New York City Travel Guide: Essential Travel Tips and Information

Explore our comprehensive New York City travel guide filled with essential tips on transportation, attractions, budget-friendly hotels, dining spots, and nightlife. Discover travel tips, flight and hotel information, and exciting activities to plan your unforgettable journey in NYC.

Essential Travel Information for a Trip to New York City

New York City is a dynamic metropolis with a plethora of opportunities for discovery and excitement. From famous attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square to the lively avenues of Manhattan, there is a wide array of experiences for all to savor. Explore the rich culture and food scene by exploring various neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy. Enjoy top-notch shopping on Fifth Avenue and catch a Broadway show in the Theater District. Make sure to wander through Central Park and take in the breathtaking skyline. Central Park is a must-visit, being the most visited park globally and a picturesque location for walking, biking, boating, and ice skating. Other must-see attractions in New York City include Times Square, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center, all of which provide unmatched views of the city.

Getting Around

Discovering New York City is most effectively done on foot due to the constant heavy traffic. Nevertheless, the city's rail and bus systems, managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) under the MTA New York City Transit brand, provide an economical and environmentally friendly way to explore the attractions of this dynamic city. All public transit buses are equipped to serve passengers with visual, hearing, and mobility challenges, and numerous subway stations are also accessible. For comprehensive details, consult the MTA’s accessibility guide, which lists accessible NYC subway stations.

The subway remains the quickest and most efficient method to traverse NYC, offering an authentic local experience during your stay. However, it does not service Staten Island. To access the island, you can utilize the free Staten Island Ferry or a bus. The MTA Staten Island Railway connects the ferry terminal in St. George to the southern part of the island at Tottenville, linking with various bus routes. Additionally, the Roosevelt Island Tram provides a picturesque aerial view of Midtown East, traveling from East 60th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. You can transfer between subway and local bus services within two hours using your MetroCard or OMNY payment. For transportation from LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy International airports to the city, taxis or ride-hailing services such as Lyft or Uber are the most practical options.

Hotels and Nightly Rates

When selecting a hotel in New York City, it is crucial to consider its proximity to these key sites to enhance your visit. It is advisable to choose accommodations that allow for convenient access to popular tourist spots. One significant landmark to remember is the Brooklyn Bridge, a cable-stayed suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. Within a 1.5-kilometer radius of this iconic bridge, you will find three hotels: Placemakr Wall Street, Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown, and Artezen Hotel, with Placemakr Wall Street being the nearest option. Choosing to stay at Arlo NoMad, Andaz 5th Avenue, The Bryant Park Hotel, or Margaritaville Resort Times Square offers you proximity to Times Square, with Margaritaville Resort Times Square being the nearest at only 187 meters away. Similar to The Bryant Park Hotel, selecting Margaritaville Resort Times Square places you conveniently close to Broadway, within a half kilometer. Additionally, within the same distance, both The Bryant Park Hotel and Arlo NoMad are also situated near the iconic Empire State Building.

Setting a budget is essential when selecting accommodations. By determining your financial boundaries beforehand, you can more effectively find lodging that meets your budgetary needs. The hotels highlighted above are some of the most reputable in New York City, offering a range of competitive nightly rates typically between $375 and $885. For example, Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown has rooms starting at $375 per night, while Andaz 5th Avenue begins at $885 per night. Additionally, there are several options available for under $400, such as Artezen Hotel and Margaritaville Resort Times Square. It is important to remember that prices can vary greatly depending on the season, so it is wise to book your stay in advance, especially during peak travel times. Find more Super Rated and Excellent Hotels in New York City, Starting at $ 75.

Super Rated 5 Star Accommodations in New York City

New York City is home to an outstanding selection of five-star hotels, perfect for individuals looking for a lavish getaway, with average nightly rates between $440 and $1330. For example, The Knickerbocker Hotel has rooms available starting at $443 per night, whereas Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York starts at $1330 per night. For those seeking even more extravagance, The Surrey A Corinthia Hotel offers accommodations beginning at $1449 per night. Situated in the heart of the city, The Surrey A Corinthia Hotel grants guests easy access to major attractions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park. Check out the following hotels.

Baccarat Hotel

Situated in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York serves as an ideal starting point for all your city explorations. The hotel boasts a prime location, just a short stroll away from 5th Avenue shopping, Times Square, a diverse selection of dining options, and Central Park. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 3.5 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Museum of Modern Art, Saint Thomas Church, The Paley Center in New York City, University Club, Onassis Cultural Center NY, FDNY Fire Zone, Paley Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Rockefeller CenterFind more other super rated 5-star hotels in New York City.

The Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker Hotel stands as a historic icon in New York, revitalized for a new era. It offers a sanctuary of sophisticated guest rooms and suites, featuring stunning views and custom furnishings, perfectly situated at the intersection of West 42nd and Broadway, right in the center of New York City. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.8 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Times Square, Town Hall, Nederlander Theater, PlayStation Theater, Bowlmor Lanes, Belasco Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Broadway, Bryant Park, and Booth Theater. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in New York City.

1 Hotel Central Park

1 Hotel Central Park is situated at the intersection of 58th Street and 6th Avenue, mere moments away from New York City’s legendary Central Park. This sustainable haven lies in the heart of Manhattan, a peaceful retreat from the relentless bustle, surrounded by lush greenery at every corner. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 3.9 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Edward Tyler Nahem Fine Art, Plaza Hotel, Francoise Nunnalle, Victorian Gardens, Rat Rock, Bergdorf Goodman, Carnegie Hall, Scholars’ Gate, FAO Schwarz, Museum of Modern Art. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in New York City.

Conrad New York

Located in the center of Downtown Manhattan, Conrad New York is merely a quick 10-minute trip away from several of the city’s iconic sites, including the One World Trade Observatory, Tribeca, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Wall Street. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.4 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Irish Hunger Memorial, New York Mercantile Exchange, Poets House, Brookfield Place, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, St. Joseph's Chapel, The Oculus, and New York Theatre Experience. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in New York City.

The Wall Street Hotel

The Wall Street Hotel provides a variety of amenities to ensure your stay is both comfortable and convenient. With features like a 24-hour fitness center and valet parking, its offerings cater to the needs of the contemporary traveler. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 3.3 km from the city center. Places nearby within 1 km are Federal Hall, Imagination Playground, Fearless Girl Statue, South Street Seaport Museum, Fraunces Tavern Museum, Red Cube, Bowling Green Park, and Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in New York City.

Highly Rated Hotels Close to Airport

Numerous highly-rated hotels are located near John F. Kennedy International Airport. After a few days of exploring the region, which can be exhausting and require significant time, opting for an overnight stay nearby is a more practical choice than enduring a lengthy taxi ride to the international airport. This option offers a great opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate before continuing your travels. BezzieTravel wishes you a wonderful holiday in New York City. Check out some of the top-rated hotels close to the airport with prices ranging from $320 to $460.

Cheapest FLIGHT

New York City has three main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Each airport has its own transportation facilities, allowing travelers to choose based on their preferences and budget. The best time to visit New York City is during spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. It's advisable to check for deals and book in advance for better prices. Check out cheapest flight to New York before late.