How to Create the Perfect Itinerary
Planning your first trip to New York can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance it becomes part of the excitement. The city may be expensive, yet it’s full of unforgettable free experiences—from iconic parks to vibrant neighborhoods bursting with character. This guide will help you plan smart, save money, and experience the true magic of the Big Apple with confidence and ease. ✨🗽
Where to Stay
While staying outside Manhattan can be cheaper, I recommend choosing a hotel close to main attractions and well-connected by public transport. Book in advance and consider the season. Here are some neighborhoods with lower hotel prices compared to Manhattan:
- Long Island City (Queens): Just a short ride to Manhattan with excellent subway connections.
- Williamsburg (Brooklyn): Great base for exploring both Brooklyn and Manhattan via multiple subway lines.
- Astoria (Queens): Lively, diverse, and famous for international cuisine—a residential area with a vibrant food scene.
- Harlem (Manhattan): Rich in culture, history, jazz, and soul food. Still relatively affordable compared to other Manhattan areas.
- Greenpoint (Brooklyn): Peaceful, less touristy, and often lower accommodation prices.
- Downtown Brooklyn: Lively, evolving, with great transport links and plenty of hotel options.
Transportation: Get Around Like a True New Yorker!
SUBWAY: To navigate NYC, I recommend using the subway lines that connect the boroughs. They operate 24/7, although you may experience longer wait times during the late hours. If you’re planning to explore areas beyond Manhattan, like the beautiful Long Island, driving could be a good option. However, keep in mind that New York is famous for its heavy traffic, and spending hours stuck in it could ruin your trip. Instead, experiencing the city on foot and using public transportation is an ongoing adventure. Each subway stop takes you to a new world, ensuring that your exploration of New York is always exciting and never monotonous.
Currently, the New York subway system has 25 lines, but during a typical tourist visit, you’ll likely use only a few of them. Understanding the subway isn’t as hard as it seems. Download a PDF map to your phone from this link for up-to-date information: https://new.mta.info/maps.
Each subway line is identified by a number (or letter) and a color. The color groups lines into logical categories, but the line is identified by its number or letter, which indicates the specific route the train follows from start to end.
You can purchase a MetroCard at ticket machines; the card itself costs $1, and you’ll need to load it with a minimum of about $6 for use. There are also various subscription options, with a 7-day pass costing around $34.
An alternative to the MetroCard is OMNY, a contactless payment method that doesn’t require a physical card or ticket. Simply tap a credit, debit, or prepaid card, or use your smartphone or smartwatch on the devices at subway turnstiles, and the fare will be automatically deducted from your account: https://omny.info/
TRAINS: In the New York City subway system, there are two types of trains: “local” and “express.” To avoid confusion, it’s essential to understand the difference.
Local Trains: Stop at every station along their route.
Express Trains: Stop only at specific stations marked with a white dot on the map. These trains are primarily express in the heart of Manhattan (the tourist area), becoming local as they move toward the outer boroughs to better serve residential areas.
Foods You Absolutely Must Try
New York has a delicious selection, and the food is divine. I recommend trying a typical breakfast with a bagel, cream cheese, and smoked salmon. Don’t forget to grab a hot dog from one of the many kiosks scattered around the streets, and enjoy a soft, salty pretzel. For dessert, visit one of the famous bakeries for a creamy cheesecake.
Wherever you are in New York, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. The ones below are just some of the better-known chains where I’ve really enjoyed the food, but I don’t need to list them all—there are countless starred, international, and diverse restaurants for every palate.
Recommended places:
