New York is the most exciting city in the world: an iconic skyline, world-class museums, an incredible food culture, and an energy you can't find anywhere else.
New York City is the world's most famous city, and for good reason. Its five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island — form a mosaic where over 800 languages are spoken and every block has its own personality. NYC is home to about 8.3 million people, and over 60 million tourists visit the city annually.
Manhattan is the heart of New York and the base for most tourists. Central Park (341 hectares) is the city's green oasis — in the park, you can hike, row, bike, and in winter, ice-skate. Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and The Ramble are the park's most beautiful spots. In autumn, the leaves change color and the park turns golden — it is perhaps New York's most beautiful season.
The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock offer iconic views over the city. The lines at the Empire State Building are long, so consider the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards or the One World Observatory at the southern tip of Manhattan — the latter offers views of the Statue of Liberty. The best time to go up is at sunset, when the city lights up.
Times Square is the world's most famous intersection — neon lights, Broadway theaters, and huge billboards create an electric atmosphere. Although locals avoid it, it's something to experience at least once. A Broadway show is an unforgettable experience — buy tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square for up to 50% off same-day performances.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are symbols of the American dream. The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. If you want to go up to the pedestal or crown of the statue, book tickets months in advance. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum tells the moving stories of millions of immigrants who arrived in America from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.
New York's museums are world-class. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the world's largest art museums — you should set aside a full day for it. MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) displays masterpieces of modern art. The American Museum of Natural History is an excellent destination for families. The Guggenheim Museum's building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a work of art in itself.
On the Brooklyn side, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers the most Instagrammed view: the Manhattan Bridge framed by the brick buildings of Washington Street. Williamsburg is home to hipster culture, vintage shops, and craft breweries. A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do experience — best in the evening when Manhattan is lit up.
The food culture is one of New York's biggest attractions. The city has over 27,000 restaurants representing almost every country's cuisine. New York-style pizza (Joe's Pizza, Di Fara), bagels (Russ & Daughters, Ess-a-Bagel), pastrami sandwich (Katz's Delicatessen, founded in 1888), and cheesecake (Junior's) are iconic. Chelsea Market and the Smorgasburg food market offer the latest food trends.
Harlem is the cradle of African American culture. The Apollo Theater is a legendary music venue where Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin performed. A Sunday Gospel service is a moving cultural experience. Harlem's soul food restaurants offer fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens.
The High Line is a former railway line converted into an elevated park that runs along the west side of Manhattan from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. The park features artworks, plantings, and benches from which to watch city life. It is one of New York's best free attractions.
Practical tips: A MetroCard or the OMNY system (contactless payment) is the best way to get around — the subway runs 24/7 and a single ride costs $2.90. Uber and Lyft are expensive during rush hour. Walking is the best way to experience the city — Manhattan is surprisingly compact. Tipping is mandatory: 18-22% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink in bars, $2-5 for porters in hotels. Travel insurance is especially important in the USA due to high healthcare costs.
Budget: New York is an expensive city, but there are plenty of free experiences. Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the High Line, the Staten Island Ferry, and many museums (The Met is 'pay what you wish') are free. Accommodation in Manhattan costs €150-400 per night, but you can find cheaper options in Brooklyn and Queens (€80-200). Dining varies from dollar pizza slices to Michelin-starred restaurants. A realistic budget for a one-week trip is €1,500-3,000 including flights. Plan your budget with our travel cost calculator and prepare for your trip with the packing list.