Do you dream of discovering New York but have never set foot in the famous American metropolis? Hang on: this article provides you with all the essential tips to explore the city that never sleeps without missing any of the must-see attractions. Enjoy tips, great food addresses, major sites to explore, iconic neighborhoods, and even quirky spots that make Big Apple vibrate at any hour.
First steps in New York: the initial immersion
Upon your arrival in New York, you will be swept away by an electric atmosphere: yellow taxis weave through traffic, honks echo, and bright signs compete for attention around Times Square and Broadway. Everything is big, noisy, colorful — here, life accelerates. Before setting off on your adventure, check the options to reach downtown Manhattan from JFK Airport: the AirTrain combined with the subway or Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will get you to the heart of the city quickly and cheaply, for under $20. More traditionally, a taxi offers a flat fare to Manhattan (expect around $70).
Also check out this practical guide on New York to prepare for your New York adventure.
Avenue of dreams: Broadway and Times Square
You can’t miss the unique thrill of Broadway: mythical theaters, musicals like Hamilton, Moulin Rouge, or Cabaret await you. Meanwhile, Times Square floods the senses with light as giant billboards compete for your gaze. Step into the magic of New York’s spectacle, and stroll with the wind in your hair among food trucks offering hot dogs, pretzels, and other local treats.
To select the shows you can’t miss, explore the collection of shows on this dedicated page; the best seats sell out fast, so plan ahead!
Classics: Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty & Central Park
When you think of New York, you think of symbols! Treat yourself to a breathtaking view from the Empire State Building or be tempted by the modern experience of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: overlook the city from over 300 meters high, walking on glass walkways perched 1000 feet above Madison Avenue.
Also unmissable: the Statue of Liberty, guardian of the New York harbor. Travel tip: with a CITYPASS or Go City, save on entry to major attractions and spend the rest of your budget tasting the city’s thousand flavors.
For a nature break, get lost in Central Park! The park features a zoo, open-air theaters, artificial lakes, and even carriage rides. A trip to Strawberry Fields is a must, a peaceful tribute to John Lennon.
Wandering through iconic neighborhoods
Explore Greenwich Village to find the iconic facade from the series “Friends” and let yourself be carried to Hudson Yards, a trendy paradise of shopping and gastronomy, dominated by the Vessel, an iconic architectural artwork.
Set off on an adventure across the Brooklyn Bridge, the world’s first steel suspension bridge, where views of Manhattan and Brooklyn are simply unforgettable. To extend the experience, visit St. Paul’s Chapel, the oldest preserved church in New York, built even before American independence.
For more inspiration on neighborhoods to explore, follow the recommendations in this article: Discovering New York.
Cultural break: museums, history, and remembrance
Art lovers will find happiness at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), at the MoMA, or even at the Guggenheim. For an original approach, the Museum of Art and Design (MAD) often features quirky exhibitions — during our last visit, Barbie® posed in a kitschy and vintage retrospective.
Prepare for an emotional experience at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a place of tribute steeped in reverence. Plan for a guided tour to benefit from poignant stories and a true immersion in contemporary American history.
To organize your cultural visits smoothly, consult this bilingual guide to New York.
Where to eat well in New York: from diners to starred restaurants
When it comes to food, the city satisfies all palates! Head to Little Italy for pizza at Rubirosa, to the legendary Waverly Diner for an American-style breakfast in faux leather booths, or indulge in the starred tacos at the Maya restaurant in the Upper East Side. Treat yourself to a high-end Mexican brunch on weekends and let New York’s conviviality take over.
Want to discover more great addresses? Check out this Hudson travel project to prepare your culinary and cultural experiences in New York.
Harlem: music, culture, and renaissance
In terms of culture, Harlem shows the authentic face of the city: the cradle of the African American artistic Renaissance, this neighborhood resonates with the powerful voices of gospel. Discover the secrets of the legendary Apollo Theatre, St. John the Divine Cathedral, or the small neighborhood churches where songs rise on Sunday mornings.
A guided tour in Harlem is a dive into New York’s musical memory, a must-do!
Sleeping in the heart of Manhattan: addresses and good tips
To fully enjoy your stay, choose a strategically located hotel. The Crowne Plaza Hudson Yards offers an ideal location near Madison Square Garden and Hudson Yards: modern rooms, a gym, a signature restaurant, and a spacious beer garden to unwind after your urban escapades. Looking for a quirky experience? The Hard Rock Hotel, located on Times Square, immerses you in an exclusive rock’n’roll atmosphere, with music memorabilia and high-end service.
You can also look for other accommodations by checking out this selection of hotels in Manhattan.
Final practical tips to enjoy the best of the Big Apple
City trip enthusiasts will be tempted by the sightseeing buses that traverse all neighborhoods and unveil the hidden corners of the metropolis. Don’t hesitate to purchase a New York CityPASS to save on museums and must-see sites. Finally, let yourself be carried away; the spectacle of the city performs at every corner, 24/7: in New York, life is a movie, and you are the hero!
