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New York Travel Guide

2 December, 2024

easySim team

New York Travel Guide

New York City is the kind of city where every street holds a story and every corner offers a new experience. With its iconic skyline, world-renowned attractions, and diverse neighbourhoods, the Big Apple invites exploration at every turn. This guide highlights its must-see landmarks and local delicacies, as well as all the essential tips to help you navigate the city like a true New Yorker.

What to see in New York City

New York City is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Don’t miss these popular attractions:

The Statue of Liberty stands tall in New York Harbour with the skyline of Lower Manhattan, including One World Trade Center, in the distance on a sunny day with scattered clouds.

Statue of Liberty: This towering symbol of freedom stands on Liberty Island. Take a ferry ride for the best views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. You can even climb to the crown for a unique perspective.

USA NYC central park

Central Park: Spanning 843 acres, this urban oasis offers serene landscapes, walking paths, and recreational activities. Don’t miss the Bethesda Terrace and the famous Bow Bridge.

Bustling street view of Times Square in New York City, with tall buildings covered in large, bright electronic billboards and advertisements. Yellow taxis fill the foreground, while pedestrians cross the street and gather on sidewalks. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the iconic illuminated signs dominate the scene, capturing the vibrant energy of the area.

Times Square: Known as ‘The Crossroads of the World’, Times Square is famous for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the energy of the city.

The Empire State Building in New York City seen from below against a partly cloudy sky. The building stands tall with its iconic Art Deco architecture.

Empire State Building: An architectural marvel, this Art Deco skyscraper offers unbeatable views from its 86th-floor observatory. Visiting at sunset provides a magical experience as the city lights up.

Two hands holding ice cream cones with colourful sprinkles, standing near the water with the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline in the background on a sunny day.

Brooklyn Bridge: Walk or bike across this iconic bridge to enjoy picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. It’s a great way to experience the city’s history and architecture.

Spain museo nacional del prado

Metropolitan Museum of Art: One of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, the Met houses an extensive collection that spans 5,000 years. Don’t miss the rooftop garden for the best views of Central Park.

DID
YOU
KNOW?

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, symbolising freedom and democracy. When it arrived in New York Harbour, it was housed in 214 crates.

Best things to do in New York City

Beyond the sights, New York City is packed with exciting activities. Read on for some of the best things to experience during your time here:

A close-up of a green street sign reading "Broadway" in front of a colourful, blurred background of Times Square advertisements and lights in New York City.

Catch a Broadway Show: Experience the magic of live theatre by attending a performance in the famous Theatre District. Check out the New York Theatre Guide for information on what’s on.

USA NYC 911

Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum: Pay your respects at this poignant site dedicated to the victims of the September 11 attacks. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the events of that day and their impact on the world.

USA NYC high line

Explore the High Line: This elevated park, built on a disused railway track, offers a unique perspective of the city. Walk through beautifully landscaped gardens while enjoying views of the Hudson River and urban art installations.

The Staten Island Ferry, a bright orange boat, crosses New York Harbour with the Manhattan skyline, including One World Trade Center, in the background under a clear sky.

Take a ferry to Staten Island: Enjoy a free ferry ride that offers incredible views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Once on Staten Island, you can explore attractions such as the Staten Island Museum, which showcases the island’s history, art, and natural sciences, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens, a former maritime facility turned cultural hub featuring galleries, and performance spaces.

A row of classic New York City brownstone buildings with tall stairs leading to the entrances. The trees along the pavement have bare branches, indicating it’s late autumn or winter.

Stroll through the historic West Village: Known for its charming streets and historic brownstones, the West Village is perfect for leisurely walks. Discover quaint cafes, boutique shops, and beautiful gardens along the way.

FUN FACT

The High Line is home to 150,000 plants, trees, and shrubs and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Best time to visit New York City

Planning your trip around the seasons can enhance your experience in the city.

Two hands holding ice cream cones with colourful sprinkles, standing near the water with the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline in the background on a sunny day.

Summer (June to August): The city buzzes with energy during the summer months, making it a lively time to explore. Events such as the Tribeca Film Festival in June showcase independent films, while July features the Fourth of July Fireworks, a spectacular display over the Hudson River.

Central Park in autumn with the skyline of Midtown Manhattan in the background. The trees are vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red, and the calm water reflects the autumn colours.

Autumn (September to November): Experience stunning fall foliage and comfortable weather, ideal for walking tours. The vibrant colours of Central Park are a sight to behold during this season.

A person stands on a snow-covered rock in Central Park, New York City, wearing a hooded green jacket and purple boots, with the skyline of Manhattan’s tall buildings in the background. The trees around them are bare, suggesting winter.

Winter (December to February): Enjoy festive decorations, holiday markets, and the iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square. Ice skating at Rockefeller Centre is a must during this season.

DID
YOU
KNOW?

The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring giant character balloons and performances, has been a New York City tradition since 1924!

Food and drink in New York City

New York City’s culinary scene is legendary, offering unique delicacies that you can only find here. Don’t miss these iconic dishes and drinks:

Three slices of New York-style cheesecake on a ceramic plate. The cheesecake has a golden-brown crust and a smooth, creamy filling, and the plate is set against a light blue background with green leaves scattered around.

New York cheesecake: Famous for its rich, dense, and creamy texture, this dessert is typically made with cream cheese and served plain or with fruit toppings. Head to Junior’s for one of the most celebrated versions in the city.

Close-up of a display case at a pizza shop in New York, featuring various types of pizzas with hand-written labels and prices, including "Manhattan" and "Pepperoni." The pizzas are blurred in the background, focusing on the display text.

New York pizza slice: Characterised by its thin, foldable crust and generous cheese topping, this pizza is best enjoyed by the slice. Grab a quick bite from a local pizzeria or a street vendor for an authentic experience.

USA NYC pastrami sandwich

Pastrami sandwich: This deli classic, made with tender pastrami piled high on rye bread, is a must-try. Katz’s Delicatessen, the city’s oldest deli, is famous for this sandwich, having served it since 1888. It’s a staple of New York’s Jewish culinary heritage.

USA NYC matzo ball soup

Matzo ball soup: A comforting staple of Jewish cuisine, this soup features fluffy matzo balls served in a savoury chicken broth. It’s a popular dish in many delis and is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

USA NYC egg cream

Egg cream: Despite its name, this classic New York drink contains no eggs or cream. It’s a fizzy mix of milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup, traditionally associated with Jewish delis in the city.

FUN FACT

There are over 2,000 pizzerias in New York City.

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Top Tips for a New York City Trip

Maximise your time and enjoy your adventure with these essential tips.

DID
YOU
KNOW?

New York City’s subway system is one of the largest in the world, with 472 stations covering over 660 miles of track!

Choosing the best eSIM for New York City

Staying connected during your travels in New York City is easy with an eSIM. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice:

Ready to explore beyond New York City? Don’t forget to check out our USA travel guide for more ideas and inspiration for an unforgettable visit to USA!

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