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HOME > CITY GUIDES > NEW YORK CITY

New York City

The big apple

New York City Guide

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT NEW YORK

COUNTRY

United States

CURRENCY

Dollar

WHEN TO VISIT

April to June
November & December

LANGUAGES

American / English
New York, also called New York City is the most populous city in the United States with an estimated population of more than 8 million people. Located at the South of the State of New York, the city is the centre of the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the world in terms of population. Altogether, New York metropolitan area houses more than 23 million people, making it one of the world’s most populous megacities. It is also the most visited city in the United States. Everybody knows New York through cinema, series, music or literature and that is what makes it magical. The city that never sleeps is aptly named!
 
So many adjectives can describe New York, vibrant, trendy, electric, dizzy… New York is the city of superlative, of the extremes. New York is THE city of the cities. It is genuinely a dream machine. There is so many things to see in New York, each neighbourhood has its own atmosphere, that typical vibe that you will only find there. You could spend months exploring all its gems from iconic landscapes, amazing museums and food scene to discover cool boroughs like Harlem where tourists did not dare to venture a couple years ago. A city of coolness, experiences and magnetic atmosphere that you will enjoy for sure! 

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NEW YORK

Before enjoying the City of Dreams at its fullest, there are some practical things you should know about New York.

CHOOSE THE SUBWAY

Taxis are not the best option for you to discover New York because they are quite expensive and might be stucked in traffic. New York subway will save you time and money. It is a super easy way to explore the city, you can find your way with Google Maps and New Yorkers are always happy to help if you’re lost. A good thing to know as well, the trains are running 24 hours a day, which give you all the freedom to explore at your convenience.

KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY CALL A TAXI

Movies and shows make us believe that hailing a cab is a glamorous and easy thing to do, but your experience might be a bit different. To hail a taxi in New York, you need to keep an eye on their lights. If the lights are on, he is available to give you a ride. If the lights are off, that means someone is already in it. Then you just have to stand put your hands up to ask for a ride.

DON'T LINGER ON TIME SQUARE

When it comes to New York, people often think of Times Square. The iconic and busy intersection has yet nothing good to offer. Lots of crowds, chain restaurants and overpriced things are the most common reality and over the years, Times Square has mostly become a tourist trap. To sum up, go once to take some pictures if you want and then avoid it. New York has so much more to offer.

WALKING IN NEW YORK

When exploring New York, walking is a fantastic way to do so. You have to know that sidewalks in New York are pretty crowded by New Yorkers of course and tourists so
try to always keep on walking to ease the traffic. If you want to take a picture, step to the side so people can pass and then take your picture. You will avoid some busy people
remarks. Do not forget to bring good sneakers as well so you’ll enjoy walking the city even better. 

GO BEYOND MANHATTAN

New York hides many nice neighbourhoods so if you want to discover its best gems, go beyond Manhattan and explore other boroughs such as Queens, Brooklyn or Staten Island. A true visit to New York should include these areas. We particularly recommend Dumbo in Brooklyn and Astoria in Queens.
Discover what to do with 48 hours in Brooklyn ! 

DO YOU WANT TO DISCOVER THIS RADIANT CITY ?

If you are considering a trip, the best time to visit New York is basically all year long. Each season has many to offer and you will always find a reason to go to New York. However, we find that the city is at his best in April to June, during spring when the weather is great and there are fewer tourists. Festive season in November and December is also amazing with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year celebrations.

THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN NEW YORK

New York is a great place to stay in beautiful luxury hotels and to take a resting break from this intense never sleeping city. New York is home to some of the best luxury
hotels in the world and you will definitely find your happiness in our selection of the finest hotels in the city.
The Peninsula New York

THE PENINSULA
​★★★★★

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Baccarat hotel new york

BACCARAT
​​​★★★★★

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Mandarin Oriental Nyc

MANDARIN ORIENTAL​​
​★★★★★

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Best luxury hotel in New York

MONDRIAN
​​​​★★★★★

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The Edition Hotel Nyc

THE EDITION
​ ★★★★★

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ENJOYING NEW YORK BEST BARS AND RESTAURANTS

Exploring bars and food scene in New York is the best way to discover its lifestyle. New York is a city of cosmopolitanism and you will find endless options to grab a drink or find a great dining spot. From Latin food to Korean restaurants or pastrami dishes, New York has more than 24 000 restaurants and has amazing food to offer. Regarding nightlife and bars, New York is full of treasures especially in Downtown Manhattan, Upper West Side or Williamsburg.
gallaghers steakhouse nyc

GALLAGHERS

Steackhouse. Gallaghers is one of the most famousNew York Steakhouse. It is located in Manhattan’s Theater district since 1927. This is more than 90 year history ! They have attracted a glamorous Manhattan mix of Broadway icons, sports stars, politicians, moguls, socialites and generations of New York families. If you're looking for a delicious meat in a chic atmosphere, you should go at Gallaghers. 
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The roof at public hotel nyc

THE ROOF AT PUBLIC

Cocktail Bar. It is a vibrant rooftop bar that appears to be floating in the sky, with jaw dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the city through floor to ceiling windows and a spectacular outdoor terrace offering the best views of News York. The best place for sunset cocktails.  
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​ KATZ'S DELICATESSEN

​ KATZ'S DELICATESSEN 

One more historic place to discover. Kat's is in New York for more than 130 years and almost nothing has changed. It one of the best Jewish delicatessens in the Us and the number 1 in Nyc ! With beef brisket offered in three guises: as smoked pastrami, brined corned beef, and roasted brisket you will enjoy an incredible sandwich. Sandwiches on rye or club rolls can be made with a combination, and they are massive, best when shared and washed down with a celery soda. Order at the counter, and don’t forget to tip the slicer. Get a hot dog while you wait, and don’t lose your ticket. Outdoor seating and waiter service on Ludlow Street available.
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Lucali Brooklyn Pizza

LUCALI

Italian. Did you know the Incredible story behind Lucali ? Accidental Pizzaiolo Mark Iacono opened Lucali as a labor of love, to save the local candy store of his Carroll Gardens youth from an uncertain, generic fate. Lucali's is rated #1 in NYC and #2 in the country! Now you know where you can eat the best pizza in New York.
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The top of the standard

THE TOP OF THE STANDARD

Cocktail Bar. With dramatic city views that turn magical at sundown, the glittering room of late-night lore is equally alive during Sunset Service. In the afternoon, we welcome guests for tea and drinks amid spectacular sunlit views. In the evening, live jazz music, a small-plate menu, and specialty cocktails turn the room into the city's most sophisticated supper lounge. The dress code is smart casual attire focusing on well-tailored and fitted clothing with the appropriate footwear. 
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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK

New York is so vibrant and big that you will experience a different city every time you visit. From Art museums, beautiful parks to amazing attractions and activities, you will never tire of the City of Dreams. Even if it was really hard to choose, just for you, we made this list of things to do and must-see gems in the Big Apple.

EXPERIENCE BEST ART IN NYC MUSEUMS

New York is home to a crazy countless number of museums and cultural institutions that it will be difficult for you to visit in a lifetime. To enjoy the best of art in New York museums follow our exciting guide. The Museum of Modern Art also known as MoMA is one of the most famous museums in New York and also one of the biggest in the world. When entering this museum, you will be able to enjoy finest arts from ancient times to contemporary fashion couture. MoMA is a must-see and you can easily spend an entire day exploring it without seeing everything. Continue your museum tour with The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) where you will be able to enjoy 5 000 years of Art from Asian Art to European sculpture, medieval and Renaissance Art or antiquities and photographs. The collections and special exhibits are
constantly evolving so you will never get bored. Just across Central Park, you will discover one of the best natural history museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History. This four-storey museum is impressive with no less than 45 permanent
collections spread over 28 rooms. You will find there all the elements of the natural world through a vast collection of mammals, a hall dedicated to marine life with a real- size model of a blue whale or even the dinosaur floor and its triumphant Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in the room.

TAKE A GREEN BREATH IN ICONIC CENTRAL PARK

To step away from New York’s fuss for a couple of hours, have a stroll in famous Central Park and enjoy a beautiful walk. Along the way, why not stop by the shore of the
Lake at 72nd Street and take a gondola tour ? We can guarantee amazing memories ! You will also pass loads of fountains, sculptures, bridges and also be able to visit the Park famous zoo. Central Park is iconic and became after the years one of the best things to see in New York.

THESE STREETS ARE MADE FOR WALKING 

New York is filled with emblematic streets that you must have seen in TV shows or movies. During your stay, make sure to take a couple of days to truly experience New
York life, explore these bustling streets and admire iconic places. You can start your day with the Financial District to see Wall Street and its famous charging bull sculpture. Not far from there, you will find the 9/11 memorial to honour the victims of the World Trade Center where you can visit the Museum. Keep on walking to the Brooklyn Bridge to go to
the Brooklyn neighborhood easily with a 40 minute walk across the prettiest and iconic New York Bridge. You will be able to admire one of the most beautiful views of Manhattan. Your New York City tour can’t be complete without seeing the famous Fifth Avenue and its luxury stores. You can also have a stroll in the Grand Central Terminal. More than a station, it’s a real museum. Fantastic !

APPRECIATE AN ICONIC EXPERIENCE IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER 

Rockefeller Center is in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and is part of New York folklore. The place itself is impressive : 19 buildings built during the Great Depression
with a mix of Art Deco and International Style sublimated by a beautiful central plaza. Whether you want to see the Christmas Tree, enjoy ice skating or check out performances on the plaza, Rockefeller Center will always surprise you. And it does not stop here. The highlight of Rockefeller Center is of course Top of the Rock, on the 70th floor where you will have breathless views of New York skyline and The Empire State Building. You can also venture on the 86th floor and 102nd floor for even more spectacular views with less tourists. An unforgettable moment !

ENJOY A SAIL TRIP IN NEW YORK 

as you can see, New York is full of surprises and there are plenty of ways to explore the city so why not have a boat trip to appreciate some of the best views of New York ? You can easily take the Ferry to Staten Island to enjoy outstanding views of the Statue of Liberty, skyline and Ellis Island. The ride is approximately 25 minutes and is totally free. To make the most of it, we recommend choosing a sunny day. Don’t forget to bring your camera ! You can also choose to take the East River Ferry to sail under the Brooklyn Bridge all the way from Lower Manhattan to Williamsburg and Greenpoint, two very cool neighbourhoods.;

DISCOVER NEW VIEWPOINTS ON THE HIGHLINE 

The walk on the High Line is a not-to-be missed activity during your stay in New York. In the 1930s, it was a former aerial railway line and it has been transformed into a suspended park. You can enjoy a walk of more than 2.3 km while admiring spectacular views on the Hudson River or Chelsea neighbourhood. It is one of the favourite walks of the New Yorkers. Last but not least, don’t miss the sunset on the Hudson River, it is amazing.
Of course this is a non-exhaustive list and you will find thousands of things to see in the Big Apple. This selection represents for us a good way to discover places and activities which represent the majestic New York.

TICKETS FOR NEW YORK ACTIVITIES

Discover and book the best activities, attractions and museums in New York.
All activities in New York

STORES AND SHOPPING CENTERS IN NEW YORK

shopping in new york

THE 5TH AVENUE

Fifth Avenue is to New York what the Champs-Elysées is to Paris. This is where the big luxury brands have made their home. You will find stores such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Prada and all other international luxury brands...
Grand central shopping center

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Grand Central Terminal is best known for its hall where you will find all kinds of culinary delights. However, Grand Central Station is also home to a wide variety of stores. 
World's biggest store

MACY'S

Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square is definitely worth a look. This store takes up an entire block and even if you don't want to buy anything, the windows are a real treat for the eyes. This Macy’s store is just one of the ones you can find in town. The huge Macy’s in downtown Brooklyn is also very cool and a lot less crowded.

THE BEST WAY TO GO AND MOVE IN NEW YORK

AIRPORT  
John Fitzgerald Kennedy
La Guardia 
​Newark

TRAIN STATION
Grand Central Terminal 

NATIONAL TRAIN COMPANY
Amtrak
The main airport in New York is the International John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) with several international flights everyday from all over the world. If you are already in the United States, local flights are operated every day. You can also choose to travel by train with Amtrack or bus with Greyhound that provides connections from many cities in North America. 

NEW YORK WEATHER FORECAST

The weather is one of the main concerns of a future tourist in New York. In the absence of being able to make rain and shine, here are the characteristics of the New York climate.

SPRING

Spring is a very uncertain season marked by a mixture of beautiful days and rainy days, cold days and hot days. The climate in New York in spring comes down to two adjectives: variable and unstable. Average maximum temperatures in April: 15 ° C.

SUMMER

Summer is generally sunny and hot in New York City, even scorching. Depending on the year, the summer can be very pleasant or hot. However, be aware that air conditioning is everywhere in New York, including in the subway. And the air conditioning systems are always set to the coldest. So be careful not to catch a sore throat and keep a small sweater handy.Average maximum temperatures in July: 28 °.

AUTUMN

Fall can be the most beautiful of all seasons, with New York enjoying the phenomenon of Indian summer. It is a very pleasant and ideal time to discover New York. Not to mention the color of the trees, whose leaves are gradually turning red and orange. Average maximum temperatures in October: 19 °.

WINTER

Winter can be very cold and very dry, with rain and snow from December to March. In winter, it is especially the wind that makes the feeling of cold even more extreme. Take refuge in museums or take shopping breaks. The end of the year celebrations are also the occasion for superb illuminations in the stores. Average maximum temperatures in December: 6 ° C.
New York skyline at night
Chrysler tower in the shaddow
New York skyline
Brooklyn bridge at night
New York City
New York best city guide

FANCY A TRIP ?

If you plan to travel to New York you can easily find flights from all over the world. New York has three main airports: JFK (John F. Kennedy), LaGuardia and Newark. The JFK airport is the biggest airport of the city and it connects with main international cities. Newark airport is a bit smaller but also operates international flights.
If you have the choice, we recommend choosing the airport closest to your hotel. Airlines companies usually offer both. If you already are in the USA or Canada, LaGuardia airport
is for you.

DON'T FORGET TO TIP

Tipping in the USA and in New York is usually required, unless the service is really bad. The big question is to know how much you have to give after dining at a restaurant. Usually, the percentage of the tip will depend on the service quality. We consider that 10% of the bill is a minimum, 15% of the bill is a good tip and 20% is a great tip. In fancy restaurants, you can add 5% to these percentages.

New York is no longer a secret for you now and we hope that this New York city guide will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. 
Adventure awaits!
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