To know "The City" like a local might still be the greatest badge of honor for travelers. But take a breath: you won't be able to cover the countless museums, galleries, restaurants, watering holes—and, yes, $1 pizza slices—all in one visit, but that's the good news. Now that the outer boroughs draw as much attention as Manhattan, it makes repeated trips not only possible, but essential.
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New York City Travel Guide
Plan Your New York City Trip
Here's How to Spend Christmas in New York City
Our editors' favorite holiday activities in the city they call home.
By Charlie Hobbs
The 7 Best Bars for Live Music in Brooklyn
Where to experience the borough's diverse, energetic, and sponetaneous music scene—any night of the week.
By Francesca Carington
Featured
New York City's Best Wine Bars Are on the Lower East Side
From Parisian-inspired wine bars to Mediterranean restaurants with considered bottle lists, the neighborhood rivals Paris's 11th arrondissement.
By Kyle Beechey
The 28 Best Restaurants in New York City
The best tables in the city prove that if you can make it here (as a restaurant), you can make it anywhere.
By Devra Ferst and Emily Saladino
On Location: How ‘Bros’ Captured the Gay Scenes of NYC and Provincetown
Lifting the curtain on the destinations behind the season’s most exciting new releases.
By Charlie Hobbs
34 Best Hotels in New York City
With everything from NoMad hotspots to Brooklyn breakouts, this city is the ultimate hotel town.
By John Wogan, Sandra Ramani, and Nicole Schnitzler
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- The Manner$$$ | United States, New York City, 58 Thompson StStep into New York’s coolest new hotel.Read full reviewPowered By: Expedia
- Mandarin Oriental, New York$$$ | United States, New York, 80 Columbus CircleOne of New York City’s quintessential five-star hotel experiences, just off Columbus Circle.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad$$$ | United States, New York, 25 W 28th StOne of the most serene (and coolest) escapes in Manhattan.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Hot List
Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel: First In$$ | United States, New York, 20 E 76th StUpper East Side quiet luxury at its finestRead full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Hotel Chelsea$$ | United States, New York, 222 W 23rd StHotel Chelsea may not be filled with famous musicians anymore, but the rock-and-roll vibe remains.Read full review
Hot List
Powered By: Expedia - Trump International Hotel & Tower New York$$$ | United States, New York, 1 Central Park WestAcross from Central Park on Columbus Circle, this 52-story hotel is a great home base for sight-seeing.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park$$$ | United States, New York, 50 Central Park SouthThis is how you make old New York 21st century compatibleRead full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Knickerbocker$$$ | United States, New York City, 6 Times SqStay in a renovated piece of hotel history in this national historic landmark Beaux Arts building near Times Square.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Lowell$$$ | United States, New York, 28 East 63rd StreetFlawless boutique option on the Upper East Side.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC$$ | United States, New York, 18 9th Ave.Swanky, and a short stroll from Chelsea, the West Village, and the Meatpacking District.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Plaza$$$ | United States, New York, 768 Fifth Ave.This stately grand dame on Central Park South is as New York as it gets.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown$$$ | United States, New York, 27 Barclay St.Yabu Pushelberg designed the rooms in this downtown outpost from the luxury brand.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - Thompson Central Park New York$$$ | USA, New York, 119 W 56th StA fabulous location with spacious rooms, Billionaire’s Row views, and destination-worthy dining to boot.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Expedia - The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel$$$ | United States, New York City, 35 E 76th StThe Carlyle is an Upper East Side institution that feels like its own world.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
Powered By: Expedia - Westin New York Grand Central$$ | United States, New York, 212 E 42nd StYes, it is possible to wake up to the Chrysler Building right outside your window.Read full review
Readers Choice Awards
Powered By: Marriott
The Best Things to Do in New York City
- 27 Best Things to Do in New YorkIn the city you could inhabit for a lifetime and never run out of things to do, here's where to start.By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg, Alex Erdekian, and Charlie Hobbs
- 23 Best Museums in New York CityThe city's museum scene can be a dizzying one—but our list has you covered.By Charlie Hobbs and Andrea Whittle
- 7 Easy Weekend Trips from NYCLeaving New York now and then is undeniably necessary—here are eight nearby locations worth experiencing.By Alex Erdekian
- 15 Best Things to Do With Kids in New York CityA family trip can include famous landmarks and museums, but also range across the city to new playgrounds and public parks along the waterfront and surprising green spaces that will delight visitors.By Sunshine Flint
- Where to Go Shopping in NYC: Our 20 PicksDiscover an array of stores that have a distinctively New York identity, where you’ll find exciting clothes, gifts, and decor by independent designers (plus a few wild cards, like an old school Upper East Side pharmacy and a beloved Tribeca party store).By Andrea Whittle
- 17 Airbnbs Within 3 Hours of New York CityThese roomy rentals are ready and waiting for your next long weekend getaway.By Madison Flager and Alex Erdekian
- 5 Best Day Trips from New York CityWhere to go when you need a break from the city that never sleeps.By Alex Van Buren, Andrea Whittle, and Devra Ferst
Editor Recommendations
- IFC CenterUnited States, New York, 323 6th Ave
- Quad CinemaUnited States, New York, 34 W 13th StA consummate experience in the no man's land of Union Square.Read full review
- Anthology Film ArchivesUnited States, New York, 32 2nd AveA red brick monument to the avant-gardeRead full review
- AMC Lincoln Square 13United States, New York, 1998 BroadwayFor the big blockbusters and infamous popcorn bucketsRead full review
- The Paris TheaterNew York, New York, 4 W 58th StThe archetype of a New York City arthouse theaterRead full review
- Marsha P. Johnson State ParkUnited States, New York, 90 Kent AveOddly enough, this waterfront park doesn't allow dogs despite Johnson herself being a dog lover.Read full review
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community CenterUnited States, New York, 208 W 13th StA safe, public gathering space to engage with likeminded people and learn about LGBTQ+ history.Read full review
- James Beard HouseUnited States, New York, 167 W 12th StThe American culinary leader now known for the eponymous awards lived in this multilevel townhouse from 1973 until his deathRead full review
- HarlemUnited States, New York, HarlemThe uptown Manhattan neighborhood was a hub of queer activity during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.Read full review
- Alice Austen HouseUnited States, New York, 2 Hylan BlvdThe Staten Island property that photographer Alice Austen shared with her partner Gertrude Tate.Read full review
- Industry CityUnited States, New York, 220 36th StTrue one-stop shopping for lovers of artisan production.Read full review
- Film ForumUnited States, New York, 209 W Houston StEverything on the marquee is worth a few hours of your time.Read full review
- Russian Turkish BathsUnited States, New York, 268 E 10th StA no-frills den of functionality beneath the East Village.Read full review
- Jewish Brooklyn: Tours of Hasidic BrooklynUnited States, New York,Pockets of Brooklyn often left off the Big Apple itinerary are worth a visit.Read full review
10 Best Rooftop Bars in New York City
Where the city looks its most beautiful, enjoyed with the perfect drink in hand.
By Abbe Baker and Carey Jones
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in New York City
- 28 Best Restaurants in New York CityThe best tables in the city prove that if you can make it here (as a restaurant), you can make it anywhere.By Devra Ferst and Emily Saladino
- 15 Best Bars in New York CityAbove all else, New York is a drinking town. Here's where locals go for a tipple.By Emily Saladino and Devra Ferst
- 21 Best Italian Restaurants in New YorkOutside of Italy, where is there a better Italian food scene?By Andrea Whittle
- 22 Best Places for Pizza in New York CityIt's hard to find a bad slice in this town, but these spots do it best—from Sicilian to Detroit-style.By Andrea Whittle and Jessica Kelly
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Mitsuru$$$ | United States, New York, 149 West 4th Street #2With a great eight-seat omakase counter, though the intimate 30-seat dining room will more than suffice.
- Lucky's$$$ | United States, New York, 224 Lafayette StFor a steakhouse that's inclusive of non-meat eaters.
- American Cut$$$ | United States, New York, 363 Greenwich StThe usual cuts in a hip, laidback atmosphere.
- Wolfgang's Steakhouse$$$ | United States, New York, 4 Park Ave
- Delice & Sarrasin$$ | United States, New York, 178 W Houston StPlant-based French dining full of foie gras, escargot, and boeuf bourguignon
- Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant$ | United States, New York, 5 Mott StVegan dim sum that nails the classics
- Urban Dessert Lab$ | United States, New York, 95 Orchard St
- Willow$$ | United States, New York, 199 8th Ave
- Anixi$$$ | United States, New York, 290 8th AveA recently-opened Mediterranean spot in Chelsea that has all the good bones of a neighborhood staple
- Third Kingdom$$ | United States, New York, 21 E 7th StA mushroom-forward restaurant where you'll want to save room for the lava cake
- Spicy Moon$$ | United States, New York, 328 E 6th StPalate-numbing, soul-warming Sichuan food that's also completely vegan
The Best Museum Shops in New York City
Our favorite spots for artsy and historic gifts and souvenirs.
By Andrea Whittle
More from New York
News & Advice
The Best Art Exhibits to See in New York City This February
From snubbed Oscar-nominated films to two centuries' worth of women's clothing and lots of photography, there's plenty to keep your indoors this winter.
By Charlie Hobbs
Wellness & Spas
The Best Winter Spas in NYC for Saunas, Heated Outdoor Pools, and More
Escape the city's harsh winter cold at these spas, saunas, and wellness spaces.
By Jessica Chapel
Couples Travel
Where to Go for a Romantic Getaway in New York
Cozy upstate cabins, swanky hotels, and laid-back retreats await.
By Jessica Chapel
Style & Culture
Where to Shop, Sip, and Get Inspired in New York City, According to a Creative Director at Tiffany & Co.
The eternally stylish Lauren Santo Domingo, creative director of the home collection for Tiffany & Co. on the best of NYC.
By Charlotte Davey
Style & Culture
Recreating Bob Dylan’s New York City for A Complete Unknown
Director James Mangold, actor Monica Barbaro, and production designer Francois Adoury on bringing 1960s Greenwich Village back to life—and transforming Cape May into Newport.
By Charlie Hobbs
Destinations
The Best Burgers in NYC
Whether you want a smash burger or something thicker and more traditional, these are our favorites.
By Charlie Hobbs
Destinations
The Best Jewish Food in NYC, According to a Jewish New Yorker
Iconic pastrami, a bagel-and-lox shop with history, and challah french toast served diner-style.
By Emily Adler
Destinations
Where to Eat Sushi in New York City
If you're looking for the best sushi, NYC has it and then some.
By Charlie Hobbs and CNT Editors
Destinations
Our 7 Favorite Steakhouses in NYC
There's a best steakhouse in NYC for everyone, from the classics to the cutting edge.
By Charlie Hobbs
Places to Stay
The 14 Best Vegan Restaurants in New York City
Eat our vegetables? Yes, please.
By Kat Chen
Destinations
The Best Free Things to Do in New York City
The Big Apple's got a free-of-charge activity for every type of traveler out there, from strolls through sculpture gardens to scenic ferry rides.
By Vicki Denig and Kat Chen
Destinations
16 Romantic Restaurants in New York City For Your Next Date
Whether it's the first, last, or somewhere in between, these spots will set the right mood.
By Jessica Chapel
Destinations
The 12 Best Movie Theaters in New York City
Los Angeles makes the movies, but New York is the best place to watch them.
By Charlie Hobbs and Kat Chen
News & Advice
Where to Watch the Ball Drop in NYC for New Year's Eve 2025
From private penthouses to Applebee’s (seriously).
By Todd Plummer and Kat Chen
Destinations
6 NYC Christmas Markets Worth a Holiday Visit
For the ineffable magic of New York at Christmastime, head to these holiday markets, hot chocolate in hand.
By Juliet Izon
More Destinations
- New York State Travel GuideAll of our best hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations in one place.
- Phoenix Travel GuideAbundant sunshine, potent summer monsoon storms, and the Suessian cactuses and ancient petroglyphs of the Sonoran Desert.
- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Chicago Travel GuideSecond City? Not by our count.
- Charleston Travel GuideWhere Lowcountry meets high charm
- Key West Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
- San Francisco Travel GuideDon't forget to pack an extra layer
- Dallas Travel GuideHard to crack. Easy to love.
- Washington, D.C. Travel GuideIt all starts at the Capitol.
- Seattle Travel GuideOysters and craft beer so good you won’t notice it’s drizzling
- Savannah Travel GuideFamous for its ghosts, but plenty full of life
- Portland, Oregon Travel GuideBeverly Cleary, Matt Groening, and James Beard are all from here. Enough said.