- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit New York
New York's story began as New Amsterdam, a Dutch trading post. Its influence persists in Lower Manhattan's winding streets. This contrasts with the 1811 grid plan that defines the city today. Iconic Art Deco skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building dominate the skyline, making architecture a key part of visiting New York.
Beyond the concrete, Central Park offers 843 acres of planned landscapes. For a unique view, try free kayaking on the Hudson River from Pier 26. Birders can find over 325 species at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a prime migratory stop. Spring brings stunning cherry blossoms to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a local favorite.
When you ask what is New York famous for, food is a top answer. From street cart hot dogs to pastrami on rye at a classic deli, the options are endless. The unique mineral content of our tap water is said to be the secret to our iconic bagels and pizza crusts. Try an egg cream, a local soda fountain drink with no egg or cream.
- New YorkUnited States
- New YorkUnited States
- New YorkUnited States
- New YorkUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Sep-Octcomfortable, beautiful fall foliage
- Nov-Marcold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WeatherAppropriateClothing
- #PortableCharger
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- #Umbrella
- 4-5 days for highlights
- 7-10 days for side trips & leisure
- United States Dollar ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #StatueOfLiberty
- #CentralPark
- #TimesSquare
- #MetropolitanMuseumOfArt
- #BrooklynBridge
- #OneWorldTradeCenter
- Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
- Explore Central Park
- Visit 9/11 Memorial
- See a Broadway show
- Taste New York pizza
Recommended Hotels in New York by Experience
Things to do in New York
Discover
Explore the essential New York attractions, from the iconic Statue of Liberty to the vast collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ascend the Empire State Building for skyline views or find tranquility within the sprawling greenery of Central Park.
Experience
Catch a world-class Broadway show in the Theater District or explore diverse culinary offerings at Smorgasburg. Stroll the High Line for public art, and experience seasonal events like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting.
Statue of Liberty
Iconic copper statue, a symbol of freedom and democracy.
Central Park
Expansive urban park with gardens, lakes, and walking paths.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The largest art museum in the Americas with global art.
Empire State Building
102-story Art Deco skyscraper with observation decks.
Times Square
Commercial hub with bright billboards and theaters.
See a Broadway Show
Experience world-class live theater in Midtown Manhattan.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Hybrid cable-stayed bridge with sweeping skyline views.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Plan how to get to New York via airports JFK, LGA, or EWR. For the trip from the New York airport to city center, the JFK AirTrain connects to the subway. A New York shuttle bus or taxi are other options. Amtrak trains arrive at Penn Station.
Getting Around
Navigate with the 24/7 subway and bus system using OMNY tap-to-pay or a MetroCard; this is the core of public transport in New York. For iconic views, ride the free Staten Island Ferry. Yellow cabs and ride-sharing apps are also widely available.
Local Essentials
Essential New York travel tips for first-timers: driving in New York is difficult, so avoid car rental in New York for Manhattan. Keep valuables secure on public transit. Most places take cards, but carry cash for small vendors or food trucks.
Where to Stay in New York
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
To truly explore New York, taste iconic dishes like pastrami on rye and classic cheesecake. The city thrives on a grab-and-go food culture, from quick pizza slices to late-night deli runs, shaping where to eat in New York.
Enjoy
For iconic tastes, head to Katz's Deli's hectic counter, ticket system. Sip cocktails at The View Restaurant & Lounge's upscale revolving bar, reserve window. Grab a huge cookie at the tiny Levain Bakery, expect queues.
Katz's Deli
Iconic deli serving towering pastrami sandwiches since 1888.
Peter Luger Steak House
A legendary, no-frills Brooklyn steakhouse. Cash only.
Balthazar
Classic French brasserie with a bustling Parisian vibe.
Lombardi's Pizza
America's first pizzeria, known for its coal-oven pies.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore New York cultural activities through its heritage events. See the Lunar New Year Parade's dragon dances in Chinatown. Experience the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a tradition since 1924, and the festive Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern creativity. The city hosts world-class events like the Tribeca Film Festival for independent cinema and New York Fashion Week for the latest design trends. These shape the city's forward-thinking pulse.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
November parade with giant balloons, floats, and performers.
Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
February/March event with dragon dances and firecrackers.
Tribeca Film Festival
A spring festival showcasing independent films and creators.
NYFW: The Shows
Semi-annual Feb/Sept event showing the latest fashion trends.
NYC Wine & Food Festival
October culinary event with world-renowned chefs and tastings.
TCS New York City Marathon
Annual November marathon through all five city boroughs.
An incredible amount of energy
New York is an incredible place with so much happening all the time. You can feel the energy just walking around. We spent a lot of time around Times Square, and the lights are just as bright as you see in movies. It's a lot to take in!
A must for theater lovers
The shows on Broadway are absolutely top-tier. The quality of the performances is outstanding and the whole theater district has such a special feel to it. Getting tickets was straightforward and we found a great spot for dinner nearby.
Great for walking and exploring
I loved how you could just walk for hours and discover new things. The High Line was a real highlight, offering cool views of the streets below and some interesting art installations. It's a great way to see a different side of the city.
The skyline is unforgettable
New York has some of the most iconic views in the world. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge gave us a fantastic perspective of the lower Manhattan skyline. Every direction you look, there's another famous building or landmark to see. Truly impressive.
Loved the feel of the Village
It's worth getting away from the main tourist spots to explore the smaller neighborhoods. Greenwich Village had such a cool, relaxed feel with its brownstones and little shops. We found a place for a classic NY pizza slice that was just perfect.
A perfect winter trip
Visiting in winter was really special. The city was all decorated for the holidays, and seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center was magical. The cold weather just adds to the cozy feeling of ducking into cafes and shops to warm up. A great experience.