The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
I'll be honest the first few times I when to New York City I didn't like it. The city is a complete shock to your system, it is unlike any other city I have visited. Once I started to embrace the chaos I realized why so many people love NYC, it is so exciting. Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts I was close enough to NYC to visit frequently. After I have visited the city enough I started to stick to the same NYC itinerary each visit. This ultimate guide to New York City will not cover everything there is to do in the city because at that point you would be reading a book. In this New York City travel guide I will cover all of my favorite spots and things to do each time I visit.
💵Read Next - 11 Tips To Do NYC On a Budget
How To Get To New York City
If it is your first time visiting NYC here is everything you need to know about the airports: Getting into Manhattan from the airport is no easy task. There are three airports you can fly into (Newark, JFK, and Laguardia.)
✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To New York City here
How to get to Manhattan from Newark Airport - Newark is the worst airport to fly into when travelling to NYC because it is hard to get to the city center. If you take an uber or taxi from Newark to Manhattan expect to be set back around $100. The cheapest way is by taking the train from Newark to Penn Station, but you will have to change trains as there is no direct train to Manhattan from Newark.
How to get to Manhattan from JFK - It is super easy to get into the city from JFK. Take the airtrain to Jamaica Plain and you will find the subway there. It sound intimidating, but the subway is easy to use in NYC. The subway is the fastest and cheapest way to get into Manhattan.
How to get to Manhattan from Laguardia - Laguardia is the closest airport to Manhattan. Located in Queens, the best and cheapest way to get to Manhattan from Laguardia is the subway.
Where To Stay In New York City
Luxury New York City Hotels
Four Seasons - Located in Tribeca (one of the best neighborhoods to explore in NYC) you will find the Four Seasons Hotel New York City. The Four Seasons in NYC offers a fitness center, spa, restaurant, bar, spacious rooms, pool and more.
Ritz Carlton - The fabulous Ritz Carlton in New York is located right next to Central Park and offers luxurious accommodation. At The Ritz Carlton New York City you will find a fitness center, spa, restaurant, bar, spacious rooms, and more.
Middle Range New York City Hotels
Arthouse Hotel - The Arthouse Hotel is an adorable boutique hotel located right next to the world famous Central Park. At The Arthouse Hotel you will find a gym, two restaurants, a bar, and more.
The Evelyn NoMad - Located right next to the Empire State Building is The Evelyn NoMad Hotel. The Evelyn NoMad Hotel has a luxurious feel, two restaurants, a bar, a fitness center and more.
Budget New York City Hotels
Pod Hotel - The Pod Hotel is probably the cheapest hotel that is still nice in NYC. Located right in Times Square the Pod Hotel has everything you need for a perfect stay in New York.
Moxy Downtown - Moxy is located in Manhattan is an is a lovely place to stay if you are on a budget in NYC. At Moxy Downtown you can find a restaurant, bar, gym, and more.
What To Do In New York
Visit Bryant Park
First on our New York attractions guide - Bryant Park is an adorable park located in midtown just south of Central Park. Full of kisoaks serving amazing baked goods, coffee, food, souvenirs, handmade goods, and more, Bryant Park is a must visit in NYC. There are plenty of benches, tables, and green spaces to enjoy the outdoor in the midst of chaos New York City.
Bryant Park holds classes and events daily. To see what is happening in Bryant Park during your visit checkout the website here.
Visit Queens
Queens reminded me a lot of Colombia. The bustling streets, vibrate colors, and street vendors make you feel like you are in a different country. Queens is an exciting place to walk around and embrace the chaos of the city. Queens isn't as touristy as the nearby Brooklyn, but it is definitely worth a visit. If you are a fellow tennis fan stop by the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center were the US Open is held each year while in Queens. Queens also offers great walking and biking paths! This is a great neighborhood if you are looking to travel to New York on a budget.
Central Park
Central Park is a must see for first time visitors in NYC. The 840 acre park is located in the heart of Manhattan and is the best and only place to enjoy nature in the city. There are so many areas worth exploring within Central Park. My favorites are Seneca Village and Bethesda Tree Walk. Avoid the street food in and around Central Park. You will pay a fortune for terrible food that is likely to give you food poisoning - this goes for all the street food in New York City.
You can find tours and plenty of information on Central Park here. If you are looking for a smaller, lesser known park checkout Washington Square Park.
This NYC trip planner would not be complete without Central Park!
Visit Brooklyn
Brooklyn is definitely one of my favorite spots in NYC. The laid back vibe (compared to the rest of nyc), incredible coffee shops, and photogenic streets make Brooklyn one of the best neighborhoods to explore in NYC. Some of the best things to do in Brooklyn include The Brooklyn Bridge, The Brooklyn Botanical Garden, The Brooklyn Museum, and going cafe hopping.
⭐Read Next - A Complete Guide To Brooklyn, New York
American Museum of Natural History
Have you ever seen The Night In The Museum? Originally that is what drew me to The American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. After visiting I understood why this museum is a must visit in NYC. Learn all about animals, dinosaurs, people throughout time, marine life, and so much more at The American Museum of Natural History. This places needs to be on your NYC travel checklist.
For more info on The American Museum of Natural history visit there website here. The last hour is free to visit.
Grand Central Station
It's weird to think that a train station would be a tourist destination, but Grand Central Station certainly is. Grand Central Station is a gorgeous train station located in the heart of Manhattan. You will find stunning architecture, dining, shopping, and more make Grand Central Station one of our can’t-miss NYC attractions.
For more information on Grand Central Station checkout the website here.
Explore The MET
The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) is a massive museum located just outside of Central Park. At the MET you will find fascinating exhibits for many different time periods. Some of my favorite exhibits were the 17th century French exhibits, The Medieval Europe Exhibit, and the Ancient Greek Exhibit. You will find both Iconic NYC spots + hidden gems at the MET.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Not to be confused with St. Patrick's Cathedral across the ocean in Dublin, Ireland - New York Cities St. Patrick's Cathedral is easily one of the most magnificent churches in the United States. The gothic cathedral is one hundred and forty five years old and is three hundred and thirty nine feet tall. You can admire St. Patrick's Cathedral from the outside or take a tour! It is definitely one of the best things to do in Manhattan.
For more information on tours and St. Patrick's Cathedral visit the website here.
Best Tours To Take In New York City
One Day New York City Sightseeing Tour - If you have a short amount of time in NYC then this one day sightseeing tour is a great way to experience a lot in one day.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour - Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island is a must see for first time NYC visitors. On this hassle free tour you will be able to go to Ellis Island and the statue of Liberty to learn about all of the immigrants who made New York City, New York City.
Empire State Building Tickets - This isn't a tour but rather tickets to the must visit Empire State Building. The line at the Empire State building can get a little crazy so be sure to book these skip the line tickets ahead.
Manhattan Helicopter Tour - This helicopter tour is so amazing. Manhattan is incredible from the ground but from above it is even cooler. This tour is not cheap, but if you can. swing it you will love this! I mean who wouldn't?
Best New York City Restaurants
There are so many amazing restaurants in NYC so I am bound to miss a few. So please leave a comment of your favorite coffee shops, restaurants, and bars in New York City so I can add it to this ultimate New York City Travel Guide!
Best New York City Cafes
Sey Coffee - Located in Brooklyn you will fond the chill and trendy Sey Coffee. Sey Coffee serves amazing coffee and pasteries.
Felix Roasting Company - Felix Roasting Co has a few locations, but my favorite is definitely the one in Manhattan near the Empire State Building. With elegant decor and delicious food you will love Felix Roasting Co.
Winner - There are a few different Winner locations, but the main one is in Brooklyn. Winner has delectable coffee, but is more known for their pastries, so come hungry.
Topos Bookshop Cafe - The Topos Bookshop Cafe is probably the most unique on this list. The cozy cafe is located in Ridgewood and my be the best place in the world to read a book.
Devocion Cafe - Devocion Cafe is a lovely coffee shop with locations all over New York City. You will find The Devocion Cafe in Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg Brooklyn, Dumbo Brooklyn, Midtown Manhattan, and in the Flatiron district.
%Arabica - %Arabica is a Japanese coffee brand located in Dumbo, Brooklyn. You will find the %Arabica is very minimalistic and serves amazing coffee.
Sawada Coffee - Sawada is a super cool coffee shop located in a hidden alleyway in Manhattan - that sounds creepy, but it's actually a super cool place. You will find handcrafted lattes, cappuccinos, cortos, and more at the amazing Sawada Coffee.
🥯Read Next - A Quick Guide To The Best Bagel Shops In NYC
Best New York City Restaurants
Grand Central Oyster Bar - Located in the stunning Grand Central Station, Grand Central Oyster is an experience to dine in. The food and ambiance is amazing! Be sure to make a reservation.
Awang Kitchen - Located in Elmhurst you will find Awang Kitchen. Awang Kitchen serves incredible indonesian cuisine for a fair price.
Superiority Burger - Located in East Village you will find the all vegetarian Superiority Burger. Superiority Burger is a hole in the wall burger joint with a vegetarian twist.
Gramercy Tavern - Located just north of Union Square you will find the luxurious Gramercy Tavern. The Gramercy Tavern is no tavern, it is one of the best and most fancy restaurants in NYC. Be sure to make a reservation.
Gage & Tollner - Gage & Tollner is an iconic restaurant in New York City. Opening in 1892 in Brooklyn, Gage & Tollner, to this day, embodies old New York City.
The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide Wrap Up
This New York City travel guide has all of my favorite spots as someone who has visited frequently. New York City is beautiful and chaotic. You will find that it is gritty yet stunning at the same time. It doesn't matter if you are visiting New York City from a different country or if you live a few hours north - NYC will feel like another planet. I hope that this ultimate guide to New York City helps you plan the perfect trip to NYC. If you liked this post I think you will love our guide to NYC on a budget, guide to Brooklyn, and our guide to 18 of the best coffee shops in Brooklyn.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
this is a great new york city travel guide