New York City, often called "The Big Apple," is one of the most famous cities in the world. Known for its towering skyscrapers, Times Square's bright lights, and Central Park's green spaces, NYC offers endless things to see and do. You can visit top attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge.
Which is the best area of New York to stay in?
Hotels in Manhattan
Manhattan is the heart of New York City, home to Wall Street, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and numerous museums and theaters. It's a hub for business, culture, and entertainment.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown | 8 Stone Street, New York, NY 10004 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, business center | 4.0/5 |
| The Washington by LuxUrban | 8 Albany Street, New York, NY 10006 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, bar | 4.2/5 |
| Motto by Hilton New York City Times Square | 23 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant | 4.5/5 |
Hotels Near Times Square
Times Square is a major commercial and tourist hub in New York City, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and numerous shops and restaurants.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square | 1568 Broadway, New York, NY 10036 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, bar | 4.7/5 |
| Hyatt Place New York Midtown South | 52 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant | 4.6/5 |
| Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square | 145 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, bar | 4.8/5 |
Hotels Near John F. Kennedy International Airport
Staying near JFK Airport is convenient for travelers with early flights or layovers, providing easy access to the airport and nearby facilities.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| Marriott New York JFK Airport | 135-20 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, business center | 4.5/5 |
| Four Points by Sheraton Flushing | 33-68 Farrington Street, Flushing, NY 11354 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant | 4.3/5 |
| Hyatt Place Flushing LGA Airport | 133-42 39th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant | 4.4/5 |
How much to pay for a hotel in NYC?
Trip.com offers discounts of up to 20% on 891 boutique hotels in New York. The local average price is 342 USD per night.
- Five-star hotels: 68 hotels, 706 USD per night
- Four-star hotels: 218 hotels, 393 USD per night
- Three-star hotels: 255 hotels, 279 USD per night
- Two-star hotels: 195 hotels, 174 USD per night
Must-Visit Attractions in New York
There are quite a few famous attractions in downtown New York, such as One World Trade Center, Wall Street, Chinatown. For short trips in New York, Flushing Town Hall, New York Botanical Garden, Long Beach are all good options. The most famous attractions locally are Central Park, Empire State Building, Fifth Avenue. Commercial areas like Madison Avenue, Baccarat, Downtown are ideal places to buy souvenirs.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as "The Met," is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world. Located in New York City, it features over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years. The Met is divided into various sections including ancient art, European paintings, modern art, and much more. Highlights include masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Picasso. The museum also offers special exhibitions, educational programs, and guided tours.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Hours may vary)
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Ticket Price: Starting at $83.00 for adults
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the statue's pedestal and museum, which provides a detailed history of the monument. For an additional fee, visitors can climb to the crown for a panoramic view of New York City. The ferry ride itself offers great views of the city skyline and the statue.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Hours may vary)
Location: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, USA
Ticket Price: Starting at $13.00 for adults
The Empire State Building is an iconic skyscraper in New York City, known for its Art Deco architecture and observation decks. Visitors can ride to the 86th-floor outdoor observatory for stunning views of the city, or go up to the 102nd-floor indoor observatory for an even higher vantage point. The building also features exhibits on its history and construction. Nighttime visits offer the chance to see the city illuminated.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Last entry at 11:15 PM)
Location: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10118, USA
Ticket Price: Starting at $46.51 for adults
Central Park is a vast urban park in the heart of New York City, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The park features numerous attractions including walking trails, boating, picnicking areas, playgrounds, and the Central Park Zoo. Popular sites within the park include Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields. It's a great place for outdoor activities like jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing.
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: New York, NY, USA
Ticket Price: Free
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City is one of the world's leading museums of modern and contemporary art. The museum's collection includes works by famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. MoMA features a wide range of exhibitions, film screenings, and educational programs. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, photography, design, and media.
Operating Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Hours may vary)
Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Ticket Price: Starting at $26.95 for adults
New York Transportation
- Subway The New York City Subway system, operated by the MTA, is the fastest and most efficient way to travel around the city. It operates 24/7, covering all five boroughs with 27 lines and 472 stations. Fares are $2.90 for a single ride. Unlimited ride MetroCards are available for $34 (7-day) and $127 (30-day). The subway is reliable and extensive, though it can be crowded and experience delays during peak hours.
- Bus MTA buses serve all five boroughs and operate 24/7. Local, limited-stop, and express routes are available. Fares are $2.90 for a single ride, and the same MetroCard used for the subway can be used on buses. Unlimited ride MetroCards ($34 for 7-day, $127 for 30-day) also apply. Buses are a great option for reaching areas not serviced by the subway, but they can be slow due to traffic.
- Taxis New York’s iconic yellow taxis are available throughout the city, 24/7. The base fare is $3.00, with additional charges of $2.50 per mile, $0.50 per minute in traffic, and surcharges during peak times. Taxis offer door-to-door convenience but can be expensive and subject to traffic delays.
- Rideshare Services Uber, Lyft, and Via operate extensively in NYC. Fares vary based on distance, time, and demand. Rideshares are often cheaper than taxis and provide easy booking through mobile apps. Surge pricing can apply during peak hours, making rides more expensive.
- Ferries NYC Ferry operates routes connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The fare is $4.00 for a single ride. Ferries provide scenic views and are a relaxing way to travel, though they have limited routes and schedules.
- Citi Bike The Citi Bike program offers bike-sharing with over 20,000 bikes and 1,300 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City. A single ride costs $4.49 for 30 minutes, a day pass is $12, and a yearly membership is $205. Citi Bike is a healthy, eco-friendly option, but availability can be an issue during peak times.
- Commuter Rail Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North Railroad, and NJ Transit provide commuter rail services connecting NYC to surrounding areas. Fares vary by distance. These services are ideal for traveling to and from suburbs and neighboring states but are more expensive than subways and buses.
- Airport Transfers JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports are connected to the city by various means. The AirTrain JFK connects JFK Airport to the subway and LIRR at Jamaica and Howard Beach stations, with a fare of $8.25 plus the subway or LIRR fare. LaGuardia Airport is accessible by MTA buses, with connections to the subway. Newark Airport is served by NJ Transit trains, with a fare of $15.25 to Penn Station in Manhattan. Airport shuttles and rideshares are also available.
- PATH The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) train connects Manhattan with New Jersey cities such as Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken. The fare is $2.75. PATH operates 24/7 and is an affordable option for cross-state travel.
Better to know before visiting New York
| Category | Details |
| Language | English; Spanish also widely spoken |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Visa Policies | Most visitors need a visa or an ESTA for entry. |
| Top Attractions | Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, Broadway, Brooklyn Bridge, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), 9/11 Memorial and Museum, High Line, One World Observatory |
| Must-Try Foods | New York-style Pizza, Bagels with Lox, Hot Dogs, Cheesecake, Pastrami on Rye, Black and White Cookies, Pretzels, Dim Sum in Chinatown, Halal Cart Food, Doughnuts from Doughnut Plant |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June and September to early November; these months offer mild temperatures (15°C to 25°C) and are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities |
| Electricity | 120V, 60Hz, common plug types are A and B |
Weather in New York
New York City experiences a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons: a cold winter, a mild spring, a hot summer, and a crisp fall. Here’s a detailed guide to the weather in New York City, including the best times to visit and what to wear for each season. The best times to visit New York City are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the city is alive with activities and events.
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Winters in New York are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -1°C to 7°C (30°F to 45°F). Snowfall is common, and there can be occasional ice storms.
- What to Wear: Warm clothing is essential. Layer up with thermal shirts, sweaters, and insulated coats. Hats, scarves, gloves, and waterproof boots are necessary to stay warm and dry.
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Spring starts cool and gradually warms up. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C (43°F to 68°F). Rain showers are frequent, especially in April.
- What to Wear: Layered clothing works best. Light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a medium-weight jacket are recommended. An umbrella or a raincoat is handy for the frequent showers.
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Heatwaves are common, and occasional thunderstorms provide brief relief.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses are ideal. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important to protect against the sun. Stay hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Fall (September to November)
- Weather: Fall brings cooler, more comfortable weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F). The foliage changes color, making it a picturesque time to visit.
- What to Wear: Light layers are perfect for fall. Sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a light to medium-weight jacket are suitable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the city.
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