can mean something to someone. Back home in Venezuela, I used to look for spots that had a “different look” from what they were. Nowadays, I’m looking for special spots for what they are.

Follow Richard on Instagram

Sebastian Modak, @sebmodak

Sebastian Modak is serious travel goals, because he was the New York Times “52 Places Traveler” in 2019.

This means he spent every week in a different place, from French Polynesia to Tunisia. Before he was jet-setting with no breaks, he was an NYC-based digital journalist for Conde Nast and a host of other publications. He has also lived on four continents. He currently is working as a writer for Lonely Planet and he enjoys biking in Brooklyn and beyond.

On his personal website you can read more about his published work about world travel, naturally, and also, the music scene in Botswana (he spent some significant time there, too).

Follow Sebastian on Instagram

Meir Kay (Meir Kalmanson), @meirkay

Note: Meir has since moved to Los Angeles!

Have a great day — it’s Meir Kay ! Meir is the perfect storm of public speaker, filmmaker, creative and icon for his generation in terms of his positive vibes and message.

Basically, you’ll want to immediately start following his YouTube , where he posts videos filmed both in NYC and outside, about positive thinking, gratitude, helping others and being a good friend.

In addition to being present at home in Brooklyn and being part of the community here, Meir travels… a lot! He has created content in Africa, traveled recently to Ukraine (and documented it), visited Israel and you better bet he first went viral dancing around the world in 2012.

Lucky for all of us he just started a podcast series called The Great Day Podcast with Meir Kay. Can’t wait to listen!

Follow Meir on Instagram

We met Dan Calderwood, who goes by @dancalders on Insta at a photo walk that we led in NYC last year. You can’t tell by looking at him, but he grew up in Africa and moved to NYC in recent years. This is how he’s able to have such an international perspective on all things photography.

With a love for travel, adventure, photography and a digital nomad career, his photography portfolio is super unique. In Africa, he had a corporate journalism digital career (in online video production!) for a decade before giving that all up to move to the other side of the world and experience living in New York City.

Now, he likes to travel the world as much as possible (who doesn’t?) and shows us how it’s done, from Cuba to Hong Kong .

Looking to create a photography portfolio of your own? Check out our comparison of the best photography portfolio websites .

Follow Dan on Instagram

Krity Shrestha, @krity_s

We met Krity at a travel event in NYC, and that was when we started keeping in touch over Instagram.

Krity is a fashion designer by day and blogger by night who focuses on beauty, lifestyle and travel on her Instagram . She uses various spots in NYC as her backdrops, from Central Park to SoHo and from Brooklyn to Bryant Park. Her goal is to make everyone, regardless of age, shape or background, feel like a ‘million bucks’ through what they choose to wear, from dresses to shoes.

As for going places, if you browse the travel section of her website, you’ll find guides to Iceland, Upstate NY and Miami.

Follow Krity on Instagram

Bethany Looi, @bethanylooi

Bethany is an NYC-based realtor who has a busy business and still finds time to travel. We really enjoyed her recent trip to Luxembourg (goals!) and her blog posts about South America. Did you know she’s even been to Paraguay? It’s on our list!

A bit about Bethany:

I work with my mom as a realtor. We take trips at different times to get away from the stress and for a change of environment as much as possible. Life is so fast-paced in NYC, so I find it essential to schedule trips at least once a quarter. Plus, it’s convenient to travel out of the city, as there’s so many direct flights from NYC.

I’ve recently taken over as a writer and editor for www.thither.com , founded by my brother, where we write about travel experiences and travel gear that we’ve used and tested. I also occasionally freelance with a tourism board, so I like to do my own ‘research’ (my excuse for traveling!).

Favorite places you’ve traveled to recently?

I rarely travel to the same place twice, but when I went to Edinburgh last spring, I found myself going back there two more times in the last year.

How do you use NYC as a canvas for photography?

I schedule a day every month to pick a neighborhood to explore and shoot with a friend. I was born in NYC, but still feel like a tourist - going to streets, cafes and restaurants that I’ve never been to before.

Follow Bethany on Instagram

Lauren is a double-whammy of Instagram photos. She started on Instagram with her love of food in NYC at @eats.and.the.city , and we can’t get enough of her mouth-watering shots of everything delicious in New York.

Note: Lauren has moved to Long Island, NY!

She’s giving back though, so read on: the ‘link in bio’ on her food account takes you to City Harvest , where she’d love if you could donate to make a powerful impact, providing food to ‘feed NYC.’

Wait, though, because Lauren also loves to escape the city and travel! She runs @yournextbucketlist to inspire Instagrammers to travel to places they may not have heard of, from the Atacama Dessert to Mozambique. We’re hooked!

Lauren, you live in NYC, but how do you still find time to travel and focus on travel?

Traveling has always been a passion of mine. It started when I went abroad in Barcelona and since have made an effort to go to at least one country a year (if not more!). Before my grandma passed away, she told me traveling and learning about other cultures will change my outlook on life, and since, I’ve become a lot more open-minded and appreciative for what I have. I am also so lucky I have a husband who is as eager to see the world as much as I am!

So important! As soon as I book a trip, I research the restaurants I am going to eat at (sometimes I do this before I even book the trip, to get excited about a new location).

Favorite/most memorable places you’ve traveled to recently?

South Africa, Chile, Peru and Italy (Lake Como, Cinque Terre and Portofino). We’re going to Japan in March 2020 and I can’t wait to eat sushi for breakfast for 14 days straight!

I love being a tourist in my own city. For Eats & The City, I have my go-to restaurants that I will recommend over and over again, but I love trying new spots across the 5 boroughs (although, if it’s out of Manhattan, it has to have an A rating with at least 4 stars on Yelp!).

Follow Lauren on Instagram

Stacie is a self-described ‘design-obsessed’ traveler, and you’ll find that out when you see her Instagram full of aesthetics in spaces and places. She has been to six continents and recently took an around-the-world trip with her husband, visiting 70 countries. Goals!

When she’s not traveling, she likes to show her audience what she’s wearing and how to get it or style it, along with the latest trends in interior design. You can be sure that her Pinterest page is an eye-ful!

Follow Stacie on Instagram

Josh Katz, @joshkatz

Josh Katz is a buddy of ours who is a serious photographer (and he also likes to travel).

If you want to get a really good book, you can buy his book “On the Roof” , complete with amazing photos of the things people did from their rooftops during quarantine in 2020. He expertly wrote and published this book with all his photos and donated all his proceeds to Doctors without Borders. Pretty incredible.

His website can be found at joshkatz.me where you can see some of his projects , including the times that really make him glow, like photographing NYC at Halloween, Pride week and more. He was recently also featured in Time Magazine.

Josh can find travel inspirations really quite anywhere he looks. He told us: “Sometimes I’ll get on the subway without a plan and get off at a random stop. There are countless neighborhoods to discover, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll discover a new microneighborhood with the richest community on the last stop of a subway line. I had this experience recently visiting Little Bangladesh on the last stop of the F Train.”

Follow Josh Katz on Instagram here.

** 2022 Update: Greg & Corina have moved to Miami and you can find them there.**

We found out recently that Greg and Corina live in NYC, and they travel all the time. Their photos of places abroad and places within the city are truly beautiful!

How do you find time to travel while living in NYC?

We loving calling NYC our home base for a number of reasons. One, it is very easy to travel to almost anywhere in the world from here. Two, while we are not traveling, we still feel like we are because of the energy NYC has. We are part-time travelers and Greg still has a full-time job in the corporate world. Corina works on our travel blog full-time. This really helps us keep our travel life/business going.

We find brands prefer to work with us when we are traveling. This gives the brand an opportunity to have their product showcased in a location it most likely would have not been in otherwise.

Favorite/most memorable places you’ve traveled to recently:

East Africa, hands down! We did a 12-day safari through Tanzania and Kenya, ending the trip at the Giraffe Manor in Kenya. It was one for the books for sure!

How do you two use NYC as a canvas for photography or emulate travel experiences in the city?

NYC is a photographer’s dream, with so many interesting places to shoot! This it makes it easy for us to continue our photography even when we are not traveling. We also find our followers really love to see this side of our life as well.

Follow Greg & Corina on Instagram

We interviewed Chase Guttman for our interview section because of his expertise on drone photography and videography. Chase is a travel photographer, born and raised in NYC, whose Instagram showcases beautiful patterns, landscapes and famous places from above.

When he’s not off to another continent, you can find him biking to far corners of the five boroughs, documenting under-the-radar communities within the city like rooftop pigeon-keepers and eel trappers, exploring secret underground and above-ground locales and enjoying the vast diversity of culture, festivals (such as the Giglio, Phagwah and the Idiotarod), and food (Uzbekistani, Ethiopian, Dominican) that New York has to offer.

We actually met Chase at a travel event in NYC, and it got us talking immediately about home (the city) and travel (all over the world). Chase has been to all 50 states and 82 countries, and he authored the The Handbook of Drone Photography: A Complete Guide to the New Art of Do-It-Yourself Aerial Photography for those who are interested in starting out.

We can’t wait to see which types of beautiful scenes he captures next with his drone, so we’re following along. To find out more about his accomplishments, check out his web site .

Follow Chase on Instagram

David Yarus, @davidyarus

Originally from both Florida and Maryland, David has made a home in NYC where he kills it in the tech, marketing and spiritual scenes. If you check out his Instagram , you’ll see all the things he works on, gets involved in and stands for.

In addition to being an engaging entrepreneur (he founded the dating app JSwipe , as well as a marketing agency), David loves traveling to Israel and has recently started several new initiatives for young Jews across the world to be more in touch with their spiritual selves. He also has rather wanderlust-y photos from Burning Man, Morocco, Mexico and Japan, and he’s probably headed somewhere right now.

Follow David on Instagram

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Walking across NYC on a sunny day is one of my favorite things to do. Here, I’m sharing photos of Chelsea, the West Village, Greenwich Village, NoLiTa and SoHo, on a warm weekday afternoon.

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Ultimate Guide To Visiting New York City In Winter + Christmas

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: September 28, 2021  - Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories North America Travel Blog

Are you thinking about visiting New York City in winter ? We are going to explain everything you need to know about planning the perfect New York winter vacation including key information on weather, costs, Christmas and the best things to do in NYC in December, January and February.

Is it worth visiting New York City in winter?

Yes! Winter in NYC is far more affordable, there are no crowds at the most famous attractions and it is a magical place when it snows. After living in New York City in winter ourselves, we can tell you from experience that the cold months around Christmas in New York should not be missed.

In this guide we will cover:

• What is NYC like in the winter?
• Is New York cheaper in winter?
• Christmas in NYC
• Winter weather in New York City
• 10 best things to do in NYC in winter

Let’s start planning your NYC winter vacation!

Our NYC Winter Experience

Kristen is a New York native and after Mark moved to the US, we spent a year living near the peaceful New York Finger Lakes during the coronavirus pandemic.

We moved to New York City at the end of December in 2020 and spent 4 amazing months in the city until the end of April in 2021. We arrived into NYC at Christmas and left as the last of the snow was melting.

You might be questioning why we would choose winter of all seasons?!

The answer is very simple; December, January and February are fantastic months to explore New York City because tourist numbers are so low. Plus, we just really wanted to experience NYC in the snow!

We were able to visit every single New York attraction on our own bucket list with ease. Long lines, overpaying and even waiting for tables at restaurants were non-existent.

After 4 months non-stop exploring NYC in the winter, we left with thousands of photos, a completed bucket list and memories that will last a lifetime.

Here’s our favorite way of looking at it:

Winter in New York City is harsh and cold, but New York City in winter is extraordinary and unique.

Why Are You Visiting New York In Winter?

Let’s consider your intentions for a moment:

• Are you visiting NYC in winter because you want to experience the city in snow like you have seen in the movies?
• Or are you planning a winter NYC visit because you are a savvy money saving traveler who also prefers to avoid the crowds?

Both are excellent intentions!

We actually moved to NYC for those reasons combined. Winter was the perfect time for us to get a taste of life in the city, see Central Park covered in snow and do New York on the cheap.

We can’t guarantee you will get that quintessential NYC December snow at Christmas. But we can guarantee you will save money in New York in January and February compared with visiting any other time of year.

What Is NYC Really Like In The Winter?

Grab that New York bucket list, tear it up and re-write your heading as the most magical city break, ever . Christmas in NYC is every kids dream, every proposers idyllic get-down-on-one-knee scenario and every retail therapists paradise.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of visiting New York in December, January or February:

• Hotels have a lower occupancy rate and much better value for money when compared to peak season.
• Flights to and from the major New York airports are more affordable.
• You won’t have to book attractions in advance or wait in any really long lines.
• New York is one of the most iconic places in the world to spend Christmas and New Year.
• When it snows, NYC really is the magical winter wonderland you have seen in Home Alone 2, Miracle on 34th Street or When Harry Met Sally.
• Walking through Central Park in the snow is one of the most amazing things you will ever do!

Imagine seeing iconic New York City landmarks like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building blanketed in deep white snow.

Now picture yourself ice skating in Bryant Park with a hot chocolate or shopping on Fifth Avenue with snow falling all around you.

Sound good? Well that is the idyllic fairytale version of New York in winter!

• New York can be extremely cold in the winter months.
• It doesn’t snow as much as you might think.
• Flights can be delayed or cancelled in adverse weather.
• You won’t be able to eat outside or soak up the buzz of the city that you would get when it is warmer.

The reality is that NYC in December, January and February is usually freezing cold, daylight hours are short and chances of delays with transport are higher than you might imagine.

Do the cons outweigh the pros? Absolutely not!

We love New York in winter and as long as you don’t mind putting up with the cold for a few days you will love it too.

Is New York City Cheaper In Winter?

New York is undoubtably cheaper to visit in the winter months of January and February. You can save a small fortune on flights and hotels when compared to summer months.

Even the first half of December during the build up to Christmas isn’t as expensive as you might think.

However, we must stress that hotel prices and flights spike emphatically in price from around December 20th through Christmas and New Years.

Let’s put Christmas and snow to one side for now. Here are some of the more practical reasons as to why it is a great idea to plan a New York City winter vacation:

1. Amazing Deals On Flights, Hotels, Shows And Dining

NYC is one of the top bucket list places to visit in the USA but in the harsh winter months of January and February, tourism naturally plummets.

That means airlines, hotels, broadway shows and even restaurants need to go the extra mile in order to tempt people to spend their hard earned cash.

The result is a considerable drop in prices compared to the typical average price point.

How Can You Save?

For instance, a London to New York return flight might cost US $1,000 in August, but you can pick up return flights for US $400 in January. Airlines still need to fill their seats, right?

Similarly, hotels still need to fill hotel rooms. So when searching for the best New York City hotels in January and February, allow yourself to look at more luxurious options than you typically would because the higher end hotels will be cheaper.

Even around Christmas you can find better value at hotels than you would in July or August. Be as flexible as possible with your dates of travel and read our guide on how to get cheap hotels for our expert tips.

Broadway shows struggle to fill theaters throughout the Manhattan winter months because there are far fewer punters in town. This is the perfect time of year to pick up discounted broadway tickets, or at the very least you will pay the going rate rather than a peak season rate.

2. Less Crowded At The Top Attractions

There are few places on Earth you can visit in the depths of winter, visit its most famous attractions and still leave feeling the same amount of wow factor as you would in spring, summer or fall.

We can tell you from experience that every single thing on your wishlist of the best things to do in New York City is just as amazing in winter as it would be any other time of year.

But with one major (and we really mean major!) benefit; no crowds .

We visited New York in late summer a few years before moving to NYC in winter. Every landmark and attraction felt like a theme park ride. Top of the Rock was like being at a music festival with no capacity limit and Brooklyn Bridge was practically impassable!

If you visit New York in winter you will have the freedom of the city. You can essentially turn up to anything and walk straight in. Trust us, that is not something to take for granted.

Christmas In NYC

Fabled Christmas trees, colorful lights, ice rinks, snow falling and the best shopping in the world make a New York Christmas vacation one of the most sought after trips in the world.

What does your New York winter itinerary look like? A quick weekend break from another US city? Maybe a 4 day NYC itinerary if you are flying across the Atlantic from London or Paris?

No matter how long you stay, we can tell you that the weeks leading up to Christmas in New York are incredibly popular among families and couples. There is a perpetual feel good buzz in the air and despite the cold everyone just wants to be outside.

Does it get any more romantic for couples than NYC at Christmas? Maybe Paris?

We can guarantee romance will flourish if you strike it lucky with a bona fide New York snow day during your visit.

Who hasn’t always dreamed of a romantic stroll through Central Park arm in arm with a loved one in the pouring snow?!

Things To Do In NYC On Christmas Day

Are you going to be in New York on Christmas Day?

There are so many unique things you can do around New York that would be completely different to any Christmas you have had before.

Here are some things we would consider doing in New York City on Christmas Day:

• See the Rockefeller Christmas tree
• Ice skate in Central Park or Bryant Park
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge with a coffee
• See a Broadway show
• Go out for a high end Christmas dinner
• See the Dyker Heights Christmas lights

Marriage Proposals

New York City plays host to hundreds of couples saying YES each year and Christmas has to be up there with most wonderful times of the year to pop the question.

Here are some of the most popular places you can expect to see a proposal in NYC:

• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain – Gorgeous spot in Central Park
• Brooklyn Bridg e – Both on it and near Jane’s Carousel
• Empire State Building and Top of the Rock – Stunning city views
• Ice Rinks – Classic NYC winter proposal locations
• Rooftop Bars – Views, drinks and an audience cheering

Winter Weather In New York City

One of the most important considerations when planning your NYC winter vacation is weather.

After 4 months living in New York in winter, here is the most important thing to remember; it is usually cold but it rarely snows .

Upstate New York sees a huge amount of snow each year (we spend a lot of time in upstate NY and know real snow!) but NYC only sees a handful of days with significant snowfall each year.

Let’s take a closer look at NYC winter weather:

When Does It Snow In New York City?

We are going to show you how much it snows throughout winter in NYC and we think you will be shocked by what you see.

Each year snow will fall in NYC, that much is almost guaranteed. Occasionally November and March will get snowfall but it is not worth planning a trip around.

It is important to know that some years can see far more or far less than average amounts of snow in New York through December, January and February.

Here are averages for how much snow has fallen in New York City between 2010-2019:

Average NYC Winter Snowfall Volume

• December – 4.4 inches
• January – 12.9 inches
• February – 11.8 inches

Average Amount Of Snow Days In New York City

• December – 1.1 days
• January – 2.6 days
• February – 2.5 days

Days With Over 1 Inch Of Snow On The Ground

• December – 2.9 days
• January – 7.9 days
• February – 9.1 days

Source: Current Results

So why does it appear as though you see NYC covered in snow so much?

Because the temperature often stays below zero after significant periods of snowfall, which means ground snow can stick around for quite some time.

Ground snow still means you get to see New York white over but it isn’t the same as experiencing actual snowfall.

We highly recommend you plan your trip for late January or early February if your main priority is a New York snow day.

Our Snow Day

We had to wait a long time for our dreamy snow day in New York.

It wasn’t until February 7th that we finally had one of those fairytale downpours with huge thick snowflakes. Once it happened, everyone in New York beelined for Central Park.

We spent hours gleefully walking through Central Park ticking off classic movie locations with deep snow all around and heavy snow falling. Kids were flying around the park on sleds, friends were throwing snowballs at each other and dogs were having so much fun.

It was one of our all time favorite content collecting days since starting this travel blog back in 2018 and we have everything crossed hoping that you will get to experience the same on your visit to New York City.

How Cold Does It Get In New York City In The Winter?

It is no secret that New York is cold in the winter. You already know it is going to be chilly and you plan to pack heavy coats, right?

However, it is important to know that the temperatures can vary quite significantly in New York City in December.

Just look at Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2020, when average high temperatures in NYC ( according to historical weather data ) were a balmy 62F and 63F respectively. Sunscreen was more of a possibility than a winter coat!

So if you are planning a New York Christmas vacation, you might not have to deal with below zero temperatures as often as you might have initially expected.

But we have to say that January and February are pretty brutal!

January is the coldest month of the year in NYC. It has the most amount of days where the temperature drops below freezing and February is only slightly less frigid.

NYC December Weather

• Low – 34F (1C)
• High – 45F (7C)

December is actually quite pleasant in New York as far as temperatures are concerned, especially if you visit earlier in the month.

Mark grew up in (the original!) York in England and the average temperatures are very similar to NYC in December.

NYC January Weather

• Low – 29F (-2C)
• High – 40F (4C)

January is the coldest month of year in New York City. Temperatures plummet after New Year and they stay low throughout the month.

NYC February Weather

• Low – 30F (-1C)
• High – 42F (6C)

February remains very cold in New York but there is light at the end of the tunnel, especially if you visit later in the month.

Source: Weather Spark

Now those cheap flights and hotels are starting to make more sense, right?!

We spent months walking around New York in sub-zero temperatures. There were some challenging sunrises, sunsets and night photo shoots!

Wondering what NYC is like in spring? Read our guide to the 10 key things you should know about visiting New York City in April , including weather, crowds and costs.

What To Pack For Winter In New York

Packing for your New York winter vacation is fairly straightforward:

• Pack for late fall and early winter conditions if you visit New York in December.
• Pack exclusively winter gear if you visit NYC in January or February.

No matter when in the winter you plan to visit NYC, we suggest erring on the side of caution. That means overpack with more layers and warm clothes than you think you might need.

You might end up with a heavy suitcase but you will quietly thank us when you arrive.

We would not have survived winter in NY without our heavy parka jackets with wooly hood liners. You must wear or pack a coat that is going to keep you warm.

Hats , gloves and scarves are essential to keep warm and you can even dress them up. You might think it but sunglasses are very important when the sun is out and snow is on the ground.

Packing base layers is not overkill. We often wore high quality moisture wicking base layers like under-layer pants underneath our jeans for added warmth.

Footwear is important if it snows. That fluffy pair of Ugg boots isn’t going to cut it in the snow! Nor will running shoes or fashionable shoes for that matter.

Even if it doesn’t snow, you will still need thick pairs of socks and a robust pair of shoes to keep your feet warm. Cold toes were one thing we struggled with despite our best efforts.

Best Things To Do In New York City In Winter

New York is one of just a few cities you can visit any time of year and it will be an experience you will never forget.

Each season brings its own blend of amazing benefits to the table, but we have to say winter (especially around Christmas) is the most magical time to visit NYC. And it is so much quieter!

What is the most important thing to know about planning a New York City winter vacation?

You can see and do almost all of the same things as you would in spring, summer or fall, plus more unique activities you can only do in winter. As a result, there are actually more things to do in New York in winter than any other time of year .

Crowd free attractions, discount prices, a cheerful atmosphere and a bit of help from the weather gods will make this a trip for the scrap book.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 things to do in NYC in December, January and February.

Do you need help planning your visit to New York City? Our popular 40 + page NYC Guidebook & Itinerary covers every aspect of planning a trip to New York including hotels, restaurants, getting around, things to do, example itineraries and so much more!

1. Explore Snowy Central Park

When it comes to iconic New York City winter landmarks and attractions, we can’t think of a better place to begin than Central Park.

Central Park is one of the most famous urban escapes in the world. Local New Yorkers run, cycle and walk dogs while tourists explore every nook and cranny of the diverse landscape.

Here’s what you can expect outside of winter in Central Park:

• Spring – Beautiful soft pink cherry blossoms.
• Summer – An ocean of emerald green.
• Fall – A vibrant array of golden yellows, burnt oranges and fiery reds.

But there is just something so special about Central Park in winter.

Here’s a little of what you can expect at Central Park in December, January and February:

• Stunning trees, movie scene benches and historic statues lining The Mall covered in a foot of snow, kids hurtling down shallow hills on improvised sledges made from dustbin lids and maybe even a giant octopus sculpture expertly crafted in snow.
• The exquisite tiled ceiling of Bethesda Terrace Arcade glowing orange next to heavy snowfall blanketing Bethesda Fountain and professional photographers snapping wedding shots.
• A maze of narrow winding paths intricately transporting tourists through The Ramble , passing by frozen ponds and underneath ornate stone arches.

Don’t forget to buy a hot cup of coffee before you begin exploring the park!

Want to see Central Park? Here are the 12 best places to visit in Central Park in winter so you don’t miss any of the snowy action.

2. See The Legendary Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Home Alone fans rejoice! After the movie locations extravaganza in Central Park, you finally get to see the enormous Christmas tree from the end of Lost in New York.

The world famous Rockefeller Christmas tree is symbolic of the holiday season in New York City and no NYC winter trip would be complete without seeing it up close.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Rockefeller Christmas tree is a Norway Spruce and stands at anywhere between 65 – 100 ft tall.
• A televised lighting ceremony takes place the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
• So in 2023, the lights will illuminate Rockefeller Plaza from November 29th.
• Typically, the tree will be lit for around 30-35 days.
• The star on top is Swarovski crystal.
• One of the best viewing points is from Fifth Avenue, through the Channel Gardens.
• The tree is positioned between the Rockefeller Center and the Rockefeller ice rink, with golden statue of Prometheus at its base.

If you are lucky enough to get a snow day at Christmas in December, do not miss a visit to the Rockefeller Christmas tree in the early evening once darkness descends over NYC.

3. Watch The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop In Times Square

Sydney’s Harbor Bridge, Rio’s Copacabana Beach, London’s Big Ben and New York City’s Times Square host some of the biggest New Years Eve parties on the planet.

Fireworks, bells chiming, thousands of people cheering and a ball slowly dropping down a flagpole from 11.59pm until 12.00am on December 31st bring in the New Year for millions in New York.

Times Square ball drop facts:

• The fifth (and current) iteration of the NYE ball is 12ft in diameter and has been in use since 2009.
• It is lit by over 32,000 LED lamps and weighs almost 12,000lbs.
• You will find the ball on its flag pole perched atop the One Times Square building.
• If you want to see the ball drop, plan to arrive at Times Square no later than mid-afternoon.

You might be wondering what type of magic we used in the photo of us at Times Square above. How could we possibly be the only 2 people in shot?

Well, it isn’t a Photoshop edit, it is real and we were the only 2 people in all of Times Square. We took the photo at 6.00am on a Tuesday morning in January in the later stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

Travel tip : The Renaissance Hotel on Times Square has a handful of rooms and a bar overlooking the NYE ball drop and celebrations. Rooms sell out for New Year a long way in advance so get in quick!

4. Go Ice Skating On A New York City Ice Rink

Does your home town have an ice rink in winter? Can you see the Empire State Building from it?!

Taking to the ice is classic bucket list NYC in winter, especially for families, couples and groups of friends visiting the city. Ice rinks in New York are open throughout the winter season.

We have already mentioned the famous ice rink at Rockefeller Plaza but be warned, despite its iconic status the rink is very small.

If you are looking for a bigger ice rink with room to move, you can venture out a handful of alternatives including:

• Central Park – Wollman Ice Rink
• Bryant Park – Winter Village
• Pier 17 – Rooftop Skyline Ice Rink

We took the photo above of skaters circling around Bryant Park ice rink. We had already whizzed round a few times ourselves before taking the photo from a table as we sipped on Belgian hot chocolate and ate waffles to refuel.

New York’s ice rinks aren’t huge, they are overpriced and they are a little gimmicky, but that’s not going to come as a surprise to you. Embrace it, you are in NYC in winter!

5. Shop Fifth Avenue And Enjoy NYC Winter Holiday Displays

During the winter in New York City, the most famous and expensive shopping street on Earth comes to life in a dazzling display of Christmas colors and design.

Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan is a shopping haven for millions each year and Christmas presents couldn’t be purchased from a more legendary place.

High end designer boutiques to popular flagship high street stores line the flanks of Fifth Avenue, including renowned department store Saks Fifth Avenue . Don’t miss the varied window displays as you walk alongside the Saks building.

Macy’s Herald Square might not be on Fifth Avenue (it is on 34th street between 6th and 7th avenue) but it more than deserves to be included on your NYC Christmas or winter shopping bucket list.

The world’s largest store is unmissable for shopping lovers any time of year, so the bright red sign with white letters spelling out Macy’s is another iconic stop on your NYC winter itinerary.

Travel tip : If you visit NYC at the end of November just before winter begins, you can watch the fun filled Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Best Christmas Lights In NYC

Are you visiting New York for the most Christmassy Christmas trip ever?! You simply have to make the effort to visit Dyker Heights in Brooklyn.

The residents of 11th avenue to 13th avenue and from 83rd to 86th street put on a festive Christmas extravaganza each December. It is a hugely popular NYC winter attraction but it is a bit of a pain to reach.

Expect the trip from Manhattan take around one hour each way via subway, or you can take this popular guided bus tour of Dyker Heights instead.

Either way it is well worth the effort for lovers of Christmas!

6. New York City Winter Walks

There is no better way to see New York City than by foot. Sure, the subway is great if you need to cover a longer distance but walking really allows you to get a taste for the vibe and atmosphere of a new neighborhood or part of town.

We walked as much as we possibly could in four months living in NYC, despite it being winter. Since moving out we have been back to New York several times and we always walk.

If you visit New York in summer you are going to share sidewalks with a whole lot of other people, but the colder winter months mean sparsely populated walkways are more accessible.

Here are just some of the best places to take a leisurely Christmas or Winter stroll around NYC:

• The High Line – Pictured above, one of the most popular walkways in the city.
• Brooklyn Bridge – The famous bridge is far less chaotic in winter.
• Central Park – Without snow the huge park will be very quiet in winter.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – Shop, eat, photograph bridges and see the Lower Manhattan skyline.
• Financial District – Hit the touristy sites around Wall Street.
• SoHo – If Fifth Avenue isn’t high end enough, try glitzy SoHo instead.
• Broadway – Central Park to Union Square passing a host of famous sites in Midtown Manhattan.

Just be sure to wrap up, grab a hot chocolate and enjoy seeing the city with barely any crowds.

7. Watch The Rockettes Perform In The Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Did you know New York’s Radio City is the largest indoor theater in the world?

The entertainment venue was opened at the end of 1932 as part of the sprawling Rockefeller Center complex and it seats up to 5,931 patrons.

In recent years, the music hall has played host to various tv shows, awards ceremonies, concerts and even the NFL draft from 2006 through 2014.

New : Radio City is undergoing development for the construction of a rooftop garden, 90 years after original plans were shelved.

But the biggest event of the year comes right around Christmas in NYC, when the Rockettes perform their precision dance show as part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Shows typically run from the beginning of November and end around the beginning of January. In the winter of 2023/2024, tickets are on sale from November 17th until January 1st.

Search ticket prices and availability to watch the Radio City Rockettes.

Broadway Week

If your winter NYC vacation will be later in the season you won’t get the chance to see the Rockettes perform a NYC Christmas classic. However, there are many more shows and experiences to enjoy in New York, and you will find them at discounted prices in January and February.

Broadway theater shows are among the very best in the world. Elite actors, dancers and performers wow locals and tourists alike with a wide range of theater hits from classics to the most modern shows.

Each year around late January and early February, Broadway Week is a highly anticipated slot in the NYC winter calendar for theater lovers and all shows sell 2-for-1 tickets for roughly a 20 day period.

The most popular shows sell out incredibly quickly, so keep an eye on dates and when tickets are released. NYTix is showing Broadway Week dates as January 12th to February 4th for 2024.

8. Explore The Best New York City Museums In Peace

Are you a history buff or an art aficionado?

If the answer is yes, you are going to love New York City. And better yet, you are going to love NYC in winter even more once you step foot inside the top museums and see how quiet they are.

Not only is winter the perfect time to explore museums because it is freezing cold outside, but by far one of the greatest aspects of visiting NYC in winter is a distinct lack of crowds at the most popular attractions.

We visited a dozen or so museums during our time living in New York in winter and we never felt overwhelmed by hordes of people.

For reference, we visited The Louvre in Paris a few years back in summer and we couldn’t even get into the room that houses the Mona Lisa. Similarly, our summer visit to The Vatican in Italy was insanely busy. And we suspect summer in New York’s top museums is likely the same story.

There are hundreds of amazing NYC museums you could visit in winter, but here are our top recommendations.

Top NYC Museums

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Intrepid Air, Sea & Space Museum
• American Museum of Natural History
• Solomon R Guggenheim Museum
• The Morgan Library & Museum
• Tenement Museum
• Ellis Island Immigration Museum
• New York Transit Museum

The MET and 9/11 were our two personal favorite museums and you should plan to spend several hours at each one.

If you are interested in the history of NYC mass transportation or want to visit a unique museum, you will also like the New York Transit Museum.

9. See NYC From Above And Have Room To Move

What is the one thing you can’t miss when you visit New York City?

For us, it was photographing the world’s most recognizable skyline from high up among its most iconic skyscrapers.

Even if architecture and buildings aren’t of particular interest to you, we can guarantee you will be blown away by the immense urban landscape of Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

Throughout several visits and our time living in New York, we have been to the top of all major observation decks in New York City on several occasions.

Here are the 5 NYC observation decks you can visit for sweeping city views:

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

We can’t possibly tell you which one to visit because they are all amazing and offer unique aspects.

But what we can tell you is that each observation deck will be easily accessible and relatively crowd free if you visit New York in winter.

During previous summer visits to NYC, we have both stood on the top floor at Top of the Rock for sunset and seen how ridiculously packed it gets.

Well, at sunset on a Saturday night in February we were two of only 5 people on the very same top floor at Top of the Rock.

Different Take On NYC Observation Decks:

• Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building
• NYC Helicopter Tour Review (not an observation deck but see NYC from above in luxury!)

Can’t decided which observation deck to visit? Don’t miss our detailed comparison between the 5 popular NYC observation decks .

10. Dine Out On Cheap High End Meals During Restaurant Week

Foodies are going to love this one.

Twice a year, once in the summer months of July and August and once again in winter months of January and February, some of New York City’s best restaurants offer us the chance to eat top quality food at bargain bin prices.

Since 1992, Restaurant Week in both winter and summer has been celebrating New York’s world famous culinary culture by allowing the average local or tourist to taste luxurious food samples from high end eateries and the best chefs in the city.

If you are planning a to visit New York City in January or February and right now you are thinking man, I hope our 4 day trip falls into restaurant week, you will be happy to know that restaurant week actually lasts for around a full month.

• Typically, the winter week runs from around January 20 through February 20, give or take a few days either side.
• You can pick up prix fixe (multiple courses charged at a fixed price) meals at lunch or dinner.
• Prices are $21, $39 or even $125 for a signature dining experience.
• Most restaurants only have this offer available Monday through Friday.

Sorry, NYC Christmas visitors but you will miss out on this awesome perk!

Best Places To Stay In NYC In Winter

Picking an affordable and high quality hotel in a great neighborhood can be the hardest part of planning a visit to New York any time of year.

However, you stand a much better chance of ticking all the boxes if you visit NYC in January or February thanks to lower demand.

Our extremely popular where to stay in New York City neighborhood guide will help you work out the best area to book a hotel.

If you would prefer to take a deeper look at hotels, we have also written a complete guide to the 30 best hotels in NYC on our sister site Best Hotels Anywhere.

Don’t have time to read our detailed guides? Here are four of the top rated New York hotels we see get the most action:

• The Archer Midtown Manhattan – One of our personal top picks located near Bryant Park with views over Empire State Building.
• CitizenM Times Square – Centrally located at Times Square, close to Broadway and Rockefeller Center.
• MOXY NYC Times Square – Rooftop bar and good value between Penn Station and Times Square.
• Cambria Hotel Chelsea – Affordable highly rated hotel with rooftop terrace located between Midtown and Chelsea.

Hotels do tend to book up rooms between mid December and the end of December, so we would recommend you get your hotel booked early if planning a visit to New York City at Christmas or New Year.

Be sure to have a good look around if you visit New York in January or February. You stand an excellent chance of picking up a luxury hotel room at very reasonable prices.

Search all New York City hotels on Booking.com to find your winter bargain .

Best Winter Month To Visit New York City

After reading all of the information we have provided so far, when do you think is the best time for you to visit New York City; December, January or February?

Here’s a brief summary of what you need to know about each month:

New York In December

The lead up to Christmas and New Year in December is a wonderful time to visit NYC. The atmosphere is electric, you can buy gifts on Fifth Avenue or at Macy’s, watch the ball drop in Times Square or eat and drink your way through the festive period with locals.

December is busier and more expensive in New York compared to January or February but that might be what you are looking for anyway. Hustle and bustle, socializing and soaking up the NYC lifestyle.

There is less chance of snow in NYC in December and it might even be surprisingly mild during your visit.

New York In January

If you want to pick up the very best deals on flights and hotels, January in NYC is your month. It is also the time to visit if you are dead set on avoiding the crowds.

January will most likely be brutally cold, but you will have the freedom of the city. All museums and attractions will be quiet and foodies can take advantage of restaurant week toward the end of the month.

New York In February

The first three weeks of February fall into restaurant week in New York. You will also have the highest probability of snow but it will still be cold.

Flights and hotels are still much cheaper, and top attractions remain quiet in NYC in February.

Don’t forget the next celebration after Christmas is Valentines Day. NYC might just see a couple hundred more marriage proposals next February!

New York City Attraction Passes

If you are planning to visit the top attractions when you visit New York in winter, we recommend you purchase a New York City attraction pass .

The idea is simple with these attractions passes;  the more attractions you visit, the more money you will save .

Having used the NYC attraction passes ourselves when we lived in New York, we recommend the New York Sightseeing Pass because its extremely easy to use while offering both flexibility and big savings.

Many of the attractions included in this New York winter guide are included with the NY Sightseeing Pass and we have an exclusive 10% discount just for our readers.

Want To Save Money In NYC?

Click the button to get our exclusive 10% off discount on any NY Sightseeing Pass.

You can also read our guides below to help decide which is the perfect pass for your visit to New York City in the winter:

• NY Sightseeing Pass Review  – The most popular NYC attraction pass option for visitors who want to see as many attractions as possible.
• New York CityPASS and C3 Pass Review  – How to visit select attractions in New York City at a competitive price point.
• New York Pass Comparison  – Detailed comparison between each of the 4 major New York Passes and which one you should buy for your visit.

Travel Tip : If you have a New York attractions pass, you will not have to pay the extra fee for a sunset time slot at the any of the NYC observation decks when you reserve your timed entry ticket online.

Need Help Planning Your Visit To New York City?

NYC is a vacation planning beast and it can be overwhelming trying to get every aspect right. Trust us, we know!

After living in New York City, we created a comprehensive NYC travel guidebook with example itineraries that will answer every question you have about where to stay, what to do, where to eat and how to get around the city.

Click see details below to read more about how we can help you plan your dream trip to New York City!

Our Popular NYC Guides

• 50 best things to do in New York City – Our enormous collection of the best things to do on a visit to NYC after three months of relentlessly exploring tourist hot spots throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn.
• 4 days in NYC itinerary – The best and most efficient way to fit all of the very best things to do in New York City into four unforgettable days.
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• Brooklyn Bridge sunrise – Photography locations and walkthrough for sunrise.
• Brooklyn Bridge at night – What you can expect from walking the bridge at sunset and at night.
• Manhattan Bridge – Try a new NYC skyline perspective with a walk over the Manhattan Bridge.
• Afternoon Tea NYC – Review of a wonderful Afternoon Tea at The Whitby Hotel in Manhattan.
• Lower Manhattan – 18 things you can’t miss on a first visit to Lower Manhattan.
• New York City photography – Over 60 of our favorite NYC photography locations.

Want more New York City content?  Head to our  New York Travel Guides  to explore more from the Big Apple as well as beautiful upstate NY.

We hope this ultimate guide to visiting New York City in winter helps with planning your dream trip to NYC around Christmas!

Please let us know if you have any questions about planning your NYC winter vacation in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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NYC Travel Guide

Let Free Tours by Foot help you plan your trip to New York. Our local experts have written everything you need to know about what to do and see in NYC.

In the sections below you'll find our most popular blog posts detailing insider information and our best advice.

• Top Things To Do
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If you just don’t know where to start, visit our main post or take a walking tour and ask your guide!

• Top Things To Do in NYC
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There are a lot of things to do in New York, of course, but some are MUST-DOs. We have guides to the top things to do in NYC based on how you want to travel - at night, with kids, for free or all of the above.

• How to Use Broadway Roulette
• Top Things to Do on Governors Island
• Best Shopping in New York City
• 30 Things to Do in Upper Manhattan
• Things to Do on the Upper West Side
• Events and Things to Do in Bryant Park
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• Things to Do at Night in Times Square
• Free Things to Do in NYC Today
• What to Do with Kids in New York City
• What to Do at Night in New York City

Some of the most popular attractions in New York are listed below - these blog posts will give you tips on how to get there, how to get tickets if necessary, the best times to go, and other insider information to help you plan your trip. 

• Top of the Rock | Tips from Locals and Recent Visitors
• Is Edge NYC at Hudson Yards Worth It?
• City Climb at Edge
• Yankee Stadium Visitor's Guide
• NYC Museums Open Late
• The Friends Experience | Tickets and Details
• Famous Paintings and Highlights of the MET
• 35 Best Museums in Manhattan
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
• Bronx Zoo Tickets | Free Wednesdays
• Top of the Rock Tickets | 9 Tips for Price Cuts
• 4 Yankee Stadium Tour Options
• Freedom Tower Observatory Tickets
• Intrepid Museum Tickets | Free Admission and Ways to Save
• Which NYC Observation Deck is Best?
• Edge Tickets | How to Save on Admission

How do you want to tour NYC? Bus, bike, walking tours & more we have guides to the top-rated options.

• NYC Boat Tours Compared
• How Much Is a Helicopter Ride in NYC?
• NYC Dinner Cruise
• Which NYC Bike Tour is Best?

• Lower East Side Tenement Museum Tours
• Free Museums in New York City
• Metropolitan Museum of Art Tours
• National Museum of the American Indian New York
• National September 11th Memorial & Museum Tickets and Free Mondays
• American Museum of Natural History Tickets
• How to visit the Museum of American Finance in NYC

• Tours of the United Nations Building in New York
• The Flatiron Building in New York City
• New York Stock Exchange Tours
• How Long Is the Brooklyn Bridge?
• St. Patrick's Cathedral Tickets and Tours
• New York City Hall Tours
• Tour the Apollo Theater in Harlem
• How to Tour the Federal Reserve in NYC
• The Woolworth Building Tours
• New York City Public Library
• Lincoln Center Tour Discounts
• Grand Central Terminal Tours
• Carnegie Hall Tours
• 19 Most Iconic New York Buildings
• Chelsea Market Food Tour
• Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge

There is more to New York than Manhattan each individual neighborhood and area has its own unique charm. Our neighborhood guides have tips on where to eat, what to see and often self-guided tours.

• The 5 Boroughs of New York City Explained
• Things to Do on the Upper East Side
• Things to Do in the East Village
• What to Do In Brooklyn Today
• Greenwich Village Tours
• What to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn
• How to Get to Coney Island
• Things to Do in Harlem NYC
• Things to Do in Battery Park
• 50+ Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan
• Things to Do in Chinatown NYC
• Harlem Maps
• What to See and Do in Grand Central Terminal
• What to See on Wall Street NYC

• Central Park Pedicab Tours
• Central Park Zoo Tickets and Ways to Save
• Shakespeare in the Park Tickets
• Strawberry Fields Central Park
• The Central Park Ramble
• Central Park at SummerStage
• How Long Does It Take to Walk Central Park
• 30 Things to Do in Central Park
• Central Park Carriage Rides | Which One is Best?
• Which Central Park Bike Tours Are Best?
• Tips for Running in Central Park
• Central Park Movie and TV Tour
• Central Park Walking Tours
• Central Park Belvedere Castle

• Statue of Liberty Tickets | 7 Options To Buy
• How to Get Crown Tickets for the Statue of Liberty
• How to Get Statue of Liberty Pedestal Tickets
• 8 Best Statue of Liberty Cruises
• How to See the Statue of Liberty for Free
• Statue of Liberty Tour Tickets

• High Line Tours | Chelsea and the Meatpacking District
• How Long Does It Take to Walk the High Line?
• The High Line is Now Open
• Where Does the High Line Start and End?
• Where Does the High Line Start
• Things to Do on the High Line

NYC Style Pizza, please? - there are a lot of quintessential NYC foods to try!

• Best Bagels in Times Square
• 15 Top Greenwich Village Restaurants
• Restaurant Week NYC 2024
• Stay in NYC - Cheap Parking in New Jersey
• Shopping Outlets in NYC
• Happy Hour in New York Near Me
• Clothing Stores with Offers in NYC
• Famous Foods of New York City
• Best Pizza in New York City by Neighborhood
• 15 Best Bagels in New York City
• Best Pub Crawls and Bar Tours in New York City
• Cheap Rooftop Bars in NYC with Skyline Views
• Cheap Eats in NYC | How to Eat in New York on a Budget
• Best Greenwich Village Restaurants and Places to Eat
• Oldest Bars in New York
• Bus to Woodbury Common Outlet from NYC

Our resident meteorologist, Fred, explains more about average temperatures and how much rain there usually is each month.  

• The Weather in New York in July
• How is the Weather in New York in September?
• The Weather in New York in August
• The Weather in New York in June
• How is the Weather in New York in March?
• The Weather in New York in January
• The Weather in New York in December
• When Does It Start Snowing in New York?
• The Weather in New York in November
• The Weather in NYC in May
• How is the Weather in New York in February?
• The Weather in New York in October
• How is the Weather in New York in April?
• New York City Weather Averages by Month

Each month has its own special events, festivals and concerts. Find out more about what is happening when you're exploring NYC.

• Things to Do in New York in November
• Things to Do in New York in October
• What to Do in September in New York City
• What to Do in August in NYC
• Things to Do In NYC in July
• What to Do in New York in December
• What to Do in NYC in June
• Things to Do in New York in May
• Things to Do in NYC in April
• Things to Do in New York in February
• What to Do in NYC in March
• What to Do in NYC in January

 Visiting during a special holiday or time of year? Learn more about some of the seasonal events in New York City.

• Bergdorf Goodman Christmas Window Displays
• Macy's Christmas Window Displays
• Columbus Circle Holiday Market
• What to Do on New Year's Eve in NYC
• Union Square Holiday Market 2024
• Bryant Park Winter Village 2024
• Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show
• New York Christmas Tree Lightings
• NYC Christmas Window Displays 2024
• Christmas Markets in New York City
• Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting 2024
• Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Route
• Best Places to See Christmas Lights in NYC
• See the Fireworks on the 4th of July in NYC
• Christmas Shows in NYC 2024

From how to get to the city from different airports to how to use the subway and where to keep your luggage, our guides can help you get around NYC.

• How to Get from NYC to Philadelphia
• New York City Streets and Avenue Grid Explained
• How Many Days Are Enough To Visit NYC
• How to Use the East River Ferry
• New York to Washington DC by Bus
• Where to Store Luggage at JFK Airport
• LaGuardia Airport to Manhattan
• How to Use the NYC Subway
• JFK Airport to Manhattan
• How to Get Around NYC as a Tourist
• Roosevelt Island Tram - New York's Cable Car
• How to Get a Taxi in NYC
• Which New York City Subway MetroCard to Buy?
• How to Take The Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
• Newark Airport (EWR) to Manhattan
• Port Authority Luggage Storage

• Which New York Airport Is Best to Fly Into?
• How Safe Is The Lower East Side
• Where to Stay in Times Square
• Things to Do Alone in NYC
• How Safe Is Central Park?
• New York Hotels
• Is Harlem Safe To Visit?
• How Safe is New York for Tourists?
• Best Hostels in New York City
• Where to Stay in New York on a Budget
• 3-Day NYC Itinerary
• How Much Does It Cost to Visit NYC?
• Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in New York
• Best Times to Go to NYC Explained
• Best Skyline Views in New York City
• When is the Cheapest Time to Travel to NYC?

Learn more about visiting NYC on a budget and how to get discounts at attractions!

• MOMA Free Friday Admission
• A Trip Guide for NYC on a Budget
• Go City New York Explorer City Pass
• New York Sightseeing Pass | All-Inclusive vs Flex Pass
• Is The New York Sightseeing Flex Pass Worth It?
• Is the New York Sightseeing Pass All-Inclusive Worth it?
• Is the New York CityPASS Worth it?
• New York Pass Reviews

• How to Get Reduced Tickets to MJ The Musical
• How to Get Broadway Rush Tickets
• How to Get Cheap Hamilton Tickets NYC
• Broadway Week Tickets 2 for 1
• How to Win a Broadway Lottery
• Lion King Broadway Lottery Tickets
• Broadway vs. Off-Broadway Theater
• Broadway Theater District Tour
• How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets
• Disney Behind the Scenes Backstage Tour
• TKTS | Half-Priced Broadway Tickets
• Discount Tickets Blue Man Group NYC
• How To Get Discount Tickets To Wicked

Pop Culture

• Friends Apartment Building in New York
• Tour of Seinfeld Locations in NYC
• The Dakota Apartments | Where John Lennon was Shot
• Where to Find the Naked Cowboy
• Lower Manhattan Film and TV Locations
• Where did Carrie Bradshaw from "Sex and the City" live?
• Find the Ghostbusters Firehouse Headquarters and Other Filming Locations
• Katz's Deli NYC | When Harry Met Sally Restaurant
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles NYC Filming Locations
• Sex and the City Tour of New York
• Bob Dylan's Greenwich Village Walking Tour
• Greenwich Village Pigeon Man
• Film Locations in Greenwich Village
• The NYC Mosaic Man Jim Powers

Art & Music

• Metropolitan Museum of Art Tickets and Deals
• Gospel Music in Harlem and NYC
• New York Graffiti and Street Art Tours
• The Bushwick Collective - A Street Art Gallery
• 15 Places for Street Art and Graffiti in NYC
• Bushwick Street Art, Map + Neighborhood Guide
• New York City Street Performers and Subway Music
• Brooklyn Street Art and Graffiti
• Stretching Your Dollar at the Best NYC Comedy Clubs
• NYC Subway Art: Life Underground
• TV Shows Based In NYC
• New York TV Show Tickets
• How to Get Late Night With Seth Meyers Tickets
• How to Get Tickets to See Live with Kelly and Mark
• The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Tickets
• How to Get Saturday Night Live Tickets (or Standby Tickets)
• NBC Studios Tour NYC
• How to Get Stephen Colbert Tickets
• How to Get Tickets for The View
• Daily Show Tickets with Trevor Noah

And much, much more

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Top 30 Travel Influencers in New York

Travel micro-influencers in new york, travel nano-influencers in new york.

From New York City’s busy streets to far-off coastlines, there’s a group of travelers from the city ready to show you the world.

They started out with stories from NYC’s tall buildings and busy roads, but now they tell tales from all over the world, mixing the tough spirit of New York with the beauty they find everywhere.

Our influencer marketing agency in New York has curated the list of local travel influencers, people who took off from the hustle of the city and went out to explore and share the big, connected world we live in.

We’ve utilized the Instagram Engagement Calculator to analyze just how much these travel industry influencers actually influence their audiences by analyzing engagements per post and other important metrics. Try it out!

Travel Macro-Influencers in New York

1. @simplycyn | cynthia andrew.

General information

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Fashion, Motherhood, Food, Decor, Beauty

Self intro: “NYC Gal (African roots) sharing fashion, food, travel, decor. Live Simply, Choose Happy.”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | TikTok

Contact details: [email protected]

Cynthia Andrew, the dynamic NYC Gal with African roots, is a travel and lifestyle influencer who knows how to captivate her audience on various social media platforms. 

When it comes to travel, her blogs are not just about destinations; they’re a journey into the soul of exploration. 

With a wide range of topics encompassing lifestyle, fashion, motherhood, food, decor, and beauty, Cynthia seamlessly weaves personal experiences and personal stories into her engaging content.

Cynthia’s travel blogs stand out in the concrete jungle of New York. 

Whether it’s savoring diverse cuisines in the city’s hidden gems or transforming spaces with her decor ideas, she offers a holistic view of her life. 

Her content isn’t just about appearances; it’s about genuine connections and experiences. 

This authenticity has garnered her a commendable engagement rate, making her one of the go-to social media influencers for those seeking meaningful insights and inspiration in the world of travel and lifestyle.

Instagram account analysis

2. @glamofnyc | Gosia Brzostowski

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Fashion

Self intro: “✈︎ New York City Guides & Cool Getaways

☞ Beautiful Places, Experiences & Hotel Reviews”

Gosia Brzostowski, the New York City enthusiast, transcends the boundaries of conventional travel and lifestyle blogging with her unique perspective on travel. 

As a lifestyle blogger, she delves into a wide range of topics, including travel, lifestyle, and fashion. 

Her blog offers personal experiences that vividly depict her adventures, giving her readers a taste of the stunning destinations she explores.

What sets Gosia apart in the world of travel influencers are her amazing travel blogs, where she narrates her journeys and curates a collection of breathtaking travel photos. 

Each post showcases beautiful places, unique experiences, and honest hotel reviews that help travelers make informed choices.

Gosia Brzostowski’s blog is the go-to destination for those seeking a blend of travel inspiration, fashion insights, and an authentic take on the New York City lifestyle. 

Follow her to discover the cool getaways and beautiful places she passionately shares with her audience.

3. @hernewyorkedit | Tanmaya Godbole

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle

Self intro: “✨ Romanticizing New York City ✨

pretty streets, ☕️, 🍴, 📚, museums, independent shops & more”

Other channels: n/a

Tanmaya Godbole, the maestro of romanticizing New York City, is a prominent travel and lifestyle influencer who brings the magic of the city to life through her unique perspective on travel. 

Her enchanting exploration of the pretty streets, coffee shops, culinary delights, bookstores, museums, independent shops, and more forms the backbone of her captivating content.

As a lifestyle blogger, Tanmaya offers a diverse range of content, blending travel experiences seamlessly with her daily life. 

Her stunning travel photos vividly illustrate the beauty of the destinations she explores, and her amazing content resonates with audiences worldwide. 

Her inspiring stories, which she shares across various social media channels, truly sets her apart in the world of travel influencers.

For those looking to embark on a journey through the lens of an extraordinary storyteller and travel connoisseur, Tanmaya Godbole’s blog and social media channels are a treasure trove of inspiration. 

Experience the allure of New York City and beyond through her eyes.

4. @vickirutwind | Vicki Rutwind

Self intro: “🌎 I quit my lawyer job to travel

✈️ Exploring NYC + the world”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Pinterest  

Vicki Rutwind, the intrepid traveler who abandoned her legal career to explore the world, has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the realm of travel and lifestyle blogging. 

Her journey from corporate law to the open road is a testament to her commitment to sharing the beauty of travel. 

With a focus on travel and lifestyle, Vicki’s content resonates with a diverse audience, drawing attention from both avid globetrotters and aspiring adventurers.

Vicki’s stunning travel photos serve as windows to the breathtaking destinations she explores. 

Her blog stands out as one of the amazing travel bloggers’ platforms, and her lifestyle blog offers a compelling blend of practical tips and personal anecdotes.

In a world brimming with popular influencers, Vicki Rutwind’s ability to capture the essence of her experiences through stunning photos and engaging narratives sets her apart. 

Follow her journey to witness the world through her eyes, where she celebrates the beauty of NYC and the wonders of global exploration.

5. @jermcohen | Jeremy Cohen

Self intro: “nyc photographer that lances freely”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

Jeremy Cohen, the NYC photographer who dances through life with a camera in hand, has carved a unique niche as one of the city’s most seasoned travelers and popular influencers. 

His lens captures not just places but stories and emotions, offering a fresh perspective on travel and lifestyle.

His stunning photos set Jeremy apart, each a work of art that transcends the ordinary. His portfolio is a testament to his talent, whether it’s vibrant street scenes, breathtaking landscapes, or intimate portraits.

But Jeremy doesn’t stop at beautiful photos. 

He generously shares insider tips, transforming his content into a valuable resource for travelers and photography enthusiasts. 

From hidden gems in the city that never sleeps to secret travel spots worldwide, Jeremy’s content is a treasure trove of inspiration for those seeking to explore with a discerning eye.

For a visual and informative journey through travel and lifestyle, follow Jeremy Cohen and discover the world through his lens.

6. @viverenewyork | Laura Giromini

Self intro: “📸 NYC based Travel & Lifestyle Creator  

🇺🇸 Brooklynite from Italy 🇮🇹”

Laura Giromini, the Brooklyn-based travel and lifestyle creator hailing from Italy, is a seasoned traveler who’s redefining the game for popular influencers. 

Her journey showcases a distinctive blend of her Italian roots and the vibrant culture of New York City.

Laura’s feed is a visual testament to her talent, featuring a collection of beautiful, stunning photos that transport her audience to iconic and hidden destinations. 

Her photography captures the essence of travel and lifestyle in a captivating way.

As one of the amazing travel bloggers, Laura’s posts not only inspire wanderlust but also provide valuable insights for fellow travelers. 

Whether it’s sharing local secrets, must-visit spots, or cultural gems, Laura’s content enriches the travel experience.

Laura Giromini’s profile is a gateway to the best of both worlds for those seeking a genuine connection with travel and lifestyle. 

Join her on a virtual journey through her lens and celebrate the beautiful fusion of Brooklyn and Italy.

7. @with.love.brina | Sabrina

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Fashion, Food

Self intro: “Here you’ll find travel inspiration, beautiful fits, and more…”

Other channels: Website | Linktr.ee | Pinterest | TikTok

Sabrina, the enigmatic voice behind the vibrant world of travel, lifestyle, fashion, and food, is remarkable among New York’s travel macro-influencers. 

With a deep-rooted connection to the fashion industry, Sabrina brings forth a unique blend of style and substance, setting her apart in the crowded digital sphere.

Her blog isn’t just about sharing stunning photos of beautiful destinations; it’s a journey through her fashion-forward lens. 

Sabrina’s fashion tips and insights cater to those who seek wanderlust and an impeccable sense of style in their adventures. 

Her content weaves the threads of travel and fashion seamlessly, offering a holistic experience for her followers.

In a city known for its fashion-forward culture and culinary delights, Sabrina stands as a beacon for those who aspire to explore New York and the world with grace and flair. 

Her blog is a treasure trove of travel inspiration and a fashionista’s guide to the globe, making her a must-follow influencer for anyone looking to elevate their travel and style game.

8. @globetrottingsu | Sunetra

Self intro: “I’m Sunetra (Su)! A travel and photography blogger to fuel your wanderlust. Sharing best travel destinations, tips, itineraries along with photo locations!”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | TikTok

Sunetra, also known as Su, is the creative force behind @globetrottingsu, an Instagram account that transcends the ordinary. 

Her self-introduction as a travel and photography blogger speaks volumes about her passion for exploration. 

Su’s focus on travel and lifestyle is evident in her content, which is a delightful journey for anyone seeking to quench their wanderlust.

What sets @globetrottingsu apart is its commitment to delivering the best travel destinations, tips, and itineraries. 

Su not only shares captivating stories but also provides valuable insights for fellow travelers, helping them plan their adventures with precision. 

Moreover, her inclusion of photo locations enhances the experience, ensuring that her followers can capture the beauty of these destinations in all its glory.

For those who crave a blend of travel inspiration and practical guidance, @globetrottingsu is a must-follow account. 

Su’s content promises to fuel your wanderlust and equip you with the tools to embark on unforgettable journeys.

9. @pretzelsinparadise | Kate & Marc

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Family, Dogs

Self intro: “always having fun”

Other channels: Linktr.ee | TikTok

Kate and Marc, the dynamic duo behind the Instagram account @pretzelsinparadise, are on a mission to infuse every moment with joy and adventure. 

With a focus on travel, lifestyle, family, and the love of their furry friends, dogs, Kate and Marc invite their audience to join them on a journey filled with laughter and cherished moments.

What sets @pretzelsinparadise apart is their ability to seamlessly blend travel and family life. Their posts not only showcase beautiful destinations but also the warmth and togetherness of family bonds. 

The inclusion of their dogs adds an extra layer of charm to their content, appealing to pet lovers and travel enthusiasts alike.

For those seeking inspiration to enjoy life to the fullest, embrace family adventures, and include their furry companions in their escapades, @pretzelsinparadise is a delightful account to follow. 

Kate and Marc’s joyful spirit is contagious and a reminder that paradise can be found in the simple moments of life.

10. @vishusaumya | Saumya Rai

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Relationships

Self intro: “our blog is born out of our passion for travel and love for food”

Contact details:   [email protected]

Saumya Rai, the creative mind behind @vishusaumya, is a remarkable figure in the world of travel and lifestyle influencers. 

Saumya’s account is a vibrant blend of travel escapades, lifestyle inspirations, and a heartfelt exploration of relationships.

With a keen eye for storytelling, @vishusaumya offers a glimpse into her world, where adventure meets culinary delights and relationships are celebrated. 

Her posts don’t just take you to stunning destinations but also introduce you to the culinary experiences that define travel.

What sets @vishusaumya apart is the authenticity of her content. 

Saumya doesn’t just share picturesque landscapes; she shares her journey, love for food, and connection with her audience.

For those seeking a travel influencer who weaves personal experiences, a love for food, and the beauty of relationships into her content, @vishusaumya is the perfect follow. 

Saumya’s account is a journey through the heart, where passion and connection intersect on the path of exploration.

1. @oh_anthonio | Anthony Urbano

Topics: Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle

Self intro: “• overaged zoomer • professional at getting ready”

Other channels: Pinterest | TikTok

Anthony Urbano, the creative mind behind @oh_anthonio, brings a fresh perspective to the world of travel, fashion, and lifestyle influencers. 

His self-introduction as an “overaged zoomer” and “professional at getting ready” hints at his wit and flair for fashion. Anthony’s Instagram account is a captivating journey through the vibrant streets of New York and beyond.

What sets @oh_anthonio apart is his ability to seamlessly blend travel, fashion, and lifestyle in a way that resonates with his audience. 

He doesn’t just showcase beautiful destinations; he does so with an impeccable sense of style.

Anthony’s content inspires wanderlust and showcases the city’s hidden gems, making it a valuable resource for those exploring New York. 

If you’re looking for a travel influencer who adds a dash of fashion and a pinch of humor to your feed, @oh_anthonio is the perfect follow. 

Anthony’s account is an invitation to experience the world in style and with a smile.

2. @27travels | Gabi & Shanna

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, LGBTQ+

Self intro: “Two lesbians in love, traveling the world🌈❤️ We share LGBTQ+ travel tips, finding vegan food around the world, and colorful photography!”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube  

Gabi and Shanna, a dynamic duo sharing their love story and global adventures through the Instagram handle @27travels, are the epitome of travel micro-influencers.

The essence of their content revolves around three core elements: travel, lifestyle, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. 

They’re not just travelers; they’re explorers of love, diversity, and acceptance. 

Gabi and Shanna actively share valuable LGBTQ+ travel tips, making their account a haven for the LGBTQ+ community seeking travel inspiration.

Their quest for vegan food around the world adds a unique flavor to their content, catering to both vegan and non-vegan followers. 

Furthermore, their use of colorful photography brings their experiences to life, making their feed a visual delight.

For those looking for a micro-influencer who celebrates love, diversity, and global exploration, @27travels is a heartwarming and informative account to follow. 

Gabi and Shanna invite you to join them on their journey, where love knows no boundaries, and every destination is an opportunity to celebrate life’s colorful tapestry.

3. @shauniebegley | Shaunie Begley

Self intro: “Your “Catch Flights Not Feelings” Bestie

Born & Raised in Brooklyn”

Other channels: Website | Pinterest | YouTube | TikTok

Contact details: n/a

Shaunie Begley, the ultimate “Catch Flights Not Feelings” bestie, takes the world of travel and lifestyle by storm. 

Born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, Shaunie’s self-introduction perfectly captures her free-spirited and adventurous personality.

Her Instagram account is a captivating journey through the lens of a true New Yorker who’s embraced wanderlust. 

What sets Shaunie apart in the world of macro-influencers is her ability to seamlessly blend travel and lifestyle, giving her followers a taste of both the Big Apple and destinations afar.

Shaunie’s content isn’t just about beautiful locations; it’s about celebrating life, connections, and experiences. 

Her account serves as an invitation for her followers to explore the world and embrace a nomadic lifestyle, all while staying true to themselves.

For those seeking a bestie who advocates catching flights to explore the world rather than feelings, Shaunie Begley’s Instagram is the perfect companion on your journey. 

Join her to celebrate travel, lifestyle, and the vibrant spirit of Brooklyn.

4. @xoxopaula | Paula Castro

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Food

Self intro: “✈️ I travel the world on my days off

🌎Your hidden gem and travel guide to NYC & the world

📍NYC Based Travel & Lifestyle Blogger”

Other channels: Twitter | TikTok

Paula Castro, known as @xoxopaula, is a seasoned traveler and lifestyle connoisseur based in the vibrant heart of New York City. 

Her self-introduction, “I travel the world on my days off,” perfectly encapsulates her passion for exploration and her ability to juggle it with a bustling urban life.

As a New York City-based travel and lifestyle blogger, Paula provides her followers with a treasure trove of travel inspiration, not just in the city that never sleeps, but across the globe. 

Her account is a hidden gem for travelers, offering insider tips and exciting destinations, all served with a dash of food exploration.

What sets @xoxopaula apart is her ability to blend the charm of New York with the allure of far-off places, turning her Instagram into a guide for both locals and wanderers. 

Whether you’re seeking travel ideas, lifestyle inspiration, or simply a glimpse into the city’s wonders, Paula’s account is a must-follow.

5. @sebmodak | Sebastian Modak

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Tourism, Wildlife

Self intro: “writer/editor/photographer

travel editor”

Other channels: Website | Twitter | TikTok

Sebastian Modak, a prominent figure in the realm of travel and lifestyle influencers, introduces himself succinctly as a “writer/editor/photographer” and a “travel editor.” 

His expertise and multifaceted talents are evident in his content, which traverses a diverse range of topics, including travel, lifestyle, tourism, and wildlife.

As a travel editor, Sebastian’s Instagram account is a delightful mix of compelling narratives and stunning photography that transports his followers to captivating destinations. 

His meticulous approach to storytelling sets him apart in the world of travel influencers, offering an insightful perspective on various cultures and ecosystems.

Moreover, Sebastian’s content doesn’t merely showcase beautiful landscapes but also serves as a window into the world of wildlife, making it a valuable resource for nature enthusiasts.

For those seeking a travel influencer who marries the art of writing, photography, and a love for the natural world, Sebastian Modak is the ideal follow. 

His account is a gateway to rich cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery, and a deep appreciation for the diverse flora and fauna that grace our planet.

6. @nycyorkiegirls

Topics: Travel, Dogs, Pet

Self intro: “Follow us for dog friendly travel inspiration, tips and tricks🐾✈️🐶🐶❤️”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Linktr.ee

The Instagram account @nycyorkiegirls, where canine companions take the spotlight, is a delightful haven for pet lovers and travelers alike.

What sets @nycyorkiegirls apart is their focus on pet-friendly travel, offering insights on dog-friendly destinations and tips for seamless travel with four-legged companions. 

Their posts are not only heartwarming but also rich in practical advice, making them a valuable resource for pet owners seeking to explore the world.

The account celebrates the joys of pet ownership and the adventures that come with it, forging a connection with dog lovers and travelers around the world. 

For those looking for inspiration on pet-friendly journeys and heartwarming moments shared between pets and their owners, @nycyorkiegirls is a must-follow. 

Their account is a window into the world of paws and pawsitivity, filled with love and travel adventures.

7. @latinachictravels | Ivonne

Self intro: “👩🏽‍💻 Your travel girly showing you how to travel smarter + purposefully.”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok

Ivonne, the insightful travel influencer, introduces herself as your “travel girly,” a knowledgeable companion in the world of exploration.

Ivonne’s Instagram account is a treasure trove for travel enthusiasts seeking not just inspiration but also practical tips and insights on traveling smarter. 

Her posts are a blend of vibrant destinations and a celebration of life’s adventures, all laced with a touch of purpose.

What distinguishes Ivonne is her dedication to traveling with intention, a message that resonates with those who seek to make the most of their journeys. 

Her account is an invitation to explore the world with mindfulness, celebrating both the beauty of destinations and the purpose behind each adventure.

For those looking for a travel influencer who combines wanderlust with purposeful exploration, Ivonne is the perfect follow. 

Her Instagram offers a thoughtful and informed perspective on travel, encouraging her audience to make each journey a meaningful one.

8. @bethanylooi | Bethany Looi

Self intro: “📍just glimpses of my life in washington dc + nyc (& sometimes from 50+ countries…)”

Other channels: Linktr.ee | Website | Twitter | Pinterest

Bethany Looi, the seasoned traveler and lifestyle enthusiast, shares “just glimpses” of her life in Washington D.C. and New York City, as well as from her adventures across 50+ countries. 

Her self-introduction hints at her vast travel experience and her ability to capture the essence of diverse destinations.

Bethany’s Instagram account is a captivating journey through the lens of a true explorer who effortlessly navigates between urban living and global wanderings. 

Her posts are a delightful mix of lifestyle and travel experiences, showcasing the beauty of her hometowns and the allure of far-off places.

What sets Bethany apart in the world of travel influencers is her ability to offer her followers a taste of her life in multiple cities while sharing the rich tapestry of cultures she’s encountered across the world.

For those seeking a travel influencer with a global perspective, Bethany Looi’s account is a gateway to city life, global adventures, and a cultural mosaic that transcends borders. 

Her Instagram is a celebration of life’s diverse experiences.

9. @setias11 | Ronan Setias

Self intro: “Nurse 🩺

I ❤️ NY | lifestyle + travel”

Ronan Setias, a compassionate nurse by profession and an enthusiastic traveler by heart, introduces himself as a proud New Yorker with a deep affection for the city and a passion for both lifestyle and travel.

Ronan’s Instagram account serves as a reflection of his multifaceted identity. 

He seamlessly blends the demands of his nursing career with the pleasures of travel and lifestyle exploration, offering his followers a glimpse into both the every day and the extraordinary.

What distinguishes Ronan is his ability to balance the fast-paced life of New York with his adventures beyond the city’s borders, giving his audience an insight into his dynamic lifestyle.

For those who admire individuals who can harmonize their professional life with their passions, Ronan Setias is a must-follow. 

His account showcases the balance between the heart of the city and the open road, illustrating that life can be a beautiful blend of dedication and wanderlust.

10. @halfhalftravel | Becca & Dan

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Relationships, Family

Self intro: “We’re Half Half Travel. We love working remotely, writing up our travel hacks, giving you the best product reviews and helping you to live your best life!”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest  

Becca and Dan, the dynamic duo behind Half Half Travel, are on a mission to redefine the world of travel and lifestyle influencers.

As a couple, Becca and Dan bring a unique perspective to their content, showcasing the joys of working remotely and living life to the fullest. 

Their Instagram is a captivating blend of travel, lifestyle, and a celebration of the strong bond that ties them together.

What sets Half Half Travel apart is their commitment to sharing travel hacks and product reviews, offering their followers valuable insights to enhance their journeys. Their account is an invitation to explore the world while embracing the flexibility of remote work.

For those looking for travel influencers who share not only destinations but also the art of living life to the fullest, Becca and Dan’s Instagram is a valuable resource. 

It’s a celebration of travel, relationships, and the beauty of remote work, all woven together in a captivating tapestry.

Explore niche influencers in New York :

🧘🏼‍♂️ Top 21  Health and Wellness Influencers in NYC

🍩 Top 36  Food Influencers in New York

👼 Top 22  Parenting Influencers in New York

🛍 Top 32  Fashion Influencers in NYC

🎮 Top 12  Gaming Influencers in NYC

🔮 Top 30  Beauty Influencers in New York

🖼 Top 30  Lifestyle Influencers in New York

⛹🏻‍♀️ Top 30  Sport & Fitness Influencers in New York

🏝 Top 30  Travel Influencers in New York

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🌉  Trendiest TikTok Spots in New York

🌆  Top Instagram Spots in New York

1. @ et_in_nyc

Topics: Travel, Food

Self intro: “ 🇺🇸 New York is a great city. Discover it through the eyes of a foreigner👽”

Other channels: Linktr.ee  

The Instagram account et_in_nyc, run by an individual whose love for travel and food knows no bounds, offers a unique perspective on New York City.

What sets et_in_nyc apart is their ability to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of New York, not only as a traveler but also as a foreigner. 

Their posts are a delightful fusion of travel and food experiences, capturing the essence of the city’s rich culinary scene alongside its iconic landmarks.

For those seeking a fresh take on the city that never sleeps and its culinary treasures, et_in_nyc’s Instagram is the perfect follow. 

It offers a unique lens through which to explore New York, making it a great source of inspiration for both travelers and food enthusiasts.

2. @dancalders | Dan

Self intro: “PHOTOGRAPHER | ARTIST”

@dancalders, the Instagram handle of Dan, is a visual journey through the world of a gifted photographer and artist.

Dan’s Instagram is a canvas of travel and lifestyle, where each post is a work of art. 

His photography and artistic vision breathe life into the places he visits, making them not just destinations but captivating stories.

What distinguishes Dan is his ability to capture the essence of each location and the emotions tied to it. 

His account is an invitation to experience the world’s beauty through his eyes, whether it’s a serene landscape or the hustle and bustle of a city.

For those who appreciate the artistry of photography and seek to be transported to various corners of the world through images, Dan’s Instagram is a must-follow. 

It’s a visual feast, offering a unique perspective on travel and lifestyle through the lens of a talented artist.

3. @krity_s | Krity

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Beauty, Makeup, Fashion, Skincare, Home Decor, Health & Wellness

Self intro: “New York gal here to inspire you through outfit ideas, beauty hacks, makeup looks, skincare secrets, home decor, and travel guides-all while staying on budget!”

Krity, the New York gal behind the Instagram handle @krity_s, is a multi-talented influencer who offers a treasure trove of insights across various topics

Krity’s Instagram account is a one-stop destination for those seeking inspiration for a balanced and stylish life. 

Whether it’s fashion tips, beauty hacks, skincare secrets, home decor ideas, or travel guides, she does it all while being mindful of budget constraints.

What distinguishes Krity is her ability to make style and lifestyle accessible to a wide audience. 

Her content is not just visually appealing but also practical and relatable, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to enhance their everyday experiences.

For those who appreciate a well-rounded approach to lifestyle and travel, Krity’s Instagram is a valuable follow. 

It’s a source of inspiration for those eager to live a stylish life without breaking the bank.

4. @thekatieromero | Katie Romero

Self intro: “I do things so you can do things”

Jyoti Hardat, the self-proclaimed “Travel Enthusiast,” uses her Instagram account to share her passion for exploration and a dynamic lifestyle.

Jyoti’s Instagram is a captivating gallery of her travel experiences and lifestyle moments, allowing her followers to embark on journeys vicariously and find inspiration for their own adventures.

What sets her apart is her unwavering enthusiasm for travel, which radiates through her posts. 

She’s a testament to the joy and wonder of discovering new places and cultures, and her content serves as an invitation for others to embark on their own travel adventures.

For those seeking a travel influencer whose passion for exploration is contagious, Jyoti Hardat’s Instagram is a must-follow. 

It’s a source of inspiration for travel enthusiasts and a reminder of the boundless possibilities that come with a love for adventure.

5. @jyotihardat | Jyoti Hardat

Self intro: “Travel Enthusiast 🛫”

Other channels: Twitter | Pinterest | TikTok

6. @blairvmeeks | Blair Meeks

Topics: Travel, Tourism, Lifestyle

Self intro: “Hi! I’m Blair! A lover of nature, travel, hiking, writing and photography. I love showing others that it’s possible to live a life of adventure with anxiety!”

Other channels: Website | Facebook | Pinterest | TikTok

Blair Meeks is an adventurer and advocate for living a life of adventure despite anxiety. 

Blair’s Instagram is a captivating journey through the natural world, with travel and tourism as its backdrop. 

Her posts are a blend of stunning landscapes, personal experiences, and a message of empowerment for those who may be dealing with anxiety.

What distinguishes Blair is her determination to show others that it’s possible to embrace adventure and explore the beauty of the world, even while navigating the challenges of anxiety. 

Her account is a source of inspiration for those looking to overcome personal hurdles and embark on their own adventures.

For those seeking a travel influencer who brings an element of personal growth and resilience to their journeys, Blair Meeks’ Instagram is a valuable follow. 

It’s a celebration of the outdoors, exploration, and the human spirit’s ability to triumph over obstacles.

7. @elektracianf | Elettra Cianferoni Beccari

Self intro: n/a

Other channels: Soundcloud

Elettra Cianferoni Beccari, the Instagram influencer with the handle @elektracianf, posts content that speaks volumes. 

Her account is a captivating blend of travel and lifestyle, inviting her followers to explore the world through her experiences and perspective.

What sets Elettra apart is her ability to convey her passion for travel and lifestyle through her visual storytelling. 

Her posts offer a glimpse into different destinations, daily life, and the beauty she discovers along the way.

While her self-introduction may be concise, her Instagram account is an invitation to travel enthusiasts and lifestyle aficionados looking for inspiration and a fresh perspective on the world. 

Elettra’s content embodies the idea that sometimes, less is more, and the images and stories she shares evoke a sense of wanderlust and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

For those who appreciate travel and lifestyle influencers who let their content speak for itself, Elettra Cianferoni Beccari’s Instagram is a must-follow. 

It’s a visual journey through captivating destinations and the beauty of everyday life.

8. @anastasiagregory | Anastasia Gregory

Self intro: “Fits, food, and fun”

Other channels: Linktr.ee | Pinterest | TikTok

Anastasia Gregory’s Instagram account, under the handle @anastasiagregory, is a vibrant celebration of life’s delightful elements: “Fits, food, and fun.”

Anastasia’s Instagram is a dynamic blend of travel, lifestyle, and culinary explorations. 

Her posts capture the essence of each destination she visits, whether it’s the cultural experiences, fashion, or the delectable dishes she encounters along the way.

What sets Anastasia apart is her ability to balance the pleasures of travel with a deep appreciation for the culinary wonders of each region. 

Her account is a sensory journey that immerses her followers in the diverse flavors and experiences that travel can offer.

Anastasia Gregory’s Instagram is a must-follow for those who revel in the trifecta of travel, lifestyle, and food. It’s a source of inspiration for those who seek to savor the world’s delights and revel in the joy of living life to the fullest.

9. @traveltoafairytale | Anna Myrha

Topics: Travel, Lifestyle, Fashion, Beauty

Self intro:  “Left NYC to live on a Greek island

💙 Re-discovering the land of the Gods”

Anna Myrha’s Instagram journey, known as @traveltoafairytale, is a story of transformation and exploration.

Anna’s account is a visual odyssey that documents her life-changing decision to leave the bustling city of New York for the serene beauty of a Greek island. 

Her posts are a testament to her rediscovery of a life closely connected to nature and the ancient wonders of Greece.

What distinguishes Anna is her ability to inspire others to take bold steps in pursuit of their dreams. 

Her Instagram is an invitation to those who are seeking to break free from the ordinary and embrace a life that resonates with their passions and desires.

For those who yearn to embark on transformative journeys and savor the beauty of life, Anna Myrha’s Instagram is an essential follow. 

It’s a source of inspiration for those looking to reconnect with the wonders of the world and themselves.

10. @shanellethebelle | Shanelle Butler

Self intro: “Youtuber | Lifestyle Content Creator”

Other channels: YouTube | TikTok | Pinterest

Shanelle Butler, a dynamic creator and YouTuber, takes to Instagram with the handle @shanellethebelle, where she shares a diverse range of content spanning travel, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty.

Shanelle’s Instagram account is a rich tapestry of her life and experiences. 

Her posts invite followers to explore her travel adventures, lifestyle insights, fashion flair, and beauty discoveries.

What sets Shanelle apart is her multi-faceted approach to content creation, where she seamlessly blends different aspects of her life and interests. 

Her account is a reflection of her vibrant and dynamic personality, offering a myriad of insights and inspiration for her audience.

For those who appreciate content creators who celebrate the diversity of life and its many facets, Shanelle Butler’s Instagram is a must-follow. 

It’s a gateway to a world of travel, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty, all curated by a passionate and creative influencer.

Final Thoughts

As we finish up, it’s clear that New York’s vibe isn’t stuck inside the city — it goes wherever its people go.

These travel influencers from New York have shown us places all over the world but have also mixed in a bit of their home city’s feel into their stories, giving us a collection of travel tales that still sound like New York.

They’ve shown just how well New Yorkers can adjust, stay strong, and keep being curious.

And as they keep traveling, one thing is for sure: in every story they tell and every new place they find, New York is always part of the picture.

We hope their stories have sparked your desire to travel and reminded you that you take a part of where you’re from with you wherever you go.

Safe travels and see you on the next trip!

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

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 .