New York City (Manhattan)

Jam-packed with sites, dining and drinking for any type of budget and a super expansive offering of theater shows and live tunes, Manhattan is the gravitational center of all-things New York City. Whether you’re searching for the area’s top bars, nightlife and restaurants, the best performances on Broadway, or the best things to do at any hour, you’re bound to keep busy and make plenty of memories. Here is everything you need to know and more about Manhattan—a city that many (especially New Yorkers) call the “greatest city on earth.”

When to Go

Deciding the best time of year to visit depends upon your tolerance for different weather conditions. Spring and fall are best if you want moderately cool weather and wish to see the area’s vegetation spring to life, especially the trees and fields in Central Park. Summer is fun for warm-weather activities that are common during this time, like outdoor concerts and festivals. Sleet and snow is common in winter is cold—but the city will warm your heart with its holiday spirit. Just don’t forget your scarf and mittens at home!

Where to Go

Pay a visit to Central Park, America’s oldest public park, to explore various reservoirs and lush landscaping, all presented against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The Strawberry Fields Memorial pays a special tribute to rock ‘n’ roll legend John Lennon, while the Central Park Zoo showcases creatures from all over the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art sits inside the park on the east side, and the American Museum of Natural History is directly opposite it on the west. Also nearby is the Guggenheim Museum, as well as the famous Lincoln Center. Take a Statue Cruises ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan to explore the Statue of Liberty up close and personal. The Brooklyn Bridge and the Rockefeller Center are two other famous sites that you shouldn't miss out on while you’re here.

Score Some Tickets

New York City is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies like Citigroup, MetLife and Time Warner, just to name a few. What really matters to travelers, though, is the entertainment industry. Don't have tickets to see the latest hit show on Broadway? Head over to the TKTS booth in Times Square for amazing discounts on last-minute purchases. Tickets for major late-night comedy shows such as The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live are free and obtainable in advance or on a standby, first-come, first-served basis.

Getting There, Getting Around

Three major airports serve New York City—LaGuardia (LGA), John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Newark Liberty International (EWR). All three provide easy access into Manhattan. The city's public transit system—MTA—operates an extensive subway and bus system that's easy to navigate and affordable. For tourists, the subway system will get you where you want to go quicker than a bus ride. Purchase a 7-day MetroCard if you'll be using the MTA beyond getting to and from the airport. Even if you’re staying for only three days, you'll still save plenty of money.

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