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The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome to the Ultimate New York City Travel Guide – your gateway to the city that never sleeps!
In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the secrets of the Big Apple, covering everything from navigating its busy streets to discovering the best accommodations, and must-visit attractions.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New York enthusiast, we’ve crafted travel itineraries and shared our top restaurant picks to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Join us as we delve into the heart of NYC, offering insights, tips, and recommendations to make your journey truly extraordinary. Let the adventure begin in the iconic streets of New York!
The Best Time to Visit New York City
The best time to visit New York City is typically late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) when temperatures are mild, and there’s less humidity. However, it also depends on your personal preference. For example, around the holiday season in December is also stunning! AKA, it’s always a good time to visit the Big Apple!
Pre-Arrival Checklist
What do I need to bring to New York City? Before you set foot in New York City, we’ve put together a pre-checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your upcoming journey.
SIM Card
If you’re not from the United States when traveling to New York City we do recommend purchasing a SIM card if you don’t have a roam-like home service with your cellular plan. To ensure we had reliable connectivity during our NYC trip we purchased an e-sim card with Airalo. You can activate it before your flight so that as soon as you land you can hit the ground running without the need to find a physical SIM card provider.
Travel Vaccines
Typically routine vaccinations, however, we recommend referring to the CDC website, and/or visiting a travel medical clinic before traveling to a destination.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding travel vaccines is based on our experiences and research and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. For personalized vaccine information and guidance, please consult with a medical expert such as a travel clinic.
Entry Requirements
39 countries can take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) which allows entry for travel for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Check the list here. Those on the VWP must complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travel. Canadians don’t require a visa for entry into the United States nor have to fill out the ESTA.
For all countries, you can check the Visa Wizard to understand your visa requirements.
Outlet Plugs & Adapters
In the United States, the standard electrical outlet plug type is Type A and Type B. These plugs have two flat parallel pins for Type A, and Type B adds a grounding pin. The voltage used is 120V with a frequency of 60Hz.
Travelers visiting the U.S. may need to bring the appropriate power adapters or converters to ensure compatibility with their electronic devices. We recommend using a universal travel adapter great for international travel.
Travel Insurance
Before traveling, it’s crucial to have travel & medical insurance coverage whenever you’re traveling abroad to another country. We always recommend checking your credit card’s insurance policies to understand the coverage and duration of your insurance. Most travel credit cards have coverage between 14-30 days on the high-end. Therefore, depending on the coverage type and duration of your trip, purchasing travel insurance that supplements these policies, is recommended to provide you with peace of mind and financial security, to ensure your trip is worry-free.
What to Bring
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, we’ve handpicked a selection of must-have travel items that will make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From packing hacks to smart gadgets, these essential travel items have helped us organize better and maintain a stress-free travel experience while saving us time!
Where to Stay in New York City
Discover the heartbeat of New York City through our guide on where to stay. From the chic streets of Midtown to the trendy vibes of Brooklyn, we unveil the best areas catering to every taste.
Nestled in the heart of the action, Midtown is a bustling hub of iconic landmarks and bright lights. From Times Square’s electrifying energy to the shopping mecca of Fifth Avenue, this area screams “New York City adventure.” You’ll be steps away from Broadway shows and skyscrapers that touch the clouds.
For a taste of trendy vibes and a more relaxed pace, head across the bridge to Brooklyn. With its diverse neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO, you’ll find hipster coffee shops, street art, and a waterfront that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s the cool cousin of the city.
Embrace a more residential feel on the Upper West Side. Lined with tree-shaded streets and brownstone buildings, this area radiates a laid-back charm. Central Park is your backyard, and the cultural treasures of the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center are within strolling distance. It’s like a serene oasis in the midst of the city’s buzz
Getting Around New York City
Welcome to the ultimate guide on navigating the vibrant streets of New York City! In this blog post, we’ll uncover the insider tips and tricks that will turn your exploration of the Big Apple into a seamless adventure, from mastering the subway system to finding the best transportation options from the airport.
Airport to City
New York City Travel Guide | Airport to City
Navigating transportation from the airport to the heart of NYC is relatively easy however and we’ll show you in this New York City Travel Guide, but it can be more expensive than other countries!
Hop on the AirTrain or grab a cab for a quick ride. If you’re feeling tech-savvy, ride-sharing apps are all over.
Pro tip: JFK and LaGuardia have good train connections, while Newark favors the AirTrain and NJ Transit combo. The most convenient and efficient, especially when transporting luggage is using Uber to your destination. The subways can be very busy, involve going up and down stairs, and can be unpredictable. If you don’t have much to carry, the subway is the most cost-effective option.
Public Transit (Subway & Buses)
New York City Travel Guide | Public Transit
In New York City, subways and buses run the show and are the best way to get around. Simplify your commute by snagging a MetroCard, available at subway stations. Swipe in, swipe out – your journey begins.
Our suggestion? Skip the card and tap directly with your international Visa or Mastercard. Enjoy the standard $2.90 fare, identical to the MetroCard, and relish the bonus of complimentary transfers. Rack up 12 rides within seven days using your card, and voilà – free rides for the rest of the week. It’s the same cost as the MetroCard but with added convenience. (Make sure you are using the same credit card each time to tap)
Taxi & Rideshare
New York City Travel Guide | Taxi & Rideshares
Yellow cabs are NYC’s trademark. Hail them down on the street or find them at designated spots.
Uber and Lyft? They’re everywhere, making city rides a tap away. Yellow cabs in NYC are metered. The fare is calculated based on the time and distance of the journey. The meter starts running as soon as you enter the cab, and additional charges may apply for factors like waiting time in traffic. We typically prefer to use Uber for this reason as there is more predictability in the final rate you will pay pre-determined based on traffic and demand.
Have you seen our NYC itinerary on TikTok? We used the Klook Pass New York City to score big savings on multiple attractions in NYC. Use the code “HUNGRYPURSUIT” at checkout for additional savings when you book your NYC activities on Klook.
Travel Itineraries for New York City
Unlock the secrets of stress-free travel in the city that never sleeps with our meticulously crafted New York City itineraries. We’ve done the legwork to bring you detailed guides packed with must-visit locations, insider tips, and budget-friendly options. Whether you’re into iconic landmarks, hidden gems, or the best bites in the Big Apple, our itineraries have you covered. Check out our ultimate guide coming soon on NYC Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour.
Embark on a whirlwind adventure through the beating heart of the Big Apple with our curated guide to the top attractions in New York City. From the dazzling lights of Times Square to the iconic Statue of Liberty standing tall against the skyline, each blog post unveils the magic of these must-visit spots.
Dive into the vibrant energy of Central Park, eat an iconic NYC-style pizza, or marvel at the breathtaking views from the Empire State Building. Check out our comprehensive guide on the coolest observatory experience, Summit One Vanderbilt.
See other Top Attractions Nearby
Get set for a taste adventure in New York City! From street munchies like Halal Bowls to fancy eats, NYC’s food scene has it all. Explore our New York City Eats guide for the lowdown on tasty spots, diverse bites, and the flavors that make the city a food heaven. Don’t miss out – dive into the best bites in NYC.
Check out this video of Andrew (@HungryPursuit) eating at Adel’s famous halal.
Our Thoughts
So, let’s talk about NYC! A city that’s a wild ride of highs and, yeah, a few lows. The sights, like Times Square and Central Park, are jaw-dropping, but truth bomb, it’s not a budget-friendly playground. We found transportation so efficient to get around using the buses and metro! However, we would not recommend traveling on the subways late in the evening which tends to attract some unpleasant crowds.
The magic isn’t just in the landmarks; it’s in the gritty energy of the streets. Sure, it’s not always love at first sight, more like a slow burn. Our tip? Go beyond Manhattan; hit up Brooklyn and some of the other popular areas of the city like the east and west sides!
“Explore the unexpected.” The random corners and local spots make NYC the crazy, beautiful mess it is. So, buckle up for the rollercoaster – this city’s wild ride is the adventure you didn’t know you needed!
Andrew & Melissa
@HungryPursuit
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38 thoughts on “The Ultimate New York City Travel Guide”
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