I don’t even know how to describe this amazing city that never sleeps! No matter if it is your first time there or if you are a “frequent flier”, New York has it all! From the stunning views from the many skylines, to the relaxing vibes of Central Park, incredible restaurants and unique neighborhoods. No matter if you are from a small town or from a great city, New York always surprises! So, after our research and spending 5 amazing days in city that never sleeps, here are the best places to go in New York. Let’s explore and get lost!

What to Expect

Language: English of course is the primary language, but New York’s diverse population means many other languages are commonly heard on the streets. Basic English is sufficient for traveling, but learning a few local phrases, like “How much?” or “Where is…?”, can enhance interactions.

Currency: American Dollars

Credit cards and Money:  Most places accept all credit cards ( Visa, Mastercard and American Express). ATM machines are easy to find. Your bank may charge you a nominal fee for the service so check with your bank before traveling. 

Climate: New York experiences all four seasons distinctly. Winters (December to February) can be cold and snowy, while summers (June to August) are hot and humid. Spring and autumn are mild and generally the most pleasant times to visit. Pack accordingly, with layers being essential for the fluctuating day-to-night temperatures.

Winter (November to March – winter here is longer!) : the temperatures can drop to below -10 Celsius. With the wind it makes it even colder (winter jacket and boots for sure!).

Spring and fall (April-June/September-October): Temperature a bit better, but I would still have a jacket (spring/ fall jacket). Better to wear  layers.

Summer (July-August): Mostly hot. 

I always have the forecast on my phone, it can change very fast! Check the forecast for New York!

Best time to go: The ideal times to visit New York City are during the shoulder seasons, from April to June and September to early November. These periods offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and the vibrant colors of spring and fall. The city is also alive with events like the Tribeca Film Festival in spring and the New York Film Festival in fall.  All seasons have their beauty! The first flakes of snow in the winter still makes me smile! The spring is an explosion of life, and fall is stunning with the leaves changing color. Avoid: Long weekends.

Plug and Electricity: The standard voltage is 110-120V with a frequency of 60 Hz. Outlets fit two-prong and, less frequently, three-prong plugs (Type A and B), same as Canada, for travelers from other countries I recommend buying a universal adapter. Travelers from countries with higher voltage standards will need a voltage converter or transformer.

WiFi and Connectivity: WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public areas like parks and libraries. Mobile data is also readily accessible with good coverage. For longer stays, consider purchasing a local SIM card for better rates on data and calls.

Safety Tips: New York is generally safe, but like any major city, it has areas that are best avoided late at night or when alone. Stay alert in crowded tourist spots to avoid pickpockets. The local emergency number is 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

Getting Around

Neighborhoods and Transportation

Neighborhoods: First of all, having google maps on your phone is invaluable, make sure you have enough battery, if you have the app on most of the time your battery will run low very fast, so I would suggest getting a portable charger, or use one phone for maps and one for pictures (if you are a couple). Follow our map so you can get the best of the city. 

Transportation: New York’s public transportation system is extensive, including subways, buses, and trains, making it easy to get around without a car. The MetroCard is used for buses and subways, with options for reloadable cards. Taxis are everywhere, and apps like Uber and Lyft are widely used. For a unique local experience, try the Citi Bike rental program. The MTA and Google Maps apps are invaluable for real-time navigation. Your feet are always a good option!!!

Where to Stay

New York is not a cheap place to visit, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Hotels from our research on best reviews:

Luxury Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

A lot of people opt to stay in New Jersey, as it is a bit more affordable. Just keep in mind the time you will spend in transportation. If you don’t mind, that might be a good option.

Pro tip: When in a big city like New York, you are probably not going to stay in the hotel long hours, so I suggest you pick something that is close to everything. So all you need is a comfortable and clean room. Splurge if you have nave no budget restrictions!

Where to Eat

This is a very hard one, but here are some of our favorites:

Pastis: Near Chelsea Market, French bistro style that serves from breakfast to dinner. We loved it so much that we went for breakfast and returned for lunch. www.pastisnyc.com/

Carbone: Italian style restaurant inspired by the 1950’s, amazing food and service. Make sure you make reservations one month in advance! www.carbonenewyork.com/

Balthazar: Another French bistro style, always packed, we also recommend making reservations one month in advance. https://balthazarny.com/

La Parisienne: Small local bistro, very friendly staff, we went there for brunch;  try their French toast!  Make sure you register your name on the waiting list at the entrance of the bistro. https://www.laparisiennenyc.com/

Eataly: No brainer! You can find anything Italian here, from the market to dine in experience! https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-downtown

The Smith: Casual American brasserie, there are a few in NY. Their burrata  was amazing! I was “light that day”. https://thesmithrestaurant.com/

Time Out Market: Close to the Brooklyn Bridge. An array of booths with different styles sampling the variety of restaurants around NYC. https://www.timeoutmarket.com/newyork/

Chelsea Market: Where local bakeries, candy shops and restaurateurs come together. https://www.chelseamarket.com/chelsea-local

Sadelle’s: In the heart of Soho, a bakery that offers an all day dining experience. https://www.sadelles.com/

Ellen’s Stardust Diner: 1950 style Retro diner, with singing servers, does not accept reservations, so be ready to wait in line for a table. Popular with adults and kids, featured on movies, American Idol and Today Show. https://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/

Pro tip: A lot of the amazing restaurants in NY will start reservations a month before. So as soon as you have your favorites I highly recommend to make the reservation. Some may charge you a reservation fee that will be reimbursed on your bill. Make sure your reservations don’t overlap, and enjoy the experience!

Central Park

Central Park in Manhattan is an oasis nestled in the middle of skyscrapers  featuring meadows, hills, and lakes. It houses attractions like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, a zoo, and the hidden Conservatory Garden. Ideal for families, art lovers, and nature enthusiasts, the park offers theatrical performances,  and numerous recreational activities. Sit on top of the many hills for a great view of the city. A great way to see the whole dimension of the park (and city) is to take a helicopter ride. 

Grand Central Station

This Beaux Arts historic Midtown Manhattan train station opened to the public in1913, and still is a hub for shops, restaurants and of course subway stations. From there you can access many areas of this iconic city. Right beside is The Summit at One Vanderbilt. There is also a great cafe on one of the balconies with a view of the interior of the station. Cipriani Dolci

Summit at One Vanderbilt

Summit at One Vanderbilt makes you feel like you are in the middle of a “Matrix” movie, don’t forget to enjoy each section in full, because it is a one way experience, you cannot go back to the start. Every experience is unique, so enjoy! We suggest going at sunset, so time yourself  depending on the time of the year. 

Rockefeller Center

Wander around this Iconic area, walk into the many stores around it, if you are there during winter and Christmas time , why not try to skate around the famous rink? Or you can visit the Top of the Rock.

St Patrick Cathedral

Walk into this Neo-Gothic Style Roman Catholic church on 5th Avenue and enjoy the great architecture. For more info on mass and sacraments visit https://saintpatrickscathedral.org/

Empire State Building

This modernist Art Deco design building built in 1931 was the tallest building in the world until 1971. It is still one of the most visited buildings in the world with 102 floors. Explore the Empire State Building by going up to their Observation deck.

Time Square

One of the most iconic areas of New York, where the ball drops on New Year Eve and the billboard lights are overwhelming. It’s worth the visit if it is your first time in NY. It’s also the hub of the Broadway Theater District. Enjoy one of the many Musicals on Broadway.

Chelsea Market and Neighborhood

Located in the heart of the Meatpacking district. Great area to go for a walk, eat or browse around. The market can get a little crowded on the weekends so go early or during the week. Great architecture, this place is awesome! One of our top five. Chelsea Market

Highline

Amazing 2 kilometers elevated old freight rail line transformed into a park. Another one of our favorites, combine with the visit to Chelsea Market and walk to the Vessel (reopens end of 2024) at Hudson Yards. At the end of the Highline walk you can also find the Edge.

The Edge

Take a 360o. View of NYC, and build up the courage to step into the glass floor at the Edge. Also experience the champagne bar.

Brooklyn Bridge

Cross the Brooklyn bridge for an amazing view of NYC. My suggestion is to take the ferry to Brooklyn, explore the area , walk to the DUMBO, and go for a meal in the Time Out Market or one of the many restaurants in the area. Walk  back to Manhattan on the Brooklyn bridge, and check out the gardens of the City Hall.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

An amazing display of respect for the fallen and survivors of the 9/11/2001 attack and 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. If you are old enough you can all remember where you were and what you were doing when it all happened. It is worth visiting the museum! I recommend that you book your entry online in advance especially if you are going in the high season. 

Oculus

An interesting architectural modern building, a way of representing hope and rebirth , home of dozens of retail stores, 12 subway lines and the World trade Center PATH. You can access the 9/11 Memorial and Museum walking through the hall and out to the park. Oculus.

Wall Street/Financial District

In lower Manhattan, famous for its Stock Exchange Building, Federal Hall National Memorial, Trinity Church, The Stone Street and The Charging bull.

Soho

A blend of high end shopping with an artistic vibe, known for its cast iron architecture and  unique loft buildings. Great way to explore lower Manhattan. The main Street in Soho is Broadway, between West Houston St. and Canal St.

Chinatown

Where you can immerse yourself into the Chinese immigrant culture. Great place for bargain shopping, exploring the Asian culinary and way of living.

Statue of Liberty

Located at Liberty Island, Statue of liberty is a  neoclassical sculpture, a gift from the people of France.  Since it is on an Island there are a few ways to access it. You can take one of the many tours to visit the Statue. Or you can take the free Staten Island Ferry on the Whitehall Ferry Terminal (also known as South Ferry) in Manhattan. 

The Staten Island ferry gives you a view of the Statue, the best place to be is the right side of the ferry going and the left side coming back.

American Museum of Natural History

On the Upper west side of NY and west of Central Park, established in 1869, The American Museum of Natural History has a collection of historical dimensions, such as the specimens collected by Charles Darwin, and taxonomic samples of animals and plants mimicking their original habitat. Not to mention the collection of fossils from the Jurassic era. It was featured in “The Night of the Museum” movie. Get your tickets in advance to avoid line-ups.

MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, established in 1929, boasts a vast collection of nearly 200,000 works spanning the last 150 years. Highlighting American and European art across various mediums—including painting, sculpture, and film—MoMA is a global leader in modern art. Its extensive library and archives serve as a crucial resource for art scholars and enthusiasts alike. I suggest you reserve your tickets, especially if you go during the high season.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City displays a vast array of global art spanning over 5,000 years at two iconic sites: The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. It boasts world-class collections of European and American art and actively connects historical and contemporary cultures through its online presence.

Our Experience:

We stayed a total of 5 days, counting arrival and departure days. Here is what we did, what we would do again, and what we would like to have done.

Plan to arrive early in the morning so you have the whole day to enjoy!

Day 1

Most hotels will store your luggage before check in time, so take advantage and drop your bags at your hotel as soon as you arrive. We arrived in Newark Airport and took a cab from there. Check how long it will take you to go from the Airport and the fastest/ cheapest way to get there. We opted for the fastest…(at the time of arrival a taxi from the airport). Check flights to New York from your destination, make sure the connection flights are from the same airport.

NYC has great public transportation. It may not be the cleanest but it is effective and fast. Check out how to use public transportation in NY.

Our first stop was at the MOMA, we did not have time to explore it for too long and would like to have stayed longer.  Fabio had made reservations for the Fogo de Chao Restaurant, a Brazilian style barbecue that is right across from it. We were starving and it was a great option. I would have preferred to experience a more new yorker kind of restaurant, but it’s his trip too!

After all that banquet, we had to go for a walk! And we were at the right place!

We wandered around the streets of NY, St Patrick Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, visited FAO Schwarz for the eternal kid that lives in me!  And the many other stores that are in the area. Stopped in Time Square to be overwhelmed with lights, and Broadway. Ah! We stopped at Krispy Kreme for a coffee and doughnut. (which I regretted, don’t misunderstand me, I love Krispy Kreme but I can have that in Toronto too) there are so many other options around it was  still fun to see the doughnuts being done though! 

Walking to Grand Central Station, it is well worth the visit! We had a reservation to go up on the Summit at One Vanderbilt, at sunset. Which I highly recommend! That was one the best experiences we’ve had. 

Have dinner in one of the many cafes and bars around the area.

By this time we were exhausted!

Day 2

Breakfast at La Parisienne, lovely bistro!

 Walking distance to Oculus, 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Initially we were not going to visit the Museum, but it was raining and cold, so we decided to go in. We did not regret it! Even though we got our tickets there and there was no waiting, I would still buy in advance, especially if you go during the high season.

From there, we walked to Wall Street, passing by Trinity Park and Church, The Stock Exchange and the famous Charging Bull, that it was so full of people that I did not take a picture,

 The idea was to take the ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty, but it was raining and we decided to do that another day. So we walked to Soho passing by City Hall Park, Thomas Paine Park, New York County Courthouse, Walked a bit through Chinatown and finally Soho. Where we had an amazing dinner at Balthazar.

Day 3

Breakfast at a deli place near the Stock Exchange. We took the ferry to DUMBO.  Take the South Brooklyn ferry (yellow line) from Pier 11/ Wall Street in Manhattan to DUMBO, (https://www.ferry.nyc/). It has a nice view of the city and bridge from a different perspective.

 Take a walk on Brooklyn bridge Park. Back towards DUMBO, and walk around the area. We went to the rooftop of Time Out Market for another great view of the region. You can enjoy all day dining there, we had lunch, we each picked our favorites. The rooftop also has a bar and live music on the Thursday-Saturday evening. Check the events here (https://www.timeoutmarket.com/newyork/).

Walking back to Manhattan on the Brooklyn bridge is a must! (Unless it is super cold, then just walk to the first pillar!)

We decided to take the Staten Island ferry to take a peak on the Statue of Liberty. Of course we walked on the wrong side of the ferry and saw nothing!!! So go to the right side of the ferry going and the left side coming back, that is where you will get the best view of the Statue and the city. We had to wait 30 min on the other side to come back on the next ferry. It Was a beautiful day and the ferry was free, so it was very full. To be honest, I am not sure it is worth it. Maybe next time I will try a guided tour. But, for our first time it was ok… Check the hours, you are leaving The Whitehall Terminal from Manhattan (that is South Manhattan, so plan to go there when you are on the Brooklyn bridge or Wall Street area (https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/siferryschedule.shtml). 

After that we took the subway to Central Park and relaxed a bit! By then it was sunset already, and it was great to have the view of the skyscrapers from this beautiful park! 

Dinner and drinks we walked to The Smith on Lincoln Square (there are other locations too, and it’s a great option)! Great finish to our evening!

Day 4

Day to enjoy Chelsea Market, Highline and region.

We started with an amazing breakfast at Pastis, very friendly staff and amazing ambiance, we felt like New Yorkers! We went to Chelsea market, just a few steps from Pastis and enjoyed all the food markets and stores, not to mention the great stripped down brick architecture. From there take a walk on the Highline, an old train track transformed into a park. There are some amazing apartment buildings on the way. I wish I could live in one of those…The track finishes at the Vessel, another beautiful architectural structure. We could’ve continued on that walk to Central Park, which we did later on, or go up on The Edge Observation deck (highly recommended), that can be seen from the Highline and Vessel (reopens end of 2024). But, instead we went back and had lunch on Pastis again!

That’s when I regretted saying to Fabio that we could walk to Central Park again, because this time he decided to walk on the streets, and in my opinion was not in a great area. We should have walked on the Hudson River Park which was my suggestion , because apparently it is much nicer!  So listen to me and when you go do the river boardwalk!

When we finally arrived in Central Park, We simply crashed on the grass!!! And a little walk after…

After walking 18 km that night, we only had a New York Pizza slice near our hotel! Rested a bit, and some ice cream on Eataly (there are also other locations in NY), which was also close to our hotel.

Day 5

Last day!!! Breakfast at Eataly! Headed to the American Museum of Natural History, and enjoyed our morning exploring the museum. We had reservations at the famous Carbone (I reserved 1 month before!!! And had to pay a fee for reservation!) all well worth it, amazing food and again great staff, felt like we were in NYC in the 50’s.

Unfortunately it was time to go back to the hotel and head to the Airport. (It took us 45 min to Newark because it was rush hour) so plan wisely your flight time! Of course Fabio had to be at the airport 3 hours before our flight, but that is a different story… 

Conclusion: You can live your lifetime in NYC and you will always have something new to discover. So take your time and enjoy one thing at a time.

Here are our top 5:

1. Summit at One Vanderbilt
2. Central Park
3. Chelsea and Highline
4. Brooklyn Bridge and Surrounding
5. 9/11 Museum and Memorial

Restaurants top 5

1. Balthazar
2. Pastis
3. Carbone
4. The Smith
5. La Parisienne

Wardrobe capsule Spring

5 tops

2 dresses

3 bottoms

3 layers

2 shoes