Overview
** NEW YORK CITY TOURS **
Read travel tips for New York City from our amazing community of BLACK AND BROWN TRAVELERS that will help you find some of the best places to visit New York City. Our variety of travel tips will definitely help you plan your next trip. Our tips range from best places to visit in New York City, affordability, nightlife, local food, where to stay and even what it is like Traveling While Black. Lastly, we are working diligently to create a comprehensive city guide for New York City Tours. Stay tuned! But in the meantime, scroll down to read tips below!
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New York City is fast pace full of excitement and new and exciting experiences. The Statue of Liberty provides a magnificent view of the city. Times Square gave me a beautiful view of the nightlife and festivities as well as restaurants. Grand Central Station was confusing at first but was an easy and fast way of getting from one place to another. When coming from a small country this fast pace environment provided a new and very memorable experience. Ensure you have your water bottle at all times, cashless makes it easier to make purchases quickly and move on to the next stop and you may see strange happenings lol but just move on don’t take it to heart
Had a great time visiting New York City we visited the Bowery got an amazing view of the city. Can’t wait to go back. I enjoy spending time in Harlem. I think they have some of the best Chinese food there if you’ve never visited New York City, you can catch a show or go for a boat ride or maybe just go visit Statue of Liberty
NYC! The city that never sleeps always has something to do! Checked out the new, SPECTACULAR Broadway show, THE WIZ! What a marvelous experience!
It was a quick trip but I snuck in a visit to The Met. They had a special exhibit there on The Harlem Renaissance. It was was interesting! The Met never disappoints!
If you’re lucky enough to land in NYC on the first Saturday of the month, be SURE to check out The Brooklyn Museum! Such flavor! Turns art into a club! AMAZING!
Food- Dim Um Palace
The Big Apple ?? is a great destination for adventure as well as culture. Solo trip to NYC to see the Rock the Bells tour in Queens.
I used Expedia for a travel package for flight and hotel.
I stayed the Edition Times Square. This hotel lacks nothing! Not only will you have a night club on the premises with bottle service but a Michelin star chef meals. The staff was A plus! Concierge arrange transport to and from the concert.
The location was prime due to the proximity of transportation options. I was able to catch train to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Museum.
Due to the time I arrived and departed I used car services. If you can, use Penn station for your transfer to and from the local airport . MTA offers a shuttle to local airport. Newark(closes timewise ) for less than $25 for an adult and $17 for children. I have used this before and it help saved 50$ off transportation. NYC yellow taxi offered a flat airport rate at $70 plus tax, same with Uber and Lyft.
I love staying in Times Square because of all the convenience and you are able to escape the tourist traps to neighboring boroughs with the help of the subway or taxi.
NYC it’s a really beautiful place to do, lots of foods to try, and so many different corners to explore. You honestly could go 1000 times and never see everything. The only downside to it is that it is an incredibly expensive city to visit and so it’s recommended to travel with someone so you can share the costs. Also, getting more familiar with the public transportation options to help bring down cost as well
Traveled to Birmingham for the first time and it has been a great experience. A helpful tip for black travelers would be to be kind to the locals and ask them questions. People love to talk about their city and things to do. Make the best of the trip!
For cheaper lodging options, we recommend staying in Harlem or Brooklyn.
This tip is for a destination that is 1 hour outside of the city if you are looking for a bit of relaxation. You can go to sunflower valley (https://www.sunflowervalleyfarm.com/) in Hudson Valley.
Children under 5 are free and cost $5 for admission. Admission includes 3 free Sunflowers and you can pick your own. Woot Woot!
With COVID you have to wear mask when you are entering and exiting the fields. It is a beautiful place to unwind and have some great photos for the gram.
If you want to save some coin while still enjoying nightlife, I’d recommend staying in Brooklyn. There’s more than enough nightlife activities between Brooklyn and Manhattan to overwhelm anyone. That’s why NYC is one place I can visit over and over again, because there are too many places to check out for dinner, shows, bars, clubs (not really clubs anymore), late night hangouts. As cliche as it is, you have to at least check out a show on broadway…for those interested I guess. You also have to get decent New York style pizza for dinner! No one does it better! My favorite random things to do in the city is check out speakeasies, piano bars, and cigar bars. I also found myself walking around Brooklyn with my brother and randomly finding this venue that ended up being one of my best nights in the city. That’s one of the beauties of NYC.
New York has everything you could need in a “big city” vacation. I traveled solo so my itinerary consisted of food spots and museums. There’s so much culture, black culture in New York so I made a conscious effort to visit black businesses only.
Seasoned Vegan is located on the upper West Side and this place lives up to the hype. You think that when going vegan you’re left eating guacamole and fruit and this place proves you wrong. Great food and great service BUT you pay the price. The chef and owner being a Black woman is so very inspiring, icing on the cake.
Sol Sips, another gem owned by a young Black sista. The restraint is located in Brooklyn and is one of the few in the neighborhood. The food was great but it was expensive and the portions weren’t that generous.
While in New York is visited the studio museum in Harlem, Museum of Art and Design in Brooklyn, Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan and Team Gallery Art Museum. I visited during Black History month purposely so all of the exhibits were catered to our culture which was a plus.
I have lived in big cities for the past 5 years so the public transportation, crowds and navigating are easy for me to navigate but I suggest on being careful. Have a plan when roaming the New York’s streets. Know where you are going and try not to stick out like a sore thumb.
The city where dreams are made of.
We all know that New York is one of the biggest cities in the world, and we thought we knew what to expect but the reality was quite different. The city is composed of hundreds of big tall buildings that would make anyone feel like a small fish in a big pond
As many say New York is the city that never sleeps and boy were they not wrong! Whilst there we literally found ourselves in the midsts of a street party in Central Park. It was so random and everyone was looking like they were having the best time, so in true New York fashion we just joined in. Just a tip from us, don’t be afraid of the unexpected, it could make for a great story one day.
If you have ever been to the Big Apple you’ll know that walking through the crowds is like an extreme sport, but don’t despair the city offers plenty of places to get away from the craziness.
New York is very multicultural so you will typically find yourself amongst many different people of varying ethnicities.
We would recommend searching for hotels in New York as opposed to staying in an Airbnb as sometimes the pictures don’t marry up to the reality.
That’s just our take on NYC. Check out our page on Instagram @wanderlustebony
New York was one of the best places I’ve been to.
I went there twice (in August i was in a hostel and hotel and in November (so cold)I was in a hotel ).
I went to “Times square ” it was just amazing, all the buildings, the light, i was outside at midnight and the shops were still open. Of course you will found all type of food especially fast food.
I went to central park and it’s very beautiful.
Where to go : ▪︎ Central park
▪︎Times Square ▪︎Empire state building ▪︎Statue of liberty ▪︎Grand Central terminal ▪︎Rockefeller center ▪︎Flatiron building ▪︎High line ▪︎Broadway ▪︎Chinatown ▪︎Brooklyn bridge ▪the memorial
€€/€€€
The concrete jungle most definitely never sleeps, with an abundance of activities. You can visit Times Square (super busy & full of tourists though ). Soho is really great for more affordable shopping options. If you’re into the nightlife vibe, the Meatpacking district is the best place to start.
If you’re someone who appreciates the arts , you’ll enjoy watching a broadway show or 5 There are so many amazing dance studios around as well, including the Broadway dance center, if you love to dance – all levels available :)
Overall, New York is always buzzing, and you definitely won’t get bored easily while here.
Location: Upstate NY (whiteface mountain and Indian head mountain).
When you think of NY; upstate never gets any credit! Upstate NY has tons of hidden gems and places to visit. I’ve had the opportunity to go one a Two week roadtrip staying in several hotels along the way. This vacation was more about the scenery and time outside then the places I rested. I struggled picking whiteface and Indian head over all the other locations because each offered a completely different experience, scenery, memory of my adventure. However I decided on these two simply because of the distance near each other and interactions I had while there.
My experience traveling though a mostly RED region of NY mentally can be nerve wracking, however I had no bad experience. I even ran into a women who parents named her Erykah (spelled the same way) after the singer Erykah Badu.
Whiteface mountain is one of most beautiful views I’ve seen TD. There is a $13 entrance fee. You can hike up the mountain BUT why when you can save your energy and drive up. Although i went late summer, mid FALL when the leaves are changing are best
Indian head mountain is located roughly 1 hour from whiteface and is a hike on private land. There is no fee but you do have to sign in and out (hiking rules 101). I have to be honest and forthcoming the hike is long but with great company you will be fine. The vitas looks like it belongs in a different country.
Some honorable mentions EACH deserving there own review.
Watkins glen state park
Taughannock state park
Letchworth state park
kaaterskills falls
Minnewaska state park
*mentioned above I stayed in several hotel motels along the way.
Love it .Great place to visit.
The city life ,food and culture makes it so fun.Visits to the famous time square,the boardwalk at Brooklyn bridge, the earth room,the vessel at Hudson yard are free places you can visit.Night life in New York is just magical.Also went to see the Statue of Liberty as it’s so close by.Loved NY city and will be visiting again in future.
There is so much to do in New York, I hardly got the chance to do even half of what was on my list. However, the highlight of my Winter New York trip was Ice Skating at the Wollman Rink in Central Park. Ice Skating, with the New York City skyline in the background, was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had on a holiday! You could do this with friends, family, a date, or even by yourself! I went in the morning as soon as the rink opened, and it wasn’t even crowded. There’s a few ice skating rinks in New York, but Wollman Rink is one of the most spacious one! This should definitely be high on your bucket list!
New York holds a special place in my heart. I love visiting a few times a year and each time get to discover something new. There’s no shortage of great food from all around the world.
Stop by Momofuku for fresh and flavorful Asian food(get the pork buns!) or Lamalo in Midtown for a fun Mediterranean dining experience (served family style so great for large groups). I never leave New York without stopping at Milk Bar for some cookies. While some restaurants in Manhattan may make a big dent in your wallet, there are plenty of great hole in the wall spots that deliver great food at an affordable price. My favorite thing to do is walk around the city with no plan and see where I end up. I always find such great and unique little spots.
New York has every type of cuisine you can think of! You may have to travel a bit for the best foods, but local travel is relatively easy to navigate. There are a few classics that remain must tries even as you test out the trendy restaurants.
Dessert: Serendipity, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Junior’s Cheesecake
Serendipity is known for its frozen hot chocolate, but my favorite is the Cinnamon Fun Sundae. Dylan’s Candy Bar shares the same street as Serendipity and is more than just candy. They also have ice cream, fudge, and macarons.
Steakhouse: Delmonico’s
The Steak and Baked Alaska are most popular for a reason.
Family-Style: Carmine’s
Carmine’s is meant for groups. They serve Italian food, but just the vibe alone is enough to make you come back.
Southern: Sylvia’s
The food here is decent. There are soul food restaurants I like better, but this is still a classic and a good reason to visit Harlem!
Ok… I was so nervous to go to New York City by myself for the first time! I did not know what to expect but I did not know I would have such a great time! I went by myself and met up with a friend who lives there and just had literally the best trip of my life. GO TO THE CLUB MAGIC HOUR!!! It reminded me of my Miami days but with more Reggae and Afrobeats! I have to return to New York since it was so magical.
I visit this place often and always have a great time, from day trips to over night accommodations NY is always a go to. From the historic tourist places to see and visit NY is full of culture and fun for all. When visiting with friends a walk down time square, drinks at a trendy rooftop bar, spa or a fun pop up museum is always a good time. When visiting with family the wax museum, local eaters, historic landmarks like the Empire State Building or the 911 memorial is a great way to experience what NY has to offer. When visiting with a partner (romantic) hit up a show at one of NY theaters, drinks at a hotel bar, dinner at one of the hundred great restaurants. Honestly all of these suggestions can work for anyone visiting NY. In the winter months ice skating is super fun! The summer is full of day parties, pop up shops, museums, outside eatery’s, roof top bars and restaurants. There is always something to see and do here no matter the time of year. Also, Brooklyn has experienced some renovations, check out Brooklyn bridge park… great shops, food and sights of the new park (great for kids also). Be sure to get some pizza from a local pizza shop and spicy mango with all the seasonings if you are lucky enough to catch the women moving through the city with her fruit cart. :)
Extra tip, my fav hotels:
-The W Times Square
-The Westin Times Square
I went twice to NYC and it’s definitely the city that never sleeps.
I recommend to people like me, coming from another continent (Europe, Africa…) to go during summer.
Central Pack summer stage makes it great, with or without a lot of money you can really have fun.
For sure it will be hot, but to me it’s the best time to just walk around in Manhattan, visit the museums and enjoy a nice cocktail or good restaurant at night.
The weather is also less “risky” than the crazy cold of winter.
If you really want to make the most of your stay, you should plan your daily activities before going or you will be very frustrated with time of budget (so many things to do).
Must do : a show at the Apollo, a Sunday brunch at the baby king, Westbury outlet (crazy!!) plus all the other touristic visit (Statue of liberty MOMA, The Five rooftop…)
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. But coming from Miami, NYC is a not a paradise trip to do during the summer. There’s a lot of walking and it’s hot. However, we had a grand time in NYC. Our favorite was the subway and figuring that out. Uber’s and Lyft are a big NO. Download the citymapper app and you will be fine! Citymapper is the best to navigate the city!!! When we went we did the Yankee baseball game, Central Park, rooftop bars, a boat dinner, a party cruise, etc. There is so much to do!
I love everything about New York but something that really stood out for me was the street food. All the random hot dog stands and the Mexican eat stops are just mind blowing. I must have added 5kgs plus on all that junk. Definitely a must try
New York City is truly amazing in that there is always a new adventure. Be sure to plan for the several expenses such a public transportation or Uber/Lyft,etc. or parking. If you can think of it, NY has it! Stay vigilant and aware at all times to ensure safety, but don’t become paranoid. Make sure to eat all the amazing vegan food the city has to offer! Check out the restaurants Beyond sushi, seasoned vegan, veggie castle (queens), and greedi vegan!
I visited NYC for the first time over memorial day weekend, for a quick 3 day trip. We stayed near times square at the POD hotel, which is a small and affordable but modern and excellent accommodation, for the price and area. Of course the first thing we did was walk to Times Square. It was a bit overwhelming with the number of people on the streets but definitely worth the experience to go. I love that the shops in the area are open late into the night. Along the streets there are food stands selling the famous New York hot dogs (I didn’t indulge but my friend said they were delicious), burgers, pretzels, etc.
In Times Square we bought tickets for the show Chicago. You can get show tickets at TKTS which is right in the middle of Times Square. They sell tickets for many shows except a few big ones like Lion King, Hamilton, Aladdin etc, but if you’re down to see other shows then you’ll have lots of choice. The show was good – kind of old timey and not a diverse cast, but entertaining. After that we walked around some more and ended the night at Refinery Rooftop bar which was so much fun: great vibe, good DJ and cute decor. Drinks were pricey but that’s most bars in the area.
The next day we went to brunch near Bryant Park, a beautiful green space. Later on we went to the 9/11 memorial and museum. It was heavy as you might imagine but glad I went. It rained later in the afternoon so we spent some time walking around the World Trade Center mall/shopping center and catching the subway back to Times Square. I’m not a fan of the subway in NYC – only having London to compare it to, I found it confusing and dirty but definitely cheaper than taxi/uber and efficient once you get the hang of it.
The next day we went to the Met museum which was amazing. There is no possible way you can see everything in one visit so prioritize the exhibits you want to see and hit those first before you run out of time and/or get tired. Good thing is your ticket is good for 3 days so if you had the time you could come back. The Met is on the edge of Central Park so we walked through there afterwards. The park is huge and beautiful. It was a nice day out and a holiday so lots of people were out, having picnics, walking, playing sports etc. That night we met a friend on the lower east side for happy hour at Verlaine, food and drinks were delicious. Next she took us to a speak-easy nearby which was a unique and fun experience. We ended the night at 230 5th rooftop bar; it was kind of slow and not much happening as it was a Monday night but it’s a beautiful, big place and I would think worth checking out on a weekend night.
Our last day before leaving we managed to squeeze in a walk across the Brooklyn bridge (absolutely gorgeous views) and a quick stop in the financial district.
There’s so much more that we wanted to see and do but will have to save that for another trip. It was an amazing time nonetheless. The food did not disappoint (pizza from John’s, bagels and lox from Liberty Bagel, street food, vegan tacos from Verlaine and so much more).
My tip would be to plan ahead what you want to see and do – make a rough itinerary, that way you don’t get overwhelmed or carried away.
Love New York City every time I go! Although it was disappointing how early Time Square shuts down it’s still cool to go on night time adventures. Lot of late night eats and nice people.
New York City is one of my favorite cities to travel to for a quick weekend getaway. Being the fashion city of the United States, and only four hours drive from Washington D.C., New York makes for the perfect destination. If you don’t like driving, take the bus (it is cheaper, like $30 dollars round trip from the Nation’s Capital). You can also fly for less than $100 and take the train if you prefer. The options are limitless. New York is also known for being a food metropolis. Every time I go to the city, I indulge in one of the delicious meals of a mom&pop restaurant that I haven’t yet been to. I have never been disappointed with the food in NYC. If it is your first time visiting, definitely visit Times Square. It is one of the busiest streets in America and it includes various clothing shops, restaurants and hotels. You also should visit the World Trade Center buildings and the surrounding memorials to show respect to all those lives lost in the 9/11 incident. If you have some time , check out the Met and visit the permanent collections and patron the museums Great Hall. There are also several parks you can visit depending on the area you are staying at. Bryant Park is located in mid-town and offers exquisite events every season and makes for a perfect evening date walk. ly cool city to visit for a quick getaway. With the significant history of slavery
There is just too many things to do in NY. It’s definetly the kind of city you can go multiple times without ever get bored.
Last time I went, I visited with 3 friends for 10 days was during the Christmas/New Year Eve holidays. We rented an Airbnb in Brooklyn because staying in Manhatan was way too expensive. We used the metro and buses to move around the city.
You’ll find countless attractions that you’ll pick according to your preferences (Liberty Statue and Ellis Island, Musical plays in Braodway, Museums, Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, Wall Street, Times Square, Brooklyn bridge, Central Park, China Town, Little Italy,Harlem,…)
During the high season I would advise to wake up early to do the main city attractions (like Liberty Status or some Museum) if you don’t want to line for multiple hours.
New York is an amazing place to visit with so many things to do all the time! I’ve been here countless times and always found new things to do.
There are hundreds of restaurants to try, just do quick google searches on the types of places you want to try and I assure you you will get hundreds to choose from!
The activities I’ve done include;
Paint & Sip, Escape Rooms, Coney Island, 6 Flags, Visit the empire state building, Times Square, Zoos, Broadway shows & Museum tours. There is still SO much more to do but new york is an amazing city and I recommend going for more than just a weekend. Things are very accessible in the city (walking/quick cab rides) as far as food and general things to do. Oh, we also got little caricature sketches
I recommend staying in the city at least a couple days to experience the truly in its truest form. But saying outside the city in Queens/Brooklyn might be more economical.
Here’s the thing, New York really is the city that never sleeps….and it’s a beautiful thing if I must say so myself. My top three things to do in this city include 1. The Statue of liberty, 2. A food tour, pick your poison, 3. BROADWAY! The food tours I personally recommend are the Hell’s Kitchen food tour and The Chinatown food tour. A simple google search should lead you to these.
I spent my time in New York recently on a whim. I had a layover and ended up staying 24 hrs! Although i didn’t have my luggage and it had started snowing i made the best of it. I traveled thru queens, bronx and time square. I ended up in Little Italy and had an amazing dinner at La bella vita followed by a short trip on the subway to time square. At night i went into queens and experience a great caribbean bar/lounge called ISLAND TASTE that actually had comedy going on, great food, hookah, drinks and music. ( there were even a few celebrity sitings!) I ended the next morning with great breakfast at a place called “DinerBar” they had amazing food! a must try
My trip to New York was partly business, partly pleasure. Honestly, I’ve never cared to travel to NY [or to any of the northern states at that] because it’s so cold. I’ve been a couple times and always hated the big city life, but my mind was changed in my most recent trip! I decided to explore a different side of New York… THE FOOD SIDE! Being a fat kid at heart, I ate as much as I could while there for 3 days. I’ve never had so much delicious vegan food in my life while traveling! From the Mac & Cheese Burger, to the simple New York style greasy pizza, to say the least, New York has a new special place in my foodie heart.
It was my first time going to New York and I enjoyed every bit of it . I think it’s been my best trips so far . Although it was cold as hell, the views of Central Park was breathtaking. Nighttime at times square was just fascinating. It’s just like in the movies with the crowd , the hustle and bustle and never ending activities .
Central Park , Brooklyn bridge and Times Square have been ticked off the list and although it was cold I enjoyed the city even more .
We stayed at two different hotels in Manhattan. Both were very convenient and accessible to anywhere. We never used cabs. Everywhere was a walking distance from the hotels.and especially if you like to see the city well , you will prefer to walk instead . We stayed at the Midtown west hotel and mid town convention center hotel NYC.
There were so many places to eat from although our booking included a breakfast buffet package.
If you ever want to feel like you’re in the movies , then visit new York!
I’ve been to NYC at least 5 times since 2013, and I love it every time I visit. It is really the city that never sleeps. There is so variety of activities to do at night: bar restaurants, music festival, dance parties… Just always do my own research without going anywhere to ensure safety, also to make sure I am going somewhere I can not enjoy my time there, but where I can also learn something new about the city.
Visiting New York City to see the Rockettes at Radio City during the holiday season was amazing. We both had so much fun I think we’re going to make this a yearly tradition. We went during the week, so there wasn’t much of a party scene. Which we found weird because NYC is supposed to be the city that never sleeps. We went to eat at Hakkasan and though a little pricey the food was amazing, and is now my favorite restaurant. Overall I would highly recommend visiting NYC with your significant other for a day or two.
Not sure if you guys are the same but whenever I travel I enjoy hearing from natives… and as a Brooklyn native (not NYC… there’s a difference haha) who better than to let you know about the real NYC?
GO TO SPOTS IN BROOKLYN
– Kinfolk (Williamsburg): Lines are ALWAYS wrapped around the corner. DEFINITELY worth it!
– 333 Lounge (Clinton Hill): Black-owned spot; tight squeeze but usually worth it.
– Woodland (Downtown/ Barclay): Litt brunch spot! Usually PACKED on the weekends.
GO TO SPOTS IN HARLEM
– Angel of Harlem: Arguable Woodland of Harlem
– Seasoned Vegan: Black owned vegan spot… was not a fan of Tofu until my visit
– Harlem Hookah: Prix fixed brunch menu; 2 hours = $40
– Mist Harlem: several brunch options; $30-50
– Red Rooster: A restaurant with a basement club on weekends
If you haven’t noticed Black New Yorkers LOVE brunch haha!
I have visited New York several times but on my last visit I had a chance to see the Statue of Liberty. I stayed in a hotel in New Jersey on this visit because it was much cheaper than a hotel in New York City. Seeing the Statue of Liberty is free however in order to get to Liberty Island from NJ you must catch the Ellis Island ferry which is $12 for adults and $5 for children. Access to the pedestal is $25 which must be purchased in advance, you will not be able to pay on arrival. The first stop on the ferry is the Ellis Island museum where you will have the option to stay on or get off and explore the experience that the immigrants had as they were trying to get into NY. When you get to liberty Island you will have to go through security similar to the airport security system and then you are able to go inside the Statue of Liberty or you can view from outside. There was a long wait for the elevator so we didn’t go up to the pedestal we just walked around the 1st level and learned the history of the creation of Lady Liberty!
its so many places to go and things to do. The nightlife is amazing
I started traveling in New York city this year, and I have to admit that this city has an incredible energy.
Indeed, you can fell that everything is possible there.
Every you are into, you will find it in New York.
Things to do
Culture : Visit the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art). It is a good place to have a national and international culture immersion.
Views & rooftops : Rockfella tour and Empire state building. It will give you an amazing view of the city, especially if you good during summer for sunset.
Chill : If you are looking for a little moment of peace, grab your book, and go to Central Park. You will be sure to have a green environment and have your moment of tranquility.
Bike : If you are visiting during summer I recommend a short bike ride from Battery park to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. You will have a nice view of the Hudson river side.
Having lived in NYC for three years now, what I have come to love most is the limitless list of things to do at any hour of any day. When I leave the city, I gain even more appreciation for the fact that at any time of day I can find something entertaining to do in NYC.
If you are visiting NYC in the summer, I suggest going to Brooklyn for Smorgasburg (bring cash) and hitting rooftop bars (Output and Barry Park). I would also look into outdoor movie screenings, street food festivals, and visit the parks in NYC and Brooklyn (Central, Washington Square, DUMBO). If you’re here for long enough, I suggest planning a trip to The Hamptons to visit the beach and bars.
NYC is so beautiful in the winter, as it is full of holiday decor. I would definitely recommend the cliche actives: ice skating in Rockefeller Center, Christmas markets, window shopping by Saks on 5th Ave, and the Christmas tree lighting. I highly recommend going to Rolf’s for a drink– you will need reservations far in advanced or be prepared to wait in line for 45 + mins.
No matter the season, some other fun activities are First Saturday’s at the Brooklyn Museum. Exploring any of the hundreds of NYC museums. I love the MET, but there are plenty of other amazing exhibits elsewhere. Go to brunch in the Lower East Side and stay out until the next morning. Go to a Broadway play, but avoid midtown west at all other costs (i.e. Times Square).
Lastly, I recommend booking your stay in more than one place. Each part of the city is so dynamic. Your experience staying in the Upper East Side, or Chelsea, or Brooklyn are all going to be so different. If you have the time, I suggest spending a few days in one part of the city and a few days in another.
As a New Yorker I’ve been to the city more times than I can count , yet I still haven’t seen it all. My advice to someone traveling to NY is do make sure you’ve got plenty of time for this trip, and DO IT ALL! One thing about NYC is it changes with the seasons, so you’ll need to plan more than one trip !
New York is AMAZING…I love everything about it…but Times Square is my fave..I visited every chance I got while on vacation. I stayed with family so all I had to worry about was transport and food. I took the subway to get to Time square which was quite easy. Food was not a problem either. I recommend the Hop on Hop off tours. I always go with Big Bus anywhere I go. You get to see alot more.
NYC never sleep! Every time I leave this city I always feel like I didn’t see enough. I always go there to try and see new things. However, do not forget save a little bit or a lot before going there. Because if you want to have fun, you gotta have something in your wallet (or credit card) other there.
My visit to New York was everything. I went to visit some of my sorority sisters and attend curlfest. The culture was so rich. I stayed in Harlem and got to explore Brooklyn. The curlfest was lit. There was different shades of brown (beautiful melanin) and a variety of hair textures/curl patterns. There were many vendors and music to keep the vibe going. Many of the people in attendance were friendly and willing to share their hair regiments. We are at Lennox Saphire the day after curlfest for brunch. ((Please order the grilled lamb FOR ME (: )). I also had the opportunity to site see while in Brooklyn. I visited the Apollo theater (if you go the show happens on Wednesdays, you can sign up to attend on line), Black Ink tattoo shop on 125th (the guys at the shop were friendly and open to answering questions), Langston Houghes house (history!!! The house he would write in), the boil wavery (amazing seafood, similar to hot n juicy in LA), and I was able to experience a train show (Michael Jackson Impression, dancing while in movement). I almost forgot…. you have to visit Brooklyn cupcakes (founded by two boriqua women) and get the tres leches cupcake!!!! I’ll be back New York!!! (:
Ah! NYC, you never sleep !!! This city is made for me? I feel good, happy, without the worries of French life, I feel free, light, and it feels on my face, many of my friends say to me “say so, you’re more beautiful since t in NYC you feel fulfilled! ” And yes ! I live a new life, I want to talk to you about Queens, a city in New York that I totally fell in love with, amazing “nan? It is not the first city we will hear about, I think it is left behind. It meets all the criteria to live there, a beautiful life, far from the frenzy …… Manhattan or Harlem, this city is located 40 minutes from the center of Manhattan. Here we find especially pavilions, the morning we get up with the sound of birds, with beautiful parks, you can run, do your sport or even just walk or picnic in some neighborhoods … .. there At the beach, a lot of people surf there, the houses in front of them are just beautiful, maybe not a Caribbean beach, but frankly when you live in a country like New York and you have the city side and the holiday side and the beach together, you just have to take the metro to reach these two axes, you have everything to win. Note that the metro is open 24h / 24h 7 / 7days. I like NYC, these rooftops, his patriotism, the sport is opportunity his advance on the other countries. Totally in love
I’m a midwest girl but love me some NYC. I always stay near Washington Heights and Spanish Harlem when I go and enjoy the latin culture. I’m a foodie and with so many restaurants, NYC can get overwhelming. My one recommendation is to head up to Washington Heights in the Dyckman area for the restaurant MamaSushi, its Japanese-Mexican fusion fare, cocktails & patio seating. NEED I SAY MORE? Wonderful spanish music, best rice I’ve had in my entire lifeeee with their teriyaki chicken.
Head next door after for dancing and a club vibe, reggaeton and hip-hop music all night.
First off New York City is a whole mood, its my favorite city, I have been there about 3 times and it never gets old. The diversity is what I love about this city, people from all walks of life live in NYC which makes it such a unique place. A few free must do things are time square, Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park. Nyc can be a maze, I get lost in the city all the time but you will always end up discovering sometime new for sure.
Yo son! I wish I would’ve went in the early 1990’s. This place is all that. I see it changing still like Oakland, California and other inner cities, but it still has a lot of its culture though. I drove from California. Yes, no it’s not a typo. I drove so we got to see every borough. Believe it or not it was easier to drive in than SF. The streets were wider and the flow was smoother. Brooklyn and Queens made me feel at home. Manhattan is amazing and going to Amateur Night at the Apollo was historic. Good times! Everywhere you go you feel like you’ve been there or seen it on TV it’s unreal.
The best way to get around, especially if you do not know the city well, is by the double decker, hop-on hop-off tour buses. You could also use the subway to get around if you are on a budget, but the experience isn’t quite the same. You can choose to stay on the bus all the way round the loop or you could hop-on and off at each of the various sites. I did the downtown and uptown tours as I did not have time to do all 4 tours that are offered. The bus tours provide you with a map, free headphones and a guided tour of the city. It takes about two hours for the bus to complete a loop, if you do not get off and they tell you it take about 4 hours if you’re hoping on and off at each stop, but it really takes much longer than that when you factor in the hopping on and off, taking pictures, eating, shopping and so on. If you are tight on time, I would recommend budgeting at least 5 hours for each of the two tours, but ideally, you would want to dedicate an entire day for each tour to really enjoy it.
Some of the best stops include: the Wall Street Bull, the World Trade Centre (prepare for a whirlwind of emotion), the biggest Macy’s in the world, the Empire State Building, Maddison Square Garden, the Statute of Liberty and Central Park. At the Wall Street Bull, you need to budget quite a bit of time because this is a popular spot for pictures holding the bull’s balls. You also need to be very assertive because if you’re not careful people will come after you and take their pictures while you’re still waiting your turn. The World Trade Centre and 9/11 memorial is beautifully done but be prepared that it may be quite emotional both for yourself or those around you.
now to the best part, food! You absolutely have to try Nusr-et, the famous Saltbae’s restaurant. I was super disappointed that he wasn’t around when I went, but it was still absolutely worth it. The food is beyond amazing, and the staff are so friendly and professional. They are experts on social media esthetics and will take the most amazing pictures of you, with you, and of your food. They have this amazing passion fruit cocktail that I just couldn’t get enough of! A word of caution though, the restaurant is a bit on the expensive side, so do not play yourself if it’s not within your budget. The menu can be found on my Instagram page @moonshyyne.
There are a few other restaurants you must try such as the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. I played myself and didn’t budget enough time so i didn’t get to try it, but i hear good things. the line ups were crazy so i’m sure it lives up to the hype. If this is on your list, budget a good hour or so just to wait in line.
Street food in New York is a must of course. Aim to try at least 3 different vendors while you’re in the city. The amazing thing is that they are readily available at every corner, and they are open 24 hours a day so perfect for midnight munchies. The street kebabs were my favourite.
THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO! And there is something for everyone. Yes there are the things that most people want to do when they visit like see Times Square, Central Park, etc. but what I love is discovering all the secret and less well known things this city has to offer, like the speakeasies, the local food spots, the food festivals, etc. There is ALWAYS an overwhelming variety of options to explore.
NYC is by far my favorite city! Very diverse and inexpensive to have a good time. You can literally take the train down to Manhattan, walk around, and enjoy every second of it. The food is amazing! There’s a restaurant on every corner. Taking a stroll by the pier and Brooklyn bridge is everything!! I just love everything about NY. If you’re ever in Queens check out Husky P’s. Best Jamaican food!
I live in Harlem and coming from Atlanta, I can tell you that New York is quite a change especially with how expensive things are here. However, it is the Big Apple and you just learn to deal with it. There are number of awesome places to eat it NYC from your street vendors (yes I love street meat, dont judge me), to special pastry spots but I what I want to share is this amazing pizza spot in Harlem that has literally left me sleeping at the table each and every time I have eaten there. Not because it was heavy but because it made me my stomach so happy we both had to take a break lol It has this special crust that is so light but very satisfying with fresh ingredients and the perfect combination of cheese and sauce. The name is of this spot is Sottocasa Pizzeria and it might be the best pizza I have ever had and I have been to Italy multiple times. Just saying…
You have to eat at Dallas BBQ in Manhattan. Such a fun place with an awesome view of Manhattan. You have to try the Wings that are Huge and delicious.
New York is one of the best places to go for an adventure, nightlife, food, etc.
I have hiked in Hudson Valley, roamed Little Italy and China town, eaten all types of food, worked out in Central Park and visited the wineries on Long Island.
Truly and amazing place to do what your adventurous heart desires. …
NYC the big apple. I’ve been to New York twice now and would go back again in a heartbeat! There is so much to do. New York to me is like a busier version of London (where I’m from) and with a bit more Jazz!
I stayed in Brooklyn the last time I went and took the subway everywhere, if you’re ever in New York, this is the only way to travel and experience New York properly!
Be sure to get some Cronuts at the Dominique Ansel Bakery. It’s a fusion between a croissant and a doughnut and their Cronuts are NOT to be missed. There are so many food spots to hit up in New York and they do not fail with their PIZZAS. The best pizza I ever had was from Not Ray’s Pizza in Brooklyn. The pizzas are so good I could even eat a margherita pizza on its own.
I also visited the famous Kony Island while I was there, just another must see for pictures and to see what all the fuss is about in the movies. I loved it, it was like an antique, vintage funfair, almost as if I transported back in time, I dare not go on any rides though! It was out of season so they were all closed anyway. And of course, it goes without saying, to visit the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building and the Barclay centre yada yada yada. New York also has loads of hidden gems, for example, the 5 slabs of the Berlin wall on Madison Avenue. If you’re into history you can also visit the Irish Hunger Memorial, which pays homage to the great Irish famine, it was actually constructed purposefully to look like an abandoned house. The views of the Statue of Liberty from here are amazing!
New York I will definitely see you again!
For me New York City is the best City ever !!! There is so many places to visit so many restaurants where to eat so many activities . Omg on week is so short for there !! The One World Trade Center is THE must to do .. you will reach more than 1000 feet and admire New York from the top with so many explanations, history for only $40 per person. You have also the mall in front of the One World Trade Center in the heart of the financial district and at 5 min from the Statut of Liberty !! I advice you to visit it in Summer because Winter is freezing in New York but Summer is amazing with all those parcs and attractions. Also you have a nice Museum Ellis Island very interesting …
New York has some of the best places to eat I’ve ever been! I went in November 2017, so the weather was still nice which made it easy to get around (you will be spending a ton of time outside!!)
Recommendations for food:
– Cafe China- the perfect cheap eats, with amazing ratings! Cafe China received a Michelin star last year and again in 2018 and if you can get a reservation, this place is a must eat.
– For brunch Harry’s in FIDI is amazing, I recommend the steak and eggs after a long night out and the coconut crusted French toast, get a couple different plates and share, I think that’s always best.
– Le Cou Cou for lunch is amazing, more affordable than the cost of dinner but still a great experience and meal if you like French food.
– Bondst for sushi is a popular joint and I highly recommend the Chilean Sea Bass, its one of their most popular dishes and well worth it!
– Marea was our major splurge for the weekend and the meal was absolutely exquisite. We actually stopped and picked up a 24 can of beer and gifted it to the kitchen staff (something I would recommend if you’re super into the restaurant). The staff ended up taking care of us and sent out a ton of complimentary dishes! We made sure to leave a big tip and it was great knowing that it went to staff versus the restaurant.
– The donuts in Chelsea Market were AMAZING, if you stop by there I would highly recommend trying them.