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Planning a trip in the Big Apple? This New York City travel guide features vacation tips, what to know, places to visit, where to eat & stay when travelling to NYC.
Welcome to New York City, the city that never sleeps!
This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, offering an endless array of attractions, activities, and culinary offerings, from iconic landmarks and serene parks to street food and Michelin Guide and North America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
I have visited NYC multiple times with the last prior to this being in 2008 for a 4-month internship at a hedge fund company, which really allowed me to get immersed in the Big Apple.
It was great to be back again in 2024 after all this time.
It’s so interesting to see how much things have changed while, at the same time, so many things felt so familiar to me.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, New York City promises an unforgettable vacation. This NYC travel guide helps you make the most of your visit to the Big Apple.
How To Get To New York City
New York City is a major international hub, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the world.
- By Air: You can fly into one of its three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From the airport, you can take a taxi/rideshare, shuttle, or public transportation to reach your destination in the city.
- By Car: You can rent a car or drive your own car to New York. Here are some driving times from popular cities: Toronto (~9 hours), Montreal (6.5 hours), Newark (0.5-1 hour), State Collage, PA (~4 hours), Boston (~4.5 hours).
- By Train: Both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal are New York City’s rail terminals, with Penn Station being the main intercity railroad station. You can easily connect to the subway, buses, or taxis upon arrival.
- Various cities across the United States and Canada can take Amtrak trains to get to New York City, typically arriving at Penn Station.
- Regional trains like the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North Railroad, and New Jersey Transit offer frequent services that arrive at Penn Station or Grand Central Terminal.
- By Bus: Several bus companies, including Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus, and Peter Pan Bus Lines, offer routes to New York City from various cities in the U.S. and Canada. The main bus terminal is the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, but some stop at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station or other locations in Chinatown.
I have visited NYC by 3 of the 4 modes: driving from Toronto, flying to La Guardia, and taking a bus from Newark, NJ.
Best Time To Visit New York City
NYC is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit New York City weather-wise is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.
In Spring and Fall, the city is vibrant with events and activities. Fall would give beautiful fall colors as well.
Winter can be magical with holiday decorations, but it can also be brutally cold.
Summer is the most bustling time, filled with activities, events and tourists, but it can be very hot and humid.
I have visited New York City both in winter (during Reading Week in Canada) and summer (for my internship and on my own vacations).
I personally prefer summer over winter despite the heat and humidity because I don’t like being bundled up so much just to go out, and the days are very short to do things during winter.
Summer is also a great time to celebrity spot since so many popular celebrities and influencers visit New York.
Best Attractions and Things To Do in NYC
New York City is filled with iconic landmarks and exciting activities, from towering skyscrapers and world-renowned theaters to serene parks and historic bridges.
Here are some of the best attractions and things to do in the Big Apple.
Empire State Building
Once the tallest building in the world, Empire State Building is perhaps the most popular thing to do in New York especially if its your first time.
In fact, this historic landmark achieved No. 1 in Top Attractions in the World, according to Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Empire State Building has changed so much since my visit in 2008.
Back then, you enter thru the building lobby and basically just take the elevator straight to the observation deck.
Now, there’s a full blown visitor center, a museum and lots of interactive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.
Featured in more than 250 television series and films like King Kong, this iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking views of New York City from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
It’s a must-visit for panoramic vistas of the city skyline, especially at sunset or night when the city lights up.
After touring the Empire State Building, you’ve probably built up an appetite.
Head on down to STATE Bar and Grill for some food and drinks, which I share more in the next section.
Website / Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Broadway Shows
New York City’s Theater District is home to world-class theater productions. From timeless classics to modern hits, watching a Broadway Show is a must for NYC experiences.
With over 40 Broadway theatres and a dozen Off Broadway theatres, the list of shows is long and constantly rotating.
But there are long-running classics with the top 5 longest running being The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, The Lion King, Wicked and Cats. Be sure to book your tickets in advance for popular shows.
On my July 2024 trip, I finally watched one of my Broadway bucket list shows, Wicked, booked through The Broadway Collection
Located at the Gershwin Theatre, this 20-year running award-winning musical is adapted from the Wizard of Oz and looks at what happened in the Land of Oz but from a different angle, that of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked is wicked! I loved the catchy songs, interesting storyline, great cast and amazing production value.
Parks
New York City boasts an impressive array of parks, offering green spaces and recreational facilities for residents and visitors alike.
The city is home to over 30,000 acres of parkland, and these two of the most popular:
Bryant Park: A smaller but equally charming park, Bryant Park hosts seasonal events, outdoor movies, and a winter ice skating rink.
It’s a great spot to relax with a book or enjoy a coffee, and it’s also here where I tried my first Shake Shack burger.
Central Park: This 840-acre urban oasis is a peaceful retreat from the NYC’s hustle and bustle while still admiring its skyline.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, rent a bike, or have a picnic at the largest and most important public park in Manhattan.
This was my happy place during my internship because it was really a great way to get that nature reset for me when I need to destress.
Don’t miss landmarks like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and the Central Park Zoo.
Times Square
Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a vibrant commercial and entertainment hub.
Times Square is to NYC as Dundas Square is to Toronto and Shibuya Crossing is to Tokyo.
The dazzling billboards, bustling crowds and street performers create an electric atmosphere that’s quintessentially New York.
And you might even run into celebrities here.
Grand Central Terminal
A historic transportation hub, Grand Central Terminal is renowned for its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture.
Marvel at celestial ceiling in the Main Concourse, explore the Whispering Gallery, and enjoy a meal at one of the many dining options.
Or, if you enjoy cocktails, I highly recommend a visit to The Campbell, which I share more in the next section.
Website / Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Brooklyn Bridge
Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, this iconic bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline and the East River.
Take a scenic walk or bike ride across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the trendy neighborhoods of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights.
Museums
New York City is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, offering a rich tapestry of art, history, science and culture.
With over 145 museums, there’s something for everyone, but here are the 3 of the most popular ones:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): One of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, the Met houses an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of art.
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Known for its impressive collection of contemporary and modern art, including works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Warhol.
- The American Museum of Natural History: A family favorite, this museum features fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, space, and human cultures.
Statue of Liberty
A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit.
Take a ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue up close and enjoy panoramic views of the New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline.
Website / Address: Liberty Island, New York
NYC Restaurants and Places To Eat & Drink
NYC’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, from street food carts to upscale dining, craft cocktail bars and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Whether you’re craving authentic international cuisine, classic American fare, or innovative fusion dishes, there’s something for everyone.
Here are some of the best places to eat & drink and restaurants that New York City has to offer. Or, you can also do local food tours.
Royal Grill Halal Food
Halal Food Carts and Trucks are quintessential NYC eats.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, this Royal Grill Halal Food is an award-winning for its delicious and affordable halal street food.
Try their chicken and lamb over rice, served with their signature white and hot sauces. Bursting with flavours!
Website / Address: 44TH St And, 6th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Atto Sushi
One of the newer sushi restaurants in NYC, Atto Sushi is a great affordable spot in Midtown East near Grand Central Terminal.
The intimate setting and attentive service make it an ideal choice for a casual meal. Be sure to sit at the sushi chef counter for best experience.
Check out the Atto Sushi Omakase menu since they are one of the few Japanese restaurants offering omakase under $100, starting at $55.
I highly recommend the $69 menu which comes with 12 pieces nigiri, including o-toro and wagyu, and a handroll.
I love that they dry age some of their fish too for that smokey taste.
Website / Address: 875 3rd Ave Lower Level, New York, NY 10022
The Campbell
Nestled in Grand Central Terminal, The Campbell is a historic bar with a sophisticated ambiance.
Enjoy craft cocktails and small plates in this elegant setting, which was once the office of 1920s financier, John William Campbell.
If you’re looking for something unique, I recommend the Matcha Maker. For something stronger, Fallen Angel will not disappoint with Angel’s Envy bourbon, Amaro Nonino, sherry and blood orange.
Website / Address: 15 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017
Don Antonio
Located in Theater District near Gershwin Theatre, Don Antonio is one of the top pizzerias in New York City, known for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, some with a modern twist.
The airy crust and high-quality ingredients make it a favorite among pizza lovers, with Chef Giorgia Caporuscio being one of the new 2024 candidates for Top 100 Pizza Chefs in the World by The Best Chef Awards.
A favorite is the Truffle Burrata & Prosciutto Pizza which has a nice flavor profile from the saltiness of the prosciutto, earthiness of truffles, creaminess of burrata and acidity of tomatoes.
Pistachio e Salsiccia pizza is quite unique though I would’ve loved the pistachio taste to be stronger.
1) Truffle Burrata & Prosciutto Pizza ($27) – fresh burrata filled with black and white truffle cream, grape tomatoes, Prosciutto di Parma, basil
2) Pistachio e Salsiccia ($26) -fresh mozzarella, fresh pistachio pesto, sausage
Website / Address: 309 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
STATE Grill and Bar
Located in the Empire State Building, STATE Grill and Bar serves classic New York-inspired American fare with a contemporary touch.
If you’re already planning to do the Empire State Building, consider their NY Lunch or Dinner Dining Experience, which are pre-paid all-inclusive meals that are packaged in combination with tickets to the observatory.
Here, you can enjoy dishes like steak, seafood, and burgers in a sophisticated atmosphere. You cannot go wrong with the crispy calamari here.
1) Crispy Calamari ($20) – banana peppers, black garlic aioli, charred lime
2) Montauk NY Royal Red Shrimp ($22) – fresh horseradish cocktail
3) Empire Espresso ($20)
As a steakhouse, Steak Frites is a popular choice.
Vegetarian dishes are also available like the Oyster Mushroom Mignon and Crispy Brussels Sprouts.
But if you’re looking for something unique and different, the Red Pepper Mafaldine and Crab uses mafaldine pasta made in-house from scratch using red peppers.
The crab in this pasta dish is generous and sweet too.
1) Steak Frites ($36) – chimichurri, hand-cut fries
2) Red Pepper Mafaldine and Crab ($38) – calabrian chili, meyer lemon, basil, parmigiana
3) Oyster Mushroom Mignon ($23) – sunflower & sweet corn risotto, sumac, crème fraiche
4) Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($13) – furikake, shallots, chilis
Cocktails are delicious here too, and I love that some cocktails are served in Empire State Building tall glasses, which adds a nice touch.
My favourites for cocktails were Floral Haze (egg white-based for the creaminess!), Orangecello Cosmo and STATE Sangria.
1) Orangecello Cosmo ($19)
2) Duchess Negroni ($20)
1) New York Style Cheesecake ($13) – seasonal compote
2) Brooklyn Blackout Cake ($14) – devil’s food cake, Valrhona Chocolate custard, salted caramel ice cream
Website / Address: 21 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10118
Jack’s Wife Freda
The bustling city makes it perfect for people watching, and Jack’s Wife Freda in SOHO took me back to Paris with its French patio dining vibe setup just for that.
This popular bistro offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a homey feel.
I only had drinks here with friends, but it was a fun place to hang and people watch.
Website / Address: 226 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Wayan
A Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, Wayan by Chef Cédric Vongerichten specializes in Indonesian-French fusion, where traditional flavors are combined with modern techniques.
As someone who dined at Michelin restaurants around the world, I was quite curious about Wayan because Indonesian cuisine is fairly uncommon to find in North America (and also in Michelin) let alone Indonesian-French fusion.
A creative dish that exemplifies this fusion is escargot rendang. You’ll want to use the brioche to soak up the juices.
My favourite for mains was the Charred Chicken Lombok, their take on Indonesia’s popular Lombok Spicy Grilled Chicken called Ayam Bakar Taliwang.
Very tender and flavourful chicken grilled to a crisp.
My Indonesian friend swears by the corn fritters as a must! They’re highly addicting, crispy and sweet.
For desserts, the pandan custard was refreshing and unique, though it takes a while to get used to the fresh passion fruit seeds.
1) Eggplant Balado ($14)
2) Charred Chicken Lombok ($48) – roasted spiced carrots, thai basil
3) Nasi Goreng ($18)
4) Corn Fritter ($12)
Also Read: Michelin Guide Restaurants in Toronto
Website / Address: 20 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
cloudM New York Bowery
Located atop the CitizenM Hotel on the 20th floor, cloudM offers a stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown New York.
This chic cocktail bar serves a variety of craft cocktails, beers, and light bites, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening.
The indoor seating and large outdoor viewing deck provide a comfortable and stylish ambiance, ideal for enjoying the city’s skyline, especially for sunset.
I went here with friends for nightcap after dinner at Wayan, and it was the perfect way to end my NYC trip.
Website / Address: 189 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Where To Stay in New York City
New York City offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget, from luxury hotels and boutique stays to budget-friendly hostels and vacation rentals.
Note: Airbnbs are banned in NYC, but it’s not in New Jersey.
I typically book hotels in New York City through Booking.com, but I’ll also compare pricing with Agoda.
Popular areas to stay include Midtown Manhattan, which is close to major attractions like Times Square and the Empire State Building, and the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, such as Williamsburg and DUMBO.
For a quieter experience, consider staying in the Upper West Side or Upper East Side, which offer a more residential feel while still being close to Central Park and museums.
No matter where you choose to stay, it’s easy to get around with the Big Apple’s extensive Metro, making it easy to explore all that New York City has to offer.
Here’s a handy map of the best hotels and accommodations in New York City with deals and pricing:
Getting Around NYC
What is the best way to travel around New York?
Navigating New York City is a easy with its extensive public transportation system, MTA, that serves its four boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
With the MTA, subway is the most efficient way to get around, and buses allows you to transfer/connect to more specific areas but is dependent on traffic.
To access the MTA subway/bus you can use a MetroCard (which you fill with money or can purchase a weekly pass) or with the new OMNY system which allows contactless tap with a credit card or e-wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Wall) for the $2.90 fare with free transfers.
Taxis/rideshare are additional options.
Walking is also a great way to explore the city’s neighborhoods and attractions. When I’m not pressed for time, I would usually just walk everywhere I needed to go.
NYC Travel Tips
- Plan Ahead: New York City is vast and bustling, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance. Book tickets for popular attractions and shows early to avoid long lines and sold-out events.
Consider booking bus tours like Hop-on Hop-off Bus or buying a New York: CityPASS when visiting multiple popular attractions to get a discount. - Use Public Transportation: The subway is the most efficient way to get around the city. Purchase a MetroCard for unlimited rides and familiarize yourself with the subway map.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The city’s streets and attractions are best explored on foot.
- Stay Hydrated: With all the sightseeing and walking, it’s important to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at water fountains or cafes.
- Explore Beyond Manhattan: While Manhattan has many iconic attractions, don’t miss out on exploring other boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Each has its own unique charm and hidden gems.
Is it Safe to Travel to New York City?
New York City is generally safe for tourists, with a strong police presence and well-lit streets.
However, like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and keep your belongings secure.
I have personally felt safe in all my visits to NYC. I mainly walked or took the metro, but have never had an encounter where I felt in danger, even staying out past midnight during my internship.
I find you’ll usually be safe if you stick to main streets and popular areas.
Fun Facts About New York City
- The Empire State Building: The Empire State Building has its own zip code: 10118. It’s one of the few buildings in the world with this distinction.
- Central Park: Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco.
- Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel.
- Subway System: The New York City subway system is one of the oldest and largest in the world, with 472 stations and over 665 miles of track.
- Times Square: Times Square is named after The New York Times, which moved its headquarters to the area in 1904. The iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop tradition started in 1907.
NYC Map
Here’s a map of all the spots featured in this New York City travel guide.
New York City is a dynamic and diverse destination with something for everyone.
I hope this travel guide gives you an idea on how to plan your NYC trip. Whether you’re doing a day trip, a weekend getaway or a week long trip, there’s enough travel tips here for your vacation.
I’m always looking for recommendations for my next visit so please let me know what you find the best places to visit, eat, drink, and stay in New York City.
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