New York City Travel Guide
Feb 23 2026
The Manhattan skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park, my favourite view in the entire city
I'll be honest. I was intimidated by New York City before my first visit. The crowds, the prices, the sheer scale of everything. But after spending 10 days exploring every borough. I can tell you this: New York lives up to the hype, and you don't need a celebrity budget to experience the magic.
I spent three weeks researching, booking, and optimising this trip so you don't have to waste money on overpriced tourist traps. In this guide, I'll share exactly where I stayed, what I ate, which tours were worth every penny, and the travel gear that saved my sanity. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor, here's everything you need to know about visiting NYC.
Before I booked a single thing, I spent two weeks diving deep into:
Hotel reviews across Booking.com, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor (analysed 50+ properties)
Tour comparisons: I tested 8 different experiences to find the real gems
Local recommendations from NYC subreddits, food blogs, and friends who actually live there
Budget tracking: I documented every dollar spent to give you realistic cost expectations.
My goal was simple: experience the real New York, not just the Instagram version. That meant finding the best pizza slice in Brooklyn, not just the most photogenic one in Manhattan.
I earn a commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence my recommendations. I only share what I actually used and loved.
Where I Stayed: Best Hotels for Every Budget
Moxy NYC Times Square: Best Budget Pick with Style
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Times Square is chaotic, but staying nearby means you're never far from the action
Why I loved it: Most "budget" hotels in Manhattan feel like converted closets. The Moxy is different. For $180/night (in February), I got a compact but cleverly designed room with a rain shower, smart TV, and a rooftop bar with actual skyline views. The lobby feels like a social club, not a check-in desk.
Key details:
Price range: $160–$280/night (seasonal)
Location: 36th Street & 7th Avenue — 5-minute walk to Times Square, 2 blocks from Penn Station
Amenities: Rooftop bar, 24/7 fitness centre, co-working spaces
WiFi: Free and fast (I clocked 85 Mbps)
Who it's for: Solo travellers and couples who want style without the sticker shock. If you're planning to explore all day and just need a clean, cool place to crash, this is it.
What I liked: Oculus
The "Moxy" app lets you check in, unlock your room, and even order drinks to the rooftop. Free coffee in the lobby every morning (saved me $6/day)
The staff actually knows the city, they recommended a ramen spot that became my favorite meal.
What could be better:
Rooms are small (180 sq ft). Don't plan on hosting a party.
The rooftop bar gets crowded on weekends arrive before 6 PM for a seat.
My Tip: Book directly through their website for free late checkout. I got until 2 PM, which made my last day so much easier.
The Williamsburg Hotel: Best for Brooklyn Vibes
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If you want to experience the "real" New York away from the tourist chaos, stay in Brooklyn. I spent three nights at The Williamsburg Hotel and felt like a local within hours.
Why it stands out: This place oozes Brooklyn cool without trying too hard. The rooms have record players with curated vinyl, the restaurant serves legitimately great food (not just hotel food), and you're steps from the best bars and vintage shops in Williamsburg.
Key details:
Price range: $220–$380/night
Location: North 8th Street, Williamsburg
Best feature: The rooftop pool with Manhattan views
Who it's for: Travelers who prioritise neighbourhood vibes over tourist landmarks. The L train gets you to Manhattan in 15 minutes.
1 Hotel Central Park: Best Splurge for Special Occasions
I didn't stay here (my budget said no), but I toured it with a friend who was celebrating an anniversary. If you're honeymooning or just want to treat yourself, this is the spot.
Why it's worth it: Every detail is thoughtfully designed — reclaimed wood, living plant walls, filtered water stations on every floor. The location across from Central Park is unbeatable for morning jogs or evening strolls.
Key details:
Price range: $450–$750/night
Location: 58th Street & 6th Avenue
Standout feature: The rooftop bar has the best Central Park views in the city
Hotel Comparison Table
Hotel | Price/Night (Approx.) | Location | Best For | Rating |
Moxy NYC Times Square | $250–$400 | Midtown Manhattan | Budget travelers, first-timers | ⭐ 4.5 |
The Williamsburg Hotel | $350–$550 | Brooklyn | Local experience, couples | ⭐ 4.7 |
1 Hotel Central Park | $600–$900+ | Midtown West | Luxury seekers, special occasions | ⭐ 4.8 |
Pod 51 | $150–$250 | Midtown East | Solo travelers, hostel alternative | ⭐ 4.2 |
Arlo NoMad | $300–$500 | NoMad | Design lovers, rooftop fans | ⭐ 4.6 |
Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset: The Moment That Took My Breath Away
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset was the highlight of my entire trip
Cost: FREE
Time needed: 2 hours (including photos and Brooklyn exploration)
I started my walk from the Manhattan side at 5:30 PM in February, just as the golden hour was hitting. The bridge was crowded but not overwhelming. By the time I reached the Brooklyn side, the sky had turned that perfect pink-orange, and the Manhattan skyline was lighting up behind me.
My route:
Start at City Hall (Manhattan entrance)
Walk across the bridge (1.1 miles)
Explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)
Grab pizza at Juliana's or Grimaldi's
Walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park for the best skyline photos
Pro tip: The wooden walkway can be slippery. I wore my Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes and had zero issues. My friend in sneakers was sliding around.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Skip the Lines Strategy
The Statue of Liberty is touristy for a reason it's genuinely awe-inspiring up close
Book this tour: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Guided Tour. I paid $65 and it included pedestal access + skip-the-line ferry tickets.
Look, I almost skipped this because it felt too "touristy." I'm so glad I didn't. Standing at the feet of Lady Liberty, learning about the millions of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island hoping for a better life, it's powerful stuff.
Why the guided tour is worth it:
Our guide knew exactly when to arrive to avoid the worst crowds
The pedestal access meant we climbed to the top of the statue's base (amazing views)
The Ellis Island audio tour added context I would have missed
What to bring:
Water bottle (there are refill stations)
Comfortable walking shoes (you'll clock 8,000+ steps)
Layers — the ferry deck gets windy even in summer
🏷️ Current Deal: Viator is offering 15% off NYC tours with code NYC2025. Check availability →
Central Park: More Than Just a Walk in the Park
Central Park's Gapstow Bridge one of the most photographed spots in the park
The Mall in Central Park during fall - absolutely magical
Cost: FREE
Best time to visit: Early morning (7–9 AM) for peaceful walks
I spent three separate mornings in Central Park, and each time discovered something new.
My favourite route:
The "Movie Spots" Walking Route (2.5 miles):
Start at The Mall (the tree-lined promenade from every NYC movie)
Walk to Bethesda Terrace & Fountain (Gossip Girl fans, you know)
Cross Bow Bridge (gorgeous views of the lake)
Visit Belvedere Castle (free entry, great city views)
End at the Conservatory Garden (the only formal garden in the park)
Gear I used: My Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for the audio guide app, and my Peak Design Everyday Backpack for camera gear and snacks.
Where I Ate: From Dollar Slices to Fine Dining
Joe's Pizza: The Best $3.50 You'll Spend in NYC
Location: Multiple locations (I went to the Carmine Street spot in Greenwich Village)
This is the pizza place every local will tell you about, and they're right. The plain cheese slice is perfect — thin, foldable, with the ideal sauce-to-cheese ratio. I ate here three times in 10 days. No regrets.
What to order: Plain cheese slice ($3.50), Sicilian square ($4.50)
Chelsea Market: Food Hall Heaven
Location: 75 9th Avenue, Meatpacking District
I could have eaten every meal here and been happy. The converted factory building houses dozens of food vendors, from fresh pasta to tacos to artisanal doughnuts.
My picks:
Los Tacos No. 1: The adobada taco ($4.50) is life-changing
Doughnuttery: Mini doughnuts with creative toppings ($6 for 6)
Creamline: Grass-fed burgers and milkshakes ($12–$15)
Pro tip: Go at 11 AM when it opens to avoid the lunch rush. By 12:30 PM, the lines get insane.
Travel Gear That Saved My Trip
After 10 days of walking 15+ miles daily, here's what I actually needed:
Item | Why It Mattered | My Pick | Price |
Comfortable Walking Shoes | NYC = walking. Period. | Merrell Moab 3 | $110 |
Portable Phone Charger | Your phone dies fast with maps/camera use | Anker PowerCore 10000 | $26 |
Lightweight Backpack | For daily essentials + purchases | Peak Design Everyday 20L | $180 |
Universal Adapter | If you're coming from outside the US | EPICKA Universal Adapter | $23 |
Travel Umbrella | NYC weather is unpredictable | Repel Windproof Umbrella | $28 |
The Splurge Worth Every Penny: Helicopter Tour
I almost didn't do this. At $289 for 15 minutes, it felt extravagant. But my friend convinced me, and honestly? It was the most memorable 15 minutes of the entire trip.
Book here: NYC Helicopter Tour — Doors Off Option
Seeing Manhattan from above, with the wind in your face and the entire city spread beneath you — it's the kind of experience that makes you feel small in the best possible way. We flew over the Statue of Liberty, circled the Empire State Building, and followed the Hudson River up past Central Park.
Is it worth $289? If you can afford it without eating ramen for a month, absolutely. If not, the free Staten Island Ferry gives you decent harbor views (and it's genuinely free).
NYC Budget Breakdown: What I Actually Spent (10 Days)
Category | My Spending | Budget Alternative |
Accommodation | $1,680 (Moxy + Williamsburg Hotel) | $800 (hostels/Pod hotels) |
Food | $520 | $300 (more street food, less restaurants) |
Activities/Tours | $340 | $100 (free walking tours, museums) |
Transportation | $65 (subway + 2 Ubers) | $34 (subway only) |
Shopping/Misc | $180 | $0 |
TOTAL | $2,785 | $1,234 |
My takeaway: NYC can be done on a tight budget, but having some flexibility lets you say "yes" to spontaneous experiences. That $30 comedy show I stumbled into? Worth every penny.
New York City Travel Questions Answered
Q: What's the best time to visit New York City?
A: Fall (September–November) offers perfect weather and beautiful foliage. Spring (April–June) is lovely too. Winter is the cheapest but coldest. Summer is crowded and humid. I visited in February and loved the lower prices, but pack warm layers.
Q: How much should I budget for a week in NYC?
A: Budget travellers: $150–$200/day. Mid-range: $300–$400/day. Luxury: $600+/day. My 10-day trip cost $2,785, which breaks down to $278/day — solidly mid-range with one splurge experience.
Q: Is the New York CityPASS worth it?
A: Yes, if you plan to hit the major attractions. At $146, it includes the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, and three more attractions. I saved about $80 compared to buying individual tickets.
Q: What's the best way to get around NYC?
A: The subway. It's $2.90 per ride, runs 24/7, and gets you everywhere. Download the Citymapper app — it's more reliable than Google Maps for NYC transit. I took exactly two Ubers in 10 days (both late at night).
Q: Are NYC hotels safe for solo travellers?
A: Absolutely. I stayed in Midtown and Brooklyn as a solo male traveler and felt completely safe. The Moxy and similar hotels have 24/7 front desk staff and keycard access to floors. Standard safety practices apply: lock your door, don't flash expensive items.
Q: Where can I find the best NYC hotel deals?
A: I compare prices across Booking.com, Hotels.com, and direct hotel sites. For my trip, Booking.com had the best Moxy rates, but Hotels.com offered a "stay 10 nights, get 1 free" deal that saved money long-term. Compare NYC hotel deals →
Final Verdict: Should You Visit NYC in 2025?
Yes. A thousand times, yes.
New York City is expensive, crowded, and occasionally overwhelming. It's also magical, inspiring, and completely unique. Walking through Central Park on a crisp morning. Eating a perfect slice of pizza on a Brooklyn stoop. Watching the sunset from the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan skyline glowing behind you. These moments are worth every dollar and every blister.
My recommendations by traveller type:
First-timers: Stay in Midtown (Moxy or similar), hit the classics, take the Statue of Liberty tour
Budget travellers: Book Pod 51, eat at Joe's Pizza, use the subway, enjoy free parks and museums
Return visitors: Explore Brooklyn and Queens, find the hidden speakeasies, take a food tour in Chinatown
Luxury seekers: Splurge on 1 Hotel Central Park, book the helicopter tour, dine at Le Bernardin.