New York travel guide

New York is arguably the most iconic city in the world: skyscrapers, neighbourhoods with very strong identities, world-class museums and an energy you can feel on every corner. It requires a higher-than-average budget, but remains an experience hard to match.

Best time to visit

April-June and September-early November bring mild weather; December has a special charm thanks to the holiday lights, but it's very cold and prices rise.

What to see and do

Central Park and Times Square — the two extremes of the New York experience, from greenery to neon chaos.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — reachable by ferry from Battery Park.
Empire State Building or Top of the Rock — the city's most famous panoramic views.
Neighbourhoods like Brooklyn, SoHo and Greenwich Village — for a less touristy experience.
Museums like the MET or MoMA — among the world's most important art collections.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly $130-190 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded — Manhattan accommodation is among the most expensive in the world.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

The subway is the fastest, cheapest way to get around, running 24 hours a day: a MetroCard or contactless OMNY payment covers both subway and buses. Much of Manhattan is also very walkable; yellow cabs and ride-sharing apps are a convenient but pricier alternative.

Where to stay

Midtown Manhattan is central and handy for most attractions, but also the priciest; the Upper West Side is quieter and residential, close to Central Park; Brooklyn (Williamsburg or DUMBO) offers lower prices and a more authentic feel, just a short subway ride from Manhattan.