New York is the greatest city in the world. Am I bias since I grew up in New Jersey and have made countless memories here since half my family and future husband are from this city? Maybe.
But besides that – NYC is iconic for so many reasons. There are famous sites around every corner, mouth-watering restaurants, award-winning Broadway shows – the list goes on.
When it comes to planning a trip to NYC, it’s hard to decide what you want to do – especially if you are in a time crunch. Choosing between the world-class museums and all the Gossip Girl filming sites sounds almost impossible, right? Well, I’m here to help!
Here’s my ultimate New York travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
When to visit
There’s no bad time to visit New York City – there are tons of experiences for travelers throughout the year! However, my personal favorite, and a time I highly recommend, is the holiday season. There’s nothing like Christmas in the city. Yes, it’s just as magical as the movies make it seem.
For warmer weather, the best time to visit is in the springtime (April to June) and the fall (September to early November). Though if you are looking for the cheapest time to visit, mid-January to the end of February is the best time to go.
Transportation
New York is separated into 5 major boroughs – Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan – each unique from the last. Here are the best ways to get around:
Subway: The subway is overall the best way to get around New York. You’ll avoid all the traffic, and it’s affordable! The trains run 24 hours a day. TIP: Download a subway map to make sure you get off at the right stop.
Uber/Taxi: If you have a lot of luggage or shopping bags, it might be easier and safer to take a cab than get on a crowded subway. Even though the yellow taxis are an iconic part of New York culture, I recommend taking an Uber instead. The drivers are more reliable, and the fares are cheaper.
Ferry: NYC Ferry is a great way to get from borough to borough. There are six routes, as well as one seasonal route, connecting 25 ferry piers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Plus, you’ll get awesome views of the city skyline from the water on your way!
Walking: Be sure to pack your most comfortable shoes and prepare to walk a lot! You don’t need to rely on public transportation to get around all the time since many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other. NYC is a very walkable city!
Top Things To Do in New York
High Line
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long park that was built on an old, elevated railway that stretches over three of the city’s most lively neighborhoods: the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen. The park features food vendors, art, and an incredible view of the Hudson River and NYC skyline.
Central Park
Borough: Manhattan
Location: From 59th Street to 110th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West.
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to the iconic Central Park! Pack a picnic and relax on the Great Lawn, attend free concerts, or get lost wandering down one of the many paths. TIP: Many of the city’s most notable attractions are situated next to Central Park (the Guggenheim, the Met, and the American Museum of Natural History, etc.). If you are in a time crunch, pass through Central Park on your way to another place! ANOTHER TIP: Don’t walk through the park after sunset as at night it could be unsafe.
Empire State Building
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Midtown, on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street
Despite the hefty admission fees, the crowds, and the long lines, this Manhattan landmark is a must-see. Go to the 86th or 102nd floor of the Empire State Building – there is an observation deck that gives you 360-degree views of Central Park, the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Grand Central Station
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Midtown, at 89 E.42nd Street (at Park Avenue)
Grand Central is much more than a busy transportation hub. It’s a place to shop, dine, and take in the ornate, historic scenery. TIP: Don’t forget to look up to admire the incredible ceiling art!
Brooklyn Bridge
Borough: Brooklyn & Manhattan
Location: Begins at City Hall Park, on the Manhattan side of the bridge, and ends in Dumbo/Brooklyn Heights on the Brooklyn side of the Bridge
Visit the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset if you want incredible photos of the city’s skyline. Walk across and take in the views of Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan.
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Midtown, between 48th and 51st Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues
If you are in the city during the holiday season, Rockefeller Center is where you’ll find the infamous NYC Christmas Tree along with an ice skating rink and extravagant holiday lights. For $50 you can visit the roof of Rockefeller Center aka the Top of the Rock. You’ll get access to three stories of 360-degree views of Manhattan! TIP: Be prepared for large lines waiting to get tickets and dress warmly during the fall – it can get very windy!
Time Square
Borough: Manhattan
Location: 42nd to 47th Streets, from Broadway to Seventh Avenue
Some say that Times Square is like a five-block metaphor for New York City itself – it’s exciting, colorful, and always jumping. Others describe this area of midtown Manhattan as artless, overpriced and congested. Perhaps it’s a bit of both. Though locals would advise you to avoid it, you should at least catch a glimpse of its neon lights!
The Met
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Central Park
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 and displays over 5,000 years of art. With ever-changing exhibits, there is so much history to see at The Met. General admission only costs you $25, making it one of the cheaper things to do in NYC. If you’re a student, be sure to have your ID with you and your admission will drop down to $12.
Broadway
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Situated between 41st Street and 54th Street and between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue
Another thing that’s absolutely worth splurging on in New York is a Broadway show. New York is known for its spectacular performances and productions. TIP: If you want to risk it, you can try to get discount tickets at one of the booths in Time’s Square – but get there early as the lines become long fast!
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Liberty Island & Ellis Island in New York Harbor
Visits to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island are musts in the Big Apple. Visit the grounds of Liberty Island and go inside the Statue of Liberty Museum. Then hop the ferry to Ellis Island and learn about the millions of people who arrived here between 1892 and 1954 in hope of living the American dream.
Museum of Natural History
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Central Park
This museum is incredible. Period. There are approximately 32 million artifacts inside, spread across four city blocks, 25 buildings and through 45 exhibition halls, so don’t even plan on seeing everything in one day. TIP: You’ll face fewer crowds if you visit during a weekday.
Radio City Music Hall
Borough: Manhattan
Location: Rockefeller Center
There’s no New York concert venue that’s quite like Radio City Music Hall. You can visit the space for a performance or to get a dose of its lengthy, melodious history on a one-hour Stage Door Tour.
