New York Travel Guide

Find out more about the Big Apple with our handy New York travel guide.

A holiday in New York is on every travel buff’s bucket list. Known as the city that never sleeps, New York has become synonymous with yellow cabs, The Statue of Liberty, eclectic buroughs, bagels, and much more.

So where do you start when visiting America’s most densely populated city? We’ve put together a short New York travel guide covering all the basics! If you’re planning a trip to the USA and need more ideas, check out our USA Travel Guide! Looking for something a little more unusual? We’ve also put together a list of our favourite off-the-beaten-track USA trips, too.

New York Boroughs

There are 5 major boroughs in New York that you’ll likely visit on your holiday.

Manhattan

Smack bang in the middle of the city you’ll find Manhattan. It’s the commercial, financial and cultural centre of the city. Here you’ll be able to visit attractions like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square. Top neighbourhoods in Manhattan include the East Village, Little Italy, the Upper East Side, Soho, and Chelsea, and Greenwich Village.

Brooklyn

Over the Manhattan Bridge is the borough of Brooklyn, which encompasses neighbourhoods like the hip Williamsburg to whimsical Coney Island. Famous for having undergone major gentrification, Brooklyn is now a top area in which to explore cafes, art galleries, and soak up the nightlife.

Queens

Queens is the largest of New York’s boroughs, and home to a thriving immigrant population. This has made it an epicentre of cuisines; from Greek in Astoria, Chinese in Flushing, Indian in Jackson Heights and Mexican in Corona. Its sleepy suburban feel has meant that Queens hasn’t traditionally been on the tourist trail, but the district’s burgeoning local arts, culture, and music scene makes it worth a visit.

The Bronx

Mainly visited by tourists for the Yankee Stadium, The Bronx has a lot more to offer for those willing to get a little off the beaten track. Known as the birthplace of hip hop, The Bronx is the only New York borough located on the mainland. Check out the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, and the ‘real little Italy’.

Staten Island

Famously known as the first port of call for immigrants arriving to the USA and home to the Statue of Liberty, Staten Island is a hub for historical landmarks and museums. Known as the “greenest Borough” it’s also a great area to cycle, kayak, golf, and fish.

Getting Around New York

Travelling by Subway

One of the cheapest and most effective forms of transport in New York is undoubtedly the subway system. The New York subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and is made up of 27 train services. You’ll be able to reach all major boroughs, apart from Staten Island, which has its own system accessible only by ferry. You can easily buy 2, 7 or one month passes at most subway stations. The cost of a single-ride ticket is $3, with a reduced price of $2.75 if you buy using a MetroCard.

There are also numerous inter-city services and a rapid train system connecting Manhattan to New Jersey, Jersey City, and other areas.

Travelling by Bus

There are over 14,000 bus stops in New York City, making bus travel a convenient way to get around, with prices being the same as the subway. Bus stops are clearly marked and are usually two blocks apart. Be aware that if you are paying cash you need to have the exact change ready for your ticket, and that bus drivers do not accept notes - coins only!

Using Taxis and Ride Share Apps

Although more expensive than buses or the subway, iconic yellow taxis are a comfortable way of getting around in New York City. You can hail taxis from the street. Keep in mind that when the center is lit highlighting the medallion number, the cab is free. Don’t forget to tip!

There are also a number of ride sharing app options in New York, with the most popular being Uber and Lyft, and Curb (which aims at connecting taxi drivers with those needing a ride).

Top New York Attractions

Take a Stroll down the Highline Park

Located on the west side of Manhattan, the Highline Park is a public park space constructed over a former railroad spur. Visitors can enjoy art, design, interactive exhibitions, and looking down on NYC from above. The park is open from 7am - 10pm.

Check out the Statue of Liberty by Ferry for Free

If you find yourself visiting New York on a budget, or just want to avoid the crowds when checking out The Statue of Liberty, opt to take the free Staten Island Ferry. This free ferry gives passengers a great view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and is one of the last remaining original ferries that linked Manhattan and other boroughs before bridges were built.

Go Vintage Hunting in Williamsburg

The Brooklyn suburb of Williamsburg is the perfect place to spend a day wandering between cafes, galleries, vintage stores, and parks. Enjoy great coffee, visit the Brooklyn Brewery, and check out local art galleries like 17 Frost and Sideshow.

Weather in New York - Best Time to Visit

Spring in New York

Spring in New York starts in March and runs through May. It signals the end of freezing winter, and the start of the baseball season. Enjoy the city’s botanical gardens and parks in bloom, head to a rooftop bar, or jump on a boat to explore the Hudson River in milder temperatures.

Summer in New York

Summer in NYC runs from June through August. The city can become humid and sticky, so pack light. Enjoy free outdoor concerts and festivals, food trucks, go to a ball game and lap up the laid-back yet buzzing atmosphere.

Autumn in New York

September, October and November are considered autumn in New York. Enjoy watching the leaves change colour, and large events like the Village Halloween Parade, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the New York City Marathon. Pack a cardigan or two and get cosy in the many cafes and wine bars the city has to offer!

Winter in New York

Winter, which runs from December through February can be cold in New York City, with snow being a common occurrence. Enjoy a quintessential NYC winter by strolling in snow-covered Central Park, ice skating in the Rockefeller Centre, and staying warm in the city’s many museums and galleries. Pack heavy, temperatures can get down to -3 degrees!

American Currency

The currency used in New York is the United States Dollar (USD).

Check the US dollar currency page for further info.

Buy USD Now

Sources

^{1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City}
^{2. https://www.nycgo.com}
^{3. https://www.new-york-city-travel-tips.com/new-york-ice-skating-rinks-for-winter-holidays}
^{4. https://freetoursbyfoot.com/taxi-guide-hailing-cab-nyc/#much} ^{5. https://www.nyc.com/visitor_guide/weather_facts.75835}
^{6. https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=AUD}
^{7. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_cities.jsp?country1=Australia&country2=United+States&city1=Sydney&city2=New+York%2C+NY}