What to do in New York, USA – Trave Guide and tips

What to do in New York, USA - Updated Travel Tips

Our up-to-date guide to New York is perfect for first-time travelers or those who have already been to Manhattan, the Big Apple and still have a lot to discover. We will help you choose tourist attractions to visit, best tours to take, which hotel or hostel to stay, which restaurant or bar to venture out to eat, which airport and transport to use. In other words, our intention is to be a complete source for your travel planning and itinerary.

Check our post about Christmas Markets 2023 in New York – Manhattan and Brooklyn – Tips and Guide.

When you research what to do in New York, it is common to come across texts saying that getting to know the city takes much more than a lifetime. And even people who live in the city have a hard time getting to know all the good things about it.

But isn’t it like that in any big metropolis? I believe that making a list of EVERYTHING that needs to be done in London, Berlin, Paris, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other very touristy cities is an impossible task.

What we can do is select the essential activities that can be done on a vacation trip (or even a trip during a business trip). And it’s nice to take into account the verb “can“, because I don’t believe they are mandatory, you should adapt your script to what you like, to what gives you pleasure.

Table of Contents

How to plan a trip to New York in the USA?

I’ve always wanted to see New York, probably because of the movies and TV series. So when I had the opportunity to travel to the United States, I made a point of meeting her. And I imagine that a lot of people must have that desire, no?

The first thing you should keep in mind is that you will be concentrating practically all your tours on the island of Manhattan, perhaps with an escape to Brooklyn. If it is your first trip, you will hardly go to other places like the Bronx, Queens, State Island or even New Jersey.

Unless, of course, you have a very specific desire in one of these destinations.

Can we already travel to the United States?

Travel requirements are always up-to-date, so it’s important to also research the official US government sources.

The borders of several countries are already being reopened after being closed for so long because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus. And following this trend, the United States reopened its borders to vaccinated people from several countries.

There are still some rules, the main one is that travelers over 18 must have taken the coronavirus vaccine. The most important thing is that the rule includes the vaccines applied: BioNTech-Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), Oxford/AstraZeneca and Coronavac.

Another requirement is that the tourist who wants to visit cities such as New York, Miami, Orlando or another in the US must have a negative PCR result for COVID-19 done 72 hours before the trip.

What to do for Christmas in New York?

Suggested activities to do during Christmas time in Manhattan other places in New York:

How to get to Manhattan, New York?

New York City has three main airports:

John F. Kennedy International Airport is an international airport in Queens, New York, serving primarily New York City. It is 26 km from downtown New York, making it the fifth busiest airport in the United States and the first in the country for international flights.
LaGuardia Airport is a international airport also in Queens in New York. It is 14 km from downtown New York. It was formerly known as Glenn L. Curtiss Airport, but has moved to Fiorello La Guardia, a former mayor of New York City.
The Newark International Airport is a international airport in Newark and Elizabeth in New Jersey. The airport has three terminals and has a shuttle that connects the three terminals together, called AirTrain Newark.

Of these three, the most used by tourists, including Brazilian travelers, is the JFK airport. The main ways to get from JFK to Manhattan are: subway, uber, taxi or hiring a private transfer.

How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan in New York?

This is the cheapest option to get to Manhattan Island from John F. Kennedy International Airport, and if you’re not carrying a lot of bags, we kind of recommend it. It is a journey of approximately 1h20, practically the same time as going by car, and you already have the experience of experiencing a little of the country and city you are visiting.

It’s very simple, there’s no secret. You will take the AirTrain JFK Red to Jamaica Station and from there take the Line E subway to 7 Avenue Station (or the station that is closest to your accommodation).

The cost will be approximately $12 per traveler.

If you want to go by UBER or Taxi, the travel time is close to that of going by subway and the cost will be at least U$ 70 (it may be more expensive if you need a bigger car or choose an option more luxurious in the app).

The last option is to use a private transfer, some suggestions with details and prices for you to compare:

How to get from LaGuardia Airport or the Newark International Airport to Manhattan New York?

The LaGuardia Airport is only used for domestic flights in the United States and the Newark International Airport, despite having some flights from Brazil to there, is not used much for Brazilian travel.

In any case, the options to get to Manhattan Island are very similar, you will have to choose between: public transport (subway and bus), UBER, Taxi or private transfer. Google Maps can help you a lot in this task, use it and abuse it.

But in case you are afraid to do this task, be sure to consult the private transfer options at Getspride&n .

IMPORTANT: for all airports, do not accept the service of clandestine taxi drivers who offer the service in the lounges, if you choose to take a taxi, use the official services available. Even if initially the offer seems to be cheaper, the official service is safer and with a guaranteed price.

Where to stay in New York?

The main tip to start answering this question is: no matter where in Manhattan you are going to stay, you should stay close to a subway station, a Subway Station! Yes, the best way to get around New York is to use the train a lot, in addition to walking admiring the buildings along its streets.

Now being more straightforward in which region of the island to stay, our suggestion is to choose a hotel in one of these regions:

Downtown Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan, also known as Lower Manhattan or the Financial District, has many iconic tourist attractions such as the Wall Street district, the World Trade Center, the 911 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty pier and the Battery Park.

In addition to neighborhoods you’ve probably heard of, like Greenwich Village, East Village, SoHo and Little Italy.

One of the problems with staying in this area is that as it is the financial capital of the city, during weekdays, hotels receive many business travelers and this increases the price of accommodation. Now if you are traveling on the weekend, you may get good prices.

Find the best hotel and hostel to stay in Downtown Manhattan in New York.

Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan is the most well-known area of New York City. It is where the most famous attractions are located, such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway theaters, Fifth Avenue and its luxury and popular stores, Bryant Park, the Cruise Terminal, Madison Square Garde, Rockefeller Center , St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central Station, MoMA, New York Public Library, Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, United Nations… yes, the list of tourist attractions is immense.

For a first trip it is the ideal place, as you will be much closer to the main places that are likely to be on your travel itinerary. This is also a problem though, so be prepared for lots of lights and noise.

Find the best hotel and hostel to stay in Midtown Manhattan in New York.

Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a district with plenty of cultural outings that is located on the west side of Central Park. It is possible to visit the Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Ballet, Juilliard School, Levain Bakery, Fordham University and the American Museum of Natural History.

A popular place for music fans is the Strawberry Fields memorial in Central Park in honor of John Lennon.

One of the advantages of staying there is being able to walk on its tree-lined streets, which are safer and not as crowded as the more touristy neighborhoods. Besides, of course, as it is a more residential area, you will have the feeling of being almost a local.

However, you may find this a disadvantage, as you will not have so much movement and night attractions to go near your hotel.

Find the best hotel and hostel to stay in Upper West Side Manhattan in New York.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is located on the east side of Central Park and is one of New York’s upscale and elegant neighborhoods, known for its chic homes, luxurious hotels, famous museums and upscale shops.

It is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET), the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Frick Collection. And also the continuity of the famous Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, which are home to many stores from Bloomingdale’s to luxury boutiques.

If your itinerary is more focused on visiting museums, this is the best place to stay. However, it is a long walk from many tourist attractions.

Find the best hotel and hostel to stay on Upper East Side Manhattan in New York.

What to do in New York?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, it is really difficult to decide what to do in New York and which Big Apple tourist attractions to include in your itinerary. And that depends a lot on several factors, such as:

If it’s your first time in New York
If your trip will be 3, 7 or even 21 days in Manhattan
If you’re going to New York to visit museums
If your main objective is to see musicals in Broadway theaters

And so on.

**As I mentioned it, do you know why New York City is known as The Big Apple, The Big Apple?**

I’ve looked in several sources and there’s not exactly one source for sure. Some people say it was because of the criticism regarding the distribution of wealth from the central government of the United States of America (which would be a big tree) to New York (its big apple).

But it was in 1921, when New York Morning Telegraph columnist John J. Fitzgerald called the Big Apple horse racing in one of his columns.

From then on the term gained popularity, being repeated for example by the turf workers and jazz musicians of the city. Until, in the 1970s, the government created a tourism incentive campaign using the name “The Big Apple” as a reference to New York City.

What sights to visit in New York?

But back to the main purpose of our post, what to do in New York? What are the main tourist attractions to include in my travel itinerary? Even figuring out where to start your trip to New York is a difficult task, but we want to help you make this list so that you can choose what you would most like to include in your schedule.

So are you ready to explore New York? Here are 9 attractions to see when traveling to New York City.

Central Park

Central Park is one of the main attractions that attract visitors to Manhattan and without it the city would be very different.

It has an area of 3.41 km² right in the center of New York City. It is formed by artificial gardens, small forests, fields, fountains, monuments, sculptures, bridges and other attractions along the way. In addition to playgrounds for children, a skating rink during the winter, a castle and even a zoo.

One of the most visited places by Beatles and music fans in general is Strawberry Fields, a memorial to John Lennon. To have a picnic or even just hang out, you can choose to stay at Sheep Meadow or the Great Lawn.

As you can have an idea, on a sunny day, it is the tourist attraction that must be visited on your trip, but even if the day is rainy, don’t miss it.

Tour tip: 2-hour electric scooter tour of Central Park.

Memorial and Museum of 9/11

The 9/11 Memorial reflects on the healing and growth of the city after the day of the terrorist attack that toppled the World Trade Center.

A moving work of art called “Reflecting Absence”, two memorial pools stand where the two towers once stood, circling the museum on both sides, to honor the victims and heroes of that day.

The memorial is free to visit as it is an open-air memorial open 24/7.

There is also a souvenir shop and museum on site. Upon entering the museum, you descend from the street to the foundation level – the base of the ancient Twin Towers – and are placed in a meditative attitude, forced to remember where you were on that fateful day. The museum itself is a masterful balance: it is large in scale, contemplative in its construction, and personal in its execution. It pays homage to the enormity of the loss, both physical and spiritual.

Buy skip-the-line tickets: Scheduled Ticket for the 9/11 Museum and Memorial.

Broadway

The Theater District near Times Square is home to over 40 Broadway theaters, which is why New York City offers some of the best live theater on the planet.

For locals and first-time visitors, seeing a Broadway show is a special and unique New York City experience.

Whether it’s a new musical, the latest hit or the long-running classic, seeing a Broadway show transports you from your seat to a new reality. That’s the magic of Broadway.

Broadway definitely didn’t invent theater, but it certainly brought it to an entirely new level. I said I wouldn’t write that a certain tour was mandatory, but if you like theater, if you like musical, seeing a Broadway show in New York is almost mandatory!

Guided tour tip: discover Broadway and Times Square Tour with a professional actor.

Grand Central Terminal

You may have seen this central New York train station in movies and TV series. Grand Central Terminal is more than just one of the busiest in the world – it’s a window into old New York and a time when train travel was the ultimate luxury for the wealthy and a necessity for the hardworking.

About three quarters of a million people pass through this place every day, its size is impressive, but its architecture is also worth admiring.

The highlight is the ceiling of the main lobby, which soars nearly 40 meters above you, displaying a mural of gold-leaf constellations. Don’t forget to stop outside, as the building’s facade is just as beautiful, a standout among the gleaming modern towers of the city center.

Excursion Tip: The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal!

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is arguably the most iconic bridge in New York, which makes it a must-see. When the Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883, connecting lower Manhattan (Financial District and China Town) to Brooklyn Heights, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. An engineering landmark.

Now it’s a historic landmark of the New York City skyline, carrying car traffic from below and tourist foot traffic above.

Standing before arches and rectangles with city skyscrapers towering in the distance will inspire both a sense of grandeur and lightness. The views are unparalleled and the bridge itself is a wonder to experience in its own right.

If you want the best views, start on the Brooklyn side and walk towards Manhattan. Keep the view in front of you and start with less crowds. This gives you one more opportunity to relax and enjoy the scenery. If the weather is nice, consider taking a tour as the sun sets and you’ll see the Manhattan skyline come to life, one building at a time.

Pass under the Brooklyn Bridge: 2-hour cruise in New York Harbor while admiring incredible views of Manhattan’s sunset.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMa)

Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of New York’s premier museums and arguably the largest collection of modern art in the world. The gallery itself is a work of art that is only overshadowed by its prestigious collection of over 200,000 pieces. Everything from Picasso to Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.

In 2019, MoMA opened new galleries that give the always-crowded museum a little more breathing room. The entire permanent collection has been reorganized for an all-new display that looks more modern and diverse.

When you arrive, head straight to the Collection Galleries on the fifth floor so you can have some precious moments alone with The Starry Night by Van Gogh and Water lilies from Monet.

Buy tickets in advance: Reserved Ticket Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

The Statue of Liberty is the symbol not only of New York, but of the United States. So is Ellis Island, where nearly half of Americans can trace their ancestry back to this single island.

There are many options to see the statue from the harbor or even from the ferries that cross between the islands, but I recommend taking the time to go to Ilha da Liberdade to see it up close. You can visit the Statue of Liberty Museum and climb on the pedestal to see the view from there.

Another quick ferry ride and you’re on Ellis Island, where you can explore the immigration museum and learn more about this gateway to America.

You can always visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with a guide to make your visit that much richer – adding historical context and local insight – but whichever way you choose to visit, these two deserve to be featured on your list. of wishes in New York.

Tour tip: Take a tour of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and its museums.

Wall Street and the Financial District

Wall Street runs through the financial district and is home to the New York Stock Exchange, which is an iconic building. You won’t be able to get in, but it’s still worth it. Right next to the NYSE is the Federal Reserve Bank, which is home to some extraordinarily large gold reserves.

Regardless of your feelings for the big banks and financial managers, Wall Street is a historic part of New York and world history that is well worth a visit. You also have the famous bull statue, which is a great photo.

One thing I did was walk through its streets, which are full of history and home to the early days of American government, and buy a hot dog to eat in one of its squares. The financial district is a good point to include in your itinerary.

Walk with a local guide: Wall Street and Financial District Walking Tour.

Climb the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock or the One World Trade Center

The most famous of all buildings to go up and see New York from above is, without a doubt, the Empire State Building in Midtown. The building is mainly used for office buildings and is extremely prestigious. To get to the observation deck you will have to buy a ticket.

The tallest building in New York is the One World Trade Center, which is also known as One WTC and, in a very American way, Freedom Tower. It is also necessary to buy tickets to the top of the Freedom Tower. One World Trade Center offers views of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

The Rockefeller Center is located in downtown Manhattan, both in terms of its physical location and its prominent place in the city’s folklore and culture. Its observation deck is not as high as the Empire State Building, but it offers wider views of Central Park, and you can take a photo that includes the Empire State Building. Top of the Rock also has multiple levels to give you more viewing options where you are least crowded.

New York City has an amazing urban skyline and the observation decks are an excellent option to see it. No matter which one you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible view and an unforgettable experience. However, doing all three is not worth the time and money for most people, so I suggest choosing one and taking lots of pictures.

Buy in advance:

Other things to do in New York?

As we wrote at the beginning of the guide, there are dozens if not hundreds of activities to do and visit in New York. In our list, we’ve included some that can be included in any travel there, whether it’s the first time or for those who haven’t explored everything itinerary yet.

Anyway, it is worth mentioning some other tourist attractions that may please you:

New York is full of fascinating and historic museums, but the Metropolitan Museum of Art manages to stand out among the rest. The Metropolitan Museum of Art originally opened in 1870, it has a collection that is one of the largest on Earth. Local guides in NYC are passionate and will save you from an unbelievable experience where you’re left looking and wondering what you’re looking at.
The High Line is one of the most unexpected attractions in New York. It is an elevated railway line transformed into a public park on the West Side of Manhattan.
Other places that are on the minds of those who go to New York are the Little Italy and Chinatown. The two completely different neighborhoods are right next to each other.
The Chelsey Market is exactly what it sounds like: a cool market in the Chelsea district . There are lots of restaurants, shops and cool places to spend your money, which makes it attractive and scary at the time.
The Natural History Museum of New York has one of the main collections of dinosaur bones that exist. It also appears a lot in movies and TV series.
The Vessel @ Hudson Yards is an interesting new art installation that is becoming very successful. It’s a series of honeycomb-shaped stairs and platforms 16 stories high and extremely mind-blowing.
Coney Island is another place that attracts many tourists and on the way to see the old charms of this American seaside city. You will definitely be impressed by the food and drinks. You can eat a hot dog, have an ice cream on the boardwalk and on the famous Cyclone roller coaster.
You can still watch a Stand Up at Comedy Cellar, admire the gardens of the New York Botanical Garden, see the animals that live in the Zoo and even enjoy great music in the city’s Jazz Clubs.

As we said, there are so many things to do in New York!