New York Guide: What to do, what to eat, how to get around, when and where to stay
Last updated: 21.05.24
If you’re planning a trip to New York then this guide is for you! In this post you will find inspiration for food, activities, transportation and accommodation in New York. I will help you plan the perfect New York itinerary with lots of delicious food and fun activities in this iconic and vibrant city.
“New York Guide: What to do, what to eat, how to get around, when and where to stay” includes:
- What to do in New York
- What to eat in New York
- How to get around in New York
- Where to stay in New York
- Best time to visit New York
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New York Guide: What to do, what to eat, how to get around, when and where to stay
Welcome to New York City also known as The Big Apple!
One of the greatest cities in the world – A city that never sleeps! There is always something to do. The vibe is vibrant and NYC is a must visit. It has been on my bucket list for soooo many years.
We were so lucky to enjoy 2 amazing weeks in NYC. I can’t wait to share this spectacular city and “tips to visit” with you!
New York is one of my favorite big cities. A city I definitely have to visit again!
What to do in New York
Unlock the magic of New York with these 23 must do activities!
There is always something to do in New York. The city is never sleeping and it offers you so many different kinds of activities. You never get bored here.
23 inspirational things to do in NYC:
- Go for a stroll in Central Park
- Watch a Broadway show
- Watch the World Trade Center Memorial
- Visit Wall Street and the Bull of Wall Street
- Have lunch at Chelsea Market
- Watch the building from Friends
- Watch some sport (ice hockey or basketball) at Madison Square Garden
- Walk on Brooklyn Bridge and explore Brooklyn
- Explore the Dumbo area
- Admire the Statue of Liberty and visit Ellis Island
- Try one of the famous NYC Pizza slices
- Visit Times Square both at daytime and nighttime
- Have breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner while enjoying the music
- Watch the Flatiron Building
- Visit New York Public Library
- Visit Grand Central Station
- Visit the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center
- Enjoy music at a Jazz club
- Visit Summit One Vanderbilt
- Visit the Empire State building (we skipped it this time)
- Stroll around different neighborhoods (like China Town, Little Italy and SoHo)
- Walk the high line in West Village
- Food tour (you can check out our personal experience here: Experiences for presents – New York dessert tour)
I love finding and booking activities through Viator. If you’re looking for more inspiration of things to do in New York you can check out Viator:
What to eat in New York
The food scene of New York is impressive! There is something for everyone if you prefer sweets or more savory food, there is so much to choose from. Eating in New York can definitely be an experience! Their culinary scene is worth exploring.
10 culinary experiences to try in New York:
- Banana Pudding from Magnolia Bakery (seriously the best!!)
- Dim Sum at Golden Unicorn in Chinatown
- A cookie from Levain Bakery
- Sour Cream Apple Walnut Pie at the Little Pie Company
- Los Tacos No. 1
- Breakfast at Ellen’s Stardust Diner (it’s an experience)
- Pastrami sandwich at Katz’s (it’s very popular but not my kind of food)
- Go eat at Chelsea Market
- A bagel from Liberty Bagels
- Furthermore you have to try pizza slices. You can’t visit New York without having pizza. We tried multiple places I loved.
If you’re interested in more dessert food recommendations check out our New York food tour: “Experiences for presents – New York dessert tour”.
How to get around in New York
If your destination is within walking distance then go for a walk. This way you explore more of the different neighborhoods in New York. Navigating and getting around this big city is easy due to New York City’s grid system. In most of Manhattan you can navigate around using the grid system with the numbered streets and avenues. The avenues run from north to south and the streets run from east to west.
Transportation advice in New York: Take the subway.
If the place you’re going isn’t within walking distance, then take the subway. The subway system is easy to use and you can get anywhere.
I believe the subway can be much faster than sitting in a traffic jam in a cab.
You pay $2,90 per ride in the subway.
You can check out the New York City subway maps here.
Where to stay in New York
Stay in Manhattan: It’s definitely NOT cheap! But you will have easy access to everything.
We stayed in Chinatown and loved it. We had our own apartment with a bathroom and a little kitchen. The place is called 138 Bowery Classic Queen Studio. We paid $227 per night and stayed for 2 weeks in the fall of 2023.
You can also find a New York apartment or the perfect hotel for you at Booking.com or Airbnb.
Best time to visit New York
We were recommended by our New Yorker friends to visit the city in fall or spring. We had sunny weather and beautiful autumn colors in October. Furthermore you can join the festive celebration of Halloween.
Shoulder season is always a great time to visit a big city.
I hope you found some inspiration to plan your holiday in New York. It always makes me happy when my travel guides help others. Hopefully this New York City guide helped you make a New York itinerary with tasteful food experiences and fun activities.
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