Kalamalka Travel
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Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Jin Lee/NYC & Company, Inc.
Marley White/NYC & Company, Inc.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Christopher Postlewaite/NYC & Company, Inc.
Alex Lopez/NYC & Company, Inc.
Will Steacy/NYC & Company, Inc.
Joe Cingrana/NYC & Company, Inc.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
With a globally recognizable skyline and over 8 million people who call it home, New York City is bursting with diversity and excitement. From the iconic attractions you've seen on TV and in the movies to hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Each of the five boroughs – The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island – has a distinctive flavor, while individual neighborhoods maintain identities all their own.
The City
New York City may be small in size, but it’s huge in character and energy. With 8 million residents packed into just 830 square kilometers, it’s the most densely populated city in North America. From its earliest days, New York has been a city of immigrants, and today about one-third of its residents are foreign-born. Roughly 138 languages are spoken here, and new cultural and culinary enclaves continue to emerge, making the city a living mosaic of global traditions.
While the city pulses with the energy of its newest residents, echoes of old New York remain. Opera still resonates from Lincoln Center, Wall Street hums with the tension of the markets, and stately apartments around Central Park recall the grandeur of the city’s Gilded Age. These contrasts are part of what gives New York its unique rhythm.
The city is surprisingly walkable, and exploring on foot is often the best way to take it all in. Manhattan’s grid of numbered streets and avenues makes navigation easy, while the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island each offer their own distinct character. Nightlife thrives nearly every night of the week, and a young, vibrant energy flows through the city’s universities, bars, and music venues. From the historic landmarks to the newest cultural hotspots, New York is a city that never stops surprising.
Neighborhoods
New York City hardly needs an introduction, but the city’s five boroughs might.
Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island may all represent one city, but they each have their own personalities and must-see attractions. Get to know the colorful attributes that make each New York City borough unique.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
The Bronx
Do & See
You’ve seen them a million times in the movies, but there’s nothing like taking in these quintessential New York City landmarks in person.
First stop, a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, capped with a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry for stellar views of both.
Immerse yourself in the bustle and bright lights of Times Square, followed by the incomparable spectacle of a Broadway show – both experiences that you can’t find anywhere else but in NYC.
Explore the Rockefeller Center, and take a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. Experience the Grand Central Terminal, a unique architectural gem and the city’s major transportation hub.
As panoramic scenes go, NYC can’t be beaten. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for views of New York Harbor or scale 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s Art Deco skyscraper to Top of The Rock, an observatory offering 360-degree views of the city.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Times Square
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island
Jin Lee/NYC & Company, Inc.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Marley White/NYC & Company, Inc.
Bronx Zoo
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
The High Line
Nature & Outdoors
New York City is known as a bustling, diverse metropolis, but it’s also a great city for enjoying nature. Spend a day on the water, have a picnic under the trees, and marvel at the seasonal blooming flowers – with a New York twist, of course – or indulge in one of the many other outdoor activities the city has to offer.
Christopher Postlewaite/NYC & Company, Inc.
Botanical Gardens
Alex Lopez/NYC & Company, Inc.
Bridge Crossing
Will Steacy/NYC & Company, Inc.
Ice Skating
Joe Cingrana/NYC & Company, Inc.
Kayaking
Dining
Dining in New York City can be an inspiring experience for travelers and long-time residents alike. Restaurants and cafés line the streets, and the culinary options are unlimited. Bookmark this list of classics to help you navigate the culinary standouts, including famous delicatessens, notable New York eateries, and trendy hot spots from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company, Inc.
Roberta's
Cafés
New York may be better known as a diner city than a café city, but it would be wrong to underestimate the café scene in the Big Apple. New York City and delis go together like pastrami and rye, and the city holds plenty of tried-and-true legendary restaurants, which range from hot dog stands to finer establishments.
Bars & Nightlife
It's a cliché to say that New York is the “city that never sleeps,” but that couldn't be farther from the truth. No matter what you’re looking for – karaoke, live music, dancing – you can find it at all hours.
Shopping
Shopaholics and fashionistas, whisk out your credit cards. New York may very possibly be the best shopping city in the world. Every major chain and label has an outpost here, and there are so many small designer boutiques and markets of all kinds that you are guaranteed to bring home much more than you had budgeted for. Shopping in New York is quite simply retail heaven.
Tourist Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit New York City is from late spring to early fall. During this period, the city awakens to a symphony of events, from outdoor concerts and festivals to cultural exhibitions and Broadway shows, ensuring there is never a dull moment. On top of that, the weather is pleasantly mild, which makes it perfect for exploring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
However, if you are seeking a quieter experience with more affordable lodging, consider visiting The Big Apple in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall when crowds thin, and accommodation prices dip slightly. Ultimately, the best time to visit New York City depends on your preferences, but whenever you choose to go, the city promises an unforgettable adventure.
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Passport/Visa
Citizens of Schengen Area countries, along with Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, can visit the United States for up to 90 days without needing a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before their trip. All other travelers must secure a visa before visiting the U.S.
In addition, international travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. For the most current information and any updates on entry requirements, it is advisable to consult the U.S. Department of State website or contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is located in Queens, about 24 km from Midtown Manhattan, and depending on traffic, a taxi ride typically takes 45–90 minutes.
The most reliable public-transport option is the AirTrain, which connects all terminals to Jamaica and Howard Beach stations. There, you can transfer to the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) for a faster ride into Manhattan or switch to the subway (lines E, A, J, Z) for a more budget-friendly route.
Taxis offer a flat fare (plus tolls and tip), while ride-share services like Uber and Lyft drop off and pick up from designated areas.
Address: John F. Kennedy International Airport
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Phone: +1 718 244 4444
Website: www.jfkairport.com
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closest airport to Manhattan, located about 13 km from Midtown, with travel times typically ranging from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Travelers have several reliable ways to reach the city: taxis and ride-share services are available curbside at all terminals; the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus connects directly to the subway and LIRR at Jackson Heights; and the M60 SBS provides service to Manhattan along 125th Street.
Address: LaGuardia Airport
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Phone: +1 718 533 3400
Website: www.laguardiaairport.com
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Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located in New Jersey, about 24 km from Midtown Manhattan. In light traffic, a taxi ride to the city typically takes 35-60 minutes.
For public transit, you can take the free AirTrain to the Newark Airport train station, then catch an NJ TRANSIT train to Penn Station, the primary rail gateway for NJ–NYC commuters..
If you prefer to take the bus, the Newark Airport Express runs from the airport to Grand Central, Bryant Park, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, with a journey time of approximately one hour, depending on traffic.
Address: Newark Liberty International Airport
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Phone: +1 973 961 6000
Website: www.newarkairport.com
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Public Transport
Public transport is one of the easiest and most efficient ways for visitors to get around New York City. The system is operated mainly by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and includes subways, buses, ferries, and even a few trams.
The subway is the backbone of the network, running 24/7 on most lines and covering Manhattan as well as Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Buses provide connections along routes that the subway doesn’t reach, including east–west travel and local neighborhoods. For a more scenic journey, the NYC Ferry and Staten Island Ferry offer convenient water crossings, while the Roosevelt Island Tram provides a unique view of the East River.
For tourists, the subway is often the fastest and most budget-friendly way to explore the city. It's also a great chance to see New Yorkers in action and experience the city like a local.
Clear signage, maps, and announcements make navigation manageable even for first-time riders, though apps like MTA Subway Time or Google Maps are useful for real-time updates and planning.
Payment is easy with the OMNY contactless system, which accepts mobile wallets, contactless credit or debit cards, and OMNY cards. It’s important to use the same device or card for each trip to ensure proper fare tracking.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout the city. You can hail a yellow cab on almost any street corner. Keep in mind that there are nighttime and rush hour surcharges, and remember to leave a tip. Also, Manhattan has very long streets and avenues, so it’s important to know both the address and the cross street of your destination. A taxi is vacant if the yellow light on top of the car is completely lit.
Ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, Curb, and Myle offer convenient alternatives, especially late at night or in areas with limited public transportation options.
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Post
You can buy stamps at many newsagents or at the post office. Official United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes are usually blue steel containers on city sidewalks. Many post offices or private mail companies like UPS or FedEx are open from 8am to 5pm. You will find the main post office, known as the James A. Farley Post Office, close to Penn Station.
Address: 421 8th Avenue, New York
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Phone: +1 800 275 8777
Website: www.usps.com
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Pharmacy
Some of the main pharmacy chains in New York City include CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Duane Reade (a subsidiary of Walgreens). Their opening hours can vary depending on the location and the chain. However, many pharmacies in New York City typically have the following general opening hours:
Mon–Fri 9am–9pm, Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm
Some pharmacies may have extended hours, especially those located in busy areas or near hospitals.
Address: CVS - 1440 Broadway FLOORS 1 & 2, New York
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Phone: +1 212 221 3844
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More Information: Near Bryant Park
Telephone
Country code: +1
Area code: 212
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Electricity
US standard voltage is 110-115V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The sockets and the power plugs are of type A and B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin.
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Time Zone
New York City is located in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC‑5). During daylight saving time, observed from early March to early November, the city shifts to UTC‑4.
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