New York is the city everyone feels they already know from films and TV, and yet nothing quite prepares you for the real thing: the canyons of skyscrapers, the energy of Times Square, the calm of Central Park and the sheer variety of neighbourhoods, food and culture. Where you stay makes a big difference to your trip, so this guide covers the highlights, a selection of recommended New York hotels and the best places to shop.
Top things to do in New York
- Central Park: 843 acres of lawns, lakes and woodland in the middle of Manhattan, perfect for walking, cycling, rowing and picnics.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art: one of the largest and greatest museums in the world, spanning 5,000 years of art. MoMA and the Guggenheim are must-sees for modern art lovers.
- A Broadway show: seeing a musical in the Theater District is a classic New York experience. Discount booths and lottery tickets can make it more affordable.
- The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: take the ferry for close-up views of Lady Liberty and a moving visit to the immigration museum. For a free alternative, the Staten Island Ferry passes the statue.
- Times Square: the dazzling heart of Midtown, at its most spectacular after dark.
- The High Line: an elevated park built on a former railway line, running through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea.
- The 9/11 Memorial and Museum: a powerful tribute at the site of the World Trade Center.
- The views: head up the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, or one of the newer observation decks for unforgettable skyline views.
For a longer list, see our guide to New York’s must-see attractions.
Recommended New York hotels
- The Plaza: the legendary luxury hotel on Fifth Avenue at the corner of Central Park.
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: elegant rooms, wonderful park views and excellent service.
- The Standard, High Line: a modern, design-led hotel straddling the High Line, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River.
- The Peninsula New York: a classic luxury hotel on Fifth Avenue, close to Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the best shopping.
Not sure which part of the city suits you? Read our guide to New York’s boroughs and neighbourhoods: where to stay.
Where to shop in New York
- Fifth Avenue: the city’s most famous shopping street, with flagship stores, department stores and luxury boutiques.
- SoHo: cast-iron buildings filled with fashion stores, galleries and cafés.
- Chelsea Market: an indoor food hall and market in a former biscuit factory, right by the High Line.
- Outlets: discount shopping centres outside the city offer big savings on brand names.
More in our guide to shopping in New York.
Tips for visiting New York
- Get your ESTA: Israeli and many other passport holders need an approved ESTA before flying – see our ESTA application guide.
- Getting around: the subway runs 24 hours a day, and you can pay with a contactless card or phone at the turnstile.
- Walk: Manhattan’s grid makes it easy to explore on foot, and you will discover far more that way.
- Consider a city pass: sightseeing passes can save money if you plan to visit several attractions.
- Budget for tips and tax: prices are usually shown before sales tax, and tipping around 18 to 20 percent in restaurants is expected.
- When to go: spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, while December has the famous holiday lights.
Planning a bigger US trip? See our Walt Disney World guide for a family stop in Florida.
