One of the most popular metropolitan cities in the world, New York is known as the cultural and financial capital of the world. The city never sleeps and is home to several incredible historical landmarks, museums, art galleries, festivals, cultural events, and more. Of course, a visit to the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building is a must when you are planning your NYC trip. Regardless of what kind of globetrotter you are, there is surely something to interest you in NYC. Read on to know more essential things about this city to plan your trip including when to visit NYC, how to travel in the city, the best places to stay, and more.
Best Time To Visit NYC
In terms of weather, the best time to visit New York City is in spring (April - June) or the holiday months of November and December. The spring time is perfect for anyone who wants to visit when there are fewer tourists at the attractions.
If you want to attend the festivals and events in NYC such as Christmas, New Year, etc. then November and December is a good time to visit. Keep in mind though that it would be quite expensive with lots of tourists throughout the city to celebrate the festive season.
For those who wish to enjoy good weather and cheap deals, September, October, February, and March are ideal for a visit. Read more about the best time to visit NYC.
NYC Itineraries
Depending on how long you're in NYC for - whether it's just a day or 5 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these New York itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!
If this is your first time traveling to NYC, you could use some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation in NYC, etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities in NYC - where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, for we are here to help.
1-Day NYC Itinerary
3-Day NYC Itinerary
Top 20 Instagrammable Places in NYC
5-Day NYC Itinerary
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NYC Travel Restrictions
Given the current situation across the globe, it is important to read up on the travel restrictions. Find out about the new rules and reopening of attractions on the blog post below.
Hacks To Buying Cheap NYC Flight Tickets
Now that you've figured out the perfect time to visit NYC and braved through the restrictions, it is time to look for flight tickets. Go through our 17 golden hacks for cheap flight tickets before scouring through the flight ticket websites. You'll be surprised how easy it is to save a pretty penny while booking flight tickets!
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Traveling involves a certain amount of uncertainty always. With the pandemic, this amount has only increased. Opting for travel insurance is not something many people have done (pre-pandemic), but post-pandemic, it is highly recommended that you opt for it. Choosing the right travel insurance plan gives you a safety net to prevent losses if things go downhill.
Travel insurance can be complex- how do you know what to choose? For this very reason, we can crafted a ultimate guide to choose travel insurance post-covid.
Packing For NYC
Once you have decided to take a trip to NYC, the next thing to do is pack carefully so that you don’t miss anything. A few travel staples to pack for your journey are a photo ID, a universal adaptor, your camera, extra batteries, forex/credit cards, and more. Carry a raincoat or an umbrella if you will be visiting the city in the monsoon or winter months. Apart from that, a pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must, along with layers of clothing, if you’re during the colder months. For summers, carry light and loose-fitting clothes as it can get really hot and humid.
Where To Stay In NYC
After deciding on your trip to New York City, it is crucial that you do your due diligence before booking a stay. NYC is divided into 5 boroughs and each borough has its own charm and advantages to living there. The best thing about this city is that each of these boroughs is well-connected by the public transportation system. So, regardless of where you stay, you can explore the city using public transportation.
Depending on your budget and activities, here are a few areas to consider for your stay:
- If you are looking for accommodation on a budget, then Times Square is the best area. It is close to Midtown attractions and offers a lot of options for eating, shopping, and so on. The only thing to remember is that it is a hotspot for pickpockets and tourist scams, so be careful.
- For those who want to be close to the attractions, shopping, and dining options, Midtown South in Manhattan is a good place to stay. It is close to attractions like the Empire State Building and you can walk around to explore most of the sights here.
- SoHo is one of the best places to stay in NYC if you want to stay updated on fashion and want to spot the celebrities in town. This hip area is a paradise for shoppers but is certainly not budget-friendly.
- Featuring amazing parks and playgrounds, the Upper West Side is one of the best areas for families. It is well-connected by subway and buses and you can easily find affordable family hotels here.
Getting Around In NYC
New York City is divided into 5 boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. The most interesting thing about these divisions is that they are not only separated by land but water too. That is not a big concern in NYC though as the well-developed public transportation system can take you to any corner of the city.
This city offers multiple transportation options including subways, buses, commuter rails, ferries, and so on.
With the 27 subway lines and over 5,000 buses, it is easy to reach any nook of NYC without much trouble. You can get a MetroCard to pay for a ride on the subway, bus, or tram.
If you wish to cross the water and reach Staten Island or other places from other boroughs of NYC, then a ferry is the best way to go. The Staten Island ferry is free but for others, you need a ticket that can be bought online or using a debit/credit card.
NYC also features a large fleet of yellow taxis that can take you anywhere in the city. They are quite expensive though but a good one-time experience on your trip. You can easily hail a cab on the street by sticking your hand out or giving a loud whistle.
NYC Travel Tips & Hacks
NYC is just about as touristy as it gets. A city rich with history and modernity, there's something for everybody here. Go through our guide and jot down some interesting travel tips that even the locals swear by. Learn how to navigate tourist traps in NYC, how to save money on transport, food, and accommodation, and then some. Start making notes and use these tips before your trip to NYC.
Ready To Head Out To NYC?
Check out the top things to do in New York & our comprehensive New York Travel Guide packed with itineraries, tours, culture trips, best hotels, restaurants and a lot more.
Here are a few more guides that should help you plan your visit.
FAQs: NYC Trip Planner
New York is a wonderful city in the United States and a popular tourist destination. There are a lot of attractions to visit here such as the Statue of Liberty, The Museum of Modern Art, Empire State Building, and more.
For backpackers, the best time to visit New York is during the months of September, October, February and March. If you want to participate in the events and festivities here, then plan a trip in November or December.
The top things to do in NYC are a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, climbing up the Empire State Building, taking a ferry to Staten Island, going on a helicopter tour, and more.
Make sure to pack a universal adaptor, jacket, and comfortable shoes for your trip to NYC.
The cheapest way to travel around NYC is by using a subway or a bus.
Yes, it is completely safe to take cabs to travel around New York City. For additional security, always share the number of your cab with a friend or family member when you are traveling alone at night.
The best places to stay in NYC are Midtown, SoHo, Upper West Side, and Lower Manhattan.
A few of the best museums to visit in NYC are the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and more.
