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Complete New York Travel Guide: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Practical Tips

Everything you need to visit New York. Manhattan and Brooklyn highlights, transport, where to eat and tips for saving money in the Big Apple.

Viaro|2026-03-06|11 min read|new york
Complete New York Travel Guide: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Practical Tips
new yorkusanorth america

Why Visit New York

New York is the city that never sleeps. With its iconic skyscrapers, world-class museums, an unmatched food scene and neighbourhoods with their own personalities, the Big Apple is a destination every traveller should experience at least once.

LHR → JFK

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Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (April–June): Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C), Central Park in bloom.
  • Autumn (September–November): The best time. Spectacular colours, 15–22°C, marathons and festivals.
  • Summer (July–August): Intense humid heat (30–35°C), many outdoor events.
  • Winter (December–February): Cold (-5 to 5°C) but the Christmas lights and ice skating at Rockefeller Center are magical.

Tip

The cheapest flights from London are usually found in January–February and November (outside Thanksgiving). Expect £250–400 return.

What to See in Manhattan

Midtown

  • Times Square: Neon lights and Broadway theatres. A show costs $80–250. Lottery tickets at $30 available for many shows.
  • Empire State Building: Observatory on the 86th floor (from $44) or 102nd floor (from $79). Go at sunset. Seniors 62+ and children 6–12 from $39.
  • Top of the Rock: Rockefeller Center observatory with views of the Empire State and Central Park. $43.
  • MoMA: Museum of Modern Art. $30. Free on Fridays 17:00–21:00.

Downtown & Financial District

  • Statue of Liberty: Ferry from Battery Park. Pedestal only: $24. Crown: $24 + reservation months in advance.
  • 9/11 Memorial: The memorial is free. The museum costs $33.
  • Brooklyn Bridge: Walk across from Manhattan to Brooklyn (30 minutes). Best at sunrise or sunset.
  • Wall Street: Photo with the Charging Bull at Bowling Green.

Upper Manhattan

  • Central Park: 341 hectares of nature in the heart of the city. Free. Don't miss Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge and the Reservoir.
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met): One of the world's largest museums. $30 (recommended, not mandatory for NY residents).
  • Natural History Museum: $28. Famous for its dinosaurs and the "Night at the Museum" film.

Info

The CityPASS ($146) includes entry to 5 main attractions and saves up to 40%. The New York Pass (per day) is another good option if you want to see a lot.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn has become New York's coolest borough:

  • DUMBO: Iconic views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges. The classic photo on Washington Street.
  • Williamsburg: Hipster neighbourhood with vintage shops, craft breweries and food from around the world.
  • Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
  • Prospect Park: Brooklyn's version of Central Park, less crowded.
  • Smorgasburg: Outdoor food market on Saturdays (April–October). Over 100 stalls.

Getting Around

The subway runs 24/7. A single ride costs $3.00 and the weekly cap is $35 (after 12 rides, the rest are free). MetroCard is no longer sold — use OMNY (contactless) directly with your bank card or phone. A physical OMNY card costs $2.

From the Airport

  • JFK to Manhattan: AirTrain + subway ($8.25 + $3.00), 60–75 minutes. Taxi: flat rate $70 + tolls and tip (about $90 total).
  • Newark to Manhattan: AirTrain + NJ Transit ($15.25), 45–60 minutes.
  • LaGuardia to Manhattan: M60 bus + subway ($3.00), 60 minutes.

Warning

NYC taxis run on meters. Make sure it's switched on. Uber and Lyft also work but charge a Manhattan congestion surcharge ($2.50 extra).

Where to Eat

NYC Classics

  • Pizza: Dollar slice at 2 Bros Pizza or Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village). From $1–3.50.
  • Bagels: Russ & Daughters (since 1903) or Ess-a-Bagel. A bagel with cream cheese: $4–6.
  • Pastrami sandwich: Katz's Delicatessen (since 1888). The famous sandwich costs $27, but worth every penny.
  • Hot dog: From street carts at $2–3.
  • Cheesecake: Junior's (Brooklyn) is an institution. Slice from $9.

Cheap Eats

  • Halal Guys: The famous halal food cart at 53rd and 6th. Plate from $9.
  • Chinatown: Dumplings at Vanessa's from $5 for 8 pieces.
  • Chelsea Market: Food hall with options from $10–15.

Hotels in New York

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Practical Tips

  • Visa/ESTA: UK citizens need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Costs $21 and is processed online. Apply at least 72 hours before travel.
  • Tipping: Mandatory in restaurants (18–20% of total). At bars, $1–2 per drink. Taxis: 15–20%.
  • Plugs: US uses type A/B plugs (flat pins). You'll need an adaptor. 120V.
  • Safety: New York is quite safe. Avoid Central Park at night and be aware of pickpockets on the subway.
  • Water: NYC tap water is excellent quality. Bring a reusable bottle.

Recommended 5-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Times Square, Broadway show, Top of the Rock at sunset.
  • Day 2: Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO.
  • Day 3: Central Park, Met Museum, Upper West Side.
  • Day 4: SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea Market, High Line, Hudson Yards.
  • Day 5: Williamsburg (Brooklyn), Smorgasburg, Empire State at night.
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