Introduction
In the United States, New York (Big Apple) is one of the most overwhelming cities, famous for nightlife, art, food, fashion, and sites around every corner. You can enjoy various cultures, languages, attractions, food, fascinating museums, and spend a lifetime here exploring world-class beaches, iconic landmarks, exciting outdoor adventures, cozy hotel getaways, and delicious restaurants. Here’s our ultimate New York travel guide to help you plan your next unforgettable trip!
What to expect in New York
Currency:The US Dollar ($)
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
Credit Cards and Banks: You can easily find ATMs in the New York City, most places (hotels, restaurants, and shops) will accept credit cards.
Best Time to Visit: As New York City is one of the most amazing places in the world and always celebrating something, so there's no bad time to visit. Whether you’re visiting here for a business deal, to celebrate Christmas, or to enjoy warmer weather, there are tons of bucket list experiences throughout the year.
To enjoy pleasant weather, springtime (April to June) is the best time to visit, and the fall (September to early November). If you are looking for the cheapest time to visit, deep winter (January and February) is the best time.
Helpful Guide: If you're planning to visit NYC during the winter months, you may experience snow! So, pack your bags with enough woolen clothes to keep you warm while you’re exploring this beautiful city!
Language: English is the main language, people speak in New York, but as you can find various cultures in this city, you’ll often hear Italian and Spanish languages too.
Major Airports in New York City
Major Airports in New York City
New Yorkers and visitors are blessed with convenient air access to and from numerous points. This city shares nonstop flights with almost every major city in the world and with many smaller centers.
NYC is served by several airports, but the main four airports are - LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark International Airport (EWR), Westchester County Airport (HPN), making up the busiest airport system in the Americas.
The largest airport in New York, consists of eight different terminals. Originally it was known as Idlewild Airport, renamed as a tribute to the country's 35th president. The airport is a hub for Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines.
Location:Jamaica Bay, Queens (approximately 15 miles from midtown Manhattan).
Best Airport: If you need to fly internationally or access the airport via public transit.
Distance to Times Square: A taxi to Times Square will take approximately 40 minutes.
LGA is smaller than Kennedy Airport. Many of its facilities are outdated because it's been subject to criticism over the past few years and a reconstruction plan was announced in 2015, set to be completed by 2026.
Location: Northern Queens (approximately 8 miles from midtown Manhattan).
Best Airport: If you need quick and easy access to Midtown Manhattan.
Distance to Times Square: A taxi to Times Square will take approximately 30 minutes.
EWR is the sixth-busiest airport in the U.S., serves 50 carriers. It is among the largest hubs for United Airlines. As like LGA, EWR is also connected to the city via train.
Location: Newark, New Jersey (approximately 16 miles from midtown Manhattan)
Best Airport: If you need a direct flight to a city not served by JFK.
Distance to Times Square: A taxi to Times Square will take approximately 35 minutes.
HPN is located in Westchester, has five airlines operating from it.
Location: White Plains, New York (approximately 33 miles northeast of Manhattan)
Best Airport: Easier to navigate than the big New York City hubs.
Distance to Times Square: The drive to Times Square will take approximately 90 minutes.
Things to Do in New York City
Things to Do in New York City
Discover major attractions in NYC and make your trip memorable. Below we have chosen the best things to do in NYC
Attractions
Times Square
Times Square
New York, NY, United States
Central Park
Central Park
New York, NY, United States
Empire State Building
Empire State Building
189 Spring St., New York, NY 10012
Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
One World Observatory
One World Observatory
One World Trade Center, 117 West St., New York, NY 10006
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave., New York, NY 10028
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
Location: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium
Location: 1 E 161 St., Bronx, NY 10451EBSI
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038, United States
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park
Washington Square
Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty
New York, NY 10004, United States
9/11 Memorial and Museum
9/11 Memorial and Museum
Shopping
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue
Location: 611 Fifth Ave., New York, NY,10022
Macy’s Herald Square
Macy’s Herald Square
151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Bergdorf Goodman
Bergdorf Goodman
754 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019
Olde Good Things
Olde Good Things
Multiple Locations
Harlem Haberdashery
Harlem Haberdashery
245 Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027
Artists & Fleas
Artists & Fleas
Multiple Locations
How to Get to New York City
New York City is made up of five boroughs, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, and Staten Island with most tourist attractions in Manhattan.
Driving in Manhattan is unnecessary. As you can find an extensive public transit system, that makes it easy for you to visit anywhere by subway, bus, and cab. Uber and Lyft are plentiful, while parking can be an expensive experience. The good point is the subway is open 24/7.
New York is the crowded and busiest city that moves fast. Don't forget to stand on the right side of the escalator, so hurried commuters can walk on the left. Also, take care of your phone.
Subway
It's a super affordable way to get around NYC without experiencing bumper-to-bumper traffic. You can download a subway map, ensuring you get off at the right stop. The trains run 24 hours a day, connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, and Staten Island.
Cars/Taxi
Consider taking a cab, if you've got heavy luggage or going for the business deal as subway trains may have a lot of crowds. You can easily find the yellow coloured cab from the street or book a ride with Cars or Uber. Although, taxis are an iconic part of this city, it is recommended to book your ride from Cars. The drivers are more reliable and even you can get chauffeur service and also experience luxury.
Walking
In this crowded city, as traffic is fairly heavy, so the best way to get around NYC is on foot. You can enjoy most of the top attractions which are located within walking distance of each other. So, you don't need to rely on public transportation to discover a few hidden gems along the way.
Where to Stay in New York City
Where to Stay in New York City
New York City offers an array of accommodations to fit every taste. Below we have chosen the best hotels to stay in NYC
CitizenM New York Times Square Hotel
218 W. 50th St., New York, NY 10019
The Empire Hotel
44 W. 63rd St., New York, NY 10023
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
8 Stone St., New York, NY 10004
Soho Grand Hotel
310 W. Broadway, New York, NY 10013
The Plaza
768 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
50 Central Park S., New York, NY 10019
Yotel New York
570 10th Ave., New York, NY 10036
TWA Hotel
John F. Kennedy International Airport, JFK Access Road, One Idlewild Dr., 11430
What To Eat in New York City
What To Eat in New York City
NYC is famous for food, offers a wide range of options to fit every taste. Below we have chosen the best restaurants to stay in NYC
Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002
Keens Steakhouse
72 W. 36th St., New York, NY 10018
Joe’s Shanghai
46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Tanner Smith’s
204 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019
Serendipity III
225 E 60th St., New York, NY 10022
Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave,, New York, NY 10010
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
529 Broome St., New York, NY 10013
Marea
240 Central Park S., New York, NY 10019
Dominique Ansel
189 Spring St., New York, NY 10012