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Picture of New York, NY, USA

Travel Guide for
New York

United States

Humid subtropical, cold winters, hot summers

Introduction

New York City, located in the northeastern United States, is a vibrant metropolis known as "The City That Never Sleeps." With its rich history as a melting pot of cultures, New York offers a unique blend of iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class food.

For the solo traveler, NYC is perfect for exploring at your own pace. Enjoy affordable walks through Central Park, browse MoMA on free admission days, or grab a slice of pizza in Greenwich Village. The city’s energy, endless activities, and friendly anonymity make it exciting and accessible for anyone on an average budget.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleSolo

DatesDate not specified

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationVilla

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturenightlife and entertainmentsightseeing and tours

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Picture of New York, NY, USA

Key Facts

Location

Northeastern United States

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Religion

Christianity (plurality), Judaism, Islam

Population

8,336,817

Language

English, Spanish, Chinese

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs

Time zone

UTCEastern Time (ET) (UTC-5)

Country code

+1

Internet access

High-speed, widely available, affordable plans

Climate

Humid subtropical, cold winters, hot summers

Map

Logistics

Getting to New York City is easy, with three major airports nearby: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Flights arrive from around the world, making air travel the most common choice. For solo travelers on an average budget, booking in advance often yields the best deals.

Alternatively, trains like Amtrak arrive directly at Penn Station, while budget-friendly buses (such as Greyhound and Megabus) operate routes from many cities. If traveling by boat, cruise lines often dock in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Weather can influence flights and trains, so it’s smart to check for delays during winter storms or heavy rain.

Within New York, public transportation is extensive. The subway, buses, and rideshares make navigating the city simple and affordable for solo visitors.

Weather

New York City experiences all four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) are generally mild, making them ideal for exploring museums, Broadway shows, and the city’s vibrant arts-and-culture scene. These shoulder seasons offer comfortable weather for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing.

Summers (July and August) can be both lively and steamy, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s°F (30°C). While there’s plenty of nightlife and entertainment, outdoor activities may feel less pleasant due to heat and crowds. Winters (December to February) are picturesque but chilly, offering festive holiday attractions but sometimes harsh conditions for extended outdoor touring.

Food & Drink

New York’s culinary scene is famous for classics like New York-style pizza, bagels, hot dogs, and international eats like dim sum and halal food. Popular spots include Joe’s Pizza for a quick slice, Katz’s Delicatessen for iconic sandwiches, and Xi’an Famous Foods for spicy noodles. Many cafes and food trucks offer affordable, delicious options for solo travelers.

For drinks, try a cozy café in Greenwich Village or a rooftop bar like 230 Fifth for city views. Tipping is customary—leave 18–20% at restaurants. NYC caters to all diets, from vegan bakeries to gluten-free pizzerias. Exploring local markets, such as Chelsea Market, is perfect for sampling diverse foods in a casual setting.

Accommodation

New York City offers a range of neighborhoods for solo travelers, with Midtown Manhattan and the Lower East Side being popular for their central location and vibrant feel. While traditional villas are rare in NYC, urban villa-style apartments or brownstone rentals, especially in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg or Park Slope, can offer a cozy, home-like feel.

For solo travelers on an average budget, consider booking stylish private apartments or brownstones through trusted sites like Airbnb or Booking.com. Hostels such as HI NYC Hostel offer social atmospheres and budget-friendly options, while boutique hotels like Pod 51 and Arlo SoHo balance style and affordability. Always book early, especially for unique villa-like stays.

Itinerary

Get to know New York by exploring iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, absorbing the city’s dynamic energy while gaining your bearings in this urban cultural capital.

Walk Through Times Square

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square with its neon lights, giant billboards, and bustling crowds. It's an essential spot for first-time visitors to soak in New York's iconic urban energy and take photos.

Stroll Central Park's Iconic Paths

Enjoy a relaxing morning walk in Central Park, exploring famous spots like Bethesda Terrace, The Mall, and Bow Bridge. A great way to start your trip and see the city’s green jewel amidst skyscrapers.

Visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Immerse yourself in the world-renowned MoMA, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Warhol, and Picasso. Take advantage of audio guides and don’t miss the sculpture garden for a peaceful break.

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour

Delicious Donuts in Union Square: New York's Sweetest City Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

There’re so many amazing foods in New York City: pizza, bagels, pasta and of course, donuts. Our Union Square & Greenwich Village Tour will bring you to some of the best donut emporiums in Manhattan where you’ll try donuts that will absolutely delight and astound your taste buds. We’ll start with a relative newcomer that serves heavenly bombolone in unique and astounding flavors. Next, a Greenwich Village icon that’s been around since 1964—featuring a wall of donuts in all shapes, styles and delectable flavors to choose from. And finally, we’ll finish the tour at one of our favorite shops where you’ll experience a donut masterpiece in brioche that’s become a favorite with our guests. As you walk off the donuts between shops, our guides will point out landmarks—both big and small and fill you in on local history and color. Trust us—this is a tour you “donut” want to miss.

4.8 (267 reviews)

From $75 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (864 reviews)
"The Met" Metropolitan Museum of Art Exclusive Guided Tour

"The Met" Metropolitan Museum of Art Exclusive Guided Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art attracts nearly as many visitors as other leading galleries, such as the Louvre or the British Museum. Spend roughly 2.5 hours on this exclusive guided museum tour, skipping the line and exploring the most famous pieces with the help of an engaging guide. Evening tours are available on Friday and Saturday, for a more intimate experience. Skip-the-line note: Please be aware that the initial security line cannot be bypassed and may vary in size depending on congestion.

From $133 USD

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5.0 (1812 reviews)
NYC: Greenwich Village Food Tour with 6 Locals Favorites Dishes

NYC: Greenwich Village Food Tour with 6 Locals Favorites Dishes

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Experience the ultimate New York City food tour in historic Greenwich Village. Led by a local expert, you’ll explore Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhood, famous for its bohemian roots and vibrant culinary scene. This top-rated NYC walking tour takes you behind the scenes to discover where locals eat, combining neighborhood history with the city’s most legendary flavors. Enjoy six authentic tastings, including a classic New York bagel, crispy street-style falafel, and a hot slice of authentic New York-style pizza. Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal cupcakes and gourmet doughnuts before uncovering our signature Secret Dish. It’s a mystery specialty revealed only on the day of your tour! Perfect for foodies, this Greenwich Village food tour captures the area’s counterculture past and its modern reputation as a culinary hotspot. Taste the best of the Big Apple and discover the hidden gems that make this Manhattan food experience unforgettable.

From $98 USD

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5.0 (646 reviews)
NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

NYC Lower East Side Walking and Food Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore the Lower East Side on a small group, three hour walking tour through one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Take in the sights, sounds, and savory food of an area experiencing more change than anywhere else in Manhattan while visiting 6+ tasting destinations along the way. The route includes Orchard Street, named one of the coolest streets in the world, the First Romanian American Synagogue on Rivington Street, the Tenement Museum, Kehila Kedosha Janina, the first Greek synagogue in the United States, views of the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Seward Park High School complex. Led by a local guide, this relaxed paced tour blends food, history, and culture into an authentic Lower East Side experience.

From $95 USD

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4.1 (26 reviews)
New York City to Boston, Cambridge, Harvard & MIT Tour

New York City to Boston, Cambridge, Harvard & MIT Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Boston, in addition to being the largest city in the state of Massachusetts and its capital, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It is considered the economic and cultural center of the region and sometimes referred to as the "Capital of New England." The best excursion from New York to Boston with a guide in Spanish. Meet Copley Square, Holy Trinity Church, Public Library, John Hancock Building, Back Bay Neighborhood, Faustino Sarmiento Monument, MIT University, Cambridge, enter Harvard University, Beacon Hill Neighborhood, Public Park, Quincy Market and much more.

From $110 USD

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3.5 (11 reviews)
Chinatown and Little Italy Tour in New York City with Local Expert

Chinatown and Little Italy Tour in New York City with Local Expert

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Take a walking tour through Manhattan’s most storied neighborhoods with an informative guide. Perfect for first-time visitors and anyone who loves New York history, this fully-narrated excursion offers a fascinating overview of Little Italy and Chinatown. You have a chance to see the life of the various groups of immigrants who settled here and learn about the political and social influences they have had on the city. This tour details what motivated the Chinese, Irish, and Italians to immigrant to New York in the 1800's. In addition, it focuses on how the Chinese, Irish, and Italian exiles became the backbone of New York. The men would build New York's bridges and the tunnels. The women would be cooks and maids. And their children, raised in the values and language of their new country, would weave themselves into the tapestry of America. This is the story of America.

From $99 USD

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3.7 (10 reviews)
New York City Fortune Tour 1-Day Sightseeing Adventure

New York City Fortune Tour 1-Day Sightseeing Adventure

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Discover the forces that built New York City into a global powerhouse on this immersive Fortune Tour. Travel through Wall Street, Midtown, and Times Square as you explore legendary financial institutions, iconic skyscrapers, and historic landmarks where wealth, ambition, and influence shaped the modern world. From the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall to Rockefeller Center and the bright lights of Times Square, this tour connects the stories behind the buildings that changed history. Enhance your experience with optional add-ons including One World Observatory, a Statue of Liberty cruise, or RiseNY for a deeper look at the city’s past, present, and future.

From $106 USD

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4.3 (17 reviews)
Private Harlem Tour in New York with Local Expert Guide

Private Harlem Tour in New York with Local Expert Guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore the most authentic New York neighborhood in 3 hours with your private guide. Visit the most notable attractions from Harlem must-see list, listen to interesting facts and stories about Harlem with its rich history and specific lifestyle. You will see the legendary Apollo Theater – the center of African-American music, the famous Strivers Row complex with its incredibly beautiful houses, the Abyssinian Baptist Church - the heart of African-American confession, the Harlem Studio Museum where you can learn more about art history of Harlem, the sophisticated Shepard Hall, and one of the best restaurants to experience soul food in Harlem. Plunge into unique atmosphere of Harlem and learn more about African-American culture. Finish your tour at a local restaurant in Harlem.

From $179 USD

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4.7 (89 reviews)
Harlem Gospel and Brunch Guided Tour

Harlem Gospel and Brunch Guided Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the vibrant community of Harlem and the soulful sounds of black gospel music on our Sunday Gospel and Brunch Tour. Starting at the legendary Apollo Theater, this one-hour tour takes you through the historic Mount Morris Park District, where you will discover the rich history of the area and the iconic artists who called Harlem home. As you make your way through uptown on a Sunday morning, you will be immersed in the captivating atmosphere of Harlem. The air will be filled with the lively beats and powerful vocals of gospel music, as you enjoy sermons and homilies from some of the most prominent figures in the community. But the tour doesn't stop there – we also invite you to indulge in the incredible culinary offerings of Harlem. Our local restaurants are known for their authentic and delicious ethnic cuisine, making this tour a truly sensory experience. Come and discover the spiritual energy of Harlem.

From $120 USD

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4.0 (31 reviews)
Boston To New York City: See It All In One Unforgettable Day

Boston To New York City: See It All In One Unforgettable Day

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

See New York City like never before on this unforgettable one-day trip from Boston! Walk in the footsteps of history as you visit the city’s financial landmarks, from Wall Street to Trinity Church and the New York Stock Exchange. Feel the city’s heartbeat as you admire skyscrapers like the Woolworth Building, 15 Park Row, and the Porter Building, then wander through Midtown’s iconic sights, including Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and the Plaza Hotel. Upgrade your adventure with an optional Statue of Liberty cruise, taking in breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. With a small group format, you’ll enjoy a personalized, perfectly paced tour, giving you an action-packed yet stress-free way to experience the very best of NYC in just one day!

From $177 USD

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