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United States
New York Travel Guide
New York City is the largest city in the United States, made up of five boroughs โ Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Manhattan holds most of the famous landmarks, from Times Square and the Empire State Building to Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan.
- Best time: April to June and September to November
- Airport: JFK / EWR / LGA
- US dollar
Overview
About New York
New York City is the largest city in the United States, made up of five boroughs โ Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Manhattan holds most of the famous landmarks, from Times Square and the Empire State Building to Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan.
Each neighbourhood has its own character, from the theatres of Midtown to the brownstones of the West Village and the waterfront parks of Brooklyn. The subway runs 24 hours, making it easy to explore without a car.
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to November
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Time zone
- Eastern Time (UTCโ5), daylight saving UTCโ4
- Language
- English
Hotels in New York
Where to stay in New York
Each area links to places to stay on our New York hotels page.
- Midtown ManhattanThe area around Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the theatre district, with the largest choice of hotels and subway lines.
- Upper East & West SideResidential neighbourhoods on either side of Central Park, near the Met, the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center.
- Lower ManhattanThe Financial District, the 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center, with ferries to the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.
- BrooklynNeighbourhoods such as DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg, with waterfront parks and views across to Manhattan.
Getting there
Flights to New York
JFK in Queens handles most long-haul flights, linked by AirTrain to the subway and LIRR. Newark (EWR) in New Jersey and LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens are the other main airports.
- JFK
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- EWR
- Newark Liberty International Airport
- LGA
- LaGuardia Airport
Things to do
Things to do in New York
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
Popular attractions
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Central Park
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Empire State Building
- Times Square & Broadway
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Brooklyn Bridge
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When to go
Best time to visit New York
Spring and autumn bring mild weather and are ideal for walking. Summer is hot and humid; December is busy and festive, with the Rockefeller Center tree and holiday windows. January and February are cold, with occasional snow, and often the quietest months for hotels.
Transport
Getting around New York
The subway runs 24 hours and accepts contactless cards via OMNY. Walking is the best way to see Manhattan; yellow taxis and ride-hailing are widely available.
Travel tips
New York travel tips
- Tap a contactless card or phone at subway gates with OMNY โ fares are capped after a set number of rides each week.
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn towards Manhattan for the best skyline views.
- Book Statue of Liberty ferry tickets from the official operator in advance, especially if you want pedestal or crown access.
- New York hotel rates are quoted before tax; city and state hotel taxes are added at checkout.
New York essentials
New York travel FAQs
What is the best area to stay in New York for first-time visitors?
Midtown Manhattan is the most convenient, near Times Square, Broadway and many subway lines. The Upper West and East Sides suit families and museum visits.
How do I get from JFK to Manhattan?
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the subway or LIRR into Manhattan. Yellow taxis charge a flat fare from JFK to Manhattan.
How many days do you need in New York?
Four to five days covers the main Manhattan sights, a Broadway show, a museum or two and time in Brooklyn.
Plan your trip
Plan your New York trip
- Hotels in New YorkExplore hotels in Midtown Manhattan and Upper East & West Side and more.
- Things to do in New YorkExplore Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Central Park and other experiences.
- United States travel guideUnited States travel guide starting with New York City: neighbourhoods, landmarks, airports, the subway, the best time to visit and where to stay.
Nearby and related destinations
- London, United KingdomLondon travel guide: the best areas to stay, which of its six airports to use, when to visit, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
- Paris, FranceParis travel guide: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Montmartre, the best arrondissements to stay in, the Metro from CDG and Orly, when to visit.
- Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDubai travel guide: the best areas to stay, when to go, getting around from DXB, top things to do, and hotels, flights and tours to book.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.