NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

With its stunning skyline, renowned museums, charming neighborhoods, and hundred-year-old monuments, I sure did enjoy every second that I spent in NYC.

That is why I made this New York City Travel Guide just for you. It has everything you need to know about this beautiful city, from the things to do and see, places to eat, when to go, typical costs in New York, and much more. So, get ready to have an unforgettable journey with this New York Guide. 

Things to see and do in New York City 

1. See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

One of the best places to visit in New York is the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which is home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The only way to get there is by ferry, and you have to buy ferry tickets through Statue City Cruises to get access to both attractions. 

2. Explore the Central Park

Exploring Central Park is one of the fun things to do in New York during the summer! I was able to enjoy every bit of it, starting from the Conservatory Garden, Bethesda Fountain, Belvedere Castle, Central Park Zoo, and much more!

3. Enjoy the views from the Empire State Building

If you want to see incredible views of the entire New York city and much more beyond you have to go to the Empire State Building’s 86^th floor observation deck. What’s more, you can combine the two and upgrade the views by going to the 102^nd floor for a starting price of $79 (and it’s less crowded).

4. Wander through the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is quite large, so you won’t be able to explore everything in one go. What I did was pick their site map, and then went on to see what interested me most! Some of the most impressive exhibits I saw are from Egypt and Rome, so it is like wandering through a museum inside another larger museum. 

5. See a Broadway Show

You can’t go to New York City and come back without seeing a Broadway show. Broadway shows in New York attract thousands of visitors each year so it’s better to book your tickets in advance. When I visited in November, I saw two Broadway shows – The Book of Mormon and Wicked.

6. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum showcases the history of the September 11, 2001 attacks and remembers the 2800+ people that were killed during the attacks, as well as the 1993 attack on the World Trade Centre through many exhibitions and educational programs. 

7. See the artworks at Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Another one of the best places to visit in New York is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). MoMA is home to many artworks, with the notable ones being from famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo.

8. Try outdoor activities in the Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the best places to visit in Brooklyn. This park is great for a leisurely stroll as it offers many activities for people of all ages such as roller skating, ice skating, running, playing basketball, etc. – and I certainly did love the breathtaking views of the New York Harbor and lower Manhattan’s skyline. Also check out my other article on Things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn if you are thinking about exploring brooklyn.

9. Head to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck

If you want to enjoy more of the panoramic views of New York City’s skyline, head to the Top of the Rock 3-tiered observation deck of Rockefeller Plaza. 

Another one of the fascinating hidden places in New York City is the rooftop gardens at Rockefeller Center. So, if you are more into hidden gems in New York, I suggest you visit these rooftop gardens – I feel it is a true treasure in the middle of this bustling city.

10. Visit Finger Lakes 

One of the best places to visit in Upstate New York is Finger Lakes. Finger Lakes are famous for its beautiful scenery, countless outdoor activities, wineries, and craft beer breweries! So, if you planning to go there keep in mind that the best towns to stay in Finger Lakes are Canandaigua and Geneva. 

Alternatively, you can visit another one of the best lakes in New York – the Lake Placid. Lake Placid is known as the best NYC getaways in winter with activities like skiing, ice skating, dog sled riding, and much more. 

Where to stay in New York City

1. citizenM Times Square

Located an 8-minute walk away from the famous Times Square, the citizenM Times Square is a 4-star hotel with 230 boutique cozy rooms, a rooftop bar, and a gym with beautiful city views in the Theatre District. 

2. Arlo SoHo Hotel

If you want to get away from the crowds of New York City, Arlo SoHo Hotel should be your go-to place. This 4-star hotel with 325 contemporary rooms with a Scandinavian touch offers amenities like New American restaurants, bars, markets, and much more!

3. Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan

Another one of the best places to stay in New York is Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan. Located less than a 10-minute walk away from Central Park, this 4-star hotel offers casual rooms & suites along with amenities like a restaurant, fitness center, and indoor lap pool access. 

4. Hard Rock Hotel New York

Located about a 10-minute walk from the Museum of Modern Art, Hard Rock Hotel is a 4-star hotel with 446 guestrooms and suites across 36 floors, and lovely dining experiences, along with other amenities like a restaurant, bar, steakhouse, rooftop cocktail lounge, gift shop and much more!

5. The Pearl Hotel New York 

Another one of the best places to stay in New York City is the Pearl Hotel. This 4-star hotel has 94 trendy boutique rooms and suites, with amenities like a restaurant, bar, private balconies, patios, and a gym. 

How to Get Around in New York City 

Here is the New York Guide on how to get around the city; With taxis, buses, subway, and even ferries there are so many options for you.

1. Taxis

Yellow taxis are one of the most popular ways to get around in New York City. These taxis are metered, with fares starting from $3 and then increasing depending on the distance you travel. 

I tried these yellow taxis 1-2 times in New York to get the experience of it and it surely did not disappoint. The taxi drivers are very friendly but it is best to not let them know you are a tourist. The fares for the taxis can be paid in cash, or a credit/debit card. You can also try Uber or Lyft, but they need to be booked via the apps.

2. Buses 

Buses in New York come as either local or express. The fares for the local buses start at $2.75, while it is $6.75 for the express buses. You can pay the bus fares with either cash (only coins are accepted), by MetroCard, or using contactless methods like the OMNY system. 

3. Subway

Another one of the main popular ways to get around New York City is with the subway. In my opinion, it is the best transportation option if you want to avoid the traffic and crowds conveniently! 

A single ticket will cost around $3, and the best part about it is you can go as far as you want as there are no zone systems. You can also pay with the Metrocard or with contactless methods like the OMNY system. 

4. Ferry

A New York City travel guide is not complete without mentioning the ferries! The most well-known is the NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower Cruises. It is a great way to travel through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island along the East River and Hudson River. 

The tickets must be bought at the ticket vending machines in the ferry stations, or via the NYC Ferry app and they accept either cash or credit cards. 

I only tried the Staten Island Ferry, which was free and it was a great way for me to see a close view of the Statue of Liberty without taking a paid tour.

5. Pedicabs 

Pedicabs are three-wheeled cycles with a driver and they will take you from one place to another, with you just sitting back relaxing! This is the first time I actually saw “pedicabs” and it took me by surprise. The ride is quite enjoyable so you can also check it out. 

Fares depend on the time taken to travel, which is between $3 – $7 per minute and you will see a digital timer to make everything easier. New York Pedicab Services accepts debit/credit cards, checks, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App payments.

6. Citi Bikes 

If you don’t know what Citi Bike is, it is a bicycle-sharing system owned by Lyft, operating in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, as well as Jersey City and Hoboken. 

I went with a day pass as it is the most convenient option. A day pass will have unlimited 30-minute rides for $19 per day. 

When to go to New York City

The best time to go to New York City is during the fall months from late September through early November. 

One of the reasons is because of the pleasant weather, with not-so-warm temperatures making it great for spending time in the outdoors. 

Another reason is there will be fewer crowds and price drops when compared to the peak summer season months like June to August. So, if you like to be away from the busy New York vibe just like me, then the fall months are for you. 

Typical Costs in New York City 

This NY travel guide will help know the typical costs in New York City. 

I was more into a mid-range budget so this is how it went with around $600 per day on average. I found that breakfast prices are a little cheaper than the other meals. Street food/fast food is also really nice, so if you are here with a tight budget I say go for it! So, on average, I spent like $50 for food per day in New York City. 

As for accommodation, you can expect to spend around $300-400 per night on 4/5- star hotels in New York. There are luxury options as well so this is just for a mid-range budget traveler like me. I also spend around $45 for transportation per day (then again, I was also experimenting with the wide range of options) so it can vary depending on your needs. 

And finally, for attractions and activities in New York City, I spent around $180 per day, this includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses. 

Anyways, this can change depending on the season you travel, the attractions you are interested in, and whether you want to take public transportation and much more….

Money Saving Tips for New York City 

Anyone traveling to New York City should know that it can be a bit expensive – starting from the accommodation to food and even the transportation options. That is why I have included these money-saving tips in this New York City travel guide. 

1. Travel to New York in the off-season.

I know that some of your schedules might be fixed when it comes to traveling to New York. However, if it is flexible I suggest you avoid the peak season and visit New York in months like September to November. When I visited in November, I found a lot of deals, especially for flight tickets and hotel prices! 

2. Try to make use of public transport options.

As I mentioned earlier, there are many ways to get around New York City. Renting a car can be really expensive, and as for yellow taxis, you can just try it once or twice for the experience. This is because public transportation options like the subway, and buses will save you more money, especially if you invest in a MetroCard. 

3. Shop and eat like a local.

One of my favorite money-saving tips for New York City is to shop and eat like a local.  You can search for places where the locals eat such as Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe and Scarr’s Pizza (I loved their pizzas!). 

You can check out Happy Hour deals in New York to get the best local experience. And don’t forget to visit the Chelsea Flea Market if you want to find souvenirs for affordable prices. 

4 . Check out New York City’s free attractions.

I was able to enjoy many free attractions and even free guided tours in NYC. You can also check out Central Park, Staten Island Ferry, Metropolitan Museum of Art, High Line, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and much more!

5. Stay in less expensive neighborhoods.

I know that Manhattan can be a little expensive, but why not try the less expensive neighborhoods like Queens and Brooklyn? They can offer the same comfort and amenities while being about 20% less expensive! 

6. Consider getting the New York Pass.

I was able to save about 50% with the New York City Pass when visiting major attractions like the Empire State Building Observatory, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and much more! 

The prices start at $159 for adults and $119 for kids, and while it may seem like a lot to pay, you will even get the chance to skip the crowded lines with this pass. 

How to stay safe in New York City?

Don’t worry, in my personal experience, New York is completely safe for tourists. However, like all major cities’ crimes can happen so it is better to know how to stay safe in New York City with these tips…

• Try to blend in with the locals and always know what you want and where you are going. For example, there can be taxis that charge extra when they know you are a tourist. 
• Make sure to label your luggage so that they can be identified easily. You can also take photos of your luggage, in case it gets stolen/lost and you need to show what it looked like for the authorities. 
• Populated places like Times Square can have pickpocketers. So always keep an eye on your valuables, especially your wallets. Try to keep them in your bags (for ladies), and for men please keep them on your front pocket for extra security. Also, don’t take a lot of cash when you are going outside. 
• Before coming to New York, try to arrange transport from the airport to the accommodation from a reputed company. 
• Try not to travel alone at night, especially if you are a solo traveler in New York. You also have to avoid going to places like Hunts Point, Brownsville, Mott Haven, and East Harlem because there are higher crime rates reported. 
• So, the best places to stay in New York according to Reddit are Midtown, Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, and Soho. 

Best Websites to Book Your Trip in New York 

Now you know everything you need to know about the City of Angels, thanks to this New York Travel Guide. 

Finally, I have included some of the best websites to book your trip to New York below to make your planning much easier….

1. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is one of my favorite websites to search for flights! You just have to put your departure times, travel dates class preferences, etc., and sit back and relax as it helps you to compare multiple flight options, especially to search for budget flight options that larger websites usually miss.

2. Booking.com

Booking.com is another one of my go-to websites to search for low-rate accommodations. In my opinion, it shows the cheapest rates for all those budget-friendly hostels, boutique hotels, and even luxury villas and resorts from all the hotel booking websites out there.

3. Get Your Guide

 I had zero ideas on what to do when I got to New York City. Then came Get Your Guide to the rescue – which is one of the best places to find activities (hiking, cooking classes, street art explorations, sunset cruises, etc), tour excursions, and even guided tours from cities all over the world.

4. Safety Wing 

SafetyWing is especially great for digital nomads who are always on the go! Their insurance plans include monthly subscriptions, coverage for medical expenses, emergencies, lost luggage, and much more to offer you peace of mind no matter what part of the world you are in. 

5. Hostel World 

Hostelworld is one of the best places I have come across for all my budget-friendly accommodation needs. With guesthouses and hostels, you can also choose your preferences such as the location, and room type, and even look for the highest ratings to find the one that matches your needs. 

6. Expedia 

Expedia is another one of my go-to websites to search for flights, accommodation, hotels, and tour packages because it contains literally everything! One of my favorite things about Expedia is its Rewards Program, which allows me to earn points for bookings and use in the future. 

7. Travelocity

Just like Expedia, Travelocity can be used to compare flights, and hotel prices and even search for tour excursions and packages based on your needs. 

8. Life Straw 

Reusable water bottles are life savers for me. I always carry a Life Straws lightweight reusable water bottle with built-in filters to keep my water clean and myself safe wherever I go. 

9. Unbound Merino

If you are searching for travel-friendly clothing, Unbound Merino is your place. These lightweight moisture-wicking clothes are great for all kinds of weather and activities. 

10. Top Travel Credit Cards

Lastly, I have included some of the top travel credit cards I use to save more money! American Express Gold Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (must-have if you are a beginner in credit cards), and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are some great options to consider. 

What should I know before traveling to NYC?

1. Weather varies; pack accordingly.
2. Book accommodations early, plan budget.
3. Learn subway and bus systems.
4. Reserve popular attractions in advance.
5. Embrace NYC’s cultural diversity.
6. Use MetroCard for transit savings.
7. Be aware of street safety.
8. Explore diverse neighborhoods and cuisines.
9. Tip 15-20% at restaurants.
10. Enjoy iconic parks and landmarks.