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From the Statue of Liberty to Radio City Music Hall, New York City’s landmarks are renowned the world over. But the soul of the Big Apple lies in its rich cultural flavor.
Unlike many popular destinations, New York City’s main industry isn’t tourism. Explore the nation’s largest metropolis with a mix of respect and adventure — your next delight is just around the corner.
The most efficient way to see the city is by subway, bus, ferry or train. Most rides cost $2.75 one way, regardless of how far you’re traveling. Just head to a Metropolitan Transportation Authority kiosk, purchase a MetroCard, swipe at a turnstile and hop aboard.
While some subway stations offer Wi-Fi, coverage is spotty throughout the ride and not guaranteed. So it’s best to plot your travels ahead of time. Google Maps is a sturdy aid, as are the MTA’s app and Citymapper.
To make the most of your trip, avoid stopping back at your hotel room or rental. Consider packing daily essentials in a backpack, and grab a slice of $2 pizza for lunch if cash is tight. In true New Yorker style, embrace the shade at a nearby park or coffee shop.
On the streets of New York, energy swirls from every direction. Keeping your eyes up is key — not only to prevent theft, but also out of courtesy for others. Stepping off the sidewalk could put you directly in the path of a fast-moving biker.
Sometimes New Yorkers get a bad rep for being rude. The reality is that most are quite friendly. But understand that though you’re on vacation, you’ll likely cross paths with someone’s daily commute. Staying mindful ensures everyone is able to travel smoothly.
The comedy scene in New York is legendary, and there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for an intimate indie hideout or bright lights and big names, you’ll laugh along with some of the greats at a comedy show in the city.
Nothing sabotages a trip faster than blisters and bloody heels. Prioritize comfort over style when visiting the Big Apple, even if it means leaving your fabulous stilettos behind.
Think of Times Square as the midway of a state fair: It’s bright, crowded, loud and stuffed with expensive spots. Sure, it’s worthwhile to see — and home to Broadway theaters — but it’s just one note in New York’s glorious symphony.
Ignite your senses in Harlem’s rush of jazz, soul food and street art. Wander through Greenwich Village’s romantic, zig-zagged streets and take a break in Washington Square Park. Soak in the riches of immigrant history at the Lower East Side’s Tenement Museum, then head north to admire the art deco magic of Grand Central Terminal and couturiers on the Upper East Side.
And don’t forget about the Upper West Side, Washington Heights, Hell’s Kitchen, the Flatiron District, Union Square, Chelsea, East Village, Little Italy, SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown and the Financial District.
True, you could spend years exploring Manhattan alone. But Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island are add to the city’s overall flavor.
Whether picnicking in Prospect Park or admiring art at MoMA’s PS1, you’ll get a clearer picture of local life by venturing off the island.
Bodegas are corner shops that are part supermarket, part convenience store and wholly neighborhood landmarks. The word bodega comes from a Spanish word that means “warehouse” or “wine cellar.” In the 1940s and ’50s, bodegas were typically operated by Puerto Rican immigrants. Stop in to grab last-minute munchies, snag a bottle of wine or pet a mascot cat.
Yes. ATMs are found on nearly every block throughout the city and outer boroughs. Police recommend covering your hand when inputting your pin, and taking your cash as soon as it comes out to help prevent theft.
Yes. MetroCard Vending Machines accept cash, credit and debit cards.
While some food trucks may accept credit cards, most street vendors selling coffee, hot dogs and similar fare do not. It’s a good idea to keep cash on you at all times in NYC — especially if you’re prone to street food cravings.
Cash transactions are generally more economical for vendors because they avoid credit card transaction fees.
Not particularly. However, pickpockets target tourists, so stay aware of your surroundings at all times — especially in crowded places. Keep valuables zipped away close to your body.
New York City is one of the most walkable cities in the world, with coffee shops and bodegas never more than a few blocks away. But what happens when you start in Washington Heights and want to loop down towards the Statue of Liberty, finishing up at the Met on the Upper East Side? An itinerary like that calls for public transportation.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the city’s rail and bus system. To navigate routes, use MTA’s Trip Planner online or via the mobile app — or use Google Maps. You can also use apps like Citymapper to compare routes and see any service changes that could affect your trip.
Your options for getting around in NYC include:
The surest mark of a clumsy tourist is someone who doesn’t follow subway etiquette. How to blend in:
Don’t lean on the poles. Grimy as they may be, subway poles are meant for hands, not bodies. Leaning against a pole means that no one else can use it to balance. If the subway car is crowded, get a sturdy grip and stand back so others can do the same.
Be ready to swipe your MetroCard. City dwellers are used to moving through subway turnstiles quickly. Even if you’re a slow swiper, at least have your card out and ready to go when you approach the turnstile to avoid holding up the flow.
Wait your turn. When a subway car arrives, your instinct may be to rush on immediately. Let passengers leave the train first so you can board without bumping into each other.
If you’d rather be behind the wheel, consider renting a car. But be wary that New York City is infamous for heavy traffic, quick swerves, and loud horn honks — not to mention, parking is almost nonexistent outside of garages.
Rental options include:
Renting a car for two days can cost anywhere from $73 to $176 depending on the type of car you rent and service you choose. Reserve a car in advance to save.
Unlike many other cities, driving in NYC is more of a hassle than taking public transportation. But if it can’t be avoided, here’s what you need to know:
You can’t turn right at red lights. Due to pedestrians, bikers, and public transport vehicles, turning right at red lights is prohibited — except if there’s a sign indicating that it’s OK.
Signs can get complicated. You can’t make a left turn on some major avenues at certain times. To avoid getting a ticket, keep your eyes peeled for signs—always. When parking, be careful to note any exceptions or caveats because the entire city is technically a tow-away zone. As a general rule, watch out for red signs as these generally indicate a prohibited area.
When parking streetside, pay the meter. Instead of quartered meters, NYC has adopted muni-meters, which accept cash, coins or plastic. You’ll get a receipt to place on your dashboard, proving you paid.
Plan garage parking in advance. The average cost for NYC residents to park in a garage each month is $430 — and the high cost of daily parking for visitors follows suit. If you’re planning to park in a garage overnight or during the day, locating a spot in advance will help you compare prices and stay within your budget. Take note of special rates like early bird pricing too. NYC Bestparking is a useful tool.
Three airports around NYC offer convenient passage into the city:
Pro tip – Consider taking a shuttle for safe passage from the airport to midtown. For newcomers and locals alike, shuttles offer predictable convenience at a flat rate, plus space to easily store luggage. You can get roundtrip shuttle service from LGA to Grand Central Station for $30 from NYCExpressBus.
Yes! But you’ll want to use the same common sense that you would on the street: Stay vigilant, and if you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and take a taxi instead.
The train operator rides in the first car, and the conductor is situated in the middle. Try to sit near them when boarding. And each station has an agent on duty that you can stand near while waiting for a train, if you feel uncomfortable.
Yes! The subway runs all day, every day. However, not all routes operate at all times, like nights or weekends, so plan ahead if you need to make an after-dark trip.
Yes — most taxis in NYC take credit and debit cards and there’s no minimum transaction required. However, most taxi drivers only accept cards from major carriers like Visa, Mastercard or Discover.
Yes. The tap water in New York City is considered some of the best in the world — it’s even been nicknamed the “champagne of drinking water.” More than a billion gallons are delivered daily from upstate reservoirs.
However, old lead pipes in buildings can sometimes contaminate water. Use a filter to get rid of any contaminants.
Yes. NYC is considered the safest big city in the US — even safer than sunny San Diego. Still, as a tourist it’s best to stay in more populated areas.
Yes. Although the skimpy price tag may seem suspect, $1 pizza is safe to eat in general. New Yorkers seem to agree that the taste is fairly average, though.
Yes! Catch surf and sun at one of NYC’s three main beaches:
Also check out Great Kills Park and the Franklin D. Roosevelt beach on Staten Island. And Long Island’s also known for beautiful beaches spanning from Long Beach all the way to Montauk.
Yes! NYC’s five main zoos are:
The largest open-air food market in America, Smorgasburg has three NYC locations:
Go hungry and with an adventurous appetite — raindrop cake, ramen burgers and burnt ends sandwiches are Smorgasburg staples.
You’ll find a hearty selection of hotels, hostels and short-term rentals at a range of price points. Choose your top destinations within the city, then use our guide to the best hotels in NYC to find a nearby stay.
Traveling during COVID-19
The CDC continues to advise caution when traveling within or outside the US, though it no longer requires self-quarantine or a COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers as of April 2021. It recommends that you delay travel if you are not fully vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from getting or spreading the virus.
When traveling, follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for COVID-19 test results — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.
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