Timeless Traveler's Guide
Ultimate Travel Guide to
New York, USA
Flights, Hotels, Connectivity & Insurance
Hey, how ya doin’?
Welcome to New York
Grit, Glamour, the Big Apple...
New York City, the pulsing heart of the U.S, is a must-visit that blends skyscraper dreams with street-level soul. With 8.5 million residents across its five boroughs, it’s alive with the roar of yellow taxis, the glow of Times Square, and the hum of subway life. Whether you’re gazing from the Empire State Building, munching a bagel in Brooklyn, or catching a Broadway show, NYC delivers a timeless adventure that’s as bold as it is boundless.
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!
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).
Add where your leaving from, add New York, USA in the Going to field, add your Check-in and Check-out dates, hit search and find the perfect flights for you. Don't leave your travel arrangements to chance. Put them in hands you can trust with Expedia.
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!
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
While 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. We have something here for everyone. All conveniently displayed on a easy map to quickly find exactly where you want to stay. Enter where your going, the dates, hit search and find the perfect place to stay.
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
Pastrami on Rye: Smoky, piled high—deli heaven. Katz’s Delicatessen ($25 USD).
Cheesecake: Creamy, dense slice. Junior’s ($8 USD).
Lobster Roll: Buttery seafood on a bun. Luke’s Lobster ($20 USD).
Corned Beef Hash: Hearty brunch staple. Clinton St. Baking Co. ($15 USD).
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: 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!
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.
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.
Why You Need Travel Insurance for Your New York Trip
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. World Nomads suits city explorers; Allianz covers the basics.
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.
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.
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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