Visit New York
New York Travel Guide
New York is like an old friend – a friend you first met in your favourite movie or TV show, and will happily revisit time and time again. Whether for romance, entertainment, shopping or simply just because, New York is never a bad idea – just don’t visit to get some sleep. To experience the very best of the city, our guide below is a great start pointing to plan where to stay, how to get around and what to know. For more insider tips, you're in even better hands with our USA Experts.
If you're planning a holiday to New York, talk to a Travel Expert today on 0800 707 6010.
Stepping out of a yellow New York City cab and onto the pavement, dodging plumes of steam that rise from beneath the tarmac, it’s easy to feel dwarfed by the soaring network of skyscrapers. But that’s the beauty of Manhattan. Each building, each block, has a treasure to offer, from Battery Park and Wall Street right up to Central Park and beyond. Of course first-timers should take the time to see the highlights – the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square to name a few – but be sure to dig deep into the Big Apple’s blissfully-impulsive core too. Walk the High Line, catch the free Staten Island ferry and admire the Brooklyn brownstones. And take your time doing it too: this is the City that Never Sleeps after all, so why should you?
For a special meal in NYC, don’t miss...
“One of my favourite New York restaurant recommendations is the Tavern on the Green. If you haven’t heard of it, you’ve no doubt seen it. The Central Park restaurant has appeared in over 20 movies including Ghostbusters and Beaches. Thanks to its location and conservatory windows, it has one of the best views in New York and is a great place to enjoy high tea,” Gemma Nahas, USA Expert.
Did you know?
Everyone knows New York pizza, but did you know it’s where the first pizzeria in the country was opened in 1895? You can learn more on the Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tour.
The iconic Empire State Building has its own zip code. It’s 10118, in case you were wondering. Don’t forget you can skip the line buy pre-booking your tickets.
The lions that guard the New York Public Library are called Patience and Fortitude.
At Grand Central Terminal in front of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant you can visit the ‘Whispering Gallery’ where people standing on either end you can each other's whispers.
How to get around
More than Midtown
NYC's big yellow taxis are the easiest way to get around – but be prepared to pay a premium and most likely sit in traffic. New York buses and the Subway are a cheap and convenient way to get around; both accept Metrocards, which will cost you just US$2.75 per ride. However, walking is by far the easiest and cheapest way to travel. You’ll see more of the city that way, and it won’t cost you a penny. Grab a map from one of the Official NYC Information Centers (there’s one in Times Square, Broadway at 47th St., open 9am-6pm daily) and hit the pavement.
