New York City Travel Guide 2026: Top Sights, Best Time to Visit, Costs, ESTA Rules & Tips

New York City needs little introduction. The city that never sleeps is a global capital of finance, culture, fashion, food and entertainment, with a skyline recognised around the world. Its five boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, are home to more than eight million people speaking hundreds of languages. In a single trip, you can see the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, watch a Broadway show, admire masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and eat your way through Chinatown, Little Italy and countless neighbourhood delis and pizzerias. Each neighbourhood feels like a different city, from the glittering lights of Times Square to the brownstones of Greenwich Village and the creative energy of Williamsburg. This New York travel guide covers the best time to visit, top places, where to stay, how to get there and around, travel costs, entry rules (including ESTA) and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit New York

Spring (April–June): One of the best times to visit, with temperatures of about 12–25°C, blooming cherry trees in Central Park and Brooklyn, and outdoor dining.

Summer (July–August): Hot and humid, often above 30°C, with free concerts, rooftop bars, outdoor movies and beach trips to Coney Island and Rockaway. Many locals leave the city in August.

Autumn (September–November): Many travellers' favourite season, with crisp weather, autumn leaves in Central Park, the New York City Marathon (early November) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Winter (December–March): Cold, often near or below 0°C, with occasional snowstorms. December is magical, with the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating, holiday windows and markets, but also crowded and expensive. January and February bring the lowest hotel prices.

Events:

• New Year's Eve in Times Square.
• St Patrick's Day Parade (17 March).
• Tribeca Festival (June).
• US Open tennis (late August–September).
• Village Halloween Parade (31 October).

Top Places to Visit in New York

1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Take the official ferry from Battery Park to Liberty Island and Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants entered the US. Book pedestal or crown tickets well in advance through the official ticket seller. For free views, ride the Staten Island Ferry.

Booking tip: Book Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on GetYourGuide

2. Central Park

An 843-acre green oasis in the middle of Manhattan, with lakes, meadows, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and the Central Park Zoo. Rent a bike or a rowing boat.

Booking tip: Book Central Park on GetYourGuide

3. Times Square and Broadway

The neon heart of Midtown. Catch a Broadway musical or play; for discounts, try the TKTS booth or digital lotteries.

Booking tip: Book Times Square and Broadway on GetYourGuide

4. Observation Decks

Choose between the classic Empire State Building, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center with views of the Empire State, Summit One Vanderbilt with mirrored rooms, and Edge at Hudson Yards with a glass floor. Sunset slots are the most popular.

Booking tip: Book Observation Decks on GetYourGuide

5. Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's greatest museums, with art spanning 5,000 years. Other must-sees include MoMA, the Guggenheim, the American Museum of Natural History and the Whitney.

Booking tip: Book Metropolitan Museum of Art on GetYourGuide

6. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Two reflecting pools mark the footprints of the Twin Towers. The museum tells the story of 11 September 2001. Nearby, One World Observatory offers views from the top of One World Trade Center.

Booking tip: Book 9/11 Memorial & Museum on GetYourGuide

7. Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for skyline views, then explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, with the famous Manhattan Bridge photo spot on Washington Street.

Booking tip: Book Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO on GetYourGuide

Also worth visiting: the High Line, Chelsea Market, Grand Central Terminal, St Patrick's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown, Little Italy, Harlem, Williamsburg, Coney Island and Flushing in Queens for Asian food.

Suggested 4-Day New York Itinerary

Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Wall Street, 9/11 Memorial, then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO at sunset.

Day 2: Central Park, the Met, Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center and an observation deck at sunset, then a Broadway show.

Day 3: High Line, Chelsea Market, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy.

Day 4: Explore Brooklyn (Williamsburg) or Harlem, and visit MoMA or the Natural History Museum.

New York Food Scene

New York is one of the world's great food cities. Try a New York slice of pizza, bagels with lox and cream cheese, pastrami on rye from a Jewish deli, hot dogs, cheesecake, halal cart chicken and rice, dim sum in Chinatown, and the latest food trends in Brooklyn. Food halls like Chelsea Market and Time Out Market are great for sampling. Remember that tips of 18–20% are expected at sit-down restaurants.

Practical Planning Notes

New York is huge, so group sights by area to save time. Book popular attractions online, especially the Statue of Liberty, observation decks and the 9/11 Museum. City passes, such as the New York CityPASS, Go City and The Sightseeing Pass, can save money if you plan to visit several paid attractions. Hotel rooms are small and expensive, and taxes add significantly to the nightly rate, so compare total prices. Wear comfortable shoes: you'll walk a lot. Drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street pay a congestion pricing toll, another reason to use public transport.

Where to Stay in New York

• Midtown Manhattan: Close to Times Square, Broadway and major sights; busy but convenient.
• Lower Manhattan and Financial District: Near the Statue of Liberty ferries and 9/11 Memorial; often good weekend deals.
• Upper West Side and Upper East Side: Residential, near Central Park and museums.
• Greenwich Village, SoHo and Lower East Side: Trendy boutique hotels and nightlife.
• Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO): Creative vibe and skyline views.
• Long Island City (Queens): Cheaper hotels, one subway stop from Midtown.

Compare hotel prices and availability in New York here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to New York

New York has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR) in New Jersey and LaGuardia (LGA). JFK and Newark handle most international flights. Search and compare cheap flights to New York to find the best fares.

Airport Transfers

• JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica or Howard Beach, then subway or LIRR train.
• Newark: AirTrain to NJ Transit or Amtrak trains to Penn Station.
• LaGuardia: Buses (including the free Q70 LaGuardia Link) connecting to the subway.
• Taxis: JFK has a flat fare to Manhattan, plus tolls, surcharges and tip.

Getting Around

• Subway: Runs 24/7; tap in with a contactless card or phone using OMNY. A weekly fare cap applies after a set number of rides.
• Buses: Same OMNY payment.
• Walking: The best way to explore neighbourhoods.
• Citi Bike: Bike sharing across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
• Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Yellow cabs, Uber and Lyft.
• NYC Ferry: Scenic routes along the East River.

Travel Costs in New York

The US uses the US dollar (USD / $). New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Prices usually exclude sales tax, and tips are extra.

Visa Rules

• ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including the UK, most EU countries, Australia and Japan, can visit for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. The fee has been US$40 since 30 September 2025, and an ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. Apply only through the official website or app, ideally at least 72 hours before travel. A proposal to make social media history mandatory on ESTA forms has been published; check whether it's in force when you apply.
• Visitor visa (B-1/B-2): Required for other nationalities. US law also introduced a US$250 "visa integrity fee" for nonimmigrant visas; check the US State Department for whether and how it is being collected.
• Canadians: Generally don't need a visa or ESTA for tourism.
• Restrictions: Entry restrictions apply to citizens of some countries. Check the US State Department website.
• Passport: Must be valid for your stay; for many nationalities, six months' validity is recommended. ESTA requires an e-passport.

Local Tips for New York

• Tip 18–20% at restaurants and bars.
• Prices exclude sales tax (8.875% in NYC).
• Stand right, walk left on escalators; don't stop in the middle of busy sidewalks.
• Avoid unlicensed ticket sellers in Battery Park and Times Square.
• Staying connected: US roaming can be expensive; a travel eSIM is a cheap alternative. Get your USA eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours.
• Broadway shows.
• Harbour and skyline cruises.
• Food tours in Greenwich Village, Chinatown and Brooklyn.
• Helicopter flights over Manhattan.

Browse and book the best tours in New York here.

Frequently Asked Questions about New York

Do I need an ESTA to visit New York?
If you're from a Visa Waiver Program country, yes. The fee is US$40, and it's valid for two years.

What is the best time to visit New York?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather.

How many days do I need in New York?
Four to five days are ideal for a first visit.

Is the New York subway safe?
It's used by millions daily and is generally safe; stay alert, especially late at night.

Which observation deck is best?
Top of the Rock for views of the Empire State, Summit One Vanderbilt for an immersive experience, and Edge for the glass floor.

New York packs world-famous landmarks, endless neighbourhoods and five boroughs of culture into one unforgettable city break. Group your sights by area, book the big attractions ahead, and leave room to wander — the city rewards it.

Trip.com USA Guide: Finding Cheap Hotels & Travel Deals in New York, LA & Las Vegas

The United States offers some of the most varied travel experiences in the world: the skyscrapers of New York, the beaches and studios of Los Angeles, the neon glow of Las Vegas, epic road trips along Route 66 and breathtaking national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. But US travel can be expensive, especially hotels in big cities, where nightly rates, taxes and fees add up fast.

Trip.com USA (us.trip.com) helps you compare hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions in one app, with member prices, coupons and Trip Coins. In this Trip.com USA guide, you'll learn about the US hotel landscape, how to unlock discounts and domestic flight deals, how to avoid resort fees and hidden charges, which partner tools to use, and a step-by-step guide to booking your stay.

Find cheap hotels in the USA on Trip.com

The US Hotel Landscape

Metropolitan towers

America's big cities are full of high-rise hotels, from global chains like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG to trendy boutique brands.

• New York City: Midtown Manhattan is central for Times Square, Broadway and Fifth Avenue; Lower Manhattan and SoHo are stylish; Brooklyn and Long Island City (Queens) offer better value with fast subway links.
• Los Angeles: LA is spread out, so location matters. Hollywood and West Hollywood suit sightseeing and nightlife; Santa Monica and Venice are beachfront; Downtown LA has rooftop hotels and arts venues; areas near LAX offer cheaper airport hotels.
• Las Vegas: Mega-resorts on the Strip combine hotels, casinos, pools, shows and restaurants. Downtown (Fremont Street) is cheaper and more retro.
• Other cities: Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans each have distinct hotel scenes.

Highway motels

Motels are a classic part of American road trips. Chains like Motel 6, Super 8, Days Inn, La Quinta and Best Western offer affordable rooms with parking right outside your door, perfect for routes like Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway or the national park circuits.

National park lodges

Historic lodges inside national parks offer unforgettable stays:

• Grand Canyon: El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge on the South Rim.
• Yellowstone: Old Faithful Inn.
• Yosemite: The Ahwahnee and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
• Zion and Glacier: Rustic lodges in spectacular settings.

These lodges sell out many months in advance. Hotels in gateway towns, such as Springdale (Zion), Tusayan (Grand Canyon) or West Yellowstone, are good alternatives.

Other options

Vacation rentals, extended-stay hotels with kitchens, beach resorts in Florida and Hawaii, and ski lodges in Colorado and Utah.

Unlocking Trip.com US Hotel Discounts & Domestic Flight Deals

Hotel discounts

• Member prices: Sign in to see lower prices on selected hotels.
• App-exclusive deals: Compare prices on the app and website.
• Coupons and flash sales: Check the Deals page before booking.
• Trip Coins: Earn coins on completed bookings (100 Trip Coins = US$1) and use them on future trips. Higher Trip.com Rewards tiers earn more coins.
• Free cancellation: Book refundable rates early and rebook if prices drop.
• Hotel price match: In selected markets, Trip.com refunds price differences in Trip Coins if you find a lower eligible price before check-in, subject to conditions.

Domestic flight deals

Flying is often the best way to cover America's long distances, such as New York to Los Angeles (about 6 hours) or Chicago to Las Vegas. Trip.com compares major airlines like American, Delta, United and Alaska, plus low-cost carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit and Frontier.

Tips:

• Check baggage fees: Low-cost fares often exclude carry-on and checked bags.
• Compare nearby airports: New York has JFK, LaGuardia and Newark; LA has LAX, Burbank and Long Beach.
• Bundle Flight + Hotel: Packages to Las Vegas, Orlando and Hawaii can save money.

Car rental

Trip.com also compares car rental companies, essential for national parks and road trips.

Sample hotel budgets (per room, per night, before taxes)

Prices are indicative; Las Vegas rates often double at weekends and during conventions.

Avoiding Resort Fees and Hidden Charges

US hotel prices can be confusing. Here's what to watch for.

Resort and destination fees

Many hotels, especially in Las Vegas, Florida, Hawaii and some big cities, charge resort fees or destination fees, covering things like Wi-Fi, pool access or gym use, whether you use them or not. In Las Vegas, these can add a significant amount per night.

The FTC "junk fees" rule

Since 12 May 2025, a US Federal Trade Commission rule requires businesses offering short-term lodging to show the total price, including mandatory fees such as resort fees, upfront. Taxes and optional extras may still be shown separately. This makes comparisons easier, but always check the final breakdown.

Taxes

US hotel taxes vary by city and state and can be substantial. In New York City, combined hotel taxes and fees add a noticeable percentage plus a per-night charge, so check the final total.

Other common charges

• Parking: City and Vegas hotels may charge daily parking fees.
• Early check-in and late checkout fees.
• Incidental deposits: A hold on your credit card for extras.
• Tipping: Housekeeping, bellhops and valet staff usually expect tips.

How to protect yourself

1. Compare the total price at checkout, not the headline rate.
2. Read the hotel policies section on Trip.com.
3. Choose hotels without resort fees where possible.
4. Ask the hotel what's included in any resort fee.

Aviasales, Kiwitaxi and GetYourGuide

Aviasales for international flights

Compare international flights to the US with Aviasales. Its price calendar and alerts help you find the cheapest dates to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami and more.

Kiwitaxi for airport transfers

Kiwitaxi offers pre-booked private transfers at fixed prices from airports like JFK, LAX and Las Vegas, with drivers waiting for you on arrival. It's ideal for families and late arrivals.

GetYourGuide for tours

GetYourGuide offers Statue of Liberty cruises, Hollywood tours, Grand Canyon day trips and helicopter flights from Las Vegas, Broadway experiences and city passes.

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Search: Go to Trip.com USA or open the app. Enter your destination, dates and guests.
2. Filter: Filter by price, star rating, guest rating, free cancellation, free parking, breakfast and neighbourhood.
3. Check the map: In NYC, stay near subway lines; in LA, choose a neighbourhood that matches your plans; in Vegas, check the hotel's position on the Strip.
4. Check fees: Read the price breakdown and hotel policies for resort fees, parking and deposits.
5. Add flights or car rental: Book domestic flights or a rental car in the same app.
6. Apply discounts: Use member prices, coupons and Trip Coins.
7. Pay and confirm: Pay with a credit card, as hotels usually require one for deposits at check-in.
8. Before you travel: International visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA (US$40.27 in 2026, via the official site). Others need a visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in New York for the first time?

Midtown Manhattan for convenience, Lower Manhattan or SoHo for style, or Brooklyn and Long Island City for better value.

What are resort fees in Las Vegas?

Mandatory daily charges added by many Strip hotels for amenities like Wi-Fi and pools. Since May 2025, US rules require them to be included in the advertised total price.

Is Trip.com reliable for US hotels?

Yes. Trip.com offers a wide range of US hotels with secure payments, verified reviews and 24/7 customer support.

Do I need a car in Los Angeles?

It's very useful, as LA is spread out, though rideshares and the Metro can work for some areas.

Do I need an ESTA to visit the USA?

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA, which costs US$40.27 in 2026 and is valid for two years. Apply on the official website.

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