New York, United States - Travel Guide

New York City is a vibrant global hub offering unparalleled experiences in arts, culture, food, and entertainment. From iconic landmarks to diverse neighborhoods, it promises an unforgettable urban adventure for every visitor.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

NYCThe Big AppleNew York CityEmpire StateManhattanBrooklynQueensThe BronxStaten Island

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Generalized climate for the New York City metropolitan area.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme cold: Dec
Mar
Extreme hot: Jul
Aug
Hurricane season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

Fly into JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR) airports (prices and times vary widely by origin)
Train via Amtrak (e
g
, from Boston 4h, \~$50
100; from Washington D
C
3h, \~$50
100)
Bus via Greyhound, Megabus (e
g
, from Philadelphia 2h, \~$20
40)

Getting Around

Subway and bus system (MTA) is extensive and 24/7
Taxis are ubiquitous
Ride
sharing apps: Uber, Lyft, Via

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific disease concerns for most travelers
Probiotics are generally not needed
No altitude sickness or malaria concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available
All major US carriers (Verizon, AT\&T, T
Mobile) support eSIM
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

New York-style Pizza must_try

Known for its large, thin, hand-tossed crust, often sold by the slice. This classic is characterized by its pliable crust which allows for folding whe

New York-style Bagel breakfast

A dense, chewy bagel, boiled before baking, resulting in a slightly crisp exterior and soft interior. Traditionally served toasted with cream cheese a

Pastrami on Rye regional_speciality

A towering sandwich featuring thick-cut, cured, smoked, and steamed beef pastrami, often served hot on rye bread with mustard. It's a staple of classi

New York-style Cheesecake dessert

A dense, rich, and creamy cheesecake made with a heavy cream cheese base. Unlike lighter varieties, it often has a graham cracker crust and is baked s

Black and White Cookie snack

A soft, cake-like cookie frosted with vanilla icing on one half and chocolate icing on the other. It's a large, slightly domed treat that is uniquely

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Broadway Show Tickets (High-Demand Musicals like Hamilton, Wicked, Lion King) Attraction

Book 1-4 months in advance

The most popular shows frequently sell out, especially for prime weekend and holiday performances, and advance booking often secures better seats/prices.

High-Demand Fine Dining Reservations Dining

Book 1–3 months in advance

Top New York City restaurants often use reservation systems like Resy that release tables 30-90 days out, and these tables are booked instantly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Timed Entry Tickets for Popular Observation Decks (e.g., SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock) Attraction

Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

Timed tickets often sell out for popular slots, especially sunset and weekends, which are highly desired for the best views.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Special Exhibition Tickets Attraction

Book 1 week to 1.5 months in advance

While general museum admission is flexible, high-profile special exhibitions may require timed entry tickets that sell out days or weeks ahead, especially on weekends.

Fun Facts

1. The Empire State Building is so massive that it has its own unique ZIP Code: 10118.
2. Pinball was once banned in New York City, before being legalized again in 1976 after an exhibition showing it was a game of skill, not chance.
3. Prior to being named Times Square in 1904, the bustling area was known as Longacre Square.
4. New York City boasts over 520 miles of coastline, which is longer than the coastlines of Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco combined.

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