New York
New York, USA
Since I first set foot in New York I haven't stopped visiting and writing about it. I'm Andrea Hoare, and welcome to my NYC guide!
I'll show you how to find hotels so you can stay in New York in the right neighborhood, how to buy cheap Broadway tickets and how to use public transportation without getting lost (including how to use the MetroCard and OMNY).
I review the New York attractions you shouldn't miss, the best-rated free tours in New York, and great places most visitors never see.
There is so much to do that I put together day-by-day New York itineraries to help you plan your trip, and I also suggest road trips like this one from New York to Philadelphia by car.
New York is huge, and there is no way to see it all in one trip. You'll be back, trust me!
Guide to traveling to New York City
Practical information for planning your trip
New York neighborhoods
New York has more than 60 neighborhoods across its 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. With our guide you can get to know them all!
Where to stay in NYC
The best neighborhood and type of accommodation depend on the kind of trip you're taking and what you want to do in the city. Here I'll help you decide.
New York attractions
New York is full of landmarks, and once you've done the big-name attractions there are still hundreds of places left to visit.
New York airports
Did you know you can get from JFK into NYC by subway? Here are all the ways to get to and from New York's 3 airports.
Getting around New York
Learn how to use every form of transportation in New York, a city stitched together by the subway, ferries, the famous yellow cabs and even an aerial tram!
New York bridges
Did you know there are more than 2,000 bridges in New York? I put together a complete guide so you can cross and photograph the engineering marvels that make NYC possible.
New York parks
Central Park is the most famous, but it's only one of the dozens of public parks that make this city a unique mix of concrete and green space.
New York museums
NYC is home to several of the largest museums in the world, plus plenty of specialized and one-of-a-kind ones. If you're into contemporary art, this city is a must.
Beaches
Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Rockaway Beach: ring a bell? Nothing feels more like a New Yorker than walking the boardwalk at the city's urban beaches, and you can reach them by subway!
New York with kids
There's plenty to do with kids: museums (the dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History are a must), zoos, enormous toy stores and Broadway shows like The Lion King.
Shopping in New York
Shopping in New York is a fantastic experience. It isn't a city of big malls; the stores are spread out along the streets, so you get to explore the city while you shop.
New York weather
Every season gives you a different New York. Get to know the weather and temperatures month by month so you can pick the best time to travel with all the facts.
January in New York
It's low season, so flights and hotels are cheaper! The days are short and it's very cold, though. But as always in NYC, there's plenty to do. How about ice skating?
February in New York
One of the coldest months, and you'll almost certainly get snow, but it's also one of the cheapest and there's a ton going on: Chinese New Year, Fashion Week, Valentine's Day and the NBA.
March in New York
Spring peeks out shyly, bringing cherry blossoms and tulips with it. It's still cold, but the days are getting longer and it's still low season. This is the month of the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade.
April in New York
One of the nicest months to visit. Spring has arrived with all its flowers, the city fills with life and it's still low season. MLB season starts and Luna Park opens.
May in New York
The days keep getting longer and warmer. But it can also rain, a lot! This is the month of Manhattanhenge and the Met Gala. There are few tourists, so you'll have the city to yourself.
June in New York
Summer begins in a New York packed with events, festivals, outdoor movies and concerts. There's so much to do you'll have trouble choosing! It's LGBTQ+ Pride month.
July in New York
This is the month of the Fourth of July fireworks. New York fills with tourists, but also with outdoor activities and the free events that are a summer tradition.
August in New York
The last month of summer is full of concerts in the parks and sporting events (like the US Open!). It's a perfect month for NYC's beaches and outdoor tours.
September in New York
Perfect weather, fewer tourists and lots of events: the US Open, baseball, football, Broadway Week, the 9/11 anniversary and more. Low season is back, so flights and hotels are cheaper!
October in New York
Fall has arrived in New York, there are fewer tourists and the city's streets and parks fill with color. The sports seasons roll on. Don't miss the Halloween Parade!
November in New York
A month packed with events: the NYC Marathon, the Thanksgiving Parade, Black Friday and more. Christmas is already in the air. There are few tourists and everything is cheaper because it's low season.
December in New York
Anything I tell you about New York in December is going to sound like a cliché, but it's all true! This is the month when you'll feel like you're in a movie. There's so much to do!
Visiting Philadelphia from NYC
From New York you're just 2 hours from Philadelphia, the city where the United States was born. Here I go over the most important attractions and how to get there by car, bus and train.
How to apply for ESTA
Are you a citizen of a country in the US Visa Waiver Program? Then you can get an ESTA to enter the country and save time and money! Here's how.
Did you know there are free hours at several New York museums?
With tourist passes like the GO City NY you'll save up to 50% on admission to more than 90 attractions.
Booking your New York hotel or a cheaper hostel months ahead locks in better prices.
In the low season there are fewer tourists and prices drop (take a look at the best month to travel to New York).
If you have a few hours left after checking out of your hotel, I recommend the best luggage storage apps.
New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and saving money comes down to planning ahead.