bigtravelbuzzNew York is a vibrant city with countless attractions and things to do. Here are some of the top places to visit in New York:
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: One of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Statue of Liberty and nearby Ellis Island are must-visit destinations for history buffs and sightseers alike.
Central Park: A sprawling oasis in the heart of the city, Central Park is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy a picnic, go for a run, or rent a paddleboat on the lake.
Times Square: A bustling commercial hub and one of the world’s most famous intersections, Times Square is a must-see destination for anyone visiting New York.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: One of the largest art museums in the world, the Met is home to an incredible collection of art and artifacts from around the globe.
Empire State Building: One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, the Empire State Building offers stunning views of the city skyline from its observation deck.
Broadway: Home to some of the world’s best theater productions, Broadway is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the performing arts.
9/11 Memorial and Museum: A solemn tribute to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum offers a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
Brooklyn Bridge: A classic New York landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline and is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists.
High Line: A unique elevated park built on an old railroad track, the High Line offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
Rockefeller Center: Home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the famous ice skating rink and the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center is a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
These are just a few of the many amazing destinations in New York. Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, or just enjoying the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s something for everyone in New York.
Best Time To Visit New York
The best time to visit New York is during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer months and the winter holiday season.
Fall is particularly beautiful in New York, with crisp temperatures, colorful foliage, and a range of cultural events, including the New York Film Festival and the New York City Marathon.
Spring is another great time to visit, with temperatures warming up, flowers blooming in Central Park, and outdoor events such as the Tribeca Film Festival and the Macy’s Flower Show.
Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s also a popular time to visit, with many outdoor events and activities, such as concerts in Central Park and Shakespeare in the Park.
Winter can be chilly, but the holiday season brings festive decorations, ice skating rinks, and the famous New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square.
Overall, the best time to visit New York depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking for mild weather and smaller crowds, fall and spring are the best times to visit. If you’re interested in outdoor events and activities, summer can be a great time to visit, and if you love holiday festivities, winter is the perfect season for you.
Things to Do in New York
There are countless things to do in New York, from iconic attractions to hidden gems. Here are some of the top things to do in New York:
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: These iconic landmarks are must-sees for anyone visiting New York.
Explore Central Park: This vast park in the heart of Manhattan offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from walking and biking to boating and ice skating.
See a Broadway show: New York is home to some of the world’s best theater productions, and seeing a Broadway show is a must-do experience.
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art: This world-renowned museum features an incredible collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge: This iconic bridge offers stunning views of the city and is a great way to experience New York’s history and architecture.
Take a food tour: New York is famous for its diverse and delicious food, and taking a food tour is a great way to explore the city’s culinary scene.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum: This powerful memorial honors the victims of the September 11 attacks and provides a moving tribute to the resilience of the city.
Explore the High Line: This elevated park in the Meatpacking District offers a unique perspective on the city and features beautiful gardens and art installations.
Visit the Empire State Building: This iconic skyscraper offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck.
Take a helicopter tour: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a helicopter tour of the city and see New York from above.
These are just a few of the many things to do in New York. The city offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, and there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
How to get around in New York
New York has a well-developed transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city. Here are some of the main ways to get around in New York:
Subway: The New York City subway is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to get around the city. It operates 24/7 and covers all parts of Manhattan, as well as other boroughs.
Bus: The bus system in New York is also extensive and covers many areas not served by the subway. Buses operate 24/7 and offer a convenient way to get around the city.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout New York, and they can be hailed on the street or booked through an app. They are more expensive than public transportation, but they offer convenience and comfort.
Ride-sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in New York and offer a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Bike-sharing: Citi Bike is New York’s bike-sharing program, and it offers a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city. There are docking stations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Walking: New York is a great city to explore on foot, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Overall, New York has a comprehensive transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city, whether you prefer public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services.
Where to eat in New York
New York City is known for its diverse and exciting food scene, with thousands of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. Here are some popular places to eat in New York:
Katz’s Delicatessen: This iconic deli on the Lower East Side is known for its classic Jewish comfort food, including pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.
Shake Shack: This fast-food chain is famous for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Xi’an Famous Foods: This restaurant serves authentic Chinese cuisine from the Shaanxi province, including hand-pulled noodles and lamb burgers.
Levain Bakery: This bakery is famous for its massive, gooey chocolate chip cookies.
Peter Luger Steak House: This Brooklyn institution is known for its delicious, dry-aged steaks and classic steakhouse ambiance.
Joe’s Pizza: This Greenwich Village pizza joint has been serving up delicious, classic New York-style pizza since 1975.
Ippudo: This popular Japanese ramen chain has several locations in New York and serves some of the best ramen in the city.
Russ & Daughters: This Jewish appetizing store on the Lower East Side is known for its smoked fish and other traditional Jewish foods.
Momofuku Noodle Bar: This trendy restaurant serves up creative and delicious noodle dishes inspired by Japanese and Korean cuisine.
The Halal Guys: This food cart turned fast-food chain is famous for its delicious and affordable halal street food, including gyros and chicken over rice.
These are just a few examples of the many amazing restaurants and food experiences you can have in New York. Whether you’re looking for classic New York comfort food, international cuisine, or innovative dishes from up-and-coming chefs, there’s something for everyone in New York City.
Famous street stalls in New York
New York City is home to a vibrant street food scene, with countless food carts and trucks serving up delicious snacks and meals on the go. Here are some of the most famous street stalls in New York:
The Halal Guys: This food cart turned fast-food chain is famous for its delicious and affordable halal street food, including gyros and chicken over rice.
Wafels & Dinges: This food truck serves up Belgian-style waffles with a variety of sweet and savory toppings, including Nutella, bacon, and chicken.
Nathan’s Famous: This Coney Island institution has been serving up hot dogs and crinkle-cut fries since 1916.
The Arepa Lady: This food cart in Jackson Heights, Queens is famous for its delicious Colombian-style arepas, stuffed with cheese, meat, and other fillings.
Big Gay Ice Cream: This ice cream truck turned brick-and-mortar shop is known for its creative soft-serve ice cream flavors, including Salty Pimp (vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, and sea salt) and Bea Arthur (vanilla ice cream, crushed Nilla wafers, and dulce de leche).
Di Fara Pizza: This Brooklyn pizzeria is famous for its delicious, made-to-order pies, which are topped with fresh mozzarella and basil and baked in a wood-fired oven.
The Cinnamon Snail: This vegan food truck serves up creative and delicious plant-based dishes, including breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and tacos.
Mamouns: This Middle Eastern food cart is known for its delicious falafel sandwiches and platters, served with hummus, tabbouleh, and other sides.
Los Tacos No. 1: This Chelsea Market taco stand serves up delicious and authentic Mexican tacos, made with freshly pressed tortillas and a variety of fillings.
Prince Street Pizza: This Nolita pizzeria is known for its delicious, square-shaped pepperoni pies, which are baked to crispy perfection.
These are just a few examples of the many amazing street stalls and food carts in New York City. Whether you’re looking for classic New York street food, international cuisine, or innovative dishes from up-and-coming chefs, you’re sure to find something delicious on the streets of New York.
Where to stay in New York
Luxury accommodation
New York City has many luxury accommodation options, including:
The Plaza Hotel: A luxurious, historic hotel located in Midtown Manhattan, with world-class amenities and a prime location near Central Park.
The Four Seasons Hotel New York: A sleek, modern hotel located in Midtown Manhattan, with a rooftop pool, spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant.
The St. Regis New York: A luxurious hotel located on Fifth Avenue, with a grand ballroom, butler service, and an exquisite restaurant.
The Mandarin Oriental, New York: A five-star hotel located in Columbus Circle, with stunning views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, and a top-rated spa.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: A luxurious hotel located directly across from Central Park, with an elegant atmosphere, upscale dining options, and a full-service spa.
The Waldorf Astoria New York: A historic hotel with grand architecture and upscale amenities, located in Midtown Manhattan.
The Peninsula New York: A five-star hotel with luxurious guest rooms and suites, located on Fifth Avenue, with an indoor pool, spa, and fine dining restaurant.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel: A classic, elegant hotel located on the Upper East Side, with a legendary jazz club, chic dining options, and spacious suites.
The Baccarat Hotel & Residences: A luxurious hotel with stunning crystal décor and impeccable service, located near Fifth Avenue.
The Trump International Hotel and Tower New York: A luxurious hotel located in Midtown Manhattan, with spacious suites, world-class dining options, and a prime location near Central Park.
Note that prices for these hotels can vary greatly depending on the time of year and demand, and some may require advance booking.
Where to stay in New York
Budget accommodation
New York City has many budget accommodation options, including:
Pod 51 Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel located in Midtown Manhattan, with small but modern guest rooms and a rooftop lounge.
HI NYC Hostel: A popular hostel located on the Upper West Side, with dormitory-style rooms and a communal kitchen and lounge.
The Local NYC: A trendy hostel located in Long Island City, with private rooms and dormitory-style rooms, a communal kitchen and lounge, and a rooftop bar.
The Jane Hotel: A historic hotel located in the West Village, with compact cabin-style guest rooms and a lively bar and lounge.
Hotel 31: A budget hotel located in Midtown Manhattan, with simple guest rooms and a central location near the Empire State Building.
Chelsea Inn: A budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Chelsea, with cozy guest rooms and a convenient location near shops and restaurants.
The Bowery House: A stylish hostel located in the heart of the Bowery, with small but stylish private rooms and dormitory-style rooms.
Q4 Hotel and Hostel: A trendy hostel located in Long Island City, with private rooms and dormitory-style rooms, a communal kitchen and lounge, and a rooftop terrace.
Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in Midtown Manhattan, with dormitory-style rooms and a communal kitchen and lounge.
The Pod Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel with two locations in Midtown Manhattan, with compact but modern guest rooms and a communal lounge.
Note that prices for these accommodations can vary greatly depending on the time of year and demand, and it’s always best to book in advance for the best deals.
Travel Tips New York
Here are some travel tips for New York:
Plan ahead: New York City is a large and busy city, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time there.
Use public transportation: The New York City subway and bus system is extensive and affordable, so consider using it to get around the city.
Walk: New York is a great city to explore on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take in the sights as you stroll through the different neighborhoods.
Be street smart: As with any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid becoming a target for theft or scams.
Try the food: New York is famous for its diverse and delicious food scene, so be sure to try some of the city’s iconic dishes like pizza, bagels, and hot dogs.
Visit the museums: New York is home to some of the world’s most famous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Purchase a CityPASS: If you plan on visiting many of the city’s top attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS, which gives you discounted admission to several popular sights.
Go off the beaten path: While the major attractions like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty are certainly worth visiting, don’t be afraid to explore some of the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions.
Dress for the weather: New York can be quite hot and humid in the summer and very cold in the winter, so be sure to dress appropriately for the season.
Have fun: New York is an exciting and vibrant city, so be sure to enjoy your time there and take in all that the city has to offer!