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Last update: 20 Oct 2026
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New York City Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
United States – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary. |
| Etiquette: | Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated. |
| Thanksgiving (November) |
A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (July) |
Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide. |
| Christmas (December) |
Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Helpful links: |
Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine |
| Other: | The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for New York City, United States
Holiday season late November to early January: Rockefeller Center tree, markets, highest hotel prices and crowds
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the fourth Thursday in November
New Year's Eve in Times Square: area closed to traffic from midday, entry only through security checkpoints
Don't miss
- 🏙️ Admire skyline views from the Top of a skyscraper
- 🎭 Watch a Broadway musical in the Theater District
- 🌃 Visit Times Square at night for unforgettable neon views
- 🗽 Take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- 🖼️ Explore art masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum
- 🌳 Take a relaxed walk through Central Park
- 🍕 Taste authentic New York-style pizza
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to New York City?
Within a few underground stops you can go from Times Square to the Brooklyn Bridge, from a Chinatown market to a rooftop view of the skyline. Central Park alone is about 3.4 km² and has lakes, a zoo and open lawns. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are in the harbour and ferries go out to them from Battery Park. Museums are a second reason to visit. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art and the American Museum of Natural History each take a full day. Broadway and off-Broadway theatres stage dozens of shows every night and same-day discount booths help with prices. Live jazz, comedy and concerts are other options for evenings. Food is another reason. Jackson Heights and Flushing in Queens have some of the best regional Asian and Latin American cooking in the country. Brooklyn has waterfront parks and Coney Island's boardwalk. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer is hot and humid and there can be snow in winter. Plan four or five days for a first visit, since the sights are spread across several boroughs.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Manhattan
The heart of New York City, Manhattan features iconic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Central Park. Its diverse neighborhoods offer world-class dining, Broadway shows and bustling streets that define American urban life.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic suspension bridge spans the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its Gothic towers and steel cables create a stunning silhouette against the skyline, offering breathtaking views of the city's vibrant waterfront and historic neighborhoods. -
2
One World Observatory
This Manhattan skyscraper offers unparalleled skyline views from its highest public observation deck. While lines form quickly, booking timed entry ensures a smoother ascent above the city's iconic grid without excessive waiting. -
3
MoMA
The Museum of Modern Art stands as a global beacon for contemporary creativity, housing iconic works like Warhol's soup cans and Rothko's color fields within its expansive halls dedicated to artistic innovation. -
4
Broadway
The world's most famous stage thrives in New York City, where legendary musicals and plays captivate audiences nightly. This vibrant cultural hub offers unforgettable theatrical experiences that define Broadway's global reputation as a center for entertainment excellence. -
5
High Line
This elevated park winds through Manhattan, offering stunning skyline views and urban greenery. It features art installations, gardens and walking paths that transform industrial spaces into a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike. -
6
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A cultural titan in Manhattan, the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases centuries of art from the Met Cloisters to Egyptian antiquities. Visitors should plan early‑morning visits to avoid crowds and explore free admission days. -
7
Statue of Liberty
Iconic symbol of freedom, the statue stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Visitors can tour its pedestal and crown, enjoy panoramic views and learn about its history through interactive exhibits. -
8
Chinatown
The heart of Manhattan's Chinatown pulses with vibrant energy, historic temples and bustling markets. Narrow streets overflow with colorful signage, traditional cuisine and cultural landmarks that define this iconic neighborhood in New York City. -
9
9/11 Memorial & Museum
-
10
Times Square
-
11
Empire State Building
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
Central Park
Spanning over 800 acres in Manhattan's heart, Central Park offers gardens, lakes and open lawns for recreation. Its iconic bridges, statues and seasonal events attract locals and tourists alike everyday. -
2
New York Botanical Garden
-
3
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
-
4
Prospect Park
-
5
Riverside Park
-
6
Bryant Park
-
7
Battery Park
-
8
Hudson River Park
-
9
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
New Year's Eve in Times Square
-
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
-
New York Fashion Week
-
Tribeca Film Festival
-
New York City Marathon
-
Fourth of July Fireworks
-
St. Patrick's Day Parade
-
Pride Parade
-
Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village
-
SummerStage Concerts
Knowledge before you go
- Tap the same card or phone each ride so the weekly cap applies.
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge toward Manhattan so the skyline stays in front of you.
- Book timed tickets ahead for the big museums and the Statue of Liberty ferry, since they sell out in busy seasons.
- Sales tax and tips are added after menu prices, so budget about a quarter more at restaurants.
How to travel to New York City
Three airports serve the city. Kennedy International (JFK) in Queens has the most international flights. The AirTrain links it to the underground at Jamaica and Howard Beach, which makes the trip to Midtown about an hour. A taxi from JFK to Manhattan has a flat fare. LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens has no rail link, so most visitors take a bus to the underground or a taxi of about 30 to 45 minutes. Newark (EWR) in New Jersey is connected by AirTrain to NJ Transit trains that reach Penn Station in about 30 minutes. Amtrak trains arrive at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station from Philadelphia in about 1.25 to 1.5 hours, from Washington in about 3 hours and from Boston in about 4 hours. Metro-North serves Grand Central from Westchester and Connecticut. Long-distance buses use the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Driving in isn't recommended because of tolls and traffic.
Access summary
- From JFK (JFK): AirTrain + underground/LIRR to Manhattan, about 40–60 min.
- From LaGuardia (LGA): Taxi, rideshare or bus to Manhattan, about 30–60 min.
- From Newark (EWR): AirTrain + NJ Transit train to Manhattan, about 30–45 min.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in New York City
Midtown Manhattan has the most hotels and the best underground access, which suits a first visit with many sights to cover. Times Square is convenient for Broadway but loud and crowded. The Upper West Side and Upper East Side are calmer and are next to Central Park and the big museums. Lower Manhattan and the Financial District are quiet at night and close to the Brooklyn Bridge and harbour ferries. Prices are high everywhere and rooms are small. Brooklyn neighbourhoods like Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn or Long Island City in Queens often cost less and are a short underground ride from Midtown. Book early for the December holidays, the autumn season and big events such as the marathon in early November. Taxes and fees get added to hotel rates, so check the final price.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Pod Times Square
InterContinental New York Times Square By IHG
HI New York City Hostel
TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square / Midtown
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS
Radio City Apartments
Sofitel New York
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West
YOTEL New York Times Square
Washington Square Hotel
How to get around New York City
The underground is the main way to get around. Manhattan's grid also makes walking easy, with streets going east to west and avenues going north to south. Many sights are within about 1.6 km of each other. You don't need a car and parking is costly.
Underground and buses:
The underground runs 24 hours a day. Tap a contactless card or phone at the turnstile and rides are capped at US$35 (£26.30) over seven days, so frequent riders stop paying after that. Buses fill the gaps between underground lines and take the same payment, especially crosstown in Manhattan. Check live service changes since weekend track work reroutes lines often.
Taxis:
Yellow taxis and app rides are plentiful but slow in traffic. The city also charges a congestion fee in the zone below Midtown.
Ferries and bikes:
Ferries link Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens and Governors Island. Citi Bike rentals work for short trips along the waterfront.
Food in New York City
New York is one of the best eating cities in the world, with food at every price. Classic picks include a plain slice of pizza, a bagel with cream cheese and lox, a pastrami sandwich and halal cart platters on street corners. Chinatown, Flushing and Jackson Heights have excellent Chinese, Korean, Indian and Latin American cooking at modest prices.
Table service is expected to include a tip of about 18 to 20 percent. Popular restaurants fill up, so reserve a few days ahead for dinner. Food halls such as Chelsea Market and delis cover cheaper meals. Vegetarian, vegan and halal choices are widespread and most menus list allergens if you ask.
Our personal travel story
How I got a skyline view in New York without the crowds
By Simon Harjes
A story from: November 2024
Last facts review: 8 Oct 2026
Last facts review: 8 Oct 2026
When I got to New York, I had one goal: to see the skyline from above at night. I read that most people go up the Empire State Building. It's the classic choice. But then I thought about it more: if I'm up there, that's the one landmark I won't actually see. So the search began and it led me to Edge at Hudson Yards. The observation deck alone is pretty pricey just for a look around, but I discovered they also run a restaurant up top and managed to snag a dinner reservation last minute.
We weren't right at the window (second row, but still a great view) and honestly the food was excellent on its own. The restaurant was just one floor above the observation deck and if you book a table there, entry to the observation deck is included for free and you get a vip-feeling when bypassing the elevator queues to get up. So after dinner we went down to the observation deck. It was surprisingly uncrowded, maybe 40 or so people scattered across the terrace. There was some quiet music playing and we got to enjoy the view without fighting anyone for the spots to take photos.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in New York City are around 31% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Violent crime is low for a big city and tourist areas stay busy late. Pickpockets work Times Square and crowded underground carriages, so keep bags closed and avoid empty carriages late at night. Heat waves and winter storms are the main weather risks.
Health & Medical
Medical care is excellent, with many major hospitals and urgent care clinics across the boroughs. Costs are very high for visitors, so travel insurance with medical cover is essential. Pharmacies are on most blocks. Summer heat is the main health risk.
Accessibility
Many older underground stations have stairs and no lift, though newer ones are step-free. Buses are all low-floor and have ramps. Pavements have dropped kerbs and most museums and theatres are accessible. Check the MTA's lift status before you ride.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink in New York City and is well regarded for its quality. It comes from upstate reservoirs. Restaurants serve it free on request and public fountains and refill stations are found in parks and many public spaces.
Packing recommendations for New York City
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🕶️
Sunglasses
☂️
Folding umbrella
🎒
Small rucksack
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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