If you talk to anyone from outside the U.S., New York City is usually the first American city that comes to mind. It is America’s biggest and brightest city, and residents are happy to explain why they love it. Times Square, Broadway, and the Empire State Building head a lengthy list of things to see and do in New York, including some hidden attractions. Where do you start? When should you go? How will you get around the city? This guide will answer those questions and others that come up when planning a trip to New York City.
Planning a Trip to New York
Featured Image by Fascias via Trover.com. This article was originally created on May 4, 2015. It has been maintained and updated (as of June 13, 2018) to reflect current viewpoints and travel trends.
When to Visit and Save
New York City is one of the world’s most expensive cities, but that doesn’t mean it’s too expensive for you to visit. There is no true “low season,” but budget travelers will notice that January to March is the best season for hotel deals and event promotions. If your visit to NYC comes during the frigid winter months, remember that there are tons of indoor things to do in the city. Of course, during nicer weather comes is when New York really picks up.
Get In and Around
Before booking your flight to New York, make sure to have some idea of where you want to stay. Thanks to the hordes of travelers passing through the city each day, there are 3 airports to accommodate the traffic. Picking the one closest to your hotel can make the commute easier. Once you’ve gotten into the city, there are many options for moving about. You can book tours that cover just about every destination in New York, but if you already have something in mind, the public transportation system is an easy option.
Eat Around the World
New York City shines in several ways, but above all, it is widely considered to be a global food capital. All of the people who have come to New York throughout its storied history had to eat! Dine like a real New Yorker on one of the city’s many food tours or pick a country and find its culinary representation in New York. The city prides itself on local food, but the abundance of hard-to-find ethnic cuisines explain why everyone is rushing to eat here.
What Else Should I Know?
What’s to know other than when to visit, where to go, and what to eat? One of the most important things you should know is that New York City has more to offer than Times Square and the Empire State Building. Be sure to pack some comfortable shoes so you can enjoy the many iconic streets and landmarks that you’ll stumble upon. If you need help plotting a course, the MTA trip planner will get you started, but you can also discover many things to love by exploring without a plan. New York has something for everyone, and you’ll certainly find it while staying in the Big Apple. So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to New York and go see what the best city in America has to offer.
