Visiting New York for the first time? The Big Apple is exciting, energetic and packed with culture. While most tourists want to make all the popular stops, you probably want to explore the city like a local.
After all, home-grown New Yorkers know the best places to eat, drink and shop, right? Why waste your time at overcrowded tourist destinations when you can get a true New York experience?
There really is no place like New York. Buzzing with so much energy you can instantly see why it has been named the city that never sleeps!
Whether you are planning a long weekend away, or stopping off as part of a bigger trip, here are a few insider tips that the guide books don’t mention to help you plan an unforgettable stay in the Big Apple including what to do, where to stay, unmissable attractions and ways to save money.
Best Time to Visit
New York is overrun with tourists and visitors from Upstate New York and other US states on the weekends, so if you want a true local (and cheaper) New York experience, try to visit from Monday to Thursday.
New York gets really busy during the holidays, especially Christmas when everybody visits Manhattan to go ice skating and to see the huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Centre and get last-minute holiday shopping done.
The city is also extra busy around New Year’s, Thanksgiving and St. Patrick’s Day. Prices for accommodation during these periods can be. much higher than other times of the year.
Weather
The key learning to take from the weather around the New York metropolitan area (and in fact the entirety of the North Eastern USA) is no half measures.
When it’s cold, it’s really cold, I’m talking, minus-20-the-air-is-hurting-my-face cold. And when it’s hot and humid, New York takes ‘sweaty mess’ to a whole new level, and that’s not to mention the monsoon-like rains that sometimes hit the city.
For me, the perfect time to visit is around Mid-April through June and then again from late August to Mid-October. Think clear skies and balmy English summer days. That’s not to say there is really a bad time to visit – Christmas in the city is magical.
Getting to New York
Getting to New York couldn’t be easier, with multiple direct daily flights from international airports you have ample access to the wonders of the Big Apple. Flight time from London is around 8 hours. Search and compare cheap flights on Skyscanner.
Getting from John F. Kennedy Airport
JFK airport is located 24 km southeast of Manhattan. The AirTrain links the airport with the region’s rail transport network 24 hours 7 days a week. Shuttles and public buses are available or you can get a cab for about $70. The journey will take anywhere from half an hour to an hour depending on the route you take. Be aware that you could have tolls to pay in addition to the metered fare.
Where to Stay
New York is such an enormous city, that to give an in-depth assessment of which neighbourhood is best for you would require a whole lot more time than I have here, so I’ll keep it brief.
Most accommodation you’ll find in the city is centred around Manhattan’s Mid-Town area, which spans from the southern border of Central Park, through to about 14th Street (Union Square) – with tonnes of hotels and a few hostels Midtown is a great choice for being in the thick of things; and as most commuter trains and subway lines stop in Midtown, it also serves as a great location for navigating the city.
Another fantastic option is staying up on the Upper East or Upper West Sides. Traditionally a more residential part of town, these neighbourhoods have great access to the park and are literally a few minutes’ walk from some of the famous museums in NYC; the Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Prices here are expensive though as this area is home to some of the most luxury hotels in the world.
If you’re looking for something a little bit different, Harlem, north of Central Park is an area undergoing an enormous transformation, with some fantastic places to stay such and tonnes going on. You can find some of the best hostels in New York in these areas.
For the very best value; take a look at Hoboken or Jersey City in New Jersey, which are by no means the most scintillating of places, but will offer great value and views of Manhattan, and are merely a 10 minute train journey from downtown. North Brooklyn and Long Island City in Queens also have some great accommodation options, without leaving you too far away from Manhattan.
If you’re looking for accommodation in New York search hotels and hostels on Booking.com.
Getting Around
Unless you’re going to wander aimlessly around New York City without a plan, you probably have an idea for where you want to go.
Apart from a few anomalies in the grid system, New York City is easy to navigate. Public transportation is efficient, relatively cheap and virtually crime free. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority runs the subways and buses, as well as services to points outside Manhattan.
The subway is by far the cheapest and fastest way to travel in New York, whether you’re staying in Manhattan or making an excursion to one of the other boroughs. Before you embark on your trip to New York, familiarize yourself with a subway map.
Once you get on the actual subway train, there are electronic maps and signs to tell you where you are and where the next stop is. The worst that would happen is you would get on the wrong train or head in the wrong direction, get off at the next stop (which is probably just a few short minutes) and then jump on the right train.
If you’d rather take a taxi to your destination, make sure to never, ever get into an unmarked taxi. You can tell if a taxi is available if the light on the top of the car is lit up; if it’s not, that means that people are inside.
To hail a taxi, position yourself close to the road, making sure that cabs are coming your way and that you’re not on a one-way street. Put your hand in the air until a cab comes over. When you get in, you can either tell the driver the address, cross streets or name of where you’re going.
Uber is also recommended. Local buses are cheap, but pretty confusing to use so I wouldn’t recommend using them unless travelling outside of New York.
NYC Sightseeing Tours
New York is great for exploring but to save money, and also avoid queues you might want search sightseeing tours and attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Things to See and Do in NYC
Welcome to a potpourri of sights, sounds and tastes, breathtaking panoramas and tantalizing delights. Welcome to New York.
Choosing what things to do is a real challenge, there really are hundreds of attractions, bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues that it’d be impossible to list them all.
But I’ve put together some hot-tips for those seeking the quintessential Manhattan experience.
With so much to see it really depends on where your interests lie. Art buff? Check out the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim and Museum of Metropolitan Art uptown; Interested in exploring the cities great parks and nature? Central Park, The Highline and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are beautiful, tranquil oasis’ in the hustle and bustle of NYC.
Fancy checking out a show? Broadway is fantastic, with cheap deals galore; but so is BAM, The Brooklyn Academy of Music; with amazing touring productions frequently appearing at the theatre.
More of a sports fan? A baseball game at Yankee Stadium or trip out to see the Mets is inexpensive and a great laugh, as is getting your hands on tickets to see the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Rangers or Giants (Basketball, Hockey, American Football respectively).
None of that appeal? No problem; simply wandering the city will lead you to some of New York’s most famous sites, from the Brooklyn Bridge, to the Empire State Building, from Ground Zero to the Statue of Liberty; much of the wonder of New York lies in the sheer impressiveness of the city itself.
If it is your first time in New York you must visit the Empire State Building, which dominates Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street. It may be the one thing almost everyone does in the Big Apple, but the views from the observation deck are spectacular, particularly at night. It’s also a great way to get your bearings and study the city’s geography.
When most people who haven’t been to New York think of the city, they picture the bright lights of crowded Times Square. This is one of the most iconic and recognisable places in the world and an essential place to go to get a photo. Times Square is usually pretty tourist and a little seedy, but still, its Time Square.
You might want to take a trip to Staten Island on the ferry service running from the Whitehall Terminal on South Street in Lower Manhattan throughout the day. Free for foot passengers, the 25-minute voyage passes right by the Statue of Liberty.
The East Village, which spreads out from St Mark’s Place, is home to the hippest elements of NYC and richly populated with students, artists and musicians. Within walking distance to the West is Greenwich Village, which has become slightly more upmarket than its eastern counterpart but still boasts a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Followers of the fashion flock to the Flatiron District situated in Gramercy Park and the surrounding streets. The latest hotspot for trendy bars and a popular hangout for models and young actors, it is situated a short walk from Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, where a large population of designer stores and exclusive shops makes for some of the best window shopping in the world.
Little Italy, centered primarily on Mott Street, has been reduced from a once large neighborhood to a collection of pricey Italian restaurants stretched across three city blocks. Take a trip to Canal Street, however, and you will find that Chinatown is still buzzing.
Orchard Street in the Lower East Side plays host to NYC’s bet and most famous street bazaar every Sunday. Make a day of it browsing the stalls that spread across the surrounding streets and be prepared to barter for the best deals in what is the archetypal Manhattan shopping experience.
For more formal entertainments, head up towards Times Square and 42nd Street for the Theater District, where the most famous Broadway shows are situated. Don’t get too carried away with the opulent atmosphere however, as only moments away on 47th Street and 5th Avenue is the Diamond District, an area through which 80% of the world’s diamonds are sold. Shop very carefully!
Then there’s the Hat District on 30th to 40th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues, the Silver District on Upper Madison Avenue and even the Shoe District that follows 8th Street between 6th and 2nd Avenue. There is barely a nook or cranny in this city not imbued with its own distinct character.
For a fun day trip in summer take a stroll along the boardwalk on Coney Island, one of the world’s most famous beach resorts and funfairs. It may have rusted a little since its heyday in the early part of the twentieth century, but for many New Yorkers that’s an essential part of this still lively destination’s charm.
On the weekend you could spend a typical Manhattan Sunday like a local by enjoying a breakfast of hot bagels, cream cheese and coffee over a copy of the New York Times at one of the numerous delicatessens in Greenwich Village. The stroll up Fifth Avenue to Central Park and idle away your time by the model boating lake or whiz around the lush acres on a pair of hired roller blades.
Shopping
Although the dollar has flattened out in recent years, New York is still a Mecca and one of the best places to go shopping in North America.
For the retail therapy seeker, New York’s got the lot. Shop until you drop at the famous Macy’s department store, visit the array of upscale outlets in the sumptuous Trump Tower or browse among the downtown area’s rich selection of independent stores. Whatever you’d hoped to buy, it’s out there somewhere.
While Macy’s and Bloomingdales get most of the international acclaim, it’s really the smaller neighbourhood boutiques where you can find some of the best shopping in the city.
Soho is an obvious place to start, with tonnes of flagship stores for big brands like J Crew and Levis, plus a smattering of great independent stores. The East and West Village are also great, with lots of record shops, vintage clothes shops and antiques and curiosity stores.
Williamsburg is another brilliant location, just across the water in Brooklyn; especially on a Sunday when you can visit the famous Brooklyn flea market whilst overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the Mid-Town skyline.
At the market you’ll find anything from vintage pairs of Jordan’s through to beautiful restored jewellery and out of print books and records, as well as locally made arts and crafts. This market also runs in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on a Saturday.
Restaurants & Eating Out
If there’s one thing New Yorkers know how to do, it’s eat. Their city encompasses a thousand cooking styles from as many nations, ensuring that there’ll always be something to suit the most particular of taste buds.
Manhattan is a melting pot of people and cultures. Wherever you go, from the downtown area up, you will find fascinating glimpses of the varied ethnic groupings and international places to eat that made the city what it is today.
There are so many restaurants in New York that keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s delicious in city would require a few extra days in each week, however in my opinion, you have to tick the 4 must do’s off your list on any trip to New York: Pizza, Hot Dogs, Bagels and Donuts.
For Pizza, really you’re spoilt for choice, from Joe’s in the West Village, to Di Fara in Midwood, Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint and Tottonnos at Coney Island – there are a million spots to get your pizza fix; however for short lines and a truly NYC experience I’d recommend Patsy’s in Harlem (1st Ave and 118th Street).
Burgers are an iconic New York food staple. For an unbelievable Bagel, Murrays near Union Square is fantastic, as are H&H Bagels in Midtown. For Hot Dogs, there’s only one option for – the legendary Grays Papaya on Broadway and 72nd street, and the best Donut’s you’ll ever taste are at Greenpoint’s Peter Pan Bakery, it’s worth the trip, I promise!
For the ultimate Manhattan diner experience, visit Katz’s deli at 205 East Houston Street, a traditional Jewish diner that has served the lower east side since 1988. Not only celebrated for its bulging pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, this is the eatery where Meg Ryan famously embarrassed Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally.
Catch some authentic Asian cooking in the heart of the Chinatown district at New York Noodle Town, 28½ the Bowery at Bayard Street. Lively, noisy and often so crowded that you end up sharing a table with complete strangers – prepare to party late into the night.
Pig out at The Doughnut Plant on 379 Grand St between Essex and Norfolk streets. Cheap, cheerful and stuffed with doughnuts of every flavor, shape and size, this temple to fried cakes has become a cult success amongst native New Yorkers and includes many media personalities and celebrities amongst its regular customers.
Hidden deep within the bowels of the cavernous Grand Central Station on 42nd Street at Park Avenue is the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Specializing in a rich variety of fish dishes, this 89-year old institution is the perfect place to munch on a bowl of traditional clam chowder while watching Wall Street power brokers seal deals over 20 varieties of raw oyster.
Sample a traditional Manhattan delicacy at Gray’s Papaya, a hot dog stand on the corner of West 72nd Street and Broadway. Stand by the cart while you eat for a fun-filled conversation with the vendor, whose excellent dogs and New York wit have turned him into a city landmark over the years.
Honourable mentions also go to the Clinton Street Bakery’s Pancakes, Carnegies giant Sandwiches and Nom Wah’s dim-sum.
Drinks with a View
When in New York, one thing you just have to do is hit up a bar with the best views of the city.
Manhattan is famous for its rooftop bars, and there are so many to choose from. For the best views head to 230 Fifth, a little touristy, but the perfect spot to gaze up at the Empire State Building and indulge in your first cosmopolitan of your trip.
If you fancy more of a party scene check out Hotel Chantelle located in the Lower East Side. In the summer months the roof retracts and you can party until 4am in the open air. Other great rooftop joints include Le Bain at The Standard, Bar 54 and Jimmy. Check em’ out!
Nightlife and Where to Party
When planning a night out in an unfamiliar city it is often hard to know exactly where you should go. Luckily in NYC you have a lot of choice.
Slap on your spats and take a jaunt back into the days of prohibition at Chumley’s, a bar hidden away on tiny Bedford Street in Greenwich Village. The former speakeasy, which still retains many features from its days as a secluded hangout for gangsters and their molls, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets – despite having operated as a bar for over 100 years.
If you like a more relaxing cultural evening there’s the classical concerts at Carnegie Hall, the free recitals at Julliard School of Music, the City Ballet’s performances at the Lincoln Center – the list is endless.
If more modern excitements are what you seek, the city’s nightlife is truly unique. Catch the hip young things at play in the East Village, drink in Greenwich Village’s cosmopolitan and romantic atmosphere or thrill at the bright lights and bustle of 42nd Street, where tuxedoed playboys mingle happily with the theater crowd and a smattering of Times Square hustlers.
For a trendy but more expensive night out head to the Meatpacking District. This area is littered with epic clubs, bars, restaurants and quite likely some famous faces. Head to Catch, a popular glitzy spot where you can party with New Yorkers until 4am Monday-Saturday!
If you are looking for a more chilled scene head to one of my favourite haunts in the city – The Standard Biergarten. This is a super laid-back beer garden which has long communal tables, ping pong and a fun vibe.
If you are looking to party all night and prefer a less pretentious atmosphere to the Meatpacking District head to the Lower East Side. Your night will most likely be cheaper and less stressful getting into the clubs. Check out No Fun, Nurse Bettie and Pianos – party the night away New York style-y!
Safety
A lot of people, not just in the United States but also in most areas around the world that have easy access to American movies and syndicated television programs, are under the impression that New York City is riddled with crime.
The criminal image of New York City has been reinforced by movies like Taxi Driver and programs like CSI: New York, NYPD Blue and Law & Order.
Contrary to popular belief, however, studies have shown that New York City is one of the safest of the mega-cities located in the United States.
While it is true that crime was a problem in the 1970s and the 1980s, with the frequent incidences of arson in the Bronx famously giving birth to the phrase “The Bronx is burning, among others,” the government of New York City has shown a hard stance against criminal activity in nearly two decades.
As a result, of the ten largest cities of the United States, New York City posts the lowest figure in terms of crime rate.
It does not mean, however, that a tourist visiting the City of New York should walk the streets of the city complacent and careless. Crime rate is indeed low in New York City, but it does not mean that it is not there. Tourists are most vulnerable because they do not always know their way around the city.
If you are a tourist in New York City, one of the many things you can do so your visit to the city would be safe and without incident is to avoid appearing like you are a tourist. Would-be criminals always go after what they think are easy prey and tourists carrying maps and looking lost look like easy prey.
If you are really lost and trying to find your way around the city, do not bring out your map. Instead, approach a cop and ask for directions. If you really must bring out your map, go to an indoor place where you can sit down, such as a coffeeshop.
When you go around the city, try not to bring a lot of cash with you. Instead, just bring some change, along with your ATM card and a credit card or two. In case you run short of cash, there are plenty of ATMs around the city from where you can draw some cash. Beware when you do make your withdrawals, though. Be aware of your surroundings.
Always carry your wallet in your front pocket, rather than in the back so you will not fall victim to pickpockets. If you are carrying a purse, make sure that your purse is secured to your body. Avoid loading yourself with jewelry.
There are a lot of spots in Manhattan that remain alive and crowded even in the early hours of the morning, such as Times Square. However, try to avoid walking through the business districts and neighborhoods you are not familiar with after dark. In case you get caught outside in the dark, it would be better for you to take the cab back to the place you are staying at.
If you must take the subway train, wait for the train at the off-hours waiting area near the station’s main booth instead of at the platform itself. Once your train arrives, take the conductor’s car or ride with the operator.
Most of all, avoid the panhandlers. These people will approach you and come up with some story about losing their wallets and such in order to pry some cash out of your hands. Avoid eye contact, say “No” and just walk away.
Day Trips & Places to Visit Near New York
I nearly wrote ‘Getting Bored of the Big Apple?’ to start this section, however, with so much to do, I doubt that’s possible.
However, if you do fancy an escape to somewhere not-too-far from the city, the railway out of New York is pretty great, with excellent connections to upstate New York and nearby cities Boston, Washington DC and Philadelphia.
A personal favourite of mine is Cold Spring, around 90 minutes out of the city on the Metro North train link. Cold Spring is a quaint little colonial town that sits on the Hudson River and is perfect for a chilled out day or two on the outskirts of the city; with great hikes, cute restaurants and some good swimming opportunities, it’s a bargain for only around $30 train fare.
If you are looking for the ultimate USA adventure check out my New York to Florida road trip itinerary.
Plan a Trip to NYC
New York really is the best city on the planet. There. I said it. Having spent time living, breathing and eating (mainly eating) my way round New York City, I hope my top tips help you to get the most out of your time in the city that never sleeps.
For more recommendations view my USA travel tips.