The ultimate New York City travel guide

Are you ready to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world? New York City is an incredible destination, filled with endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this city has something to offer everyone.

In this ultimate travel guide to New York City, we will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip, including tips on where to stay, what to see and do, and the best places to eat. So get ready to explore the Big Apple - it's time to experience all that New York City has to offer!

About New York City

New York City is the largest city in the United States and a major global cultural, financial, and media center. It is located at the southern tip of the state of New York, along the Hudson River. As of 2019, the population of New York City was estimated to be 8.4 million people.

The history of New York City is long and varied, beginning with its settlement by Native Americans many thousands of years ago. The Dutch founded the first European settlement in 1625 and eventually handed the city over to the British in 1664. It became an important trading post and eventually one of the 13 original American colonies.

Today, New York City is home to a diverse population that includes people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in its many neighborhoods, which are known for their unique character and atmosphere. From Harlem to Chinatown to Little Italy, each neighborhood offers something unique to explore.

New York City is a major center for culture, art, fashion, entertainment, and cuisine. There are many world-famous museums and galleries, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The city is also home to some of the most famous restaurants and chefs in the world. It's no wonder that it has earned the title "The City That Never Sleeps!"

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, New York City has something for everyone. With its unparalleled attractions and endless possibilities, it’s easy to see why it remains one of the most visited cities in the world.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, there are a few things you should consider. To start, decide what season you want to visit. Different seasons bring different experiences; for example, summer is great for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and soaking up some sun, while winter is an ideal time to check out its art and culture scenes. Once you’ve picked a season, you can start researching the specific attractions and activities you want to experience in the city.

The next step is to decide how long you want to stay in New York City. Whether it’s a few days or a few weeks, plan accordingly. Keep in mind that the city is big and has a lot to offer – be sure to give yourself enough time to explore all the major sites and attractions.

Once you have a timeline established, it’s time to start budgeting. New York City can be expensive but there are lots of ways to save money. Consider staying at a hotel or Airbnb away from the tourist areas and look into discounts on attractions like museums and shows. It’s also helpful to research transportation options, as using public transportation is generally much cheaper than taking a taxi or rideshare.

Finally, make sure you have all your documents in order. This includes your passport or driver’s license, travel insurance and any necessary visas. With these things taken care of, you can start packing for your trip!

Getting there

No matter where you’re coming from, getting to New York City is easy. There are many airports around the city offering international and domestic flights, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).

For those travelling by train, Amtrak offers service to Penn Station in Manhattan as well as two other stations in Brooklyn and Queens. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider taking the bus. Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus are just some of the companies that offer service to the area.

Driving to the city is also an option, with the George Washington Bridge, Holland Tunnel, and Triborough Bridge providing routes from New Jersey, Long Island, and other parts of New York State.

No matter how you choose to get to New York City, you can be sure that it won't disappoint. From its bustling streets to its iconic landmarks, the Big Apple is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Getting Around

New York City is an easy place to get around, no matter what your preferred method of transport. While public transportation is the most convenient option, there are plenty of other ways to get around the city.

Public transportation is the most popular way to get around in New York City. The city is served by an extensive network of buses, subways, and commuter trains that make it easy to get to any destination quickly. All forms of public transportation accept the MetroCard, which can be purchased from vending machines located at subway stations and some bus stops.

Taxis are another great option for getting around the city. Taxis are plentiful, easily recognizable, and relatively inexpensive. They can be hailed on the street or booked online or through an app.

Cycling is also becoming increasingly popular in New York City. There are numerous dedicated cycling lanes throughout the city, and several bike-share programs that make it easy to rent a bike and explore the city.

For those who don’t mind doing a bit of walking, New York City is incredibly pedestrian friendly. The city is home to thousands of miles of sidewalks and paths, making it a great option for getting around.

We’d say hiring a car isn’t worth it in New York City. The traffic is terrible, and you’ll get places much faster on the subway or even on foot! Only hire a car if you plan on travelling to other places or cities as part of a longer trip to the East Coast.

Where to Stay

You definitely won’t be short of amazing places to stay on your trip to New York. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, you’ll find something to suit your needs. Here are five of the best hotels in NYC that you should consider for your stay. We’ve picked our favourite high-end hotels for an extra-special stay.

The Plaza

Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Plaza is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in New York City. Offering opulent guest rooms and suites with stunning views of Central Park and the city skyline, this hotel offers the perfect combination of class and comfort.

The Surrey

The Surrey is a luxurious hotel located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This hotel offers five-star amenities and an exquisite spa with a variety of treatments. Guests will also enjoy the outdoor courtyard with lush gardens and terraces.

The Baccarat

With its chic decor and modern amenities, The Baccarat Hotel is an ideal choice for luxury travelers. This stylish hotel offers chic accommodations, a world-class restaurant, and an impressive spa.

The Ludlow

Located in the trendy Lower East Side of Manhattan, The Ludlow is a boutique hotel offering sophisticated guestrooms, top-notch amenities, and a rooftop lounge with stunning views of the city.

The Nolitan

An elegant boutique hotel in Lower Manhattan, The Nolitan features contemporary accommodations, award-winning design, and excellent amenities. This stylish hotel is just minutes away from SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown.

New York City’s five boroughs

New York City is a bustling metropolis that offers an array of experiences for visitors. With its diverse neighbourhoods, from the iconic Manhattan skyline to the trendy and hip Brooklyn borough, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit neighbourhoods in New York City.

Manhattan

Manhattan is the city’s most iconic borough, home to world-famous attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Whether you want to explore a museum, go shopping on 5th Avenue or just soak up the atmosphere, Manhattan is the place to be. Don’t miss Chinatown and Little Italy too!

Read: The 20 best things to do in Manhattan

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is the city’s trendiest borough, with plenty of independent shops, galleries and street art. Visit hip neighbourhoods such as Williamsburg, Bushwick and Greenpoint to see what all the fuss is about. Don’t miss Brooklyn Heights, where you can get spectacular views of lower Manhattan across the East River.

Queens

The borough of Queens is known for its cultural diversity and eclectic neighbourhoods. Home to two of New York City’s major airports – JFK and LaGuardia – it’s a great place to explore and experience different cultures. Highlights include Astoria, Flushing and Jackson Heights.

The Bronx

The Bronx has vibrant African-American and Latin cultures and is home to the New York Yankees baseball team. If you’re looking for authentic cuisine and interesting places to visit, this is the borough for you. Head to Little Italy for a taste of authentic Italian food and check out Fordham Road for some great shopping.

Staten Island

Staten Island is the least visited borough, but there’s still plenty to see and do here. You can take a ferry ride over to Staten Island to see views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan or explore Historic Richmond Town – an open-air museum village full of 18th century buildings.

No matter where you go in New York City, there’s something new around every corner. So make sure you check out these amazing neighbourhoods during your trip!