Ready to tackle the Big Apple? From towering skyscrapers to world-class museums and amazing food, a New York City vacation has something for everyone. Whether you're coming for a quick day trip or staying for a week, this guide explains how to plan a trip to New York.
How To Get to New York City
Getting to New York City is easy, with plenty of options to fit your travel style and budget.
Transportation from Major Airports
Three major airports serve NYC: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. From JFK, you can take the AirTrain to the subway. LaGuardia offers bus service to Manhattan. From Newark, you can catch the AirTrain to NJ Transit trains, which will get you to Penn Station. Taxis are available from all airports with flat rates to Manhattan. If you're staying at a hotel, check if they offer a shuttle service.
Coming from somewhere closer, like Boston or DC? Amtrak trains arrive right at Penn Station. Budget travelers from nearby states might prefer bus services like Megabus or Greyhound.
Choosing Between Public Transit and Taxis
Once you're in the city, the subway is your friend! It runs 24/7 and is typically the cheapest way to get around. The subway goes practically everywhere worth visiting, and the digital displays in many stations now tell you exactly when the next train is coming.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are convenient but pricier. If you're wondering how to plan a day trip to New York City, stick to one area to avoid wasting time on transportation. Walking is often your best option for short distances — Manhattan's grid layout makes it easy to find your way around.
Creating Your Itinerary
Try grouping attractions by neighborhood. Visit the Met, Guggenheim, and other Museum Mile institutions on one day and explore Lower Manhattan attractions on another. But don't overschedule! Leave some wiggle room for unexpected discoveries or weather changes.
Must-See Iconic Landmarks
First-timers, don't miss these classics! The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island deserve at least half a day (catch the ferry early to beat the crowds). Times Square's dazzling lights are most impressive after dark when the billboards create an electric atmosphere. Central Park offers a peaceful escape from city life, with walking paths, rowboats for rent, and plenty of people-watching. Strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge rewards you with spectacular Manhattan skyline views — try it at sunrise or sunset for the best photos. The High Line gives you a unique perspective of the city from an elevated park built on old train tracks, with landscaped gardens and art installations along the way. Each spot shows you a different side of New York, from Ellis Island's immigrant history to the High Line's creative renewal.
The Empire State Building gives you amazing 360-degree views from the heart of Manhattan. Want to avoid crowds? Go right when it opens or after 9:00 PM. Don't miss the exhibits showcasing its construction and pop culture fame. This Art Deco masterpiece is more than just a pretty view!
Dinosaur lovers of all ages will be amazed by the American Museum of Natural History. Set aside at least three hours to see the highlights, from massive dinosaur skeletons to the stunning planetarium shows at the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Kids especially love the life-sized blue whale model suspended from the ceiling.
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers what many locals consider the best views in town. The surrounding complex has seasonal attractions, too, like the famous ice-skating rink in winter and outdoor dining in warmer months.
Wondering how to plan a trip to New York in December? The city transforms into a winter wonderland! Check out the massive Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, catch the elaborate window displays along Fifth Avenue, and go ice skating at Bryant Park's Winter Village. Holiday markets pop up at Union Square, Columbus Circle, and Bryant Park, offering gifts and tasty treats. For a special treat, catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the famous high-kicking Rockettes.
Experiencing New York City Cuisine
New York's food scene is as diverse as its population. You'll find everything from $1 pizza slices to fancy Michelin-starred restaurants with flavors from every corner of the world. For authentic New York pizza, try Joe's in Greenwich Village or Lombardi's in Little Italy. Craving international cuisine? Explore Chinatown for dim sum, Little Italy for pasta, or Koreatown for Korean BBQ.
Food halls are perfect when everyone wants something different. Check out Chelsea Market, The Plaza Food Hall, or Time Out Market for multiple options under one roof. Pro tip: Many upscale restaurants offer lunch specials that cost much less than dinner but feature the same great food.
Don't leave without trying some NYC classics: a bagel with lox and cream cheese from Russ & Daughters, a towering pastrami sandwich from Katz's Delicatessen, or rich cheesecake from Junior's. These iconic spots have been serving New Yorkers for generations. Street food vendors offer quick, affordable bites while you're sightseeing. Halal carts, hot dog stands, and seasonal food markets make great pit stops between attractions.
Budgeting Your Trip
New York can be expensive, but you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank. Traveling during "shoulder seasons" (May to June or September to October) often gets you better deals and pleasant weather with smaller crowds.
Estimating Costs
Wondering how to plan a cheap trip to New York? Here's what to expect: Manhattan hotels typically run $150 to $350 per night, but you can find better deals in Brooklyn or Queens neighborhoods with good subway access. Food costs add up quickly. Budget around $15 to $25 per person for breakfast or lunch and $30 to $60 for dinner. Don't forget to factor in Broadway shows ($75 to $200) and shopping.
Finding Deals With CityPASS® Tickets
New York CityPASS® tickets are a real money-saver for major attractions in NYC. The standard option includes six top attractions at up to off regular prices. Only have time for a few stops? New York C3® tickets let you pick any three attractions and still save up to . This flexibility means you can customize your sightseeing based on what interests you most — whether that's science, art, history, or architecture.
New York City Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in New York City, we recommend finding lodging near New York City's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you: