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New York travel guide

Austin Mayer -
Last Updated: July 9, 2025

Overview:

New York City is bursting with bucket list experiences. The most famous would easily be the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, but there are plenty of other must-see spots across the city. In my opinion, top sights include Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the museums along Museum Mile. Whether you’re into history, food, or just soaking up the energy of the city, New York has something for everyone. Keep reading for everything you need to know before your trip!

Quick Facts About New York:

Language

English (with over 800 languages spoken citywide!)

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Visa

ESTA or visa required for most visitors (check requirements beforehand)

Power Plugs

Type A / B (120V)

Religion

Capital

Climate

Humid subtropical hot summers, cold winters. Best months: April-June & Sept-Oct

Apps

Uber, Lyft, Citymapper, MyMTA (for subway/bus schedules)

Flights Information for New York:

As a visitor, you’ll likely fly into one of three major airports:

  • John F. Kennedy (JFK): The busiest for international flights
  • Newark Liberty (EWR): Another major international hub (technically in New Jersey but close to NYC)
  • LaGuardia (LGA): Mostly domestic flights, with some connections to Canada

Smaller airports like Westchester County (HPN) or Long Island MacArthur (ISP) are options if you’re staying outside the city. You can compare flights to NYC on Skyscanner or Google Flights.
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Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting New York:

New York is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Even so, I’d recommend keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places like the subway or Times Square. Pickpocketing can happen. The other thing to note is that while violent crime is relatively low in tourist zones, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings at night, especially in less busy areas.

Climate

New York has four distinct seasons:

  • Summer (June-Aug): Hot and humid, often above 85°F (30°C)
  • Fall (Sept-Nov): Mild and pleasant, great for walking around
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold, with temperatures often below freezing (snow is common)
  • Spring (March-May): Unpredictable but usually comfortable

I visited in October, and the weather was perfect: cool mornings and warm afternoons, ideal for exploring.

Budget

New York is not a budget-friendly destination, especially compared to places like Southeast Asia or even parts of Europe. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Hostels: Approx $50-$100 per night for a dorm bed
  • Hotels: Approx $150-$300+ for a basic room (prices skyrocket in prime areas)
  • Food: Approx $5-$10 for street food Approx, $15-$30 for a casual restaurant meal
  • Transport: Subway is Approx $2.90 per ride (unlimited MetroCards available)

Your money won’t go as far here as in other cities, but there are ways to save, like eating at food trucks or using public transit instead of taxis.

Other Things You Must Know:

  • Tipping is expected: 15-20% at restaurants, Approx $1-$2 per drink at bars
  • Subway is 24/7: But service ch99 anges often check the MTA app for updates
  • Walk fast or move aside: New Yorkers don’t appreciate slow walkers blocking sidewalks
  • Broadway shows: Book tickets in advance or try the TKTS booth for same-day discounts
  • Free attractions: Staten Island Ferry, Central Park, public libraries, and some museum pay-what-you-wish days

New York can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, it’s one of the most exciting cities in the world. Enjoy your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin Mayer

Editor in Chief & General Manager

Austin Mayer covers flights and airfare for Travel and Diaries. He writes the site's guides on airline routes, booking timing, stopover strategy, and getting the most out of long-haul economy - with a particular focus on connections between South Asia, the Gulf, and long- haul destinations. Austin's articles track real route networks and fare patterns rather than recycled booking myths: when he recommends a connection through Doha or Dubai, it's because the schedules and prices actually support it. Off the page, he supports the Travel and Diaries flight desk, which helps readers turn his advice into booked tickets.

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