New York, NY

Best time to visit New York City

• Spring (March to May): New York’s streets are filled with cherry blossoms and magnolias, while temperatures are mild, making spring a great time to explore the city on foot.
• Summer (June to August): Summer brings hot weather and busier hotels, while outdoor concerts and events like SummerStage in Central Park mean the city is full of life.
• Fall (September to November): Fall is one of the best times to visit New York City. Mild temperatures continue through November, and the foliage is stunning.
• Winter (December to February): In December, the city goes all out with holiday decorations and winter activities, like the festive tree and ice rink at the Rockefeller Center. Hotels become quieter after the New Year.

How many days to spend in New York City

Allow around three to four days to see major landmarks, have a ride on a ferry and grab tickets to a musical or play on Broadway. Five days or more will give you time to dig into Manhattan’s picturesque neighborhoods, explore the outer boroughs and experience more of the city’s nightlife and entertainment.

The vibe of New York City

Fast-paced and ferociously cool, New York has long been a haven for tastemakers and trendsetters. You can sample the city’s multicultural heritage in its food or hear it in the more than 200 languages spoken on the streets. It’s a city of vibrant art, found everywhere from iconic museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or ‘the Met,’ as it’s known to locals) to colorful enclaves of street art. It’s a foodie haven, with famous eats ranging from dollar pizza slices to pastrami-on-rye sandwiches and lox bagels. And sport-loving New Yorkers root fiercely for their beloved teams: Yankees or the Mets (baseball), the Giants or the Jets (football) and the Knicks or the Nets (basketball).

What is New York City famous for?

From the Empire State Building in Midtown to the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, New York’s iconic landmarks and bustling streets may feel instantly familiar. From King Kong to Seinfeld, New York City has been featured in countless movies and TV shows. Take a guided movie tour to discover shooting locations from dozens of popular sitcoms, action movies and more. Millions have come to New York City in search of a better life, including immigrants from all over the world whose diverse cultural heritage shapes NYC to this day. Ellis Island alone welcomed over 12 million immigrants to America. Catch a ferry to explore this monument to the American Dream and see the city from the water.

Events in New York City

Holidays are a great time to catch an event in New York City. The New Year starts with the Times Square Ball Drop, followed by the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, the Village Halloween Parade (October), the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (November) and the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting (December). Celebrate immigrant communities at Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade (February) or the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy (September). For LGBTQ+ events, cap off Pride Month with the NYC Pride March or the quirky Coney Island Mermaid Parade (June). Sports fans will enjoy the NCAA Basketball’s Big East Conference (March) and the U.S. Open (late August to September).

Food in New York City

New York City has so many restaurants to choose from that it would take over 20 years to try them all. The wide-ranging dining scene features everything from Michelin-starred, multicourse tasting menus to beloved dollar pizza slices and halal carts. With a food scene this expansive, how do you choose? Hit up Chinatown, Koreatown or Flushing for incredible Asian food, or try the Lower East Side for long-running institutions such as Katz’s Delicatessen, as well as buzzy new restaurants. Food markets like Chelsea Market and Smorgasburg in Brooklyn and Manhattan make it easy to sample lots of different local favorites.

Nightlife in New York City

Nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps,” it’s no surprise that New York at night is as much fun as during the day. Times Square is the iconic heart of the Broadway musical and theater scene. Many shows offer “rush” tickets and other day-of deals, or you can catch a midnight movie or a live comedy show. Live music venues run the gamut from elegant Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to intimate open mics. Barhop the East Village or dance til dawn at a club in Greenwich Village or Hell’s Kitchen, the heart of New York’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

Shopping in New York City

Leave room in your suitcase, because New York is a shopping lover’s dream. Check out Midtown’s famous department stores for a taste of historic luxury, plus gorgeously decorated window displays during the holiday season. From kitschy souvenir shops off Canal Street to fine jewelry, SoHo has something for everyone. Major retailers cluster along Broadway, while the side streets feature smaller brands and luxury boutiques. Shops in Nolita and the Lower East Side mix funky fashion and accessories with curated vintage. Williamsburg and Greenpoint are havens for vintage treasures, quirky home goods and ethical brands. On weekends, check out the Chelsea and Brooklyn Flea markets for one-of-a-kind finds.