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Travel Guide for
New York City

United States

Humid subtropical, cold winters, hot summers

Introduction

New York City dazzles with energy and glamour, set at the mouth of the Hudson River. Founded in 1624, its rich history blends with a modern skyline, iconic Broadway theaters, and world-class museums.

In mid-July, expect warm days, with highs in the mid-80s°F (around 29°C), perfect for rooftop cocktails or private yacht cruises around Manhattan. Revel in five-star dining, designer shopping on Fifth Avenue, and after sunset, explore exclusive lounges or catch a private show—NYC’s luxury experiences make it an unforgettable destination for friends.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleTravelling with friends

Dates11-18 July 2025

BudgetLuxury budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

gastronomyarts and culturenightlife and entertainmentsightseeing and toursfestivals and events

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Picture of New York City, NY, USA

Key Facts

Location

Northeastern United States

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Religion

Christianity (dominant), diverse

Population

8,419,600

Language

English, Spanish, Chinese, others

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, Types A/B plugs

Time zone

UTCEastern Time (UTC-5)

Country code

+1

Internet access

Widely available, high-speed broadband, public Wi-Fi

Climate

Humid subtropical, cold winters, hot summers

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Map

Logistics

New York City is easily accessible by flights from around the world, with three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Luxury travelers can book direct flights in first or business class and arrange private airport transfers or use ride-share apps for a stylish arrival. Private jet charters are also available for ultimate comfort and privacy.

Trains like Amtrak arrive right in Midtown Manhattan at Penn Station, offering a scenic and relaxed journey from other major U.S. cities. Upscale motorcoach services, private car hires, or limousine services provide a comfortable overland journey for groups of friends. Ferries and private yachts dock at various city ports for those arriving by water.

July weather can be hot and humid, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, so plan for flexible transfers and indoor arrival lounges for comfort. Book transportation and accommodations well ahead, as this is a peak travel period.

Weather

New York City has a humid subtropical climate, offering four distinct seasons. Winters can be chilly with occasional snow, while spring and fall are mild and pleasant—ideal for sightseeing and cultural events. Summers tend to be hot and humid, perfect for enjoying outdoor festivals and the city’s lively nightlife.

From July 11 to July 18, expect warm, humid days with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, but extreme weather is rare. This is a great time for open-air dining, rooftop bars, art exhibits, and lively entertainment, making the most of New York’s vibrant summer scene.

Food & Drink

New York City is famous for its diverse food scene, from classic bagels and New York-style pizza to gourmet tasting menus. Must-try spots include Eleven Madison Park for innovative fine dining, Katz’s Delicatessen for legendary pastrami sandwiches, and Carbone for upscale Italian-American fare. Trendy bars like The Dead Rabbit in the Financial District offer world-class cocktails in a lively setting.

For breakfast or a coffee stop, visit Café Sabarsky, housed in a museum, or Dominique Ansel Bakery for unique pastries. NYC caters to all dietary needs, with abundant vegan, gluten-free, and international options. A 18-20% tip is customary at restaurants. Make reservations in advance, especially at sought-after venues, and be prepared for a stylish, vibrant dining atmosphere.

A picture of Hamburger

Hamburger

The classic American hamburger is a grilled beef patty served in a soft bun, often topped with lettuce,...

A picture of Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue ribs are slow-cooked, tender cuts of pork or beef that are generously seasoned with a flavorful dry...

A picture of Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish made with elbow macaroni pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce....

A picture of New York-style Pizza

New York-style Pizza

New York-style pizza is characterized by its thin, hand-tossed crust, generous cheese topping, and a variety of classic...

A picture of Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken

Southern fried chicken consists of juicy, tender pieces of chicken that are coated in a seasoned batter and...

Accommodation

For a luxury friends’ trip, consider top hotels like The Peninsula, The St. Regis, and Five-star gems along Central Park and in Midtown. SoHo and Tribeca also offer chic boutique hotels such as The Dominick and The Greenwich Hotel, which put you near great dining and nightlife.

The Lower East Side boasts stylish hotels like PUBLIC, known for lively rooftop bars and social scenes—perfect for groups. For larger suites, look at Marriott Marquis in Times Square or the Conrad in Battery Park. Book early on platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or directly on hotel websites—mid-July is popular, and room rates rise quickly due to summer tourism and events.

Itinerary

Kick off your New York City adventure with a luxurious start, soaking in classic cityscapes while enjoying gourmet flavors and vibrant neighborhoods with your friends.

Champagne Brunch at The Rainbow Room

Start your NYC journey with a luxurious brunch at The Rainbow Room. Enjoy sweeping skyline views and gourmet cuisine with your friends. Reservation is essential for this iconic Art Deco gem.

Private Yacht Cruise Around Manhattan

Sail along the Hudson and East Rivers for stunning close-ups of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan’s skyline. Toast with bubbly as you soak in the views. Book a luxury yacht for an exclusive experience.

Gallery-Hopping in Chelsea

Explore cutting-edge contemporary art in Chelsea’s renowned galleries. Many spaces feature special summer exhibitions. Ask about private viewings or curator-led tours for a truly upscale experience.

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

See many major New York sights on a 90-minute boat cruise on a 1920s-style yacht! Enjoy views from the open bow, or relax in the spacious climate controlled glassed-enclosed observation cabin. The boat cruises along the Hudson River offering views of Manhattan's west side and booming skyline. Pass by the Financial District, Ellis Island, and Statue of Liberty as the boat cruises into New York Harbor.

4.8 (654 reviews)

From $86 USD

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Attractions

4.7 (616 reviews)
New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour

New York Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Enjoy an unforgettable 25–30 minute flight from Linden Airport, New Jersey, offering breathtaking aerial views of New York City’s world-famous skyline. Choose from a daytime, sunset, or nighttime tour and capture breathtaking sights of the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Fly over the George Washington Bridge and cruise along the Hudson River, taking in landmarks like the Chrysler Building, the Vessel, Little Island, and Summit One Vanderbilt. This is the only sightseeing flight available on Sundays, departing exclusively from Linden New Jersey —just a short ride from Linden Station NJ. After sunset, watch the city light up beneath you, with Times Square glowing and Manhattan shimmering under the night sky. Whether you're a visitor or a local looking for a new perspective, this unique flight offers a one-of-a-kind New York City experience you won’t forget.

From $334 USD

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3.9 (285 reviews)
Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and 9/11 Memorial Guided Tour

Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and 9/11 Memorial Guided Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore New York’s most iconic landmarks on a guided tour of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial. Choose from English, Spanish, or French guides, and upgrade for reserved 9/11 Museum entry. Start your journey at Battery Park, where your guide sets the stage before you sail to Liberty Island. Learn the history and symbolism of Lady Liberty, enjoy panoramic views, and visit the "Statue of Liberty Museum" during free time. Next, head to Ellis Island to delve into the immigrant experience at the Immigration Museum, hearing stories of resilience and hope. Return to Battery Park by ferry and continue to Wall Street to see landmarks like the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. Conclude at Ground Zero, paying tribute at the 9/11 Memorial Pools and hearing the story of 9/11. Upgrade for access to the 9/11 Museum to explore its powerful exhibits and artifacts in depth. Choose guided tour of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ONLY for shorter tour

From $68 USD

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4.0 (1775 reviews)
Go City: New York Explorer Pass: 90+ Things to Do Including Edge

Go City: New York Explorer Pass: 90+ Things to Do Including Edge

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

With the New York Explorer Pass by Go City you get access to your favorite 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 attractions or tours, from over 90 things to do, and save up to 50%* (compared to buying individual attraction tickets). Admire sweeping views from the Empire State Building Observatory, Top of the Rock, Edge and One World Observatory. See the city from a Hop on Hop off Bus, take a Sightseeing Cruise, or indulge your tastebuds on a Food on Foot walking tour. There's something for everyone! Create your own itinerary and sightsee the Big Apple at your own pace - you have up to 30 days to use your pass. Your pass includes access to the Go City app and a digital guide to plan your trip. Make sure to check which activities require advance reservations, then show your pass on your mobile device at the entrance. *Savings based on sample itineraries on the Go City website.

From $89 USD

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3.3 (79 reviews)
New York: Empire State & 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour (Save 25%)

New York: Empire State & 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour (Save 25%)

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the magic of New York City with an Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour and take in breathtaking views from the iconic Empire State Building, the skyscraper that defines the Manhattan skyline. Enjoy unlimited rides throughout the city, hopping on and off at your leisure to explore the top attractions in Midtown, Downtown, and Uptown. Visit famous landmarks like Times Square, Wall Street, and the Statue of Liberty, or take a refreshing stroll through Central Park. You can even hop off to explore world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Make the most of your NYC adventure with this unforgettable sightseeing experience!

From $105 USD

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4.9 (367 reviews)
New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Boat Ride

New York City Sightseeing Bus Tour and Boat Ride

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

24 passengers per bus. Small Group with a Tour Guide. Starts at 9:30am Bus and Boat Tour in New York City. This is a combined 1 hour boat ride pass the Statue of Liberty and 6 hour bus tour with a tour Guide. We Skip-The-Line and take that beautiful Staten Island Ferry pass the Statue of Liberty. Visit the 911 memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, Washington Square Park to view The Empire State Building with your tour guide why’ll the bus waits for your return. This is a Jammed packed tour for all ages. We will pass by Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller, Radio City Music Hall, SoHo, NoHo, Chinatown, Wall Street, The Bull, United Nations, Chrysler Building, The Village, Chelsea and much more. Book as soon as possible. We sell out quickly

From $197 USD

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4.9 (339 reviews)
NYC in a Day Tour: Statue of Liberty, Times Square and More

NYC in a Day Tour: Statue of Liberty, Times Square and More

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind Big Apple experience. On this 6-hour guided tour, enjoy an authentic New York experience. With a small group (less than 15 people) you will be able to move fast and see more. Walk, subway and ferry to see New York’s must-see attractions in one action-filled day!

From $89 USD

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

New York City-Manhattan 1-Day Sightseeing City Tour

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Travel with a thoroughly disinfected sightseeing coach and our professional well-trained tour escort. Visit one of the world’s great financial centers at Wall Streets! Take a ride to the top of One World Trade Center while observing a stunning panoramic view of NYC! Walk around "The Crossroads of the World" at Times Square and take a Liberty Cruise to the icon of freedom. Itinerary: New York City Fortune Tour (150 mins) → One World Trade Center Observatory (Optional, 70 mins) → Liberty Cruise (Optional, 60 mins) → Museum of Modern Art (Optional, 60 mins)

From $106 USD

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5.0 (434 reviews)
Private Guided New York City Tour by SUV

Private Guided New York City Tour by SUV

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore New York City in a luxury SUV on a private, customized tour. This 4, 5, or 6-hour tour of the Big Apple is geared to match individual or group interests and preferences. Whether you are an architecture buff, celebrity hound, or sightseeing aficionado, your tour will be unique to you. Travel in a luxury SUV with a native New Yorker and licensed tour guide. Endless possibilities include: Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, or lesser toured areas of NYC like Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx.

From $1396 USD

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4.4 (29 reviews)
Washington D.C.& Philadelphia 2-Day Tour from New York City

Washington D.C.& Philadelphia 2-Day Tour from New York City

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Explore the heart of American history and democracy on a full-day tour of Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.This tour takes you from New York to visit the birthplace of American independence and iconic national landmarks,offering a comprehensive experience of the country’s historical and political heritage.From the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia to the famous memorials and monuments of Washington, D.C.,this journey promises a deep dive into the rich tapestry of U.S. history. 2025 Buy 2 Get 2 Free Promotion(3rd and 4th guest free) ensuring that all participants share accommodations in a single room. Promotion price as what you see. Please note that additional charges, including admission fees and other expenses, will apply to all participants. Take advantage of our 2025 Buy 2 Get 2 Free offer (3rd/4th guest free), ensuring all participants share accommodations in a single room. Exclusive tour rates apply only when booking for 3 or 4 travelers at once.

From $348 USD

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3.9 (23 reviews)
New York City Day Trip from Boston

New York City Day Trip from Boston

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Depart from Boston in the morning, and heading to New York. At a first glance, traveling around the entire of New York City seems like the mission impossible; however, our highly organized tour is specially designed for you: by visiting amounts of famous landmarks, you will learn more of the city’s unique history, culture, and the core spirit of the New Yorkers! Boston → New York → New York City Fortune Tour (Mandatory, 150 mins) → Liberty Cruise (Optional, 60 mins) → Times Square (30 mins) → Boston

From $173 USD

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4.6 (16 reviews)
Holiday Lights Extravaganza Walking Tour

Holiday Lights Extravaganza Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This holiday tour is jam-packed with fun facts, stories of holiday traditions, visits to view NYC's most spectacular holiday decorations and lights, sing-a-longs, and is guided by a fun and lively Guide. Your expert, licensed, local Guide knows all the top spots for viewing the absolute best decorated sites. They will provide expert commentary for all sites visited along the route and may assist with photo taking, if help is needed. The style of the tour is lighthearted and gay and with a genuine Christmassy vibe. All along the route, you are encouraged to take lots of memorable photographs while reveling in all the amazing sights and sounds of the holidays in super-sized, New York City style!

From $62 USD

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4.7 (86 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 $115 USD

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4.5 (2 reviews)
One Day New York Tour

One Day New York Tour

INSTANT

Travel with a knowledgeable sightseeing coach and our professional trained tour escort. Visit one of the world’s greatest financial centers at Wall Streets! Take a ride to the top of the One World Trade Center to observe a stunning panoramic view of NYC! Walk around "The Crossroads of the World" at Times Square and take a Liberty Cruise to see the Statue of Liberty.

From $133 USD

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3.0 (3 reviews)
New York City Night Tour with Private Local Guide

New York City Night Tour with Private Local Guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Spend 3 unforgettable hours with your private guide in the city which never sleeps. Explore the most popular New York attractions by night. Discover the city of thousands bright lights, colorful illuminations, glistening skyscrapers and flashing lively streets.  Explore the Brooklyn Heights and don't miss the legendary Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. See Dumbo and take a selfie with the legendary Brooklyn Bridge.  Your knowledgeable guide will show you the highlights of Broadway Street and tell you fun facts and memorable stories about City Hall, Woolworth Building, One World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial, Trinity Church, St Paul’ Chapel and St Paul’s Churchyard, Battery Park and, of course, Charging Bull.  Finish the tour at Battery Park to enjoy the views. 

From $157 USD

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4.7 (37 reviews)
5-day Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City Tour

5-day Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal & Quebec City Tour

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Visit four spectacular famous cities in Eastern Canada: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec in five days! Experience an unforgettable waterfall view and enjoy the colorful night view of the Niagara Falls! Ride on the Hornblower Cruise to experience the waterfall views of Niagara Falls from multiple angles. Complimentary Skylon Tower ticket is included. You may enjoy authentic French food in Quebec at your own expense. The tour will not visit Thousand Island after 10/15/2022 since it will close. Room Details All hotel rooms are based on two Full / Double beds or one King/Queen bed depends on what hotel availiable on the day. The maximum occupancy per room is four travelers. One Room Selection If you are a party of more than four guests or desire to have separate rooms, please provide a separate booking. Avoid traveling in a different bus? If you have more than one booking, please provide all confirmation numbers once your bookings are complete.

From $1174 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Whitney Museum of American Art and See Over 30 New York Sights

Whitney Museum of American Art and See Over 30 New York Sights

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Join the best New York Walking Tour and see 30+ Top Sights with an entertaining local guide, then take in the best of American art at the renowned Whitney Museum! Start at Wall St. to see iconic buildings, Ground Zero, & The NY Stock Exchange (with The Charging Bull & Fearless Girl statues). Walking to City Hall, we glimpse the Brooklyn Bridge and the famous Court Houses that took down the Mafia. Explore the 5 Points, China Town, & Little Italy districts. Visit the Flatiron building and continue up 5th Avenue for shots of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Bryant Park. Next, explore Grand Central Train Station, Times Square, Rockefeller Centre, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and more! We end at the Plaza Hotel, a true NYC icon After the tour, make your way to the Whitney Museum of American Art to immerse yourself in some of the finest contemporary artwork available in the United States! Explore at your own pace - your guide will not accompany you inside the museum.

From $110 USD

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