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Hey, how ya doin’?
Welcome to New York
Welcome to New York
Grit, Glamour, the Big Apple...
Grit, Glamour, the Big Apple...
New York City, the pulsing heart of the U.S, is a must-visit colossus where skyscraper dreams tower over a street-level soul that never sleeps. Spanning five boroughs with 8.5 million residents, it’s a symphony of chaos and wonder. Alive with the throaty roar of yellow taxis weaving through Midtown’s gridlock, the neon glow of Times Square bathing crowds in electric light, and the subterranean hum of subway cars rattling beneath Manhattan’s asphalt veins.
Picture yourself gazing from the Empire State Building’s art deco perch, the city’s jagged skyline unfurling to the horizon. Lady Liberty a distant speck in the harbor. Or munching a warm, chewy bagel in Brooklyn, the scent of sesame and schmear mingling with coffee steam as brownstones line the streets. Maybe it’s catching a Broadway show, where spotlights flare and voices soar, or strolling Central Park’s leafy sprawl, horse carriages clopping past joggers and buskers.
From the Bronx’s salsa beats to Queens’ dim sum dives and Staten Island’s ferry breeze, NYC weaves a tapestry of grit and grandeur, pizza slices snatched on the go, jazz notes spilling from Harlem stoops. It’s a timeless adventure, bold and boundless, ready to sweep you into its ceaseless rhythm.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to New York This Year
Best Flights to New York This Year
NYC’s served by three main airports: John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens, and Newark Liberty (EWR) in New Jersey—16 km, 13 km, and 21 km from Manhattan, respectively. Here’s how to fly in:
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their New York-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London flights range from £250–£600 ($325–$780 USD, 7–8 hours) with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, or Norwegian—many direct.
From Asia: Tokyo or Singapore to NYC costs $500–$1,200 (14–17 hours) via ANA, Singapore Airlines, or United, often with a stop.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne flights run $900–$1,500 (21–24 hours) with Qantas, Delta, or United—typically one layover.
From the U.S.: Domestic hops from L.A. or Chicago range $100–$300 (5–6 or 2–3 hours) with JetBlue, Southwest, or American—frequent and fast.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) and holiday peaks (Thanksgiving, Christmas) jack up prices—book 3–4 months ahead. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can trim $50–$150. Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) offer cooler vibes and better fares—watch for early-year sales!New York Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From JFK, the AirTrain plus subway hits Manhattan in 45 minutes ($11 USD). LGA’s Q70 bus to subway is $3 USD. Newark’s NJ Transit to Penn Station costs $16 USD. Taxis run $40–$70 USD—pre-book via Expedia (#affiliate-link) to skip lines.
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens need none; others get 90 days visa-free with ESTA ($21 USD, apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov) or a visitor visa ($185 USD).
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Top Places to Stay in New York
Top Places to Stay in New York
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, New York offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to rooftop apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in New York now!
Use Agoda to help ensure you're getting the best deals available. Perhaps you'll even find a hidden gem of a property that might not be available elsewhere. Book Now!
See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in New York
NYC’s got options from cheap to chic.
Budget travelers can crash at Pod 51 in Midtown ($80–$120/night) or The Local NY in Long Island City ($40–$80/night).
Mid-range picks like The Jane in the West Village ($150–$250/night) offer quirky charm
Luxury reigns at The Plaza ($500–$900/night) or The Standard High Line ($300–$600/night) with Meatpacking views.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers.
All conveniently displayed on a easy to use map. Helping you quickly find exactly where you want to stay.
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Hit search to find the perfect place to stay.
Best Local Food in New York
Best Local Food in New York
NYC’s food scene is a global buffet with Big Apple swagger—fast, bold, and diverse.
NYC Bagel: Chewy, boiled perfection with cream cheese. Ess-a-Bagel ($4 USD).
Pizza Slice: Thin, foldable, cheesy goodness. Joe’s Pizza ($3.50 USD).
Hot Dog: Street cart classic with mustard and kraut. Gray’s Papaya ($2 USD).
Iconic New York Dishes to Try
Iconic New York Dishes to Try
Pastrami on Rye: Smoky pastrami ham, piled high on rye bread—deli heaven. Get it at Katz’s Delicatessen ($25 USD).
Cheesecake: Creamy New York style baked cheesecake, decadently dense slice. Head over to Junior’s ($8 USD).
Lobster Roll: Buttery seafood bliss on a fresh baked bun. Head to Luke’s Lobster ($20 USD).
Corned Beef Hash: Hearty and filling brunch staple. The best in town at Clinton St. Baking Co. ($15 USD).
Best Restaurants in New York
Best Restaurants in New York
Le Bernardin (Midtown): Seafood elegance ($100+ USD mains).
Shake Shack (Multiple): Burgers and fries ($10–$15 USD).
Momofuku Noodle Bar (East Village): Ramen with edge ($20 USD).
Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side): Bagels and lox ($15 USD).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
By Chloe (Multiple): Plant-based burgers ($12 USD).
Superiority Burger (East Village): Veggie patties ($8 USD).
Staying Connected in New York
Staying Connected in New York
Best eSIM Providers for New York
Stay online with an eSIM—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile blanket NYC with 4G/5G. Airalo’s “USA” plan (5GB for $16, 10 days) works for short trips; Ubigi’s packs (500MB for $2, 10GB for $29) flex for longer stays. Public Wi-Fi’s dicey—don’t rely on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to New York and the US, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in New York
Best Attractions in New York
Must-Do in New York: Unmissable Experiences
NYC’s a whirlwind of icons and hidden gems—here’s your lineup, loaded with specifics.
Top the Empire State Building
Why: Classic skyline views from 1,250 feet up.
Details: Tickets from $44 USD (main deck, book online); open 8 AM–2 AM. Night visits sparkle.
Tip: Sunset shots with the Chrysler Building rock.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Why: Iconic span with Manhattan vistas.
Details: Free, 1–2 hours round-trip. Start in Brooklyn for the skyline view.
Tip: Hit Dumbo’s Instagram-famous Washington St. spot after.
Catch a Broadway Show
Why: Theater magic in the heart of Times Square.
Details: Tickets from $50 USD (e.g., The Lion King at Minskoff). Check TKTS for same-day discounts.
Tip: Pre-show neon pics are a must.
Explore Central Park
Why: 843 acres of urban oasis—lakes, lawns, and Bethesda Fountain.
Details: Free; bike rentals $15 USD/hour. Open dawn–1 AM.
Tip: Rowboat rentals ($20 USD/hour) add romance.
Visit the Statue of Liberty
Why: Symbol of freedom with killer harbor views.
Details: Ferry plus pedestal access $25 USD (book via Statue Cruises). Allow 3–4 hours.
Tip: Ellis Island combo deepens the story.
Roam the High Line
Why: Elevated park with art and Hudson River sights.
Details: Free, open 7 AM–10 PM. Start at Meatpacking, end at Hudson Yards.
Tip: Vessel selfies nearby are a win.
Shop SoHo
Why: Cast-iron buildings, boutiques, and street style.
Details: Free to wander; budget $50–$200+ USD for finds. Open late.
Tip: Coffee at La Colombe ($5 USD) fuels the spree.
Check out our New York collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to New York
Protecting Your Trip to New York
From subway snafus to ER visits ($500+ USD without coverage), insurance is a no-brainer. A policy covering cancellations, health, and lost bags runs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 escape. Check out the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for New York
Practical Tips for New York
Best Time to Visit: Spring (Mar–May) or autumn (Sep–Nov)—crisp and vibrant; summer’s hot, winter’s chilly.
Getting Around: MTA subway with MetroCard ($3 USD/ride); taxis $15–$30 USD/trip.
Currency: U.S. Dollar ($); cards everywhere, cash for street eats.
Pack: Sneakers, layers—NYC’s a walking city.
New York City Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
New York City Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn: Forget Central Park—this 478-acre necropolis blends Gothic gates with skyline views. Locals jog past Vanderbilt tombs—free, open 7 AM–7 PM. 1–2 hours; subway to 25th Street (R line).
Day Trip to Coney Island: A 1-hour subway ride from Manhattan (D/F/N/Q, $3 USD each way) hits this retro beachfront—ride the Wonder Wheel ($8 USD), eat Nathan’s hot dogs ($5 USD)—quieter than Times Square. Half-day; summer’s best.
Strand Bookstore’s Rare Book Room: Skip Fifth Avenue shops for this Union Square gem’s third floor—leather-bound tomes ($10–$100 USD) and literary air. Open till 8 PM—grab a $3 USD coffee nearby to linger. Near 14th Street subway.
Why It’s Worth It: Green-Wood’s eerie calm, Coney’s nostalgic thrill, and Strand’s bookish nook swap NYC’s flash for quirky depth.
New York City Cultural Insights and Etiquette
New York City Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A quick handshake or “Hey, how’s it going?”—New Yorkers are direct but friendly once past the rush. First names rule; formality’s rare.
Dress: Anything goes—sneakers and hoodies in Brooklyn, suits in Midtown. Dress up for Broadway (smart-casual) or rooftop bars (trendy).
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Walk fast—NYC’s pace is relentless; dawdling clogs sidewalks. Tip 15–20% ($3–$5 USD on $20) at restaurants; cabbies expect 10%.
Don’t: Stop mid-sidewalk—step aside for photos. Don’t haggle at bodegas; prices are fixed (e.g., $2 USD bagel).
Respect: Give subway buskers space—toss a dollar if you linger. Avoid loud calls on trains—earbuds are king.
Festival Highlights
Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (November): Balloons and bands—line up early on Central Park West for local cheers.
West Indian Day Carnival (Labor Day): Brooklyn’s Caribbean heart—join the jerk chicken feast to vibe with Flatbush crews.
Blend In: Say “Thanks” briskly—it fits the hustle. Grab pizza slices to-go ($3 USD); eating on the move screams New Yorker.
Let the Good Times Roll in New York
Let the Good Times Roll in New York
New York City is a thrilling destination for travelers chasing a wild mix of grit, glamour, and endless possibility. Whether you’re savoring a slice in a bodega, exploring towering landmarks, or roaming eclectic boroughs, NYC has something unforgettable for every dreamer. By booking the best flights, choosing stellar accommodations, digging into iconic local eats, and uncovering both famous sights and hidden gems, you’ll craft memories to last a lifetime in this electric metropolis.
Planning your NYC escape is a snap with the right tools. Whether you’re securing flights, picking the perfect hotel, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide’s got your back. Don’t forget travel insurance for peace of mind on your journey. Get ready to dive into the energy and allure of New York City this season!
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