New York City Travel Guide

There's no shortage of impressive Big Apple landmarks with historical significance, so travelers always have things to do in New York City. Whether your trip includes a walk along the trails of Central Park, a stop to see the awe-inspiring arches of St. Patrick's Cathedral, or a breathtaking view of the city featuring the Empire State Building, there's always a story attached to these famous landmarks in New York City. 

New York City is one of the most popular destinations in the world, so naturally, there are a million different things to do in NYC. Nicknamed The City That Never Sleeps, NYC is home to iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as a world-renowned gastronomy scene. It’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed when searching for the top places to visit in New York, especially for first-time visitors to NYC; the list is as long as 5th Avenue. So take a look at this concise guide to the 10 best NYC tourist attractions that you simply should not miss.

September 11th, 2001, will forever be remembered as the day America stood still. New York City’s 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial Pools pay tribute to every life that was lost during the attacks and also examine the events and emotions that unfolded on that day.

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a must when looking for things to do in NYC. This guide below will help you prepare for your visit with all the 9/11 memorial facts you need to know, tips for visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, how to book tours, and more.

New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Its blend of different cultures, cuisines, and renowned landmarks makes it the ultimate weekend escape. On a long weekend in NYC, it’s possible to hit the top spots, from the skyscraper views at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to a stroll along Central Park’s leafy paths and even a ferry ride past Lady Liberty herself. This NYC weekend itinerary balances big-name attractions like The Met with offbeat stops in Brooklyn’s street art scene. Here’s how to spend a weekend in NYC that’s bucket-list worthy, with a few off-the-beaten-track stops.

Know before you go to NYC

Why you should go: Some of the world’s best art, an eclectic food scene, and nightlife that never sleeps, plus iconic landmarks at every turn.

Don’t miss: Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the MoMA.

Best way to get around: Public transportation in NYC is reliable and cheap — the subway runs 24/7 so you can explore the city anytime.

Best time to go: NYC is busiest in summer; early fall is beautiful, less crowded, and the weather is still mild.

Insider tip: Skip going up the crowded Empire State Building and head to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to view the world-famous landmark itself.

Weekend highlights in NYC: Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO and open-air movies in Bryant Park.

Choosing the best activities and attractions to visit in New York City can take time, with so many things to do in the city, especially in Manhattan, the most visited of the city’s five boroughs. With world-class museums, incredible restaurants, historical buildings, and famous NYC views, you won’t see it all — you’d need a year for that. But this list of 20 things to do in Manhattan is a great place to start. From New York icons like MoMA and Central Park to hidden gems best discovered via a walking tour, here’s everything you need to see in Manhattan.

Lower Manhattan — from 14th Street down to The Battery — is Manhattan’s oldest area. At its core, the Financial District, south of Chambers Street, is where the first Dutch settlement was formed in the 17th century. It became known as New Amsterdam before it was taken over by the English and renamed New York. 

With so many things to do in NYC, you will need a few days to see everything. From popular NYC tourist attractions like the One World Observatory and the Brooklyn Bridge to lesser-known places like the National Museum of the American Indian, this list of the best things to do in Lower Manhattan has you covered.

New York City, often called the Big Apple, is a place everyone thinks they know. You’ve seen it in movies, read about it in magazines, and if you haven’t been — you know someone who has. New York is famous for its skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and some of the best art museums in the world. However, there are many interesting facts about New York City that might surprise you — this city has layers of stories waiting to be discovered. Dive into these fun facts about New York City and uncover what makes this metropolis truly unique.

It’s not just the city that never sleeps — New York City is the city that never stops, no matter the season. Whether you’re braving a blizzard in January or sweating through the US Open in September, NYC has something big happening every month. Plan your trip around events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and Pride, visit hidden spring gems like the cherry blossoms in Brooklyn, or spend long NYC summer nights watching outdoor movies in Bryant Park. Either way, clear your calendar and let this monthly guide to the Big Apple show you the best time to visit NYC.

Choosing the best time to go to New York City

Best time for outdoor lovers

Spring and fall are the best times for outdoor enthusiasts to visit NYC. Central Park and the High Line are either in bloom or bursting with fall colors.

Best time for people on a budget

Winter is the optimal time for budget travelers to visit NYC. Post-holiday sales, discounted Broadway tickets, and offers during New York Restaurant Week make it easy to explore the city without breaking the bank. Hotels are also usually cheaper after the Christmas holidays.

Best time for art and museums

September to November is primetime in NYC for art and culture lovers, with the New York Film Festival. The cooler months also mean fewer crowds at top museums, so you can linger in front of masterpieces at MoMA, The Met, or the Whitney without the summer rush.

NYC throughout the seasons

Spring in NYC

March to May

The mild weather during spring in NYC brings the cherry blossoms to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Central Park and the High Line become the most popular outdoor spots for picnics. Catch the Tribeca Film Festival or join the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Summer in NYC

June to August

Summer in NYC is hot, with no shortage of activities. Hop from outdoor concerts and rooftop bars to beach days at Coney Island. Events like Pride Month and the Fourth of July fireworks light up the city.

Fall in NYC

September to November

Fall in NYC is breathtaking. The red and golden leaves in Central Park make for a seasonal spectacle. There's a lot going on with the New York Film Festival, the Halloween Parade, the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, and Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

Winter in NYC

December to February

Winter in NYC is snowy and magical, with Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree, ice skating at Central Park, and the festive window displays along Fifth Avenue. The New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square is one of the winter season’s highlights.

If it’s your first time in New York City, you may be dreaming of catching a Broadway show, walking through Central Park, and snapping photos of the Statue of Liberty with a crispy slice of NYC pizza in hand. All this and more awaits in the Big Apple, where NYC's world-famous landmarks and hidden gems are around every corner.

This first-timer’s guide covers everything you need to know, including what to avoid, navigating public transportation, the best foods, and all the things to do in New York City for first-timers.

Visiting New York City for the first time? Trying to decide what the best things to do and see in NYC can be a challenging task if it’s your first time there. New York is a massive city with five boroughs to discover, so it’s best to have a plan — you might not see it all during a first visit.

Take a few days (or even a week) to absorb life in Manhattan, and save some time to explore a bit of Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx. Check out this list of the must-see things to do in NYC on your first trip to New York.