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Complete New York City Travel Guide 2026

The city that never sleeps: skyscrapers, culture, and endless energy

The city that never sleeps, home to the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park, and world-class dining.

New York City is the most iconic city on Earth. From Manhattan's towering skyscrapers to Brooklyn's multicultural neighborhoods, every corner offers something new. You've seen it a thousand times in movies and TV shows, but nothing prepares you for the real thing.

With over 80 neighborhoods, 800 languages spoken, and an inexhaustible cultural scene, NYC is a universe unto itself. Wall Street coexists with Bronx street art, Michelin-starred restaurants with $1 pizza slices, Central Park with the chaos of Times Square.

This guide covers everything you need to make the most of your trip: must-see attractions, day-by-day itineraries, where to eat like a local, and tips to save money in one of the world's most expensive cities.

What to see and do

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1.Statue of Liberty

Must See

The universal symbol of freedom and America's most recognizable landmark. A gift from France in 1886, Lady Liberty stands 93 meters tall on Liberty Island. The views from the crown are breathtaking.

Pedestal: $24.50, Crown: $24.50 (separate reservation)9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (last ferry)3-4h (including ferry + Ellis Island)Liberty Island, New York Harbor
Book crown tickets months in advance (they sell out fast). If unavailable, the pedestal still offers great views. The ferry includes a stop at Ellis Island — don't skip it.
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2.Central Park

Must See

Manhattan's green lung: 843 acres of lakes, gardens, trails, and meadows in the heart of the city. An oasis of peace surrounded by skyscrapers that defines New York's skyline.

Free6:00 AM - 1:00 AM2-4h59th to 110th St, Manhattan
Rent a bike to cover more ground ($15-20/hour). Don't miss Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, The Mall, and Strawberry Fields. In winter, ice skating at Wollman Rink is magical.
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3.Empire State Building

Must See

The world's most famous Art Deco skyscraper. At 443 meters, it was the tallest building for 40 years. The 86th floor observatory offers 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city.

86th floor: $44, 86th + 102nd: $7910:00 AM - midnight1-2h20 W 34th St, Manhattan
Go at sunset to see the city in daylight and at night. Buy the Express Pass ($65) to skip 1-2 hour lines. Weekdays are less crowded.
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4.Times Square

Must See

The world's most famous intersection. Giant neon billboards, bustling crowds, Broadway theaters, and an electric energy you won't find anywhere else. The epicenter of New York entertainment.

Free24/730min-1hBroadway & 7th Ave, 42nd-47th St
Visit at night for maximum visual impact. Don't eat at the chain restaurants here (touristy and overpriced). Use Times Square as a reference point but explore side streets for real food.
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5.Brooklyn Bridge

Must See

Opened in 1883, this Gothic-style suspension bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walking across is one of New York's most iconic experiences, with spectacular skyline views.

Free24/730-45minBrooklyn Bridge, New York
Walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan for the skyline right in front of you. Go early morning (before 8 AM) or at sunset. Avoid midday when it's packed.
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6.The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Must See

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums with over 2 million works. From the Egyptian Temple of Dendur to Vermeer and Van Gogh. Impossible to see everything in one day.

$30 adults10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Fri-Sat until 9:00 PM)3-4h1000 5th Ave, Manhattan
Admission is 'suggested' for NY residents only — everyone else pays full price. Start with the galleries you care about most. The rooftop terrace (summer) has incredible Central Park views.
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7.MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

Must See

The temple of modern and contemporary art. Home to Van Gogh's Starry Night, Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans, and much more. A must for art lovers.

$25 adults10:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Sat until 7:00 PM)2-3h11 W 53rd St, Manhattan
Free on Fridays from 4:00-8:00 PM (arrive early, there's a line). Start on the 5th floor (the highlights) and work your way down.
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8.Top of the Rock

Must See

The Rockefeller Center observatory offers arguably the best views in NYC because the Empire State Building is in the panorama. Three levels of open-air terraces on the 70th floor.

$43 adults9:00 AM - midnight1-1.5h30 Rockefeller Plaza
Many prefer Top of the Rock over the Empire State precisely because you can see the Empire State from here. Book for sunset. At Christmas, the famous tree is right below.
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9.9/11 Memorial & Museum

Must See

A powerful tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Two reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers. The underground museum is an intense, deeply moving experience.

Memorial: free. Museum: $33Memorial: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Museum: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM2-3h180 Greenwich St, Manhattan
The outdoor memorial is free and always worth visiting. The museum needs at least 2 hours. Free on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM (reserve online).
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10.The High Line

Must See

An elevated park built on abandoned railway tracks on Manhattan's West Side. 1.45 miles of walkway with gardens, public art, and unique city views from above street level.

Free7:00 AM - 10:00 PM1-1.5hGansevoort St to 34th St, West Side
Enter at 14th St or Gansevoort St. Combine with Chelsea Market (right below) and the Meatpacking District. The Vessel and Hudson Yards are at the northern end.
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11.DUMBO, Brooklyn

Must See

Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. This Brooklyn neighborhood has the most photographed views in NYC: the Manhattan Bridge framed between brick buildings. Galleries, artisan cafes, and a hipster vibe.

Free24/72-3hDUMBO, Brooklyn
The classic photo is from Washington St looking at the Manhattan Bridge. Combine with walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Jane's Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park are here.
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12.Broadway Show

Must See

The world's most famous theater district with over 40 theaters. From classics like The Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King to new hits. An essential New York experience.

$80-300 depending on the showShows: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM depending on day2.5-3hTheater District, 41st-53rd St
For cheap tickets: TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day tickets at 20-50% off. The TodayTix app also has deals. Wednesday matinees are usually cheapest.
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13.Grand Central Terminal

Much more than a train station. Grand Central is a Beaux-Arts architectural gem with its famous celestial ceiling, the opal clock at the entrance, and a constant energy of commuters and travelers.

Free5:15 AM - 2:00 AM30min-1h89 E 42nd St, Manhattan
Find the 'whispering gallery' near the Oyster Bar: whisper into one corner and your friend will hear you in the opposite corner. The food court is excellent.
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14.One World Observatory

The highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere on the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center (541m). 360-degree views spanning Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and beyond.

$43 adults10:00 AM - 8:00 PM1-1.5h285 Fulton St, Manhattan
Less crowded than the Empire State or Top of the Rock. The SkyPod elevator rises 102 floors in 47 seconds with a projection of NYC's history on the walls. Combine with the 9/11 Memorial.
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15.Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The building itself is a masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright: a white spiral that breaks with everything around it. Inside, modern art collections featuring Kandinsky, Picasso, Mondrian, and rotating exhibitions.

$28 adults11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Sat until 8:00 PM)1.5-2h1071 5th Ave, Upper East Side
Take the elevator up and walk down the spiral ramp. Saturdays from 5:00-8:00 PM are 'pay what you wish'. The exterior is as photogenic as the interior.
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16.Wall Street & the Charging Bull

The financial heart of the world. The New York Stock Exchange, the Federal Reserve building, and the famous Charging Bull are icons of global capitalism and American ambition.

Free24/7 (exteriors)1hWall St & Broad St, Financial District
The Bull is actually at Bowling Green, not on Wall Street itself. Arrive early for a photo without crowds. Federal Hall (where Washington was inaugurated) is free.
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17.SoHo

South of Houston Street. Manhattan's chicest neighborhood with cast-iron buildings, designer boutiques, art galleries, and Instagram-worthy cafes. The mecca of luxury shopping and street style.

Free (walking)Shops: ~10:00 AM - 8:00 PM2-3hSoHo, Manhattan
Walk along Greene St, Mercer St, and Prince St for the best cast-iron architecture. Vintage shops are in Nolita (right next door). Sunday mornings are quieter.
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18.Fifth Avenue

The world's most famous shopping avenue. From Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany's to the Apple Store and St. Patrick's Cathedral. A walk that sums up the luxury and ambition of New York.

Free (walking)Shops: ~10:00 AM - 9:00 PM1-2h5th Avenue, 42nd-59th St
The most iconic stretch runs from 42nd to 59th Street. Christmas decorations are spectacular. The LEGO Store and Nintendo Store are free and fun.
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19.Chelsea Market

A food market in a former Oreo cookie factory. Dozens of stalls with food from around the world: tacos, sushi, lobster, gelato, wine. Manhattan's foodie paradise.

$10-25 per meal7:00 AM - 9:00 PM1-1.5h75 9th Ave, Chelsea
Go at lunchtime and sample several stalls. Lobster Place for seafood, Takumi Taco for Japanese-Mexican fusion, Li-Lac Chocolates for souvenirs. It's right below the High Line.
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20.Chinatown & Little Italy

Two worlds in a few blocks. Chinatown is the largest in the Western Hemisphere with authentic dim sum and street markets. Little Italy has shrunk to Mulberry Street but retains its charm.

$8-15 for a meal in ChinatownRestaurants: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM2hCanal St area, Lower Manhattan
Eat in Chinatown (more authentic and cheaper) and grab a cannoli in Little Italy. Joe's Shanghai for soup dumplings. On Mulberry St, Di Palo's for Italian cheeses. Avoid restaurants with aggressive 'door hosts'.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Classic Manhattan: Midtown & Times Square

Your first day in New York should start with the most iconic sights of Midtown. Prepare your legs — you'll walk a lot.

09:00Grand Central Terminal30min
09:30Fifth Avenue (shopping & strolling)1.5h
11:00Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center)1.5h
12:30Times Square30min
13:00Lunch in Hell's Kitchen1h
14:30The High Line1.5h
16:00Chelsea Market1h
19:00Broadway show2.5h
Tips
  • • Get an unlimited weekly MetroCard ($34) if staying 4+ days
  • • Wear comfortable shoes — you'll walk 10-12 miles daily
2

Downtown: Statue of Liberty, Wall Street & Brooklyn

Dedicated to Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Early morning for the Statue of Liberty, afternoon in DUMBO.

08:30Ferry to Statue of Liberty3h
12:00Wall Street & Charging Bull45min
12:45Lunch on Stone Street1h
14:009/11 Memorial & Museum2h
16:30One World Observatory1h
17:30Walk across Brooklyn Bridge45min
18:30DUMBO & dinner in Brooklyn2h
Tips
  • • Book the Liberty Island ferry in advance
  • • If you don't want to pay, the Staten Island Ferry is free and passes close to the Statue
3

Culture: Museums & Central Park

A day for the great museums and the world's most famous park. Slower pace today.

10:00The Metropolitan Museum of Art3h
13:00Central Park (Bethesda, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields)2.5h
15:30Guggenheim Museum1.5h
17:00Upper West Side stroll1h
19:00Dinner near Columbus Circle or Lincoln Center1.5h
Tips
  • • The Met is enormous — decide which sections interest you before going
  • • Rent a bike in Central Park to cover more ground
4

Art & Neighborhoods: SoHo, Chinatown & Lower East Side

Explore Manhattan's most authentic neighborhoods. Fewer tourists, more local life.

10:30MoMA2h
13:00SoHo (strolling & shopping)1.5h
14:30Chinatown (lunch & exploring)1.5h
16:00Little Italy (cannoli at Ferrara Bakery)30min
16:30Lower East Side (street art, bars)1.5h
18:30Dinner in East Village1.5h
21:00Empire State Building at night1.5h
Tips
  • • The Empire State at night is magical — the city lights are spectacular
  • • In Chinatown, order dim sum for a cheap and delicious meal
5

Brooklyn & Farewell

Last day to explore Brooklyn in depth and say goodbye to the city.

10:00Williamsburg (brunch, vintage shops)2.5h
12:30Brooklyn Flea or Smorgasburg (weekends)1.5h
14:00Prospect Park1.5h
15:30Brooklyn Museum or Brooklyn Botanic Garden1.5h
17:30Sunset at Brooklyn Heights Promenade30min
18:30Farewell dinner in Brooklyn2h
Tips
  • • Williamsburg is the hipster epicenter: specialty coffee, vintage clothing, and murals
  • • Smorgasburg (Saturdays) is NYC's largest outdoor food market

Gastronomy

New York is the food capital of the world. With restaurants representing 190+ nationalities, you can eat food from any country on the planet without leaving the city. From $1 pizza slices to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy.

🍽️ New York-style pizza

NYC pizza is defined by its oversized slices, thin and foldable crust, crispy bottom, generous melted cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce. Folding it in half is the proper technique.

Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village) — the classic. Di Fara Pizza (Brooklyn) for purists. Prince Street Pizza for the pepperoni square.

🍽️ Bagel with cream cheese

The quintessential NYC breakfast. Dense, chewy, and slightly sweet. The secret is New York's water and wood-fired ovens. With lox (smoked salmon) it's perfection.

Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side) — since 1914. Ess-a-Bagel for the classic. Murray's Bagels in Greenwich Village.

🍽️ Pastrami sandwich

Mountains of cured, smoked, hand-sliced pastrami between two slices of rye bread with mustard. A Jewish-American deli classic that has become a New York City icon.

Katz's Delicatessen (Lower East Side) — open since 1888. The setting of 'When Harry Met Sally'. Order at the counter.

🍽️ New York cheesecake

NYC-style cheesecake is dense, creamy, and smooth with a graham cracker crust. Nothing like light or airy versions — here, cream cheese is the absolute star.

Junior's (Brooklyn/Times Square) — the classic. Eileen's Special Cheesecake (SoHo) for individual portions. Two Little Red Hens (Upper East Side).

🍽️ Hot dog

America's most iconic street food. A beef frankfurter in a soft bun with yellow mustard, sauerkraut, or caramelized onions. Carts on every corner, but quality varies.

Nathan's Famous (Coney Island) — the original since 1916. Gray's Papaya (Upper West Side) for the classic 2-for-1. Crif Dogs for gourmet versions.

🍽️ Chopped cheese

Born in Harlem bodegas and now a cult classic: ground beef with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup on a hero roll. New York's answer to the Philly cheesesteak.

Any bodega in Harlem or the Bronx. Blue Sky Deli (E 110th St) is considered the original.

🍽️ Dim sum in Chinatown

Chinatown has the best dim sum outside of Asia. Steamer baskets filled with dumplings, bao buns, sticky rice, and more. The perfect way to eat varied food on a budget.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Doyers St) — Chinatown's oldest (1920). Jing Fong for the classic cart-service format.

🍽️ Halal cart chicken & rice

Halal carts are ubiquitous in Manhattan. Grilled chicken or lamb over rice with white yogurt sauce and red hot sauce. Quality fast food for under $10.

The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th Ave) — the original and the best. Always a line but it moves fast.

🍽️ Dollar slice

Though now $1.50-2, 'dollar slice' pizza shops are a New York institution. Basic but perfect for a quick, cheap bite at any hour of the day or night.

2 Bros Pizza (multiple Manhattan locations). Percy's Pizza (Bleecker St).

🍽️ Cronut

The croissant-donut hybrid invented in 2013 by Dominique Ansel has become a modern pastry legend. Crispy, flaky, and filled with a flavor that changes monthly.

Dominique Ansel Bakery (SoHo) — the original. Still a line but no longer a 2-hour wait.

🍴 Recommended Restaurants

Joe's PizzaClassic New York pizzeria
$3-5 per slice

Slice counter only, no tables. Eat standing on the sidewalk like a true New Yorker. The plain cheese slice is the ultimate test.

Katz's DelicatessenHistoric Jewish deli
$20-30

Don't lose the ticket they give you at the door — you need it to pay. The pastrami on rye is mandatory. Share — portions are enormous.

Los Tacos No. 1Mexican taqueria
$5-12

In Chelsea Market and Times Square. The adobada and nopal tacos are addictive. Fast-moving line.

Peter Luger Steak HouseLegendary steakhouse
$80-150 per person

In Williamsburg, Brooklyn since 1887. Cash only. Reserve weeks ahead. The porterhouse for two is legendary.

Xi'an Famous FoodsHand-pulled Chinese noodles
$8-15

Multiple locations. The spicy lamb hand-pulled noodles are a revelation. Fast, cheap, and incredible.

The Halal GuysHalal street food
$8-12

The original cart at 53rd & 6th Ave. Order the combo platter with chicken and lamb. Go easy on the red sauce — it's very spicy.

Russ & Daughters CafeJewish deli (brunch/breakfast)
$15-30

The cafe (not the shop) has seating. The eggs benedict with smoked salmon are a work of art. Reserve for weekend brunch.

Di Fara PizzaArtisan historic pizzeria
$5-8 per slice

In Midwood, Brooklyn. Many consider it NYC's best pizza. Dom DeMarco makes each one by hand. Patience required — there's a line.

Neighborhoods & Areas

Midtown Manhattan

touristy

The tourist heart of NYC with the most famous skyscrapers, Times Square, Broadway, and Fifth Avenue's flagship stores. Loud, chaotic, and absolutely electrifying.

Ideal for: first visit, Broadway shows, shopping, skyscrapers

Times SquareEmpire State BuildingRockefeller CenterGrand Central TerminalBryant Park

SoHo & Greenwich Village

bohemian

SoHo has the best cast-iron architecture, designer boutiques, and galleries. Greenwich Village (the Village) is New York's bohemian soul: Washington Square Park, jazz clubs, and historic cafes.

Ideal for: shopping, art, cafes, nightlife, live music

Washington Square ParkBleecker StreetCast-iron architecture on Greene StComedy Cellar

Brooklyn (Williamsburg & DUMBO)

hipster

Williamsburg is the epicenter of hipster culture: craft breweries, murals, flea markets, and brunch. DUMBO has the most photographed skyline views and a more family-friendly vibe.

Ideal for: food, street art, local vibe, skyline views

DUMBO waterfrontSmorgasburgBrooklyn BreweryBedford AvenueDomino Park

Upper West Side

residential

An elegant residential neighborhood next to Central Park. Home to the Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, and tree-lined streets with brownstones. Quieter and more 'real' than Midtown.

Ideal for: families, Central Park, museums, residential charm

American Museum of Natural HistoryLincoln CenterRiverside ParkZabar's

Lower East Side & East Village

alternative

The Lower East Side was the immigrant district and today is a mix of history, street art, cocktail bars, and trendy restaurants. The East Village is more alternative and punk, with the best underground nightlife.

Ideal for: nightlife, cheap eats, street art, alternative culture

Tenement MuseumKatz's DeliSt. Marks PlaceTompkins Square Park

Harlem

cultural

The heart of African-American culture in New York. Sunday gospel in churches, the Apollo Theater, incredible soul food, and a rich history. An authentic neighborhood experiencing a renaissance.

Ideal for: culture, music, gospel, soul food

Apollo TheaterSylvia's RestaurantAbyssinian Baptist Church (gospel)Malcolm X Boulevard

Getting Around

JFK (John F. Kennedy)

TransportDurationPrice
AirTrain + Subway
The cheapest option. AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then E/J/Z subway to Manhattan.
60-75 min$10.75 (AirTrain $8.25 + subway $2.90)
Taxi (flat rate)
Flat rate to Manhattan. Only official yellow cabs. Tolls and tip extra.
45-75 min$70 + tolls + tip (~$85-95 total)
NYC Airporter Bus
Direct bus to Grand Central, Port Authority, or Penn Station. Convenient with luggage.
60-90 min$19

Newark (EWR)

TransportDurationPrice
AirTrain + NJ Transit
AirTrain to Newark Liberty Station, then NJ Transit to Penn Station Manhattan.
45-60 min$15.25 (AirTrain $8.25 + train ~$7)
Taxi/Uber
No flat rate like JFK. Ask for an estimate before getting in. Tunnel toll ~$16.
40-60 min$80-120 + tolls
Newark Airport Express Bus
Direct bus to Port Authority, Bryant Park, or Grand Central.
45-60 min$18.70

Public Transport

The NYC subway runs 24/7 with 472 stations and 27 lines. It's the fastest and most efficient way to get around. Buses are useful for crosstown (east-west) routes.

  • Get an unlimited weekly MetroCard ($34) if staying 4+ days — it pays for itself quickly
  • The subway runs 24/7 but late night (midnight-6 AM) frequency drops. Uber/Lyft are better options at night
  • Use Google Maps for routes — the subway can be confusing with express vs. local trains
  • Download the MTA Subway Time app for real-time arrival info
  • Avoid rush hour (8:00-9:30 AM and 5:00-6:30 PM) if you can
Manhattan is very walkable and the grid system makes navigation easy. One north-south block = 260ft, one east-west block = 820ft. You'll walk 10-12 miles daily without realizing it.

Practical Tips

  • The best time to visit is April-June and September-November. July-August is hot and humid (95°F+). January-February is freezing (25°F) but has fewer tourists and lower prices.
  • Tipping is mandatory in restaurants (18-20%), bars ($1-2 per drink), and taxis (15-20%). Not tipping is considered very rude.
  • NYC is generally safe, even at night in most tourist areas. Use common sense: don't flash valuables on the subway, avoid parks at night.
  • Tap water is excellent and free. Every restaurant serves it for free. Carry a reusable bottle.
  • Download these apps: Google Maps (subway + walking), Uber/Lyft (rides), Resy/OpenTable (restaurants), TKTS (Broadway discounts).
  • Museums are expensive but many have free hours: MoMA (Friday evenings), Met (NY residents), 9/11 Museum (Tuesday evenings), Guggenheim (Saturday evenings).
  • You don't need a car — it would actually be a hassle. The subway + your feet are enough for everything.
  • Buy the CityPASS ($146) or New York Pass if you plan to visit 4+ attractions — you'll save up to 40%.
  • For free WiFi, look for LinkNYC kiosks on sidewalks — they have fast WiFi and USB chargers.
  • Supermarkets and bodegas (corner stores) are your best allies for cheap breakfasts and snacks. Coffee and a bagel from a bodega costs $3-5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Daily budget

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Budget

90€

/day

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Mid-range

150€

/day

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Luxury

270€

/day

Weather

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