Quick Guide

June – August

Summer can be a scorcher, though it’s also the best time for festivals and events; plus, lots of locals travel, so the city feels less crowded.

December – Mid-March

Winter is cold and dreary, but holiday lights, decorations and events bring a special magic to the city.

April – May, September – November

Spring and fall tend to have gorgeous weather, ideal for exploring.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available. A number of NYC’s cafes and shops are going cashless; be sure to travel with a credit card.

Getting Here

Three major airports serve New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. Amtrak trains arrive into Penn Station, and the major bus hub is Port Authority Bus Terminal (though many major bus lines also drop off/pick up at points around the city).

Getting Around

The MTA operates NYC’s public transportation; the subway is extensive and inexpensive, and bus lines are also convenient. Taxis and ride shares are ubiquitous, and the Citi Bike bike-share program is a good option for travelers who don’t mind biking on busy city streets.

Local Lingo

The City: Manhattan (and not NYC’s other boroughs). On line: In line. Houston Street: It’s pronounced HOW-ston. Slice: A single piece of pizza. Bodega: 24-hour convenience/grocery stores found on seemingly every city block. Schmear: Cream cheese spread (typically on a bagel). The Village: Greenwich Village.

Must-Have Apps

ILoveNY; Uber; The Infatuation; Google Maps

Insider Tips

Skip the pricey NYC boat tours, and take a far less expensive ride on the NY Ferry commuter service, a super fun way to get on the water for some DIY sightseeing along the East River, including Long Island City, Midtown, DUMBO, South Brooklyn, the Financial District, Governor’s Island (seasonally) and more.

June – August

Summer can be a scorcher, though it’s also the best time for festivals and events; plus, lots of locals travel, so the city feels less crowded.

December – Mid-March

Winter is cold and dreary, but holiday lights, decorations and events bring a special magic to the city.

April – May, September – November

Spring and fall tend to have gorgeous weather, ideal for exploring.

Visas

Travelers from outside the United States will need a valid passport, as well as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) eligibility or a full visa.

Money

Currency is U.S. dollars and ATMs are widely available. A number of NYC’s cafes and shops are going cashless; be sure to travel with a credit card.

Getting Here

Three major airports serve New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. Amtrak trains arrive into Penn Station, and the major bus hub is Port Authority Bus Terminal (though many major bus lines also drop off/pick up at points around the city).

Getting Around

The MTA operates NYC’s public transportation; the subway is extensive and inexpensive, and bus lines are also convenient. Taxis and ride shares are ubiquitous, and the Citi Bike bike-share program is a good option for travelers who don’t mind biking on busy city streets.

Local Lingo

The City: Manhattan (and not NYC’s other boroughs). On line: In line. Houston Street: It’s pronounced HOW-ston. Slice: A single piece of pizza. Bodega: 24-hour convenience/grocery stores found on seemingly every city block. Schmear: Cream cheese spread (typically on a bagel). The Village: Greenwich Village.

Must-Have Apps

ILoveNY; Uber; The Infatuation; Google Maps

Insider Tips

Skip the pricey NYC boat tours, and take a far less expensive ride on the NY Ferry commuter service, a super fun way to get on the water for some DIY sightseeing along the East River, including Long Island City, Midtown, DUMBO, South Brooklyn, the Financial District, Governor’s Island (seasonally) and more.