Tips & Useful Information New York

Tips and Useful Information

There is simply no other city that exemplifies what it means to be an industrial, economic and cultural metropolis than New York City. Many call it by, the "Big Apple" and the "City That Never Sleeps" which are the most popular among many other nicknames. It is a city of superlatives, and with that, it could be too much to take in for a new visitor. There are various things that a New Yorker does that helps him or her around this busy city. What a traveller needs, is to have the mindset of a local, which means that he or she needs to have prior insight when navigating New York City.

New York City is, without a doubt, the prime cultural centre of the world. The major tourist destinations such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are icons of communal effort, freedom, and opportunity. Visitors, both local and international, enjoy all of the cultural amenities that the city has to offer. Because of the various communities and enclaves in New York City, you should read up on the practical knowledge to make your trip much more efficient and stress-free. Get familiar with both of the famous and hidden tourist spots located all around the city as well as the best way to be economic with your travel budget. Check out these tips we have prepared for your next trip to NYC.

Transport

First, get a MetroCard.
The cheapest way to get around when using buses and subways is getting a MetroCard. This card is used to pay for public transportation fares (except taxis, of course) in New York City. It is best for tourists who plan to stay in the city for more than two days to buy an unlimited-ride MetroCard for $31; if you will be in New York for a month, its 30-day unlimited-ride package costs $116.50.

Buying a single ticket will be more expensive; each ride costs $2.75 each. In a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, up to four people can ride together. Moreover, you can also purchase MetroCards at subway stations either by cash or credit card. MetroCard kiosks are available inside NYC subway stations. There are also merchants in newsstands and grocery stores who sell these cards, but be careful in buying one — trust the reliable sources. Only purchase one in approved vendors.

SUBWAY

Choose the subway as your main mode of public transportation to save money and time. Using the city subways to explore New York’s tourist spots is the most economical way to go—and the fastest too. More than the convenience and ideal speed of travelling, opting for a subway gives you the opportunity to get a real sense of the city by observing New Yorkers inside the public transit whether on rush hours or the less busy ride moments. Subways do run twenty-four hours a day, so do not worry about the time. Take the A, B, or C trains that are well-marked and surprisingly fast, often a better bet than cabs if you are trying to cross the city from east to west or vice versa at any hour of the day and night.

All in all, New York’s underground mass transit system is the fastest means by which to travel within the city. While cabs and buses get stuck in traffic, subways almost always run faster and usually on time.

Make the subway map your best friend. Your life will become a lot easier if you have a map handy and don’t worry: even people living in NYC for a long time, take a look at the subway map from time to time. So take a minute and search for a subway map inside the station (there is one in each station) or ask the station attendant for a free subway map to go. Maps are clearly visible in subway stations, and train lines connect virtually all of the city’s major destinations.

Use letters and numbers, not colors! When looking at the map, you will see the different lines in different colors and numbers. New Yorkers don’t call the train lines by their colors, so make sure you are choosing the subway line that you need by letter or number, because even though the blue line shows lines A, C, and E, these train routes eventually split up and you may end up somewhere completely different from where you intended to go.

Check out the dots in the subway map. When looking at the subway map you will see that some stops have black dots and others have white dots. Black dots are “local” stations and the only trains that stop here are trains that make every stop on the line. White dots are “express” stations and all trains on a line stop here.

You have to figure out whether you need to go uptown (north side) or downtown (generally south). This means that you will have to choose the correct platform. Also, some subway stations (usually local train only stations) have separate entrances for uptown, or downtown-bound trains, which means that you might have to cross the street to get down to the direction you want to go. Most express stations will have entry to both platforms accessible from every entrance to the station.

You will notice that most subway stations have either a green globe or a red globe. These were installed to tell riders which stations are open 24 hours (those are marked with a green globe) and which stations are closed at night (those marked with a red globe).

Do not hesitate to ask locals for directions. If you are still not sure whether you are getting on the right train or standing on the right side of the platform, just ask somebody. You will be surprised to find that many New Yorkers like to help you find your way.

TAXI

Despite the cons, experience riding NYC taxis. This is probably the best method to get around New York City if you are in a group of 2-4 people, but it's not always the fastest. You can easily get anywhere in Manhattan for no more than $10 - $15, split between a group, this is not much more than a subway ride ($2.25 per person), and it eliminates your chances of getting lost.

NYC taxis are slow due to traffic and there is a proper way to call a taxi. Public transportation within the city is relatively inexpensive, convenient and efficient, particularly since the implementation of the MetroCard system.

All cabs accept both cash and credit cards.

Make sure to observe the proper way of calling for a cab. If you want to call a taxi in New York City, Stand on the curb NOT by a bus stop, put your arm confidently UP and stand there intensely looking at the cars.

NYC has a multitier transportation system. Local car services that can only be reserved in advance or by calling their distpach center, and yellow cabs which until recently were only possible to street hail.

BUS

Buses provide an inexpensive alternative and another great way for the visitor to encounter everyday folks. All major areas of New York City is thoroughly covered by bus routes. Though it is not as fast as the subway system, it is still a fascinating, ideal public transportation you must try out while exploring the city. The usual city buses are wheelchair-accessible too, compared to the subway stations that are not wheelchair-friendly.

One transfer between north/south and east/west bus routes are also allowed for single-fare riders. For those who want to go to and fro Manhattan and the outer boroughs, riding a bus is also the way to go.

Bus fare costs $2.75 (but the SingleRide ticket sold at vending machines cost $3) and can be payable with MetroCard or exact change. Take note that dollar bills are not accepted by drivers. Also, the elderly from 65 years old onwards are qualified for reduced fare tickets.

The route designations are a letter and a number. The letter is the borough:

M =Manhattan
Q=Queens
B=Brooklyn
Bx=Bronx
S=Staten Island.

Most routes stay within the borough, but there are exceptions such as the Q32 that goes to Penn Station in Manhattan.

BusChecker gives you an interactive map to locate yourself by. You can find the closest bus stops and find out what buses stop there and when they are due thru an app called BusChecker. There are also other similar apps that pull the live GPS data being fed from the individual buses in the MTA system, so the schedule times displayed are real-time and are usually fairly accurate. Waiting for a bus in NYC can be rather frustrating at times, but with BusChecker, knowing when the next bus is due can reduce some of the frustration borne out of uncertainty. The app can also help you to plan your travel intelligently.

Bus rides cost $2.75 per ride. Buses accept the MetroCard and exact coin change (no pennies or paper money). You get a free transfer to another bus or the subway within two hours if you paid with a MetroCard.

Bus stops are located approximately every two blocks at street corners with a sign that displays a bus emblem and route number. Some stops have bus shelters with large ads you will find fascinating.

Look at the Guide-A-Ride to make sure the bus you want will be stopping there. Most stops have a “Guide-A-Ride” information box that displays route maps and schedules. Buses display their route number thru an electronic display sign at the top of the bus. If you see that it also says “Limited” or “LTD,” this means that it is an express bus that doesn’t make all stops along the route, but stops approximately every ten blocks.

The Limited-Stop buses make you arrive to your destination faster. There is a new service that is even quicker than the Limited buses. You can transfer from local to express/crosstown buses just like you would along subways.

Crosstown buses are also quicker than the Limited-Stop buses. It runs east and west along major streets, such as 42nd Street or 14th Street that are two-way and have four lanes rather than being single lane one-way streets.

BOAT

To save time if traveling between southern part of Manhattan and Brooklyn, opt to travel via boat. For an alternative travel experience that will also save you time if traveling between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, the East River Ferry is a quick commuter ferry that costs $2.75 per person one way. While it costs more than a subway ride, it is a great way to admire the city from a different vantage point as you can pass right by or under our stunning bridges such as the Brooklyn Bridge.

One of the best free excursions you can have in New York City is taking the Staten Island Ferry. Riding this ferry will give you the opportunity to witness a phenomenal view of the harbor. If you have the time and budget that allows you to take a boat tour or cruise, this ferry tour must be tried. To know about the schedule and other information about Staten Island Ferry, visit the official website.

TRAM

Seeing New York from above thru a tram is possible. Indeed, you do not need a helicopter ride to do so. The Roosevelt Island Tramway makes seeing New York from way up in the sky possible for tourists. This ride is just $2.75 using a MetroCard and lasts for approximately two minutes. Because it is largely residential, there isn’t a huge draw for tourists to visit Roosevelt Island, though there are a few things that might be of interest. For sure, the tram ride might be two of the most exciting minutes you’ll spend in New York City.

This tramway is considered the most modern aerial tramway in the world, running from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza, Roosevelt Island.

At every stop, passengers must exit the tram. You must pay again to return to the other side.

Only MTA MetroCards are accepted in the tramway. Even if MetroCards can be purchased at the Tram Station, there are no MTA booths here. Nonetheless, vending machines are still situated in the station.

Up to three children 44-inches tall and under ride for free on the Tram. They must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. However, children more than 44 inches tall require full fare.

General tips on new york trip

A city as massive as New York can be very difficult to navigate through. Sometimes, it is a massive help to get just a few good tips to get you through a tough spot. No doubt that the locals of New York know their way around. With this list, you will be able to navigate every nook and cranny of New York City. Here are a few general tips on your New York City trip.

Make sure that you have prepared plans for each day of your trip prior to visiting. At worse, you should avoid planning at the night before your departure unless needed. It is recommended that you should take your time planning. Your plan should include what activities you will be visiting and in what order, the means of transportations for the whole day, and the clothes appropriate for the weather.

Get the New York City Guide Book that you may procure from any tourist agencies. The book has all the necessary information on 55+ attractions. The Guide Book also has the necessary information on the addresses and phone numbers of each emergency hotline in case you are in an emergency.

Make a reservation only if you are absolutely certain about visiting a place, otherwise, you will be under pressure and you will not be able to make other plans. It is likely that you may end up paying more than necessary.

Buy the ticket to the Top of the Rock sunset observation as soon as you arrive in NYC for the clearest day in the forecast. You may say to the ticket assistant that you want to see the sunset so they can show you which time to reserve.

Reserve the NBC studio tour as soon as you arrive in the city. It may require calling the ticket desk the first thing in the morning.

During the busy tourist season, the Fast Track promo that the Pass provides may help you. It may not be necessary for the off-season and it will still be a useful get around. It may not help in getting a priority in the long line to board for the boat cruise to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Depending on the time you want to invest, the money you want to spend or personal preferences, you may pick either the water taxi or one of three boat cruises or ferry. On the boat tour on your way to the Liberty Island, you see the Statue of Liberty from the right side. Then when you continue your way to Ellis Island the best view of the Statue of Liberty will be from the left side.

Comfortable light shoes are the must. You may be walking for the majority of the trip so it helps to have your feet in check.

Be sure that you have a hat and gloves for the double deck tours and for the boat cruise as well.

If you are buying a Metrocard with a credit card you brought, don't enter anything if you are asked for your zip code; just press "OK" or "Enter" to go to the next screen.

The best time to see the most NYC attractions is Tuesday-Saturday. On weekends museums start late and may not be open long. On Mondays and Sundays, they may be closed or do not have tours.

Here is a piece of advice on tour guides. Do the tours with the volunteer guides whenever possible. Most of them are trained professionals and will answer or entertain the guests as skillfully as possible.

Check out the current exhibitions at Discovery Times Square for kid-friendly, educational, and historical experiences. The place is a great way for kids to learn and be informed at the same time.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the MoMA may keep your interest for a whole day. They have numerous free tours every hour and a number of exhibitions that are represented often. The earlier you start, the more you will get to experience.

The audio tours are worth paying 7-8 dollars. You may procure them at museums, the Grand Central Terminal, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. They can keep you and your children's interest for roughly 45-60 minutes.

Carnegie Hall Tour is a wonderful place to go on your first few days. There are a lot of funny stories and beautiful music in their small museum.

Buy the Rockefeller Center Tour at the same desk where you buy the ticket for the Top of the Rock. Always ask the ticket assistant about all the offers they have available. There are plenty of good offers to choose from. If you have the Pass, you may buy the ticket at a discounted rate.

Madame Tussauds New York and Skyride are also interesting places to visit. If you have the extra time to pass in-between the travel, you may want to visit these places.

Tours apps for phones are a very convenient addition to your insight in visiting NYC. There are some apps that provide audio tours of all the important places in NYC, as in the NYC Audio Tours for iPhone. They also provide directions, maps, lists of restaurants, bars, and museums.

When waiting in subway stations, always stand behind the clearly demarcated yellow line at the platform edge. This is, of course, for your safety when riding the subway.

The gap between the train entrance and platform edge is larger in some subway stations than others. Be mindful of the distance before boarding the train.

The train conductor is almost always located in the middle subway car. There is a black-and-white sign on the platform to indicate the position of that car when it arrives.

Be careful of the renegade Disney, Sesame Street and superhero characters in Times Square. Not all are officially licensed by their creators, and their costumes seem a tad different from the genuine article because these individuals are generally hustling for tips.

Keep a copy of your passport stored in your hotel room safe. It is important wherever you might be.
Use well-lit, well-populated ATMs. Avoid ATMs in remote places where suspicious elements may be situated about.

New York doesn’t have to expensive. However, you need to do your research ahead to know which museums you can get into for as low as $1 and which areas to stay in. A lot of the best parts of New York involve primarily walking around and soaking in the city.

New York City might be a tough experience for solo travelers but the locations are definitely worth the sabbatical.

There are a lot of tourist traps in New York and some people will tell you anything to get you in the door. If you’re walking through a heavily trafficked area and someone gives you a flyer for an attraction promising you that you’ll see Aziz Ansari (or any other comedian) for Free/$5, don’t believe it. Those comedy nights rarely include anyone famous and many of them is cheap/“free” as long as you meet the $15 drink minimum.

If someone offers you something illicit on the street, it is common knowledge not to accept and to report the incident to the authorities as soon as possible.

New Yorkers like to walk quickly with a purposeful strut and are often in a hurry. Respect their sense of purpose and be mindful of the space around you.

SPORTS

Sports is a not just a fun activity to pass the time with. In New York City, Sports is a cultural activity. With so many immigrants coming in and out of the city, sports are one mode of communication that brings them together. Undoubtedly, New York has produced some of the most influential and popular sportsmen ever. Here are a list of sports events and where to catch them in New York City.

Baseball (April to October)
NYC is home to both the Yankees and the Mets, and each team has their own stadium. The Mets play home games at Citifield Park in Queens and the Yankees play home games at Yankee Stadium.

Basketball (October to April)
Basketball is one of the most thrilling sports to see, in fact, the NBA games are an international fad. New York has two of basketball’s famous champion teams: The Knicks and The Nets. The Nets play out of the relatively new Barclays Center located in Brooklyn, just north of Park Slope. The Knicks can be found at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Football (September to February)
For some amazing football, you will have to head out to the MetLife Stadium in nearby New Jersey where both New York’s teams, the Jets, and the Giants play. There are plenty of public transportation options so don’t let leaving Manhattan to deter you from seeing a game.

Hockey (October to April)
NYC has two awesome hockey teams, the Rangers, and the New York Islanders. The Rangers play out of Madison Square Garden and the Islanders are over in Brooklyn at the Barclay Center.

Tennis (late August to early September)
One of the four Grand Slam matches is held right here in New York City and is one of the most popular sporting events of the year. Matches are played from 11 am until late into the evening, with some hard-fought 7 pm matches lasting until midnight on the rare occasion.

Do's and dont's

There are many things to do in New York City, at the same time; there are also a few things you shouldn’t do in New York City. Here are a few tips and tricks to avoid trouble and make the best of your trip in New York City.

DO'S

There are more iconic places than Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Go see them, take some photos in front of the ice rink or the giant billboards with their flashing lights, and then check out the other sights. New York City has so much more to offer and, with a City Pass, you can even save money seeing all culture, history, and famous sights.

Do explore other parts of New York City. Why not head to lower Manhattan and take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge? Head to the Bronx or Queens to see a baseball game. Shop and do lunch in Soho. Go to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg. Browse the antique markets in Chelsea.

Eat in Little Italy. The place has a lot of unique culinary fusion to offer for the guests.

Do walk down Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village and taste delicious pizza, rice balls, and cannoli at the Italian shops lining the street. If you want to have an Italian Dinner out, check respected sources like Zagat or Time Out New York for recommendations.

Don’t be a subway oaf! If this list was ranked in order of importance, this would have the top spot. The fastest way to annoy New Yorkers is to in any way block the turnstiles, the stairways, or the train entrance. And, whatever you do, don’t lean your whole body on the poles inside the train.

Do have your Metrocard ready to swipe and know how to use it. And, yes, it’s a petri dish of bacteria, but hold onto the poles inside the train with your hands so other people around you have space to hang on, too.

New Yorkers’ primary mode of transportation is their feet. The sidewalk in New York is what you might call the highway or freeway outside of the city. Walking in a line across with your whole family blocks others from passing and whatever you do, don’t make any sudden stops.

Do “pull over” to the right if you’re just strolling, are a slow walker, or want to stop. The city has quite a busy pedestrian traffic so it helps to abide with the law.

Do stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. New York City is much safer than it was decades ago, but as with any big city, you need to exercise some basic caution.

It is not advisable to drive. The locals are quite aware of the horrendous traffic and the limited parking space. It is a cheaper and economic alternative to take public transportation.

Do use your feet. Use the subway, buses, and regional trains for a faster and more mentally healthy way of travel. New York and the surrounding regions are well connected with public transportation. You can get anywhere you’ll want to go and save a lot of money on expenses.

The streets in Manhattan have a really special way of funneling the cold winter wind right in your direction. It might feel crisp and refreshing at first, but after a few hours of walking around, you’ll be shivering miserably. If this doesn’t like something you can handle, visit NYC in the fall, instead!

Do dress for the weather. You’ll be walking outside, a lot. If it’s winter, wear a coat, hat, and boots. If it rains, use a pocket umbrella and watch out for everyone else around you. Two eyes are always better than one!

Do walk just 5 minutes outside of Times Square to Hells Kitchen and 9th Avenue for an endless array of good food and drink. Have a bagel with cream cheese from a real New York deli. Find something tasty in a food truck. Have a slice of pizza. Try a new type of ethnic food. Why not try out some Greek at Kefi on the Upper West Side or choose an Indian restaurant in Little India in the east 20s?

Do dress as stylishly as you are comfortable. Jeans are always a good start. Boots, flats, oxfords, loafers, and All-Stars are all better choices than your standard sneaker. New York is a fashion capital and taking the best memorable photos include dressing good as well.

Take the Staten Island Ferry, which is totally free and goes past most of the same sights.

DON’TS

Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk. It is common knowledge in New York that people are always on the go and people who suddenly stop are viewed are obstructions.

Do not get on an empty subway car. Dangerous elements commonly lurk in dark and remote places where people are found isolated.

Don’t block the subway doors. New York City subways can get crowded! Respect the other travelers and move into the center of a subway car when you board a train. Also, walk in a group that takes up the whole sidewalk. New Yorkers are speed-walking pros.

Don’t pay for a Statue of Liberty cruise. Unless if you are paying for a premium cruise; Pedestal cruises are offered for free.

Do not use the doors inside cars to walk between subway trains, unless absolutely necessary or instructed to do so.

Do not accept a ride from any unlicensed vehicle, especially at any of the three area airports. Safety for you are your travel companions should be the main priority of your trip.

Don’t get on the express subway or bus unless you’re sure that it’s going to stop off at your chosen destination. The regular train will stop at majority of the stops (with skipping some) while the express trains will skip on average half the stops.

Avoid visiting Times Square during the day or rush hour. Besides it being a must for most visiting tourists (especially at night), there’s only overpriced chain food directly on the Square.

Only eat at restaurants that have an A rating from the NYC Health Department. If you do not see an “A” posted outside of the restaurant, it is advisable not to risk eating there. Simply: A non-A rating means that they do not have a clean kitchen or an approval from the local health department.

Let people walk in the middle on the right side and if you’re going slow, stay on the edges away from the middle. If you’re with a group, do not walk all together in a group in a row blocking everyone from passing you.

Don’t buy stuff, especially water bottles, on the street. Grocery stores have much cheaper products, food and water for sale in comparison to foodcarts.

Avoid wearing heels and travel-incompatible footwear if you can’t walk for miles in them. You can always carry them in your bag if you want them for photos, but if your goal is to see as much as possible, use a comfortable pair of sneakers rather than heels.

Going out in the night

Truly the city that never sleeps, New York City is known for its nightlife. When the sunsets, you will have dozens of ways to spend your night. Here are a few things to do and places you can visit to make the most of your New York nightlife.

Enjoy a Broadway show. One of the best ways to enjoy the city’s nighttime offerings is to take in a Broadway show. There are multiple ways to acquire discounted theater tickets through the internet. Enjoy some of the best theater in the world without blowing your budget.

View New York City glittering at night from up high view. The top three city’s skyscraper observation decks are also open at night: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Trade Center Observatory.

Enjoy an Opera, Ballet or Orchestral performance at Lincoln Center. One-stop-shopping can also be found at Lincoln Center, home of The Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Ballet, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra and several other residents performing arts companies. To see what is currently being performed, check their calendar.

Take a night bus or boat tour. Many people are surprised to find out that not only is the Staten Island Ferry free, it also runs 24 hours a day and makes a great nighttime option, especially to see the Statue of Liberty up close.

If you loved to party you can check also New York City's best nightclubs and bars for dancing and partying the night away. The Top of the Rock is a 3-level observation deck at the Rockefeller Center. The 67th floor is completely covered, the 69th has glass windshields and the 70th is open to the elements. So, if you want a truly 360-degree view of NYC at night, head straight for the top. You’ll find great shopping areas and eateries when you come back down to earth too. New York is known for its variety of dance clubs catering to your taste in music and kind of dancing you enjoy. Some of the best places to go dancing are located in Brooklyn.

New York City is known for its high-quality jazz clubs and late-night sessions. You can easily reserve a spot either through online or through a number.You can also consider visiting Harlem, the district that made jazz a household word in the post WWI era. Around the original Swing Street, West 133rd and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard are affordable jazz haunts. Paris Blues, Bill’s Place and Shrine are among the best.

If you are looking for some drinking and dancing, New York Pub Crawls offers a relatively affordable way to hit the city. They offer crawls that end at major dance venues from anywhere between $16-$26 a person. Price includes drink specials and entry, but you will have to pay for most of your drinks.

When to visit new york

Sometimes, it is better to have an insight on when is the best time to visit for a certain occasion. With this list, you will be able to plan a better vacation itinerary by specializing your plan to a certain occasion. Here are a few places to start

Best Time for Good Weather: May to October is a good time and July to August can be hot and humid. Most favorable month among clever tourists visiting in New York is September. It is when the weather is mild and there are fewer people visiting the historical and other landmarks.

Best Time for Sightseeing: April, May, June, September, October, and early November are good months if you are planning on visiting for the landmarks. Since it isn’t peak season for tourists, many travel agencies would offer special promos for prospecting tourists.

Best Time for Honeymoon: May, June, September, and October are ideal months for Honeymoon in New York City. According to a recent data, these are the months when there are fewer honeymoons happening around the city. Many want a memorable time in the numerous luxury hotels and fancy restaurants in the city and these months will give you a lot less competition in reservations and sort.

Best Time for Nightlife: While it is pretty much a good time to party all-year around New York City, the months of December to January definitely takes the cake. Prepare for rounds after rounds of special and historical festivals held all around the place. Furthermore, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in New York is definitely a must visit if you can brave through the massive crowd.

Best Time for Saving Money: January and February, right after a few festivals the city of New York cools down for the warm season. There are comparably fewer guests in the city, in return many places offer special promos for their respective choices.

Best Time to See Shows: It is far easier to find show tickets during the quieter months of January and February. 2-for-1 tickets to over twenty of Broadway’s most popular shows are available during Broadway Week, held twice yearly in September and January. Summer travelers will have the best luck over the Fourth of July weekend, which generally sees a massive drop in ticket sales.

Broadway season starts in September, making that month a great time to score tickets to new shows that haven’t yet generated a lot of buzz. Tickets to these same shows can be a lot harder to come by in May and June, after the Tony Award nominees have been announced.

Best Time for Museums: Expect museums to be at their most crowded during the holiday rush surrounding Christmas and New Year’s. Any other month is fair game for a trip to any of New York’s numerous museums.

Best Time for Restaurants: Along with the slow mid-winter tourism months, reservations at New York’s best restaurants can be surprisingly easy to come by in July and August, when locals escape the city on the weekends. Great deals and special menus can be found at more than 300 of the city’s finest eateries during New York’s Restaurant Week, held twice annually in late January/early February and late July/early August.

Best Time for Holiday Displays: Stores along 5th Avenue begin unveiling their holiday window displays in mid-November, with all decorations up by Thanksgiving. The spectacular tree at Rockefeller Center isn’t lit until the Wednesday following Thanksgiving, when tourism crowds are at their peak.

Best Time for Kids and Families: Summer is a particularly popular time for families to visit New York City. The city offers loads for kids to do during the summer, from outdoor concerts and movies (many of them free) to bike rental, boating, and playgrounds in Central Park.

Best time to avoid crowds: The deep winter months of January through early March offer your best chance to see the city without being mobbed by tourists. Even better, some shops and location offer special prices for their products, services and tours for tourists.

High Season (June-August & November-December): Vacationing families and European travelers on extended holiday make the summer months one of the most popular times to visit New York. During both of these busy tourism periods, expect airfare and hotel rates to be at their peak and availability to be low.

Shoulder Season (March-May & September-October): Though tourism isn’t quite peaking during these months, they are still incredibly popular times to visit New York. Mild weather makes the spring and fall seasons ideal for exploring the city on foot, whether to a backdrop of blooms and open air markets in the springtime, or the changing colors of Central Park trees in the fall. High prices and low availability for both flights and hotels is to be expected.

Low Season (January-Early March): New York City is at its quietest during these cold mid-winter months, when snow is common and temperatures hover between 1 and 4°C. Hotel occupancy rates dip below 90%, and restaurant reservations and theater tickets are easier to come by. The drop in temperature means a drop in both airfare and hotel rates, which makes this a great time to visit the city.

weather in new york

New York City Weather in January: January is New York’s coldest month. Temperatures range from -12°to 4°C, generally hovering around 3°C. Snow is likely around this time, quickly becoming slush on sidewalk and street corners – warm clothes and waterproof boots are a must. (Average Max Temperature: 3.1°C. Average Precipitation: 81mm.)

New York City Weather in February: February remains cold, with the average daytime high creeping up to 4.2°C. Snow still common, and the days remain short: New York City sunset is around 5:30 in February. (Average Max Temperature: 4.2°C. Average Precipitation: 77mm.)

New York City Weather in March: March is a bit of a mixed bag in New York City, feeling sometimes like winter and at other times spring-like. Cold and snow are still common, though less likely toward the end of March. You’ll want to pack warm clothes, but may be surprised by not needing them. (Average Max Temperature: 8.9°C. Average Precipitation: 91mm.)

New York City Weather in April: Snow in April is rare in New York City, though still possible – especially around the beginning of the month. Any snow the city gets won’t last long, however. Average temperatures range from 7 to 18°C, spring rain showers are common, and flowers are up and blooming by the end of the month. (Average Max temperature: 14.6°C. Average Precipitation: 99mm.)

New York City Weather in May: May is one of New York City’s loveliest months. The temperature ranges from 10-26°C, so it’s usually warm but not hot, and without the humidity that you’ll find during the summer months. Flowers are blooming, trees are leafing out, and it’s a wonderful time of year to explore the city’s many parks. (Average Max Temperature: 19.8°C. Average Precipitation: 96mm.)

New York City Weather in June: June days grow warmer as summer approaches, though it’s usually not too hot or humid to comfortably enjoy being outdoors. Shorts and sandal season is in full swing, and the month’s long days (the sun sets around 8:30pm) are perfect for catching an outdoor concert or ballgame at Yankee Stadium – barring the occasional rainstorm. (Average Max Temperature: 25°C. Average Precipitation: 92mm.)

New York City Weather in July: The hottest month of the year, expect temperatures to range from 21-35°C, with an average high of 28.2°C. The humidity is on the rise as well, especially as August nears, though ample shade from trees and tall buildings means it’s usually not so uncomfortable that you can’t enjoy a walk in the park, or lunch or dinner in a sidewalk café. Expect quieter streets as locals have head for the cooler coast. (Average Max Temperature: 28.2°C. Average Precipitation: 97mm.)

New York City Weather in August: Though July is NYC’s hottest month by temperature, August is the most humid. It is truly sticky in the city this month, with the climbing daytime humidity often bringing late afternoon and early evening thunderstorms – but don’t worry, they blow over quickly. Temperatures can be a full 10° hotter in the subways, so it’s a good idea to consider a taxi as you make your way from one air-conditioned attraction to the next. (Average Max Temperature: 27.7°C. Average Precipitation: 87mm.)

New York City Weather in September: September is a flux month in New York, and the weather varies wildly as the city transitions from summer heat and humidity into crisp autumn. Temperatures range from 21-27°C until mid-month, with cooler air settling in as October approaches. Because summer’s humidity has gone, even September’s warmest days are perfect for outdoor activities and seeing the city on foot. (Average Max Temperature: 23.9°C. Average Precipitation: 84mm.)

New York City Weather in October: Traditionally New York’s driest month of the year, October boasts mild to chilly temperatures and crisp autumn air. Temps range from 10-20°C, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket – though you might not need it. The changing fall leaves and comfortable temperature range lead many folks to consider this a perfect time to see New York. (Average Max Temperature 18.2°C. Average Precipitation: 73mm.)

New York City Weather in November: Days are getting shorter, chillier, and rainier. A jacket is essential, and a hat and gloves are a good idea. It’s not unusual to see snow flurries by the end of the month, though accumulation is unlikely at this point. (Average Max Temperature: 12.1°C. Average Precipitation: 92mm.)

New York City Weather in December: Winter arrives in New York, with cold temperatures, snow, and holiday crowds. Wind and temperatures can be bitingly cold. Days are short – expect the sun to set around 4:30pm mid-month – giving visitors ample time to view the city’s twinkling seasonal lights. (Average Max Temperature: 5.9°C. Average Precipitation: 87mm.)

As a major hub of human interaction, New York City is filled to the brim with various events and festivals. New York’s history of immigrants has made the city a true melting pot of culture. With culture come many fun festivities and activities to try out. Here are a few major festivals that you should look into.

January

Winter Jazzfest NYC

Over 100 acts at 11 venues in and around Greenwich Village. The New York City Winter Jazzfest is a beacon of the New York City Jazz scene gathering, leading musicians from around the world.

Broadway Week

Treat yourself with 2-for-1 tickets for over 20 of Broadway’s most popular shows. The Broadway Week is an excellent way to save up on money. Great discount deals on the best shows and musicals for you and for your family.

NYC Restaurant Week

The New York City Restaurant Week is a semiannual promotional event produced by NYC and Company. Three-course dining deals for lunch and dinner at over 300 of the city’s best eateries.

February

Lunar New Year Festival/Parade and Firecracker Ceremony/Cultural Festival

The Lunar New Year is a Chinese custom and New York City also has their own. Because of the large Chinese population of New York, the Lunar New Year is almost as grand as the one held in Beijing.

Westminster Kennel Club Show

This dog show isn’t just some regular show. The Westminster Kennel Club Show was there since New York was developing to the economic powerhouse it is today, that is in the 1877. The Westminster Kennel Club Show is simply one of the world’s oldest ongoing dog show.

New York Fashion Week

Fashion lovers will definitely find themselves at the New York Fashion Week. Usually lasting 7-9 days, the New York Fashion Week hosts international fashion collections to be shown to buyers, the press and the general public.

March

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

As shown in the film The Greatest Showman, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus remains as one if not the greatest shows on Earth. Starting from 1871, the show still entertains the public with grandiose displays of circus performances and plays.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

St. Patricks day is originally an Irish celebration. He is Ireland’s patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. Along with the awesome riveting music, there are also alcoholic drinks for everyone regardless of race or gender.

April

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival

Easter isn’t just about finding colored eggs all around the park. The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival is a time when the streets of Manhattan come alive with spring colors and the most extravagant bonnets are shown to public. There are a lot of photo opportunities to be found in this festival.

Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival is a prominent film festival which shows a diverse selection of independent films in the neighborhood of Tribeca. There are many interesting and uncommon films to watch in this film festival since the entries come from all around the world.

May

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

Spring is all about the bountiful foods and the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival delivers just that. Also known as Hell’s kitchen, this peculiarly named avenue is home to many various international cuisines and the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival presents an opportunity for everyone to try them out at the same place.

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

The city tradition springs to life as artists follow in the footsteps of the old masters. Hundreds of artists display their work in a creative enclave, from painting, sculptures, photography, jewelry and woodcraft at the University Place.

Fleet Week

The United States Military has a tradition where active military ships sails past the various waterways of New York City. It isn’t that often that you find a Missile cruiser sailing past the Statue of Liberty, so this event is a must visit.

June

Belmont Stakes

Horse racing is an integral part of the colonies and New York City is not an exception. The Belmont Stakes is a high stakes horseracing competition. It doesn’t matter if you don’t bet, the horse racing is already exciting as it is.

Pride Festival and March

Since recent times, the LGBTQ community has been an integral part of the New York City Community. Visit the largest pride celebration in the world and experience that love truly wins in the end.

July

Independence Day

The 4th of July is when patriotic Americans won over the British. It is a large celebration all around the United States. As one of the original states, New York has one of the most grandiose celebrations of Independence day.

August

New York International Fringe Festival

It is simply the largest multi-arts events in North America. The events itself takes over two weeks from start to finish. There many various shows on display at the New York International Fringe Festival and over 75,000 visit annually.

September

U.S. Open

It is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States. Everyone in the United States loves golf, whether if you see it on TV or live, the U.S. Open offers heart stopping action of the game of golf.

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit

Just like the one in May. The city tradition springs to life as artists follow in the footsteps of the old masters. Hundreds of artists display their work in a creative enclave, from painting, sculptures, photography, jewelry and woodcraft at the University Place.

Broadway Week

Treat yourself with 2-for-1 tickets to over twenty of Broadway’s most popular shows are available during Broadway Week, held twice yearly in September and January. Summer travelers will have the best luck over the Fourth of July weekend, which generally sees a massive drop in ticket sales

New York Fall Fashion Week

Just like the one in February. Fashion lovers will definitely find themselves at the New York Fashion Week. Usually lasting 7-9 days, the New York Fashion Week hosts international fashion collections to be shown to buyers, the press and the general public.

New York Film Festival

This is one of the most iconic film festivals in the world. Held every autumn in September, the New York Film Festival showcases both big production films and independent films. There are many interesting films to watch at the New York Film Festival.

October

Columbus Day Parade

The day celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the Americas, thereby contributing to the creation of the United States. It is also the largest Italian-American Parade in the United States so you can expect a real feast during the time in New York.

Open House New York

The Open House New York is the largest architectural convention in New York. Both professionals and commoners will surely find the fascinating display of architecture and urban design in this event.

Village Halloween Parade

Held in October 31, just in time for November 1. The Village Halloween Parade is the largest Halloween event in New York City. Go trick or treating with various costumed individuals and celebrate the spirit of Halloween.

November

New York City Marathon

The New York City Marathon is simply the world’s largest marathon. With courses that run through the five boroughs of New York City, the New York City Marathon is one running event anyone should participate.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

New York was once also home to many various indigenous Native Americans. Today, Thanksgiving Day is a celebration for the cooperation between the Native Americans and the American colonists. New York City has special events all around celebrating Thanksgiving and it takes going to the place to truly experience it all.

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony

This 2018, the Rockafeller Center tree will be lit up for the first time. Each year, thousands crowd the sidewalks of Rockafeller Center to experience this truly fascinating event.

December

Ice Skating Rinks

The best place to make use of the cold weather in New York City is in the Ice Skating Rinks. Held at the New York Central Park, ice rinks are the best place to display your ice skating skills.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

Make your Christmas experience at one of the shows of Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. Featuring more than 140 performers at a 90 minute show, the Christmas Spectacular combines singing, dancing, humor with traditional scenes of Christmas.

New Year’s Eve at Times Square

If there was only one place that you should spend your New Year ’s Eve is at the times square. Other than the exciting crowd, there is simply so much celebration going on that it is almost confusingly fun. Furthermore, the fireworks are simply out of this world and that is more than enough reason to see it for you.

new york airport

Looking for a cheap flight is normally quite easy when you know what destination you want to go to, but finding cheap flights to New York can be more difficult when there are 3 different excellent airports to choose from. While each one has its pros and cons, it can be difficult trying to decide where to fly into.

La Guardia Airport (LGA)
La Guardia airport is just a stone throw away from Manhattan on the Upper East Side, resulting in this New York airport having a fantastic location nearby to where you may be staying. With it being so incredibly close to Manhattan, even in the busiest traffic, it may cost just $20-25 to get New York airport transportation using taxis. La Guardia is perfect for anyone who is staying on the Upper East Side of Manhattan as you won’t have to wait long at all to get to where you’ll be spending your holiday.

Newark Airport (EWR)
If you already know what to visit in New York, and you’re aiming to spend most of your time in the busiest areas of the city, Newark is best airport for you fly into. They have quick and easy airport transportation including taxis, car hire, trains, buses etc. You can grab a bus which will take you straight into the city where you’ll be extremely close to Times Square, which is excellent if your hotel is nearby; despite this, EWR is most convenient for those heading into the financial district

John F Kennedy Airport (JFK)
John F Kennedy Airport is one of the most popular and busiest airports in New York. It is the largest airport in the New York metro area and has nearly every airline flying in both indirect and direct flights. There is a $45 flat fare to get a yellow cab into Manhattan and takes about an hour, but can be considerably more as traffic can get congested during rush hour. The yellow taxis are your best bet here but there are also shared-ride shuttle services available which are cheaper, however, takes longer to get into the city.

Before you travel

Make sure you have the correct documents.
Check your airlines luggage allowance and fees.
Check with your doctor about vaccinations.
Make sure you have travel insurance.
Check if there are fees on entering and leaving the country.
Let your bank know you are traveling abroad or they might cut your card off.
Things you should pack: adaptor, extra batteries for camera or any important gadget(s), copies of important documents, and first aid kit.
Also bring a jacket or coat in case it is cold in the city.