New York City is one of those places where you truly feel like you are in the center of the world. It is my favorite big city in the United States. I seem to have a never ending list of things I still want to do next time around; more museums to visit, coffee shops to try, and Broadway shows to see. If you’re planning a trip to NYC, know that it is impossible to see everything during one stay but you can certainly make the most of your time with strategic planning.
Know where you want to stay. If you’re planning on seeing a lot of Broadway shows, stay near the theater district in midtown to avoid longer journeys home late at night. If you want to be near good shopping, bars, and restaurants with a nice aesthetic, you might want to stay in the West Village or SoHo. If you’re looking for a more local and residential feel, consider the Upper West or East Side or even over in Brooklyn. Whatever you end up choosing, familiarize yourself enough with the area ahead of time to make sure you won’t be going in knowing nothing about what’s around you.
Plan how you are going to get to your accommodation from the airport before you arrive. There are three different airports to fly into when visiting New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). If you don’t want to take a taxi or Uber, public transportation is easily accessible from all three airports to Manhattan.
- JFK → Manhattan: Follow signs for the AirTrain and get on the one going to Jamaica Station. From Jamaica Station, you can easily catch the subway. Or, for a faster slightly more expensive journey, you can take the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station or Grand Central. Prices for the LIRR vary between $8.25 and $11.25 depending on whether you are traveling during daily peak times.
- LGA → Manhattan: Take the free LaGuardia Link Q70 bus from terminals B or C to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave subway station. You can then hop on the subway line that best gets you to your Manhattan destination.
- EWR → Manhattan: Take the Newark AirTrain to the Newark Liberty International Airport train station. There you can buy a ticket for the New Jersey Transit train going to Penn Station.
Getting Around New York City
- Taking the subway is the most efficient way to get around New York City. You can purchase a physical metro card at any station and add money on to it or you can just tap to pay with any credit card or mobile pay. As of July 2025, the cost to take one subway journey is $2.90. Use Google Maps or Citymapper for subway times and station information.
- The NYC Ferry is a lesser known option to travel along the East River for stops in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The cost for a one way ticket is $4.50 for a short cruise along the river offering great views at a very affordable price. Check the NYC Ferry official website for daily timetables.
- Taking a taxi or Uber is a good option for those preferring convenience over affordability. Keep in mind the traffic in NYC is pretty bad, so be sure to factor in extra time for likely delays.
- Renting a bike from one of the many citibike stations is another fun way to see the city. Download the Citibike app and pay per minute while riding through the city. Follow the bike paths and pay attention to the directions and street lights.
- Walking is of course the best way to see the city at a leisurely pace. Bring good walking shoes and be prepared for a high step count each day 🙂
What to do in New York City
When coming up with an itinerary, the biggest tip I’ll give is to try to group activities together on the same day that are in the same area. While the subway makes it super easy to cover a lot of ground, think about dedicating more time to each area and hitting everything you want to see at one time, instead of making repeat trips back and forth each day between, for example, the Financial District and the Upper East Side. To help with your planning, I’ve organized a guide with all the must-do sights in each major section of NYC: Upper Manhattan, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan.
Upper Manhattan
Upper West Side
Walk along the Hudson in Riverside Park, visit the American Museum of Natural History, or catch a performance at Lincoln Center.
Central Park
Central Park is always at the top of my list to visit whenever I am in New York City. It is stunningly beautiful! There are endless paths to walk, run, or bike around. If you’re visiting in the summer, head to the boathouse and rent a row boat for an hour. Spend some time at Belvedere Castle and the well-known Bethesda Terrace. Grab a hot dog from a food cart or splurge on a fine dining experience at Tavern on the Green. It’s easy to underestimate the size of Central Park so give yourself plenty of time to explore at a leisurely pace.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The largest museum in New York, you will need at least a couple hours to explore the expansive collection of the MET. Highlights include the Greek and Roman Art corridor, the Temple of Dendur, the American Wing and my personal favorite, the original (huge) painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware.
Upper East Side
Notable museums like the Guggenheim, the Frick Collection, the Neue Galerie, and of course the MET, make up Museum Mile on the Upper East Side. If you’re feeling bougie, grab a coffee from Ralph’s and enjoy some upscale shopping at the flagship location of Ralph Lauren. Enjoy even more delicious bakeries, trendy thrift stores, and local spots like Carl Schurz Park when you venture further away from Central Park.
TIP Museum tickets in NYC are not cheap and can add up quickly. However, almost all museums have designated free or pay-what-you-wish entry times and days so research in advance to see what will work for your itinerary.
Midtown
Bryant Park
The perfect place to relax and soak up the city in a relaxed environment. In the summer, free movie nights are held on the lawn and in the winter the skating rink is open. Many events are held here throughout the year on the stage so be sure to see what’s coming up.
New York Public Library
With beautiful grand halls and architecture, this is not your typical public library! On the lower level you can visit the free exhibition, which holds an impressive collection of items from the original Winnie the Pooh to centuries old manuscripts, art, and handwritten documents by historical figures like George Washington.
Summit One Vanderbilt
At the moment this may be NYC’s most popular observatory for its unique interactive experience and extremely instagrammable photo ops. As touristy as it is, I have to admit the views through the levels of glass were very artistic and make for beautiful photos. The interactive rooms are a blast!
TIP If you plan to go to one of NYC’s observatories, book tickets ahead of time to ensure you get your preferred time slot. Keep in mind that ticket prices are significantly higher if visiting around sunset.
Grand Central Terminal
Take some time to visit the world famous train station and gaze up at the signature turquoise and gold constellation ceiling. Look closely and you’ll find a black square that looks out of place… a very interesting piece of history you’ll have to look up afterwards. And don’t forget to pass through the whispering gallery before you leave!
Morgan Library & Museum
The personal collection of J P Morgan holds many historical artifacts and a remarkable library with thousands of books and rare editions. While each room is quite impressive, the East Room is the most magnificent with its floor to ceiling shelves of books and exquisite fresco ceiling.
Rockefeller Center
Home to the iconic plaza with the golden statue of Prometheus hovering above. In the winter the plaza is converted into an ice skating rink and around Christmas boasts its gigantic lighted tree. Head inside Rockefeller for lots of shopping and dining options on the lower level, as well as the FAO Schwarz toy store on the corner (where Tom Hanks plays the giant piano in the movie Big). Rockefeller is also home to NBC Studios and across the street is the famed Radio City Music Hall.
Top of the Rock
An iconic observatory in midtown, the Top of the Rock offers incredible rooftop views of Central Park, lower Manhattan, and everything in between.
Times Square
You have to pass through Times Square at least once on your trip. If you’re there late at night, every night at 11:57pm all the ads disappear and the billboards turn into a digital art show for 3 minutes until the clock strikes 12.
Broadway Show
You can’t go to NYC without seeing a Broadway show! For cheaper tickets, go to the box office the day of the show and ask if there are any rush tickets available. The average rush ticket price is $40. After the show be sure to go to the stage door and meet the actors. They almost always come out and are happy to sign your playbills and take pictures with you.
TIP If you’re heading to a show but don’t want to pay for pricey concessions inside the theater, buy something outside before you go in. Head to M&M World and build your own custom bag of m&m’s or to Schmakary’s for a fun selection of seasonal cookies.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
While the food is average and maybe not worth the price tag alone, you go to Ellen’s for the entertainment. The entire waitstaff sings and dances around the diner while simultaneously taking orders and serving food! So for the price of an expensive hamburger you are basically getting a whole other Broadway show right in front of you.
The High Line
Nearly 1.5 miles long, the High Line is a raised walking path built on an old rail line. It cuts right through residential apartments and other unique architecture offering beautiful views of the city from an elevated standpoint.
Chelsea Market
Located near the south end of the High Line, Chelsea Market offers a great selection of eateries where you can get authentic Mexican tacos, Japanese katsu curry, Berlin currywurst and so much more. If you’re looking for some great NYC souvenirs or gifts to bring back with you, Chelsea Market Baskets is the place to go.
Pier 57 and Little Island
The rooftop park at Pier 57 gives you a wonderful view of the Hudson River and the One World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. You can even see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. The best thing is that it’s completely free! Right next to the pier is Little Island, another worthwhile spot to check out.
Lower Manhattan
Washington Square Park
Not only is the famous Washington Square Arch seen in tons of movies and tv shows, but the park is the very heart of NYU’s campus, making it the perfect place to people watch and enjoy everything happening around you.
East Village
Spend a morning walking around Tompkins Square Park with a coffee and bagel in hand from a nearby bagel shop like Apollo Bagels. Or grab a delicious pastry at one of the many viral bakeries like Sunday Morning, Librae Bakery, or Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop.
SoHo
If you’re looking to do some shopping while visiting NYC, this is the place to come. Stroll along the picturesque streets and take a break at an upscale cafe or famous eatery like Prince Street Pizza.
Chinatown
A popular spot for locals and visitors alike, Chinatown is a foodie’s paradise. Visit Shu Jiao Fu Zhou where everything is under $7, Mei Lai Wah for their famous pineapple pork buns, and Tasty Dumpling where you can get four delicious dumplings for $2. Heads up, many places only take cash!
World Trade Center
Walk around the WTC complex and explore the Oculus from inside and out. If it’s a clear day, consider buying a ticket for the highest skyscraper not only in NYC but in the entire United States, the One World Observatory. Enjoy a speedy elevator ride up to the 100th floor where breathtaking views await.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
The memorial pools where the twin towers once stood are beautifully done. You need to buy a ticket for the museum but the memorial is completely free. Tickets for the 9/11 Museum are free for veterans and active duty US military members.
Trinity Church
At the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street, Trinity is a Episcopal church that has been preserved through the centuries. Step inside and then walk around the graveyard where you will find the burial sites of famous Americans like Alexander Hamilton.
Wall Street
In the heart of the Financial District is the world renowned Wall Street. See the New York Stock Exchange and be sure to step inside Federal Hall, where George Washington gave his inaugural speech as the first president of the United States.
Fraunces Tavern
An underrated gem in New York City! Built many decades before the American Revolution, the tavern was the site of many important meetings throughout the war and the site of George Washington’s farewell speech to his officers. Enjoy a drink in the Piano Bar Upstairs or a delicious meal in the Tallmadge dining room and be sure to visit the museum.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
If you’re planning on visiting the Statue of Liberty up close and/or Ellis Island, make sure you book with Statue City Cruises, as this is the only company that will actually land on the islands. If you want to walk up inside the crown of the Statue of Liberty, book your tickets well in advance as they sell out fast.
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry has become a popular activity for visitors because it offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty for free! The ferry leaves from the Manhattan terminal in Battery Park every half hour. For views of the Statue of Liberty, you’ll want to be on the right side of the ferry when going to Staten Island, and on the left side for the return trip.
Brooklyn Bridge
A walk along the Brooklyn Bridge is a must. So long as the weather is nice, you’ll get some gorgeous views of Manhattan and Brooklyn as you cross the East River.
Brooklyn
If you only get the chance to visit one borough outside of Manhattan, make it Brooklyn! Explore the neighborhood of Williamsburg or take a walk around Prospect Park. If you’re short on time, simply head to Dumbo to enjoy waterfront views and get the iconic shot of the Manhattan Bridge. Visit the Time Out Market for a wide range of eateries that will please everyone!
Other Recommendations
If you looking for a some New York gifts and souvenirs that aren’t from one of the I❤️NY stores, these have a really great selection!
- The New York Public Library Shop
- The Morgan Shop
- Chelsea Market Baskets
- The Strand Bookstore
Eating and drinking (coffee) around NYC is a huge part of why I love this city. There is so much to try! These are a few of my personal favorites 🙂
I really enjoyed grabbing coffee in the mornings from Ramini Espresso & Cafe, a tiny little place in midtown with an amazing cappuccino. Other coffee shops I would recommend are Devoción, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Bluestone Lane, and Ground Central Coffee Company. The coffee from Ralph’s set in the famous Ralph Lauren flagship store was surprisingly good, and in all honesty, not any more expensive than the majority of coffee shops in NYC.
I have not stopped thinking about the chocolate chip cookie from Culture Espresso, truly the best I have ever had and well worth the hype. Same goes for the rose pistachio croissant from Librae Bakery and the pancakes from Clinton Street Baking Company.
When it comes to bagels, there are an overwhelming number of options. Apollo Bagels, Pop-Up Bagels, and Liberty Bagels are some of the more well-known places you will likely hear about and want to give a try. The best lox bagel I’ve had in the city was NY Breakfast bagel from Orwashers. Everything from Orwashers, including all their pastries and baked good, are fantastic so be sure to visit one of their two locations on the Upper East or West side.
I can’t say I’ve ever had a bad slice of pizza in NYC, you really can’t go wrong. Joe’s Pizza is a classic, and others like L’industrie Pizza and Lucia Pizza offer some unique options. The iconic Prince Street Pizza in SoHo is delicious, but I’m not sure it’s worth the extremely long lines it is famous for. I wouldn’t normally recommend chains, but given that the first Shake Shack did open here in midtown makes it an NYC staple in my opinion, and the burgers and fries never disappoint. If you’re looking for something a little more local, try 7th Street Burger for another great smash burger.
Whether you’re an adventurous eater who likes to try unique flavors from around the world or someone who prefers to stick to good old American classics, the great thing about New York City is that is has it all. There really is something for everyone!
And with that I’ll leave you to your NYC trip planning! Happy travels!