JFK: AirTrain + Subway
Take the AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then the E, J/Z or A subway into Manhattan. Cheapest option; the LIRR from Jamaica is faster.
New York City Travel Guide
World-class museums, Broadway, iconic skylines and food from every corner of the globe, all packed into one walkable city. It suits travelers who love urban energy, but hotels and dining are expensive, so plan your budget.
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At a glance
- Currency
- USD ($)
- Power & plugs
- 120V · Type A/B
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Expected (usually 15–20%)
- Local language
- English
- How long to stay
- 4 to 6 nights
Emergency numbers
When to go
April to June and September to November offer the most pleasant walking weather. July and August are hot and humid, and January to February can be bitterly cold. The holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year) is magical but hotel prices spike.
Airport to the city
JFK: Yellow Cab
Flat fare between JFK and Manhattan, plus tolls, congestion surcharges and tip. Convenient with luggage or a group.
EWR (Newark): AirTrain + NJ Transit
AirTrain to the airport rail station, then NJ Transit to Penn Station in Midtown. Newark is in New Jersey but well connected.
LGA (LaGuardia): Q70 Bus
The free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus runs to Jackson Heights, where you transfer to the 7, E, F, M or R subway. You only pay the subway fare.
Getting around
Subway with OMNY
Runs 24/7; tap a contactless card or phone at the turnstile. After 12 paid rides within 7 days on the same card, the rest of that week is free.
Walking
Manhattan's grid makes navigation easy, and Midtown and Downtown are best explored on foot.
Buses
Useful for crosstown trips and transfers with the subway via OMNY, though slow in heavy traffic.
Staten Island Ferry
A free ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan with great views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.
Taxis and Ride-hailing
Hail yellow cabs on the street or use ride-hailing apps. Trips into Manhattan below 60th Street carry a congestion charge.
Where to stay
Midtown (around Times Square)
Good for: First-timers, theater
Central to major sights and subway lines. Crowded and pricey, though.
Lower Manhattan / Financial District
Good for: Weekend value, ferry access
Business hotels often drop prices on weekends, and it is close to the Statue of Liberty ferries. Quiet at night.
Chelsea / Greenwich Village
Good for: Food, strolling, atmosphere
Near the High Line, Chelsea Market and Washington Square Park with great neighborhood charm. Expensive lodging.
Upper West Side
Good for: Families, quieter stays
Residential area next to Central Park and the Natural History Museum. Calm, with a quick subway ride to Midtown.
Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn)
Good for: Local vibe, somewhat cheaper
Lots of cafes and bars, and hotels are often a bit cheaper than Manhattan. About 10-20 minutes by subway to Manhattan.
Top sights
Central Park
Free and best explored on a morning walk or by bike. Bethesda Fountain and Bow Bridge are highlights.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Too big for one day, so pick your galleries in advance. Visitors from outside New York State pay a fixed admission.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Take the official ferry from Battery Park. Pedestal and crown access is limited, so reserve early.
Observation Decks (Empire State, Top of the Rock, Summit, Edge)
If you choose one, go at sunset. All are paid with timed entry.
Brooklyn Bridge
Walk from Manhattan toward Brooklyn and end in DUMBO for skyline photos. Early morning is least crowded.
The High Line & Hudson Yards
A free elevated park built on an old rail line; start near Chelsea Market and walk north.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
The outdoor memorial pools are free; the museum is paid. Allow about two unhurried hours.
Times Square & Broadway
Best at night. For discounted same-day show tickets, try the TKTS booth or official digital lotteries.
What to eat
New York Pizza
Thin, wide slices you fold to eat. About $4-6 per slice.
Bagels
Classic breakfast with cream cheese or lox. About $5-15.
Pastrami Sandwich
Towering sandwiches at traditional Jewish delis, big enough to share. About $25-30.
Food Halls & Chelsea Market
Easy way to sample many cuisines in one place. About $15-25 per meal.
Global Neighborhood Food
Dim sum in Chinatown, Asian food in Flushing and Jackson Heights, and Korean food in Koreatown on 32nd Street.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout $120-150 per day - hostels, pizza and delis, subway travel
Mid-rangeabout $300-400 per day - mid-range hotel, sit-down meals, one or two paid sights
Comfortabout $700+ per day - luxury hotel, fine dining, premium Broadway seats
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Central Park walk → The Met → stroll down Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center, then Times Square at night.
- Day 2
Statue of Liberty ferry → 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street → walk the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO for sunset.
- Day 3
Lunch at Chelsea Market → High Line to Hudson Yards → observation deck at sunset → Broadway show.
- Day 4
Greenwich Village and SoHo for walking and shopping → dinner in Chinatown or Little Italy, or explore Williamsburg.
Local tips
- Visa Waiver Program travelers must have an approved ESTA before departure. Apply only on the official US government website (fee about $40).
- Tipping 18-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard at restaurants, and $1-2 per drink at bars. Check whether a service charge is already included.
- Listed prices exclude sales tax (about 8.875% in NYC), so expect a higher total at checkout.
- Cards and phone payments work almost everywhere, but a little cash helps for tips and street vendors.
- Costumed characters and people handing out CDs in Times Square will ask for money afterward; politely decline.
- Late at night, ride in subway cars with other people and keep your phone and bag close.
- Set up a US eSIM before you fly so maps and ride apps work as soon as you land.
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Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.