Head to the American Museum of Natural History if you’re with kids OR the Met for a few hours! I'll miss exploring this island in winter. Hi and many thanks for these tips. I always point them to the things NOT to do instead of only the things to do ’cause there’s about 1000+ of those.. Here’s 10 things NOT to do in New York … JFK is easily accessible via the Airtrain & A train and/or LIRR. -Taking the subway is the easiest and the fastest way to get around NYC. Click for your downloadable map of this itinerary! Now, having just celebrated my 20th(!) Head to the Bohemian Beer Garden to relax or one of the many microbreweries popping up all around NYC (Singlecut Beersmiths / Rockaway Brewing company). Your email address will not be published. I'm sure we'll hit the classics, from the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Wall Street, Trinity Church, Flatiron Building, the Highline, Empire State Building, UN, Rockefeller Center, Broadway, Central Park, and maybe Columbia University if we venture that far north. Grimaldi’s is not as good as it once was. For dinner, head to Flushing (Stop on 7 Subway: Main St). , Hi, thanks for your great articles.. From Here to NY with a 2 week advance booking on-line would range from 270 to 320, a bit more with shorter notice. Yes you can buy an unlimited weekly pass. Hi Sandi, you can go to Coney Island within NYC. THIS IS AN AMAZING GUIDE! Merodach. Thank you for any thoughts regarding my questions about visiting New York and any other advice you might have. . Bring your own yogurt for a Gossip Girl photo. Because it changes frequently and drastically, the only way to prepare is by packing a few layers. People think that resting while traveling is a waste of time, especially when visiting a city like New York. I’m glad that this has been helpful to you and you find the blog inspiring! Sure, creating a Pinterest board full of gorgeous pictures is fun, but then you start trying to figure out the actual logistics and it hits you … oh god, this is SO MUCH WORK. At night, head back to the Village to visit one of New York’s many (pricey) speakeasy bars, including Employees Only or Please Don’t Tell. Looks like you're using new Reddit on an old browser. (Yes, that restaurant out of Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist.). China town was an adventure and I found some great eats in little italy! I haven’t written anything about the shopping but it IS a great for a girl’s weekend for sure. I cant see the downloadable map. As a state in the extreme northeast of the country, New York is not a year-round destination for everybody; some destinations are season-specific (as … Hi Karen… loved reading your articles on NYC. Register now - it’s free! Click for my picks for affordable hotels in New York City, NYC on a budget post where all of the activities are FREE. Depends on the year. If you have only one day in New York City, you can still see Manhattan! Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You can also book your own shuttle in between Downtown Manhattan and JFK/any other airport if you don’t want to worry about it. It is also millions of dollars in debt. . This is a perfect guide and I used to live in NY so I know! There is also the PATH but that's a very short line compared to MTA and you can use the MTA card anyway so you might never notice the difference. We have a supportive community. Hi! . Hotel in NYC is not cheap. Your email address will not be published. Stop in Chelsea for a delicious brunch in any of the stalls before walking around chic Chelsea. Enhance your New York City sightseeing experience by exploring places like American Museum of Natural History and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Stop in the Strand, one of New York’s best independent bookstores. FYI: This is a suggested itinerary for five days, so not everything may be your cup of tea. Plus, we want to eat at iconic restaurants, go to The Strand, and look at everything! I have absolutely no idea how to go about planning a trip like this though. How much does transportation cost in New York? Thanks! I love Adventurous Kate’s tips for traveling solo in NYC. 2) To visit all these places, is it cheap to rent a car or use public transport? For something off the beaten path, find the whispering gallery where your voice echoes! Love this itinerary! At the moment thinking about Times Square at night, Central Park, walking Brooklyn bridge and stopping to eat at Grimaldi’s, Statue of Liberty, The High Line and Ground Zero. Don’t buy it from a cart; Only buy from Gray’s Papaya with a smoothie like a local. Would you recommend renting a car or just uber everywhere? Book your tickets early and try first through the theatre itself to get the best prices in advance. Newark International Airport is in New Jersey, so plan on 30+ minutes on NJ transit. I love dosas, so Dosa Delight might be a good pick. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. 11 Answers. A friend of mine was able to get tickets to a major Broadway show for just $70 per seat. Please be sure to account for tips at restaurants as tipping is standard in New York City. Are most attractions closed? Nearby, I have a soft spot for browsing the giant Macy’s in Herald Square. We’re going to visit for 5 days and attend a wedding, does it really get hot? im from toronto planning to visit in march. If chic cocktail bars aren’t your thing, New York has a lot to offer in terms of alternative culture. Visit the 9/11 Memorial ($2 Reservation Fee; otherwise free to visit). I just wanted to know if there is a city pass that allow one to bypass queues and allow access to major sightseeing sights in NYC? Thanks! The Subway Lines are all run by MTA nowadays. I think I love Day 5 in particular. I spent 7 days about 5 year ago just walking and discovering things. Walk up towards Chinatown. r/travel is a community about exploring the world. Grimaldi doesn’t accept reservations as far as I know. New York City Tourism: Tripadvisor has 4,173,444 reviews of New York City Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best New York City resource. Astoria itself is a neighborhood in Queens that has historically been Greek and you can still find great Greek food here. Planning a Trip to New York. This is separate from New York’s subway system. I’m writing more about NYC soon as wel! We're weird like that. Hi I found your itinerary really useful on my trip. Shake Shack was my absolute favourite meal in NYC best burger I’ve ever had haha! Top of the Rock) if you set out early. I’m so proud to be a native New Yorker and I love to help first timers plan their first trip to New York City. Click for my insider guide to affordable hotels in New York City. 2. In summer, check the Summerstage program ahead for free music shows! Need a late-night snack? Any further advice on traveling with kids? Annie includes a bit of history as well as her favorite restaurants in Chinatown. Very panicky and stressed up now as it seems overwhelming to plan the itinerary, and people are telling me to avoid New York during winter as it is at its coldest… this write up of yours is a great help! You might also want to look into the Pod hotel chain for affordable rooms in central locations. There are some "iconic" things to eat but I don't think they're worth your time. myNY – your own New York travel planner. (Yes, not everyone lives in Manhattan.) A chance to chill out in a few of those speakeasy bars for example would be lovely! By the way, do you know Gallagher’s stake house? For those specific days, you can imagine that the line can get quite long. Make dinner reservations, at least, a month in advance. It’s up now. Enjoy! There really isn’t a “bad time” of year to go to New York. I have a guide to Niagara Falls, but I think also spending all four days in NYC will be best as there’s so much to do. There’s just so much to see and do haha. First time experience of eating a bit dog next to a homeless guy on his crack pipe, and that was inside! Decide what kind of Asian food you’re seeking and check on yelp. You need to reserve ahead for tickets. Thanks in advance, and I hope I hear back from you… Jean. I’m looking for a tour that I can join to see NYC and potentially other places for example Niagra Falls etc. Go to Halal Guys for cheap/delicious take-out chicken and rice, Pio Pio for fantastic Peruvian food, or Empanada Mama for empanadas. Planning a trip to New York City Question I'm planning on going to NYC in late September/early October with my fiance and would like to know what some experienced … We've curated the best advice to help you simplify your research and plan the trip of a lifetime. The American Museum of National History is also a fantastic museum and better suited to families as well as science lovers. Really nice balance of big sites and locals-only secrets. I love New York, although I haven’t been back there in almost 9 years so a return trip is definitely overdue! MoMa is a world-class museum for a reason and I strongly recommend checking the recent exhibitions to see what is on. Also, a strange question, but are there any genuine ghost tours or haunted places we coukd visit. Over 13 miles in length, the island of Manhattan is so densely populated that even the famous Empire State Building has its own zip code! . Most people loved the metropolitan museum of art and I heard it's the largest museum on the east coast. Pretty awesome guide, thank you for taking the time to write it and make it so comprehensive for us, beginners! I know the feeling about NYC… It really does have something for everyone although it CAN seen overwhelming. (I highly recommend checking out the Queens Night Market if you’re lucky enough to be in town later that evening!). (: Hopefully we could meet up while I’m there and chat! Click to read more about the Lower East Side. It's relatively easy to navigate, just be aware of construction and temporary line changes. If you’re a runner, I strongly recommend trying to run the Reservoir one morning. If you’re on the East Coast, you can take Megabus directly to Manhattan. Thanks for sharing! It’s everything I wanted to do in NYC – simplified – plus Bubble Tea!! This article was very helpful, i learned about a few new sights. DC has a great metro system and all the major museums in DC are free. You might also find some affordable picks along the Lower East Side. Listen for announcements and don't be afraid to ask for help. Best Time to Visit: Figuring out the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do on your trip. Don’t have an account? In the Met, I love the Egyptian temple, Musical Instruments, Armor, and pre-20th century art. There is, but it’s not necessarily worth it depending on what attractions you plan on visiting. They also work on the buses. Also, most museums are not free, but many either have a suggested donation or specific days when admission is free. 3. I’d say that you only need one day there, however it takes at least a day to get there if you fly (or one full day if you take the bus/train). how cold is it there around the first week of march? Many, many thanks! Hi Milehilady, So glad to hear that! I know this is annoying to locals, but they will just have to deal. That’s exactly where we were looking! I am visiting NY this march 8th to match 10th with my parents. Our list for for sure places right now consist of The Moma, The Met, and Cloisters, The Guggenheim, Little Italy and China Town, Brooklyn, Chelsea, SoHo and Greenwich Village, and I’ve booked tickets to see a band play “The Church,” in Jersey City. It isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, but instead a set of considerations to take that will undoubtedly help you have the greatest trip you possibly can. If you’re looking for a better beach, head to Jones Beach or Fire Island. Hi Eva, thanks for reading. It’s best to just ask the person in the booth when you’re swiping in to let you all in through the gate (which can fit a stroller). I recommend Belvedere Castle, the boathouse, Sheep meadow, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. Follow that up with a walk along the Freedom Trail.By then you might feel a bit burned out, so relax and enjoy shopping on Newbury Street, a visit to the Children’s Museum, Museum of Science or New England Aquarium. I went to NYC last summer for the first time. Don’t miss the gorgeous retro-chic Sweetleaf coffee shop if you’re in the area, which turns into a bar a night. Use public transit. Stop off at Flushing Meadow Park (especially in summer!) I’ve been meaning to ask my dad to help me with more tips for kids as I’ve never been a parent in New York. . I recently got a hostel ten mins walk from Times Square for $40! The damage is mostly fixed. I recommend finding the Belvedere Castle, the Bethesda Terrace, Sheep Meadow for lazy picnics, and the Boathouse. This historic train station is one of the most famous filming locations in New York City. Maybe G Adventures or Contiki are good options as a friend of mine used Contiki for her US trip for the same reason! I sometimes joke that you need about two weeks to just cover the major sights, which is true since I didn’t even include Coney Island (Brooklyn). To be honest, anywhere with a good bagel and a coffee should work as long as it’s not Dunkin Donuts. Please check our disclosure page for more information. How can we enjoy a spectacular night view of the city when there are minors in our group and a rooftop bar isn’t an option? I definitely struggle with coming up with concise recommendations–and deciding what to include here was TOUGH, however this is what I’ve been sending to friends for years. hotel in manhattan for 100 dollars a night? You can click to read more about Flushing, including my favorite picks for dinner. (Daren’t say how long it’s been!!) year living in New York City, there’s no denying my status as a New Yorker! However Grey’s Papaya was a mistake. That’s so exciting!! I hope that this answers your question. Thanks! Join my facebook group for advice for traveling in Europe. The MET is the largest art museum in the US and among the top 5 most visited in the world. (Trust me, it’s like daytime.) I have a helpful post about using the NYC subway, which should help. Any tips for traveling solo? Everyone else forgets Queens, so I figured I needed to fix this. Thankyou so much for your reply. This yearly music festival in New York brings in well-known as well as upcoming artists for free shows in Central Park. I have link by my name where you can read what I recommend bringing for March! I didn’t know that there was a shake shack in Bryant Park. My first search in looking at tips for visiting New York, reading all the comments this looks like a good start? Its location under the Bridge makes it even better around sunset. I know some have queue jumps with the but am I better off booking my tickets individually and directly with the attractions themselves? Please contact the management at the restaurant about what happened, so hopefully nobody else has that experience. I really liked what you included but if you have any extra suggestions please feel free to add them. Thanks in advance. I did not include this on the list: I highly recommend stopping to see a Broadway show, if that’s your thing. . DC is an easy trip from NYC by Amtrak. Hit a bunch of the food markets and halls and sample everything - especially Mexican, Chinese, and Southeast Asian food. For shopping, catch the LIC flea market on the weekend. This area, which used to be the meatpacking district, has great boutique shopping and antique shopping. Sorry to hear that, but you can still visit the falls. Planning a trip to Europe? You can also get a map online and study it beforehand, which I recommend for newcomers to NYC. Was great. I love this guide! Take public transit or a taxi. This made me miss New York so much! My favorite is the Chrysler building, which was known as the ugliest building in New York when it was built. Hi Marjorie, I’d recommend buying the tickets yourself. You can click for my favorite free viewpoints in New York City here! You know, NYC is more than just Manhattan. This summer i am going back (again for a week) and cant wait to see the “lesser known” sights. I have a question though – when I’ve downloaded the map for Google is it automatically available offline, or is there something I have to do in order to be able to access it without having internet? If you visit in December, it’s always Christmas in New York. Be sure to master happy hour as it will save you a lot of money. I don’t know Gallagher’s as I’m not really a big steak person to be honest. For a long time I wanted to visit NYC. This is great! Definitely go for sweets after at Rajbhog. Thanks for a great post. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Hi Louise, I apologize, however I never did a guided tour as I never really had a need for it. Is it good? 5 reasons why myNY will make creating your itinerary easy! in a few weeks and I was trying quite desperately to prepare the trip. To make the most of your trip, choose from the experiences listed here and see NYC from a new perspective. We've put together some great travel tools for your New York vacation including our trip builder, itineraries, transportation options, and more! Thanks for the useful information. . to see the iconic Unisphere and check out the NYC Panorama, which is a miniature version of New York City in the modern Queens Museum of Art. 1 decade ago. And YAY QUEENS! For buses, the driver will see. Would we need to book a table at Grimaldi or the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty? Get drinks in trendy Williamsburg at Union Pool or Night of Joy to enjoy the view of Manhattan from the roof, especially in summer. I'm a hobbyist photographer so I hope you enjoy the photos. Hi Karen, This blog is very informative. Walk down Greenwich Avenue or West 4th Avenue for scenic houses and interesting shops in Greenwich Village. So now all my 4 days will be spent in NY. Holidays & Festivals in New York City If you're looking for entertaining things to do in New York City, consider planning your trip … This will be mine and my husbands first trip to New York… 1. A checklist, of course! Have the real New York famous cheesecake at Junior’s for dessert. (It’s going to be a hard decision.) The subway system will take you anywhere in the city. 1. This article was originally created on May 4, 2015. I’m using all your tips for packing,$$, transportation, etc. Then, Paris. Have you seen my NYC Packing list Ianne? Day 1 might be fine too, however you might encounter some lines at the 9/11 memorial if you don’t make reservations in advance. Planning a Trip in New York State The two major considerations to take into account when planning a trip to New York State are seasons and size. I usually just bring an extra layer since some places overdo the AC. Do you have an more detailed suggestions for Sports Food and Beer enthusiasts? Hope that didn’t spoil your trip! 2. I haven’t spent much time in Queens and totally want to . Plan Your Trip to NYC. • Best places to eat? In the summer, catch a ride on the Harbor Islands Ferry or take a wh… No matter how many times I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, I never ceased to be amazed by its impressive building. My personal favorite is Bloomingdale’s! Did all the “famous sights” and had an amazing time! thanks for taking the time to do this, so much to see and do and my husband and I want to do it all! We are also taking 2 strollers because our kids cannot manage without them. Answer 1 of 12: Hello my husband and I are planning a trip to New York City this year. resided? NYC is super humid and a bit nasty around that time. Click to read more about the Lower East Side. Of course, it depends on the year, but regardless of the month, a jacket and a sweater/sweatshirt should always be on your packing list for New York … You can even do private room karaoke if you look for KTV signs. I’d just keep the strollers folded up when possible as they might be annoying on a crowded subway, so maybe avoid rush hour. For wedding outfits, it depends on how formal the wedding is. I am going to New York City soon and will definitely use all your wonderful tips. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Thank you so much for this information. American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. Great itinerary! The Standard is famous for its rooftop bar although it’s difficult to get into. People watch & play a chess game before walking up to Union Square, which has a great weekend farmer’s market in addition to normal shopping. Walk towards the iconic Washington Square Park (next to New York University). Then, email it to your phone. Depends on where you're flying from. What are some other things to see that are worth visiting during our week in New York? Want to mix in what you have already stated with the aforementioned. I am planning a trip to New York 4th of July week 2017. Hi Karen, Great guidance – thank you! 5 days in NYC is actually the perfect amount if it’s your first visit. If you’ve dreamed of visiting during the holidays, this guide has all you need to know for a successful trip. I loved that you broke it down and gave each day a little “travel label” for different places, food, etc. I’m also a traveler, who knows that local tips can’t be beat when you’re exploring a new place, so I wanted to pass on some tried and true local tips for your next visit to New York City. You can click for my favorite free viewpoints in New York City here! How is NYC in late July – early August? How to Plan a Trip to New York City. Hi Karen, you should book your Statue of Liberty tickets in advance for sure. Google Maps usually opens it for me, otherwise I use an app called Maps.Me. Than You!! Really great guide!! Click for my picks for affordable hotels in New York City. A brilliant read we travelling from the UK 30th August. Otherwise, you’ll need to download the map under “My Maps”. Don’t rent a car. Plan on spending at minimum $50+ per person on food, $20 per person on activities minimum, $100+ on the hotel (for one room), and extra if you plan on going out (cocktails are usually $10-15). Walking the Brooklyn Bridge to Grimaldi’s is my fave!!! For a casual, very New York meal, try a (famous) NYC hot dog? However, for those seeking a more alternative experience and/or lower price tag with a short train ride to the sites, stay in Astoria or Long Island City in Queens. Can you buy a 1 week pass or something similar? Queens is where I grew up. Be sure to bring cash and trust me when I tell you that the bags offered to you on the street are not real Chanel bags. (Photo: luxury cruise ship docked in new york city as scene from the wee image by Jorge Moro from Fotolia.com ) Related Articles Here are a few things to know about my fiance and I: • Flying from Salt Lake City → JFK nonstop, probably Delta • I'm an architect so I want to see lots of architecture throughout the city • Neither of us drink, yet despite being from Utah, we aren't Mormon. We are going to NY (1st time!) If possible, stay and spend time outside of Manhattan for cheaper hotels and a more eclectic New York City trip. Clickbait, spam, memes, ads, brochures, classifieds, surveys or self-promotion will be removed. Do you have any suggestions about wedding outfits for weather at that time of year in the park? Hi Nanna, Thanks so much for reading. This is good stuff. (Yelp!) Planning a trip to New York City can be exciting and fun. Honestly, people are used to strollers, so don’t worry too much about it. I fell in love with all the quirky boutique coffee shops and stores in Greenwich Village. An expert guide can … Hi! My first time in NYC, I stayed at the Jane in the West Village and would stay there again. I have some questions for you. It was named Lonely Planet’s #1 destination in the world in 2015 due to its amazing food and culture. You just need to download a google map of NYC and if you’ve added my locations to your main google maps, this should work. Reading on your website makes me that much more excited about this trip. Hi, very well put together itinerary. Hi! Hi Cory, Thanks so much for reading. I won’t laugh: NYC is great for shopping. I will definitely be using this, and your post on Brooklyn, as a base for my trip. It’s easy to visit Niagara Falls on your own and you can check my New York category for my guide to Niagara Falls. I usually stay indoors a lot…until night. New York City is full of adventure and excitement. Click for my insider guide to affordable hotels in New York City. If you're planning to go to four or more of the included attractions (like the Empire State Building or the 9/11 Memorial Museum), you'll find that the pass offers value and convenience. Here are 7 tips for planning a trip to New York City. After you eat, consider visiting the Tenement Museum to learn about New York’s immigrant past–and what living in Chinatown was like barely 100 years ago. You can find cheap flights to New York City if you know the tricks on when to book, what days to travel and where you can find discount discounts.. Before you arrive, take a look at our post on transportation to and from New York City’s airports.. It’s important to look in advance because you are likely to need to buy a subway card to get into the city. Chelsea/the Meatpacking District is one of the main areas for going out in New York (if that’s your thing). I haven’t done a ghost tour, but I’ve read a lot about Mulberry Street! The New York CityPASS offers free admission to more than 100 of the city's most popular attractions for two- to 10-days, making it the most straightforward of the New York City admission passes. My favorite thing I did was the oyster bar in Grand Central. Happily married to Jacob. Plan Your Trip NYC is a professional, licensed sightseeing agency who will provide a fun, personalized and flexible itinerary for your trip to New York City. Hi Alison, You can look up my post about Astoria to read about the Museum of Moving Image, a great museum for this, although there’s many filming locations in NYC. Really nice to see an itinerary focusing on my favorite borough This post makes me miss NYC something awful. Getting to New York City. Thanks again for taking the time to write all of this! my guide to NYC over Thanksgiving, Christmas, the holiday season, & New Year’s Eve, 50+ Unusual things to do in New York City. We are staying in Brooklyn as we believe its just a ride away from the main attractions. Have a great trip! Any money saved is a big help. And if not what would you add to the list? Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. But I did really feel I’d need longer to really get a feel for the place. It is partly funded by the city, but otherwise relies on donations. That said, it’s rapidly changing as more millennials move in. Will keep in mind all your suggestions. Have Juliana’s Pizza for dinner. It will probably be cheaper unless you’re going to the most expensive attractions included in the pass. Dinner doesn’t need to be expensive to be good. Hoping to get back to NYC later this year and really need to do the highlife properly as didn’t get chance last time. (XOXO). New York is so large. You can click to read more about Flushing, including my favorite picks for dinner. You can click here for tips on how to use the NYC subway. There are many things on this list I haven’t done. Hi, Loving all the tips on here! 1) How is the flood now? If you can afford the $25 recommended donation, then please be a responsible tourist and support a world renowned institution (and the city) that you want to experience, as well as continuing to allow those less fortunate to have that experience as well. Really. Such a great itinerary, covering all things fun in a not too rushed way !! Required fields are marked *. Walk the Highline for an amazing view of Manhattan’s skyline from above in a modern green space that used to be train tracks. Click for a guide to Astoria. For a nicer modern meal, visit the Thalia or the Russian Tea Room. TIA! Is there a good place to take my teens to get a good view of fireworks? I don't want to spend much on a hotel since we won't be there other than to sleep, so around $100 to $125 per night is the target price range. Louise. Especially if there are any markets, annual festivals, food tours, etc that you would recommend. Great! Hi, It's my dream to go to New York. Hi Clare, I personally prefer booking directly tickets directly myself so that I can just stroll in without the line. Pod hotel chain for affordable rooms in central locations, 15 of the most beautiful places in Holland that you must visit, How to see the tulip fields near Amsterdam for free by a local, Your Osaka Travel Guide: Two Days in Osaka Japan, Your insider guide to the Finger Lakes with the best things to do in the Finger Lakes, « Things to do in Maastricht, the most beautiful city in the Netherlands, Magical Maastricht: Tips for visiting Maastricht’s christmas market ». This day is all about experiencing New York City at it’s best: pizza, history, and iconic views. Thank you! Planning a trip to New York City can be exciting -- and overwhelming. Your pictures, questions, stories, or any good content is welcome.