New York City
The city that never sleeps - where world-class museums meet street food, Broadway lights meet underground jazz, and every neighborhood tells a different story
5
Boroughs
472
Subway Stations
1,700+
Parks
23,000+
Restaurants
$2.90
Subway Fare
NYC Neighborhoods Guide
Each neighborhood has its own personality - find your perfect NYC vibe
Manhattan - Midtown
Bustling tourist hub with iconic sights
Must See:
Best for: First-time visitors, Broadway shows, shopping
Avoid: Rush hour (7-9am, 5-7pm), chain restaurants in Times Square
Manhattan - Lower East Side
Hip, historic immigrant neighborhood
Must See:
Best for: Foodies, history buffs, nightlife
Avoid: Weekend brunch crowds at popular spots
Brooklyn - Williamsburg
Trendy, artistic, hipster central
Must See:
Best for: Young travelers, craft beer, live music
Avoid: Overpriced "artisanal" everything
Brooklyn - DUMBO
Waterfront views with upscale dining
Must See:
Best for: Photography, romantic walks, families
Avoid: Weekend tourist crowds on bridge
Queens - Flushing
Authentic multicultural experience
Must See:
Best for: Food adventures, cultural immersion
Avoid: Language barriers at some restaurants
Must-See NYC Attractions
The iconic sights you can't miss - with insider tips to beat the crowds
Central Park
Park
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Time
Early morning or sunset
Insider Tip:
Rent bikes at 59th St for $15/hour. Sheep Meadow for picnics, Bow Bridge for proposals.
Beat crowds: Weekday mornings before 10am
Nearby: Levain Bakery (cookies), Jacob's Pickles (brunch)
High Line
Urban Park
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Time
Sunset for golden hour
Insider Tip:
Start at Gansevoort St entrance, end at Hudson Yards. Tuesday evenings less crowded.
Beat crowds: Weekday afternoons
Nearby: Chelsea Market, Whitney Museum
One World Observatory
Observation Deck
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Time
1 hour before sunset
Insider Tip:
Buy tickets online to skip lines. Combo with 9/11 Memorial.
Beat crowds: Tuesday-Thursday
Nearby: Stone Street Historic District (cobblestone dining)
Brooklyn Bridge
Landmark
Duration
45 minutes walk
Best Time
Sunrise or sunset
Insider Tip:
Walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan for best skyline views. Bike lane is separate.
Beat crowds: Very early morning
Nearby: Juliana's Pizza, Brooklyn Bridge Park
NYC Hidden Gems
Skip the tourist traps and discover NYC's best-kept secrets
The Morgan Library
Midtown East • 6 train to 33rd St
Stunning library with medieval manuscripts and literary treasures
Why it's special: J.P. Morgan's private library, often empty, beautiful architecture
Entry: $22, free Fridays 5-7pm
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Prospect Heights • 2,3 to Eastern Pkwy
52-acre oasis with Japanese garden and cherry blossoms
Why it's special: Sakura Matsuri festival in spring, peaceful escape from city
Entry: $18, free winter weekdays
The Cloisters
Fort Tryon Park • A to 190th St
Medieval art museum in castle-like building
Why it's special: Feels like European monastery, incredible views, usually quiet
Entry: $30 suggested, pay-what-you-wish for NY residents
Green-Wood Cemetery
Brooklyn • R to 25th St
Historic cemetery with Manhattan views and famous graves
Why it's special: Battle Hill highest point in Brooklyn, peaceful walks, parrots!
Entry: Free
NYC Food Bible
The essential eats - from dollar slices to Michelin stars
Pizza
Prince Street Pizza
Nolita
Famous for: Pepperoni square
Wait time: 30-60 min
L'industrie Pizzeria
West Village
Famous for: Burrata slice
Wait time: 15-30 min
Patsy's
East Harlem (original)
Famous for: Coal oven classic
Wait time: Usually none
Bagels
H&H Bagels
Upper East Side
Famous for: Everything with lox
Wait time: Weekend mornings busy
Russ & Daughters
Lower East Side
Famous for: Classic + caviar
Wait time: 20-30 min weekends
Ess-a-Bagel
Multiple
Famous for: Huge portions
Wait time: Quick service
International
Xi'an Famous Foods
Multiple
Famous for: Hand-pulled noodles
Wait time: Fast casual
Los Tacos No. 1
Multiple
Famous for: Adobada tacos
Wait time: 10-20 min
Mamoun's Falafel
Village
Famous for: Falafel sandwich
Wait time: Quick
NYC by Season
Spring (Mar-May)
50-70°F
Highlights:
- •Cherry blossoms in Central Park
- •Brooklyn Botanic Garden blooms
- •Outdoor dining returns
- •Baseball season starts
Pack: Layers, light jacket, comfortable walking shoes
Events: Tribeca Film Festival, Fleet Week
Summer (Jun-Aug)
70-85°F, humid
Highlights:
- •Free outdoor concerts
- •Coney Island beach
- •Rooftop bars
- •Street festivals
Pack: Light clothes, sunscreen, portable fan
Events: Pride, SummerStage, US Open
Fall (Sep-Nov)
45-65°F
Highlights:
- •Fall foliage Central Park
- •Halloween parade
- •Marathon
- •Perfect walking weather
Pack: Layers, light sweater, scarf
Events: Fashion Week, NYC Marathon
Winter (Dec-Feb)
30-45°F
Highlights:
- •Holiday windows
- •Ice skating
- •Fewer tourists
- •Cozy restaurants
Pack: Heavy coat, gloves, warm boots
Events: New Year's Eve, Restaurant Week
NYC Survival Guide
🚇 Subway Tips
- • Buy OMNY or MetroCard ($2.90/ride)
- • Express trains skip stops (check map!)
- • Stand right on escalators
- • Let people exit before boarding
- • Download Citymapper app
💵 Money Savers
- • Happy hours 4-7pm (half-price drinks)
- • Food trucks & dollar pizza
- • Free museums certain days/hours
- • TKTS for same-day Broadway (50% off)
- • Walk when possible (saves $ and see more)
⚡ Local Etiquette
- • Walk fast or move aside
- • Don't block subway doors
- • Tip 18-20% at restaurants
- • Don't stop in middle of sidewalk
- • "On line" not "in line" (NYC dialect)