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Plan Your Trip to New York City: Best of New York City Tourism

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Explore New York City

The tallest skyscrapers, the biggest museums, the cheesiest pizza. New York City takes everything to the max. It’s easy to see why it’s the most-visited place in the U.S.: Whether you want to check out historic landmarks, catch a Broadway show, or stroll the streets of Brooklyn, there’s no wrong way to do it—and something new to discover every time you go. Spend the day neighbourhood-hopping, from the family-friendly Upper West Side packed with playgrounds and cute restaurants to the gritty-but-cool Lower East Side, each has its own vibe. Browse art galleries in Chelsea, go shopping in SoHo, then grab a drink in the East Village. Or, take the subway (or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge) and cruise the cobblestone streets in Dumbo. Want some nature? It’s got that, too. Have a picnic in Central Park, hit the High Line, or hop on a ferry and see the city from the sea. That’s just the start—we’ve got more ideas below.

Essential New York City

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Travel Advice

How to do New York City in 2 days

From big highlights like Times Square to quaint walks locals love
Read on

The best free things to do in NYC

When I moved to the New York City area 20 years ago, I quickly learned to be creative in order to thrive in the nation’s most expensive place to live. From free Central Park concerts to no-fee days at top museums, there are plenty of complimentary activities to complement that buzzy city lifestyle, if you know where to look. Here are some of my favourites.
Rachel Chang, New York City, NY
  • Saturday Night Live
    52
    Put the “live” in Saturday Night Live by scoring a free seat in 30 Rock through the standby line. Though I’ve never received a ticket through the annual lottery, I’ve been in Studio 8H more than a dozen times by navigating the three-part process (a virtual line on Thursdays, outdoor line on Fridays, indoor line on Saturdays) to fill in empty seats. My tip: Go for dress rehearsal, where you’ll see sketches that never air.
  • New York Public Library
    14,687
    So much more than just a library, the Beaux-Arts main branch of the city’s library system, also known as Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, on Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets is one of the most recognisable structures in town, spotted in films ranging from Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Spider-Man. One of my ultimate city oases is the stunning Rose Main Reading Room, which I first experienced on a free docent-led tour.
  • Harry Potter New York
    238
    Wizards and muggles alike will be enchanted by the world’s largest collection of products from the magical franchise. Even if you’re short on galleons, there’s no charge to wander the 20,000-square-foot space, taking selfies with Instagram-friendly displays, like stepping into half-giant Hagrid’s shoes, entering the Ministry from a British phone booth, and, my favourite, posing under a book arch. On crowded days, a virtual queue is used, but I’ve had luck walking in before noon.
  • Staten Island Ferry
    23,084
    There is such a thing as a free ride—even one with quite a view of the Statue of Liberty. With departures from Lower Manhattan’s Whitehall Terminal around the clock daily, the massive yellow-orange Staten Island Ferry boats can take upwards of 4,000 passengers to St. George terminal in the southern borough. Even though I’ve taken it a number of times, I always find it hard to stop taking photos on the picturesque 25-minute journey.
  • Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
    243
    Tucked on a nondescript Flatiron block, what I thought would be a quick stop at a National Historic Site turned into a fascinating nearly two-hour visit last summer. The free guided tour through the 1848 brownstone visits the restored rooms of the childhood home of the 26th president; I was especially taken by the original teddy bear replica and the actual shirt Roosevelt wore during an assassination attempt, complete with the bullet hole.
  • David Zwirner Gallery
    22
    Haute art can come at a cost, and though some museums (like the Met) are pay-what-you-wish for locals, the place to go for the finest free art are Chelsea’s galleries, with one of the standouts being David Zwirner Gallery. Back in 2013, I stood in line for hours here to see Yayoi Kusama’s works before the viral hype, so I totally trust their curation. Next up are the sculptures of Pakistani American artist Huma Bhabha.
  • Museum of Chinese in America
    132
    With more than 614,000 New Yorkers identifying as Chinese, I’m proud to see that Asian American history is being preserved in this Chinatown museum—and readily shared with the public by offering free admission during its opening hours Wednesday through Sunday. With 85,000 items in its collection, rotating exhibits highlight various facets of Chinese American life, which are enhanced by programming, like traditional dance, music, and other cultural arts.
  • Hershey's Chocolate World Times Square
    1,026
    Unlike most New Yorkers, I still find Times Square a joy to walk through; I even enjoyed it when it was part of my daily commute. In fact, on late work nights, I purposely passed through just to stop at Hershey Chocolate World, since they always hand you a free piece of chocolate. Enjoying my sweet treat, I’d then wander the aisles like I was in my own version of Willy Wonka’s factory.
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New York City travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Popular Choices

According to forum posts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) are highly recommended by travelers for their extensive and diverse collections. The Met is celebrated for its comprehensive collection spanning thousands of years, while MoMA offers iconic modern masterpieces.

Specialized Museums

Some users suggest visiting specialized museums like the American Museum of Natural History for its expansive exhibits on natural history, including a newly reopened gems and minerals gallery. The Museum of the City of New York is also recommended for its detailed portrayal of New York City's rich historical and cultural evolution.

Unique Experiences

For those interested in unique and immersive experiences, the Tenement Museum offers insights into the immigrant experience in NYC through restored apartments and guided tours. Additionally, the New-York Historical Society provides exhibitions that delve into American history with a New York-centric focus.

Art and Design

Art enthusiasts have mentioned the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum as must-visits for their notable collections of American contemporary art and unique architectural designs, respectively.

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Hotel Recommendations: Budget-Friendly Options

Some travelers have recommended the Hotel St. James for its affordability and proximity to pubs with live music. The Ridge Hotel and Allen Hotel in the Lower East Side were also suggested for their good pricing and vibrant local scene. Additionally, the Chelsea Savoy hotel was noted for its spacious rooms and complimentary breakfast, enhancing its appeal for budget-conscious visitors.

Hotel Recommendations: Mid to High-End Options

For a more upscale experience, Ink48 was praised for its views of the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan, despite being a bit removed from subway access. The Michelangelo and Conrad Midtown were mentioned for their large rooms, although they can be on the pricier side. The Wallace on the Upper West Side was highlighted for its recent renovations and good location, suitable for those looking for a modern and well-situated accommodation.

Additional Insights

Travelers have emphasized the importance of considering location and accessibility to public transportation when choosing accommodations in NYC. The area around Penn Station was recommended for convenience, especially for those traveling by train.

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Family-Friendly Areas

According to forum posts, many users recommend staying in family-friendly neighborhoods like the Upper West Side, which is close to Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. The Upper East Side is also suggested for its proximity to museums and its generally quieter atmosphere compared to more bustling areas of Manhattan.

Hotel Recommendations

Some travelers have recommended specific hotels that cater well to families. The Beacon Hotel on the Upper West Side offers apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes, which can be convenient for families. Alternatively, the Residence Inn by Marriott is known for spacious rooms and includes kitchen facilities, making it easier for families to manage meals and snacks.

Considerations for Accommodation

For many users, choosing accommodations with amenities like kitchenettes or separate living and sleeping areas is crucial when traveling with children. Additionally, being near major attractions and public transportation is a significant factor, as pointed out by several forum contributors.

Legal Considerations

Travelers have called out the importance of avoiding illegal short-term rentals, emphasizing that many Airbnb listings in NYC might not be legal. Hotels or legally operated apartment-style accommodations are recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues during the stay.

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Hotel Recommendations in Midtown Manhattan

According to forum posts, travelers have called out several hotel options in Midtown Manhattan that cater to various needs and budgets. The Residence Inn Central Park offers rooms with kitchen facilities and is well-located between Times Square and Central Park, making it a good choice for first-time visitors.

Additional Options and Features

Some users recommended the Belvedere Hotel, which provides rooms with small kitchenettes, making it convenient for those who prefer in-room dining options. The hotel's location on a quieter side street near Times Square also makes it desirable for those seeking a less hectic environment.

Premium Options and Amenities

For a more luxurious stay, the Lotte New York Palace was mentioned, although some travelers noted the rooms might appear dated. This hotel often offers special deals like a third night free, adding value to the stay. Additionally, the St. Regis and The Peninsula are suggested for their elegance and comprehensive amenities, albeit at a higher price point.

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Hotel Options Near Central Park

According to forum posts, the Pierre, the Sherry Netherland, the Plaza, Loews Regency, and the Lowell are the closest five-star options to Central Park, offering large rooms but at a high price. For more budget-friendly options, the Sonesta Gardens and the Hilton Club at the Quin are about a 10-15 minute walk from Central Park and offer suites with amenities like kitchens.

Alternative Accommodations

Travelers have called out the Manhattan Club on West 56th Street as another nearby option. Additionally, Radiocityapartments.com provides budget accommodations approximately a 20-minute walk from Central Park.

Additional Considerations

Some travelers suggested using online maps to view the proximity of different hotels to Central Park for more tailored options. Moreover, the Conrad New York Midtown and the JW Marriott Essex House are mentioned as high-end alternatives with renovated rooms and views, albeit these options come with a premium price tag.

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General Options

According to forum posts, travelers have several options for transportation from JFK to Manhattan. These include taking a taxi, using public transportation like the AirTrain connected to subway lines or the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and car services like Uber or Lyft.

Taxi Service

Some travelers said that taking a taxi is the easiest option, with a fixed rate from JFK to Manhattan typically costing around $100 including tips and tolls. An official taxi queue and dispatcher are available at JFK to ensure travelers use authorized cabs.

Public Transit

For many users, public transit is a more budget-friendly option. The AirTrain connects to both the subway and the LIRR. The subway route involves transferring at Jamaica Station, with a total travel cost of approximately $10.50. The LIRR route is slightly more expensive but faster, especially during peak travel times, with a total cost ranging around $15-$17 depending on the time of day.

Additional Considerations

Travelers have called out that the choice of transport might depend on factors like the amount of luggage, budget constraints, and personal comfort with navigating public transit. The overall convenience and speed can vary based on the time of day and specific destination in Manhattan.

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Affordable Dining Locations

According to forum posts, travelers looking for affordable dining options in New York City might consider exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown and Hell's Kitchen. These areas are noted for a variety of inexpensive but good food options. Specifically, Hell's Kitchen on 9th Avenue is mentioned frequently for its diverse food choices.

Specific Recommendations

Some travelers have recommended specific places for budget-friendly meals. Xi'an Famous Foods is highlighted for low-budget Chinese cuisine with multiple locations in Manhattan. For tacos, Los Tacos No. 1 offers reasonable prices and is accessible in various parts of the city. Additionally, food carts like Halal carts offer tasty and inexpensive meals, with prices ranging from $6 to $11 for a hearty plate.

Dessert and Snack Options

For dessert lovers, forum users suggest visiting places like Spot Dessert Bar in the East Village for unique dessert experiences. Also, food halls such as Urbanspace and Chelsea Market are recommended for a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets.

Food Halls and Markets

Travelers have called out food halls as a great choice for affordable dining with a diverse selection of foods. Specifically, Essex Market and the food hall at Chelsea Market are highlighted for offering good food at reasonable prices. These locations also provide seating, making them convenient spots to enjoy a quick meal.

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Restaurant Recommendations

For a memorable birthday dinner in NYC, some travelers recommended upscale Italian and Mediterranean venues. Ilili is praised for its Lebanese cuisine and upscale atmosphere, suitable for a celebratory meal. For Italian, Marea was suggested due to its focus on seafood and Italian flavors, offering a Michelin star dining experience.

Atmosphere and Location

According to forum posts, travelers seeking an intimate or quiet atmosphere for birthday dinners recommended places like Il Cantinori for its traditional Italian cuisine in a classic setting. For a lively atmosphere with stunning views, Manhatta and River Cafe were mentioned as having both excellent food and scenic city views.

Additional Options

For those looking for a more unique or vibrant setting, venues like Tao Downtown and Beauty & Essex were noted for their wow factor and popularity among younger crowds. These places combine great food with an energetic atmosphere, making them ideal for festive occasions.

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