THE ULTIMATE NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps! New York is by far one of my favourite cities on earth. It is such a lively place with so much to do that it would take a lifetime to explore it properly. Home to Broadway, this city is something you have to experience once in your life. The food is aplenty and the nightlife is among the best.

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HOW TO GET TO NYC

Plane

If you are travelling from Australia, no doubt you will probably be arriving to New York by plane. There are three separate airports surrounding NYC so make sure you know which one you are flying into!

• JFK International: This is NY’s largest airport and around 30km from Midtown Manhattan. From JFK you can catch a taxi to anywhere in NYC for $52. Bare in mind this doesn’t include tax, tolls and tip. To save on money you may opt to take the JFK AirTrain which links the airport to several public transport options for only $8.
• La Guardia Airport: This airport is technically the closest to Midtown and serves mostly domestic flights. You can take a taxi to your hotel or one of 2 city buses that connect you to the subway. A taxi should cost around $30-40.
• Newark Liberty International: Newark is a bit further out from NYC than the other two. Metered taxis can cost around $100. For a cheaper option, you can get the AirTrain Newark which connects to NJ Transit, that you can then catch to Penn Station.

Train

Amtrak is the major domestic train service in the US. There are plenty of trains connecting most of the East Coast to NYC. You will ultimately reach Penn Station or Moynihan Train Hall in NYC to disembark.

GETTING AROUND

Subway

The best way to get around the city is undoubtedly using the NY subway. It is fairly easy to navigate. You can buy a MetroCard at the subway or you can just tap your card on the gates (like an Opal Card). A single ride will set you back $2.75 whilst an unlimited 7 day MetroCard will cost $34.

Taxi or ride shares

If catching the metro isn’t your thing or it is late at night, think about getting a cab instead. It would be an understatement to say there is usually always a taxi in sight so hailing one shouldn’t be much of a problem. If you can’t seem to find one then Uber and Lyft are helpful. However, make sure you watch out for price surges during popular times!

BEST TIME TO VISIT

There really isn’t a bad time to visit NYC! Autumn and Spring are especially nice as the temperatures are mild and pleasant and there are less tourists around. In saying that, you could definitely head to NYC in Summer and enjoy all the stunning rooftop bars or head there in Winter to experience a winter wonderland!

RECOMMENDED STAY TIME

I would say from experience that you need to allow at least 5 days to really enjoy the Big Apple. Whilst you can try to fit the major tourist attractions into 3 days, you really need at least 5 to experience the NYC culture. The more days you can spare, the better!

TOP TRAVEL TIPS

Plan your days!!

This is probably one of my top tips for visiting NYC. Plan your days out properly. Do one section of NY each day so you aren’t trampsing all over the city and wasting precious time. For example, do Upper Manhattan one day and see some of the museums and Central Park; then on another day do Lower Manhattan to see the Statue of Liberty and the 911 Memorial.

Stay in Midtown Manhattan

For most tourists Midtown Manhattan is where a majority of the tourist attractions are. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city then this is where it is at. Unfortunately, this area does come with a hefty price tag so you will need to book way in advance to secure a decent priced hotel.

Don’t stay too close to Times Square, but a few blocks away will put you in a good walking distance to much nightlife. There’s a subway station on nearly every block as well, meaning it is very easy to get to Upper and Lower Manhattan from here.

Tipping is expected

We were very shocked to see how much tipping is expected in the USA since our last trip in 2017. All restaurants will have a guideline at the bottom of their receipts with the recommended amounts (usually 18-22%). Don’t feel obliged to pay this hefty amount if you don’t think the service was exceptional. A nice dinner can end up being very expensive once you add the tip and convert USD to AUD!

Check out the TKTS Booth in Times Square for cheap Broadway show tickets

You’ll need to line up early for this one but if you are on a budget it will be worth it. The TKTS discount booth offers up to 50% off Broadway shows for same-day tickets. Be aware they don’t have tickets for every show, so see what’s on offer before lining up. The booth is open 11:00 – 20:00 daily.

If your musical isn’t on the discounted list, head to the actual theatre and book your tickets there. That way, you will save on the exorbitant ticket fee you have to pay when booking online.

Walk fast or keep to the right

New Yorkers always seem to have somewhere to be and hate slow walkers. If you are enjoying a stroll or stopping to take a photo, keep to the right to make way for others.

Consider getting a New York CityPASS

The New York CityPASS can save you money on top attractions such as the Empire State and the Statue of Liberty. I will say, do the maths and work out if it is worth it for you, depending on what you want to see and do whilst in NYC. The pass costs between $95-135 depending on how many attractions you want to include. You can buy your New York CityPASS here.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

This is by far one of our favourite things we got up to in New York. You’ve probably seen this famous diner on Tik Tok. Ellen’s Stardust Diner is the home of aspiring Broadway Stars. Many of those you see on Broadway actually started their career here! Sing along with the stars to popular Broadway songs and radio hits whilst enjoying your meal. 10/10 highly recommend this experience if you are a lover of musicals!

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

We loved this place so much that we ended up coming back here twice – once for sunset and once for drinks with a friend! Being the largest open terrace rooftop bar in the city, this place is super popular so make sure you get there early. Our favourite part about this place is the view you have of the Empire State Building. At sunset it is magical.

Eataly

Eataly is this funky Italian concept store which features restaurants, wine bars, and a plethora of high-quality Italian groceries. They have a fresh deli meats and cheese sections. We ate at the Flatiron location and had delicious pizza and pasta.

Absolute Bagels

Do yourself a favour and have at least one NYC bagel. They are bloody delicious. We went to a little local place called “Absolute Bagels” in Upper Manhattan. It was this tiny little family run store in the middle of a residential area but had a line out the door. We queued for the better part of an hour but it was definitely worth it. The bagels were fresh and the cream cheese was layered on thick *mouth waters*.

Cha Cha Matcha

If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up healthy snack, head to Cha Cha Matcha. There’s one located very close to the NY Public Library. Everything on the menu includes matcha for a hit of energy. I tried the matcha lemonade which was super refreshing.

WHAT TO DO

See a Broadway Musical

This one goes without saying. We are musical lovers, so I don’t think I could ever go to NYC without seeing at least one musical (probably more). We had enough time to see two musicals – Moulin Rouge and Six. Both were fantastic and we highly recommend. You also have your super popular shows like Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, etc; however, these usually come with a big price tag and limited availability. If one of these shows tickles your fancy then consider booking in advance.

Head up to one of the many observation decks

This activity is usually very high on the list of things to do for any tourist that heads to NYC. The problem is deciding which one suits you best.

• Top of the Rock – Top of the Rock is situated at the very top of the historical Rockefeller Center. You will get a fantastic view of the NYC skyline, with the Empire State Building at the forefront. Being one of the most popular decks, secure your ticket here. Top of the Rock is open from 09:00 to midnight daily.
• Empire State Building – The Empire State is an iconic historical landmark of the city and one of the most famous buildings in the world. This viewing platrform is higher than Top of the Rock and gives a great 360 view of the city. All tickets get you access to the 86th floor, however you can fork out more money to take you up to the 102nd floor. Empire State is open from 10:00 – 21:00 daily.
• The Edge – The Edge is one of the newest Manhattan observation decks. It is located in Hudson Yards so doesn’t give you the same 360 views as the others mentioned above, however, at 100 floors high you will still get jaw dropping views of the skyline. The Edge is one of the cheaper options and tickets can be bought here. The Edge is open from 10:00 – 22:00 daily.
• One World Observatory – This observatory is located in the One World Trade centre, which is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Located in Lower Manhattan means you will get views of Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. One World Observatory is open daily from 09:00 – 20:00.
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt – This observation deck has only been open since October 2021 and is an immersive 3-level experience fitted with art installations. This is another building which has great views of the Empire State Building and Midtown Manhattan. Get your ticket here. SUMMIT is open daily from 09:00 – 22:30.
• City Climb – I hadn’t actually heard of this new experience until recently. With this attraction you will scale the outside of a skyscrape to The Apex, which is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. This one isn’t for the fainthearted! It is open between 10:00 and 20:00 daily.

Stroll through Central Park

Central Park is a beautiful oasis in the middle of all the craziness of a metropolitan city. It’s free to visit and you could easily spend the better part of a day there.

We decided to head to Central Park at sunrise when tourists were still asleep in their beds and only the locals were out getting in their early morning jog or dog walk. It was so peaceful and would recommend it, especially if you have bad jetlag – make the most of that early morning wake up!

You may want to rent a bike and take a lap of the park or get those steps up and walk from one end to another. There’s plenty to check out including the Bethesda Terrace, Central Park Carousel, Loeb Boathouse, and the Central Park Zoo.

Stop by Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is the largest train station in the world and a stunning place to see. It is one of New York’s most visited attractions and is featured plenty of Hollywood movies. Every day more than 700,000 people pass through Grand Central and has 45 track platforms and 63 train tracks.

Soak up the atmosphere in Times Square

Times Square is a very controversial part of NYC. You either love it or hate it. It is extremely touristy, but what trip is complete without going here at least once?! If you are here during New Years, this is where you will see the famous ball drop.

Pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and Museum

If you have time make sure you stop at 9/11 Memorial Plaza to show your respect to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The reflecting pools represent where the Twin Towers once stood and are a beautiful poignant reminder of all those lost. You may want to book in advance to secure a timed-entry slot.

You will also find the new Oculus train terminal and the One World Trade Centre in the same area as the memorial.

Go shopping on Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is a loooooong street spanning from Greenwich Village to Harlem. Along this street you will find plenty of famous buildings and landmarks such as the NY Public Library, Saks Fifth Avenue, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is home to nearly any shop you can think of. Allow plenty of time to explore this street!

See the Statue of Liberty

Lady Liberty may be the most iconic monument in NYC. If it is your first time visiting the city, this is a must see. The Statue of Liberty is a copper statue, rusted over time, gifted by France in 1886. It was designed by the same person who designed the Eiffel Tower.

There are a few ways to see the Statue of Liberty. You can head to Liberty Island where you can go all the way up to the crown of the statue. If you want to do this then you will need to book your tickets in advance. You will probably couple this journey with a trip to the famous immigration centre, Ellis Island. This ticket will help you explore the islands with a self-guided audio guide.

Walk the High Line

The High Line is a cool walking path on an old freight line which sits above the streets among the buildings. This is one of the best free things to do in the city. You can start your walk from the Hudson Yards where you will also be able to see the new architectural feat called The Vessel.

Make sure you take some time to stop at the awesome Chelsea Market. Here you will find nearly any cuisine you could dream of. The market houses plenty of independent vendors and artists so you can eat and shop til you drop. I highly recommend trying the tahini icecream at the Seed & Mill stall. It’s delicious!

Visit a museum (or two, or three)

• American Museum of Natural History – Made famous from the movie “Night at the Museum”, this place is jam packed with exhibition halls displaying animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts. Entry is around $40pp and the museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 – 17:30. Get your ticket here.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art – Also known as The Met, this museum is the largest art museum in the USA. You may know the name as it is home to the famous annual Met Gala. There is also a nice rooftop garden bar inside that offers stunning views of Central Park and the NYC skyline!The Met is open daily from 10:00 – 17:00, but closed on Wednesdays.
• The Museum of Modern Art – MoMA is located in Midtown Manhattan and home to stunning collections of art ranging from the 18th Century to today. MoMA is open Sunday – Friday from 10:30 – 17:30 and until 19:30 on Saturdays. They also have free entry every Friday from 16:00 – 20:00! Pre-book your timed-entry ticket here.
• The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum – The architecture of this building is definitely worth seeing. It is actually a UNESCO World Heritage listed landmark! The museum itself is home to Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary artworks. Buy your ticket here.

Visit the New York Public Library

The NY Public Library has a few locations across NY, however the main one is located next to the relaxing Bryant Park. Entrance into this landmark is free and the inside is stunning. The library is the second largest in the US and fourth largest in the world. It houses many incredible collections. Whilst we were there we were lucky enough to see the original Winnie the Pooh and friends toys that the stories were written about. It also houses very important documents for the Unites States such as the Declaration of Independence. This place is definitely worth stopping into to see.

Take a trip to Brooklyn

Brooklyn is another borough in New York and a great little day trip across the Hudson River. You can either take the subway or walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge. My suggestion would be to take the subway there, then way back across the bridge so you face the NYC skyline as you walk.

Right near the Brooklyn Bridge is the cute, artsy neighbourhood of Dumbo (stands for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. This is a waterfront area where you will find the peaceful Brooklyn Bridge Park and the delicious Time Out Markets. We ate at the Jacob’s Pickles stall which had moutwatering fried chicken and mac & cheese.

You may also want to head to the hipster neighbourhood of Williamsburg. This area is lined with boutique shops and cafes. Alternatively you may also want to head to Coney Island which is an awesome day for the kids. You can have fun at Luna Park and soak up some sun at Coney Island Beach.

Enjoy a comedy show

This one is more of a local attraction that really made us feel like we were getting into the NY culture. We opted for a late night comedy show at The Comedy Cellar. This was easily one of our favourite things we did in New York. We pre bought our tickets online and arrived at the venue for an 11pm start. The show runs for about 2hrs and in that time you will enjoy comedy skits from a few different comedians. We were actually lucky enough to see Dave Attell perform. I’ve also heard that major stars like Kevin Hart will randomly pop into this venue to do a skit, so you never know who you will see!!

Explore the city by foot

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the city is to simply put on your most comfortable shoes and just walk. You’ll find something interesting at every turn. Each neighbourhood has a different feel – Soho, Chinatown, the Meatpacking District, Upper East Side. There’s something for everyone. You may decide you even want to take a free walking tour.