Written by Lauren DeAlmeida• August 6, 2021• 7:28 am• City Guide, New York Neighborhood

A Brief Guide on Touring New York City

Methods of Transportation around New York City

New York City is a huge place and you’ll need to get around. The best way to do this is using the subway system, which can be intimidating at first but not too hard once you learn how it works. You can buy weekly or monthly unlimited ride Metro cards from stations in all five boroughs of New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island) but you can also buy single rides in most of the stations. Unlimited ride Metro cards are valid for two weeks or one month depending on which type is purchased. You may be able to use a bus too if there’s no subway station near your destination, but buses typically stop running earlier than trains.

If you’re staying in Manhattan, it’s a good idea to plan your time around the times when subway and bus services are available. The ‘A’ train will take you through all five boroughs but won’t run late at night on weekdays or over the weekends. Be sure to check schedules before getting onto any type of public transportation.

Where to eat in New York City

New York has some of the best food in the world. There are many different neighborhoods throughout New York City so there’s a lot to choose from depending on what you’re looking for (Italian, Chinese, Peruvian). One of the best places for a visitor to pop into is Chinatown for a taste of Chinese food.

Best time to visit New York City

There’s really no bad time (except in the winter) when visiting New York, but there are some best times that may work better depending on your interests. The summer months from June through September is prime tourist season so it will be busier than other times of the year. In October, New Yorkers are gearing up for Halloween and there’s an abundance of pumpkin patches to visit.

Where to stay in New York City

If you plan ahead and make reservations then finding lodging will be no problem. Reservations are a must during the summer months and around major holidays, but hotels in New York can always be found even on short notice as long as you know where to look. The cost of staying in Manhattan is higher than in other boroughs so keep that in mind when looking for lodging options close by if you’re planning your trip accordingly.

Where to shop in New York City

If you want to shop ’til you drop, head on over to Times Square in Manhattan. There are countless stores that will have anything and everything you could ever need or want. If there’s something specific then it may be best to do a little research beforehand because some shops carry only one type of product – for example: if all your friends are into sneakers then you’ll want to go to a sneaker store.

Where to go clubbing in New York City

New York City has some of the best nightlife imaginable. There are a lot of different types of clubs and bars to choose from, but be aware that if you’re under 21 then most establishments will only let you in with an adult who is over 25. The best club in NYC is the Electric Room, which is the perfect place to go for a wild night.

Where to go see live music

There’s no shortage of live music in New York City. There are many venues but the most popular is Madison Square Garden, which features concerts and sporting events all year round.

Where to relax in New York City

One of the best ways to relax is in a bath house. You can take hot baths, have a massage or enjoy traditional Japanese-style bathing with all sorts of treatments including scrubbing and soaking in natural mineral waters. The best spa in NYC is the Mandarin Oriental as it’s a luxury resort-like experience.

What to do in New York City

There are so many great things to do when visiting NYC that you may not know where to start! Visitors can choose from the top of the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center for views, or wander through Central Park and enjoy some peace and quiet. There are also museums, theaters, and more to explore throughout the city that will keep you busy for weeks at a time.

What not to do in New York City

Like any other major metropolitan area, there can be some crime so it’s best not to wander around after dark or go into bad neighborhoods by yourself. Visitors should always use caution when walking or taking public transportation because there’s always the chance that something could happen.