1 week trip to new york cost

One week in New York: The best 7 days itinerary

7 days in new york: the best one week itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend one week in New York  and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re in the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 7-day itinerary in New York.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city  such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the district of Brooklyn and a lot more.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So,  how to spend 1 week in New York? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The New York Go City Explorer Pass

2. fast track tickets for new york’s best tourist attractions, one last tip for a perfect 7-day stay in new york, a. central park, b. visit 1 or 2 must-see museums, c. fifth avenue, d. st. patrick’s cathedral, e. top of the rock, f. times square, a. brooklyn district and dumbo, b. brooklyn bridge, c. ferry to the statue of liberty and ellis island, d. financial district / wall street / new york stock exchange / charging bull, e. 9/11 memorial and museum, f. one world observatory, g. dinner in little italy or chinatown, a. intrepid sea, air, and space museum, b. circle line sightseeing cruise, c. madame tussauds new york, d. new york public library / grand central terminal / chrysler building / united nation headquarters, e. empire state building, f. see a musical on broadway, a. greenwich village, b. luch break at chelsea market, c. the high line, d. the vessel – hudson yard, e. edge observation deck, f. rooftop bars in new york, b. summit one vanderbilt, c. shopping in new york, d. speakeasy or michelin-starred restaurants, day 6: exploring staten island, option 1: coney island, option 2: visit harlem district / gospel concert, where to stay in new york, one week in new york with your family, more ideas of things to do during your 7-day stay in new york, map of your 7-day itinerary in new york, flight prices to new york, you’re traveling in the us these articles will help you, how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at new york’s tourist attractions.

With more than 56 million tourists every year, New York is one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Everyone wants to discover its skyscrapers as all the amazing museums and activities New York has to offer.

Unfortunately, this means  huge waiting lines  (and a lot of time wasted!)  at all must-see attractions  like the Empire State Building or the Rockefeller Center.

It’s as crowded as the  Colosseum in  Rome or the Burj Khalifa in Dubai .

But don’t worry: I have  2 solutions that will allow you to save a lot of time during your one week trip to New York.

One of the best solutions to avoid queuing for your one week itinerary in New York is to buy the “New York Go City Explorer Pass”.

With this pass, you will have  access to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions .

If you have already visited other cities with a City Pass, you should note that the New York Explorer pass  works according to the number of activities,  and not in terms of duration (no 24h/48h/72h limit, like most other City Pass).

And you know what: there are about 90 activities offered!

Of course, all the most famous attractions such as the Empire State Building , the ferry for the Statue of Liberty or the top of the Rock observation deck are included!

To book it, it’s very simple:  you just need to click on the green button located a bit below. 

Once you have ordered your New York Explorer Pass, you will receive your pass by email.

The email also contains a digital guide with a lot of useful information to organize your visits to the attractions: opening hours, directions … as well as if you need to  book a time slot (which is the case for the majority of New York’s sites).

Here is a summary of the most popular attractions included in the New York Explorer pass :

• Empire State Building
• The Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry
• Top of the Rock
• 9/11 Museum and Memorial
• American Museum of Natural History
• One World Observatory
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Sightseeing
• St Patrick’s Cathedral Tour
• And many many more…

For a week in New York, you should book the New York Explorer Pass for 10 attractions as you will do a lot of activities and visits.

To  purchase  your  New York Explorer Pass , simply click on the following green button:

There is another pass available to visit New York: the New York City Pass . But I don’t recommend it for 7 days as it only includes 5 attractions.

For a one week trip in New York, the New York Explorer Pass with 10 attractions is definitely the best one!

If you don’t want to buy the New York Explorer Pass to visit New York in 1 week , you can also  buy skip-the-line tickets for each attraction  separately.

You can purchase skip the line tickets for all the best places to visit and activities for New York.

You can also  book all your guided visits in advance .

If you book your tickets and activities through the links I give you in this guide, you will  avoid a lot of unnecessary waiting and save money .

Here is the list of the best skip-the-line tickets for your one-week stay in New York:

•   Central Park Zoo
• A private tour in Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage
• A pedicab tour in Central Park – choose between the 1 or 2 hours tour version
• Guggenheim Museum
• Metropolitan Museum of Art
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Wall street guided tour
• Helicopter tour over New York
• Statue of Liberty
• Cruise around the Statue of Liberty
• Walking guided tour in Brooklyn
• Broadway show
• Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• Madame Tussauds New York
• Edge Observation Deck
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
• Harlem guided tour
• Greenwich Village guided tour
• Luna Park in Coney Island

If you want to book other activities in New York, you should always use these 2 reliable and safe websites:

• GetYourGuide: Official entrance tickets and activities in New York .
• Tiqets: Skip the line tickets in New York

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As New York is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in New York by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in New York.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in New York, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

New York in 1 week: the best itinerary

Let’s now start your  7-day New York itinerary.

For each day, I will tell you  everything you need to know about the places you will visit  +  give you a map  that will help you visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming  you will be staying in New York for a full week , and that you have bought the New York Explorer Pass  or  Skip-the-Line Tickets .

It’s  the best way to save time  and see as many tourist attractions as possible during your one week stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide  (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to  ask me in the comments section  located at the very end of this article.

So, what are the best places to visit in New York in 7 days?

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Manhattan

Day 1 visits:

A. Central Park B. Museums C. Fifth Avenue D. St Patrick’s Cathedral E. Top of the Rock F. Times Square

Start your one-week itinerary in New York with a visit to the city’s famous Central Park.

This vast urban oasis is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a scenic walk amidst the city’s bustling pace.

Make sure to check out The Mall and Literary Walk , a beautifully lined path known for its row of statues of literary figures.

Also, pay a visit to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain – it’s one of the most photographed spots in the park , and for good reason!

You should also pass by:

• The   Strawberry Fields memorial dedicated to John Lennon
• The Belvedere Castle
• Central Park Zoo
• Shakespeare Garden
• The Bow Bridge
• Alice in Wonderland Statue

To reach Central Park, you can take the subway to 72 Street Station, 81 Street Station or 86 Street Station.

If you want a change from the classic walking tour of Central Park, you can also choose to:

• Rent a bike
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
• Take a pedicab tour

Close to Central Park, you’ll find some of the world’s most renowned museums.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose to visit the American Museum of Natural History , the Metropolitan Museum of Art , or the Guggenheim Museum .

Each museum offers a unique experience.

The American Museum of Natural History is perfect for science enthusiasts, while the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases a vast collection of art from around the world.

If modern and contemporary art is your preference, then head straight to the Guggenheim Museum .

Both the American Museum and the Guggenheim are included with the  New York Explorer Pass.

Entrance ticket for the MET has to be purchased on the official website   and the guided tour by clicking here!

If you don’t have the pass , you need to book your tickets in advance by clicking on the button below:

• The American Museum of Natural History:

If you’re spending these 7 days in New York with your family , you can be sure that everyone will love that visit!

• The Guggenheim Museum:

Next, stroll down the iconic Fifth Avenue.

Known for its high-end boutiques and historic landmarks, it’s a great place to shop or just enjoy some window-shopping.

Your next stop during your one week trip to New York will be the St. Patrick’s Cathedral , a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Entry to St. Patrick’s Cathedral is included in the New York Explorer Pass,   which give you the perfect occasion to see the inside of the cathedral and the beautiful stained glass. 

Without the pass , you can directly buy your ticket by clicking here:

To get an awe-inspiring view of the city, head to the Top of the Rock .

Located at the top of the Rockefeller Center , this observation deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City. Make sure to look out for the Empire State Building and Central Park – they look particularly majestic from here.

Entrance to Top of the Rock is included with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have the pass, you have to buy your skip the line ticket here:

Finish your first day in New York at Times Square .

This iconic square , filled with bright billboards, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Day 2: Discovering Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan

Day 2 visits:

A. Brooklyn district and DUMBO B. Brooklyn Bridge C. Statue of Liberty D. Financial district E. 9/11 Memorial and museum F. One World Observatory G. Little Italy and Chinatown

On the 2nd day of your one week trip to New York, wake up early and get ready to discover Brooklyn, one of New York’s most vibrant boroughs.

Start your day in the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

While in DUMBO, take the chance to snap that iconic picture with the Manhattan Bridge in the background.

If you want to visit the district with a local guide and learn everything about Brooklyn , you should book this walking tour (click here)

To get to Brooklyn, take the subway to York Street station.

Next on your itinerary during your 7 days in New York is a stroll on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

This stunning piece of architecture has stood tall since 1883, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. With its gothic arches and web-like cables, it’s one of the best photo spots in NYC.

As you walk the 1.3-mile span , you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Freedom Tower.

Did you know the Brooklyn Bridge was t he world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge?

It was also the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened.

Make your way to Battery Park (if you want to take the subway, you can get off at Whitehall station or Bowling Green) and hop on a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

You have the choice to set foot on the islands or enjoy a one-hour cruise around them.

The New York Explorer Pass includes round trip ferry ticket for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

If you haven’t bought the pass and you want to disembark on the island, you need to book your tickets here:

If you prefer to take the one-hour cruise, click here:

For an other epic experience during your week in New York, you need to take an helicopter tour above the city!

The tour departs from Battery Park 200 metres away , which is very convenient. You can take your helicopter tour before or after going to the Statue of Liberty.

You’ll have the choice between the classic tour ( click here for more info and booked it !) or the sensational version with the door open! 

To book this incredible activity to do in one week in New York, you just have to click on the button below:

Back on the mainland, make your way to the Financial District , the heart of New York’s commerce.

Take a stroll down Wall Street and visit the New York Stock Exchange .

And don’t forget to rub the nose (or on the other side, the private parts 😅) of the Charging Bull for good luck. You never know, it might just bring you some Wall Street fortune!

Then, it’s time for a moment of reflection at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum .

The two large pools , located where t he Twin Towers once stood, serve as a powerful reminder of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

You can also visit the museum to learn more about that day and the aftermath.

Entrance to the National 9/11 memorial and museum is free with the  New York Go City Explorer Pass.

A 90-minute guided walking tour around Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial is also available. You can book it here!

Otherwise skip the line tickets are available here:

Finally, end your day with a visit to the One World Observatory .

Located at the top of the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

And the ride in the elevator is an experience itself as you can see a short film showing the transformation of New York city over the years.

Entrance to One World Observatory is free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass .

Simply click on the green button to book your tickets if you don’t have a pass:

By now, you must be starving. So, why not treat yourself to an authentic meal in Little Italy or Chinatown ?

From delicious pasta to dim sum, these neighborhoods offer some of the best food in town. Bon appétit, or should I say, buon appetito!

In Little Italy, don’t miss the chance to try cannoli, a delicious Sicilian dessert.

And in Chinatown, go for the Peking Duck. They’re my personal favorites!

That concludes your second day in the city of dreams. You are doing great exploring New York in one week .

But remember, the city never sleeps, and there are still five more exciting days to come! Stay tuned for more of your 7 days in New York journey.

Day 3: What to do in New York?

Day 3 visits:

A. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum B. Circle line Sightseeing cruise C. Madame Tussauds D. New York Public Library / Grand Central Terminal / Chrysler Building / United Nation Headquarters E. Empire State Building F. See a musical on Broadway

Start your third day on your  one week itinerary in New York  at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum .

It’s not every day you get to tour a legendary aircraft carrier!

The museum houses a wide range of exhibits, including the space shuttle Enterprise. If you are a fan of history or technology, you’ll love this place.

Free access to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum with the New York Explorer Pass.

Without it, you need to book your ticket in advance by clicking here:

The nearest underground station to the museum is 50 Street Station, a 15-minute walk away.

Next, take a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise for a refreshing perspective of New York.

You can soak in iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the breathtaking skyline.

Even if you’ve already done the cruise around the Statue of Liberty, this one is much more complete and allows you to see other places as well.

And as it’s included in the New York Explorer Pass , it won’t cost you a thing.

If you don’t have a pass but want to take this cruise during your week in New York, you’ll need to book it in advance here:

Ever dreamt of rubbing shoulders with celebrities? Well, at Madame Tussauds New York , you can do just that.

Okay, they might just be wax figures , but who’s checking?

Pose next to your favorite stars, and make your friends green with envy after posting pictures with Brad Pitt, Rihanna, Beyoncé or Georges Clooney.

And again: free entrance to Madame Tussauds is included with the New York Go City Explorer Pass.

If you don’t have the explorer pass, don’t panic, you can buy your tickets for Madame Tussauds here:

After that, make your way to a cluster of iconic landmarks.

Visit the New York Public Library to witness the stunning architecture and soak up some wisdom.

Stop by the Grand Central Terminal to admire its grandeur.

Take a quick look at the art deco Chrysler Building , and round off the sightseeing with the United Nation Headquarters .

As the evening sets in , it’s time to head to the Empire State Building .

Trust me, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see New York light up from the 102nd floor. 

To visit the Empire State Building, you need to book your tickets in advance here:

But don’t forget that it’s already included with the New York Explorer Pass.

Finally, cap off the day with a musical on Broadway.

Whether you’re a theater aficionado or a casual fan, there’s something magical about seeing a story unfold on the Broadway stage.

Remember to book your Broadway tickets in advance. Some of the popular shows as the Lion King for example, sell out quickly.

You can see all Broadway shows tickets and book them by clicking here!

And just like that, your third day of your one week in New York comes to an end. Get a good night’s sleep because there’s much more to discover in your 7 days in New York adventure!

Day 4: Exploring Artistic Corners + The Best Rooftops of NYC

Day 4 visits:

A. Greenwich Village B. Chelsea Market C. High Line D. The Vessel E. The Edge F. Rooftop bars

On day four, brace yourself to dive into the hip and artistic side of the city.

Your first stop is Greenwich Village , where creative culture meets historical charm.

You can stroll around the leafy streets , find quirky shops , or even stop by a trendy cafe for a caffeine fix.

And if you don’t want to miss anything in Greenwich Village , you should book this 2-hour guided tour.

Fans of the famous TV series Friends will also be able to:

• Pass by the iconic Friends apartment building (adress: on the corner of Grove Street and Bedford Street)
• Visit the “Friend Experience” where you can take photos of yourself in the flats of Monica, Phoebe, Ross… It is essential to book your tickets well in advance as they go very quickly. Click here to book!

When the hunger pangs kick in, head to Chelsea Market .

With over 35 vendors selling cuisines from all over the world , you can embark on a global culinary journey.

After your culinary escapade, walk it off at The High Line . A little stroll is the perfect way to digest your meal!

It’s an elevated park built on a former railway track.

You’ll get fantastic views of the city and the Hudson River.

Next on your list is The Vessel at Hudson Yard .

It’s an interactive sculpture where you can climb 154 interconnecting flights of stairs. That’s around 2,500 steps. Who needs a gym, right?

As you ascend, make sure to take in the mesmerizing views.

As you continue your exciting one week in New York , your next stop is the newest kid on the block among New York’s observation decks – the Edge.

Standing proudly at an elevation of 1,131 feet, Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere!

Even the city’s skyscrapers will look like Lego blocks from up there.

Upon reaching the Edge, you’ll find yourself on a spacious outdoor viewing area , boasting 360-degree views of New York City’s skyline, the surrounding waters, and landmarks near and far.

But the real show-stopper here is the glass floor! A 225-square-foot portion of the deck has a see-through floor that allows you to look straight down to the streets below. 

Good news: visit the Edge for free with the New York Go City Explorer Pass (if you don’t have it, book your tickets here! ).

As the day nears its end, it’s time for a well-deserved drink.

New York City is known for its fantastic rooftop bars. I’ve got a few personal favorites – the 230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar NYC offers incredible Empire State Building views.

At Westlight in The William Vale, you get a panoramic view of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The Rooftop at The Standard, High Line and The Press Lounge also offer splendid city views and exquisite drinks.

These rooftop bars can get crowded, especially during sunset hours. Try to go early to secure a spot with the best view or book in advance if that’s possible.

Day 5: More places to visit in New York

Day 5 visits:

A. MoMA B. Summit One Vanderbilt C. Shopping in New York D. Speakeasy or Michelin-starred restaurants

Day five of your one week in New York starts at the iconic Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) .

This is the place to be if you’re a lover of modern and contemporary art. Or even if you’re not, you might just become one after this.

From Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans , you’ll see it all.

Entry to the MoMA is included in the New York Explorer Pass.

Alternatively, you can buy your tickets here:

After your artsy morning, make your way to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt .

This place takes observation decks to a whole new level, literally and figuratively.

The glass floor terraces and mirrored rooms will give you a unique perspective of the city.

As this visit is not included in a pass now, you have to book your skip the line directly by clicking here: 

It’s now time for a different kind of art – the art of shopping!

Whether it’s the luxurious 5th Avenue or the trendy boutiques of Soho , New York has got you covered.

Don’t forget to swing by the iconic Macy’s. Who knows? You might find that perfect New York souvenir. Or an entire new wardrobe, no judgment here.

As the day winds down, why not take a step back in time with a drink in a speakeasy?

These secret bars will transport you to the 1920s, minus the prohibition part.

Here’s a list of some popular speakeasies in New York City:

• Please Don’t Tell (PDT) – Situated in the East Village
• Employees Only – Found in the West Village
• The Back Room – Tucked away on the Lower East Side
• Attaboy – Located in the Lower East Side,

Or, if you’re feeling fancy, treat yourself to a meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant . After all, you’re in the culinary capital of the world. You might as well eat like it!

On day six, it’s time to venture out of Manhattan and explore Staten Island .

This often-overlooked borough is a gem just waiting to be discovered. But first, how do you get there?

The easiest way to reach Staten Island is via the Staten Island Ferry . It’s free, it operates 24/7, and it offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Not bad for a commute, right?

Once on Staten Island, you can visit the beautiful Snug Harbor Cultural Center , the intriguing Staten Island Museum , the Botanical garden or take a leisurely stroll in the Staten Island Greenbelt .

And if you didn’t do enough shopping the day before, head to the Empire Outlet.

I recommend timing your ferry ride back at sunset. The view of the Statue of Liberty with the sun setting behind the skyline is a sight you won’t forget.

Day 7: Coney Island or Harlem? Tough Choice!

Finally, the seventh day of your one week in New York has arrived.

But no tears, please. We’ve got a whole day of fun ahead.

And here’s the best part: you get to choose your own adventure for the day! So, what’s it going to be – the vibrant vibes of Coney Island or the soulful energy of Harlem? Let’s see what each option has to offer.

A trip to Coney Island if you are visiting New York in 7 days with kids.

This iconic amusement park on the southern tip of Brooklyn is home to the famous Cyclone roller coaster, the Wonder Wheel , and of course, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.

You can also take a dip in the ocean , or just kick back on the beach.

If you’re looking to let loose and have some good old-fashioned fun on your last day in New York, Coney Island is the place to be.

Remember, Coney Island is seasonal . It’s at its best from late spring to early fall. So, plan accordingly.

You need to buy your tickets for Luna Park in Coney Island here.

On the other hand, if you’re more in the mood for a cultural experience, consider heading up north to Harlem.

This historic neighborhood is the heart of African-American culture in New York.

Visit the Apollo Theater, take a stroll along Malcolm X Boulevard, and enjoy some soul food at a local restaurant.

And the cherry on top? A gospel concert. The powerful voices and infectious energy will leave you moved and inspired.

To attend the concert, the easiest is to book a Harlem tour. The best one includes:

• Pickup and drop off from Times Square
• Exploring the best places to visit in Harlem with your guide
• The highlight of the tour: the gospel concert!

The tour takes place only 2 days a week . You need to book the Wednesday tour by clicking here , and the Sunday tour by clicking there.

Now that you know everything about the best things to do in New York in 7 days , there is just one thing left to do: booking your hotel!

There are hundreds of hotels in New York, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you  the best hotels in New York depending on your budget.

As always, to get the best prices, you should  book your hotel as early as possible!

Here is my selection of the best hotels to stay when visiting New York in one week (around Times Square / Empire State Building / Central Park).

• HI New York City Hostel : Youth hostel located right next to Central Park. Dormitory beds from €50 per night. An excellent choice for cheap accommodation in New York City Center!
• Club Wyndham Midtown 45: Located next to Grand Central Station. Bright and spacious double room from €200 per night. Strong Points: the rooftop and the location.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square South: Located 1 km from Times Square. Cosy, comfortable double rooms from €330 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: friendly staff, view, peace and quiet.
• Hyatt Place New York City/Times Square: Located next to Madame Tussauds. Double room with impeccable cleanliness and comfortable bedding from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for visiting New York on foot, very generous breakfast, very friendly staff.
• The Iroquois New York: Located less than 500 metres from Times Square, this 5-star hotel offers superb rooms with very chic decor, from €410 including breakfast. Strong points: ideal, quiet location, attentive staff.
• Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square: Located next to the Rockfeller Center. Very comfortable, noise-isolated room from €450, breakfast €23. Strong points: very professional staff, varied breakfast, very easy to visit the centre of New York on foot.
• Hard Rock Hotel New York: Located next to the Rockfeller Center, this luxury hotel offers elegant, contemporary rooms from €500, breakfast €47. Strong points: the rooftop, the comfort, the classy design. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in New York!

If you don’t mind being a bit further from the centre (don’t worry, it’s still very easily accessible by public transport), here is my list of the best hotels in Wall Street.

It’s a bit quieter than the hotels in Times Square and also slightly less expensive for equivalent quality.

• Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center/Manhattan Downtown: Located 160 metres from Battery Park. Comfortable, modern rooms from €225, breakfast €23. Strong points: the location close to the metro, very comfortable, practical for going to the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island.
• The Washington by LuxUrban: Located 200 metres from the 9/11 Memorial and museum. Stylish rooms from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: metro stations right next to the hotel – perfect for sightseeing, view of the One World Trade Center, quality of bedding, peace and quiet.
• Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center: Located next to Ground Zero. Spacious and cosy double room from €330. Strong points: location next to several metro stations, views from the rooftop and some rooms, free unlimited water and coffee/tea, in-room fridge.

To help you find the perfect accommodation, I have also written a guide of the best areas and places to stay in New York depending on your budget.

You can find it here: Where to stay in New York?

You can easily do this suggested  one week itinerary in New York  with your kids.

You can take the metro to move around and walk.

Here are some fun and family-friendly activities that should definitely be on your itinerary for a kid-approved one week in New York:

• Central Park Zoo: from snow leopards to grizzly bears, this zoo is brimming with creatures that will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
• American Museum of Natural History: d inosaur fossils, a giant blue whale model, a planetarium – your kids won’t know where to look first.
• The iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz , is an absolute must-visit. With its giant floor piano and aisles overflowing with toys, it’s sure to bring out the inner child in everyone. 
• Pass by the M&M and Disney’s stores in Times Square and the Lego’s store on Fifth Avenue
• Take a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
• Visit Coney Island
• Broadway Show: many shows like ‘The Lion King’, ‘Frozen’, and ‘Aladdin’ are perfect for kids.

With so many kid-friendly activities, your one week in New York will be a blast for the whole family.

The New York Explorer Pass are available for children (prices depends on their age).

To get even more information about the best places to visit in New York you should also read my other article: The 57 best things to do in New York.

To help you visualize your  daily itineraries during your 7 days in New York,  I have created this map with  all the places to visit day by day . You can view the map’s legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to New York, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

You need help to plan your 7-day trip to New York? Don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section located below!

Discover all my articles about USA : All my articles to help you plan your trip to USA are listed there.

• New York: Top 57 best things to do
• 2 Days in New York – The best itinerary to visit the Big Apple in 48h
• 3 Days in New York – All the best places to visit + Detailed itinerary

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How much money should you budget for a week trip to New York City?

Mis à jour le 04/04/2022. 203 commentaires

Determining a budget for a trip to New York is quite complicated. It would help if you considered various expenses, and some are more important than others. Anyhow, I’ll try to give you some clues. First, I will define three types of budgets (tight, average, and large) for a couple who decides to stay a week in New York (7 nights).

For each budget, I will consider the following elements: Flight + accommodation + food + departures + visits + shopping + extras

It is an estimate based on my own experience. At least I will try to give you an idea of how much your budget should be.

Factors to think about as you prepare your budget for a trip to New York City

Firstly, you must consider when you want to go to New York City. The flights and accommodation rates vary depending on the season. The cheapest season is from January to March. The seasons that attract more tourists are when there are school holidays (Easter, summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year).

The accommodation is another factor to care about. The place where you will stay and the comfort and services you want. You can start at around $90 a night up to $250-300 or a few thousand dollars for high-end hotels.

The lifestyle you want in New York also matters. You may don’t mind eating sandwiches, going out at night, or shopping; your budget may be more limited than a couple who wants to dine in restaurants, see a show on Broadway, and visit many places.

The 7 factors that seem most important to me are: – the flight (round trip) – accommodation (hostels, hotels, apartment…) – transportation (from the airport, taxis, metro…) – meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) – visits, attractions and shows – shopping – extra expenses (bars, cakes…).

How much does a flight cost to New York?

I know you read me from different countries, and I cannot easily compare the cost of a flight ticket from London, Sydney, or Berlin. For those who read me from the United States, the price categories that I will give below do not apply because domestic flights are usually much cheaper than international flights.

However, if you go on vacation outside school holidays, you will get cheaper rates. But still, you can review the fares of some airlines which propose offers throughout the year. The key is to check rates often. Sometimes it can be helpful to register for an airline’s newsletter and receive special offers notifications.

I prepared a list of airlines in this article . Do not hesitate to review it and compare the rates 😉

If you notice a promotion, you can also inform me, and I’ll publish it in this post .

I determine three types of budget:

How much does it cost to stay in New York?

Again, it is a bit difficult to give you a very precise cost.

New York City attracts a lot of tourists, the rates vary from month to month.

You can find a room at $150 off-season, and pay $250- $300 for the same room during the high season!

In addition, you have to take into account where you would like to stay, the number of travelers, comfort, and services.

How much does transportation cost in New York?

The first expense you will have in New York is the transfer between the airport and your accommodation ( JFK , Newark , La Guardia ). The cheapest way is public transportation with the Airtrain and subway because it is equivalent to $15.75person round trip, or $31 for a couple.

You can also book a taxi shuttle, about $ 23/person, or about $90 per couple, the round trip.

Another option is the taxi or a limousine. It can cost from $50 to $170 for a one-way trip.

Once in New York, if you stay a week, it is best to buy an Unlimited Metrocard . It costs $32 per person.

Yellow cabs can be very practical … and they are so mythical! They are available 24 hours a day in Manhattan. A trip can cost between $8 and $10, it obviously depends on the distance. There are also green taxis, I give you more information in this article . They cost the same, the difference is that they go to areas where yellow taxis do not.

I want to draw attention to those who decide to stay in New Jersey. They must add the price of the PATH (train from New Jersey to NYC), it costs $29 /person, unlimited travel for 7 days. If you don’t stay close to a PATH station, you can take a bus, rates vary depending on the distance.

How much money could you spend for meals?

It is another difficult point to determine. Some may be satisfied with a $3 hot dog, and others prefer $200 meals at a good restaurant. Breakfast at a Starbucks costs $5 to $6 per person (a simple coffee and pastry). You can spend less at a 7 Eleven, Dunkin Donuts, Prêt-à-Manger…

Eating at a fast-food restaurant varies from $8 to $10 for a main dish + drink + dessert. There are small restaurants or Deli’s, in which the main course (pizza, pasta, meat, …) costs from $10 to $12 per person. A full meal costs $20 – $26 per person.

As for restaurants, likewise any big city, some can be very expensive. But there are many with complete menus (entrees + main dish + dessert) between $50 and $60 per person.

Note: some hotels have breakfast included in the room rate, with a large selection of food.

For three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). dinner), my estimate is:

How much do visits, attractions and shows cost in New York?

First of all, I think that for a first visit of New York, the purchase of a Pass is very useful, like the New York CityPASS since it offers the main visits and attractions in NYC.

Then, if you want to see an NBA game, whether it’s the New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets, you could find tickets at $26-40. For a baseball game, it’s starting at $20-25, a football game is starting at $40-50. You can read more information here .

If you like shows and plays , you can go see a musical on Broadway, starting at $ 65-90 per person.

One of the must-see activities in New York is a helicopter flight , starting at $215 per person. It is impressive and allows you to see the whole city from an extraordinary point of view.

In short, there are thousands of things that can be done in New York , not to mention concerts, museums, bus tours, boats, guided tours…

How much does a shopping session in New York cost?

It is one of the most difficult budgets to anticipate. Even if your not a regular shopper, the prices in New York are so attractive that one quickly falls into the shopping fever.

Most tourists buy souvenirs from $ 1 to $ 10 (key chains, I Love NY t-shirt …) but they also buy at least a pair of sneakers (Converse, New balance, Nike) from $40 to $50, a pair of jeans from $40 to $50, 2-3 t-shirts at $10 each…

You can save money going to one of the outlet stores near NYC . For nice souvenirs at “wallet friendly” prices, you can go to Cocoblues .

What are the other expenses that can be spent in New York?

Within these expenses I include going to a bar at the end of the day, passing by a bakery during the afternoon… expenses that are not necessary but are part of the vacations.

A cupcake, muffin or cookie, can cost at least 3 to 4 dollars, a beer costs $6-10, a cocktail is from 9 to 13 dollars, if it is on a rooftop (on the terrace of a building) it is at least $ 13…

In this category you can count the administrative expenses ( ESTA -$14 person- or visa, it depends on the countries in terms of price), the passport (the price depends on the countries), and are required to enter the American territory.

I prepared a table so you can better read the budgets calculated above.

As you can see, you can go to New York with your partner with a little over $2000, reserving the flight and accommodation as soon as possible and limiting your expenses in the city. However, I recommend that you go with a budget of minimum $2200 per couple, to truly enjoy your stay. I would say a minimum of $3500-$4000.

In this article, I am not talking about the agencies that offer flight-hotel packages. You can get a good deal on websites like Expedia .

To prepare your budget, you can also calculate how much money you spend per week when you are at home: meals, transportation to work, shopping, gas and electricity for example.

In conclusion, I hope I have helped you a little with this article, so you can prepare your trip to New York with ease.

My fist trip to New York was in 2007 when I was working for an airline company. I was born in the US, I lived in Mexico, in Europe in between Belgium, Spain and France… Well, let’s say I know about travelling! I bring my experience of NYC to the blog, to provide the best travel tips you could imagine!

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1 Week in New York: Itinerary for First Timers

Latest update: March 6, 2024

New York has so unbelievably much to offer and that’s a good thing. Unfortunately, it also makes travel preparation difficult. To make planning your trip to easier, we’ve written down our suggested itinerary for 1 week in New York.

A full week is a very typical time span for a trip to New York .

So in this article, we’ve shared our recommended itinerary for 1 week in New York with you.

We’ve put together the itinerary for each day so that the routes are as short as possible and the itinerary items are also all manageable.

Of course, we also know that not everyone has a week in New York at their disposal.

So if you’re only in New York for 3, 4 or 5 days, you can easily just pick out the sights and attractions that are most important for you from our itinerary.

How many days should you plan for a trip to New York?

Everyone has a different answer to this question. Every day in New York is a good day, that means our answer is this: as long as possible!

In our opinion, you should plan at least five days for a trip to New York though.

Each day more is of course a win, and you also wouldn’t get bored after a month in the city.

Because of the long flight times, less than 5 days isn’t really worth it. A shorter duration would only make sense if you’re planning a longer trip along the east coast.

But even in this scenario, you’d still need at least three full days to at least see the most important attractions.

The optimal preparation for 1 week in New York

Before we tell you about our itinerary for 1 week in New York, we want to give you another few helpful tips for the preparation.

#1 The best gear

The most important thing in your suitcase should be comfortable shoes, because you’ll really, really walk a lot.

New York is enormous. Even if you take the subway around, the paths are long and a big part of getting to know the city is simply exploring the individual neighborhoods on foot.

If you’re out and about in New York during the summer, the city is often very hot and muggy.

Even so, you should always have a thin sweater or a scarf to throw on because the air conditioning is often very cold.

New York is often bitterly cold in winter and the wind blows through the streets. Warm clothing is definitely necessary then.

For further tips read our article on what to pack for a city trip

#2 Buy tickets for attractions in advance

New York is always full of tourists that naturally all want to visit the same attractions.

Unfortunately, that often means long wait times in the ticket line and then again at the security check, elevators, etc.

It can’t be avoided entirely, but you can reduce the wait times by buying your tickets for most of the sights online in advance.

It’s often even a little cheaper to do that and you can at least save yourself the time waiting for the ticket counter.

In this article, we’ve included the links to the online advance tickets for all of the attractions where this is possible.

Also read our article on the top 22 attractions in New York

#3 Save time and money with the right New York city card

When you’ve chosen which sights you’d definitely like to visit in New York, you should take a look at the different New York discount passes.

Because with them you can save not only money, but also time.

Namely, with the right New York pass, you don’t have to stand in long lines at some of the attractions.

There are five different passes in total. Each one works differently and offers different rebates.

Understanding them all is honestly an art in itself.

We’ve taken a close look at each pass and sorted out the chaos in our detailed comparison.

Read our New York pass comparison

#4 Metro ticket for 1 week in New York

If you’re getting around New York for a week, the 7 day MetroCard for the New York subway is very likely worth it for you. Even if you’re there for only 4 or 5 days, the weekly ticket is still worth it in most cases.

You can of course also buy it at the ticket machines right after your arrival to the airport in New York.

Day 0: arrival in New York

On the day of arrival, you shouldn’t schedule too much and should instead take the day easy. A 6 hour time difference shouldn’t be underestimated.

So that the jet lag doesn’t completely consume you, it’s important that you don’t directly lie down in the hotel bed and sleep. Align your rhythm right away with the time of day in New York.

So if you arrive in the morning, midday or afternoon, you should really hold out until the evening and only then give in to your tiredness.

If you still haven’t chosen your hotel, then be sure to take a look at our article on this:

Where to stay in New York: the best areas and hotels

During our last visit, we stayed at CitizenM in Midtown , nearby Times Square. We’d go there again anytime and can only highly recommend the hotel to you.

Depending on how much time you have on the first day and where in New York your hotel is, you could even visit one of the sights that had actually been planned for another day.

Our tip : if you get accommodation at CitizenM or your hotel is in Midtown, you can see Times Square in the evening. You don’t have to prepare anything to visit this icon of the city or worry about getting any tickets. You can simply just take this place in.

Day 1: 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty

For each day, we’ve first written out all itinerary items in brief bullet points.

If online tickets are available, you’ll find the link right alongside the item.

A quick overview of all day 1 sights:

• 9/11 Museum and Memorial – buy tickets
• One World Observatory – buy tickets
• St. Paul’s Chapel
• Trinity Church
• Wall Street/New York Stock Exchange & Charging Bull
• Battery Park
• Ferry to Staten Island with a view of the Statue of Liberty

#1: 9/11 Museum & Memorial

The first day brings us to the southern part of Manhattan and begins with the 9/11 Museum and Memorial.

There, where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center used to stand, you’ll now find the 9/11 Memorial: two deep pools from the edges of which water falls into the depths and on which the names of all 2,983 people who lost their lives on September 11th are engraved.

You should plan 30 to 60 minutes for the memorial. Right next to the memorial, you can find the absolutely worth seeing 9/11 Museum, which you should plan at least two hours for.

You can buy tickets for the museum on site or also in advance on the ticket booking platform getyourguide:

Buy tickets for the 9/11 Museum

The ticket for the museum is also included in all five of the New York discount passes .

#2: One World Trade Center

The new One World Trade Center stands directly next to the 9/11 Memorial.

You can admire it wonderfully from below at the 9/11 Memorial or visit the building’s observation platform.

We’d also suggest here that you buy your ticket in advance to save time standing in line.

If you ask us, a visit to the platform isn’t an absolute must, because we personally liked the views from Rockefeller Center and from the Empire State Building better.

If you still don’t want to miss the view, you can buy your ticket beforehand online:

Tickets for the One World Observatory

You can read more about our visit in our article The nicest viewpoints of New York.

Entrance to the One World Observatory is also included in the New York Sightseeing Pass and in the Explorer Pass . You can find out which of these is most worthwhile for you here: our New York pass comparison .

#3 Oculus (train station World Trade Center)

A real eye-catcher is the new train station of the World Trade Center, called the Oculus.

If you take the 1 train to the WTC Cortlandt station, you’ll arrive there and can then see the station directly as the first itinerary item.

Possible stops

Before you continue with the second half of the agenda, you can also make a few stops in between.

Shopping: Century 21 (Outlet with greatly reduced name brand clothing) Food: Eataly (market & restaurant), Shake Shack (burger chain, very tasty) & Le District (French food market) View: through Brookfield Place to the promenade on the Hudson River

#4: St. Paul’s Chapel

St. Paul’s Chapel lies east of the World Trade Center and is the oldest still standing and used church in Manhattan.

The special thing about the church is that it remained unscathed during the Great Fire of 1776 and also remained unharmed by the attacks in 2001, although it stood in close proximity to the twin towers.

George Washington has also prayed in the church, by the way.

You don’t absolutely have to visit the church from the inside, but you should definitely take a look at it from the outside.

#5: Trinity Church

If you simply walk from St. Paul’s Chapel south along Broadway, after five minutes you’ll get to the also famous Trinity Church, which lies directly across from the west end of Wall Street.

#6 Stop: Wall Street & Charging Bull

From Trinity Church, all you have to do is cross Broadway and you’re on Wall Street.

Due to security reasons, since 2001 you’re unfortunately no longer able to visit the famous New York Stock Exchange.

That leaves only a quick view of the stock exchange from outside, and then you can continue onwards to the famous Charging Bull in Bowling Green Park.

Wall Street New York Stock Exchange

#7 battery park.

From the Charging Bull, continue south to Battery Park. There you’ll find the southernmost point of Manhattan and you can take a first look at the Statue of Liberty.

#8 Staten Island Ferry Terminal

At the eastern end of Battery Park you’ll find the ferry terminal, which is where the Staten Island Ferry departs.

As the name already suggests, the ferry goes from Manhattan to Staten Island. During the journey, it goes relatively close to the Statue of Liberty.

The ferry goes in regular intervals, so you never have to wait long. The ride is free and lasts around 25 minutes. After arriving in Staten Island, you get off and change to the next ferry heading back to Manhattan.

The journey is definitely worth it because you get a great view not only of the Statue of Liberty, but of southern Manhattan as well.

The first day ends with the boat ride.

Day 2: MoMA, Empire State Building & High Line

A quick overview of all day 2 sights:.

• MoMA & MoMA Design Store – buy tickets
• Empire State Building – buy standard ticket
• Chelsea Market
• Artists & Fleas

#1 MoMA & MoMA Design Store

The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA for short, is for us personally one of the best museums in New York .

Here you’ll find famous works by many great Modern artists, from Picasso to Andy Warhol to Matisse.

The museum is open daily from 10:30 am, admission costs 25 dollars and tickets are available online in advance. You should plan at least two hours for the visit.

Buy tickets for the MoMA

Except for the New York CityPass, entrance to the Museum of Modern Art is included in all New York passes .

Our tip : be sure to take a look in the MoMA Design Store. Browsing there is always a lot of fun for us. You can find the store on the opposite side of the street from the MoMA exit.

#2 Empire State Building

A visit to the viewing platform of the Empire State Building of course also has to be on the agenda in New York.

If you like to get up early, you could also slide this itinerary item up before the visit to the MoMA, as you can visit the Empire State Building starting from 8:00 am.

Tickets cost 46 dollars and we recommend that you be sure to buy the tickets in advance.

You have two options:

#1 Standard ticket : with the standard ticket for 46 dollars, you can bypass the line at the ticket counter. To the standard ticket

#2 Express ticket : this ticket costs 85 dollars, but you can also jump the lines at the entrance and at the escalators as well. If you don’t have a lot of time, this is definitely a good option. To the express ticket

A visit to the Empire State Building is also included in all available New York passes .

Possible stop for lunch:

Food : Tonchin New York (Ramen restaurant with really delicious Japanese noodle soup)

#3 High Line Park

From the MoMA or from the Empire State Building (depending on which order you preferred) it’s onwards to the northern entrance of the High Line park. The High Line is an over two kilometer long park on a former elevated railway that runs alongside the streets of the city.

If you want to go easy on your feet, you can take a taxi for the journey from the Empire State Building to the High Line (we explain to you here how to take a New York taxi).

#4 Chelsea Market & Artists and Fleas

Not far from the southern end of the High Line, you’ll find Chelsea Market, a huge market hall with various food stalls and shops.

All the way at the end of the market hall you’ll also find Artists & Fleas, an art marketplace where artists, designers and tradesmen sell their crafts — you can really find everything there that is currently “hip.”

#5 The Standard Biergarten or the Brass Monkey Rooftop Bar

Also right around the corner is The Standard Biergarten and the Brass Monkey Rooftop Bar.

Depending on how you’re feeling after an exciting day, you can end the evening there.

There’s of course something to drink and eat at both places.

The rooftop bar is only on the 4th floor, but it’s still pleasant. The advantage: it doesn’t have the typical strict dress code like most rooftop bars in New York do.

Day 3: Museum Mile, Central Park & Times Square

A quick overview of all day 3 sights:.

• Guggenheim – buy ticket
• Metropolitan Museum of Art – book a guided tour
• Central Park
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Times Square

#1 Guggenheim Museum

Museum Mile in New York is found east of Central Park. The third day begins there.

To get there you can take the green 4, 5 or 6 train to 86th Street / Lexington Avenue and walk to the Guggenheim Museum on the edge of Central Park.

Admission to the Guggenheim Museum costs 25 dollars. There are tickets online or on site. The museum is included in all New York passes as well.

Buy tickets for the Guggenheim

Our tip : the Guggenheim Museum has changing exhibits. It’s best to take a look in advance at whether the current exhibit is something for you. You don’t have to pay any entrance fee to take a quick look at the inside of the museum, as the foyer is freely accessible.

#2 Metropolitan Museum of Art

Our next stop is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or Met for short. The museum is phenomenal — not only in the quality of the exhibits, but also in its size.

It’s among the most visited museums of the world and you could likely spend several days there.

You surely won’t have that much time, but you should still plan at least 2-3 hours.

Because of time constraints, we only saw the exhibition rooms with modern artworks and that alone was well worth the admission price of 25 dollars.

Book a guided tour for the Met

Admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is also included in all New York passes .

Stop for Lunch

Pastrami Queen

One of the best pastrami sandwiches of the city is at Pastrami Queen, a small deli with little seating about an eight minute walk from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Definitely try the World Famous Hot Pastrami, which is easily enough for two people, by the way. We each had one and almost burst afterwards.

#3 Central Park

Continue onwards to Central Park, where you can spend a relaxing afternoon.

The best thing to do is to take the entrance at 76th Street and follow the street to the Alice in Wonderland statue and the small lake lying beyond, where you can steer small rented sailboats across the water.

Then you can walk to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain , known from many films, and from there continue to Strawberry Fields , the memorial for John Lennon designed by Yoko Ono.

From there, continue to the Umpire Rock , a rock where you have a gorgeous view of the city and that’s used by many tourists for a selfie.

Our last stop in Central Park is the Gapstow Bridge at the northern end of a small pond.

This part of Central Park is also known worldwide from innumerable film scenes.

#4 5th Avenue

From Central Park, walk along 5th Avenue towards the south, because there’s a lot to see and marvel at there.

Right at the beginning, you’ll walk past Pulitzer Fountain, the famous Plaza Hotel, many well known brand stores, from Gucci to Tiffany & Co., to the department store Saks, directly across from Rockefeller Center.

At 50th Street and the corner of 5th Avenue, you can also wonder at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest cathedral built in the neo-Gothic style in the USA.

#5 Times Square & Musical

Towards the end of the day, we’ll make our way towards Times Square.

If you still haven’t been here in the evening yet, you should take a little time to take in this tremendous scene.

For many visitors, a visit to a Broadway musical is a must on the agenda for a trip to New York. You can get cheap last minute tickets every day at the TKTS booth on the corner of Broadway / 47th Street at Times Square, or take a look online for tickets. You can find a really good selection, for example, on the website Hellotickets .

Day 4: boat tour, SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown

A quick overview of all day 4 sights:.

• Boat tour — buy a ticket for daytime / nighttime
• Little Italy

#1 Boat tour or helicopter sightseeing flight

If you’re already taking a trip to the city of all cities, why not go all out and book a helicopter flight?

We did it and can only highly recommend it. We’ll never forget this experience.

Read our experience report on our helicopter ride and decide for yourself whether this thrilling experience will also come into question for you.

Alternatively, we can recommend a boat tour to you. It’s indeed a very touristy activity, but it offers you the chance to see New York’s skyline from the water.

We suggest either the Best of Manhattan Tour during the day or the cruise at night .

Then it continues with a tour exploring some of the most well known and exciting neighborhoods of the city. We’ll begin with SoHo.You can admire the cast-iron architecture typical of the district there.

The most interesting streets are probably Mercer Street, Spring Street, Broadway and Prince Street .

There’s also great shopping in SoHo and it’s usually more relaxed than in Midtown (especially during the week before the afternoon).

Take a look, for example, in the well known secondhand shop “What Goes Around Comes Around.”

If shopping isn’t your thing, you can alternatively visit the New York Fire Museum . There, you can learn all about the history of the New York fire department.

If you’re hungry, we can recommend Galli , at 45 Mercer Street.

#3 Little Italy & Nolita

The walking tour continues through Little Italy and Nolita. Unfortunately, there is not much left of Little Italy. The neighborhood used to exist as several blocks, but today only as a small area around Mulberry Street .

You should nevertheless pay a visit to Little Italy and maybe even eat a pizza at Lombardi’s . The first pizza of the USA was baked there in the year 1905. The pizza is really delicious, but the wait times are usually also very long.

So here are our two food tips in the neighborhood of Nolita:

At Rubirosa , you can also enjoy a really delicious pizza (you can share them wonderfully between two) and at Mo il Gelato you can find what for us is the tastiest ice cream of the city.

#4 Chinatown

Next up is Chinatown.

You’ll find the heart of Chinatown around Pell Street, Mott Street, Doyers Street and Columbus Park.

Chinatown was founded in New York on Mott Street in 1870. Doyers Street also used to be called Bloody Angle because there were so many murders there. Don’t worry, it’s no longer dangerous there today.

Pell Street is the street that you’re guaranteed to have already seen in a film or in a photo, as it’s probably the most photogenic street of the neighborhood.

For us personally, Columbus Park is the most authentic place in Chinatown.

There, Chinese seniors meet to play boardgames or to play music together — a very special style of Karaoke. Museum enthusiasts can make a detour to the Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA) and for food lovers, we suggest Joe’s Shanghai Restaurant on Pell Street.

In the Canal Street Market you’ll find a small food court with different delicacies and a small market of New York designers and artists.

And if you want to stock up on chopsticks, stop by the small store Yunhong Chopsticks .

Our tip for views of Chinatown : right around the corner, you’ll find the 50 Bowery Hotel including a rooftop bar. The hotel is already in the Bowery district, but it offers you a great view of Chinatown and the rest of Manhattan.

Day 5: Top of the Rock, New York Public Library, Grand Central Station, Flatiron Building, Greenwich Village

A quick overview of all day 5 sights:.

• Top of the Rock – buy ticket
• New York Public Library
• Grand Central Station
• Flatiron Building
• Greenwich Village

#1 Top of the Rock

The Top of the Rock observation platform at the top of Rockefeller Center is definitely our personal favorite of the most famous viewing platforms in New York .

From it, you can see Central Park in the north, the Empire State Building in the south and you also don’t have any disruptive glass panes in your way.

You should plan around 1-2 hours for the visit and should definitely reserve your ticket online in advance. The admission costs 42 dollars per person.

Buy tickets for the Top of the Rock

Admission to the Top of the Rock is included in all available New York passes .

#2 New York Public Library

From Rockefeller Center we’ll go by foot to the New York Public Library on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue.

The library, which you probably also know from films, is located right at Bryant Park.

The main attraction for us is definitely the gorgeous Rose Main Reading Room on the third floor. You can take a look there for free.

#3 Grand Central Station

From the New York Public Library simply walk east along 42nd Street and you’ll meet our next stop at Park Avenue: Grand Central Station.

The train station is surely one of the most famous film settings of New York, and rightly so!

Besides the beautiful main hall (don’t forget to take a look up!), it’s also worth paying a visit to the Grand Central Market, the Oyster Bar and the Whispering Gallery.

What is the Whispering Gallery?

Right in front of the Oyster Bar you’ll find a passage with four archways and four corners.

If you stand in one of the four corners and say something in the direction of the wall, the person who’s standing at the opposite corner can hear you.

We tested it out naturally, and we promise you, it really works.

#4 Flatiron Building

Our path continues to the Flatiron Building. From Grand Central Station, you’ll need around 30 minutes on foot.

If your feet hurt, you can travel the distance with a taxi or take the 6 subway line at Grand Central Station and ride until 23rd Street.

From there it’s just a block away to the Flatiron Building. Behind it is located Madison Square Park, by the way, where you can find the first Shake Shack Restaurant of New York.

#5 Greenwich Village

From there, walk along Broadway towards the south for around 10 minutes, pass by Union Square Park and continue walking south along the street called University Place until you hit Washington Square Park .

By the way, all of the buildings around the park belong to New York University (NYU), so you’ve arrived here to the heart of New York’s student life.

You can also see the top of the Empire State Building through the arch in the park .

Greenwich Village is a perfect place to end the day.

You can choose one of the many restaurants here and mix with the locals.

We’d suggest walking from there in the direction of Bleecker Street or Christopher Street .

On Bleecker Street, we could recommend Kestè Pizza to you, for example.

It’s worth calling ahead quickly and reserving a table, or you can just try your luck, since there are also countless other great restaurants in the area.

If your feet hurt though and you’d like to eat something cheap in the area around the park, then go to Quantum Leap , a vegetarian restaurant with fair prices.

Day 6: Brooklyn

Now that you’ve thoroughly gotten to know Manhattan, it’s time to cross the East River. We’ll spend the whole day in the borough of Brooklyn.

If you don’t have time for a complete day in Brooklyn, you can also just do itinerary items #3 and #4 (Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo). You need around 3 hours for them and that way you’ll at least get a small glimpse of Brooklyn.

A quick overview of all day 6 sights:

• Breakfast in Williamsburg
• Bushwick Streetart
• Brooklyn Bridge

#1 Breakfast in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is one of the hippest corners of New York. To get there from Manhattan, travel either with the L train subway to the Bedford Avenue station or with the J or M to the Marcy Avenue station.

If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, we’d suggest that you enjoy your breakfast in one of the cafes in Brooklyn.

Our suggestion: we like Sundays in Brooklyn and if you’re a fan of crepes, we recommend the Little Choc Apothecary .

If you’re in Brooklyn on a weekend, we’d recommend dropping by the Smorgasburg , a huge street food market. Because the hours vary depending on the time of year, it’s best to take a look at its website for the exact opening hours.

All around Bedford Avenue you can also find some cool shops (many secondhand and vintage). Just let yourself wander through the neighborhood.

#2 Bushwick Streetart

From Williamsburg we continue to Bushwick.

What do we want there? To marvel at really cool street art, because since 2014, Bushwick has become an enormous, wonderful open air art gallery.

You’ll find most of the artwork around Flushing Avenue between Cyprus and Irving Avenue.

You can find a map here where most street art spots are mapped out: Bushwick street art map

Our tip : if you’d like to learn more about the background of the individual artworks, take a 2 hour street art tour, where you can learn exciting things about the outdoor street art gallery, ask questions to a real graffiti artist and, above all, also learn a lot about the development of the neighborhood!

The ticket for the English speaking tour costs around 20 dollars. You can reserve your ticket here .

To get from Williamsburg to Bushwick, take the L subway line to Jefferson Street station. Alternatively, you can also take the J or M from the Marcy Av. station to Flushing Avenue.

#3 Dumbo & Squibb Bridge

Our next destination is the neighborhood of Dumbo. That stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and is found right on the East River.

Dumbo is a very small quarter that consists of only a few blocks. Just take a walk along the water. You’ll find many beautiful viewpoints of Manhattan’s skyline there. For example, you’ll find a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan at Pebble Beach and at Main Street Park .

Along the way you’ll go past Jane’s Carousel, a restored carousel from the year 1922.

From there, head to the corner of Main Street and Water Street, where you can photograph the likely most well known photo spot of Dumbo: the Manhattan Bridge between the canyon of buildings.

During good weather, you’ll see the top of the Empire State Building between the pillars of the bridge, by the way.

From there, continue back again towards the south — either along the water or along Front Street, at the end of which you’ll hit Grimaldi’s Pizza (a branch of the Grimaldi’s Restaurant in Little Italy).

If you’re hungry, you can order a pizza to go here (you don’t have to wait as long for this as for a table), which you can then eat on a bench along the water.

From Brooklyn Bridge Park , which runs right along the East Side River, you have a wonderful view of the southern tip of Manhattan.

Our next destination is Squibb Park Bridge , which brings you to Middagh Street. From here, you can easily get to the pedestrian path of the Brooklyn Bridge.

How to get from Bushwick to Dumbo:

You ride from Flushing Avenue station back to Marcy Avenue. From there it’s about a 10 minute walk to the South Williamsburg ferry terminal.

There, you board a ferry that takes you one station further south to the Dumbo terminal. The boat ride brings you along the East River and offers a great view of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Attention : the ticket machines are not directly at the water, but instead further up on Kent Avenue.

#4 Brooklyn Bridge

A stroll from Brooklyn to Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge is the last itinerary item of our day.

The pedestrian path of the Brooklyn Bridge runs above the cars and is shared with bike riders.

Please be considerate and, above all, pay attention that you stay on the side for pedestrians in the narrow parts of the bridge and don’t get in the way of the bike riders.

You should give yourself around 30-45 minutes for the walk across the bridge.

Day 7: departure day

At some point every great trip must end. Unfortunately, this often happens too quickly.

Depending on when you have to head to the airport, you might still have a few hours left to explore the city on your last day.

You can perfectly use the last hours to score a few bargains at Century 21 or at Macy’s, for example. Then it’s off to pack your bags and back to the airport.

New York is enormous and so we could easily plan another week with great activities and sights. Unfortunately, most visitors don’t have that much time.

Our suggested itinerary for 1 week in New York is, above all, so that you can get an overview of the sights of the city.

That way, you can better assess what you can manage in a day in New York and which sights you can combine well with each other and which perhaps less well.

We hope that our plan helps you while trip planning and we wish you a lot of fun in this amazing city.

Do you still have questions about planning? What did your itinerary look like in the city? Are your favorite sights missing in our New York itinerary? We’re happy to see your comments.

• Travel Planning Guide

Is New York City Expensive?

• Is New York City expensive?

How expensive is New York City?

• How expensive is a weekend trip to New York City?
• How expensive is a one week trip to New York City?

Is it expensive to backpack in New York City?

Are hotels expensive in new york city.

• How expensive are activities in New York City?

Is food expensive in New York City?

Is transportation expensive in new york city, is new york city expensive to visit.

New York City is a well-liked but higher-priced destination. It's generally considered to be a somewhat expensive destination, and our cost analysis agrees as the daily average travel price is $326. When compared to the rest of North America, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a somewhat more expensive place. It stands in the top 25% of cities in North America for its overall travel costs. This makes it comparable to Orlando and Orlando.

Travelers spend an average of $326 per day when visiting New York City (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for New York City here .

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to New York City?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to New York City costs around $977 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $1,955.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to New York City?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to New York City will cost around $2,281 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $4,561.

With more than 10 hostels around town, New York City is a very popular backpacker destination. Hostels usually cost around $53 per night. There's a wide range in prices though, with the cheapest beds costing about $20 and the most expensive rooms costing about $80. (See hostel prices in New York City here .)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in New York City.

• $39 for a dorm bed at HI NYC Hostel more details
• $57 for a dorm bed at The Local NYC more details
• $50 for a dorm bed at International Student Center more details

Examining hotel prices in New York City , we can see that they are slightly more affordable when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $175. The city is equipped with about 50 five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $464. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $158 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $141 per night.

Merrion Row Hotel and Public House

Blakely new york hotel.

How expensive are sightseeing activities in New York City?

In New York City, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $180 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $55.

• Central Park PAW Pedicab Tour Viator $ 120
• Central Park PAW Pedicab Tour: $120
• New York City Historic Walking Tour of Hamilton and Washington: $50
• NYC Central Park Pedicab Tours: $43
• Hidden NYC Foodie Tour: $99
• Flavors of NYC Chinatown Food and History Walking Tour with FNYT: $84
• Central Park Photography Tour with Local Photographer: $100
• Central Park Highlights Running Tour: $44
• Brooklyn NYC Food & Walking Tour with a 5th Generation New Yorker: $68

In New York City, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $50 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $58.

• Nolita & Secrets of Little Italy Food Tour by Foods of NY… Viator $ 84
• Nolita & Secrets of Little Italy Food Tour by Foods of NY Tours: $84
• NYC Food Tour: Greenwich Village: $71
• Chinatown Food Tour with a Chef in Manhattan: $75
• NYC's Famous Cuisine Food Tour: $89
• Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge, and DUMBO Food Tour: $84
• Friday Small-Group Walking Gluten Free Food Tour of New York City: $85

Local transportation in New York City can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $49 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $46. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

More for New York City

If you're planning a trip to New York City, New York, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Cost of a Trip to New York & the Cheapest Time to Visit New York

The average price of a 7-day trip to New York is $1,376 for a solo traveler, $2,026 for a couple, and $4,011 for a family of 4 . New York hotels range from $75 to $348 per night with an average of $121, while most vacation rentals will cost $190 to $690 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to New York (from all airports) are between $764 and $1,118 per person for economy flights and $2,399 to $3,511 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $56 to $116 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit New York

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to New York and stay in a New York hotel:

• January 8th to March 25th (except the week of March 12th)
• August 13th to November 18th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in New York is usually early to mid September .

Average New York Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit New York for a week is $1,480-$2,906 ($211-$415 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $116 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $476 to $972 for economy

Lodging : $102 to $134 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $153 to $187 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit New York for a week is $2,354-$4,690 ($336-$670 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $113 to $232 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $951 to $1,944 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit New York for a week is $4,702-$8,821 ($672-$1,260 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $225 to $463 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,903 to $3,888 for economy

Lodging : $204 to $269 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $229 to $282 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to New York

How cheap can you make a vacation to New York? The cheapest trip to New York is about $150 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $19 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $63.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit New York for a week is $1,050-$2,204 ($150-$315 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $28 to $56 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $63 to $75 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $110 to $140 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit New York for a week is $1,721-$3,568 ($246-$510 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $56 to $112 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit New York for a week is $3,449-$6,729 ($493-$961 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $112 to $225 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $127 to $149 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $166 to $211 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to New York cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury New York Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in New York.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit New York for a week is $3,002-$12,261 ($429-$1,752 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $113 to $232 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,179 to $2,417 for first class

Lodging : $172 to $348 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $685 to $1,370 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit New York for a week is $4,972-$16,296 ($710-$2,328 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $226 to $463 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,358 to $4,835 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit New York for a week is $9,950-$28,475 ($1,421-$4,068 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $453 to $926 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,715 to $9,669 for first class

Lodging : $344 to $697 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $1,024 to $2,054 per night for a preferred vacation rental

New York Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in New York is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in New York due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

New York Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on New York hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in New York.

Flight Costs to New York

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,118 average in late July to a low of $764 in early to mid September. Median flight price is $651. These prices are based on millions of flights. For New York our data includes hundreds of originating airports, and dozens of airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In New York, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $354, so you can easily save about 46% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around New York can easily cost $421 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $28 per person. Private tours can cost $843 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other New York Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Callicoon, NY, US
• Starlight, PA, US
• Liberty, NY, US
• Margaretville, NY, US
• Oneonta, NY, US
• Sidney, NY, US
• Monticello, NY, US
• Claryville, NY, US
• Barryville, NY, US
• Hawley, PA, US

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Fukuoka, Japan
• Koh Tao, Thailand
• Vienna, Austria

Hotels Find

List of best hotels

Discover Your Perfect Stay

Experience: How much does a trip to New York cost?

These are the costs you have to expect for a new york holiday 2023.

New York is on many people's must-see list for city breaks. Have you ever wondered how much money you need for a trip to New York? To give you a rough idea of the budget, I've listed my expenses here.

Of course, it always depends on how you travel, what you want to see and whether you eat out a lot or can do without a meal.

Since I always get questions about the costs and prices in New York, I have compiled a list here so that you can get an idea of how much money you can expect to spend on your trip. New York trip for your trip to New York.

Conclusion: Unfortunately, prices in New York have exploded since our last trip before Corona. We were in New York again in April 2023 and found that the spending per day is significantly higher than in 2019.

Costs for entering the USA: Applying for an ESTA visa

If you are entering the US for the first time, you will need to apply for a visa ("ESTA") before travelling. This must be obtained up to 72 hours before departure and is valid for two years.

If you have applied for a new passport within the two years or your name has changed, you will need to reapply for ESTA.(Read my instructions for the ESTA visa to the USA here).

Update 2023: The ESTA application to enter the US now costs $21 instead of the $14 it used to cost.

Cost of flights to New York

Flights usually take up the largest portion of a trip, and New York is no exception. Depending on the time of travel, flights from Europe cost different amounts.

I booked my last flight via the search engine for flights skyscanner.de and booked it. Skyscanner shows the cheapest providers. Here you can choose if you want to book a non-stop flight or if you want to see flights with several stops.

I always book direct flights from Frankfurt to New York. The departure point depends on where you live. Since I live right between Stuttgart and Frankfurt, I usually choose Frankfurt as my departure point.

Before Corona, flights were still available for 360 euros, but with Lufthansa the prices are now only available for over 700 euros. Make sure you use Skyscanner to find flights.

Dom was able to fly with Norse from Berlin to JFK for 480 euros. I was much more expensive from Frankfurt. However, since I had an open jaw flight to Philadelphia and back from New York, I was able to fly for 515 euros (outbound with Eurowings Discovery, return with Lufthansa from JFK). Singapore Airlines, which used to be the best and cheapest airline, cost over 1,000 euros when I did my research (before Covid: 350 euros).

In general, you need to budget around 500 euros for flights.

Tip: Subscribe to the airlines' newsletters to be informed about special offers. The cheapest month is November. The best time to travel to New York this is not the best time to travel. Unless you like temperatures below 0 degrees.

Tip: When travelling to New York, it definitely pays to keep an eye on the long term. I have also found bargains that way several times. With Lufthansa, you can actually only book if there is an offer, as direct flights from Frankfurt almost always cost twice as much.

Costs: 360 - 570 € (depending on travel time )

Light fare with Lufthansa without luggage to New York. Suitcases cost €50 per flight.

See my tips on how to find good and cheap flights.

Costs for overnight stays in New York

Since Airbnb is banned in New York, there are hardly any cheap and good hotels in Manhattan. Offers on Airbnb are therefore illegal (read about this in my hotel tips for New York). Therefore, you should definitely book a hotel.

I never book hostels with dormitories and prefer well-located hotels for city trips so that I can reach everything quickly. A private bathroom is also worth a lot to me.

You can find all my hotel tips for New York here .

Costs for 1 week hotel:

1,300 € (2 persons) at the Aloft Brooklyn

1.000 € (2 persons) at Pod 51

1.900 € (2 persons) at Moxy Chelsea (great location for sightseeing and our last booked hotel. We booked the upgrade "with view". Otherwise it would have cost "only" 1,600 euros).

HOTEL WANTED? ????

For the search for a good hotel we recommend the platform booking.com . We always book our accommodation on this platform or directly with American Express, as we get additional discounts with the American Express Platinum credit card (see details here, only worthwhile for frequent travellers).

Costs for means of transport in New York

In New York, there are various ways to get from A to B. I always use the metro. I always use the metro, and hardly ever a taxi (Lyft or UBER). Even though I have walked all the way through downtown Manhattan: Sometimes you do take the metro or a taxi.

Cost of the airport transfer JFK - Manhattan: approx. 70 $.

→ My tips on how to get from the airport to the city centre in New York

New York Metro Card: $2.75 one way | 7-day Unlimited Pass: $33 (add a $1 deposit for a MetroCard).

A ride with the Yellow Cab taxi costs a basic fee of $3, plus tax. Every 1/5 mile costs 70 cents(the exact breakdown can be found here).

My tip: Use the New York City Taxi Fare Finder to calculate the price, download the Lyft and UBER app to your phone before you travel and then compare the prices. In 2023, we didn't use Lyft and UBER at all because the prices went up enormously. In the evening, a ride often costs over $70, only rarely are the prices affordable.

Ride the ferry for free? Thanks to the Staten Island Ferry, it's possible. The trip takes about 25 minutes from Battery Park (southern tip of Manhattan) to Staten Island. You have a great view of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn, as well as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Entrance fees for sights and tours

After the flight and accommodation, the biggest cost is the entrance fees to sights and attractions in New York. Depending on how long you are in New York and what you want to see, there are several ways to save money.

Current admission prices for the top sights:

SUMMIT One Vanderbuilt: $42 (regular admission).

The Edge: $40 (normal admission, at sunset +$10), City Climb with access to the platform: $185)

Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center: $40, without queue: $85 (sunset 24h upgrade: $10).

Empire State Building with observation deck: $79 for both decks (sunset: $92)

One World Observatory: all-inclusive ticket $59 (there are several options)

MoMA Museum of Modern Art: $25

Guggenheim Museum: $25

Day ticket Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off: $72 (for all routes)

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: $31.50

Boat tour around Manhattan: $41

9/11 Memorial & Museum: from $17 (depending on time)

Graffiti & Street Art Walking Tour: $32

So as you can see, there's quite a bit of spending going on here. That's why we bought the New York all-inclusive pass before every trip. We had the pass for a week because it was the most worthwhile. It was great. Since there are now 7 discount passes in New York, here is a New York Pass Comparison created.

New York Pass for 1 week: $339

⚠️ We have a discount deal for the New York all-inclusive pass from Go City ! When booking via this link in the discount code VIELUNTERWEGSNY (capitalise everything) and save 10% when buying a 3, 6 and 10 day pass.

Since we already had the pass, we even got to see more attractions that were included. Among others, Madame Tussauds New York, renting bikes in Central Park, the boat trip around Manhattan and much more.

You can read my detailed comparison and test of the New York Passes here and find out which one is worth it for you.

Costs for food and drink

In New York, you can find food on every corner. The question is: Do you want to eat fast food, hot dogs, pizza and bagels all the time?

Then you can save a lot of money.

If you have booked a hotel with breakfast, you can save this point in the budget. However, we love to have breakfast in New York at Ess-a-Bagel or buy a matcha tea at Cha Cha Matcha.

For healthy food like sushi, salads or soups, you need to budget a lot . My tips: Before your trip, find out where there are food trucks in New York. You can also eat delicious food here. Prices vary depending on the dish.

Watch out for tips! In tourist restaurants, the tip is often already included in the bill. So you don't have to add money again. If this is not the case, you should add about 20 % (currently the must), because the waiters live from your tip. A minimum of 15 % is obligatory, 20 % is desired and sometimes not otherwise selectable.

When looking for restaurants, we like to check Resy (also good for reserving tables) or Google reviews and Time Out magazine New York. Here you can find current tips and recommendations for good restaurants in your area.

We currently budget at least $100 per meal for two for food and drink. We eat out at least once a day because we always want to try new restaurants and cafés.

This cost is up to you. Depending on the dollar exchange rate, some products are cheaper than in Germany. In any case, you should visit an outlet if you want to find bargains. See my tips for shopping in New York.

In 2023, it is not worth shopping in New York in most shops and for most products. The dollar exchange rate is too good and there are taxes on top of the prices.

Conclusion of my costs for travelling to New York

My New York trips were completely different each time. Depending on who I was travelling with and how much time we spent shopping, sightseeing or just sitting in a café, the expenses were too. For a week, I would advise you to plan a budget of at least $1,000 per person.

Do you like to visit musicals, NBA, NHL or NFL games like we do? Then the expenses for tickets are on top of that. Again, you should know that tickets under $100 are rarely available. Only musicals are cheaper.

Even if that sounds like a lot of budget at first, I'd advise you to save more and be happy if you have something left over afterwards rather than having to turn over every penny on the spot.

As I said at the beginning of the article, the total cost depends on how you travel and what you do on the ground.

I hope I was able to give you a little insight into the expenses of my travels. Do you have any further questions? Leave a comment below and I'll be happy to answer them!

Jetsetting Fools

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New York City One-Week Itinerary

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New York City is packed with iconic attractions and a long list of must-see sights. Trying to plan a New York City One-Week Itinerary can be a daunting task – but no need to worry: we’ve done the hard work for you! Our 7 days in New York Itinerary includes all the major highlights and a few hidden gems.

How To Plan a Trip to New York

There is no right or wrong way to plan a trip to NYC. The city is extremely diverse – and it has something for everyone.

Although we have never lived in the city, I have regularly been visiting New York since I was a child. While I am extremely comfortable in the city, I’m also still in awe of it – and on every trip I find something new to discover. 

New York trip planning can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. While massive and teeming with sights – it is not as intimidating as it may seem. In fact, with our New York Itinerary, we have made it as simple as possible!

Pro Tip: We suggest using our Trip Planning Templates to research and organize your NYC vacation!

About Our One Week in New York City Itinerary

Our NYC Itinerary includes the best sightseeing spots – which will help you with planning a New York trip.

Each day of this 1 Week New York trip is spent visiting top attractions, exploring the best neighborhoods and eating incredible food. We soar to the top of skyscrapers and delve deep into exciting districts. 

We have outlined a detailed sightseeing plan for what to see in New York City – and have squeezed just about as much as we can into our New York 7-Day Itinerary. 

It is an ideal First Time New York Itinerary, but can be used by return visitors, as well.

Cost of 1 Week in New York

There is no question: New York is expensive. Many of the must see sights in NYC cost upwards of $30, but there are many free attractions in New York, too. When you plan a trip to New York City, it’s best to set a budget first.

In our 1-Week New York Itinerary, we include a range of activities from budget to high-end. Penny-pinching travelers can use our suggested itinerary for New York to help plan their trip – and our NYC on a Budget article offers even more money-saving tips.

Pro Tip : Everyone likes to save money – so we include a few thrifty tips for your week in New York at the end of the article.

Is a Week in New York Too Long or Too Short? 

There are so many things to do in New York City that we could never get bored! However, how long you plan for New York depends on many factors. Costs, personal interests and overall time allotted for your trip should be major considerations for your New York City vacation.

How Many Days to Visit New York?

We think one week in NYC is the perfect trip length. With 7 days in NYC, visitors can see the top sights, explore intriguing neighborhoods and even take a day trip from New York City.

That said, we understand that not all travelers are planning a New York 1 Week Itinerary. Visitors planning less time can condense our 7-Day New York Itinerary to include the sights they most want to see.

On the other hand, travelers organizing a longer trip can use our NYC Itinerary 7 Days as a base for their plans and expand it – either by adding more sightseeing or exploring the attractions we outline at a slower pace. 

Alternate New York Itineraries

To better help fellow travelers planning a trip to NY, we have devised multiple New York itineraries – for shorter and longer stays – and include them at the end of the post. Whether you are building a one day in New York City Itinerary or if you are spending 10 days in the Big Apple, our 1 Week in New York Itinerary is the place to start planning your trip!

Our itinerary for New York includes everything you need to plan your trip! We include all of the details of how to spend a week in New York. 

In addition to the sights to see, throughout our New York Itinerary in 7 Days we include helpful links, route maps, restaurant tips and other pertinent information. With all the details we include, planning your NYC sightseeing adventure should be a breeze!

Save, Pin or Bookmark our New York 1-Week Itinerary to plan your trip to NYC!

DAY 1 – Midtown Sights & Broadway Play

Start your 1 Week in New York Itinerary in iconic Midtown. Explore the city streets on foot and marvel at the world-famous architecture. Spend time in bustling Times Square, then end the day with a Broadway Theater performance.

New York City Walking Tour in Midtown

Kick off your trip to New York in a week in the most exciting part of the city: Midtown. Start your exploration on an NYC Walking Tour to see iconic skyscrapers and buildings. Visitors can join a guided Midtown Walking Tour – or choose to explore on your own. 

Self Guided Manhattan Walking Tour

While we think it is a good idea to start off your 7 days in New York City trip with a guide, it’s not necessary. You can create your own Self-Guided New York Walking Tour in Midtown by seeing the sights listed below.

Flatiron Building NY : Resembles a clothes iron, built in 1902. No entry; best views from Madison Square Park.

Empire State Building : Iconic Art Deco tower built in 1931. Visitors who want to ascend to the observation deck should purchase Skip-the-Line Tickets !

New York Public Library : A historical landmark, the library’s entrance is guarded by two stone lion statues. Free to enter!

Rockefeller Center : Built by the Rockefeller family in the 1930s, the complex is comprised of 19 buildings, including Radio City Music Hall and Top of the Rock. Tickets are required for the Top of the Rock observation deck; visitors should purchase tickets in advance !

St. Patrick’s Cathedral : Taking up an entire city block, the church features soaring spires and stained-glass windows. Free to enter!

Chrysler Building : A striking Art Deco building constructed in 1930. No entry.

Grand Central Terminal : The Main Concourse is a must-see; check out the ceiling and historic clock. Maybe stop for a fancy cocktail at The Campbell , a NYC institution. For a meal with some history, try the seafood at Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station, which has been around since 1913. 

Times Square : The buzzing space is lined with name brand stores and bright billboards – and is a must-see in New York. 

Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?  Both the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock are sights that we include on Day 1 of our New York 7-Day Itinerary. Both buildings are incredible from the outside, but even more impressive from their observation decks. That said, tickets cost about $40 USD for entry and long lines are time consuming. For the sake of time and money, we recommend choosing one or the other. While going to the top of the Empire State Building is truly iconic, we actually prefer the views from Top of the Rock. From there we can see the Empire State Building to the south – as well as the view over Central Park to the north.

Broadway Show & Dinner

End the first day of your 1-week trip to New York with a Broadway theater performance. Tickets to the most popular shows are pricey, but there are Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows that cost less. You can also find less expensive tickets the day of the performance at TKTS .

For dinner on the first night of your 7 day trip to New York, find a place to eat in Times Square or somewhere nearby. While most of the American chain restaurants that clutter Times Square are over-priced and not the best places to in NYC, they are part of the Times Square vibe.

That said, there are a few local establishments that offer a unique dining experience. Pop into Brooklyn Diner for classic American fare or Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery for amazing NYC Cheesecake. Alternatively, make a reservation at Sardi’s – a theater institution – or feast on a fun pre-Broadway meal at Joe Allen.

DAY 2 – Central Park and NYC Museums

Start the second day of your New York Week Itinerary at Columbus Circle, then explore Central Park. Spend the afternoon at a museum – like The Met. End the day in Hell’s Kitchen, one of NYC’s best neighborhoods. 

Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle is a good place to start Day 2 of your 7 Day Itinerary NYC. The traffic circle at the southwest corner of Central Park was designed along with the park in 1857. At the center is a 76-foot-tall monument dedicated to navigator Christopher Columbus. The statue was erected on the square in 1892 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Central Park

The 843-acre Central Park was the first public park in the United States and an absolute must see for your New York in 7 Days Itinerary.

One of the best ways to discover Central Park is on two wheels. Rent a bike and complete the loop (allow at least an hour), but be sure not to miss the Great Lawn, Strawberry Fields and the Reservoir – as well as the many statues, fountains and monuments along the Mall.

For a drink in Central Park, we suggest the Loeb Boathouse – but for a meal, go to the historic Tavern on the Green. The iconic Central Park landmark restaurant offers fantastic food in an elegant environment. Just be sure to make a reservation.

Top Tip: Want a better introduction to Central Park? Join one of the many Central Park Sightseeing Tours . 

New York Museums

With a week in NYC, visitors should definitely plan on visiting one of the city’s iconic museums. Some of the best museums in New York City are located in or near Central Park. While there are numerous options, on a first trip to NYC, we recommend visiting one of the best – like The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) or the American Museum of Natural History . 

It is important to note that these two New York museums are massive. Visitors should plan on spending several hours visiting – or seeing the highlights by joining a tour. 

Two tours that are highly recommended by fellow travelers are the Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Tour ( get the details ) and The Met and Natural History Museums Guided Combo Tour ( book it now ). 

Pro Tip: Other New York museums near Central Park that may be of interest to travelers are the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), the Guggenheim Museum, the Jewish Museum and the Museum of the City of New York. 

Hell’s Kitchen

End day two of your 1 week in New York Itinerary in the vibrant Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Known for a slew of international restaurants and an enticing nightlife, it is an excellent place to spend an evening. 

While there are many restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, we suggest indulging in a classic NYC pizza. Sacco Pizza is a Hell’s Kitchen institution – and their pizzas are phenomenal! You can also join a  Hell’s Kitchen Food Walking Tour or a  tour just for dessert ! For drinks, we like Valhalla , which is a local drinking hole that features numerous craft beers on tap. 

Day 3 – Lower Manhattan Financial District

On Day 3 discover the sights in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, visiting some of the world’s most known landmarks. Top sights include the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park, One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial and Wall Street.

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Seeing Lady Liberty is essential on every New York trip! A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty has stood in New York Harbor since 1886. Visitors can get an up-close view of the iconic statue and learn about the history of Ellis Island on a fascinating tour ( get the details ) – but book it early, as they do fill up.

Pro Tip : Just want a glimpse of Lady Liberty? Visitors can hop on the free Staten Island Ferry for a great view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.

Freedom Tower & 9/11 Memorial

A must-see for your 7 Days Itinerary in New York, the sights at the World Trade Center are both magnificent and moving.

The towering One World Trade Center stands at an impressive 1,776 feet (the year of US independence). The landmark skyscraper – which ranks as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere – was completed in 2013. The One World Observatory is an observation deck that offers unmatched vistas from the 102nd floor.

At the base of the tower is the moving 9/11 Memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The memorial consists of two reflecting pools, which outline where the Twin Towers once stood. 

Pro Tip: To learn more about the events that took place on September 11, 2001, consider taking a 9/11 Memorial Tour or visiting the poignant 9/11 Memorial Museum .

New York Stock Exchange & Wall Street

Known world-wide, Wall Street is home to the New York Stock Exchange and the Federal Hall National Memorial. Relatively new to Wall Street is the Fearless Girl Statue, who stands across from the NYSE building. 

Dinner & Drinks in the Financial District

There is a wide variety of food on offer in the Financial District – so it’s the perfect place for dinner on Day 3 of your One Week in New York Itinerary.

Delmonico’s, which opened in 1837, is a classic NYC restaurant dedicated to serving perfectly cooked steaks. The historic Fraunces Tavern, dating to 1762 and boasting famous clientele (like George Washington), is a classic pub with upscale eats and an incredible selection of whiskey and craft beer.

For fun after-dinner cocktails, check out The Dead Rabbit Irish Pub that is right around the corner. 

Day 4 – The Best New York Neighborhoods

Spend Day 4 of your One Week New York Itinerary walking through the trendiest neighborhoods of New York City. The neighborhoods to see are Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Soho, Chinatown, Little Italy, and the East Village.

Navigate NYC Neighborhoods on Foot

Visitors staying in New York for a week have ample time to get to know the city and its unique neighborhoods. Exploring the neighborhoods in NYC on foot is the best way to get a feel for the distinctly different districts. The neighborhoods we recommend seeing are listed in order so that you can walk from one to the next, spending the entire day immersing yourself into the local New York scene. 

The Chelsea neighborhood, which is comprised of converted factories and art galleries, fronts the Hudson River. Top attractions include The Vessel at Hudson Yards, the High Line elevated park and the Chelsea Market.

Greenwich Village

Just south of Chelsea, Greenwich Village – or just The Village – is Manhattan’s bohemian district. Sights in The Village include Washington Square Park, the ‘Friends’ apartment building and the Strand Book Store. 

The SoHo neighborhood is named for its location So uth of Ho uston Street (which is pronounced house -ton). The architecture of the district – namely, the cast iron design – is why many visitors go to the neighborhood. However, the district is well-known as a shopper’s paradise, with many name brand flagship stores sitting along Broadway.

Chinatown NYC

NYC Chinatown is a captivating neighborhood. Crammed with Asian eateries and souvenir shops, the streets are lined with neon lights and signs in Chinese symbols. Visitors often go to the district looking for inexpensive knock-offs, but we think the real reason to go is for the food! 

Little Italy

Once home to NYC’s thriving Italian community, Little Italy has dwindled to just a few blocks. That said, it is still worth a stroll down Mulberry Street. Nearby sights include the Tenement Museum and the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. 

East Village

End your day in the eclectic East Village. The neighborhood is filled with thrift stores, dive bars and tattoo parlors. Interesting places to check out are the Turntable Lab, the Russian and Turkish Baths and the Blind Barber (a neighborhood barber shop with a speakeasy-style lounge in the back room). 

Dinner & Drinks in East Village

There are numerous places to eat, drink and dance the night away in the East Village. Our favorite place to eat – and a NYC institution – is Katz’s Delicatessen. Established in 1888, the deli is famous for their Pastrami on Rye. 

After dinner, stop by McSorley’s Old Ale House where they have been pouring their house beers – either light or dark – since 1854. We love the cozy tavern atmosphere, saw dust covered floors and energetic (if not a bit surly) bartenders!

Day 5 – Roosevelt Island, Upper East Side & Harlem

On Day 5 of your 7 Days in New York Itinerary, discover Manhattan’s northern neighborhoods. Ride the tramway to Roosevelt Island, go shopping in the Upper East Side and discover Harlem in the evening. 

Roosevelt Island

Start your day by taking the aerial tram across the East River to the long and skinny Roosevelt Island. On the southern tip of the island there is a memorial park dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt – along with amazing views of the NYC skyline. 

Pro Tip : The Roosevelt Tramway is part of the NYC transit system and fares are paid for via a MetroCard (more about public transport at the end of the article).

Upper East Side

Considered to be one of the upscale neighborhoods in NYC, the Upper East Side is characterized by world-class museums, elegant architecture, chic eateries and classy bars. The area is also a haven for fashionistas; shoppers will find boutique shops, luxury brand stores and iconic department stores (like Barneys, Saks and Bloomingdale’s). 

Pro Tip : The time-honored Bemelmans Bar in the Carlyle Hotel is a posh place to stop for a mid-day cocktail.

East Harlem

Just north of the glamorous Upper East Side is colorful East Harlem. Also called “El Barrio” and “Spanish Harlem” due to the large population of Latin Americans that reside in the district, East Harlem is a unique enclave. Filled with intriguing street art murals and incredible Latin American restaurants, the neighborhood has a distinctive and fun vibe. 

Pro Tip: The neighborhood was once a popular place for Italians to live. Patsy’s Pizzeria is an icon of the district; the restaurant served as inspiration for Francis Ford Coppola when creating The Godfather films (and they also make incredible pizzas!). 

Home to the Apollo Theater and the city’s jazz scene, Harlem is a vibrant neighborhood full of character and culture. We like to wander in Harlem, letting our senses guide us through the neighborhoods. Fellow travelers can explore on their own or let a guide lead the way on a Harlem Tour (Gospel, Jazz, Hip Hop and Soul Food are just a few of the themed tours offered in the eclectic district!).

Day 6 – Brooklyn

On Day 6 of your 1 Week in New York Itinerary, walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn via the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge. Stroll the NYC neighborhoods of Brooklyn, including DUMBO, Williamsburg and Carroll Gardens.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Start your day by walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Completed in 1883, the bridge is one of the most beautiful in the city. Along the walk, stop to take in the views back toward Manhattan. 

Pro Tip: Once in Brooklyn, spend some time at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers a sublime vantage point of the Manhattan skyline. 

Stroll through DUMBO – which is an acronym for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.’ The district was once dominated by factories, but the warehouses have all been converted into hip establishments. 

Pro Tip: The nearby Dekalb Market Hall is a good place for lunch. The marketplace has 40 vendors serving some of the best NYC eats. 

Williamsburg

Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhood, Williamsburg is a hotbed of creativity and all things cool. Flea markets, vintage clothing, a factory-turned-park and a copious number of hip brunch spots, there are endless things to do in Williamsburg. Also home to the Brooklyn Brewery, fans of craft beer can visit for a brewery tour. 

Pro Tip : To best experience Williamsburg, join a guide on a tour of the neighborhood ( like this one! ) or go on a fun Craft Beer Crawl . 

Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden

One of the largest parks in Brooklyn and a historic landmark, Prospect Park is a top destination in Brooklyn. In fact, if you are planning a trip to New York City with family and young kids, it’s an absolute must! 

Highlights of the park include the Prospect Park Zoo, a carousel, monuments and walking paths. The adjacent Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum are other nearby attractions – and the park’s weekly Smorgasburg event is a big hit with foodies! 

Carrol Gardens

End your day on the brownstone lined streets of the Carrol Gardens district. The quintessential Brooklyn neighborhood has a long been a favorite of Italian-American families, which is evident in the numerous Italian eateries.

Dinner & Drinks in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a favorite neighborhood for dining – especially on Italian fare. For pre-dinner drinks, get a sense of nostalgia at Brooklyn Social , a vintage cocktail lounge that dates to the 1920s. Then, for dinner, feast on an Italian meal at Frankie’s 457 (anything you order will be delicious, trust us!) After your delectable dinner, have a pint of locally crafted beer at the Other Half Brewing Company . 

Day 7 – Day Trip from NYC or Local Event

Wrap up your 1 Week in NYC with a day trip. Visitors who would rather experience more of the city can attend a local event, like a sports game.  

New York City Day Trips

From NYC, it is easy to get to nearby destinations and other major US cities. On the last day of your itinerary for 1 Week, go to one of the top places to visit near New York. While you can reach all of destinations with public transport or with a car rental , we include links to top-rated New York City day tours that will also get you there. 

Coney Island

In the summertime, Coney Island is a perfect city escape. The seaside city features a beach, boardwalk and amusement park. Plus, it is easy to get there using public transportation. 

The Hamptons

Spend a full day on Long Island visiting the coastal villages. Highlights include Sag Harbor, wine tastings and shopping. Get the details of this tour! 

Niagara Falls

Visit the spectacular Niagara Falls on a day trip from New York. The full-day tour includes a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat that gets visitors close to the falls. Find out more about the tour!

Pro Tip : For a truly epic experience, travel by plane from NYC to Niagara Falls! Read the rave reviews!

Washington DC

One of the most popular day trips from New York City, the Washington DC trip features all the top sights in a single day! Use our guide of Things To Do in Washington DC or Book a tour! 

Pro Tip : Visitors can also visit Philadelphia and Washington DC in one day! Get the details of the full day tour!

Take a trip to the historic city of Boston! Visit the Harvard campus and follow Boston’s Freedom Trail. Use our guide to Boston Sightseeing or Join a tour!

New York City Sporting Events

New Yorkers are passionate about their sports teams – and attending a game is a fabulous activity to include in your Itinerary for New York.

As big baseball fans, while visiting New York, we have watched both the Yankees and the Mets play – and we can tell you, the atmosphere is electric! 

In addition to the baseball teams, New York hosts multiple professional sports teams (including NHL Hockey, NBA Basketball and NFL football teams) – so there is a good chance one of the teams will be playing at home during your NYC trip. 

Alternate New York City Itinerary Suggestions

We have outlined an absolutely fabulous way to spend one week in New York – but what if you have less (or more) time? 

Regardless of how many days you plan to stay, our New York 7 Day Itinerary can be used as a base. Simply adjust our New York suggested itinerary to create the best New York itinerary for you ! Below we offer our best NYC sightseeing recommendations for shorter and longer stays.

Pro Tip: Planning to visit New York City for Christmas? Wonderful! Check out our dedicated article for all the Best NYC Experiences at Christmas !

New York One Day Itinerary

Our best advice for how to spend the day in New York is to simply choose a single day from our above outlined New York 7-Day Itinerary based on your specific interests. For example, if the Statue of Liberty is a must-see, use Day 3 of our 7-Day Itinerary New York. Or, if going to the Top of the Rock is top of your list, then follow our outline for Day 1. 

Alternatively, let someone else do all the planning for you and join a guide for a comprehensive 6-hour New York tour of the top things to do in NYC in one day. Find out more!

Pro Tip : Just remember, if including any ticketed attractions in your 1 Day in NYC, it is best to buy Skip the Line Tickets !

New York Itinerary 2 Days 

With only 2 days in New York City, we recommend creating a New York trip itinerary that includes the iconic NYC sights.

On the first day of your trip, follow our agenda for Day 1 as outlined in our 7-Day NYC trip itinerary. Then, on Day 2, spend the morning in Central Park, the afternoon in Lower Manhattan and the evening in one of the Mid-Town neighborhoods (combining Days 2, 3 and 4).

3 Day NYC Itinerary

We think the best way to spend 3 days in New York City is to simply stick to the first three days in our New York City One-Week Itinerary. Essentially, this is a Manhattan Itinerary, but it will allow you to really get a better feel for the city. 

New York in 4 Days Itinerary

With 4 days in NYC, we recommend rearranging our One Week New York Itinerary for better sightseeing. Follow Day 1 as written, on Day 2 squeeze in other neighborhoods (from Day 5). Then use Day 3 as outlined. On the last day of your 4 day trip to NYC, choose neighborhood exploration or head over to Brooklyn.

New York Itinerary 5 Days

With 5 days in New York City, we would use the above New York trip itinerary for the first 4 days, skip Day 5, and spend the last day in Brooklyn (Day 6 on our One Week New York City Trip Planner). 

6 Days New York Itinerary

We think the best way to create a New York 6 Day Itinerary is to simply follow our outline of the first six days as written in our 7 Days New York Itinerary.

There really is so much to see and do in NYC that a day trip is not necessary. However, if going to Boston or Washington DC is high on your list while visiting New York, then add the sightseeing from Day 5 of our One Week New York trip plan into Day 2 to free up a day for a New York day trip. 

New York Itinerary 10 Days

For an ideal New York 10-Day Itinerary, we would break our above Day 2 into two days; spend one day in Central Park and the Upper West Side. The following day, concentrate on visiting the best New York museums (this would also be great things to do on a rainy day in NYC!).

In an ideal NYC 10 day trip, we would also break Day 3 into two days. Rather than rushing to see the sights in the Financial District, we would spend an entire day visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The following day, take in the sights of Financial District.

Visitors can also add a second day trip from New York City to their 10 day trip – or dive more deeply into a favorite neighborhood to better explore it. 

Tips For Our One-Week Itinerary

Now that you know what to do in New York for a week, we have a few more tips for your trip! This advice is designed to help you plan a NYC trip with ease…and save a little money, too. 

1 Week in New York Budget

Trips to New York City can be expensive! We highly recommend setting a 1 Week in New York Budget to ensure that you stay within your limits. 

Money-Saving City Cards for NYC

You’ve no doubt noticed that the cost of sightseeing in New York City can add up in a hurry. Entrance to attractions and museums is expensive. We suggest considering NYC sightseeing cards, which can provide substantial savings. 

There are two main kinds of attractions cards that offer discounts. Ones that are valid for unlimited sights within a certain number of days or cards that offer a specific number of attractions over a longer period of time. 

Pro Tip: In order to get the most out of your pass, we recommend buying your attractions pass in advance – and planning a NYC trip around the sights you want to see. 

The New York Pass

The New York Pass offers access to more than 100 attractions within a certain number of days. Those who want to enter all of the top sights will likely benefit from The Pass . However, it will be beneficial to rearrange your New York Sightseeing Itinerary so that multiple sights are visited consecutively.

The NYC Explorer Pass

The NYC Explorer Pass is valid for a selected number of attractions, which makes sense for travelers who only want to see one or two ticketed attractions per day.

New York CityPass

Another great attractions pass, the New York CityPass allows ticket holders to visit 6 amazing attractions within nine days. The CityPass can be extremely beneficial – both for cost and ease of sightseeing.

Plan Where To Eat in New York City

With the incredible number of restaurants, it can be difficult to choose where to eat. Throughout our suggested New York Itinerary, we have included some of our best recommendations.

That said, eating at restaurants in New York (and drinking in the bars) will quickly increase the cost of your 1 Week NYC trip. Corner delis and grocery stores are a great option for cheaper food; you can even assemble picnic meals and eat in picturesque squares and parks.

Flights, Transport, Accommodations

We are sharing out top tips on the essentials for your trip: How to get there, how to get around and where to stay. 

Getting to New York City

The first step in how to plan New York trip is to determine how you will get there. New York can be reached by plane, train, boat, bus and car. 

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!). There are three major airports that service NYC: John F Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR). 

When we purchase plane tickets , we start our search for the best deals on Skyscanner .

Pro Tip : Getting from any of the NYC airports into the city can be expensive. That said, there are economical options from each airport, so do a little research for the airport you will be flying into before you hop into an overpriced cab. 

Getting Around NYC

New York City taxi cabs are the most costly option. Using Uber or Lyft instead of hopping into a cab is less expensive, but not cheap. The most economical way to get around (besides using your own two feet!) is via public transport. The subway is actually quite efficient – saving both time and money (and, besides, it is a true New York experience!).

To use the NYC Subway, visitors will want to purchase a 7 Day Unlimited MetroCard, which is perfect for your One Week New York Itinerary! The card is good for unlimited transit on all subways, city buses and the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Find out more on the official MTA website . 

An alternate way to get around is to buy a ticket for the Big Bus NYC. The tourist bus if perfect for travelers who are only looking for transportation to the top New York City tourist sights. 

Finding the Best Places to Stay in New York City

When looking for places to stay in New York City, there are a few key factors to consider. Location, Price, Safety and Cleanliness are our top priorities when finding NYC accommodations. 

We prefer staying in hotels in Midtown – as it makes getting around on foot to top attractions a lot easier. Naturally, good hotels in the heart of the city cost the most. If you cannot find lodging that meets your requirements in Midtown, look for a hotel further away that is close to a major subway line. 

Pro Tip: Before starting your search, use our tips for booking Top Hotels at the Best Prices . 

Hotels for your NYC Trip

There are many accommodation options to choose from in New York City that range from iconic hotels to budget hostels. Don’t worry if luxury hotels, like the Four Seasons  and St. Regis, don’t fit your budget; there are many NYC hotels priced at $200-$250/night (yup, that’s the budget range for this year!).

On our wintertime NYC visit , we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South – which ticked all of our boxes for location, price, safety and cleanliness. 

For those on a smaller budget, there are a few decent hostels in New York City. Nap York Capsule Hostel offers private beds at more affordable prices than hotel rooms. 

Start your search for the best priced hotels on Booking.com – like we do!

On other trips to the city, we have stayed in Airbnb apartments . There are still numerous listings for Airbnb apartments in NYC. We love it because they usually have more space and can also cook simple meals.

Housesitting in New York 

We have also found accommodations in New York City as house and pet sitters. While this is not an ideal way for everyone to travel, we enjoy petsetting in cities around the world ! Find out how you can become a trusted housesitter and stay for free in our article, International Housesitting . 

What To Pack for Your New York City Trip

We have just a few final packing hacks for your suitcase or backpack . Grab your FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get started!

Durable Walking Shoes 

Our New York Itinerary Planner includes long days of discovery by foot. Make sure you pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes. I like to wear city walking shoes by Columbia – and Kris prefers Merrell shoes. Read more in our reviews on The Best Shoes for Traveling . 

NYC Weather Gear

New York has four seasons; along with hot summers and cold winters…the possibility of rain is year-round. It is wise to pack a travel umbrella or packable raincoat for your trip. In the summer, sunscreen and hat are advised. And, because you will be walking so much, don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle (this  collapsible water bottle is great for travelers).

Travel Camera 

New York is a stunning sight…but it can be difficult to photograph (especially with a phone). We recommend using a proper camera with a zoom lens for your trip to NYC. Our choice is a Canon Rebel and use an everyday 18-135mm lens , which takes amazing photos. We also carry a Canon PowerShot ELPH, which is small enough to fit into a zippered pocket and ideal budget camera .

Anti-Theft Bag

While we feel New York is as safe as most any other big city, it’s always a good idea to keep valuables – like money, ID and phone – tucked away out of the reach of sticky-fingered thieves.

I use a cross-body Timbuk2 Messenger Bag, which isn’t designed for travel, but works phenomenally well as a day bag. When traveling to congested locations, we also use a money belt , which is concealed beneath our clothes. Travelon also makes a line of specific Anti-Theft bags for travelers. Find more in our reviews for The Best Day Bags for Travel .

It’s easy to get turned around or lost in any big city! While we provide map links in our New York planner, we also recommend purchasing a city map . Sightseeing is always more enjoyable when you have a basic understanding of the layout.

Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may come in handy with cancelled flights or lost luggage , and can also be vital if you get injured or ill while traveling . If you haven’t obtained coverage for your trip to New York, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your USA trip ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Visiting More of The United States? 

We have detailed itineraries for your Trip To Austin, TX , a Weekend in Denver , Seattle , Portland and Chicago . Plus, advice for your perfect Visit To San Francisco or San Diego .

Itching for a road trip? We’ve got you covered in Montana , on the Oregon Coast (and Columbia River Gorge ) as well as California Highway 1 (including fabulous Malibu )!

Best USA Destinations for a Weekend

There is no question that NYC ranks as one of the top destinations in the United States! If you are looking for other outstanding places to visit, use our guide to the Top Quick Weekend Getaways in the USA .

Seeking out a less-visited spot? We get it! Check out our Underrated US Destinations and Top Underrated Travel Spots Around the World .

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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How to Spend a Perfect Week in New York City

See recent posts by Katherine Alex Beaven

Choosing to visit New York City is easy, but planning the perfect weeklong itinerary in the Big Apple can be tough. That's where we come in. Mixing tourist hot spots and local favorites, we put together the perfect way to spend seven days in NYC. We’ve even got suggestions should you find yourself back here or with a little extra time to spare. But be forewarned: This is not an easygoing itinerary. Your week will be long and full, but most of all, fun.

Day One: Manhattan (Midtown and Central Park)

Central Park; Lara Grant/Oyster

Manhattan may only be about 13 square miles, but this island has a lot to offer. Start your morning with breakfast and a walk in Central Park. Pick up coffee and a classic, hand-rolled New York-style bagel at Ess-a-Bagel, a favorite in Midtown East. Breakfast-in-hand, grab a cab or walk on famous Fifth Avenue, window-shopping at stores like Harry Winston and Bergdorf Goodman along the way. When you reach the 59th street entrance, find a bench and people-watch while eating your bagel and admiring The Pond. Then, hit up popular areas of the park like the merry-go-round, Strawberry Fields, and Bethesda Fountain.

Many of NYC’s best museums are located near Central Park, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art (whose terrace has gorgeous views over the park) and Guggenheim to the east, and the American Folk Art Museum and American Museum of Natural History to the west. Pick a museum or two to explore before grabbing lunch from one of the vendors at Turnstyle Underground Market, a food hall that’s connected to the 59th Street-Columbus Circle subway station. Grand Central Oyster Bar beneath Grand Central Terminal is another great option.

If you need a break, return to your hotel for a quick recharge. Then, head for the bright lights of Broadway and Times Square. On the way, pop into the New York Public Library to admire the stunning design (it’s free!) and/or take a peek at the celestial ceiling in Grand Central Terminal (also free!). In Times Square, snap selfies with your favorite cosplay characters and marvel at the brightly lit signs. Next, make your way to the Theater District for a pre-show dinner at The View, a rotating restaurant at the New York Marriott Marquis . The food is good, but not cheap, and the views are priceless.

Close out your first day with a nightcap at one of the nearby local bars. Depending on your vibe, there’s Rudy’s, a dive bar;  McCoy’s, an Irish pub; Mad46, the seasonal rooftop lounge at The Roosevelt Hotel; and Bar SixtyFive, a cocktail bar with sweeping views, located on the 65th floor of 30 Rock.

Day Two: Lower Manhattan

Katz’s Deli/Oyster

Packed with bars, restaurants, and hidden gems, Lower Manhattan holds a lot of the city’s history. It’s a great place to get a feel for the gritty side of NYC, which is often documented in films and TV shows.

Start your morning in the Lower East Side at Clinton St. Baking Co., famous for its pancakes and brunch menu. Then, head down to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. (Tickets should be booked in advance.) After paying your respects, walk over to the Oculus, a design-forward transportation hub filled with shops and eateries. There’s a fantastic photo op on the second floor, where the ribbed white walls make it seem like you’re inside the rib cage of a whale. From here, continue your self-guided walking tour and move on to St. Paul’s Chapel of Trinity Church, which served as a refuge for people on 9/11. Dating back to the mid-1700s, it’s also the city’s only remaining colonial-era church, and once counted George Washington as part of its congregation.

Next, visit Chinatown for lunch at Jing Fong, a 700-person dim sum restaurant where you order off traditional dim sum carts and share communal tables with strangers. Walk off the dumplings on Canal Street, stopping at any number souvenir shops, fruit stands, and temples along the way. Work your way up a few blocks into Little Italy, and eventually over to the Tenement Museum, which focuses on the city’s immigrant history, particularly Chinese, Italian, Jewish, and German. The museum hosts neighborhood walking tours, but we especially like the apartment tours, which give visitors a glimpse into various immigrant living situations through meticulously restored apartments as they would have been in several different decades.

Head back into modern times with a visit to the trendy SoHo neighborhood, where you can shop boutiques, department stores, and international brand flagships. Go back up to Houston and hit up Katz’s Deli, one of the country’s most famous Jewish delis (and where the sandwiches are stacked high enough to split). End the night with drinks at a Lower East Side bar. We suggest The Ten Bells for wine, Pianos or Arlene’s Grocery for live music, and Attaboy for cocktails.

Day Three: Manhattan (East Village, West Village, and Chelsea)

High Line, Manhattan; Berenice Melis/Unsplash

Start the day at Chelsea Market and find your perfect breakfast spot. After fueling up, walk a few blocks to 14th street and hit up the High Line, an old elevated train track-turned-park. Take in views of the city, glimpses of the Hudson River, and the well-designed pockets and sitting areas until you exit around 34th Street in Hudson Yards (a new design-forward mega-mall full of designer shops and celebrity-chef restaurants). Grab your obligatory shot of the Vessel before moving on down to Greenwich Village, a neighborhood that was once a hub for creativity.

The Village attracted artistic, progressive types and was a favorite hangout for famous writers, musicians, and artists like Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Mark Twain, and Andy Warhol. Grab a drink or just snap photos at legendary spots, like Stonewall Inn, a tiny bar that was the epicenter of the 1969 Stonewall riots for gay rights; Kettle of Fish, a bar frequented by beat poets and Bob Dylan; and legendary jazz bar, the Village Vanguard. It’s also a great spot for people-watching, record shopping, and checking out boutiques.

Give your legs a rest at Washington Square Park where you can grab a delicious dosa from the NY Dosas food cart (the line moves quick!) and find a spot on the grass or by the fountain. While you’re taking a breather, decide if you feel like watching some stand-up comedy at the legendary Comedy Cellar or checking out some live music at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club. (You’ll need to buy advance tickets for either.)

Next, belly up to the bar at the closest oyster happy hour (we like Mermaid Oyster Bar). Taking advantage of the drink specials and dollar-something oysters nudge you one step closer to being a true New Yorker. If you’re catching a performance in the West Village, grab an award-winning Napoli-style pizza from Keste beforehand. If you’re catching a comedy show in the East Village, fill up on delicious Filipino food and cocktails at Jeepney first. After the show, take a stroll through the East Village, popping into any bar that suits your style.

Day Four: Brooklyn (Williamsburg and Greenpoint)

View from The Hoxton, Williamsburg/Oyster

If you’ve timed this right, you’ll end up in Brooklyn on a Saturday, so you can take advantage of the Brooklyn Flea, the ultimate antique and artisan goods market in town, as well as Smorgasburg, a massive gathering of food trucks. Locations vary by season, so always check before heading out. After stuffing yourself, head back to your hotel to drop off any purchased goodies, so you don’t have to lug them around all day. Instead of slipping into a food coma, walk it off by cruising Williamsburg ’s main strips: Bedford Avenue, Wythe Avenue, and Berry Street. After a few laps, get off the main drag and head toward Domino Park, a six-acre park along Williamsburg’s westernmost side. Otherwise, take in the views from the elevated walkway, play a game of bocce, or just chill out by the fountain and people-watch.

If you need a break, take one back at your hotel — you’ve earned it. If not, head to The Williamsburg Hotel ’s rooftop bar for sunset sips. Alternatively, go inside The Water Tower bar, an actual water tower repurposed as a bar. As soon as the sun sets, head to Greenpoint for dinner. This old Polish neighborhood is slowly gentrifying, but still has some incredible, authentic Polish food. Dig into sausages, potatoes, borscht, and more at Karczma, then head for drinks at Ramona, a slick, dual-level cocktail bar decked out in all white. Bar hop your way back to your hotel, or make a pit stop for retro bowling at Greenpoint’s divey Gutter Bar.

Day Five: Brooklyn (Prospect Heights, Prospect Park, and Park Slope)

Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Tyler Goodell/Unsplash

Start your day early and grab a coffee and pastry at one of the many cafes in Williamsburg before heading south toward the Prospect Park, Park Slope, and South Slope neighborhoods. If it’s nice out, stroll through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (check their site if you want to see what’s blooming and where), then head next door to the Brooklyn Museum, New York’s third-largest museum (and one of our personal faves).

Work up an appetite while admiring the museum’s excellent permanent collection, well-curated traveling exhibitions, and intricate period-style rooms. For lunch, walk over to Cheryl’s Global Soul for home-cooked brunch and a positive vibe. Spend the rest of the afternoon either bar hopping or boutique shopping off Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Skylark, Commonwealth, Parish Cocktail Bar, and The Owl Farm are some of our favorite bars, while Bird Brooklyn, Housing Works thrift store, and Homebody Boutique are some of our top spots to shop.

If your legs will take you, walk all 25-plus blocks down to the Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark in South Slope (or just call a car). Cross through the impressive Gothic Revival-style entrance into 478 acres of graves, tombs, mausoleums, and green space. Or, walk on over to Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s own wilder, younger sister park to Central Park (both designed by the same team). Here, you can relax in the shade or watch dogs chase frisbees.

When you feel your belly rumbling, choose between upscale seafood at Littleneck or savory barbecue at Dinosaur BBQ, both in Gowanus. After dinner, mosey around the corner to The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club for a bit of friendly competition, flamingo wallpaper, and retro-hip vibe.

Day Six: Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO)

DUMBO; Valor Kopeny/Unsplash

Today is the day you’re going to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Start your journey from the Manhattan side, where the entrance to the pedestrian walkway is right across from City Hall (have a quick look, if you’re so inclined). Walking across the bridge will take about an hour, but don’t forget to turn around every now and then for gorgeous views of the city skyline. Once you hit the Brooklyn side, you’ll be between the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods. Walk a few blocks to Gran Electrica for tacos and some dramatic views of the bridge. Next, saunter along the DUMBO waterfront, stopping for a whirl on Jane’s Carousel before heading over to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade for some stellar views of Lower Manhattan. (Bonus: It’s free!) There are benches at the beginning of the promenade, so if you want a little rest, take it now.

While you’re walking, scope out the piers, green spaces, and possible events down below at Brooklyn Bridge Park to see if any pique your interest. After leaving the promenade, we recommend heading through the park to Ample Hills Creamery. Grab a scoop of their famous Salted Crack Caramel ice cream.

Once you’ve soaked in all the views, devoured your ice cream, and perhaps played a few games, head back to your hotel via the East River Ferry, which stops in Manhattan and Williamsburg, if you’re not staying in the area. Local tip: The ferry costs the same as a subway ride, but you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you time it right and turn it into a sunset “cruise.”

Day Seven: Queens (Astoria)

Queens, New York City; Luca Bravo/Unsplash

No trip to NYC would be complete without a visit to Queens . It’s the city’s largest borough and one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world. Head to Astoria, which was named ‘ NYC’s Best Neighborhood ,” thanks to its growing cultural, culinary, and local community scene. Start your day with a true New Yorker’s breakfast: an egg sandwich from the local bodega (in this case, it’s George’s Deli, off the 30th Avenue stop). Walk around the Socrates Sculpture Park, then ponder the surreal, biomorphic sculptures and high-design furniture of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi at The Noguchi Museum up the street. If you’d rather look at something less sedentary, check out what’s on offer at the Museum of the Moving Image.

Astoria is known for their Greek restaurants and taverns, so go ahead and snag a table at Bahari Estiatorio for lunch. Here, you’ll find a good range of authentic options on the menu. Next, it’s on to souvenir and gift shopping, so we hope you saved some money. Stellar local shops can be found on and around Astoria’s Ditmars Boulevard, where you can sift through vinyl records, handmade soaps, vintage clothing, and other quirky, but quality, goods. Wrap up your time in Astoria with a few goodbye beers at the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, a longtime favorite that has been luring New Yorkers to the borough long before Astoria was cool.

If You Have More Time

View from One World Observatory, Manhattan; Laura Hinely/Oyster

Anyone who finds themselves with a bit more time, or has already done a few things on this itinerary, can swap out or add on some other quintessential NYC experiences .

Want to see more of Brooklyn? Take the ferry from Manhattan (or the subway, if you’re already in Brooklyn) to Red Hook, an industrial neighborhood on the waterfront. The area is home to Sunny’s (Brooklyn’s oldest bar), Pioneer Works (an art studio collective that hosts open studios on most Sundays), and a few bars worth checking out, like Fort Defiance and Brooklyn Ice House. In the summer, the multi-story Brooklyn Crab has lawn games and unbeatable sunset views starring Lady Liberty. Speaking of which, we are big fans of seeing the Statue of Liberty from the comfort and perspective of a boat — not a tour. In general, checking out the city’s surrounding islands — Governors Island, Ellis Island, Roosevelt Island, and City Island (a quaint spot with vintage trinket shops, casual waterfront seafood, and a laid-back vibe) — is a great way to see a different part of the city and peep its famous city skyline from a different vantage point.

Flushing in Queens is a must-visit for anyone who wants to get a feel (and taste) of New York’s newest Chinatown. While you can find good food on every block, the New World Mall food court is hailed for having a fantastic selection of over 20 eateries from different regions of China and all around Asia. The famous Unisphere is nearby in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and is a fun place to visit, especially on hot days or in the fall, when the park trees are painted with fall foliage.

Where to Stay in New York City

Our top pick for a luxury hotel in nyc: mandarin oriental, new york.

Pool at the Mandarin Oriental, New York/Oyster

With world-class service, a 75-foot indoor lap pool, an Asian-inspired spa, and a modern fitness center, it’s no surprise that celebrities choose the Mandarin Oriental, New York , located on floors 35 through 54 of the Time Warner complex. For fuel, Asiate restaurant serves up sophisticated cuisine and floor-to-ceiling windows with Central Park views, while The Aviary NYC bar focuses on upscale cocktails. Meanwhile, the 244 rooms feature subtly luxe decor and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs. Tip: The best views start at the 45th floor.

Pricing for Mandarin Oriental, New York

Our Top Pick for a Boutique Hotel in NYC: 11 Howard

Restaurant at the 11 Howard/Oyster

Unlike some of the other high-end hotels in NYC, 11 Howard is polished without feeling pretentious. Its prime location, which puts SoHo, Nolita, and Chinatown all within reach, is a major draw. Guests can enjoy spaces like The Library — the hotel’s impeccably decorated co-working lounge — as well as food and drink from Le Cou Cou (for French fare) and The Blond (a sexy, intimate bar). A small fitness center and infrared sauna round out the features, though you’ll pay for the latter and the daily amenities fee is steep.

Pricing for 11 Howard

Our Top Pick for a Romantic Hotel in NYC: The Plaza

The Edwardian Suite at The Plaza/Oyster

Steps from Fifth Avenue shopping and Central Park, the century-old Plaza is a New York landmark. Rooms are huge and feature plush bedding and gold-plated bathrooms with showers and tubs. Still, it’s the exceptional spa, 24-hour butler service, and history that make it worth the splurge. To top it off, excellent dining and drinking options include the iconic Palm Court with Eloise-themed tea time, a Food Hall with an array of counter-style eats, and a Champagne Bar.

Pricing for The Plaza

Our Top Pick for a Kid-Friendly Hotel in NYC: TRYP New York City Times Square South

Library at the TRYP HOTEL NYC – Times Square South by Wyndham/Oyster

Located within walking distance of Times Square, the TRYP hotel is convenient for many tourists. Spacious rooms with tons of fun details, a solid Mediterranean restaurant, and a modern fitness center make it a solid choice for families, groups of friends, and business travelers alike. Even better, there are a wide range of accommodation types, including Family Rooms that can sleep up to eight guests as well as Fitness Rooms with exercise bikes.

Pricing for TRYP New York City Times Square South

You’ll Also Like:

• The Ultimate NYC Bucket List
• The 16 Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Hotels in NYC
• How to Have a Weekend for Two in NYC for Less Than $500

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How much does a trip to New York City cost?

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• New York City travel costs

If you’re planning on travelling to New York, you’re probably wondering how much you need to budget for your trip. While your travel costs will depend on your travel style, generally speaking New York is best for travellers with some spending money.

Accommodation costs are generally on the high side and food and drinks are relatively expensive. Many of New York’s best attractions are rather expensive to visit and, while some activities could set you back a fair amount, there’s plenty to do at lower price points too.

How much should I budget for a trip to New York?

A reasonable budget for two for a weekend in New York is around $1,200 . This assumes you’ll be spending two nights and three days in the city.

The above cost is based on staying in good, mid-range accommodation and going to a mix of restaurants and cafes for meals . It makes allowances for a couple of sightseeing activities, but doesn’t take into account expensive activities like adventure sports or private tours.

How much does accommodation cost?

You can expect to spend between $200-$300 a night, per couple, on accommodation in New York. This will get you a private room with your own bathroom in a 3-4-star hotel or apartment rental.

Hostels are, of course, cheaper, but a private room with a shared bathroom will still cost around $120 per night. A bed in a dorm room also averages around $60 per night, per person, although there are definitely cheaper options out there.

As is the case in many major cities, accommodation costs in New York City vary, depending on which neighbourhood you choose to stay in. Manhattan is considerably more expensive than Brooklyn and the further away you get, the more affordable the accommodation. Saying that, there are a few cheaper neighbourhoods in New York City which are still very convenient. If you're still deciding where to stay, read our neighbourhood guide for New York .

How much should I budget for food and drinks in New York?

Budget to spend around $450 for two for a weekend in New York. This assumes you’re eating out and drinking some alcohol.

If you enjoy eating out, you can expect to pay around $115 for a nice dinner for two, including an alcoholic drink. A meal at a pub is likely to be around $65 for two, with cheaper meals available (especially for lunch) for around $15 each. You can buy a beer from a bar for around $7 and you can expect to pay around $5 for a cappuccino from a local café.

While eating out in New York can be expensive, groceries and fast food options are a lot more affordable. If you want to spend less than the above, finding cheaper places to eat is the way to go. Look for food trucks, head to Chinatown and try the local bagels and hot dogs - typical New York food .

How much does it cost to get around New York?

Getting around New York is easiest with a train. Transport costs fluctuate depending how much you travel, but budgeting around $70 for two is a good starting point. This should allow you to take a couple of intercity train routes. If you’re planning on doing any tours or using hop-on hop-off buses, you’ll need to up your budget a bit.

Expect to use the subway to get around New York City. You can buy a MetroCard with unlimited trips or pay as you go. The above amount will cover unlimited MetroCards for two people.

What should I expect to spend on activities?

A lot of the best things to do in New York are free. However, there definitely are some attractions that cost money – entry fees to a museum or an art gallery are usually around $25 - $60 per person. If you want to do organised day trips or join smaller tour groups to learn more about some of the sites, budget around $150 per activity per person.

New York is a beautiful destination to visit and although it’s not cheap, it’s definitely possible to travel there for less. Cooking your own meals, carefully selecting accommodation or limiting meals out will definitely help you to reduce your travel costs. And, if you're wanting to treat yourself, there are many luxury options available.

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Last Updated 26 May 2022

How to Travel to New York City Cheaply: Our Top 35 Tips

Yes, you can experience New York City on a budget. Here are 35 ways to save money on an NYC vacation. 

By Pauline Frommer

June 20, 2023

New York City has more billionaires  than anywhere else on earth. But that doesn’t mean you have to be a one-percenter to visit. There are ways to do the city affordably, provided you’re savvy about it and willing to be flexible.

What follows are 35 helpful tips for planning an affordable trip to New York City, whose great riches—and I mean cultural riches such as Broadway shows, world-class museums, extraordinary architecture, innovative restaurants, top-tier dance and music, engaging literary events, and much, much more—still make NYC one of the most rewarding vacation destinations in the United States.

By the way, I’m the author of Frommer’s New York City 2023,  so if you like what you read here, consider getting the guidebook for even deeper intel on planning a great trip. 

Timing Accommodations Getting Around Sightseeing Entertainment Food Shopping Getting There

Visit in January, February, or March .   This is the most important tip on this list. During the chilly winter months, New York goes on sale—there are often promos for discount theater tickets and restaurant meals, as well as lower airfares into the city’s hubs. Most important, hotel prices drop an average of 66% compared to other times of year. I’ve seen rooms at very nice hotels sell for $129 per night in February; that same unit goes for $399 between September and the end of December. And that huge spread in costs is the rule, not the exception.

Fortunately, it’s not much of a sacrifice to come to New York in deep winter, since most of the city’s top sights and experiences are indoors. Because of climate change, snowy days and bitterly cold temperatures are few and far between in any case.  

Stay a Sunday night . One legacy of the pandemic is that New York has turned into more of a long weekend destination than a center for business travel. Consequently, Sunday nights are very quiet as other travelers head back home—and you can get a February-style deal if you just want to dip into the city for a night (or two—Mondays are the week's second-least expensive night at the moment).

Accommodations

Book reservations you can cancel .   This may not be the case in other markets, but in New York   last-minute hotel deals are almost always better than pay-in-advance rates. Do reserve a room when you first make plans to ensure you have a backup bed, but then undertake a search in the week leading up to your trip. Unless a major event such as the New York City Marathon is scheduled, you’ll almost always find that rates have dropped. Cancel your original reservation and opt for the lower price instead.  

Use a club to find a hotel . How you do that search is also important. I've found that those who book through private clubs such as  @Hotel   on Instagram, Travel + Leisure Go , and  Room Steals get better rates. For an explanation of why their rates are lower and a rundown of the pluses and minuses, click here . 

Or try Priceline . Especially if you want to find a deal on a hotel in Manhattan—Priceline has options for a number of midrange chains there. The online travel agency's Express Deals offer unusually low rates for overnighters willing to book without knowing the name of the hotel (though we know a free and easy hack for figuring out the name before booking).

Stay in Long Island City . Despite the name, this is a neighborhood in Queens that’s just one or two subway stops from Manhattan, making it a convenient area for sightseers. Until recently, Long Island City was mostly industrial, so the many chain hotels here charge less than they would in Manhattan or Brooklyn, because you'll likely have to travel to reach some of the restaurants and bars on your must-see list. 

This is one of the few affordable NYC neighborhoods for hotels. These days, most Brooklyn properties are as pricey as those in Manhattan—with the exception of hotels (like the one pictured above) in less touristed neighborhoods such as Red Hook. Decent hotel options are lacking in the rest of Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.

Despite what you read elsewhere, I can't recommend booking an Airbnb for one simple reason: Almost all short-term rentals are against the law in New York City, which doesn’t allow rentals of under 30 days except with a rarely issued special license. Though the city has delayed enforcement of the law, an Airbnb crackdown could leave you bedless. 

Opt for a New Jersey hotel—but only if there's a rail link . New York City has one of the country's worst commutes—not to mention horrifically high parking prices—so I don’t recommend staying in New Jersey and driving into the city using your own vehicle or riding a bus. However, there are a handful of hotels situated near the PATH train  in Jersey City, Hoboken , and Newark that could work. Only use this tip if the above strategies don’t pan out .  

Getting Around

Just walk . That’s what New Yorkers do! Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the fascinating parade of fellow pedestrians as well as the endless varieties of restaurants, shops, and pocket parks. Manhattan, the borough where most visitors spend the bulk of their time ('cause that's where the densest concentration of important museums and historic sights is), has a grid system for the majority of streets, so it's simple to avoid getting lost. Going uptown? Look for numbers going up. Going east? Fifth Avenue is the dividing line between east and west for most of the island. 

Rely on subways and buses . If you have to go a considerable distance—say, a mile and a half or more—hop on a bus or the subway. At $2.75 per ride, this is the most cost-effective way to get around, beyond strolling, and the subway will often get you where you’re going far faster than a taxi, thanks to perennially gridlocked streets. Buses get their own lanes on many avenues and are therefore more efficient than taxis and Uber rides much of the time. 

For tips on navigating New York for those with accessibility concerns, consult the Metropolitan Transit Authority's accessible transit guide  or the guide to accessibile transportation compiled by New York City's official tourism office .

Sightseeing Savings

Take a free harbor cruise for up-close views of the Statue of Liberty .   There’s no cost to jump aboard the Staten Island Ferry , and while I don’t recommend tourists spend much time in Staten Island (simply take the ferry back; other boroughs have more items of interest), getting into New York Harbor and seeing the city and Lady Liberty from that viewpoint is a splendid experience.

See incredible NYC views without paying a dime . Yes, going to the top of the Empire State Building is a classic tourist experience. And the new SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a hoot with its all-glass interior, floating mirrored balls, and fab Midtown views. But at $42 to $79, those skyline-skimming experiences are not cheap. You can see spectacular cityscapes for free from these spots: 

• • the top of Little Island
• •  Domino Park
• •  Brooklyn Heights Promenade
• • the walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge
• •  Belvedere Castle in Central Park
• •  Governors Island
• • the upper levels of the Shops at Columbus Circle  for Central Park views (pictured below)
• •  Brooklyn Bridge Park

Or, for really high views for the cost of a cocktail, head to Overstory , Manhatta , or Dear Irving .

Be part of the studio audience for a free TV taping . Yes, you can watch Saturday Night Live , The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , The Drew Barrymore Show,  and  The   Late Show with Stephen Colbert for free at home. But seeing tapings in person introduces you to the effort and artistry that go into making a TV show. It’s a fun and fascinating look behind the scenes. To learn how to snag free seats to those shows and others taped in NYC, click here .

Head to one of the city’s free museums . Alas, such marquee museums as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History no longer have “pay what you wish” policies (except for citizens of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut). But many smaller, stellar cultural institutions do. These include the Museum of the City of New York , African Burial Ground National Monument , the  National Museum of the American Indian , the  Museum at FIT , El Museo del Barrio , Federal Reserve Bank , Hamilton Grange National Memorial , BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard , the New York Public Library (which has excellent exhibits at its 42nd street branch) and the American Folk Art Museum .

Visit other museums when they’re free . Though entry fees have risen in the past 2 years at pretty much all of New York City’s museums, most still have weekly get-in-free periods.  Here's a quick summary of where and when entry fees are waived at some of the city’s top cultural draws.

And it's important to remember that visiting art galleries is always free. New York City has more of those than any other city on earth, meaning the variety of art you'll see here is mind-blowing. Click here for more info on that.

Get a CityPass . If you plan to see the city’s most famous sights during your vacation, buying a CityPass will save you a good amount of money. Take a look at  this article  to find which attractions are covered and how much you’ll save by getting the pass. 

Sign up for a Big Apple Greeter tour . This personalized tour, led by a local volunteer who is well versed in the area you'll be exploring, is absolutely free and can be scheduled at the most convenient time for you. Here’s a Frommer's report  on the wonderful Greeter program.

Join a free walking tour . Truth be told, these are free in name only, because participants are expected to tip at the end. But what you tip is up to you, and because guides are working for tips alone, there’s a self-selection process, with only the most entertaining guides sticking with the job. I recommend Free Tours by Foot .

Wander through a park .  Central Park (pictured below) was the first landscaped public park in the United States, influencing thousands of other municipal green spaces across the country. Central Park is still a wonder, but you'll also be wowed by the elevated High Line , the floating  Little Island , the transformed sugar factory  Domino Park , and many other innovative, artistic parks across the city. Bring a picnic and enjoy.

Kayak on the Hudson for free . Thanks to the all-volunteer nonprofit Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 , anyone can take a kayak for a spin on the Hudson River at no cost. There are also free lessons available for those who’ve never kayaked before. Visit HudsonRiverPark.org for more info. (Obviously, this is strictly a warm-weather activity.)

Entertainment

Get discounted Broadway theater tickets . The majority of shows on Broadway (and Off-Broadway) sell cut-rate tickets either through discounters or lotteries, or to playgoers willing to stand rather than sit throughout the show.  See our detailed advice  on the many ways you can save on live performances. 

Soak up the scene in Times Square .   If you’re in Times Square for a Broadway show, hang out a bit longer for some free nighttime entertainment. The pedestrianized square becomes an impromptu stage for talented performers every night. And at 11:57pm, the lights around the square dance in a choreographed 3-minute light show that’s been heralding midnight—and delighting visitors—for the past decade.

Try to snag tickets for Shakespeare in the Park . In summertime, there are few better ways to spend an evening than at this festival held in Central Park and starring some of the biggest stars of stage and screen. Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Natalie Portman, and Al Pacino are just a few of the celebs who've trod these boards. Tickets are free and available via lottery or by waiting in line at the theater. Good luck—er, break a leg!  Click here  for more details.

Attend a book reading or lecture .   Because the city is the media capital—home to major TV and radio networks, publishing houses, and journalism outlets—top minds know that New York is the preeminent soapbox for telling a story, explaining a concept, or otherwise broadcasting one's yawp to the world, to paraphrase the New Yorker Walt Whitman . Held at bookstores, universities, and cultural centers, literary events are usually free to attend, though some require the purchase of a book. They happen every night of the year—simply search online for “book readings NYC” to see what’s on.

Find a festival . In the warm-weather months, the city hosts numerous free or low-cost festivals that bring symphonic music, opera, dance, jazz, and other types of performance to the city’s parks and outdoor stages. The work on display is often stellar since the quality of the talent in New York City is so high. Again, a quick online search will show you what’s happening while you’re here.

Share dishes and under-order . Restaurant prices have gone up across the United States, but so have portion sizes. Of course, you won’t learn that from the server. Waiters across Gotham have been trained to say, “We recommend 3–4 dishes per person.” Don’t believe it—under-order and share dishes. You can always order more if you're still hungry.

Go with the city’s starchy specialties .   I’m talking bagels and pizza, two staples NYC does better than any other city in the USA (sorry, Chicago). You can craft serious meals from both, and many of New York's pizza restaurants have handsome décor, potent potables, and other trappings of a night on the town. Or you could just grab a slice and keep sightseeing. Up to you. To see a list of Frommer's-recommended NYC restaurants—including bagel joints and pizza parlors— click here .

Make a meal of happy hour specials .   If you’re willing to dine before 6pm—and at the bar—you can make a nice meal out of the happily priced happy hour specials offered at many of the city’s top restaurants. These include a tasty meatball sandwich at Portale ; flatbread pizzas at Iris ; cheap beers (just $4!) and oysters, shrimp, and corn dogs at Sidney’s Five ; curried mussels and seafood fritters at Kokomo ; and so on.

Go upscale for lunch .   If you want to try one of the city’s top restaurants but don’t want to spend your child’s college fund doing so, make a lunch reservation. Such temples of gastronomy as Ai Fiori , Aquavit , Iris , Le Pavillon , Le Bernardin , and others offer tasting menu lunches for 25% to 50% less than what you’d pay at dinner.

Eat in Queens . The most recent U.S. census found that 47.2% of the people who live in Queens were born outside the United States. They are from all over the world, and that diversity is reflected in the borough's smorgasbord of authentic, inexpensive restaurants showcasing the culinary heritage of an astonishing roster of nations.

Some of these cuisines are next to impossible to find elsewhere in the United States, or in such wide variety. For instance, in the neighborhood of Flushing—one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside of Asia—it’s possible to try Hakka, Korean, Taiwanese, Shanghainese, Hunanese, Sichuanese, Cantonese, Fujianese, Mongolian, and Uyghur fare, all within a few blocks. Also in the borough: restaurants serving food from Venezuela, the Czech Republic, Greece, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, and on and on and on.

Want to try a variety of different cuisines all in one place? Head to the awe-inspiring Queens Night Market , where most dishes cost just $3–$4 apiece.

Get your souvenirs in Chinatown . In the market for a Statue of Liberty hat, an I Love NY sweatshirt, or a snow globe containing a yellow taxi and a skyscraper? Wait until you get to Manhattan’s Chinatown to buy. The neighborhood has dozens of souvenir stores selling the same goods you’ll find in Times Square or near the Empire State Building, but at a fraction of the cost.

Visit a discount haven . The city has a number of top-notch outlet stores that sell all kinds of goods at deep discounts. At the forefront are B&H Photo Video (for electronics and cameras), Century 21 (for designer fashions), and Empire Outlets on Staten Island (for savings on big box brands).

Getting There

Ditch your car . Please don’t drive into New York City. Your costs will rise exponentially if you do, thanks to nightly parking rates rivaling the cost of a hotel stay in other cities. If you must drive, park your car in one of the bedroom communities that has train access into the city, and use public transportation while in New York itself.

Hop a cheap bus. If you’re coming in from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Providence, or other relatively nearby spots, there are inexpensive buses that will get you into the heart of NYC.  Wanderu.com is an excellent resource for finding these types of fares.

Do a smart search for airfares .   In Frommer’s most recent study , we found that Skyscanner  returned the lowest rates on airfares most consistently. Start there.  

Search for and book flights on the right day of the week .  According to another study  examining tens of millions of booked airfares (not just airfare searches) done by the Airlines Reporting Corporation, passengers who buy tickets on Sundays can save a good amount, statistically speaking. It’s also important to purchase roughly 4–6 weeks before travel. That’s the sweet spot for getting a good rate.

Now come and enjoy the Big Apple. We look forward to welcoming you to the greatest city on earth!

Related : The Best Cheap Hotels in New York City for 2023

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April 27, 2021

8 minute read

How Much Does a Trip to New York Cost?

New York City is one of those places everyone should visit at least once. A day in the city won’t do, either. You need to explore everything the five boroughs have to offer, hit all the famous sights, dine in style, and return to a luxury room for some relaxation if not shuteye—recall that it is the city that never sleeps. 

But what exactly does a trip like that cost? Well, that’s a difficult question to answer. It depends on many factors: your length (and type) of stay, the size of your travel party, your destination of origin, and the number (and nature) of activities, to name a few. 

Let’s simplify it. Say, you’re taking a domestic flight to NYC and staying for seven days and seven nights by yourself. Your initial budget, with no additional expenses for theater or sports tickets, could look something like this: 

• A 7-day MetroPass for $33
• A roundtrip flight for $300
• A hotel room for $200
• $40 a day for meals

That adds up to $2,013 and covers basic transportation, lodging, and food. 

Of course, that number significantly increases the more events you tack on, and if your family or friends join you. 

Instead of focusing on how much you should budget (and it’s best to plan to spend more than expected) for your trip, narrow down a tight itinerary and stick to it as best as you can.

Important Budget Considerations

Before you pull out your calculator, it’s important to nail down the basics of your trip by answering these questions: 

• How many people are you traveling with? Any children? 
• When would you like to go?
• Are you looking for a luxury stay or a budget hotel room? 
• How long are you staying?
• Are you interested in eating at high-end restaurants or sampling street food?
• What activities would you like to do? 
• How do you plan to get around? 

Once you have confirmed answers, start to map out your budget, and don’t be afraid to get into the nitty-gritty. 

For example, do you want to go to a specific Broadway show, or just experience a Broadway show? Regular ticket prices range from $20 to $175 , so if you want to get in the door, you can at a decent rate. If you want to see ‘Hamilton’ or ‘Rent’ from a luxury seat, however, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. 

Premium prices apply to sporting events as well. Regardless of the quality of the teams, ticket prices to see the New York Knicks tend to exceed those to watch the Brooklyn Nets. The same is true of the New York Yankees and Mets. If you just want to catch a ballgame, pick the latter. But if you consider a trip to Madison Square Garden or Yankee Stadium a bucket list item, you’ll need to account for a higher expense in your budget. 

Then there’s dining. It’s one thing to subsist on fare from hot dog vendors and food trucks. It’s quite another to hit a different upscale steakhouse with a sweeping view every night. All to say, it doesn’t hurt to explore menus (especially for those picky eaters), and identify your nights out well ahead of time. 

Ways to Extend Your Budget

Now, if you look at your potential itinerary and see nothing but dollar signs flying across the screen, don’t panic! There are ways to get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing entertainment. 

For starters, invest in a MetroCard. For just $33, you can ride subways and buses the whole week. (To give you perspective, that cost is the equivalent of two shorter cab rides.) That will allow you to explore the city during the day and reserve the taxi or ride-shares for select evenings out--especially if the whole family is in tow. 

Another crucial purchase is a 7-day New York Pass , particularly appealing to sightseers. Consider that a ticket to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building is $75 for one adult. A ferry ticket to explore Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is $23.50. If you and your significant other want to see multiple attractions, the bill adds up. 

Well, at $299 for adults and $199 for children, the New York Pass covers entries for those landmarks, as well as a number of museums, including the Guggenheim, Museum of Natural History, MoMA, and the Met. 

You’ll also save money just by leaving Manhattan. Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island are all filled with terrific restaurants that significantly beat the prices of those found in Times Square. 

Finally, the best way to maximize your budget is to do things that are free . It costs nothing to stroll through Central Park, marvel at Grand Central Station, people-watch in Midtown Manhattan, or settle in at historic Greenwich Village for a while.

You may find that your favorite New York activity was one you didn’t pay for. 

Get the Most Value by Working With a Travel Advisor

Let’s return to the initial question: How much does a trip to New York cost? Although we’ve covered ways to set and extend your budget, there’s one thing that we haven’t really touched on: Cost doesn’t equal value. 

Really, you should build a trip that will have everyone in your travel party talking for years at the best available price to you. That’s difficult to do on your own. 

So why go at it alone? InteleTravel Advisors are here to deliver a trip of a lifetime. They’re walking, talking experts in all things New York. They can tell you what spots you need to hit. Perhaps more importantly, they’ll also share the ones to avoid. A reservation at that trendy restaurant? You got it. A ticket to Broadway? Done. 

They’ll work to understand your preferences, and have exclusive access to discounted rates and upgrades. You just might find yourself in a luxury room at a general price. 

For a trip to the city that never sleeps, why lose sleep planning it all? Stress less, travel more, and rest easy by contacting an InteleTravel Advisor today.

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Planning a Trip to New York City: A Complete Guide to the Cost

by Trip.com

March 3, 2023

Statue of Liberty / Source: Trip.com

Flights to New York

Here are some average flight prices to New York City from major cities around the world below:

• Los Angeles: $250-$350 USD
• London: $400-$600 USD
• Tokyo: $800-$1,000 USD
• Sydney: $1,000-$1,500 USD
• Dubai: $700-$900 USD
• Toronto: $200-$300 USD

How to save money on flight bookings?

Here are some tips for saving money on flight bookings via Trip.com, listed in point form:

• Use the Trip.com app: The Trip.com app often offers exclusive discounts and deals on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.
• Sign up for Trip.com membership: Members of Trip.com can enjoy special discounts and rewards, as well as access to exclusive promotions and deals.
• Be flexible with travel dates: Flights on certain days of the week or at certain times of day may be less expensive than others. Use Trip.com's flexible search options to find the best deals.
• Book in advance: Booking flights well in advance can often save you money, as prices tend to rise closer to the travel date.
• Consider layovers: Flights with layovers may be less expensive than non-stop flights. Use Trip.com's search options to compare prices and travel times.
• Compare prices: Use Trip.com's price comparison tool to compare prices from different airlines and find the best deal.
• Use promo codes and coupons: Trip.com often offers promo codes and coupons that can be applied to flight bookings for additional savings.

Accommodations

Conrad New York Downtown / Source: Trip.com

Here's a table listing different types of accommodations in New York City with their features, average prices, and what they provide:

** Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on location, season, and other factors. **

Best Hotels in New York

Conrad new york downtown, times square edition new york, royalton park avenue, intercontinental new york times square, an ihg hotel, new york marriott marquis, business travel, hyatt grand central new york, even hotel brooklyn, an ihg hotel, fairfield inn & suites by marriott new york manhattan/central park, millennium premier new york times square, sheraton tribeca new york hotel, family friendly, the rockaway hotel, hilton garden inn nyc financial center/manhattan downtown, doubletree by hilton new york downtown, the new yorker a wyndham hotel.

1. The Plaza New York - A Fairmont Managed Hotel

• Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
• Average price: $800 per night

The Plaza New York - A Fairmont Managed Hotel

The Plaza New York- A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Airport pickup service

Pets allowed

Check Availability

2. The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

• Address: 400 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
• Average price: $600 per night

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

3. The Greenwich Hotel

• Address: 377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

The Greenwich Hotel

Swimming pool

4. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

• Address: 50 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019
• Average price: $700 per night

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

5. The Peninsula New York

• Address: 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

The Peninsula New York

** Reminders: These prices are subject to change and can vary depending on factors such as season and availability. Be sure to check with the hotel directly for the most up-to-date pricing and availability. **

How to Save Money on Hotel bookings?

Trip.com Rewards Loyalty Program / Source: Trip.com

Transportation

New York Subway / Source: Andre Benz @ unsplash

Here is a table of average transportation prices in New York City:

Here is a table of estimated transportation fees for different trip lengths in New York City:

** Reminder: Please note that these are estimated prices and can vary depending on your transportation choices and activities. **

Sightseeing & Ticket

If you're planning a trip to New York City, it's essential to consider the cost of sightseeing and tickets. With so many iconic attractions to visit, it's easy to get carried away and overspend. However, with a little bit of planning and research, you can save money and make the most of your trip to New York without breaking the bank.

Time Square / Source: Trip.com

Here is a table of estimated Sightseeing & Ticket fees for different trip lengths in New York City:

New York Must-go Attractions

Dumbo / Source: Trip.com

1. Statue of Liberty

• Address: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004, USA
• Admission ticket price: $18.50-$25 (depending on age and type of ticket)
• Opening hour: 9:00am to 5:00pm (last ferry departs from Liberty Island at 5:00pm)

2. Empire State Building

• Address: 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118, USA
• Admission ticket price: $38-$58 (depending on age and type of ticket)
• Opening hour: 8:00am to 2:00am

Empire State Building / Source: Trip.com

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
• Admission ticket price: $25 (suggested admission for adults)
• Opening hour: 10:00am to 5:00pm (Mon - Thurs & Sun) | 10:00am to 9:00pm (Fri - Sat)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Source: Trip.com

4. Central Park

• Address: 14 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
• Admission ticket price: Free
• Opening hour: 6:00am to 1:00am

Central Park / Source: Trip.com

5. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum

• Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, United States
• Admission ticket price: General admission: $28 for adults (ages 18-64), $22 for seniors (ages 65+), $20 for youth (ages 7-17), free for children under 7
• Opening hour: 9:00am to 8:00pm (last entry at 6:00pm) | Closed on September 11th and May 1st

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum / Source: Trip.com

Here are some average costs for food and dining in New York City:

Popular Restaurant in New York

1. Katz's Delicatessen

• A legendary Jewish deli on the Lower East Side known for its overstuffed sandwiches and pickles.

2. The Halal Guys

• A food cart turned chain restaurant that serves up delicious Middle Eastern street food, particularly their famous chicken and rice platter.

3. Joe's Pizza

• An iconic Greenwich Village pizzeria that has been serving up thin-crust slices for over 40 years.

4. Le Bernardin

• A three-Michelin-starred seafood restaurant in Midtown that has been consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world.

5. Peter Luger Steak House

• A Brooklyn instituti on that has been serving up some of the city's best steaks since 1887.

Shopping and Souvenir

Here is a table with some average prices for souvenirs and shopping in New York City:

Here are some iconic brands that are closely associated with New York City:

• Tiffany & Co.
• Macy's
• Bloomingdale's
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Bergdorf Goodman
• Barneys New York
• FAO Schwarz
• The NBA Store
• The NHL Store
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store
• Dylan's Candy Bar
• Shake Shack
• Katz's Delicatessen
• Baked by Melissa

Wifi and Communications

• Wi-Fi - Many hotels, coffee shops, and public spaces in New York City offer free Wi-Fi. However, if you need to purchase Wi-Fi access, prices can range from $5-$15 per day.
• SIM cards - If you're traveling from abroad, purchasing a SIM card can be a good option for staying connected. Prices can vary depending on the carrier and plan, but typically start at around $30 for a basic plan with limited data.
• International roaming - If you plan to use your existing phone plan while traveling to New York City, be sure to check with your carrier for international roaming rates. These can be quite expensive, with data charges sometimes reaching $10 or more per MB.
• Mobile hotspots - If you need to connect multiple devices to Wi-Fi while on the go, renting a mobile hotspot can be a good option. Prices vary depending on the provider, but typically start at around $10-$15 per day.

Here are some key factors to consider when calculating the cost of travel insurance for a trip to New York City:

• Trip length - The longer your trip, the higher the cost of insurance will likely be.
• Age - Travel insurance premiums are typically higher for older travelers.
• Coverage level - Basic travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation. However, more comprehensive coverage options are available, which can include coverage for lost or stolen luggage, trip interruption, and more.
• Activities - If you plan to engage in high-risk activities like extreme sports or adventure travel, you may need to purchase additional coverage.
• Pre-existing conditions - If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may need to purchase a policy with additional coverage to ensure you are adequately protected.

New York Travel Tips

New York Public Library / Source: Trip.com

• Use public transportation - New York City has an extensive public transportation system, including subways and buses, that can get you anywhere you need to go. It's a cost-effective and efficient way to get around the city.
• Wear comfortable shoes - New York City is a walking city, so comfortable shoes are a must. You'll likely be walking more than you expect, so make sure your feet are prepared.
• Carry cash - While credit cards are widely accepted in New York City, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of emergencies.
• Be aware of your surroundings - New York City is generally a safe place to visit, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpockets or other scams.
• Check the weather - New York City experiences all four seasons, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you pack. In the summer, it can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
• Plan ahead for popular attractions - New York City is home to many popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. To avoid long lines and crowds, consider purchasing tickets in advance or visiting during off-peak hours.
• Be respectful - New York City is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. Be respectful of others and their cultures, and try to learn and experience as much as you can while visiting.

Best Time to Travel New York

Here is the information on the best time to travel to New York City:

How to Save Money at Trip.com?

• Use promo codes and coupons
• Book flights and hotels together for package deals
• Check for flash sales and last-minute deals
• Join Trip.com's rewards program for discounts and perks
• Use Trip.com's price alert feature to monitor price changes and get notified of deals

Planning a trip to New York City can be exciting, but it's important to be aware of the associated costs. From accommodation and transportation to dining and activities, the trip to New York cost can add up quickly. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it's possible to enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer without breaking the bank.

By using our comprehensive guide to the cost of a trip to New York City, you can feel confident in creating a budget that suits your needs and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable trip while keeping the trip to New York cost in check.

What is the best time to visit New York City?

The best time to visit New York City is during the fall (September to November) or spring (April to June) when the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded.

What is the average cost of living in New York City?

The cost of living in New York City is higher than the national average, but it varies depending on the neighborhood and lifestyle.

How much does it cost to visit the Statue of Liberty?

The cost of visiting the Statue of Liberty varies depending on the type of tour and access level. A general admission ticket to Liberty Island and Ellis Island costs $18.50 for adults and $14 for children (ages 4-12).

Can I save money on dining in New York City?

Yes, there are many ways to save money on dining in New York City. Consider eating at food trucks or street vendors, cooking meals at your accommodation, or checking out happy hour specials.

Is it possible to visit New York City on a budget?

Yes, it is possible to visit New York City on a budget. By choosing budget-friendly accommodation, using public transportation, and seeking out free or low-cost activities, you can have an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.

Cost of a Trip to New York

• 1. Flights to New York
• 2. Accommodations
• 3. Transportation
• 4. Sightseeing & Ticket
• 6. Shopping and Souvenir
• 7. Wifi and Communications
• 8. Insurance
• 9. New York Travel Tips
• 10. How to Save Money at Trip.com?
• 11. Conclusion

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What a Trip to New York City Costs in 2024 | Average Prices

Written by: Author Andrew Helling  |  Reviewed by: Sandy Mitchell

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Using the experience she gained working in the travel industry for more than 20 years, as a travel agent, travel marketing executive, and cruise school administrator, Sandy fact-checks and reviews each of our guides to ensure they're as accurate and helpful as possible... Learn More

Posted on Last updated: January 17, 2024 - Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Learn more

What's the average trip to New York City cost?

A a four-day trip to New York City for two people will typically cost around $4,300, covering accommodation, flights, food, activities, and transportation. The average nightly accommodation cost is approximately $333, with flight tickets averaging about $350 per person. You can expect to spend roughly $250 per person per day on food, drinks, and activities, and $250 in total for trasportation.

A trip to the Big Apple could come with a big price tag, if you don’t take the time to research trip costs in 2024 and plan your budget accordingly.

Fortunately, our travel experts have created a guide that will allow you to customize your New York City trip and create an itinerary that allows you to see the sights for a price you can afford.

From romantic and relaxing weekend getaways in the fall to four-day summer trips that incorporate all of the city’s best attractions, there are endless ways to experience New York City.

Find out which version of New York is best for you, and learn more about what it costs to travel there. Let’s get started!

Average Trip to New York City Cost in 2024

The average four-day trip to New York for two people will cost about $4,300:

• Average Accommodation Cost: $333 per night
• Average Flight Cost: $350 per person
• Food, Drink & Activities: $250 per person, per day
• Transportation: $250 total
• Total: $4,282

New York City is one of the most versatile destinations that you can visit, so your final costs will vary significantly based on what you choose to do during your stay.

For the most part, you will be able to rely on the robust public transportation in New York City, so your transportation costs may be minimal.

In addition, the activities you choose to enjoy and the attractions you visit will influence the final cost of food, drink and activities.

You can opt for a very simple, budget-friendly trip where you spend most of your time walking the city and spending time in Central Park, or you can pack a whirlwind getaway into four days when you visit the best museums, attractions and sights that the city has to offer.

New York Trip Cost: Average by Item

Lucasinacio.com/Shutterstock

As you review each section, remember that your own costs will depend on how many people are traveling in your party, where you choose to stay in the city and what you decide to do once you arrive.

These average prices will give you a starting point as you build your budget.

Accommodation Costs

The vast majority of travelers who visit New York City book hotel rooms for their stay, and as a result, there are plenty of hotels to choose from.

While the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down travel in the city for a year or longer, the industry has come back stronger than ever.

According to CityGuide NY , nearly 40 new hotels opened for business in 2022 alone, and the average daily rate for hotels increased steadily in the wake of the pandemic. Currently, the average daily rate for a hotel room in New York City is $333.

It’s worth noting, however, that there are hotel rooms for as cheap as $99 per night or as high as $1,000 per night or more.

It all depends on where you stay and what type of room you book. As you weigh the cost of accommodations in the city, keep in mind that location is everything in New York.

If you are traveler who is looking to see popular tourist attractions, you may want to consider paying a bit more for a hotel that is located in the heart of the city. Midtown, Manhattan and the Upper West and East Sides are excellent options for travelers who want to be near it all.

Flight Costs

With two airports to choose from in the city and dozens of airlines that fly directly into New York, flight prices are actually lower than in other major hubs around the country.

Travelers who are flying into New York City should compare the cost of flights between JFK and La Guardia airports. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics , the average flight to JFK is about $425 while the average flight to La Guardia is $325.

Newark is also often cheaper than La Guardia and JFK, but there are less flights from destinations around the country. It’s always a great option to check, though, as there are great transportation options into Manhattan.

SkyScanner  notes that because so many airlines offer direct flights to New York City, it can be easier to score a cheap, last-minute deal on a flight. Interested travelers should watch trends closely, and keep an eye on possible deals before their trip.

August is one of the cheapest months to fly to New York, but prices also tend to be lower in January and February, when there are fewer tourists looking to go to the city.

While flight prices to New York can fluctuate, it is relatively easy to book a convenient flight for an affordable price. Your final fare will depend on the airline you choose, the destination you are flying from and the seat you select for your flight.

Food, Drink & Activities Costs

Sergii Figurnyi/Shutterstock

Food, drink and activities costs in New York City are highly variable, because no two travelers are alike. The average couple planning their first trip to the city should plan on having around $250 per person, per day in spending money.

Eating is an experience in and of itself in New York City, and many consider it to be the best foodie destination in the world.

Restaurants in New York City range from corner diners where the locals gather to high-end restaurants that cater to celebrities, world leaders and politicians.

If you opt to stick with casual fare during your New York City trip, you may find that you can eat for about $50 per person, per day. If you choose to indulge in a fine dining experience, however, you may be paying more than $500 per person.

Either way, you are going to be enjoying the delicious, savory food that New York City is known for. You just need to choose the type of dining experience that fits within your own personal budget.

Alcohol can significantly drive up the cost of your food bill in New York City, so one of the best ways to save money is to cut out the drinks.

According to The Savvy Backpacker, the typical cocktail in New York City costs between $18 and $22, while a high-end beer may cost up to $12. The amount that you spend on your activities will depend on what you decide to do while you are in New York.

These are the costs for some of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty  — $24.50 per ticket
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum  — $29 per ticket
• American Museum of Natural History  — $28 per ticket

Those who looking to pack in the city’s most well-known attractions may want to consider a city sightseeing pass. Several vendors offer discounted packages that allow you to see the most famous places in New York City for a lower price.

Transportation Costs

The total cost for transportation for your trip to New York City will vary based on the type of transportation that you choose. Public transportation is the most affordable way to get around the city — and it’s usually the fastest way too.

Many travelers enjoy riding the famous New York City Subway , which costs $2.75 per ride. In addition, there are buses that traverse around the city, and the fare is the same as the subway at $2.75 per ride.

If you opt for an Express Bus, which has fewer stops and will reduce your transportation time, the fare is $6.75 per ride.

Taxis can be quite costly in New York City, so many visitors are opting to rely on ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft to save a bit of money. For the most part, you should plan on spending about $250 for transportation around the city during a typical four-day stay.

Things to Consider

Mikayel Bartikyan/Shutterstock

Before you book your trip to New York City, consider these travel tips which can help improve your experience and lower the cost of your getaway:

• Do not rent a car if you are visiting New York City. The city is best explored by public transportation, which is quick, reliable and affordable. Riding the New York City Subway is an experience in and of itself, and should be a part of any itinerary.
• Avoid eating or shopping in Times Square. In fact, make this one of the places you pass through for a photo opportunity. Times Square is a tourist hotspot, with minimal local flavor, and it’s also incredibly expensive.
• Research the restaurants that you want to visit, and consider making a reservation in advance. Walk-in dining is incredibly difficult — if not impossible — in the city.
• Don’t be afraid to keep it simple when it comes to dining in New York City. There’s nothing wrong with indulging with a slice of New York Style Pizza as you walk from one attraction to the next.
• Tipping is expected in New York City, and you should plan to tip between 15 and 20 percent on your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pisaphotography/Shutterstock

How much is an average trip to NYC?

An average trip to New York City for a couple who wants to spend four days exploring will cost about $4,300. Of course, it is possible to build a budget-friendly trip to New York, it’s just important that you know what your priorities are and how you want to spend your time in the Capital of the World.

What s the cheapest month to visit NYC?

Typically, the least expensive time of year to visit New York City is after the holidays and during the cold winter months. The cheapest months to visit New York are usually January, February and March.

Not only are flights and hotels cheaper during this slow travel season, but tickets to some of the city’s best attractions are often available at lower prices than normal during this time.

Is 4 nights in New York City enough?

Most people consider four days to be the perfect amount of time to introduce yourself to the city. However, there is so much to do in New York, it would be easy to spend at least 7 to 10 days figuring out your personal favorite places in the city.

What areas in New York are the best to stay?

Tourists who want to be centrally-located to the best that New York City has to offer will want to consider staying in either Midtown or Manhattan.

Accommodations are usually priced higher in this area, but transportation costs are lower because you are able to quickly reach the best attractions in the city.

Is eating in New York expensive?

New York City is considered to be one of the best places in the world to dine, and as a result, meal prices are typically higher here than in other major cities.

Your New York City food budget should be based on the type of dining experiences that you want to enjoy while you are in the city. If you are opting for several fine dining experiences at the city’s most exclusive restaurants, then yes, it is going to be pricey to eat in New York.

So, What Is the Average Cost for a New York Trip?

Planning a four-day trip to New York City for two people who want to visit at least a few of the city’s best attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will cost about $4,300.

You can rely on these average prices to build your own budget and design an itinerary that allows you to enjoy a life-changing visit to the City That Never Sleeps. Happy travels!

When to Go: Is New York City Safe to Visit in 2024? (& Safety Tips) The Best & Worst Times to Visit New York City (Our Take) Where to Stay: Where to Stay in New York City in 2024 | Best Areas What to Do: The 15 Best Day Trips From New York City (Updated for 2024)

1 Week NYC Itinerary For Free: Travel Plans, Sightseeing, Maps & Tips

How to explore nyc for free.

Do you want to experience a full week in New York City for free? In this article, we show you how to make this possible. Even when you are traveling on a small budget you won’t have to miss the best attractions in New York. We created an itinerary for 7 days in New York City on a budget. Without paying any entrance fees but having lots of free things to do in NYC and free admissions. 

In New York City, there are a ton of free sights and opportunities to visit the best museums for free, attend the hottest events without paying a single dime and touring the city without spending any money. Check out our list of free attractions, museums, and events in NYC.

Finding your best itinerary for your trip within our recommendations isn’t easy, which is why we created a whole week of adventures for you, so you don’t have to worry when which attractions are free of charge. We make your trip planning as easy and convenient as possible. On top of that, there will be insider tips, maps and an entire route for every single day of your trip.

Regular advice about how to save money in New York City, cheap flights, hotels, and low budget restaurants can be found in our article about Low Budget Tips for NYC .

Important note: This itinerary also works for 3, 4 or 5 days in New York. Just leave out the days you don’t like. Of course, every day can be switched back and forth depending on your day of arrival.

Some tips are only valid on a weekday.

For further information click on the attraction or tour within the daily overviews.

Day 1 – Monday: Times Square, free Bustour & Rooftop-Bar

• Times Square
• Bus tour in Manhattan
• Rooftop Bar
• Optional: Big Apple Greeter Tour

Times Square:

After your flight to New York, start your first day in the city right by visiting the heart of Midtown. Times Square is the perfect place to dive right into the big city life of NYC. Take in the noises, the vibrant atmosphere, and the impressive billboards. Most of you probably only know this place from famous movie scenes or TV Shows.

Check out the famous red steps of TKTS and take some great pictures facing the entire area of Times Square in Manhattan.

Free Bus tour in Manhattan:

Save your money on the Hop on Hop Off buses and take a free bus tour in Manhattan instead. How? Hop on the  Bus M20  on  7 Av/W 41 St  and ride from North to South all the way to  State St/Whitehall St through Manhattan.

From there transfer to the  M15 back to Midtown and get off at  1 Av/E 26 St to get to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. If you purchase an unlimited metro card for 7 days or longer, the busses (not express busses) are included.

No entrances fees at a Rooftop Bar:

To finish up the perfect start into your vacation in NYC visit one of the biggest and most popular rooftop bars in Manhattan . At 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar near the Flatiron Building, you can see the Empire State Building  and  The Skylark  on Times Square without spending money on an observation deck like Top Of The Rock or One World Observatory. For us, there is no better feeling than enjoying the city from a rooftop bar with a glass of wine.

Just because there are no free observation decks in New York , it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the view of the city from the top.

Are you looking for more rooftop bars near you? Check out our guide about the best rooftop bars in New York City.

Insider-Tip:

As an alternative for the day, we recommend exploring the city with  Big Apple Greeter. This community was created by volunteers who are hosting three hours long tours for NYC visitors and explain the basics just like the Subway System. It’s free of charge but tips or donations are always welcome. It is advised to save your spot 3-4 weeks in advance to make sure that you’ll get a greeter for the day of your choice.

Day 2 – Tuesday: Free Ferry Ride, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street and Memorial

• Staten Island Ferry & Statue Of Liberty
• Battery Park
• Charging Bull , Wall Street & New York Stock Exchange
• Trinity Church
• St. Paul’s Chapel
• One World Trade Center
• Ground Zero & 9/11 Memorial
• Brookfield Place

Staten Island Ferry & Statue of Liberty:

On your second day in New York, we are heading south. The day starts with a free ride on the  Staten Island Ferry. The 20 minutes ride on New York City’s most popular ferry offers you both a free boat trip in NYC and a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty.

Riding the Staten Island Ferry is one of our favorite free attractrions in NYC

Battery Park:

Right next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, there is  Battery Park  that has to be explored. This park is not only super beautiful but also has great importance when it comes to the history of the city of New York. The first Dutch immigrants arrived here when New Amsterdam was founded. Don’t miss  Castle Clinton National Monument , the main sight at Battery Park.

Charging Bull, Wall Street & NY Stock Exchange:

Not too far away from Battery Park, you can find Wall Street and the NY Stock Exchange. Make your way from Broadway towards Wall Street. The Charging Bull at Bowling Green Park is near  the New York Stock Exchange . Due to security, unfortunately, there is no option to see the Stock Exchange from the inside.

Trinity Church & St. Paul’s Chapel:

Pretty close to Wall Street you can find  Trinity Church , one of the most famous churches in the city. During the attacks on September 11, the church was a place for firefighters to rest and recharge while saving the victims of these dramatic events in 2001. Today you can find several memorials inside the church that remember the people who died on  9/11.

Leave Broadway and walk towards this odd, white building that was named The Oculus . Inside you’ll find the Westfield Shopping Mall, several subway lines, restaurants and coffee shops. From here you can either walk all the way to Fulton Center (without leaving the Oculus) or walk towards the water into Brookfield Place. All underground. Brookfield Place is another shopping center in Lower Manhattan luxury shops and a food market.

One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial:

Right in front of the Oculus, there’s the One World Trade Center & 9/11 Memorial . Heading up to the Observation Deck is a little pricey so just enjoy the view from here. It’s the tallest building in New York and super impressive to look at.

Adjacent to the One World  Trade Center there’s the 9/11 Memorial . The footprints of the former World Trade Center remind of the twin towers, the victims of the terror attacks and the massive rescue that followed after September 11. It’s a very emotional experience.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum: Free admission

The 9/11 Memorial Museum is highly recommended and one of the highlights that you can experience in NYC for free. Every Tuesday the museum offers Free Admission Tuesday  where you can grab your tickets starting at 4:00 PM every Tuesday. Make sure to get there early and reserve your tickets online.

 Brookfield Place & Hudson River Promenade:

At the end of your tour through Lower Manhattan and the Financial District head over to  Brookfield Place  and the Hudson River Promenade. There is lots of shopping inside Brookfield Place as well as restaurants and bars. Outside by the water, you will be able to watch the sunset which you shouldn’t miss while being in NYC.

Day 3 – Wednesday: Hudson Yards, High Line Park & Brooklyn Bridge

• Hudson Yards
• The High Line Park
• Chelsea Market
• Meatpacking District
• Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Vessel & Hudson Yards:

On day three we are going all the way up. We are starting at Hudson Yards, New York City’s newest neighborhood and the place to be for very wealthy people. Back then this area was shady and unsafe, while today Hudson Yards is upcoming and super trendy.

Even though this area won’t offer much on a small budget, there’s still one attraction you shouldn’t miss and believe it or not but it is free of charge. The Vessel at Hudson Yards.

Climb the 2.500 steps to the top and enjoy the views of Hudson Yards , New Jersey and parts of Midtown.

Tickets for the Vessel are free

To visit the Vessel, you’ll need tickets, but the tickets won’t cost you anything. There are only a limited number of tickets available per day. Make your online reservation in advance to secure your visit.

CHECK TICKETS

The High Line Park:

Right after the impressive and probably exhausting workout at the Vessel, your adventures continue on the famous High Line Park. Walk your way Downtown to Meatpacking District . The High Line was built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. On your way, you will pass by different neighborhoods, landmarks, art and locals selling everything from souvenirs to ice cream.

The High Line Park is a public park and admission free.

Meatpacking District & Chelsea Market:

Following the path of the High Line, you will reach  Meatpacking District . A place to go out at night and shopping during the day. Before you walk further into the neighborhood make sure to check out Chelsea Market . You don’t need to spend any money here even though you possibly could.

In the past this was the place where the delicious Oreo Cookies were invented, today you’ll get to experience food spots, wine bars, coffee shops, a flea market and oftentimes there are sample sales inside Chelsea Market as well.

Brooklyn Bridge & Brooklyn Bridge Park:

Head over to the Subway Station 14th Street and take the  A or C  to  Fulton Street Subway Station.  From there you will walk your way to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Insider-Tip : Cross the bridge with the bike. Rent a  Citi Bikes (even though this won’t be free of charge) and ride all the way to Brooklyn. On your way back, take a walk. Check out our   New York Citi Bikes Guide .

But before you cross the bridge back to Manhattan, enjoy the night at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Take pictures of the skyline, check out the area and maybe grab a coffee.

Day 4 – Thursday: SoHo, Little Italy & Chinatown

• Little Italy & Nolita
• New Museum of Contemporary Art

SoHo & Broadway:

Day 4 of your free week in New York City starts at my favorite neighborhood in the city.  SoHo ! The artsy and hip area is well known for its cast-iron architecture, great restaurants, and shopping. Most likely you will feel like you’ve been to SoHo before because SoHo is a very popular filming location for Hollywood blockbuster, commercials and TV shows.

Little Italy:

From SoHo to Italy. Literally. Even though Little Italy has become super touristic it is still a fun place to go to and it won’t cost you anything. Follow the path on Mulberry Street until you’re getting into Little Italy. Northern from Little Italy there is Nolita „North of Little Italy” – which is a great place to check out as well.

Are you ready to continue our world journey? Let’s head over to Chinatown. Everything on or near Canal Street, Mott Street, Pell Street, and Doyers Street is considered as worth exploring in Chinatown. Authentic restaurants, fish markets, and fun souvenirs shops are part of the Chinatown experience.

Insider-Tip:  Every first Thursday of the month the entrance to the  Museum of Chinese in America is free.

Free admission to the New Museum of Contemporary Art:

It’s only a quick walk from Chinatown to the  New Museum of Contemporary Art . Every Thursday you will also get free admission there. It starts at 7:00 PM.

Day 5 – Friday: Bryant Park, Public Library & 5th Avenue

• Grand Central Station
• New York Public Library
• Bryant Park
• Radio City Music Hall
• Rockefeller Center
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• MoMA / Museum of Arts and Design

Grand Central Station:

Start your day just like many other locals will start their day. Welcome to  Grand Central Station . It’s going to be busy and crowded when thousands of commuters will pass through Grand Central, but it will be worth it. After checking out the main hall walk your way to Grand Central Market, the Oyster Bar, and the Whispering Gallery.

New York Public Library with a free tour:

Only 5 minutes walking distance away you will reach your next location on our itinerary. The beautiful New York Public Library . Please don’t miss out on the stunning  Rose Main Reading Room on the third floor.

Insider-Tip:  There is a daily free tour through the entire library starting every hour from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Bryant Park:

Step out of the library and take a break at Bryant Park which is literally right around the corner. It’s the best place to relax and enjoy the special atmosphere.

Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center & St. Patrick’s Cathedral:

The good thing about Midtown is that most attractions are pretty close together and you can just walk everywhere. Our next stop is  Radio City Music Hall and  Rockefeller Center . Did you know that the  Comcast Building is the tallest building of the complex?

Across the street of Rockefeller Center, you can visit  St. Patricks Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. The church is a decorated Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral church and you can enter it for free.

Museum of Modern Art: Free admission

Do you enjoy art? The Museum of Modern Art is the mecca for art enthusiast in Midtown. NYC’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)  is not only the most popular museum in the city but also is also devoted to stunning works which makes it so famous all over the world.

Important note: The museum will be temporarily closed to expand its galleries from June 16 through October 21, 2019.

On “Free Friday Nights” at  4:00 PM you can visit the MoMa for free. Just make sure, that you arrive around 6:00 PM because that’s when most visitors are either already inside or are leaving the museum already.

Option:  Instead of heading to the MoMa you can also visit the  Museum of Arts and Design  at Columbus Circle.

5th Avenue:

Known as the most expensive shopping area in the world, 5th Ave is also one of the main sightseeing attractions, that won’t have to cost you a single Dollar. From Tiffany, Gucci and Prada to Louis Vuitton you can enjoy window shopping for free.

Day 6 – Saturday: Roosevelt Island Tram, Central Park & Museum

• Roosevelt Island Tram
• Central Park
• American Museum of National History
• Guggenheim Museum

Roosevelt Island Tramway:

While traveling to NYC on a budget one of our favorite things to do is riding the Roosevelt Island Tramway which that spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. For the price of $2.75 (when owning an unlimited metro card), you will get to see stunning views of the East River and Manhattan. Roosevelt Island is a peaceful escape of the hustle and bustle in the city which is why today we are starting our sightseeing tour for day six at the island.

Central Park:

After returning from Roosevelt Island we are heading to New York City’s biggest and most popular park. Central Park is an excellent choice during every season of the year. Climb the Umpire Rock an outcrop of Manhattan schist and enjoy the views and quietness. On Sheep Meadow you can lay on the grass and soak in the sun, explore the 13 bridges that are located in Central Park, or maybe you are interested in exploring the Strawberry Fields, a memorial dedicated to the legend, John Lennon.

During the summer there are free concerts in the park, Shakespeares in the park and many other events and shows.

Check out more information about our favorite park in our  Central Park Guide .

Free admission at the  American Museum of National History

Pretty close to Central Park you’ll be able to visit the American Museum of National History. Even when you’re not the museum type of person, the American Museum of National History is for everyone. It is impressively big, offers many interesting exhibitions and was the filming location of the movie “A night at the museum” with Ben Stiller.  

Every day you’ll  “Pay What You Wish”. This can be anything between $1 and up.

Insider-Tip : On Saturdays, there is also “free admission” at the Guggenheim Museum starting at 5:00 PM. You pay as well as you wish and should be here at least 30 minutes early.

Day 7 – Sunday: Gospel, Madison Square Park or Governors Island

• Gospel Choir
• Flatiron District Free Tour
• Governors Island

Gospel Choir:

Make your Sunday morning in New York City a special one and head to Harlem for a gospel mass. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM most churches Uptown have the best gospel choirs singing during the mass. It is a magical experience that you won’t forget. Attending a mass is free of charge (donations to the church are welcome) but please be respectful with the community and dress properly and turn off your cell phones.

We recommend attending a mass at the Abyssinan Baptist Church , Bethel Gospel Assembly  and the  Cathedral of Saint John the Divine .

Flatiron District Free Tour:

Another option to start your day is a free tour of the  Flatiron District. Meet up point is every Sunday at 11 AM in front of the Flatiron Building. The 90 minutes walking tour operated by  Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership . takes you through the neighborhood and points out the main highlights of the area such as the New York Life Insurance Building, the MetLife Clock Tower and  Madison Square Park .

Governors Island:

Super interesting for visitors on a low budget is one of my favorites spots in NYC. Governors Island is perfect for a quick city escape. The ferry charges $3 and on the weekends before 11:30 AM you can even ride for free. Enjoy the city views, beach clubs and food trucks and a lot of green spaces. Governors Island is great for families with kids. There is so much to explore and to do on the island.

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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One-Week Itinerary

One Week in New York State: The Ultimate Itinerary

There’s no way to see everything that New York State has to offer in just one week but it’s still possible to cover a lot of ground. This seven-day itinerary includes many key sights and cities in New York State, the Hamptons, the Hudson Valley and Catskills, and the Finger Lakes. 

While it’s easy to spend a week in New York City alone, it’s actually just a small part of the 54,556 square miles that make up the state. In fact, New York State is bigger than 95 countries, including Switzerland, Iceland, and South Korea, and it’s chock full of incredible things to see and do—beyond NYC.

Feeling overwhelmed by planning your trip to New York State ? This one-week travel itinerary will make it easy.

Day One: The Hamptons

  Joseph Trentacosti/Getty Images

After landing at either John F. Kennedy International Airport or La Guardia International Airport , you’ll already be in Long Island . From there, you can catch a Long Island Railroad train or get a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to the Hamptons town of your choice. Or you can rent a car, which might be the best option if you’re doing this whole itinerary since you’ll be covering a lot of ground and using public transit the whole time would be fairly complicated and time consuming.

There are a number of towns to choose from in the Hamptons, and they are all charming and beach-adjacent. The town you end up staying in may be dictated by accommodation availability and cost, but Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Water Mill, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Amagansett, or Montauk are all great options. Once you drop off your bags, use your first day to experience the area’s famous beaches . Just make sure you have a parking permit if you drive to the beach. If not, rent bikes or take a taxi. Some hotels offer beach shuttles.

After you’ve had your fill of the beach, get lunch at Lobster Roll , known for yes, its lobster roll, and other seafood dishes, since 1965. Save room for a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie or a milk shake.

Next, head to the Parrish Art Museum for a dose of modern art, and stop at Milk Pail market, which has pick-your-own apples and pumpkins in early fall. Otherwise, you can buy various fresh produce and flowers, depending on the season.

For dinner, make a reservation at Highway Restaurant , for Italian-accented farm-to-table American food. If you’re not too tired, check out the concert schedule at the Surf Lodge in Montauk.

Day Two: Day Trip to the North Fork

 Kirkikis / Getty Images

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Long Island ’s North Fork is worth exploring. Before you head out, get breakfast at Grindstone Coffee and Donuts in Sag Harbor, Goldberg’s Bagels in East Hampton, or Babette’s , also in East Hampton. You can either catch the ferry to Shelter Island and then the ferry from Shelter Island to Greenport (each ride is about 10 minutes), or you can drive back to Riverhead and up to the North Fork. Once there, spend the morning wandering around charming Greenport, popping into shops like design and vintage store Ray , jewelry shop Orenda , and garden and home store Clark’s Garden . Recharge with a cup of in-house roasted coffee at Aldo’s before having a seafood-centric lunch at Claudio’s .

After lunch, if it’s summer, head to Lavender By the Bay , a picturesque lavender farm that will make you think you’re in Provence—and have your camera ready. Then begin your afternoon of wine sipping, with stops at some of the island’s best wineries , like Macari Vineyards , Pindar Vineyards , and Sparkling Pointe .

Before sunset, head back to the South Fork, to Montauk, for a picture-perfect waterfront sunset at Navy Beach . Have dinner there, or post-sunset go to Marram or Sel Rrose .

Day Three: Beacon and Hudson Valley

Grab breakfast at Hampton Coffee Company and before leaving the Hamptons, stop at Levain Bakery for some of their famous cookies to go, so you have snacks for the road. To get to Beacon, it’s about a four-hour drive, or to take the train, you’ll need to take the LIRR to Penn Station and then get on the subway or a taxi to Grand Central to catch the Metro North to Beacon , and with needing all of the schedules to match up, it could take well over six hours.

Once there, you’ll probably be hungry, so get lunch at Max’s on Main or Beacon Pantry . Check in to your accommodation for the night and then make your way to the Dia: Beacon , an incredible modern art museum in an old Nabisco factory by the water. After, stroll along the waterfront and admire the mighty Hudson River.

In the evening, catch an independent film at the restored retro Beacon Theater, now called Story Screen Beacon Theater . After, have a drink at the attached vintage-themed Wonder Bar and then have a late Middle Eastern dinner at Ziatun or splurge on the farm-to-table cuisine at the Roundhouse Restaurant .

Day Four: Hudson Valley and the Catskills

JANIFEST / Getty Images

Fuel up at Beacon Falls Café and if it’s Sunday, check out the Beacon Farmers Market for farm-fresh produce and baked goods. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, get some treats from Glazed Over Donuts .

If you’re a hiker, you’ll enjoy the hike up Mount Beacon, which is fairly steep but offers stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding valley. It only takes about an hour-and-a-half and it well worth it. When you come down, hop in the car or a taxi over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to the other side of the Hudson River and head up to Woodstock. Woodstock  is a funky town that makes an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding Catskills region. Although there is a definite artist and hippie vibe, these days it also has several upscale spots along Tinker Street (the town’s main drag).

Have lunch at Dixon Roadside, Oriole 9, or Tinker Taco Lab, and wander into boutique shops like Three Turtle Doves, Candlestock, Shop Little House, and the Golden Notebook. Pop into Fruition for a craft chocolate pick-me-up.

If you’re up for it, drive about 30 minutes north to Kaaterskill Falls to see some of the natural landscapes that make the Catskills so special. Or drive about 20 minutes east to the charming town of Saugerties where you can try funky ice cream flavors at one of the smallest shops, appropriately called Alleyway Ice Cream , and relax a bit on Saugerties Village Beach on the Hudson.

For dinner, eat Italian food at Cucina or farm-to-table fare at Silvia , both back in Woodstock. After, visit  Levon Helms Studio , a barn venue that was the home and recording studio of the famous drummer that has hosted performances by Elvis Costello, Phil Lesh, Dr. John, and Emmylou Harris.

Day Five: Ithaca and the Finger Lakes

benedek / Getty Images

In the morning, drive one town over to Phoenicia, to eat at the celebrated Phoenicia Diner , known for its delicious farm-fresh comfort food. From there, it’s about a three-hour drive to Ithaca, at the base of Cayuga Lake, one of the 11 Finger Lakes . On your drive, enjoy the stunning scenery, farmland, and small country towns you’ll pass.

Once in Ithaca , check in to your accommodation and then grab an excellent hamburger from Ithaca Ale House . The Finger Lakes are known as one of New York State’s best wine regions and Cayuga Lake has its own wine trail , with 14 beautiful wineries to try along the lakeshore. Also along the way is the Seneca Falls State Park where you can visit the historic  Women’s Rights National Historic Park , where the first women’s rights convention was held in 1848. If you need a little nibble, hit up the Muranda Cheese Company .

You can also book a Cayuga Lake boat tour with Discover Cayuga Lake if you’d rather be on the water than alongside it.

Back in Ithaca, have pre-dinner craft cocktails at Bar Argos and then have dinner at the world-famous Moosewood Restaurant , known for revolutionizing vegetarian food. If you want to get a taste of the college scene (Ithaca is home to Cornell University), Chanticleer is a solid dive bar with pool tables and jukebox.

Day Six: Finger Lakes and Rochester

TripSavvy / Makito Umekita

Start your morning at the Ithaca Farmers Market overlooking the lake, which has everything from a breakfast sandwich made from waffles to Sri Lankan food, plus things like bread, cider, and produce to buy for later. From the market you can walk along the Waterfront Trail, either to Stewart Park or Cass Park for great lakefront views.

Then, head over to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park  to hike around incredible waterfalls and canyons. From there, follow the Seneca Lake Wine Trail if you want more samples of the area’s bounty, and stroll through the charming town of Geneva. Have lunch there, at FLX Fry Bird , and if you’re brave, try your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing if the weather is right, or enjoy a sail with Sail Seneca .

Drive about an hour west to Rochester and have dinner at Lento , a farm-to-table spot that is one of the city’s best restaurants, or grab a tasty pizza at Tony D’s .

Day Seven: Buffalo and Niagara Falls

kris1138 / Getty Images

On your last day, drive about an hour and a half west to Niagara Falls. First go to Goat Island inside Niagara Falls State Park and check out various observation points  on the rim of the falls. Take the wooden staircases and paths that bring you to the bottom of the smallest waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, and be prepared to get wet! If you have time, book a ride on the  Maid of the Mist boat for an up-close view of the mighty falls. 

For lunch, drop down to Buffalo and hit up the legendary Anchor Bar , the birthplace of Buffalo wings , or get a Beef on Weck, one of New York State’s finest food inventions , at Schwabl’s .

After lunch, head to the Darwin D. Martin House , one of Buffalo ’s Frank Lloyd Wright prairie homes that are open for tours. Before dinner, stroll along Canalside , the city’s revitalized waterfront along the Erie Canal. Before heading to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport , have authentic Chinese food at Peking Quick One for dinner, or eat at Hutch’s , an upscale local favorite.

Your Trip to New York State: The Complete Guide

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The Most Charming Towns in New York's Finger Lakes

The 11 Best Day Trips From Buffalo

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Find cheap flights to New York from $26

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Cheap flight deals to New York

Flights to new york - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to new york to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to new york.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to New York was $26 for a one-way ticket from Fort Lauderdale and $40 for a round-trip. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Los Angeles to New York and the best round-trip deal found in the last 3 days was $95.

How much is a flight to New York?

On average, a flight to new york costs $366. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $19 and departed from cincinnati. the most popular routes on kayak are boston to new york which costs $518 on average, and los angeles to new york, which costs $482 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to new york, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to new york is friday where tickets can be as cheap as $273. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is sunday, where prices are $330 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to new york, the cheapest month for flights to new york is february, where tickets cost $176 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are december and november, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $315 and $288 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $247., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to new york, the cheapest time of day to fly to new york is generally at night, when flights cost $338 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to new york is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $377., what is a good deal for flights to new york, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to new york, 25% of our users found tickets to new york for the following prices or less: from louisville $173 one-way - $258 round-trip, from jacksonville $175 one-way - $286 round-trip, from fayetteville $197 one-way - $374 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to new york, to get a below average price, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 44 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in new york, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in new york is new york laguardia airport, with an average flight price of $179., which airlines fly to new york, in general from united states, delta, united airlines and american airlines fly the most to new york. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to new york., which airline offers the most flights to new york, of the 13 airlines that fly to new york, delta offers the most flights, with around 5,416 per week, followed by united airlines with 3,594 flights per week., how many airports are there in new york, there are 5 airports in new york: new york john f kennedy airport (jfk), newark liberty airport (ewr), new york laguardia airport (lga), new windsor stewart airport (swf) and new york skyports spb airport (nys). the busiest airport is new york john f kennedy airport (jfk), with 37% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to new york, the duration of your flight to new york depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to new york on kayak are from miami , which takes 2h 50m, los angeles , which takes 5h 19m, and san francisco , which takes 5h 27m., how many direct flights to new york are there each day, there are around 1,846 direct flights from within united states to new york every day. most flights depart in the morning, with 6:00 am the most common departure time and 53% of flights departing in the morning., how many direct flights to new york are there each week, each week there are around 12,922 direct flights from within united states to new york. the most common day for departures is friday, with 16% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to new york each week, each week there are around 21 long-haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration), 1,888 medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) and 7,918 short-haul (up to 3 hour flight duration) flights to new york. the most long-haul flights depart from honolulu., how many cities have direct flights to new york, from the united states, there are direct flights to new york from 41 cities. the city with the most direct flights is atlanta, with 608 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to new york, faqs - booking new york flights, what are the benefits of the different new york airports.

JFK is very efficient at managing delays, has some of the best lounges and amenities, and offers many domestic and international airline options. EWR is convenient for people headed to New Jersey or south of New York, has short waiting times, and is connected to downtown New York via the AirTrain. LGA is the most convenient for getting to New York City and has some of the best dining options, especially at Delta Terminal.

Which is the best New York airport for visiting Times Square?

The closest airport to Times Square is LaGuardia, and it is the easiest to reach from there. LGA is about 6.2 miles from Times Square. Newark Liberty is the second-closest option, and it is approximately 11.1 miles from Times Square, while New York Airport (JFK) is the furthest out, around 13 miles away, but well-served with public transportation to Times Square.

Where are the duty-free shops located at John F. Kennedy International Airport?

JFK has several outlets that offer duty-free shopping. You’ll find two duty-free shops at Terminal 1, two at Terminal 4, three at terminal 5, and the last at Terminal 7. These shops sell everything, from confections to electronics to beauty products and accessories.

Are there any airport hotels at John F. Kennedy International Airport?

Yes, the recently opened TWA Hotel is within JFK’s airport grounds. To get to the airport, take the AirTrain to Terminal 5. The hotel features a rooftop pool with a view of the runway, a cocktail lounge, a Paris restaurant, and a restaurant by the revered chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It is a great place to grab a meal or drink after your flight or stay overnight in their mid-century-inspired rooms.

How do I get between New York’s airports?

The simplest and cheapest method to get from LaGuardia to JFK and vice-versa is to take a shuttle bus. A number of shuttle bus services are offered at both airports – tickets cost around $10+ and trip times are around 30+ minutes, depending on traffic. Many of the shuttle companies offer service to Newark International and other locations in the city as well as in the surrounding suburbs.

Do hotels in New York offer shuttle service from the airports?

JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark all have a variety of hotels that offer complimentary shuttle service from them. For JFK, there is the Radisson Hotel JFK Airport and the Crowne Plaza. For LaGuardia, the Comfort Inn and Suites and Airway Inn provide shuttle services. Newark even has a hotel in the heart of the airport itself, called Newark Liberty Marriott.

Which New York airport is closest to downtown?

All three New York airports are fairly centrally located and have great access to the downtown area. If you plan on taking the subway, Newark and JFK offer the most direct access to the subway via their respective AirTrains, while LaGuardia offers only bus connections. However, if you plan on renting a car, LaGuardia is quite close to Manhattan and offers quick and easy access by car.

What are the restaurants like in JFK and LaGuardia?

JFK and LaGuardia both have excellent restaurant options available. Some of LaGuardia’s standouts include Custom Burgers and Artichoke. Some of JFK’s can’t-miss eateries include Shake Shack and Uptown Brasserie.

Which New York airport is closest to central New York?

3 miles away from New York’s city center, Newark Liberty Airport is the closest of the 4 major airports in the city. There are 10 miles separating New York city center to New York Skyports SPB, 16 miles to New York LaGuardia Airport, and 22 miles to New York John F Kennedy Airport.

On average, a flight to New York costs $366. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $19 and departed from Cincinnati Cinci./N. Kentucky Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to New York?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to New York.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to New York?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to New York is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to New York?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to New York with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to New York?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to New York up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to New York

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest New York flight deals.
• For business travelers headed to Manhattan, the closest airport is LaGuardia Airport (LGA); however, it focuses on domestic flights. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the international airport nearest to Manhattan.
• After a long-haul international flight to New York, you’re welcome to relax and unwind at the airport lounges at JFK and EWR. These airports offer international flights and consequently have several members-only and pay-to-access lounges (Air France, American Airlines, Delta Sky Club, United Club, Alaska Lounge, and Centurion Lounge) at their terminals.
• Newark Airport is the best option if you wish to travel to the neighboring cities via train . The airport is served by the New Jersey Transit Authority with rail connections to New York and Newark Penn Stations for Amtrak connections.
• Although quite far from downtown New York, Newark Airport has some of the shortest wait times. It is less busy than JFK, clearing security is much quicker, and the AirTrain provides easy access to downtown New York, making it a great alternative to JFK for international flights.
• For flights to New York, there are two main options directly in NYC; namely, LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and JFK International Airport (JFK) . LaGuardia acts primarily as a domestic outlet for travelers going to and from NYC. JFK, on the other hand, is more internationally focused and offers direct flights to destinations all around the world.
• In addition to the main two airports, the neighboring Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is also a great option for flights to New York. While Newark is technically in New Jersey, it also serves as a large air traffic hub for NYC. It is only 12 miles from New York City and is easily reached via AirTrain Newark, which stops at a number of subway stations in downtown NYC.
• The AirTrain offers an easy and cheap way to get to, from, and around JFK International Airport. You can easily reach JFK by connecting to the AirTrain via the E, A, J, and Z subway lines in downtown NYC. Additionally, it provides quick transportation between any of the airport terminals for free.
• All three New York airports are fully accessible to disabled passengers. They are equipped with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Any passenger needing special assistance should contact their airline before traveling.
• Bogged down with work before your flight? Don’t worry, LaGuardia has you covered with its Jabbrrbox automated workspaces . Featuring IoT technology, sound-sealed cubicles and secure WiFi, Jabbrrbox Work Booths offer an ideal working environment for travelers on the go.
• The ARK at JFK is perfect for travelers with pets. The ARK is an animal care facility that aims to bring first class flying service to all of our four-legged friends. They offer services such as animal care throughout the pre- and post-flight experience as well as equine import/export.

Prefer to fly non-stop to New York?

Find which airlines fly direct to New York, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to New York

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ANA, Aer Lingus, Aerolineas Argentinas, +89 more

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ANA, ASKY, +92 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, Aerolineas Argentinas, +90 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +91 more

ANA, ASKY, Aer Lingus, +94 more

ANA, ASKY, +95 more

ANA, ASKY, Aer Lingus, +92 more

ANA, ASKY, +93 more

Nonstop returns

New York to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to new york.

It was a crowded flight. They did the best they could.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

Boarding was a sh!t show. JFK BOARDING was awful. The agent called three sections at a time Clogging the area then yelling at people to not block the walk way. How are you going to call delta one , premium select and comfort plus at once and the yell at highest paying passengers. Need to do a lot better and the flight attendants in the galley need to understand that their voices travel. They were talking about others and everyone in the cabin heard them

The main person that was coordinating everything was a short white/light skin Spanish man and he was very rude. It honestly made me feel like it was everyone’s First day at work. His announcements were very not reasonable and they did not make sense. The stewardess on the flight that made the announcements she didn’t even know what she was talking about she sounded inebriated. There were no snacks or drinks on our flight there wasn’t even much turbulence. This flight was not enjoyable nor was it what a Delta flight should be and just this past week I flew with Delta 3 times.

Horrible. First delta flight was delayed. I ran to my connecting flight and arrived to the gate 13 mins before departure. I told the gate agent “I’m here”, she told me flight was closed while giving my already confirmed seat to an stand by passenger. I said again “madam, I’m here with my confirmed seat” and she said “no you’re not here@ and gave two stand by people a boarding pass and let them board. I asked “madam, why do you do that?”, and she repeated “you’re not here”. That was very rude. I’m disappointed of delta. It used to have a good customer service. Things have changed, but not for good.

full flihgt but crew and passengers all helped eachother we landed early! however we then had to wait 40 minutes on the tarmac to get into the gate there were people trying get connecting flights, assume its an airport issue but still frustrating

The crew was horrible. Cleo was the most unwelcoming flight attendant I’ve ever had.

Do not get fooled by the term “Delta One” flat bed! The seats were super narrow. The ottoman for the feet was so narrow that when you recline the seat in flat bed position, you can only fit one foot in the 8” width space. There was only 1 flight attendant for First Class. The breakfast took 2 hours to get served. Instead of offering French Toast, the served bread pudding. The champagne with orange juice or Mimosa tasted terrible. Almost all the movies offered were ridiculously old. For a long flight from San Francisco to NY, it was frustrating! I DO NOT RECOMMEND this flight!!!

Really big guy next to me Attendants moved him to an open row

the entertainment for the flight from DAL-LGA was not available.

Great. Loved that there was WiFi on flight to keep in touch and excellent service of beverages and snacks.

great flight. Pilot was communicative, flight attendants were excellent. Really nice experience except my tv didn’t work.

Overall, the flight was better than the flight I took to go to Florida, which had a bunch of problems. The crew is really nice and the plane was new so it had a small problem when we were on the runway, but the flight itself was great. They even made some time back up, which is always a good thing.

Everything was good except for deplaning in NY. Took way too long!!

Jet Blue keeps getting iit wrong. 4 hour mechanical delay followed by terrible boarding experience. This is my third horrific jet blue flight in 2024. I am going to try to avoid this loser in the sky

no wifi and the aircraft was very old with tiny 4” screens.

After we landed, we were held on the plane for 30 minutes. There was no one at the gate once we landed and we forced to sit on a plan that had already over an hour delayed.

Flawless trip. Pilot came out and introduced himself, welcomed everyone, made a light joke to put everyone at ease. Arrived quite early.

JetBlue's check-in was great, but there was an in-flight flight attendant who was very rude and unkind. I didn't realize that the bathrooms were already locked 30 mins prior to landing and needed to use the restroom. Instead of politely asking me to return, she rudely told me, 'No, bathrooms are locked! Go back to your seat!' The flight was more than an hour delay, which made me almost miss my connecting flight. I understand the reasoning, but the action they took to get a hold of maintenance was time consuming. It took them so long to get a hold of maintenance and for maintenance to get started. Most importantly, my 3 checked baggages are missing! I'm writing this review 3 days after my arrival to the Philippines, and my 3 checked baggages, where my wedding dress is, are all missing!

Safe takeoff and landing Better snacks and coffee. Headphones for the TV monitors.

We waited to takeoff for about 1 hour delay for a 20 min flight.

Packed in like sardines, very uncomfortable. Sitting the aisle my shoulder was rammed into numerous times by rushing flight attendants. Also flight was very cold.

Your app is impossible to use. I couldn't load it. Then i couldn't open it. When i finally got both those things done -with much help -then i couldn't open the app to install a credit card. The upshot was 4 flights without access to food or drink. When i first tried to download united app some company called starlier opened instead and i would up signing up for some 49 dollar a month music service which i still have not been able to cancel.

Overall it was good. The flight was bumpy at times, but the pilot made us aware every time. As a result, no snacks/drinks were made available. Seats were tight but that’s okay as I had a window seat.

the head jack on my seat didn't work and the power outlet didn't work for my seat

That flight was smooth, and staff we courteous. it was a full flight so very tight. The boarding through security was not properly controlled. it was rushed and the scanning process for our bags, etc. was pilling up at the other end with no time to empty our belonging my personal items almost toppled over on the floor if i hadn't caught it rapidly. Was it just that time, or always like this - cant say. other than that all else was fine.

Wheelchair assistance was not complete. The person left me at the departure gate without informing the groundstaff of my requirements. I had to walk to the departure counter to ask for help to reach the plane door. The crew informed me that in future they were not allowed to help passengers like me, senior citizen and Wheelchair passenger with placing their carry on bags in the overhead compartments!

I liked that we arrived earlier, you could improve your snacks give away

We learned certain countries (a few) require a notarized letter from an ex to give permission for children to travel to those countries with the other spouse together with birth certificates. To find this out one hour before flying—not good. Nowhere is it documented by the airlines though they require it. Make sure about all documentation required.

The best part was we weren’t too delayed. Seating space in economy is insulting and about as uncomfortable as one could expect before mutiny breaks out. Prep for landing happened well over 45 minutes before wheels down: no final garbage pickup and it interrupted those of us who needed tray tables down for dinner, etc.

Comfort of seats, ease of boarding. Food selection could be better

I arrived to the airport 2 hours before my American Airlines flight was scheduled to take off. I have TSA pre-check. The airport was crazy packed when I arrived. After momentarily standing in the pre-check line, the TSA agent said that I am not pre-check. Of course I said that I am because I entered my KTN number on all my traveling sites and programs. I had to get out of line and go back to the AA counter to discover that American Airlines did not add my KTN to my boarding pass. I had to call TSA to find out my number, then have AA enter it onto my boarding pass. The emblem would not load onto my boarding pass. By this time, I decided to use my Clear in order to get through TSA but the line was ridiculous long. By the time I made through TSA, I missed my 11:08am flight and was re-booked for the 5:30pm. This is after the AA employee told me I should have gotten to the airport early. AA use to be a dependable airline not I use them only if I have too.

Horrible people at the gate, they force me to check in my carry on, even thought no one behind me has to do it. I had to get out of the airport in NY to get my bag and go thru security again on my way to Honk Kong. The worst part is the employee threatened me with loosing the flights if don’t comply.

Cut off carry ons, had to check, got on and there was plenty of bin space. Disappointing.

One of the worst flights I have ever taken Delayed over an hour without communication from the crew; very scary Entertainment not working Crew NASTY cabin cold

May never fly American again Delay in take off WITHOUT EXPLANATION Cabin freezing Crew NASTY entertainment did not work entire flight

The flight was so short that the lack of leg room didn't bother me for long. The plane was smaller so only two seats per row and there were chargers. However, they didn't serve any snacks.

Horrible trip. I won't fly AA again Boarding was a nightmare because they squeezed people into the waiting like sardines. My connection was 30 minutes and the run to the gate was horrible. Then the flight was canceled AFTER boarding. The Flight attendants did not know what to do and gave out the wrong instructions. They finally sent us to a different gate. Again, the waiting was like a sardine tin. The flight was okay and my baggage arrived fine.

My first time flying American Airlines, my first flight to CLT was wonderful and flight attendants was nice and had great customer service. My second flight from CLT to NY was very delayed due to whatever reason the crew was not greeting other than that I’m rate 8 .

Ther is no fly,over book .and they let out in San pedro sula ,antil Monday 2 of October 2023

Flight attendants heavily pushed their affinity credit card. Very annoying

Very bad, delayed flight. I was offered 2 vouchers for inconvenience, but those vouchers aren’t usable. Spirit airlines is betraying people.

They didn’t let me get my boarding pass through the app because I have a lap infant. The ticket said to see a gate agent but there was no gate agent available. I was supposed to go to the kiosk. Ended up missing my flight and they said that I never checked in to my flight so there was nothing that could be done. I will never fly spirit again. Not even worth the hassle and poor customer service.

I like the price. I did not like the seats: very little space and not reclining.

I like strict carry on policy. Quick to board, quick to leave. Less time at gate and get there quicker

comfortable flight. not fond of the idea to pay for every little detail. baggage checkin or carry ons, basic snack, or some sort of basic entertainment/wifi. would be nice to offer these as perks and stop with the penny pinching.

The seats were larger & more roomy than the old planes. the crew was excellent. . overall a very good flight.

No water for handwashing and they charged $5 for water. Spirit up-charges for every little thing and the planes themselves are old and nauseating.

It was the most smooth landing I have ever experienced (and I travel often). The crew was also very pleasant and the pilots kept us informed. Not even a drink unless a charge though is really bad!

My wife’s in a wheelchair excellent service from check-in to the gate on the plane off the excellent service all around excellent price

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How I Travel on a Budget

Melanie Lockert

Credit & Credit Cards Expert

Melanie Lockert is a freelance writer with nearly a decade of experience in the personal finance space. She is the founder of the blog and author of the book “Dear Debt” and paid off $81,000 in student loans. She has an M.A. from New York University and is an LA native based in Brooklyn, NY.

Robert Thorpe

Senior Editor

Robert is a senior editor at Newsweek, specializing in a range of personal finance topics, including credit cards, loans and banking. Prior to Newsweek, he worked at Bankrate as the lead editor for small business loans and as a credit cards writer and editor. He has also written and edited for CreditCards.com, The Points Guy and The Motley Fool Ascent.

Updated April 26, 2024 at 9:38 am

Traveling can be fun for a much-needed vacation and to explore other places. But the cost of traveling can be prohibitive, and it’s not getting cheaper. Average travel costs jumped 27% from 2019 to 2022 going from $2,100 to $2,671, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) . While it may cost more to get out of town, you can still find cheap travel options with some research and creativity. In this guide, learn how to travel on a budget and reduce costs in all categories.

Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.

Vault’s Viewpoint

• Travel costs are on the rise but there are ways to lower your travel budget.
• You can book cheap flights by looking for deals and using points or miles.
• Being flexible can open up even more cheap places to travel.

Be Flexible on Location and Time

One of the keys to budget travel is to be flexible on where you go and when. Going to tourist hot spots during peak season will cost you a premium. But entertaining other locales during the off-peak season can score you serious savings. Airline tickets are all about supply and demand, so when demand is lower, so are the prices.

I base much of my travel on deals. Instead of choosing a location and planning a trip, I find a deal and plan my trip based on that. To get cheap flights, I typically avoid traveling during the summer and around any major holidays, with one exception. I’ve found affordable international flights during Thanksgiving as most travel during that time is domestic.

Examples of Cheap Flights

For example, I was able to get a roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Lima, Peru for less than $300 and fly back on Thanksgiving day in 2022.

This past Thanksgiving in 2023, I found cheap flights to Tokyo from Los Angeles. Remember, cheap is relative. Typically, roundtrip tickets to Tokyo can easily be four figures and I got a ticket for $706.45. According to travel website Kayak , the cheapest month to fly to Tokyo from Los Angeles is February with flights costing an average of $689. In June or July, the most expensive flights are over a thousand dollars.

Find an Affordable Flight

Using specific websites can help the affordable flights come to you. I’m signed up for Travelzoo’s newsletter which publishes deals and I also use Google Flights alerts for many different locations that I’m interested in visiting.

To start, input your departure and arrival locations and input some dates. From there, you can turn on alerts below next to “Track prices” for those exact dates or “Any dates.” I toggle on “Any dates” and whenever prices drop, I’ll get an email alert. That’s how I found the cheap flight to Lima, Peru.

I have alerts set up for 10+ locations that I have my eye on so I can find cheap places to travel at the right time. This strategy works great because I don’t have to put in much leg work to get started and the deals go straight to my inbox.

Additionally, I book flight departures and arrivals on weekdays when fewer people are traveling and airfare tends to be cheaper.

Carry-On Only

For the past 15 years, I’ve been a carry-on-only traveler. While I am a minimalist, the decision wasn’t about that. Instead, I had a frustrating experience on my return to the States after a magical trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. I had returned but my checked bag did not. For months, I continued to follow up with the airline. Eventually, the airline offered me a paltry amount to reimburse me for my lost luggage.

I let them know that the amount would not replace my wardrobe and other items and that I wanted to escalate the issue. Somehow, after six months of luggage limbo, they found and returned my bag.

Since then, I’ve traveled light with one carry-on so I could avoid another potential luggage mishap. The eBag backpack has been my trusty companion for years. I roll my clothes in packing cubes and have become a master at playing Tetris with my items. I make sure that my luggage meets the size requirements for the airline and avoid airline baggage fees altogether.

Use Rewards To Pay for Flights

Aside from using Google Flights to book cheap flights I also use travel rewards when possible. Using various travel rewards credit cards, I’ve been able to get cheap flights to Rome, Italy with my mom to celebrate paying off my student loans and to Madrid, Spain to see a friend living there. Thanks to miles and points , I was paying only a nominal amount in taxes and fees.

The cards I’ve used include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®

Using travel rewards credit cards strategically has helped me lower my costs and reduce my travel budget. I pay off all my credit cards in full every week, which I find helps with my spending and cash flow. Additionally, I change up the credit cards I use based on the purchase to maximize my rewards.

Find Affordable Accommodations

Getting to your travel destination is one thing. But you need a place to stay once you get there and that can increase your costs significantly. In some cases, I’ve been able to lower my accommodation travel budget by staying with a friend for a night or two or house-sitting while a friend is gone.

When I travel somewhere new, I typically book hostels or Airbnbs which can be more affordable than some hotels (but not always). I tend to steer clear of trendy areas and choose places slightly off the beaten path. I go a bit further out and ensure I can either walk or have public transportation options. Nine times out of 10, this has worked in my favor. I get a bit more local flavor at a fraction of the cost.

The other 10% of the time I’ve found myself in a situation that I call a ‘frugal fail’. For example, booking a basement Airbnb in Prague in a not-so-great neighborhood. As a solo female traveler, I stayed there one night and ended up moving and paying more for a hotel. Safety is paramount and that is priceless.

Use Rewards To Book Hotel Stays

When I book hotel stays , I typically use my Chase Ultimate Rewards points from my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. When I unexpectedly changed plans and decided to book a hotel in Prague, I used my rewards points to offset the costs.

After looking at accommodations in Tokyo, I found a great hotel I had my eye on at a discount in the Chase Travel portal. I was able to book a stay with fewer points. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is my go-to card for hotel stays as one of its many benefits is a $50 annual hotel credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel.

One Big Meal Out per Day

Dining out while on vacation is a treat. But doing so two to three times a day will skyrocket your travel budget. I typically commit to having one big meal out per day. If I’m staying at an Airbnb, I’ll get groceries and cook —one of the benefits of having access to a kitchen.

If I choose to stay at a hotel, I prioritize options with a continental breakfast. I’ll also go to the grocery store and pick up affordable items like:

• Granola bars
• Fruit like an apple or banana
• Protein shakes

These help out during the day. Once I’m at my location, I’ll also identify a low-cost food option. For example, while in Tokyo I ate a couple of onigiri (rice balls), yogurt, and cheese from 7-Eleven nearly every day for breakfast or lunch, which cost around $8. Dinner is where I splurged on unique or indulgent experiences. This strategy is one of the top ways I’ve learned how to travel on a budget.

Use Public Transportation

When I travel, I typically get around using public transportation and walking. One of my favorite things to do is explore a city by foot or the local transit. You get a different experience that way and can enjoy budget travel and serious savings.

I rarely use taxis and ride-sharing . If I do, it’s typically to and from the airport if no viable public transit options exist. But some cities make it easy to take public transportation from the airport to the center of the city. For example, there are great public transit options to and from the airport in Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; and Tokyo, Japan.

Instead of paying for a ride that can easily exceed $50 you can pay a few bucks on public transportation.

Additional Ways To Travel on a Budget

If you want to learn how to travel on a budget or find cheap vacation ideas, here are additional ways to lower costs:

• Sign up for rewards programs. Always sign up for hotel or airline rewards programs . Leave no rewards on the table.
• Use cash back. If you have a cash back credit card , use those extra funds to lower your travel budget.
• Book flights and hotels early. To find cheap places to travel, book flights and hotels in advance. Ideally at least several months ahead of time.
• Compare options. Budget travel requires some research. When planning an upcoming trip, compare all your transportation options, such as various airlines, buses, trains, and road trip costs.
• Research free or cheap activities. Check out local parks, free museum days, discounts on Groupon or Goldstar, and local festivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cheap vacation ideas.

Some cheap vacation ideas include camping, having a staycation, or going somewhere you can get free accommodations by house sitting or pet sitting. You can also look for cheap flights on Google Flights, see if there are budget buses, and plan your vacation around the deals you find.

What Are Cheap Places To Travel To?

If you’re looking for cheap places to travel to, that will depend on your departure city, currency, and time of year. For travelers in the United States, traveling domestically will be the most affordable. If you’re looking for cheap vacation ideas for international travel, you can look into countries in Latin America or Southeast Asia.

What Credit Card Is Best for Travel?

The best credit card for travel is one with no foreign transaction fees . Look for cards that can earn you more points for travel-related purchases and that may have travel credits included. Compare annual fees and make sure it’s worth the cost.

Related Articles

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Yankees Superstar Won't Join Club On Upcoming Trip But Is Making Progress

New York won't have one of its best players back in the next week

• Author: Patrick McAvoy

In this story:

The New York Yankees won't have one of their stars back on their upcoming road trip.

New York has been missing ace Gerrit Cole for the entire season to this point but he is making progress in his recovery. He recently increased his throwing to 120 feet but he isn't ready to return yet.

Cole still needs to get back on the mound and likely a minor league assignment, but his progress should give Yankees fans hope. Although he is making progress, he won't be back with the club on the upcoming road trip, according to the New York Daily News Sports' Gary Phillips.

"Gerrit Cole will not travel with the Yankees on their upcoming trip," Phillips said.

If Cole continues to progress at the rate he has, it wouldn't be too surprising to see him begin throwing off a mound in the next week or so and make his way to the minor leagues to fine-tune. There have been rumblings that Cole could return in May and if he continues to recover at this rate that could be a reality.

There was a real fear in Spring Training that the Yankees could lose Cole for a lot longer than a month or two. Cole avoided the worst and should be able to get back on the mound in the not-so-distant future.

New York already has been one of the best teams in baseball so far this season and should get significantly better once the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner gets on the mound.

More MLB: Yankees Claim Veteran Hurler From Mets To Help Bolster Strong Bullpen

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Ay, car-rumba.

A new study shows the cost of travel has skyrocketed since 2019 — with rental car prices far and away the most inflated, compared to pre-COVID.

NerdWallet found that the expense of having your own wheels away from home was a whopping 39.3% higher in March 2024 versus five years ago, in March 2019 — and that’s after an 8.8% decline from March 2023.

The research revealed that Chicago’s O’Hare was the priciest airport for car rentals, with an eye-watering average weekly rate of $671.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport came in second at $598, then Las Vegas’ Harry Reid Airport at $588. Los Angeles International Airport was priced at $568 — just slightly above Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s $566.

Researchers found Enterprise to be the cheapest and National to be the most expensive.

They also noted that booking in advance was more costly than at the last minute, when rental car companies are now sometimes found offering better deals.

Although rental cars saw the steepest increase, there are plenty of other culprits keeping the cost of hitting the road higher than normal.

Restaurant prices have soared for example, by 29.3% between 2019 to 2024. During the past year alone, they’ve risen 4.2%.

Tickets to plays, movies, and concerts also shot up 22.6% — 5% more than a year ago.

Hotel rooms are far from immune.

Over the five-year period, lodging costs increased by 16.3% . They have risen by 6.7% between February and March of this year.

The biggest shock, however, is that airfare has only increased 2.6% during the past five years.

It is currently down 7.1% from 2023. American and Southwest both announced losses in the first quarter of 2024; Southwest said it will limit hiring and pull out of four airports as a result.

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10 Of The Cheapest Places To Fly To From New York City

• New Yorkers looking for affordable getaways can fly to Boston for as low as $90 round-trip, where they can explore museums, parks, and galleries.
• Washington, D.C. offers a $98 round-trip flight from NYC, allowing visitors to explore national landmarks and museums like The National Mall and the White House.
• For as low as $104 round-trip, New Yorkers can fly to Worcester, Massachusetts, a city with a thriving arts scene and attractions like the Worcester Art Museum.

New York City is one of the most vibrant places on the planet. It is both a major global commercial center and a popular destination for tourists. Visitors have their pick of the many New York City hotels and resorts near top attractions from which they can enjoy what the location has to offer, but what about the local New Yorkers who want to take a momentary break from it all?

Fortunately, the United States is blessed with an abundance of cities that offer enough attractions and natural endowments to satisfy the wanderlust of even the most discerning tourist. However, many New Yorkers with less cash to splash are understandably more interested in places they can visit by air on a budget, preferably by flying out from the New York JFK airport.

So, for those interested in cities that can be flown to from New York City on a budget, here are some of the cheapest places to fly to from NYC.

Related: Explore The Big Apple On Foot: 10 Best New York City Walking Tours Led By Local Insiders

Boston, Massachusetts

The museums, public parks, galleries, and other attractions of boston beckon at the cost of a $90 round-trip flight from new york city..

New York City to Boston is a one-hour, twenty-minute flight, and major airlines like JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta cover the 215-mile distance between both cities more than 200 times each week. Boston certainly deserves a prime place on anyone's travel bucket list. The city is home to several reputable museums, including the USS Constitution Museum, the Boston Tea Party Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and more.

For outdoor activities, the city is home to one of the oldest public parks in the United States, and it also hosts many sporting events. The period between the summer months to mid-fall is the best time to take in the city's sights because that's when the weather is the best.

• Cheapest flight price : $90 (round-trip)
• Duration : 1hr 20min
• Cheapest month to fly : September
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 60 days before
• Best time to visit : June to October

Washington, D.C.

The cheapest flight available to washington d.c. from new york city costs $98 for a round-trip, and it's worth it because of the many unique national landmarks within the city..

Washington D.C. offers an irresistible cocktail of history, politics, culture, architecture, and sports that draws in millions of visitors each year. For New Yorkers looking to visit The District, the city is a one-hour, twenty-eight-minute flight from the Big Apple, with prices as low as $98 for a round-trip.

Tourists can explore popular attractions like The National Mall (which is home to free museums like the Smithsonian's network of museums) , and even the White House. The weather makes March to May and September to November the best periods in the year to tour the capital.

• Cheapest flight price : $98 round-trip
• Duration : 1h 28 min
• Cheapest month to fly : February
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 29 days before
• Best time to visit : March to May and September to November

Worcester, Massachusetts

Getting to worcester from new york city by flight can be as cheap as $104 for a round-trip, and new yorkers surely won't be disappointed by the energy of the city's thriving arts scene..

New York City to Worcester is a one-hour, thirty-minute flight, and popular carriers like JetBlue and American Airlines fly the route up to seven times each week. Worcester itself is a dynamic university city with a vibrant arts scene that makes it worth visiting.

The city is home to 10 institutions of higher learning and renowned museums like the Worcester Art Museum, The Hannover Theater of Performing Arts, and The Worcester Center for Crafts. The period between June to mid-September has the perfect weather for tourist activities in the city.

• Cheapest flight price : $104 round-trip
• Duration : 1 h 3min
• Cheapest month to fly : May
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 57 days before
• Best time to visit : mid-June to mid-September

Related: 10 Top-Rated Hotels In Worcester, Massachusetts, For A Memorable Stay In The Heart Of The Commonwealth

Burlington, Vermont

The picnic beaches, museums, and ever-vibrant festivals of burlington are well within reach, and it will only take a flight as cheap as $145 round-trip from new york city..

Burlington's main draw is that it's a fun place to be in all four seasons of the year. Getting there from New York City by air is a one-hour, twenty-six-minute flight, with prices as low as $145 for a round-trip.

Visiting New Yorkers can enjoy Lake Chaplain's picnic beaches in summer and spring or hike the trails of the Green Mountains (which offer plenty to do and see) . There are numerous cycling paths for enjoying the changing leaves of Fall, and ice rinks in Leddy Park for skating in winter. The city offers a gamut of year-round activities for tourists, but the best time to enjoy it all is between May to September, which is when many of the city's festivals are held.

• Cheapest flight price : $145 round-trip
• Duration : 1h 26min
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 41 days before
• Best time to visit : May to September

Cleveland, Ohio

The cheapest flight available to cleveland from new york city costs $112 for a round-trip, and the wide variety of cultural institutions located in the city makes the trip worth it..

New York City to Cleveland is another one of the cheapest flights from NYC; it's a one-hour, fifty-three-minute flight, and major carriers like Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue cover the 404-mile distance between both cities 392 times each week. The city attracts so many visitors because it offers something for everyone.

There are many things to do in Cleveland , especially since it's home to singular cultural institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and popular sports teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Browns (NFL) and Cleveland Guardians (MLB). Spring and fall are the best times to visit, but the city is a fun place to be all year.

• Cheapest flight price : $112 round trip
• Duration : 1 hour 53 minutes
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 53 days before
• Best time to visit : April to May and September to October

Rochester, New York

Getting to rochester from new york city by flight can be as cheap as $108 round-trip, and new yorkers will love the many family-friendly attractions that are open year-round in the city..

Rochester, the Flower City, offers a range of family-friendly attractions that make it the perfect destination for travelers seeking affordable family vacation spots . The city is a one-hour, thirty-minute flight from New York City, with prices as low as $108 for a round-trip.

Tourists visiting the city can explore the Strong National Museum of Play with their kids. The city is also home to other museums and galleries, including the International Museum of Photography. The period between September to November is the best time for sightseeing in Rochester because the city just looks so much better in the fall.

• Cheapest flight price : $108 round-trip
• Duration : 1h 30min
• Cheapest month to fly : January
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 59 days before
• Best time to visit : September to November

Norfolk, Virginia

A cruise tour of the norfolk naval base or a visit to the norfolk botanical garden are just two of many attractions the city offers to new yorkers willing to take the relatively cheap $126 round-trip flight..

New York City to Norfolk is a one-hour, thirty-seven-minute flight, and carriers like Breeze Airways, American Airlines, and Delta fly the route up to 44 times each week. The main draw of the city is that it is home to Norfolk Naval Station, where visitors can tour the largest navy base on the planet , but the city also has other attractions like its beaches and world-class museums.

In addition to taking tours of the naval base, visitors can spend time at the beach, fish, or simply find a good spot to enjoy the views of Chesapeake Bay. Summer is the best time to visit Norfolk to enjoy the city's many great beaches.

• Cheapest flight price : $126 round-trip
• Duration : 1h 37 min
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 40 days before
• Best time to visit : June to August

Related: 10 Kid-Friendly Attractions In Rochester, New York For A Family Vacation

Savannah, Georgia

The cheapest flight available to savannah from new york city costs $98 for a round-trip, and it's worth it because of the city's beautiful historical architecture and the many music festivals it hosts throughout the year..

Savannah is a beautiful, historical city that appears frozen in time with a perfect blend of stunning 18th-century architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. Getting there from New York City takes a two-hour, twenty-six-minute flight with prices as low as $98 for a round-trip.

Tourists will enjoy exploring the city's historic landmarks and the nearby Tybee Island. The city also hosts several festivals dedicated to a range of pursuits that include jazz, folk music, books, and more. March to June is the best time to visit since that's when the festival season kicks into high gear.

• Duration : 2h 26 min
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 30 days before
• Best time to visit : March to June

Tourists visiting during summer should be aware that Savannah is one of the hottest cities in the United States, and temperatures can reach as high as 90 degrees in July and August.

Raleigh, North Carolina

Getting to raleigh from new york city can cost as low as $104 for a round-trip, and art-loving new yorkers are bound to fall in love with the city's many art galleries and museums..

New York City to Raleigh is a one-hour, fifty-five-minute flight, and major airlines like United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines cover the 425-mile distance between both cities 830 times each week. The city attracts millions of visitors because of its numerous art galleries, art museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the 10 universities and colleges located there.

The city's excellent weather in Spring makes that period the best time to visit. Tourists can explore the location's galleries and art museums in pleasant weather and partake in the wide range of outdoor activities available.

• Duration : 1h 55min
• Best time to visit : March to May

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The national aviary based in pittsburgh is enough of a reason to visit the city using flights as low as $57 for a round-trip..

Pittsburgh's got something for everyone, museums, parks, hills, beautiful rivers, sports teams, and a highly regarded Symphony Orchestra. The City of Bridges is a one-hour, forty-three-minute flight from New York City with prices as low as $57 for a round-trip.

The city's many attractions include The Andy Warhol Museum, The Three Rivers Heritage Trail System, Point State Park, The National Aviary, and its thriving craft beer scene. Fall is the best time to visit to be able to properly enjoy the many outdoor activities on offer.

• Cheapest flight price : $57 round-trip
• Duration : 1h 43 min
• Cheapest time to buy a flight : 45 days before

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The world’s best budget hotels that cost less than £100 per night

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We all want to travel in style, but most of us don’t have to stick to a budget when planning our holidays.

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to stay in luxurious lodgings. You just need to know where to look.

There are some hotels that offer no-frills accommodation at bargain prices , and it’s possible to get a discount on your room if you book outside of peak season or in less popular locations.

On average, though, you’re looking at £200 a night for four-star hotel in London or £350 if you opt for a five-star location in the capital, while a luxury room will set you back $318 (£255) in New York City or €221 (£190) in Paris.

However, a new guide from travel writer Kate Leahy reveals 30 hidden gem hotels from around the world priced at less than £100 per night. Easy on the eye as well as your bank balance, the boutique locations she recommends look anything but cheap.

These are our favourites on the list (which you can see in full over on the Daily Mail site), proving bougie doesn’t need to break the bank.

Mollie’s Motel, Bristol and Oxfordshire

Here in the UK, one of the best budget hotels is Mollie’s Motel in Bristol and Oxfordshire, which is soon to open a third location in Manchester.

You can expect Hypnos mattresses, Dyson hairdryers and Cowshed products, with rooms designed by the team from Soho House – all from £70 a night for a double room.

Babel Belleville, Paris

Kate says: ‘Babel’s rooms are small but perfectly formed: Berber-influenced with patinated walls, antique furnishings and feature bed heads. A glass elevator makes the four floors accessible, including the massage room, restaurant and cocktail bar.’

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It’s right in the heart of the action in the Belleville neighbourhood, between the 19th and 20th Arrondissements. Cafes, restaurants, bars and markets are all nearby, and rooms are priced from £98.

Hotel Not Hotel, Amsterdam

Rooms may be small at this boutique spot, but it’s super unique. You may just be placed in a room hidden behind a bookcase, and there’s a local tram cart in the lobby where you can get a drink.

Priced from £68 for a double, you can choose between a private or shared bathroom.

Hotel Galleria, Venice

There are only nine rooms at this Venice hotel, which is quintessentially Italian with art on the walls and ornate decor. Some even have a Juliet balcony looking out onto the Grand Canal.

Prices start from £86.

Boro Hotel, New York

Head to Queens and you can stay at Boro for £100 a night.

Its chic rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors and atmospheric pendant lighting, and Manhattan is within easy reach just over the East River.

Terminus Hotel, Pyrmont, Sydney

The Terminus Hotel Pyrmont offers nine boutique double rooms, two with private ensuite bathrooms and seven with shared bathroom access, priced from £92 per night.

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‘There’s a pretty courtyard deck and bar, as well as tables outside in what was previously the pub garden,’ says Kate in her guide.

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