How to Create the Perfect Itinerary
It’s time to prepare for your dream trip to New York, and the questions are starting to pile up: where should you begin? What are the best neighborhoods to stay in? How much will you need to budget? The variety of experiences in the Big Apple can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning, you’ll feel more prepared and confident before you set off.
New York is certainly an expensive city, but don’t let that deter you. With the right strategies, you’ll find plenty of free activities that can enrich your experience. From strolling through iconic parks like Central Park and the High Line to visiting museums on free admission days, there are numerous options. And, of course, don’t forget to explore the charming neighborhoods that offer a myriad of unique attractions and atmospheres. Read the post about district!
This guide will help you plan every detail of your first trip to New York, optimizing your time and budget to make your experience truly unforgettable. Make your list, book in advance, and be amazed by the magic of this destination!
Where to Stay
Choose and book your accommodation based on your needs (hotel, apartment, hostel). While it might be tempting to opt for a cheaper hotel located outside the center, I highly recommend selecting a place closer to the main attractions and well-connected by public transportation. My advice is to book well in advance and consider the seasonality. Below are some neighborhoods where you can find hotels at lower prices compared to Manhattan:
- Long Island City (Queens)
Located just a short distance from Manhattan, Long Island City is an excellent choice, especially because the neighborhood is well-connected to downtown via the subway. - Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
This area is a great base for exploring both Brooklyn and Manhattan, thanks to the numerous subway lines available. - Astoria (Queens)
It’s a lively and diverse neighborhood, known for its international cuisine and welcoming community. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a residential area with a vibrant food scene. - Harlem (Manhattan)
It offers a mix of culture, history, and nightlife. Although prices have increased in recent years, it’s still possible to find relatively affordable accommodations compared to other parts of Manhattan. Harlem is famous for its jazz music, soul food restaurants, and rich African American history. - Greenpoint (Brooklyn)
It’s a rapidly growing neighborhood with a peaceful atmosphere. It’s less touristy than other parts of Brooklyn, which can mean lower accommodation prices. - Downtown Brooklyn
It’s a lively and continually evolving area with good transportation links and a variety of accommodation 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.
Free Things to Do in New York
- Staten Island Ferry: This ferry connects Manhattan (South) – 4 Whitehall St – with Staten Island – St George Ferry/S62 – in approximately 25 minutes. Departures are every 20 to 30 minutes, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Statue of Liberty, Downtown Manhattan, Governor’s Island, and Brooklyn Heights, and yes, it’s free!
- Brooklyn Bridge: A must-see for every visitor! The walk takes about an hour; also consider time for photos at Dumbo – Manhattan Bridge View and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Sunset is the perfect time for incredible photos.
- Times Square and Broadway: The epitome of a NY holiday, where you can immerse yourself in the spectacular lights of the billboards, enjoy trendy restaurants, see street performances, and shop at iconic stores like Hershey’s Chocolate World.
- High Line: One of NY’s most unique parks, built on a disused elevated railway line, stretching through the Chelsea neighborhood and ending at Hudson Yards. It is open from 7am to 10pm in summer and from December to March until 8pm.
- Central Park: NY’s most famous green oasis, perfect for walks, picnics, and bike rides.
- Washington Square Park: A 5-minute walk from Greenwich Village, a historic and bohemian neighborhood with tree-lined streets and charming cafés. Known for its iconic archway, street performers, and fountains.
- Grand Central Terminal: Worth visiting not only because it’s the largest station in the world but also because it’s a historic landmark.
- The Oculus: Located in Lower Manhattan, this is both a station and a shopping center with several floors. It was a quiet spot for me to recharge my phone and enjoy an American coffee after exploring Tribeca, Soho, and Little Italy, which are just a few minutes’ walk away.
- New York Public Library: One of the largest libraries in the world with free admission.
- Brooklyn Brewery Tour: For beer lovers like me, Brooklyn Brewery offers free tours and craft beer samples on Sundays from 1pm to 6pm.
- Free Museums: Every Friday from 4pm to 8pm, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) offers free admission to its collections. Additionally, the Guggenheim Museum has a “pay what you wish” policy every Monday and Saturday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, allowing visitors to choose their own admission fee. Advance booking is required.
-This list may not always be perfectly up-to-date. Always check official websites before planning your visit-
One Ticket, Multiple Experiences
There are several options to optimize the cost of attractions in New York and get the most value from your stay. You can choose from various solutions that offer access to multiple attractions with a single pass.
Among the city’s must-see experiences, the scenic skylines are definitely on your list. I recommend visiting at least two of the major viewpoints to get a full view of New York’s skyscrapers.
On GetYourGuide, you will find various options for passes that cover these attractions. For example, the Go City Explorer Pass allows you to select a variable number of attractions, tours, and museums from about 90 available options. For five attractions, the cost is around $155.
Another alternative is the CityPass, which offers entry to five major attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Natural History Museum. You can choose from three additional options: Top of the Rock, the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the 9/11 Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, the Intrepid Museum, or the Circle Line sightseeing cruises, all for $134.
However, the ticket for Summit One Vanderbilt is generally purchased separately and is priced at around $45-50 per person, but the evening show is guaranteed.
Foods You Absolutely Must Try
One of my favorite activities when planning a trip?
1. Tasting the local food
2. Finding the restaurants with the most tempting menus
3. Going there without worrying about diet!
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:
Out-of-Town Trips: Coney Island and Long Island
If you have time and are looking for an out-of-town trip during the summertime, New York’s surroundings are wonderful. I’m in love with Long Island and its beaches.
Coney Island, with its iconic Wonder Wheel, Cyclone roller coaster, and charming sandy beaches, is perfect for a day of fun and relaxation. Don’t forget to try a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous!
For a quieter escape, head to Long Island. Its spectacular beaches, such as Jones Beach and Montauk, offer breathtaking ocean views and crystal-clear waters. Don’t miss a visit to the picturesque villages of the Hamptons, ideal for a stroll through chic boutiques and restaurants. Also, if you’re into wine tasting, Long Island is a great choice, with a variety of wineries and breweries offering unmissable food and wine experiences.
Best Time of Year: April to October is ideal because of the mild and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the city on foot and enjoying the parks. And then there’s the Christmas period, an absolutely magical experience! Imagine admiring the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, skating in Bank of America’s Winter Village, and strolling through the twinkling lights of Central Park. And these are just a few of the wonders because Christmas in New York is truly enchanting.
Free Time: Leave room for leisure and spontaneous exploration. Not everything has to be rigidly planned; sometimes the best experiences come unexpectedly. Also, don’t stress about finding the perfect photo spots, wearing uncomfortable clothes, or inappropriate shoes. New York is so dynamic and charming that you’ll find perfect photo opportunities around every corner.
There are so many experiences in New York, but I wouldn’t underestimate the value of an authentic and immersive experience, like attending a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. I’ve experienced both, and despite not being a sports fan, I had a great time, engrossed by the screens, the music, and the ‘waves’ created by the fans. Both stadiums offer spectacular views of the game, delicious food, and a unique energy. Whether you’re an passionate fan or just curious, a baseball game in New York is a must for every visitor.
