New York Trip Planner
Why Visit New York: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love New York for its vibrant neighborhoods, as one review highlights the essential authentic experience walking through Greenwich Village. Consistent highlights include Broadway shows, iconic landmarks like Central Park, and delicious food from street vendors. Pilot simplifies trip planning with seamless booking and personalized itineraries.
New York travel photos
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What to do in New York
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
🗽 Visit the Statue of Liberty for incredible views and a sense of history. 🎭 Experience Broadway shows; they're mesmerizing and unforgettable. 🍎 Walk through Central Park; it's a tranquil escape amid the city's hustle. 🎨 Explore the Met; it’s vast and inspiring, from ancient to modern art. 🍕 Indulge in New York-style pizza; it’s authentic and delicious. 🎢 Try Coney Island for fun rides and a beachy atmosphere. Use Pilot to organize your perfect New York experience effortlessly.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
🗽 Absolutely visit Greenwich Village for quaint streets and vibrant culture. 🍕 Explore Brooklyn's Williamsburg for trendy cafes and street art. 🏙️ Chelsea offers fantastic galleries and the High Line walk. 🎭 Midtown is perfect for theater enthusiasts and iconic landmarks. 🛍️ SoHo is great for boutique shopping and stylish spots. 🏙️ Pilot can help you discover where to stay and find deals on booking your hotel.
Discover the best food and drink
🍎 NYC's diverse food scene showcases authentic local eats. Start with a classic bagel with lox or experience the legendary New York pizza slice. 🥯 Try multiple delis for a genuine pastrami sandwich; it's a must. 🍕 Hit up Katz's Delicatessen for unrivaled Jewish deli delights. 🗽 Lombardi’s is famous for its quintessential New York pizza offering. 👨🍳 For bagels, head to Ess-a-Bagel; they’re a city favorite. 🤝 Pilot can simplify your trip, letting you focus on which iconic dishes to try.
In popular culture
🌆 Friends took us to Central Perk, a fictional coffeehouse, in "Friends," showcasing NYC's charm. 🏙️ Seinfeld, set in Manhattan, captures the city's daily life. 🍔 Katz's Delicatessen made famous by "When Harry Met Sally," in an unforgettable scene. 🎤 Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" highlights NYC's vibrant energy in music. 🚖 Times Square is at the heart of many shows and movies like "Spider-Man." 💼 Wall Street featured in "The Wolf of Wall Street," spotlighting business culture. 💃 Brooklyn Bridge showcased in "Sex and the City," an iconic backdrop. 🚓 The gritty New York streets in "Law & Order" present authenticity. 👗 The Met Gala, central to "Ocean's 8," is a cultural fashion highlight.
New York at a glance
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What reviews say
- People love its vibrant energy and diversity. - Expect busy streets and a fast pace. - Locals recommend exploring Brooklyn for a less touristy vibe. - Reviews suggest trying food from street vendors like Halal Guys. - Be ready for high prices; plan a budget for meals and shopping. - Avoid Times Square for dining—overpriced and crowded. - Consider seeing a Broadway show; it's worth the experience.
What reddit says
- Redditors love the energy and vibe of New York. - Must-dos include visiting Central Park and taking a stroll on the High Line. - Food is a big highlight; try street food and local pizza spots. - Many recommend avoiding tourist traps like Times Square. - Locals suggest exploring neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Queens for hidden gems. - Be prepared for lots of walking.
Travel tips and safety
- Tipping is customary: 18-20% in restaurants. - Try classic bagels or street food carts; they’re budget-friendly. - MetroCard: a cost-effective option for public transport. - Avoid eating on subways; locals appreciate courtesy. - Tax is usually added at checkout, so pay attention to final prices. - Occasionally, drivers won’t stop at unsigned crosswalks; always cross at lights. - Laws prohibit open containers of alcohol in public spaces. New York is generally safe, but consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Public Transit: Efficient and affordable with the NYC Subway; a 7-day pass is $34 and covers all main attractions. - Rideshares/Taxis: Abundant but pricier; Uber or Lyft are faster than yellow cabs when owned by locals. - Walkable Areas: Manhattan’s grid system is ideal for exploring on foot. - Bike Rentals: Use Citi Bike; convenient stations across the city. - Pilot helps with planning logistics, walking paths, and routes for a seamless visit.
How much it costs to visit
- In Vancouver, for budget travel, expect to spend around $70-$100 per day per person. This includes hostel accommodations, meals at local eateries, and public transport. - Mid-range travelers might budget about $150-$200 per day. This covers a 3-star hotel, dining at mid-level restaurants, and maybe an attraction or two. - Luxury travel can cost $300 and upwards daily. This includes a stay in a high-end hotel, dining at top restaurants, private tours, and some shopping. - Meals typically range from $10-20 for cheap eats, $30-60 at a decent restaurant, and $100+ at fine dining spots. - Transportation uses might add about $10-20 daily if you're using public transit, more if you're using taxis or ride-shares. - Activities can vary widely, from free to hundreds of dollars. - Prices vary at different times of the year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
🌆 Start your day in Lower Manhattan with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It’s both moving and important. 🥯 Grab a classic bagel with lox and cream cheese at Russ & Daughters nearby. 🌳 Walk up to Central Park for a leisurely stroll or rent a bike for a quick spin around the loop. 🖼️ Take a short detour to the MET for a glimpse of world-class art. 🍕 For lunch, enjoy a classic New York slice at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village. 🔍 Wander around SoHo’s quirky boutiques and charming streets. 🏙️ Head to Top of the Rock for sunset views over the city. 🥗 Finish with a delicious dinner at Balthazar for an authentic taste of New York brasserie. You can use Pilot to easily generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🎨 Explore The Met or MoMA for world-class art. - 🍽️ Savor diverse cuisines at Chelsea Market. - 🏛️ Visit the American Museum of Natural History for fascinating exhibits. - 🛍️ Shop at the iconic Macy’s on 34th Street. - 🎭 Catch a Broadway show for an unforgettable experience. - 📚 Relax with a book at the New York Public Library. - 🎮 Challenge yourself at an escape room. - 🍸 Unwind at a cozy bar or speakeasy in the East Village. - 🎹 Enjoy live jazz at a historic club like Blue Note.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Best time: May, June, September, October - Weather: 15-25°C, 59-77°F - Avoid: January, February - Weather: -1-4°C, 30-40°F - Climate: Humid subtropical to humid continental - Biome: Temperate deciduous forest - Warm months are ideal for Central Park strolls, outdoor dining - Cold months can be bitter, less outdoor activities - People feel comfortable exploring during mild weather - Expect humid summers and snowy winters
How to find events during your stay
- For authentic New York events, check @NYCgo on Instagram. They often share current happenings around the city. - Follow @TimeOutNewYork on Twitter for a mix of concerts, pop-ups, and cultural festivals. They highlight both mainstream and niche events. - BrooklynVegan.com regularly updates about local concerts and arts events with a focus on indie and alternative scenes. - Check Gothamist.com for a wide range of events including food festivals, parades, and seasonal markets. - Visit ILoveNY.com for a comprehensive list of state-wide festivals and cultural celebrations, updated frequently. - WNYC.org has a robust calendar section with local festivals and events across New York City. - TheSkint.com is perfect for budget-friendly events and daily activities, including lesser-known cultural happenings. Each of these resources is great for getting an overview of what's happening and deciding which events align with your travel plans.
Before your trip, read the history
New York City began as New Amsterdam in the early 17th century, founded by Dutch settlers. It was later renamed New York after the English took control in 1664. Before that, the area was inhabited by the Lenape people. Its natural setting, with the Hudson River and diverse estuarine ecosystem, played a role in its development as a trading hub. Over time, NYC has evolved into a complex tapestry of neighborhoods. It’s a place of continuous cultural and social shifts, evident in the Harlem Renaissance or the influence of immigrants shaping its diverse neighborhoods.Politically, New York has often leaned towards progressive ideals. The city has seen pivotal moments like hosting the very first U.S. Congress and being a significant player in the American Revolution. Famous figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Franklin D. Roosevelt have left indelible marks. A visit can be greatly enriched by exploring its storied past through sites like Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, or even a walk in Central Park to understand its development from a 19th-century public works project.
