New York City
Six visits in, and New York still surprises us.
We break down where to stay, what is actually worth visiting, and what to skip. We cover all of this and more on our YouTube channel. And if you would rather skip the planning altogether, we can build you a bespoke NYC itinerary.
Where to Stay in New York City
One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is choosing a hotel based purely on price. After several trips to New York, we have learned that where you stay can completely shape your experience. A hotel that looks like a bargain on paper can quickly become expensive when you are spending money every day on taxis and subway fares getting to the attractions you actually want to see.
We have broken down each area below to give you a feel for the neighbourhood and who it suits.
Midtown Manhattan
If you are picturing bright lights, yellow taxis, giant billboards and that unmistakable New York energy, this is it. Midtown is the New York you have seen in countless films and TV shows, within walking distance of Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and Grand Central Terminal.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Theatre lovers
- Anyone wanting to be in the heart of the action
We would not recommend staying directly in Times Square. It remains crowded well into the early hours, with bright lights, traffic and constant noise. Choose a hotel a 10 to 15 minute walk away and you will still be in the heart of Midtown, but get a far more peaceful night's sleep.
Where we stayed in Midtown
We stayed at the Crowne Plaza HY36, a modern hotel near Penn Station with larger-than-average rooms and excellent transport links. A great base for exploring Midtown without being right in the chaos of Times Square.
Watch our Crowne Plaza HY36 hotel review →Other great options in Midtown
- Budget: Arlo Midtown, stylish and modern with compact rooms in a quieter location away from the busiest streets.
- Mid-range: Margaritaville Times Square, fun décor and great amenities including a rooftop pool, though it can be noisy due to its location closer to Times Square.
- Luxury: The Plaza Hotel, one of the most iconic buildings in New York with many rooms overlooking Central Park and Home Alone packages in winter.
- Luxury: Lotte New York Palace, made famous by Gossip Girl, combining classic elegance with a great Midtown location. Some rooms offer views across the Cathedral.
Lower East Side
The Lower East Side feels like a completely different side of New York. Creative, energetic and packed with character. Historic buildings, trendy cocktail bars, independent boutiques and some of the city's best food. This is also where you will find Little Italy, Chinatown, the Williamsburg Bridge and Katz's Delicatessen, home to the iconic pastrami sandwich. It is brilliant for repeat visitors who want to feel less like a tourist.
Best for:
- Couples
- Foodies
- Groups of friends
- Anyone looking for great nightlife and a more authentic neighbourhood feel
- Repeat visitors
Where to stay on the Lower East Side
- Budget: Holiday Inn, comfortable rooms in a convenient location.
- Mid-range: Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, stylish and contemporary with a rooftop pool.
- Luxury: Nine Orchard, one of the most sought-after hotels in the area, combining historic architecture with high-end interiors.
- Luxury: The Ludlow Hotel, a boutique favourite known for character-filled rooms and impressive city views.
Ask for a room with an excellent view of the Manhattan skyline. Not every room faces the right direction, so it is worth requesting at check-in or when booking directly.
SoHo, Greenwich Village & Chelsea
If you want a more stylish, local side of New York, this is one of our favourite areas to stay. SoHo, Greenwich Village and Chelsea are incredibly walkable and packed with character. Boutique shops, art galleries, independent cafes and some of the best food in the city, alongside famous filming locations including the Friends apartment building in Greenwich Village and the Ghostbusters headquarters in Tribeca, both within walking distance.
If you are a foodie, you will be spoilt for choice with Dominique Ansel Bakery, Joe's Pizza, Bleecker Street Pizza and Chelsea Market all nearby. When visiting Chelsea, make sure you walk the High Line, explore Little Island and head over to Hudson Yards.
Best for:
- Couples
- Foodies and shoppers
- Photographers
- Repeat visitors wanting a more authentic side of New York
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is how walkable everything is. You can easily cover SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and the Lower East Side on foot, and it is far more relaxed than Midtown.
Where to stay in SoHo and Chelsea
- Budget: Arlo SoHo, a stylish hotel between SoHo and Hudson Square.
- Mid-range: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, a boutique hotel full of character perfectly located for exploring the neighbourhood.
- Luxury: The Standard High Line, stunning city views and direct access to the High Line.
Wall Street & Financial District
Most people think of the Financial District as purely a business hub, but there is far more to it. The area feels calmer and more spacious than Midtown, with beautiful historic buildings, waterfront views and easy access to the 9/11 Memorial, One World Observatory, Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty ferry. Many former banking buildings have been converted into beautiful hotels, often at lower prices than comparable Midtown hotels, especially at weekends.
Best for:
- Couples looking for a calmer base
- Weekend bargain hunters
- Families
- Business travellers
The Brooklyn Bridge is close by, and the riverside paths along the Hudson and East River offer some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, completely for free.
Where to stay in the Financial District
- Budget: The Wall Street Inn, comfortable rooms with easy access to Battery Park, Wall Street and the Staten Island Ferry.
- Mid-range: Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center, modern rooms with excellent reviews and some city views.
- Mid-range: Moxy NYC Downtown, stylish and contemporary within walking distance of One World Trade Center and Wall Street.
- Luxury: The Beekman, a stunning historic atrium, luxury rooms and excellent dining.
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, world-class service, a large pool and spa, and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's restaurant.
Brooklyn (DUMBO & Williamsburg)
Cross the East River and the whole city changes pace. Brooklyn has independent coffee shops, waterfront parks, converted warehouses and some of the best skyline views anywhere in New York. The view of Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park is still one of our favourite views in the city. DUMBO offers iconic photo spots and easy access to Manhattan, while Williamsburg has a creative, trendy feel with brilliant restaurants and nightlife.
Best for:
- Repeat visitors
- Photographers
- Couples wanting to feel more like a local than a tourist
Even if you do not stay in Brooklyn, we highly recommend visiting for the day. On our latest trip we caught the boat from Williamsburg to Midtown Manhattan, which offered incredible views and a beautiful sunset across Manhattan.
Where to stay in Brooklyn
- Budget: Pod Brooklyn, modern and affordable in Williamsburg with compact but stylish rooms close to restaurants and nightlife.
- Mid-range: Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg, trendy and vibrant, perfectly located for the food scene.
- Luxury: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, incredible views of the Manhattan skyline (even the outdoor pool has insane views) and direct access to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Luxury: The William Vale, known for its rooftop pool, spacious balconies and spectacular city views.
Upper East Side
Elegant, leafy and far quieter than Midtown, the Upper East Side offers a more upmarket New York experience. Museum Mile is right here, including the American Museum of Natural History and The Met, and you are steps from Central Park and designer boutiques.
Best for:
- Museum lovers
- Families
- Mature travellers looking for a calmer pace
Where to stay on the Upper East Side
- Budget: voco The Franklin Hotel, a charming boutique hotel offering great value in one of Manhattan's most desirable neighbourhoods.
- Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Upper East Side, comfortable modern rooms with excellent transport links to Central Park and Museum Mile.
- Luxury: The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, timeless elegance with modern luxury and one of the most prestigious addresses on the Upper East Side.
If it is your first trip to New York, stay in Midtown. You will be close to everything. If you have visited before, we would recommend Chelsea, SoHo or the Lower East Side. All three have loads of personality, amazing food and give you a completely different side of the city.
Things You Cannot Miss in New York City
New York has so much to do that you will not be able to see it all. We certainly have not, even after six visits. The challenge is not finding things to do, it is deciding what to prioritise.
- Central Park, explore iconic spots such as Bethesda Terrace, the Alice in Wonderland statue, Bow Bridge and The Lake. It is enormous, so pick a few highlights rather than trying to cover all of it. We recommend booking a guided walking tour in advance to make the most of it.
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a must-do for first-time visitors, offering incredible views and fascinating history. We recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially in summer.
- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the best free activities in NYC, ending in the beautiful DUMBO neighbourhood with some of the best Manhattan skyline views in the city. Go early to beat the crowds.
- A Broadway show, world-class theatre in the heart of New York. We recommend booking in advance for the big titles, or try the TKTS booth in Times Square for same-day discounted seats.
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a powerful and moving tribute that deserves at least two unhurried hours. One of the most important sites in the city.
- Grand Central Terminal, admire the famous ceiling, find the whispering gallery near the Oyster Bar and pick up something from the food hall. A beautiful building most people walk past without ever going inside.
- An observation deck, New York has four excellent options and they are all very different. We break down exactly which one to choose in the observation decks section below.
- Times Square at night, loud, chaotic, crowded and absolutely worth experiencing at least once. It is exactly what you expect and still fun. You should also visit first thing in the morning for less crowds and perfect photos.
- Roosevelt Island Tramway, a cable car across the East River that gives you incredible skyline views and a completely different, quieter side of the city.
- The High Line and Chelsea Market, one of the best half-days in New York. Walk the elevated park from start to finish, then visit Chelsea Market for food.
- SoHo and Greenwich Village, boutique shopping, famous filming locations including the Friends apartment building, and some of the best independent restaurants in the city.
- DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Manhattan skyline views from the waterfront are some of the best in the city, and completely free.
- Little Italy and Chinatown, walk between the two and eat at both. Mulberry Street for a pasta lunch, then across to Mott Street for dumplings. One of the most fun afternoons in New York.
- The Vessel at Hudson Yards, a striking honeycomb-shaped structure with 2,500 steps and incredible views of the Hudson. Free to look at from the outside, ticketed to climb.
- On Location Tours, book a movie or TV filming location tour covering everything from Sex and the City and Gossip Girl to Suits. One of the most fun ways to explore the city and a brilliant way to see neighbourhoods you might not otherwise visit.
Across our six visits to New York we have included our favourite things to do, from Central Park guided tours and Brooklyn Bridge walks to observation deck tickets, food tours and On Location Tours covering Sex and the City, Gossip Girl and Suits filming spots.
Browse our handpicked New York experiences→Free Tours by Foot run pay-what-you-wish walking tours across most major neighbourhoods. A brilliant way to get your bearings on day one. Tip the guide $10 to $20 per person if you enjoyed it.
How to Get Around New York City
Getting around New York is easy and you do not need a car. The subway is the fastest and most affordable way to travel, with contactless payments accepted throughout the network. Many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer journeys, yellow taxis, Uber and Lyft are widely available, and the NYC Ferry offers a beautiful way to travel with stunning views of the skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty.
Tap to pay with a contactless card or phone using the OMNY system at any subway turnstile. No need to queue at a MetroCard machine. The subway runs 24 hours, seven days a week. Taxis are metered; Uber and Lyft are widely used and often similar in price. The NYC Ferry connects Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan with great views along the route.
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free and sails right past the Statue of Liberty. One of the best views in New York at zero cost.
NYC's Observation Decks, Compared
New York has more observation decks than any other city in the world, and they are not interchangeable. Here is how they actually compare, not just which one is most famous.
The Edge at Hudson Yards
The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a glass floor and close to 360-degree views across the Hudson and the full Manhattan skyline. We recommend booking a slot around 40 minutes before sunset so you can see the skyline by day and then watch the city light up. Once you are in, you can stay as long as you like, and there are both indoor and outdoor viewing areas plus a bar on site.
Book The Edge tickets →Book a table at The Peak, the restaurant one floor above the observation deck, and you will get complimentary access to The Edge with your meal. A minimum spend applies, but the food is delicious, the view is insane and it often works out as better value than buying a separate ticket and food elsewhere.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Less a traditional viewing platform, more an immersive art experience 1,000 feet above Midtown, with mirrored rooms, a balloon room and glass boxes that hang out over the street. It also has the single best view of the Empire State Building anywhere in the city, since you are looking directly across at it rather than up at it. Consistently rated as one of the most photogenic spots in New York.
The Ascent glass elevator add-on takes you a further 12 storeys up in a fully glass lift. The views are incredible and worth the extra cost.
Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center
Incredible views of Central Park and the Empire State Building in one frame, especially beautiful at sunset. Top of the Rock has also added some fun extras for thrill seekers. The Beam recreates the famous construction workers' lunch photo, where you are seated on a replica steel beam suspended 12 feet above the deck. The Skylift takes you higher still and spins 360 degrees. Both are brilliant if you have the nerve for it.
Book Top of the Rock tickets →
Empire State Building
The one we would skip. It is the one everyone has heard of and has been in many iconic films and TV shows, but the 86th floor deck is open-air with metal safety fencing that interrupts photos far more than the floor-to-ceiling glass at the other three decks. You will not get a clean view of Central Park either, and when you take that famous photo of New York, you want the Empire State Building to actually be in the shot. There are better options in our view.
If the Empire State Building's history matters to you, upgrade to the 102nd floor for an enclosed, unobstructed view rather than the metal-fenced 86th floor deck.
Our Favourite Places to Eat in New York City
New York is one of the best food cities in the world, and honestly, you could spend an entire trip just eating your way around it. From iconic pizza slices to legendary bakeries and rooftop dining, here are our personal favourites.
Best budget eat
$1.99 Pizza spots are everywhere in New York. Yes, this place really is called $1.99 Pizza! They may not be the finest pizza in the city, but they are tasty and perfect for a quick, affordable lunch between sightseeing.
Joe's Pizza is our go-to. Famous for appearing in Spider-Man and visited by countless celebrities, it serves classic New York slices and always has a queue worth joining.
Best for entertainment
Ellen's Stardust Diner is where the waiters are also Broadway performers. Expect singing, dancing and plenty of fun whilst you eat. A brilliant choice for families and theatre fans.
Best views
Peak NYC at Hudson Yards offers gorgeous views across Manhattan and the Hudson River from one of the most beautifully designed restaurant spaces in the city. Dinner here also comes with complimentary access to The Edge observation deck. Two experiences, one bill.
Best variety
Time Out Market Brooklyn is one of our favourite food spots in the city. Located in DUMBO, it brings together a huge selection of New York's best food vendors under one roof, alongside incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Cult favourites
Magnolia Bakery is famous for its Banana Pudding, which absolutely lives up to the hype. Their cupcakes are also delicious, making this our go-to for breakfast or a pick-me-up after a long day of walking.
Liberty Bagels is home of the famous rainbow bagels, freshly baked and packed with fresh fillings daily. The Midtown location is often very busy. We found the newer 7th Avenue location much quieter on our most recent visit.
Serendipity 3 has sold over 30 million Frozen Hot Chocolates, and once you have had one, you will understand why. Rich, creamy and worth every calorie. The main food menu is also really good and portions are massive.
Central Park Boathouse offers beautiful views across the lake and Central Park from any seat in the house, whether you choose the restaurant, outdoor cafe or bar. We reserved the restaurant for Christmas Day and it was wonderful. We recommend booking in advance.
Chelsea Market is a food lover's paradise packed with restaurants, bakeries and independent food vendors. Make sure you try Los Tacos No.1 for some of the best traditional Mexican tacos in the city.
Dominique Ansel Bakery is home of the Cronut, a delicious croissant-doughnut hybrid. Incredible pastries and great coffee. Go early as the most popular items sell out fast.
Our Favourite NYC Bars
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is our go-to in New York. The views of the Empire State Building are unbeatable, and during winter they set up heated igloos to sit in. Brilliant any time of year, but especially special on a clear evening.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar at the Moxy Hotel is playful and characterful, with great cocktails and fantastic city views. One of the most fun and photogenic spots for a drink in Midtown.
The Rum House inside Hotel Edison is a relaxed jazz-leaning cocktail bar with a slice of film history. It is the actual location where Riggan and Mike Shiner share a drink in Birdman. Old-school New York charm and genuinely great cocktails.
Save Money & Travel Tips
New York can chew through a budget fast, but a few smart decisions can save you a significant amount without missing out on anything.
The Go City Explorer Pass bundles entry to some of New York's top attractions, including observation decks, museum entry and tours, and can save you a good amount if you are planning three or more paid experiences. We have used it on previous trips and it is one of the better-value passes available.
Browse the Go City New York Pass→The New York Pass gives you access to over 100 attractions for a flat daily rate. Work out your must-see list first and check the maths before buying, as the value depends entirely on how many paid attractions you are planning.
Tipping is not optional in New York. Budget 18-20% percent at restaurants (20% is now the standard, not the generous option) and $10 to $20 per person for tour guides. Build it into your daily spend from the start so it does not catch you out.
Visiting in late January, February or November typically means more affordable hotel rates and less crowds at the big attractions. The first week of January is also brilliant because all the Christmas decorations are still up and it is much cheaper than December.
The Staten Island Ferry is completely free and sails right past the Statue of Liberty. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO gives you some of the best Manhattan skyline views in the city, also for free.
Get an eSIM before you land so you have data the second you arrive, without roaming charges. You will need it immediately for tickets, maps and transport apps. We use Ubigi every time and it has never let us down.
Get your Ubigi eSIM→
New York City at Christmas
New York is incredible all year round, but Christmas is when the city truly comes alive. The lights, decorations and festive atmosphere are unlike anywhere else in the world. One thing many visitors do not realise is that plenty of attractions, restaurants and Broadway shows remain open on Christmas Day. During our Christmas visits we have enjoyed breakfast at Margaritaville, lunch at Hard Rock Cafe and caught a Broadway show in the evening.
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the most famous Christmas tree in the world, right beside the iconic ice rink. The lighting ceremony takes place in early December and the tree stays lit through mid-January.
- Fifth Avenue Christmas Windows, the spectacular festive displays at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman are stunning. The Saks light show plays every few minutes each evening. Check times online before you go.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, Brooklyn's famous neighbourhood of over-the-top Christmas decorations and light displays. Many tour operators offer trips from Manhattan and it is one of the best local experiences in the city at this time of year.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring the world-famous Rockettes, this iconic Christmas show has been entertaining visitors since 1933. We recommend booking in advance as it sells out fast.
- Bryant Park Winter Village and ice skating, Bryant Park has over 170 market stalls, festive food vendors and a free ice-skating rink. If you want to skate with the Manhattan skyline all around you, head to Central Park instead for a truly magical winter experience.
New York City: Frequently Asked Questions
What do we wish we had known before visiting New York City?
Tipping is not optional here. Twenty percent at restaurants is the standard, not the generous option, it is genuinely expected. We would also not stay directly in Times Square, it can be really noisy and really busy with crowds. A hotel ten to fifteen minutes walk away is far quieter. Get your eSIM set up before you land so you can jump straight onto the transport. Transfers from the airport can also be expensive, a taxi will set you back around a hundred dollars, and we wish we had done more research into the AirTrain or subway first. And do not let anyone convince you New York is expensive, you can get a pizza slice from as little as a $1.50.
Which observation deck in New York City is the best?
Our favourite tip is to book a table at The Peak restaurant, one floor above The Edge at Hudson Yards. This gives you complimentary access to The Edge with your meal, and it can actually work out cheaper. Book a table around an hour and a half to two hours before sunset rather than the actual sunset slot, which costs significantly more. If you want Central Park and the Empire State Building in one frame, Top of the Rock is our close second choice, and they have also added some brilliant new features including a spinning platform at the top.
Where should I stay in New York City for the first time?
Midtown for a first visit, without question. You will be close to everything. Bear in mind Times Square can be really noisy and really busy with crowds, so we recommend a hotel ten to fifteen minutes walk away, which is far quieter. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza HY36 near Penn Station, which worked brilliantly as a base. Check out our hotel review if you want to see what it is really like.
How do you get around New York City without a car?
You do not need a car and we have never used one across six visits. Tap to pay on the subway using your contactless card or phone via the OMNY system, no need to queue at a MetroCard machine. The subway runs 24 hours a day. Walking is also underrated, a lot more is within walking distance than most visitors expect. The NYC Ferry connects Brooklyn and Manhattan with great views, and the Staten Island Ferry is completely free and passes right by the Statue of Liberty.
Is the Go City Pass or New York Pass worth it?
Yes, absolutely. Attractions in New York can quickly add up and become expensive. If you are planning to do three or more attractions including observation decks, we would highly recommend the pass. It is also brilliant for walking tours, experience tours and on-location tours. Some of our favourites are the movie and TV filming location tours covering Sex and the City and Gossip Girl spots, which are a fantastic way to explore the city.
When is the best time to visit New York City?
Late January, February and November offer more affordable hotel rates and smaller crowds at the big attractions. Our personal favourite is the first week of January, the Christmas decorations are still up across the city, the ice rinks are still running, and prices drop significantly compared to December. If you are planning twelve months in advance, you can actually get December at a very reasonable price. We have been at Christmas before and it is a really fun and magical time to visit.
What is the best free thing to do in New York City?
Central Park is one of the best ways to spend a free day in New York. From castles and statues to Bethesda Terrace and the lake, you could easily wander for hours and still not cover everything. The Staten Island Ferry sails right past the Statue of Liberty and is completely free. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO gives you some of the best Manhattan skyline views in the city at no cost. And Free Tours by Foot run pay-what-you-wish walking tours across most neighbourhoods, a brilliant way to get your bearings on day one.
Is New York City safe for tourists?
Yes, and we have never had an issue across six visits. Like any major city, common sense applies: keep your phone out of sight on the subway, stay aware in busy tourist areas like Times Square where pickpockets operate, and avoid very quiet streets late at night. The tourist areas are well policed and busy around the clock. The subway is safe, including at night, though we tend to stay in well-lit carriages and near other passengers on late journeys.
How many days do you need in New York City?
A minimum of five days for a first visit to cover all the essentials without rushing. Four days is doable but you will need to limit how much you do. Seven days is ideal if you want to do Midtown as well as Brooklyn and explore different neighbourhoods. There is always something new to discover.
What is worth adding to a New York City itinerary if you have more time?
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is one of the most underrated experiences in New York, a cable car across the East River with incredible skyline views and almost no queues. Little Italy and Chinatown side by side make for one of the most fun afternoons in the city with some incredible food. The Vessel at Hudson Yards is also well worth adding, a striking honeycomb structure with 2,500 steps and gorgeous Hudson views. And if you have time, head out to Coney Island, there is a proper beach and a brilliant old-fashioned funfair with rides and a fantastic atmosphere.
Is New York City expensive?
It has a reputation for being expensive, but it really does not have to be. You can get a pizza slice from as little as a $1.50, and there are loads of brilliant bakeries and sweet treats available at very reasonable prices. From a main course perspective there are budget options everywhere across the city. You could also easily fill a couple of days with completely free activities. Central Park alone could take up a whole day, walking around the neighbourhoods costs nothing, and the Staten Island Ferry gives you incredible views of the Statue of Liberty for free. New York genuinely has something for every budget.
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