Central Park
Plan a short loop around Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge or choose a longer route through the park.
- National Historic Landmark
New York City Travel Guide
Spend a first day outdoors with a walk through Central Park and a crossing between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Before you go
When to go and how long to stay
Allow four to six days. Group stops by neighborhood, and keep a separate half-day for a Brooklyn waterfront walk instead of crossing the city between every stop.
Entry documents
Check whether you need a visitor visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program with approved ESTA. Check transit requirements too if you connect through a U.S. airport. Save your first stay’s address, return or onward itinerary and confirmation of your authorization.
Getting to the city
From JFK, take AirTrain to Jamaica for the LIRR or the subway. From Newark (EWR), take AirTrain to the airport rail station and connect to NJ Transit. From LaGuardia (LGA), the Q70 bus serves Terminals B and C and connects to subway and rail stations.
New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station are different. For intercity rail, check whether you use Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn. Allow time for the final hotel transfer.
Getting around
The subway is usually the best way between neighborhoods. Check uptown or downtown direction and weekend service changes. Use the same card or device for eligible OMNY fare benefits.
Payments and mobile data
Bring a U.S. dollar payment card setup and a backup card or cash. Check whether a quoted price includes tax, and whether a restaurant bill already includes gratuity. Download your local transit map and airport pickup details before flying.
Where to stay
Look near a subway station. Midtown works for a packed first trip, the Upper West Side for park and museum visits, and Downtown Brooklyn for easy access to both boroughs.
Things to do in New York City
Brooklyn Bridge
Cross the East River on the pedestrian path and allow time for waterfront views from Brooklyn.
- National Historic Landmark
What to eat in New York City
New York pizza slice
A thin slice with a pliable crust. Order by the slice and fold it lengthwise if you’re eating on the go.
Photo: Hungry Dudes · CC BY 2.0 ↗A day in New York City
Walk in Central Park in the morning, grab a slice for lunch, then cross the Brooklyn Bridge in the afternoon.