Why Go to New York City
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
New York City is fast, crowded, endlessly exciting and always changing. Amid its famous skyline and landmarks, every neighborhood has its own personality. Explore indie shops, bakeries and coffee spots in the East Village and Brooklyn, shop the flagship stores on Fifth Avenue, see masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA, catch a Broadway show and dine at the restaurant everyone's talking about.
As the largest city in the U.S. and a leader in food, fashion and the arts, NYC takes some energy, but don't let that intimidate you. See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, stand in the glow of Times Square at night, stroll Central Park and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, take in the view from the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock or Summit One Vanderbilt, and walk the High Line. Then wander, because some of the best New York moments happen when you simply explore a neighborhood.
New York is also a major cruise port. With so much to see, a smart plan makes all the difference. I'll choose the right neighborhood, book Broadway tickets and attraction passes and build days that flow.
BEST FOR
Theater lovers, foodies, art fans, families and urban explorers
BEST MONTHS
April to June and September to early November
EXPLORE
Midtown holds Broadway and major landmarks; Lower Manhattan has historic sites; Brooklyn offers varied neighborhoods, while Central Park divides the Upper East and West Sides.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
New York City
North America › Northeast › USA › New York
Iconic skylines, Broadway lights and a world of food in the city that never sleeps.
Shopping
Theatre
Museums
Skyline
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Ride the free Staten Island Ferry at sunset for postcard views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Rent a bike or a rowboat at the Loeb Boathouse for a fun way to explore.
Central Park
Manhattan's 843-acre backyard is filled with meadows, lakes, bridges and famous spots like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields.
Head to the rooftop garden in warmer months for drinks with Central Park views.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's greatest art museums, with masterpieces spanning 5,000 years, from Egyptian temples to European paintings.
Buy tickets only from the official ferry operator, and book pedestal or crown access well in advance.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Take the ferry to Lady Liberty and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, where millions of immigrants first arrived in America.
The memorial pools are free, but book museum tickets ahead and allow at least two hours.
9/11 Memorial and Museum
A moving tribute to the lives lost on September 11, with twin reflecting pools and a powerful underground museum.
Visit late at night when the crowds thin and the city lights sparkle.
Empire State Building
The Art Deco icon offers views from its 86th and 102nd floor observatories, along with exhibits about its history.
A legendary landmark on Central Park South, with elegant rooms, the famous Palm Court and Fifth Avenue at the door.
The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Midtown / Central Park South
City
A Beaux-Arts icon on Fifth Avenue known for its butler service, King Cole Bar and timeless elegance.
The St. Regis New York
Midtown / Fifth Avenue
City
A sleek luxury hotel near Carnegie Hall, with spacious rooms, a spa and Central Park nearby.
Park Hyatt New York
Midtown / West 57th Street
City
A boutique hotel in a restored 1880s building downtown, famous for its stunning Victorian atrium.
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel
Lower Manhattan / Financial District
City · Boutique
A refined Fifth Avenue hotel with a celebrated spa, elegant rooms and impeccable service.
The Peninsula New York
Midtown / Fifth Avenue
City
A downtown boutique hotel with loft-style rooms, city views and a buzzing lobby restaurant.
The Ludlow Hotel
Lower East Side
Boutique · City
A colorful Firmdale boutique hotel steps from Fifth Avenue and Central Park.
The Whitby Hotel
Midtown / near Central Park
Boutique · City
Compact, high-tech rooms and a rooftop bar right in the theater district, a smart value pick.
citizenM New York Times Square
Times Square
Value · City
A big, family-friendly hotel in the heart of Times Square with a revolving rooftop restaurant.
New York Marriott Marquis
Times Square
Family · City
Small but stylish rooms, great rooftop views and an easy downtown base at a good price.
Arlo SoHo
SoHo / Hudson Square
Value · Boutique · City
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in New York City
High 54°F · Low 42°F · Rain 3.6 in
The New York City Marathon and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade highlight November.
The best times to visit New York City are April through June and September through early November, when the weather is pleasant for walking. Summer is hot and humid but filled with outdoor events, while the holiday season is magical but busy and expensive. January and February bring cold weather but lower rates.
Best Times to Visit New York City
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
New York is one of the world's great food cities, with everything from classic delis and dollar slices to Michelin-starred restaurants and every global cuisine imaginable.
- Classic bites: Grab a bagel with lox, a pastrami sandwich and a slice of New York pizza.
- Neighborhood eats: Explore Chinatown, Little Italy and Koreatown for authentic flavors.
- Must-try: New York cheesecake, a black-and-white cookie, a hot dog from a street cart and a classic Manhattan cocktail.
06
Walking & Citi Bike
Manhattan's grid is easy to navigate on foot, and Citi Bike stations are found throughout the city.
05
Ferries
NYC Ferry routes connect Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, and the free Staten Island Ferry is a scenic ride.
04
Taxis & Rideshares
Yellow taxis can be hailed on the street, and rideshares are widely available throughout the city.
03
Buses
City buses cover every borough and are great for crosstown trips. Use the same tap-to-pay system as the subway.
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Subway
The subway runs 24 hours a day and reaches nearly every neighborhood. Tap a contactless card or phone to ride.
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Flying In
New York is served by three major airports: JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) in Queens and Newark (EWR) in New Jersey. Trains, taxis and rideshares connect all three to Manhattan.
Most visitors fly into JFK, LaGuardia or Newark and take a train, taxi or rideshare into the city. Once you're here, the 24-hour subway, buses and ferries make it easy to get around. Skip the car: traffic is heavy, parking is expensive, and a congestion toll applies when driving into Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
Getting Around New York City
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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