New York

Discover the Heartbeat of New York: Insider Tips for the City That Never Sleeps

New York City, often referred to as the city that never sleeps, is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and endless opportunities for adventure. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the eclectic neighborhoods in Brooklyn, there’s something for everyone in this sprawling metropolis. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the city’s energy, diversity, and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Times Square promise an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the best things to do, places to eat, and tips to make the most of your trip to New York.

To-Do tips

Accommodation

Food

Practical Information

Your Ultimate New York To-Do List

New York City is packed with iconic sights and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you're here for a whirlwind trip or an extended stay, there's always something exciting to explore. From world-famous landmarks to local favorites, this ultimate to-do list will help you make the most of your time in the city and experience the very best that New York has to offer.

Accommodation

The 42 Hotel

During our entire stay in New York, we chose to stay at the 42 Hotel, located in Brooklyn. We specifically opted for Williamsburg because it's a trendy, vibrant neighborhood, and we wanted to spend at least one day exploring Brooklyn. However, this hotel is also ideally situated for visiting Manhattan. The subway station was just 100 meters from the hotel, providing a 15-minute ride right into the heart of Manhattan. It couldn't have been more convenient for us.

The hotel boasts an extremely friendly staff who are ready to assist with any questions and offers a range of amenities, including laundry service, a bar, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves breakfast. We chose not to have breakfast at the hotel, preferring to explore the city's breakfast spots instead.

We stayed in a King Room at this hotel and paid 1100 euros for a week for two people.

42 Hotel

The Ultimate New York Food Guide

New York City is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse culinary scene that reflects the city's rich cultural tapestry. From iconic street food like hot dogs and pretzels to world-renowned fine dining restaurants, the Big Apple has something to satisfy every craving. Whether you're hunting for the best pizza slice, exploring trendy food markets, or indulging in classic deli sandwiches, this guide will help you discover the best eats in the city.

Brooklyn Eats: Where to Dine for Dinner?

Brooklyn's dining scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering everything from classic comfort food to innovative cuisine. This guide highlights the best dinner spots in the borough, where you can indulge in a diverse array of dishes that showcase the culinary creativity and cultural richness of Brooklyn. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy neighborhood eatery or a trendy restaurant, there’s something here for every palate.

Food Delights: Top food Spots in Manhattan

Practical Information

Public Transport

In New York, everything is easily accessible via the subway. With numerous stops, you never have to walk far to reach any neighborhood. If you plan to use the subway frequently, it's highly recommended to use the 'CityPlanner' app. This app allows you to input your starting point and destination, and it will show you the nearest station, the best line to take, and the metro schedules. While you do need internet to look up routes, you can access the travel details offline once they are retrieved.

You can pay for the subway using various options, including day passes and ten-ride cards. However, we found it convenient to simply tap in with our credit card for each ride, with the fare automatically deducted from our card.

Transport from JFK to the City Center by Airtrain

Getting from JFK Airport to the city center is quite easy. You can take the AirTrain to either Jamaica Station or Howard Beach, where you can then transfer to the subway to reach your destination. A single ride on the AirTrain costs $8.50, but we opted to buy a 10-trip card for $26.50.

Since there were two of us and we planned to use the AirTrain both to and from the airport, the 10-trip card was a more economical choice. Even though we only used the train 4 times in total, the 10-trip card saved us a bit of money compared to purchasing four individual tickets at $8.50 each.

Required Travel Documents

Passport: Must be valid upon entry and during your stay.
Proof of Financial Solvency: Such as credit cards, traveler's checks, etc.
ESTA Authorization: This must be applied for online through the Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is the only official website for ESTA information and applications.

An ESTA costs $21 and can be paid for using a credit card or PayPal on the ESTA website.

Note: An ESTA is valid for two years, but your passport number must match the one you initially provided on the ESTA application. If you have obtained a new passport since your last ESTA application, you will need to apply for a new ESTA.