Things To Do
in New York
New York City is a dense, vibrant metropolis composed of five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island—each with its own personality and attractions. It's a global center for finance, arts, media, fashion and food, anchored by landmarks like Times Square, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. The city moves fast, offering endless cultural institutions, world-class dining and neighborhoods to explore on foot or by subway.
Visitors encounter a mix of historic architecture, cutting-edge creativity and a constant stream of events that make every visit different.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, taking in the reflection of skyscrapers on the water. Stop for a classic New York bagel and coffee at a nearby vendor under the elm-lined Mall. Feel the gentle rhythm of the park as joggers, dog walkers, and families animate the leafy pathways.
Rent a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse and glide along the lake, pausing to admire Bow Bridge’s graceful arches. Explore the hidden trails behind the Ramble, keeping an eye out for local birdlife and scenic rock outcroppings. Finish with a picnic on Sheep Meadow, enjoying skyline views against an urban meadow backdrop.
Head to the Delacorte Theater area to catch Shakespeare in the Park or simply linger as the sun sets. Grab dinner at Tavern on the Green, where historic charm meets modern American cuisine under twinkling lights. End the night with hot chocolate and a quiet walk past Wollman Rink, serenaded by distant city hums.
Start at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to wander Egyptian tomb replicas and European masterpieces before the crowds swell. Savor a cappuccino at the museum’s rooftop café while gazing over Central Park’s treetops and city skyline. Continue with a stroll down Fifth Avenue, admiring luxury storefronts and architectural landmarks.
Head to the Guggenheim Museum for its iconic spiral ramp and modern art collection, absorbing works by Kandinsky and Picasso. Pause at a street café for a light salad and espresso amid bustling Midtown sidewalks. Resume your cultural journey at the Neue Galerie, discovering Viennese art and decadent pastries in an intimate townhouse setting.
Dine at a chic Midtown bistro on fresh seasonal fare and artisanal cocktails. Walk off your meal with an evening promenade past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, its spires illuminated against the night sky. Conclude with pastries from a Fifth Avenue bakery to savor on a nearby bench.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare ride | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $150-350 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unmatched cultural, dining and entertainment variety
- Excellent public transit and many walkable neighborhoods
- World‑class museums, theaters and iconic landmarks
- Diverse neighborhoods offering global cuisines and experiences
- Can be expensive for lodging, dining and attractions
- Crowds and noise in popular areas, especially during peak season
- Weather extremes: hot/humid summers and cold, snowy winters
- Navigating rush hour and occasional subway delays
Places to Visit in New York
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic observation decks offering sweeping skyline views—Top of the Rock includes a centered view of the Empire State Building.
Classic shot from the walkway or from Washington Street in DUMBO with the bridge framing the Manhattan skyline.
Seasonal landscapes from Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Elevated park with modern urban and architectural perspectives, great for golden hour shots.
Free boat ride with unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan skyline.
Neon-lit, frenetic scenes ideal for night photography and candid street shots.
Food in New York
New York Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Large, thin‑crust slices sold by the slice; best enjoyed folded. Classic spots include Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village) and Di Fara (Brooklyn).
Must-Try!
Dense, chewy bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Try Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel for traditional options.
Thick-sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often with mustard; Katz’s Delicatessen is the iconic destination.
Quick, inexpensive street food sold by carts—classic New York snacks while sightseeing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Indoor food hall with seafood, tacos, artisanal bread, and specialty shops—great for varied lunch groups.
Weekend outdoor food market featuring dozens of trendy vendors; ideal for sampling local small-biz creations.
Seasonal night market with global street foods reflecting Queens' diversity—try Filipino, Colombian or Bangladeshi dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
New Yorkers tend to move quickly and value efficiency—keep pace on sidewalks, avoid stopping in the middle of busy walkways and stand to the right on escalators.
Brief politeness goes a long way: say 'excuse me' when navigating crowds and thank service workers; small courtesies are appreciated.
Form lines for food, subway entry and attractions—jumping ahead is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in New York
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill in restaurants (20% for excellent service), $1–2 per drink at bars, $1–2 per bag for hotel porters, and 10–20% for taxi or rideshare depending on service. Many restaurants add gratuity for large parties—check the bill.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for street vendors and small purchases, though many carts now accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms and magnolias—great for parks and outdoor markets. Expect occasional rain; pack a light jacket and umbrella.
Hot and humid, with long daylight hours and many outdoor festivals, rooftop bars and evening events. Stay hydrated, plan for indoor breaks and book popular attractions in advance.
Crisp air and spectacular fall foliage in parks and nearby hiking areas—one of the best times to visit. Layered clothing works well for temperature swings.
Cold with possible snow; holiday decorations and ice skating make the city festive but sidewalks can be icy. Dress warmly and allow extra travel time for weather delays.
New York at Night
Hiking in New York
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Steep, challenging trails north of the city with rewarding Hudson River and mountain views—popular for day hikes and fall foliage.
About an hour by car or train; offers multiple trails, scenic overlooks, a lake, picnic areas and a zoo—family friendly.
Cliffs along the Hudson River in New Jersey with trails, picnic spots and dramatic river views—accessible from Manhattan by public transit plus short drive or bike.
Located at Manhattan’s northern tip, offers woodland trails, salt marshes and views of the Hudson—surprisingly wild within the city.
Network of trails and natural areas on Staten Island with varied terrain and easy access via the Staten Island Ferry.
Airports
How to reach New York by plane.
Major international gateway in Queens with extensive global flights; accessible by AirTrain + subway/LIRR, taxis and private car services.
Closer to Manhattan and Queens, mainly domestic flights and some international; accessible by bus, rideshare and taxi—public transit connections improving with recent upgrades.
Located in New Jersey, serves many domestic and international flights; reachable by AirTrain + NJ Transit/Amtrak, buses, taxis and rideshares.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
NYC is a mosaic of immigrant populations from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe—this cultural diversity shapes neighborhoods, cuisine and festivals.
Large populations of young professionals live and work in Manhattan and Brooklyn, driving nightlife, tech, media and creative industries.
Established communities in boroughs like the Bronx and neighborhoods across Queens preserve cultural traditions and local businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Historic rivalry between the New York Yankees (Bronx) and the New York Mets (Queens); summer games are a major local pastime.
Home to teams like the New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden) and Brooklyn Nets; basketball courts are also a staple of street culture.
Giants and Jets draw big crowds to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey; college football also has strong followings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting New York.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options; neighborhoods like Chelsea, East Village and Williamsburg have dedicated vegetarian restaurants. Use apps like HappyCow to find plant‑based spots.
Most mid‑range and upscale restaurants can accommodate gluten‑free requests; bakeries and dedicated GF cafes are available but read menus or call ahead for strict cross‑contamination control.
Halal carts and kosher delis are common; neighborhoods like the Upper West Side and Borough Park offer many kosher-certified options.