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New York travel guide
Skyline missions, free ferries and the world’s best people-watching.
Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
New York rewards a plan. The big sights are worth it, but timed tickets sell out, sunset slots cost more and the best views are often free (hello, Staten Island Ferry). This hub links every New York guide we have: the best things to do, where to stay, a 4-day first-timer itinerary and honest ticket comparisons.
Plan your New York trip
Best things to do in New York →
15 honest picks with costs, timing and skip-it-ifs.
Where to stay in New York →
7 neighbourhoods compared, with hotel picks per budget.
New York in 4 days →
A day-by-day route grouped by area.
JFK to Manhattan (2026): AirTrain + Subway vs LIRR vs Taxi vs Uber →
Every way to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan compared: AirTrain + subway, AirTrain + LIRR, yellow taxi flat fare, rideshare and shuttles. Travel time, cost level and which one to pick.
New York CityPASS vs Go City (2026): Which NYC Pass Saves You Money? →
An honest comparison of New York CityPASS and Go City's All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, with a simple 3-step method to check whether a pass actually saves you money.
NYC Observation Decks Compared (2026): Which One Is Best? →
Which New York observation deck is worth it? We compare Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Edge and One World Observatory on view, experience, location and crowds.
Statue of Liberty Tickets (2026): Official Ferry, Crown & Scams →
How to buy Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tickets the right way: the only official ferry, pedestal vs crown access, how far ahead to book, security, timing and the free alternative.
New York City Quest →
A printable self-guided treasure hunt.
New York quick facts
- Best time to visit
- Late April–June and September–early November for mild weather. December for holiday lights (busy). July–August is hot and humid.
- Money
- US dollar (USD). Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Tip 18–20% at sit-down restaurants; sales tax is added at the till.
- Airports
- JFK, Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA).
- Airport to city
- From JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR or subway (E, J/Z) into Manhattan. Yellow cabs from JFK to Manhattan charge a flat fare plus surcharges and tolls – check the current rate.
- Getting around
- The subway runs 24/7. Tap a contactless card or phone at OMNY readers; after $35 in 7 days on the same card, rides are free for the rest of that period.
- Budget
- Accommodation is the big cost – compare live prices for your dates. Subway and local buses are $3 a ride, capped at $35 per 7 days on the same tap card or phone.
- Language
- English (and about 200 others).
- Plugs
- Type A/B, 120 V. Most European chargers work but need a plug adapter.
Only have one day? Do these three
Top things to do in New York
- 1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge · Free
- 2. Get lost in Central Park · Free
- 3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art · Paid entry for most visitors
- 4. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island · Paid ferry ticket
- 5. The High Line + Chelsea Market · Free
- 6. One skyline deck (choose wisely) · Paid
Watch: New York in one video
Video coming soon
Our walk-through of New York is in production. See all videos.
Turn sightseeing into a game
New York City Quest
Follow 12 quest stops from the Charging Bull past Wall Street, Trinity Church, the 9/11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge and Little Italy to the Washington Square Arch, with riddles, photo missions, a kids’ mode and a printable map.
Get the questNew York FAQ
How many days do you need in New York?
Four days covers the classics at a comfortable pace: Lower Manhattan, Midtown, Central Park with a museum, and the West Side and the Village. With 5–7 days you can add Brooklyn neighbourhoods, Queens food and a day trip.
Is the Staten Island Ferry really free?
Yes. The ferry between Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island is free and runs 24 hours a day. It passes the Statue of Liberty but doesn’t stop there.
How do I pay for the subway?
Tap a contactless bank card, phone or OMNY card at the reader. A ride costs $3, and once you’ve spent $35 within 7 days on the same card or device, the rest of your rides in that period are free.
Which observation deck is best?
Top of the Rock is best for the classic view with the Empire State Building and Central Park. Edge is best for a thrill with its outdoor glass floor. Summit is best for the immersive mirror rooms. See our full comparison.
Is a New York city pass worth it?
Only if you’ll visit enough of the paid attractions it includes. Add up the official prices of the sights you’ll really do and compare. Many top experiences in New York are free.
More cities to explore
Netherlands
Amsterdam
Canal-side clues, world-class museums and free ferries across the IJ.
Explore Amsterdam →
Portugal
Lisbon
Seven hills, yellow trams and custard tarts worth the climb.
Explore Lisbon →
Spain
Barcelona
Gaudí puzzles, Gothic lanes and a beach at the end of the metro.
Explore Barcelona →