To visit New York City is to embark on the ultimate urban adventure. Explore legendary landmarks, discover diverse neighborhoods, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Latest articles about visiting New York City

Welcome to New York City USA

Top Attractions & Neighborhoods to Visit in New York City

  • Manhattan Core: Times Square, Central Park, Broadway Theater District, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue Shopping.
  • Iconic Landmarks: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (ferry from Battery Park), Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Cultural Institutions: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), American Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
  • Key Neighborhoods: SoHo (shopping), Greenwich Village, Chelsea (art & High Line), Williamsburg in Brooklyn (trendy), Harlem (historic).

Getting Around When You Visit New York City

  • Subway (MTA): The fastest and most affordable way to travel. Use Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time directions. Purchase a MetroCard or use OMNY (tap-to-pay with contactless card/phone).
  • Walking: Many attractions in Manhattan are walkable. Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Taxis & Rideshare: Yellow taxis (metered) and Uber/Lyft are widely available but can be slow in traffic. Use for shorter trips or when not near a subway.
  • Between Boroughs: Use the subway. Ferries (like the Staten Island Ferry – which is free) and Citi Bike are scenic alternatives for specific routes.

Essential Tips for Your Visit to New York

  • Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially for peak seasons. Hotels are expensive; consider locations in Midtown, Lower Manhattan, or Long Island City (Queens) for good transit access.
  • Broadway Shows: Purchase tickets in advance via official sites. For same-day discounts, visit the TKTS Booth in Times Square, South Street Seaport, or Lincoln Center.
  • CityPass or Go City Card: Consider if you plan to visit multiple major paid attractions. Can offer significant savings.
  • Safety & Awareness: NYC is generally safe for tourists. Standard city precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and keep valuables secure.

Money & Logistics for a New York City Visit

  • Tipping: Standard is 15-20% at sit-down restaurants and for taxi/rideshare drivers. Tip $1-2 per drink at bars and $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
  • Sales Tax: An 8.875% sales tax is added at register for most goods. Clothing items under $110 are exempt.
  • Dining: Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants. Casual food (pizza slices, bagels, food trucks) is delicious and budget-friendly.

Best Times to Visit New York City: Seasonal Guide

  • Best Weather: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October).
  • Peak Crowds: Summer (July-August) and holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s). Holiday windows and the Rockefeller Center Tree are major draws in December.
  • Winter: Can be very cold and snowy, but the city is festive. Pack accordingly.

Key Day Trip Options from New York City

  • The Hamptons or Fire Island (beaches, summer)
  • Hudson Valley (historic sites, hiking)
  • Philadelphia, Washington D.C., or Boston (accessible via Amtrak train)

Official Resources