![\"New](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/nycitineraryfeature.jpg\")
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Home to around 9 million people, NYC<\/a> has tons of things to see and do. It’s a massive city that’s impossible to “see” in a single visit. It’s home to thousands of restaurants, hundreds of museums, attractions, plays, and countless other quirky things to do. As a traveler visiting for a few days, you just have to resign yourself to the fact that you’re only going to see a fraction of what you hope to see.<\/p>\n So, knowing that, what are<\/em> the best things to see and do here? What is the best itinerary for NYC?<\/p>\n Since I’ve written a guidebook to this city<\/a>, lived here for years, have run tours here, and explored as much as I could in pursuit of knowing the best things to do in NYC, I want to share what I think is the best itinerary for New York City. This suggested itinerary can help you organize your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit \u2014 all while saving you money in the process.<\/p>\n So, without further ado, here is my suggested New York itinerary:<\/p>\n\n NOTE: If you do everything on this itinerary, you’re going to be very, very<\/em> busy. Don’t view this itinerary as a manual to follow but more like a list of suggestions. If you want to pack it in, you can. However, don’t rush. The itinerary here simply gives you a sense of how your days can be optimized, but go at your own pace.<\/strong><\/p>\n Take a Walking Tour<\/strong> For more suggestions, check out this list of my favorite NYC walking tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n See the Statue of Liberty\/Ellis Island<\/strong> There is no admission fee for the island but the ferry ticket costs $24 USD<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> If the line\u2019s too long and you don\u2019t want to wait, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and harbor instead. You won’t get up close but it’s faster and cheaper.<\/p>\n Explore Battery Park<\/strong> Visit Wall Street<\/strong> If you want to learn about recent market crashes, check out the Financial Crisis Tour<\/a>. This two hour tour is led by Wall Street insiders. It’s really fun.<\/p>\n See Federal Hall<\/strong> See Trinity Church<\/strong> The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and has many famous Americans there, including Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Lewis (signatory on the Declaration of Independence), John Alsop (Continental Congress delegate), Albert Gallatin (founder of NYU), and Horatio Gates (Continental Army general).<\/p>\n Visit the World Trade Center & 9\/11 Memorial and Museum<\/strong> The memorial is free to visit while the museum is $19.40 USD<\/a>. Free entry Mondays from 3:30pm-5pm (tickets must be booked online).<\/p>\n DINNER OPTION: Eat at Ellen’s Stardust Diner<\/strong> Wander Mercer Labs<\/strong> See City Hall<\/strong> Walk the Brooklyn Bridge<\/strong> Relax in Prospect Park<\/strong> While you\u2019re here, don\u2019t miss the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens<\/strong> (especially known for its magnificent cherry blossoms in the spring) and the Brooklyn Museum<\/strong>, where you can see its vast collection of historical and contemporary art and artifacts (there are over 1.5 million items in its collection). It has exhibitions highlighting Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, Colonial USA, and more. It’s one of the best – and often most overlooked – museums in the city.<\/p>\n Wander Rockefeller Center<\/strong> Tour Radio City Music Hall<\/strong> Join the Crowds in Times Square<\/strong> Stroll around Central Park<\/strong> During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions (line up early for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park). From the late spring to the early fall, there are free guided walks run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am. I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine. <\/p>\n On the right edge of Central Park, you’ll find the famous Museum Mile, a section of 5th Ave home to dozens of museums of all variety and fame. The big ones to see are the following:<\/p>\n Note:<\/strong> You can’t see all of these museums in a day. The Met itself would take days<\/em> to explore on its own. These four are just my favorite. The Met is a must but, if you also have time, the newly renovated Frick Collection would be my second recommendation. <\/em><\/p>\n The Metropolitan Museum of Art<\/strong> If you’re short on time, Take Walks offers a Met Express Tour<\/a> where an expert guide will take you to the absolute highlights and give you deeper insights into the pieces you’re seeing so you can make the most of your experience. It’s just two hours long too.<\/p>\n The Museum of the City of New York<\/strong> The Guggenheim Museum<\/strong> The Frick Collection<\/strong> Meander Around the Cloisters<\/strong> The building and its stunning cloistered garden are very, very peaceful and beautiful. It’s one of the best things to do in the city. There are free tours each day that explain the history of the museum and the paintings and exhibits.<\/p>\n The American Museum of Natural History<\/strong> Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)<\/strong> Admission including skip-the-line access is $25 USD<\/a>. The MoMA\u2019s Sculpture Garden is free of charge to the public daily from 9:30am\u201310:15am.<\/p>\n See a Broadway Show<\/strong> Walk the High Line and See the Whitney Museum<\/strong> Next to it, in the Meatpacking District, there\u2019s the Whitney Museum of American Art (a museum that collaborates with the Met). Even if you don’t go inside, the building is worth seeing, as it is a work of art in itself. But I would recommend going inside as there is a wonderful exhibit of American art. Admission is $25 USD and pay-what-you-can on Fridays from 7pm-10pm (advance tickets strongly recommended<\/a>).<\/p>\n Learn History at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum<\/strong> Enjoy the Vew from the Empire State Building<\/strong> Marvel at Grand Central Terminal<\/strong> 1. See a TV Show<\/strong> – NYC is home to tons of TV shows that film here regularly. TV shows like Saturday Night Live, The View, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon<\/em> all offer free tickets to their tapings. Tickets need to be reserved well in advance so you’ll need to plan ahead.<\/p>\n 2. Explore the Bronx Zoo<\/strong> – Opened in 1899, the zoo spans almost 300 acres and sees over 2 million visitors each year. Home to over 650 different species, it\u2019s a great place to visit with kids. Gorillas, birds of prey, bison \u2014 there is a huge assortment of animals here and you\u2019ll definitely learn a lot during your visit!<\/p>\n 3. See a Yankees\/Mets\/Rangers\/Knicks Game<\/strong> – Like sports? NYC has some world-class sports teams. I’m not a big sports fan (the Yankees play soccer, right?), but games are fun when you have friends to share the experience with. If you have a chance and the desire, don’t miss a sporting event, because New Yorkers are serious about their local teams!<\/p>\n 4. Take a Food Tour<\/strong> – NYC is a foodie city and there are tons of amazing tours that can introduce you to the best food the city has to offer. Devour Food Tours<\/a> is my go-to choice as their tours are amazing and their guides are super knowledgeable. A few tours worth checking out if you want to eat your way around the Big Apple are:<\/p>\n 5. See Live Stand-Up at Comedy Cellar<\/strong> – Some of the biggest names in comedy either started here or have done gigs here, including greats like Jon Stewart, Robin Williams, Kevin Hart, and Chris Rock. They have different shows depending on the day of the week although the weekend shows fill up so reserve in advance online. Some shows have up to 5 or 6 different comedians. Tickets range between $14-25 USD but they often have a two-item minimum per person (food or drinks). For NYC, it\u2019s a very reasonable super fun night out.<\/p>\n 6. Try an Airbnb Experience<\/strong> Public transportation<\/strong> – New York is well-connected by subway. You can get to wherever you need to go, or close to it, via the subway. You can use the contactless payment system OMNY to pay for fares. For this, you’ll need to use a contactless credit\/debit card, smartphone, or wearable device. If you don’t have any of those, you can buy a Metrocard. Fares for each journey then cost $2.90 USD. The best deal is buying a 7-day unlimited transit pass for $34 USD. That means you just need to use the subway 12 times to get your money\u2019s worth, which will be very easy to do.<\/p>\n Taxi \/ Ridesharing <\/strong> – Taxis are not cheap in NYC. The minimum fare starts at $3 USD but rises sharply from there. Skip them if you can. They are expensive and traffic is a nightmare. Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don\u2019t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. <\/p>\n Bike rental<\/strong> \u2013 You can bike just about anywhere in New York City, especially if you want to explore big parks like Central and Prospect Park. Citi Bike is a bike-sharing system, starting from $4.79 USD per 30-minute ride, or $19 USD for 24 hours. There are about 10,000 bikes all over the city, so one is always within reach. They have ebikes too.<\/p>\n BUDGET: HI New York City<\/a> – One of the biggest and most popular hostels in the city with a ton of space, an outdoor patio, free Wi-Fi, events, activities, and a huge kitchen. If you\u2019re on a budget, stay here. It\u2019s the best hostel in the city. MID-RANGE: Pod Brooklyn<\/a> \u2013 While the rooms are small (it\u2019s a pod hotel), the location here is excellent. There\u2019s a laid-back lounge area where you can hang out, and a restaurant on-site for when you just want to relax in your room. Everything is clean and fresh and the staff here are super helpful.<\/p>\n MID-RANGE: YOTEL<\/a> \u2013 A modern, high-tech hotel that even has a luggage storage robot (seriously). The rooms are on the small side but they are clean and comfortable. I love the large outdoor terrace; it has a great view of the city!<\/p>\n LUXURY: W Hotel Times Square<\/a> \u2013 You\u2019re literally in Times Square at the W Hotel. There\u2019s onsite dining, free Wi-Fi, and a W MixBar in every room. You can\u2019t get closer to the action than this. For me, it\u2019s the nicest hotel in the area. If you\u2019re gonna stay at a big name brand hotel, this is your best choice!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for more places to stay, here is my complete list of favorite hostels in the city.<\/a> <\/p>\n For more hotel suggestions, check out this post for recommendations<\/a>.<\/p>\n And, if you’re wondering what part of the city to stay in, here’s my neighborhood by neighborhood breakdown<\/a>!<\/p>\n New York City is a big place with a lot to do<\/a> and this list barely scratches the surface. Five days is barely enough to squeeze these activities in, let alone find time to visit boroughs like Queens and Brooklyn.<\/p>\n But if you\u2019re pressed for time, following these tips will give you five days full of fun and excitement in the city that never sleeps!<\/p>\n For more in-depth tips on NYC, check out my 100+ page guidebook written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel in the city that never sleeps. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n Book Your Flight<\/strong> Book Your Accommodation<\/strong> Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong> Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?<\/strong> Need a Guide?<\/strong>New York City Itinerary: Day 1<\/h3>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/westvillagenyc.jpg\")
\nStart your trip off with a walking tour. The city is home to dozens of walking tour companies (many of them free) offering tours in every niche possible. History, food, booze, TV\/film \u2014 if you like it, chances are there is a tour revolving around it. Walking tours offer a unique look at the city that never sleeps from a local guide who can answer any and all of your questions. I always take my friends on at least one when they visit. Some of my favorite walking tours and walking tour companies include:<\/p>\n\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/ellistour1.jpeg\")
\nThough the line for the ferry from Battery Park is long, if you get there early, you can avoid most of it. (Come late and you’ll have to wait a few hours.) The Statue of Liberty is spectacular to see up close (she\u2019s as big as you imagine), but the real highlight of this combo is Ellis Island. This is where you can learn about the immigrant experience and get a sense of the people who helped build NYC (you\u2019ll even find my family\u2019s name inscribed on the wall). There’s such a great sense of history there that you can’t help but be impressed. Here’s a review of my experience taking a tour of the Statue and Ellis Island<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nLocated on the southern tip of Manhattan, this park is where the Dutch built Fort Amsterdam in 1625 to defend their settlement. The British took the area over in 1664 and eventually renamed it Fort George. While the fort was mostly destroyed during the American Revolution (1775-1783), the battery was expanded after the war\u2019s end. You can wander around the fort and then stroll through the surrounding park to take in the beautiful waterfront views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. There are also over 20 monuments and plaques in the park, covering everything from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to immigration and much more.<\/p>\n
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\nTake a photo with the famous charging bull statue (which was created in 1989) and then walk to Wall Street and see where all those bankers continually destroy the economy. There\u2019s heavy security in the area, but you can sit and watch people whiz in and out of buildings on their way to cause some other financial disaster.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the most overlooked museums in the city sits across the street from the NY Stock Exchange (NYSE). Federal Hall, built in 1700, is where George Washington took his oath of office (you can see the Bible he was sworn in on). It was the site of the US Customs House in the late 1700s and the first Capitol building of the US. Though the original fa\u00e7ade was rebuilt, it\u2019s one of my favorite attractions in the area. I especially love the old vaults. I highly recommend you visit.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Trinity](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/trinitychurchnyc.jpg\")
\nBuilt in 1698, the original Trinity Church was a small parish church constructed by the Church of England. When the British seized New York after George Washington\u2019s retreat, it was used as a British base of operations. The original church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776, a massive blaze that wiped out upwards of 25% of the city (the Americans blamed the British for starting the fire, while the British blamed the revolutionaries). The new building, facing Wall Street, was consecrated in 1790. The church was expanded in 1839 into its current form.<\/p>\n
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\nOn September 11th, 2001, almost 3,000 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks in NYC and elsewhere. Visit the somber memorial (which is free) and then take in the view from the new \u201cFreedom Tower.\u201d On the elevator up, you can see pictures of the historical development of the city and how it\u2019s changed over the years. To get a deeper understanding of 9\/11 and the events that unfolded, visit the museum. It\u2019s home to moving exhibits that illuminate the scope and significance of the tragedy.<\/p>\n
\nSince 1987, this diner has been home to an incredible waitstaff of singers and dancers. Between tours and musical performances, actors and actresses wait tables at Ellen\u2019s, where they belt out songs as they serve you slightly pricey, very American diner food (think shakes, burgers, and lasagna) in uniforms from the 1950s. It’s incredibly cheesy, which makes it incredibly fun! There’s usually a line so be sure to plan ahead!<\/p>\n<\/div>\nNew York City Itinerary: Day 2<\/h3>\n
\nLocated near the 9\/11 Memorial, Mercer Labs (formally The Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology) blends art and technology. There are rotating exhibits over multiple rooms that blend art and technology to create an immersive experience that feels like trippy computer art come to life. It’s really cool and also a fun date spot as well as a place for kids. It doesn’t take long to see either (only 45 minutes to an hour).<\/p>\n
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\nNew York\u2019s City Hall is a great piece of historic architecture and has a beautiful little park that\u2019s filled with office workers during lunch (as well as a circular tablet about the site\u2019s history). To learn about the building\u2019s history, art, and architecture, take one of the tours. This way, you\u2019ll be able to see the landmarked rotunda, city council chamber, Governor\u2019s Room, and the City Hall Portrait Collection.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Full](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/brooklynbridgenyc.jpg\")
\nRight near City Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge offers an easy 25-minute walk into Brooklyn and the waterfront park on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way will make the walk about 40 minutes. Opened in 1883, it was the first fixed bridge to span the East River (it was also the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time). You get a lot of wonderful views of downtown as you make your way across (and especially from the park). I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. Otherwise, come early to beat the crowds.<\/p>\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/prospectparknyc.jpg\")
\nOnce you get out of Manhattan, you can explore Brooklyn\u2019s version of Central Park, which spans almost 600 acres. Inside the park you’ll find winding paths and bike lanes (there are bike rentals in the park or you can grab a bike from CitiBike, NYC’s bike share program), a rink for ice skating in the winter and rollerblading in the summer, a serene lake for boating, and the Smorgasburg food festival every Sunday.<\/p>\n
\nThis area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show<\/em>, shop, snack, and take the elevator to the Top of the Rock for another bird\u2019s-eye view of the city, which I personally think is better than the Empire State Building, since from the top of here you can get that building in your picture too. Admission is $40 USD<\/a> to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Radio](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/radiocitynyc.jpg\")
\nIs there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? A huge entertainment venue, this timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s (at the time, it was the largest auditorium in the world). It\u2019s the home of the precision dance company The Rockettes, who have been performing here since 1932. It\u2019s also been the venue for all kinds of award shows, including the Tonys and the Grammys.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Times](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/timessquarenyc.jpg\")
\nNo matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out. If you aren\u2019t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn\u2019t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but it\u2019s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk. Try to come at night when it\u2019s all lit up. That\u2019s when it looks the best.<\/p>\nNew York City Itinerary: Day 3<\/h3>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/centralparknyc.jpg\")
\nThe perfect way to relax in the city and leave the crowds behind is to spend the day in Central Park. It\u2019s free, there are lots of paths to walk (or run), bike lanes, lakes to row in, and a zoo. Since the park covers over 150 square blocks, it\u2019s easy to spend hours wandering around.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Yellow](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/metmuseumnyc.jpg\")
\nThe Met is one of the biggest museums in the world, and if you only see one museum in New York, I recommend this one. It has a wide array of art, historical artifacts, photographs, and other exhibits. I like its expansive Impressionist and Greek exhibits. It’s chaotic and filled with people, especially on the weekend, but since it is so big, you can usually find some quiet spots away from the crowds. Budget at least a half-day here as a few hours won\u2019t do this place justice.<\/p>\n
\nThis museum can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about New York City. Architecture, parks, streets, as well as its people, and culture \u2014 it’s all covered! There are multiple rooms that highlight various time periods in NYC history featuring interviews, maps, interactive exhibits, profiles of historical figures, and various artifacts. It’s the best history museum in the city. There’s a cool exhibit here where you can create the future NYC, Sim City style. It’s great for kids!<\/p>\n
\n![\"Modern,](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2021\/nyc23.jpg\")
\nThis museum is home to a renowned collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, early modern, and contemporary art. The cylindrical museum (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright) is considered one of the 20th century\u2019s most important architectural designs. It\u2019s one of my favorite buildings (and museums) in the city.<\/p>\n
\nThis collection features paintings by major European artists (lots of Dutch masters here) as well as 18th-century French furniture and Oriental rugs. You have to really love Dutch artists to want to spend time here (I do) but be sure to visit their website in advance because they host a lot of wonderful temporary exhibits featuring famous works of art. The building just reopened after a huge renovation and is absolutely stunning.<\/p>\nNew York City Itinerary: Day 4<\/h3>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/cloistersnyc.jpg\")
\nFew people make it up to the Cloisters (it’s all the way up near 204th Street), a branch of the Met devoted to medieval Europe. It took me years to finally see it, and I kicked myself for waiting so long. It was built with Rockefeller money from parts of five European abbeys between 1934 and 1939. They even stipulated that the land across the river would forever remain undeveloped so the view would be unspoiled.<\/p>\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/amnhnyc.jpg\")
\nMade even more famous by the Night at the Museum<\/em> movies, this museum also requires a lot of time. The exhibits on nature, human history, and marine life are interesting and detailed, so I wouldn\u2019t try to rush your visit. My favorite is the one on the origin of humans. Learning about how we came to be is fascinating. Also, don’t skip the section on space (because space is awesome) at the Hayden Planetarium, which is run by Neil deGrasse Tyson. They have really detailed exhibitions of the origin of the universe. Admission is $28 USD<\/a> (special exhibitions not included).<\/p>\n
\nHead over to the MoMA for lots of beautiful (and weird) modern art and some vivid impressionist art. Personally, I don’t “get” modern art. I mean, how is a shovel on a wall art? While I’m not a fan, this museum does have Van Gogh’s Starry Night<\/em> as well as other post-impressionist art so I can’t hate it completely. If you love modern and contemporary art, this (I’m told) is one of the best in the world.<\/p>\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/broadwaynyc.jpg\")
\nYou can\u2019t go to New York City, the theater capital of the world, without seeing a show. Make sure you squeeze in an evening show somewhere while you are here! Ticket prices vary greatly by show. However, you can find discounted tickets at the TKTS offices around the city (Times Square, South Street Seaport, and downtown Brooklyn) for shows that day. They also have an app where you can see what they offer too.<\/p>\nNew York City Itinerary: Day 5<\/h3>\n
\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/highlinenyc.jpg\")
\nThe High Line is a converted train track that is now an urban walking park that stretches between 34th Street and the Meatpacking District. Lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery, this walk is one of the best things to do in the city, especially on a nice day. Go for a walk, sit with a book, and people-watch \u2014 the High Line is a must-see and a true favorite among locals.<\/p>\n
\nThis museum highlights how immigrants from around the world lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s as they tried to make it in America. It\u2019s a good follow-up to what you see on Ellis Island. You can only visit this museum via guided tours, and they need to be booked in advance. I like that live actors are used to portray and share the stories of newly arrived immigrants as it makes the experience much more memorable.<\/p>\n
\nAfter you finish up with Lower Manhattan, jet up to this historic landmark. Standing 1,453-feet (443 meters) tall and completed in 1931, the 1930s art deco interior of this building is absolutely beautiful and the view from the top is breathtaking. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city and you can get a real feel for how densely populated New York is as you take in the view. Get here early or during lunchtime to avoid the lines and tour groups. Get your skip-the-line tickets here.<\/a><\/p>\n
\n![\"Main](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2021\/nyc15.jpg\")
\nGrand Central Terminal is the city\u2019s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the \u201cstars\u201d in the ceiling as everyone races to and fro. There\u2019s also an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, visit The Campbell and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). It was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad\u2019s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s. Book the only official Grand Central Terminal Tour with Walks here<\/a> ($30 USD).<\/p>\n<\/div>\nOther Options for Your Itinerary<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/nycfoodtour1.jpeg\")
\nThere are a lot<\/em> of things to see and do in NYC. You will literally never run out of things to do here. This is the city that never sleeps, right? No matter your interest, it is here in New York City. You can take dance classes, learn a language, do a cooking class, see underground comedy, swing dance, go hiking, hit the beach….your options are endless and I couldn’t possibly include them all in one blog post. But here are some other things I recommend doing while in the city:<\/p>\n\n
\nIf you’re looking for more unique cultural experiences, check out the Airbnb Experiences platform. It connects local guides and experts with visitors and offers unique tours and classes, such as pizza making classes, African American history tours, sketch classes at the Met Museum, and so much more. This post here shares a few of my favorite Airbnb Experiences in the city<\/a> that I think are definitely worth checking out.<\/p>\nHow to Get Around New York City<\/h3>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/mattnyc.jpeg\")
\nTo help you make the most of your New York trip, here’s what you need to know to get around the city:<\/p>\nWhere to Stay in New York City<\/h3>\n
\nNeed somewhere to stay in the city? Here are a few of my favorite hostels and hotels to help you plan your trip and save money:<\/p>\n
\nBUDGET: Chelsea International Hostel<\/a> \u2013 This is one of the largest hostels in the city and has an outdoor courtyard, a dining area, and two kitchens. It’s in a great location too, with both the High Line and Times Square within a short walk.<\/p>\nGet the In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/GuideBookCovers\/NM_Guide_to_NYC_Flat.jpg\")
<\/div>\nBook Your Trip to New York City: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n
\nUse Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!<\/p>\n
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.<\/p>\n
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n\n
\nCheck out my resource page<\/a> for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.<\/p>\n
\nNew York has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks<\/a>. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!<\/p>\n