New York City, the city that never sleeps, is an undeniable gem among American destinations. With its vibrant energy, diverse culture, and endless opportunities, it offers an unparalleled experience that captures the hearts of travelers. Having explored this dynamic city myself, I can attest to its magnetic charm and limitless possibilities. In this New York Travel Guide, I’ll share invaluable tips to make your visit to the Big Apple unforgettable. Let’s dive into this ultimate New York Travel Guide and unlock the secrets of this vibrant metropolis.
When to visit New York
You can visit New York all year round. Whether you are looking to celebrate the New Year and enjoy the Christmas decoration or you prefer the warmer weather, every season has something unique to offer. The cheapest months to visit are from mid January to the end of February. Keep in mind if you are visiting during the winter (late November to February) it’s going to be really cold and it might even snow, so come prepare. The best time to visit weather-wise is spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November)
How to move around New York
From the airport: New York has three main airports; La Guardia, John F. Kennedy International, and Newark Liberty International. There isn’t a simple train shuttle that will take you downtown. I would suggest to check Google Maps to see how to get to your exact location, but here is an overview of how you can get from each airport to Manhattan by public transportation.
From La Guardia: take the free Q70 “Laguardia Link” bus to the subway or the M60 bus to the subway. If you take Q70, you can then transfer to E, M, F, R, and 7 subway lines that go into Manhattan. You will have to pay $2.75 to take the subway. If you take M60, you have to pay $2.75 for the bus and comes with a free transfer onto the subway system within two hours.
From JFK: take the AirTrain to the subway. There are two AirTrain lines, make sure you get on the correct one that will take you to the subway station you need. AirTrain fee is $5.25 and a single subway ride is $2.75
From Newark: take the AirTrain and get off at the only stop it goes to, Newark Liberty International Airport Station. From there you can take a New Jersey Transit train to Penn Station, and take a subway from there.
Around the city: The best way to move around New York is by subway. It’s super affordable, it’s available 24hrs, and you can get anywhere. New York is a walkable city so be prepared to walk a lot. This is my favorite method. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other and you can discover a few hidden gems along the way. I would try to avoid using cars, taxis, and Uber unless you have a lot of luggage. Traffic in New York is crazy and you may spend a lot of time just sitting there.
Where to stay in New York
New York has many neighborhood options where you can stay and each has its own vibe. These are my favorite ones for first time visitors.
Midtown: this area is home of the most iconic sights like Times Square, Broadway, The Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center. It’s really touristy, you can find “affordable” hotels, and great subway connections. A good option is Made Hotel.
Greenwich Village: this area is full of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, the iconic Washington Square Park, and even the apartment from “Friends”. It’s a great place to explore with a youthful vibe, but more expensive. A good option is The Marlton Hotel.
Lower Manhattan: here you can stay in Soho or Tribeca. Soho is a very trendy area with great shopping options. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, art galleries, and trendy hotels. Tribeca is an expensive area with luxury boutique hotels. It’s also full of bars, restaurants and boutique shops. A good option is Roxy Hotel.
Chelsea: this area has a mix of downtown and midtown vibes. This area is home of popular attractions like Chelsea Market, the High Line, the Flatiron Building, the Hudson Yards, Madison Square Garden and plenty bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping options. A good option is Freehand New York.
Where to eat in New York
New York is mainly known for its pizza and bagels but there are endless options. You can find pretty much every type of food. Here are some of my favorite places.
Joe’s Pizza Best pizza in the city.
Black Seed Bagels Their bagels are delicious.
Cha Cha Matcha Super cute matcha place.
Chelsea Market Must visit for foodies, full of vendors.
If you’re looking for even more in-depth recommendations, I encourage you to check out my comprehensive “Things to do in New York” post, where you’ll find a wealth of additional information and exciting suggestions.
Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
