New York Quick Guide To The Must-dos & Food Spots

This New York Quick Guide gives you an overview of must-see sights, activities and experiences as well as my favourite Food Spots. Furthermore, I also share what we have spent on our recent NYC Trip in spring 2024 including some saving tips for you.

New York Quick Guide: Tips & Overview

• Places to Stay: Romer Hell’s Kitchen; Budget option: Boro Hotel in Queens
• Best Months to Visit: April – June, September – October, December offers a unique charm with holiday decorations (though it’s great all year round)
• Must-Dos: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, enjoy rooftop views from one the numerous observation platforms, take a helicopter ride, and enjoy the parks
• Best Places to Eat: 7th Street Burger, Joe’s Pizza, Shukette, Chelsea Market (try Los Tacos No. 1) and Levain Bakery
• Quick facts: 8.8 million people – 5 boroughs – English – US Dollar

Disclaimer: This blog post contains unpaid promotional links. I only recommend products and services that I’ve personally used and genuinely like.

New York, New York…

New York City, arguably the most famous city in the world, known for its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and sights. From being the backdrop of countless movies and shows like Gossip Girl and Marvel movies, the city simply offers a great energy that captivates everyone. Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, New York always feels special.

How to Get There

New York is easily accessible with direct flights from around the world. Major airports include JFK, Newark and La Guardia. All three airports offer numerous connections to the city via public transport and taxi services.

How to Get Around

The easiest way to navigate the city is by using the metro system. Opt for a Pay-per-ride MetroCard or a 7-day MetroCard for unlimited rides or use your phone or Smart Watch with the new tap system OMNY.

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Where to Stay

• First-Time Visitors: Stay in Central areas like Hells Kitchen or Midtown for quick access to major attractions. Consider Romer Hell’s Kitchen for a great experience, which is also a lot more quiet than a hotel right on Times Square.
• Budget Option: Boro Hotel in Queens offers affordable accommodations with quick access to Midtown Manhattan.
• Financial District: Offers proximity to Brooklyn and Midtown, with a more business-like environment. Check out Cloud One Hotel for a stay in the Financial District overlooking One World Trade Center.

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Things to Do

The most iconic Sights & Museums

Activities

• Observation Decks: Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, Summit One, The Edge
• Unique Experiences: Visit the Harry Potter Store, ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway
• Iconic Must Dos: Walk along 5th Avenue, visit the 9/11 Museum and The Oculus
• Ferry Ride: Take the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty (for free)
• Day Trip outside Manhattan: Take a trip to Coney Island & Rockaway Beach or to one of the Outlet Centres outside the city, if you have an extra day

Parks to Enjoy

• Central Park – the most iconic and largest park in NYC, is filled with famous spots you’ll recognise from movies including Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Wollman Rink, and Gapstow Bridge. Plus, keep an eye out for squirrels — we had fun counting how many we could spot!
• Bryant Park – grab a bite at nearby WholeFoods, or any take-away and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere
• High Line – the most unique, a former metro platform that was transformed into a park (my personal favourite besides Central Park)
• Little Island Park – a newer park built on concrete pillars with great views of the skyline – perfect for a city break
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – enjoy the views of Manhattan Skyline from this waterfront park
• Washington Square Park – a meeting place and centre of all kinds of activitiy and cultures
• Paley Park – a small hidden park in the middle of the buzzling Midtown
• Madison Square Park
• Union Square
• Domino Park – a great spot in Brooklyn with beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline
• Battery Park – close to the Staten Island Ferry, a park with great harbor views
• Governors Island Park

Neighbourhoods to explore

• DUMBO
• Williamsburg – Bedford Avenue
• West Village
• East Village
• SOHO
• Greenwich Village
• Financial District

Activities & Tours

• Hop on Hop off bus tour – hop on a bus tour on your first day to get a quick overview and first impressions of the city
• Watch a Broadway Musical (I highly recommend “Wicked”) – it is definitely a must do in NYC
• Helicopter Ride (a short one is sufficient) – if your budget allows opt for one of the most magical experiences from a totally different perspective of the city (we booked via GetyourGuide as it provides flexible cancellation policies)
• Attend a Yankees Game (due to the weather on the game days, we didn’t end up watching one, however, I saw one in Toronto and believe it is a great cultural experience)
• Visit the popular Comedy Cellar – I heard it’s amazing, though we couldn’t make it due to illness. Make sure to book your show well in advance though.

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Itinerary for first timers

I recommend taking your time and spending 7 days in the city. This allows enough time not only for the New York Essentials and must-see attractions, but also for exploring different neighborhoods, enjoying the parks, and trying out the best food spots. I’ve been to New York five times, in various seasons including spring, summer, fall, and December for the holiday decorations.

Apart from this New York Quick Guide, I’ve created an efficient 7-day New York itinerary that you can easily adapt to make your own. Check it out here: New York Itinerary – 7-Days for first timers

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My personal favourites to eat & drink

• Breakfast: Friedman’s, Pick a Bagel, Le Pain Quotidien
• Pizza, Burger & Quick Eats: 7th Street Burger, Burger Joint, Shake Shack, Joe’s Pizza, Upside Pizza, Los Tacos No. 1, DIG, Sweetgreen
• Dine-In: Shukette (israeli food), L’Artusi (italian food)
• Sweets: Magnolia Bakery (try the famous Banana pudding), Levain Bakery (indulge in the best cookies)
• Cafès: Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery, Ground Central Coffee Company, Partners Coffee

Food Markets

• Chelsea Market (Try Los Tacos No. 1 or have a look at the small boutique shops)
• Smorgasburg Food Market – a summer market with numerous food stalls covering all kinds of cuisines
• Time Out Market – take the stairs up to the rooftop for a beautiful Skyline view

Budget and Costs

Expenses per Person:

• Flight: Approx. 930 EUR
• Hotel: Approx. 155 EUR/night
• Sights (NY City Pass): 175 EUR
• Activities (Helicopter Ride, Musical, Summit One): 490 EUR
• Food & Miscellaneous: Approx. 55 EUR/day
• Transportation: 50 EUR
• Sim Card: Available locally
• ESTA: 20 EUR
• Total Cost per Person: Approx. 3,585 EUR

Keep in mind that we opted for various “pricier” options and activities. We had a very spacious, newly-renovated hotel that was within 10-minutes walking distance of Times Square and Central Park, we did a helicopter ride and also went to see “Wicked”, one of the most iconic musicals on Broadway.

Saving Tips

New York is not a cheap destination, but you can definitely design your trip according to your specific budget. Many experiences can be enjoyed for free or you can also save on dining out by grabbing quick bites from supermarkets or take-aways.

Free Activities:

• Utilize a New York City Pass – there are various options available – flat-passes for a certain number of days or the number of sights you can visit. so I recommend to write down beforehand what you want to see/do and based on that you can decide which one is the most suitable for you
• Use the subway with a 7-day Unlimited Ride MetroCard
• Arrange an international Sim Card in advance
• Opt for supermarket/Quick bites over restaurant dining

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I hope this New York Quick Guide provided you with a great overview on all must-dos, must-sees as well as food spots and saving tips. Do you have more tips? Let me know in the comments below.