New York City is one of those locations that is on almost everyone’s bucket list. It’s a destination that has appeared in countless T.V. shows, movies, books, blogs, and more. The city’s dazzling skyline, intriguing neighborhoods, and world-class food make it the ultimate travel spot. With so many cheap flights to NYC, it is an ideal place to vacation. NYC is such a large city that it can be confusing knowing where to start. So, lucky for you, we created this guide to help get you started.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your ultimate NYC adventure.
Getting Around NYC
Travelers visiting New York City will find that there are countless transportation options to get around.
Before heading into NYC, you’ll need to book a flight to one of the city’s airports. The three most popular destinations to fly into are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From these airports, there are numerous transportation options to get into town. Some of the most popular options include AirTrain + train/subway, shuttle, private transfer, bus, taxis, and rideshares. Taking the AirTrain, bus, and subway are the cheapest options and will likely cost you under $20 one way. A shuttle, rideshare, or taxi can range from $15 to almost $100.
All airport options work, but JFK will likely have the most flights, and LaGuardia will be the closest and cheapest to get into town. Newark is a great third option if you can’t find a convenient flight into the other two airports.
In New York City, there are multiple transportation options. The first is walking. Many of NYC’s most famous attractions are within walking distance of each other. If you need to get somewhere a little further, taking the subway is a popular option. NYC has great public transportation, and the underground system will take you almost everywhere you need to go. Those traveling with bulky suitcases who don’t want to haul along with them on the subway may wish to consider a taxi or rideshare.
Where to Stay
New York City is massive. The city has five main districts (boroughs), including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Most of NYC’s main attractions are in Manhattan, but there are a few in the other boroughs. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, you’ll want to stay in Manhattan. First-time visitors will love staying in Midtown because of its central location and robust hotel options for every price range. However, one downside is that it is very touristy and you won’t find many locals here. Those looking for something a little more upscale will love the Upper East Side. It is one of the most luxurious districts in Manhattan. In addition, this area has Central Park as its backdrop and 5th Avenue and a slew of museums at its fingertips. One drawback is that this area does come with a price tag.
Travelers who want a more local experience will enjoy Soho and the Lower East Side. These neighborhoods have plenty of local charm, trendy restaurants, and unique boutiques. The drawback is that it is far from the main tourist attractions.
Other popular neighborhoods include East Village, Chelsea, and Williamsburg.
Top Attractions
New York’s top attractions are some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.Perhaps one of the most emblematic in the city is the Statue of Liberty. This massive copper structure is a worldwide beacon of freedom and was a gift from France to the United States. Another iconic structure that looms over the Manhattan skyline is the Empire State Building. The views from the top of this over one thousand-foot-tall structure are breath-taking.
One of the most fascinating places to visit in NYC is Central Park. This enormous green space is a welcome oasis in the endless urban sprawl. You’ll find multiple waterways, gardens, and museums within this 843-acre space. A spot that has appeared in countless films is Grand Central Terminal. Its exterior has beautiful beaux-arts neoclassical architecture. The inside has marble floors, gold and nickel-gilded fixtures, and delicious dining options. If you want to see what all of the hustle and bustle of New York City is all about, visit Times Square. It’s one of the most lively sections of the city and is right next to Broadway, where you can catch a show. You should check out a few other sights: the Guggenheim Museum, Coney Island, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Radio City Music Hall, and the Rockefeller Centre.
What to Eat
New York City is one of the world’s best places to eat because of its cultural diversity. Its dining scene is constantly evolving, so it can be hard to narrow down a list of places. However, there are a few dishes that put NYC on the map. Some of these delicious bites include New York-style pizza, a large thin crust pizza first served at Lombardi’s. People in NYC swear that you cannot replicate this type of pizza anywhere else because of the tap water used to make it. Breakfast lovers will be delighted to know that Eggs Benedict comes from NYC. Delmonico’s Restaurant has credits for inventing this beloved breakfast dish.
Another famous New York City staple is the Ruben sandwich, a tasty stack with corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, rye bread, and Swiss cheese, a popular part of Jewish food culture. Dessert lovers can try a New York-style cheesecake, a dense and slightly tangy-sweet treat on a graham cracker crust. A highlight of NYC cuisine is that it is a melting pot of different cultures. You’ll find outstanding food options from Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, China, Central Asia, Japan, Korea, Italy, and India wherever you go.
Visit NYC!
New York City is an electrifying place to travel to because of its famous landmarks, fascinating neighborhoods, and delicious cuisine.
It is not possible to cover all of the fantastic things you can see in this vibrant city in one article. You will need to travel there and see it for yourself!
By the time you leave, you’ll have a personal list of favorite NYC spots.
If you need help planning your NYC getaway, let us help you.
On our website, you can find cheap flights to New York City and compare vacation packages.
We’ve done a lot of the research so that you can enjoy your New York City trip stress-free!
