Guide contents

Comprehensive Guide to NYC

Profile picture for Jessica Weingarten
Apr 9th, 2024
12930 views
I've never been a New Yorker, but I've travelled here a number of times. Over the course oI've never been a New Yorker, but I've travelled here a number of times. Over the course of my visits, I've been able to sniff out what is worth seeing and isn't worth the time or the money.

Getting Here and Getting Around

-The best way to see the city is to WALK. Since the city is laid out using a grid system, navigating your way around is rather easy.
-If you're travelling across multiple boroughs, then the MTA (subway) is a great way to get around. Unless you're in town for a longer period, opt for a 'pay per trip' vs. unlimited metro card.
-Ubers are generally more cost-effective when travelling from the airport to your hotel. Once you're in the city, a yellow cab is generally easier on the wallet. While nearly all cabs have a debit/credit machine, try to pay cash to reduce your risk of having your bank card compromised.
-If you're staying on the west side of the city, flying into Newark may create some efficiencies for travelling into the city. If you're staying on the east side or in Brooklyn, LaGuardia is the better option.

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay In

1

Upper West Side

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Points of Interest & Landmarks
If it's your first time in the city or if you're looking for more of a quintessential New York experience, this area is a great option due to its proximity to Central Park and a number of the city's museums. It's less stuffy than the Upper East Side, and is home to some of the most beautiful brownstones.
2

SoHo

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Close to great restaurants, bars and, of course, shopping. Look for a hotel close to Canal St. Station or Prince St. Station if you're planning to take the subway often.
3

Lower East Side

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
A bit grittier and more hip than SoHo. The neighbourhood's Jewish roots still shine–after all, it's home to some of the city's best delis, including Katz's and Russ & Daughters.
4

Williamsburg

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
A quieter pace than Manhattan, but it's still home to some of the best restaurants, bars and shops in the city. Many of the Williamsburg hotels (e.g., The Hoxton, 1 Brooklyn) have rooftop bars that offer sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
Plan a trip just like this one
Your itinerary and your map, in one view. Build, organize, and map out your next best trip.

Touristy Destinations to SEE

1

Brooklyn Bridge

Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge should absolutely be on your NYC bucket list. That being said, it's especially crowded, especially during the warmer months. If you're not willing to brave the crowds, set your alarm for an early wake-up call–it's much quieter in the mornings.
2

World Trade Center

Check out the 9/11 museum (paid entry) or the 9/11 memorial (free) while you're here.
3

The Museum of Modern Art

Modern art museum
Museums
Home to some of the world's best works of modern art, this is a museum you can visit multiple times and not get bored of.
4

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art museum
Sights & Landmarks
If you're more interested in contemporary art, then why not visit the largest art museum in North America? Because the collection is so large, plan out your visit ahead of time to ensure you don't miss out on seeing the works you're most interested in.
5

Central Park

Park
Sights & Landmarks
One of the most beautiful spots in the city. See the 'Best Public Parks and Squares' section of the guide for more greenery recommendations.
6

Greenwich Village

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Known as the birthplace of the Beat Poet movement, this neighbourhood has a number of beautiful tree-lined streets, book stores, cafes and wine bars worth exploring.
7

66 Perry St

Building
Colour me basic, but I still get a thrill from walking by Carrie Bradshaw's apartment. If you're walking around West Village, it's easy to swing by. Avoid getting too close to the stoop–this fictional set is a very real home, and I can't help but feel badly for the people who live here, who have had to endure throngs of girls taking selfies outside for over a decade.
8

New York County Supreme Court

City courthouse
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Fans of Law & Order will get a kick of seeing the real-life court and police HQ buildings from the show. While I wouldn't make a destination out of it, it's fun to stop by some of these buildings while walking around downtown or heading to the Brooklyn Bridge.
9

Top of The Rock

Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
If you're looking for a sweeping view of the city, this one is a classic–and one of the more affordable options.

Touristy Destinations to SKIP

1

Times Square

Plaza
Sights & Landmarks
Unless it's your first time in the city and you're really eager to see it, skip this destination. It's overcrowded, filled with retailers you can find in any mall and is where you're most likely to be scammed.
2

Empire State Building

Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
The Empire State Building is an integral part of the New York City skyline - don't you want to see it when you're paying to take in a view? For less expensive tickets (and shorter lines), visit Top of the Rock or Edge at Hudson Yards instead. Go near sunset for the best view. I still recommend purchasing tickets in advance for any of these lookout points.
3

Statue of Liberty

Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Tours out to the Statue of Liberty are rather pricey. If you're really keen on seeing it, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry to catch a glimpse.
4

New York Hop on Hop off Bus Tours

Whale watching tour agency
As mentioned earlier, NYC is an incredibly easy city to navigate. You'll have the best experience if you're shepherding yourself around town. Plus, the subway and city bus are far cheaper.
5

CENTRAL PARK HORSE CARRIAGE

Carriage ride service
I always feel so sad for these horses when I see them. I'm not convinced that they're treated humanely, plus all of the city traffic and noise must be scary for them. If you're an animal lover, stand in solidarity with the horses and don't take one of these carriage rides.
6

Time Out Market New York

affordable
Restaurant
This place is so overcrowded. If you're really keen to try some of the dishes served here, head to the original restaurant locations instead.
7

5th Ave

The streets are crowded and the shops are incredibly expensive. If you have a pocketbook deep enough to shop in these luxury boutiques, you would likely have a much better shopping experience in SoHo.
8

Dumbo

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
The beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge between the old warehouses makes for a very, very crowded photo-op. There are some great bakeries and coffee shops in the area–but nothing you couldn't find in a quieter area in Brooklyn. If you're looking for a great view of the bridges, check out Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Domino Park, or the Two Bridges area of Manhattan.
9

Financial District

There's really not much happening on Wall Street. Unless you're a finance or historical architecture buff (this is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in NYC), I'd suggest skipping it. Instead, check out TriBeCa - another one of the city's original areas
10

Radio City Music Hall

Concert hall
Sights & Landmarks
Unless you're seeing a show, it's really just a building :) Don't make a destination out of it.

Best Restaurants

1

Aldama

affordable
Mexican restaurant
I've been to this authentic Mexican restaurant a few times, and I've never been disappointed. Their shrimp, octopus and mole sauce are particularly delicious, as are their house-made tortillas. If you're here in the warmer months, sit on the back patio—pictured here.
2

Rezdôra

Italian restaurant
Northern Italian restaurant
This Italian spot near Gramercy Park is on the pricier side, but the experience is well-worth it. Start off with the parmesan tasting (you'll be surprised to see how different parmesan can taste based on the aging process) and share a few pasta dishes with your dining companions.
3

Rubirosa

affordable
Pizza restaurant
This Nolita spot is home to my favourite pizza in NYC. Order the tie-dye pie, which features tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil pesto. Their pizzas are quite large, so opt for a pizza and a salad to share instead of individual orders. It's also hard to walk in here due to its popularity—they open reservations once week in advance, so make sure you set a reminder to book.
4

Altro Paradiso

expensive
Italian restaurant
This unassuming SoHo spot is always solid. Order some of their marinated olives and the cacio e pepe. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities—Jennifer Lawrence, the Olsen twins and Beyoncé have been known to dine here.
5

Wildair

expensive
New American restaurant
Inventive small plates designed for sharing. The menu rotates frequently, so you'll have the opportunity to try new dishes with every visit.
6

Roberta's

affordable
Italian restaurant
Restaurant
A really good pie in a no-frills environment. They have a large indoor greenhouse as well as a sizeable back patio. Great if you're looking for something on the affordable side.
7

Laser Wolf Brooklyn

Israeli restaurant
The food here is fabulous. You pick an entree (or two, or three) and included in the menu price is unlimited salatim (misc. dips, salads and raw veg) and pita, herbed rice and dessert. The portions are large - I’d suggest 1-2 skewers for a party of two and 3-4 for a group of four.

Best Breakfast & Brunch

1

Pies 'n' Thighs

affordable
Southern restaurant (US)
Come for the chicken & waffles or the breakfast sandwich—both are delicious. I've oddly never had the pie here, but I've heard great things.
2

Sunday In Brooklyn / Williamsburg

affordable
American restaurant
Yes, it's crowded and yes, it's Instagram-y, but their breakfast is solid. I personally find their signature pancakes way too sweet. If you order them, don't be tempted to order more than one—and make sure you share it with the table.
3

Freemans

affordable
American restaurant
This alley spot serves classic brunch options done well. Go with the French toast or the huevos rancheros.
4

Daily Provisions - West Village

affordable
Restaurant
If you're looking for something more 'grab and go', pull up to the counter or take your order on the road. Their sandwiches and pastries are fantastic—they're best known for their 'everything' croissant. They have a few locations across the city, but I like the West Village one.
5

Clinton St. Baking Company

affordable
American restaurant
Two words: Blueberry pancakes. So simple, but so, so good. This is another spot prone to lineups, so make sure you book your reservations in advance.
6

Court Street Bagels

cheap
Bagel shop
They get my vote for best bagels.
7

Five Leaves

affordable
New American restaurant
An Australian-inspired menu with both healthy and carb-y options.
8

Frankel's Delicatessen & Appetizing

cheap
Sandwich shop
A more modern take on the Jewish deli in Greenpoint. Their matzo ball soup is particularly good. If the lines are long, take your order to go and picnic in McCarren Park. I once ate their soup on a park bench on a cold February day, and it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience.

Best Bakeries

1

Levain Bakery - 74th Street

affordable
Bakery
A must when visiting NYC. There are a number of locations across the city. Go for the classic chocolate chip walnut. They're very dense and very rich, so unless you have a serious sweet tooth, buy one to share with your travel companion.
2

L'Appartement 4F

Bakery
The closest thing you'll get to a real Parisian croissant. Their chocolate almond croissant was one of the best pastries I’ve ever had. Don’t sleep on the tahini chocolate chip cookie, either.
3

Milk Bar Mini: Nolita

affordable
Dessert shop
A classic to check off your NYC bucket list. There are a number of locations across the city, but the Nolita location is my favourite. Order the cereal milk ice cream, or a compost cookie.
4

From Lucie

Cake shop
This East Village spot sells picture-perfect cake slices decorated with fresh flowers.
5

Breads Bakery

affordable
Bakery
Come here for a New York classic: babka.
6

Fabrique Bakery

affordable
Bakery
This Swedish outpost serves some of the best cinnamon and cardamom buns.

Overrated Restaurants and Bakeries to Skip

1

Balthazar

expensive
French restaurant
While it's a classic institution, and it's particularly beautiful when decorated for Christmas, the food here is incredibly overpriced and 'just okay'. That being said, they do a fantastic cocktail. Grab a seat at the bar instead and take part in some excellent people watching and celebrity-spotting.
2

Carbone

very expensive
Italian restaurant
Another overpriced and 'just okay' establishment that specializes in Americanized red sauce dishes. Considering how mediocre it is, it's impossible to book a reservation here. Opt for somewhere like Altro Paradiso or Rezdora instead.
3

Dominique Ansel Bakery

affordable
Bakery
This one is going to be controversial, but it's just not that good. There are many better bakeries⁠—with shorter lines⁠—to visit.
4

Jack's Wife Freda

affordable
Mediterranean restaurant
This breakfast chain has a number of locations across the city. It's incredibly expensive, the portions are tiny and we're continuing with the theme of the food being 'just okay'. Check out some of the spots in the 'Best Breakfast and Brunch' section instead.
5

Don Angie

expensive
Italian restaurant
This is going to be another hot take as they're incredibly beloved and were awarded a Michelin Star a few years ago. The Italian restaurants in Toronto (namely, Giulietta and Enoteca Sociale) are far better in my opinion.
6

Peter Luger Steak House

very expensive
Steak house
Takeout Restaurant
While it's a stalwart, the reviews have really tanked over the last few years. Plus, their 'cash only' model is a little snooty considering the price tags on their menu.
7

Prince Street Pizza

cheap
Pizza restaurant
I'm continuing with the hot takes here. The lineups here are insane and the owner is a jerk. There are plenty of other good slice shops not too far away, including Joe's and Scarrs.

Best Coffee Shops

1

Sey Coffee

affordable
Cafe
To get out here is a bit of a trek, but you could always pair it with a visit to nearby Roberta's. This is arguably the best coffee in the city—if you consider yourself a connoisseur, then you won't be disappointed.
2

La Cabra

Coffee shop
Bakery
Transport yourself to Denmark with this Aarhaus outpost in the East Village. A word of warning: Their line-ups can get quite long and seating is competitive. And, a word to the wise: their cardamom buns are out of this world. Get one to go with your coffee.
3

Café Integral

cheap
Coffee shop
This Little Italy shop specializes in  Nicaraguan coffee.
4

Oslo Coffee Roasters

Coffee shop
This small shop doesn't have much seating, but it's a great place to pick up a coffee during a stroll around the West Village.
5

Little Canal

Cafe
Bar
Coffee shop
A great place to grab a coffee and a light bite to eat in Chinatown.
6

Homecoming

Coffee shop
Florist
Home goods store
This coffee shop doubles as a florist and a plant shop. It's one of the most photogenic coffee shops I've ever been to.
7

Partners Coffee

cheap
Coffee shop
Espresso bar
This isn't the best coffee shop on the list, but it's quite decent and their cups are highly Instagrammable. There are a few locations across the city.
8

Poppy's

affordable
Cafe
A great option in Cobble Hill, which also serves breakfast, lunch and pastries.

Best Bars

1

Dante NYC

expensive
Italian restaurant
It was named one of the best cocktail bars in the world for a reason—their cocktail program is fantastic, as is their list of non-alcoholic beverages. It can be hard to snag a walk-in spot here, so book a reservation in advance and plan to order some nibbles, like a cheese plate. And, a word to the wise: The service here is really bad. Mentally prepare yourself for it and sip your very large cocktail while you wait. It's also good for celebrity spotting—the last time I was seated on the patio, I saw Jared Leto.
2

Broken Shaker at Freehand New York

Cocktail bar
Bar
Lounge
Another option with service that's on the slower side, but the rooftop garden views are fantastic. They have lots of snacks available if you're looking to tide yourself over before a dinner reservation.
3

The Four Horsemen

affordable
Restaurant
Wine bar
One of the best natural wine programs in the city, and co-owned by LCD Soundsystem'sJames Murphy. I haven't eaten here, but I've heard that their small plates are rather good. Their bathrooms are oddly sexy—dark, candlelit and stocked with designer hand soap.
4

Do Not Feed Alligators

Coffee shop
Book store
A new café and wine bar in the West Village, perfect for grabbing a glass and a snack in the mid-day.
5

St Jardim

Wine bar
Cafe
Another café and wine bar in West Village with an extensive wine list.
6

Bar Pisellino

Bar
Breakfast restaurant
Why is West Village home to all the best bars? This old school option is predominantly standing room-only, so it's great for a quick drink before you head out to dinner.
7

Temple Bar

Bar
A speakeasy-esque option in the East Village.
8

The Crown

expensive
Bar
Lounge
The drinks and the music at this Chinatown spot are nothing to write home about, but the rooftop bar views certainly are. If you stay at the hotel (50 Bowery), which I have a handful of times, you can also enjoy your morning coffee up here.
9

Attaboy

expensive
Cocktail bar
You can order essentially drink you'd like here, and their knowledgeable bartenders will whip it up for you.
10

Reception Bar

Bar
Juice shop
Lounge
A great option in the Lower East Side, albeit a bit loud—this isn't the best option for an early date.

Best Shopping

1

Clare V.

Fashion accessories store
Boutique
Leather goods store
Women's clothing store
This Nolita shop has colourful—yet practical—handbags and accessories.
2

LoveShackFancy

Clothing store
If you're looking for something floaty and floral, this boutique has some beautiful pieces. There are a few locations across the city, but the TriBeCa location is great.
3

Lunya

Permanently closed
Clothing store
If you take sleep seriously, this shop has some beautiful silk sleepwear and bedding for sale.
4

abc carpet & home

very expensive
Home goods store
The mecca for New York furnishings. Channel your inner Charlotte York and test out some of the floor model mattresses.
5

L’Appartement Sézane

Women's clothing store
Bag shop
A taste of Paris in Nolita. The clothing, shoes and accessories at Sezane are relatively affordable—and not easy to find in Canada.
6

diptyque

Perfume store
Candle store
I know we have one in Toronto now, but the Yorkdale location is nowhere near as charming as the SoHo location. Pick up one of the exclusive city scents here as an upscale souvenir.
7

Mara Hoffman

Permanently closed
Clothing store
Mara Hoffman's boutique is beautiful, and filled with unique pieces.
8

Catbird

affordable
Jewelry store
The perfect spot to pick up some dainty jewellery. They have locations in Brooklyn and in Manhattan.
9

LEIF

Home goods store
Gift shop
It's worth checking luggage to be able to take home some of the beautiful housewares from this Williamsburg boutique.
10

BAGGU Brooklyn

affordable
Fashion accessories store
I know that these are easy to find in Toronto boutiques, but if you love these tote bags as much as I do, you'll experience joy from viewing all of the designs in one place.
11

Nike Soho

Sportswear store
Children's clothing store
Another brand easy to find at home, but it's worth a visit for the store design alone.
12

Big Night

Store
A newer Greenpoint destination to find interesting spices, oils and other sundries. If you're planning to do some shopping here, be sure to bring a checked bag to make your TSA experience less of a living nightmare. I learned that lesson the hard way a number of years ago with various Trader Joe's salts and spices.

Best Public Parks and Squares

1

Central Park

Park
Sights & Landmarks
A classic for a reason. Whether it's your first or fifth trip, the views here never get old.
2

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Park
Sights & Landmarks
Grab a coffee and go for a stroll along this beautiful promenade. Enjoy beautiful views of the lower and upper Manhattan skylines. This area is usually fairly quiet so you'll be able to find a nice spot to people watch and take in the scenery. The promenade has multiple entry points, so you can choose to go down a residential street if you'd like to take a look at some of the beautiful brownstones that back onto the path.
3

Washington Square Park

Park
Sights & Landmarks
A bustling square beloved by tourists and locals alike. You can often find events like craft markets and outdoor movies happening here, even late into the evening. Avoid walking around the perimeter of the park (away from the arches) in the evening as it can get a bit seedy.
4

The High Line

Park
Sights & Landmarks
Use this former railroad track as a scenic way to walk between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. Peep through the windows of some of the area's most luxurious condo buildings. This pathway can get quite crowdedtry to visit during weekdays or the off-season if you can.
5

Prospect Park

Park
Nature & Parks
The Brooklyn equivalent of Central Parkjust as beautiful, and not nearly as crowded. If you're visiting the Brooklyn Museum or Botanic Gardens, it's definitely worth a pit stop.
6

McCarren Park

Park
Nature & Parks
One of the best parks to visit to moonlight as a local. Visit the farmer's market or one of the neighbourhood's many coffee shops and bakeries to grab a snack and enjoy the sunshine.
7

Tompkins Square Park

City park
Nature & Parks
For an authentic NYC experience, grab a bagel at Tompkins Square Park and a seat on one of the benches for some quality people watching.
8

Elizabeth Street Garden

Community garden
Sights & Landmarks
While it's the smallest part on this list, it's no less beautiful. This mini oasis makes for a quiet escape from the bustle of downtown Manhattan.

Most Photogenic Spots

1

Staple Street Skybridge

This TriBeCa bridge arches over one of the smallest streets in the city.
2

Washington Mews

Historical place
Check out some of these beautiful old carriage homes in Brooklyn Heights.
3

Chinatown

Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Capture the pastel-adored Doyers Street, or the pink lanterns that line Mott Street.
4

Bethesda Terrace

Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
This underpass is one of the most photographed spots in Central Park.
5

The Ludlow Hotel

Hotel
Their hotel suites' bathrooms are legendary on Instagram.
6

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Modern art museum
Museums
Art museum
Take a photo in the rotunda for 'Toronto Reference Library on steroids' vibes.
7

Summit One Vanderbilt

Art museum
Observatory
I've never actually been here, but if you're looking for a space specifically designed for photo-taking, this is it. If you're like me and you're afraid of heights, keep in mind that many of the floors throughout the building are made of see-through glass.
8

SUN AND AIR

Bicycle Shop
I take a photo of my partner here every time we visit Williamsburg. It's become a running gag at this point.
9

Tiny's & The Bar Upstairs

affordable
American restaurant
The pink, old-timey exterior stands out. Plus, you can pop in for breakfast or a drink–both are quite excellent.
10

Pebble Beach

Park
If you do decide to take a trip to Dumbo and are on the hunt for more photogenic spots, stop here and wait your turn for a photo in front of the uninterrupted Manhattan skyline.

Free Things to Do

Take a self-guided brownstone tour: Stroll around Gramercy Park, 74th street between Central Park West and Columbus Ave (Upper West Side), Perry Street (West Village - and fictional home of Carrie Bradshaw), and the fruit streets in Brooklyn Heights (Cranberry Street, Pineapple Street and Orange Street) for some of the best
Enjoy one of the city's many public parks and promenades (see list below)
Explore the city's Flower District in Chelsea - home to the city's flower wholesalers
Visit the New York Public Library next to Bryant Park
Check out the Vessel (from ground level - you must purchase a ticket to climb it) at Hudson Yards
Gallery hop in Chelsea
Marvel at the architecture inside of The Oculus, right next to the World Trade Centre
Visit one of the city's many farmer's markets, including Union Square Greenmarket (Mon, Wed, Friday, Sat from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and McCarren Park Greenmarket (Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Things to Do (With a Price Tag)

Visit one of the city's many museums. Depending on the day you're in town, there are discounts and 'pay what you wish' events to enjoy the exhibits for less, including: The Whitney from 7-10 p.m. on Fridays, The Guggenheim from 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays, The Frick on Thursdays and the Brooklyn Museum on the first Saturday of every month.
Walk among the flowers at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens ($18 for adults).
Enjoy a Broadway show: If you've got sticker shock from ticket prices, there are a few things you can do to try and save–but you'll need to act fast. Head to the TKTS booth at Broadway and 47th Street on the morning of your dream show for potentially discounted tickets, or download the mobile app Today Tix to get notified about discounted last-minute tickets.
Head to a comedy show at The Comedy Cellar in the West Village.
Check Songkick listings to see if there are any local concerts are of interest during the dates you're in town.
Planning a trip to New York City? Try our free trip planner!

See your itinerary and your map in one view: no more switching between different apps to keep track of your travel plans.

Add places from guides with 1 click
Collaborate with friends in real time
Import flight and hotel reservations
Expense tracking and splitting
Checklists for anything
Get personalized suggestions