City Guide

New York City Travel Guide

United States

8.0M
Population
$166
Daily Budget
90
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

Interactive Map

All POIs
Top Picks
Free Entry
Family-Friendly

Plan your arrival in New York City

Arriving

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport · 26 kmTrain, Taxi and Bus
  • LaGuardia Airport · 13 kmTaxi and Bus
  • Main stationsPenn Station and Grand Central Terminal

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • NetworksVerizon, AT&T and T-Mobile
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 2 GB a day
  • Weak signalParts of Central Park
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Useful apps

  • TransportMTA Subway and Uber
  • Food deliveryGrubhub and DoorDash
  • AttractionsNYCgo

Top Attractions

1
Statue of Liberty
Iconic symbol of freedom located on Liberty Island.
3h $23
2
Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world.
3h $25

Best Areas to Stay

Manhattan
Central location with access to major attractions.
TouristsBusinessNightlife
Brooklyn
Trendy area with a local vibe and beautiful parks.
FamiliesNightlife

Typical Costs (USD)

$200
Hotel/Night
$20
Meal
$2.75
Transport
$5
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $77 Tourist: $166 Family: $552

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Tipping is customary, usually around 15-20%.
Common Mistakes
  • Not budgeting for tips
  • Underestimating travel time

Food & Drink

Must Try:Bagels, Cheesecake, New York-style pizza
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Drinkable
Katz's DelicatessenChelsea Market

Getting Around

Public Transport:Excellent
Rideshare:Uber, Lyft
Walkability:90/100
MetroBusFerry

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: April, September, October

Warmest monthJul29°C average high
Coolest monthJan-2°C average low
Wettest monthJul117 mm of rain
Driest monthFeb81 mm of rain
Average daily high and low (°C) Rain
Monthly figures
MonthHigh °CLow °CRain mmRainy days
Jan4.2-2.3939
Feb5.7-1.4818
Mar9.92.11099
Apr16.67.51049
May21.912.810110
Jun26.518.01159
Jul29.421.21178
Aug28.520.51168
Sep24.516.81107
Oct18.110.81117
Nov12.25.6917
Dec6.91.01119

Averages for 1991–2020, not a forecast. Source: WMO climate normals (New York Cntrl Pk Twr, 3 km from New York City).

New York City travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit New York City?

April, September and October are usually the best months to visit New York City. Average daytime highs range from about 4°C in January to 29°C in July.

How much does a day in New York City cost?

Plan from about US$77 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$166 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport. These are estimates and vary by season.

How do I get around New York City?

Public transport includes metro, bus and ferry and is rated excellent. Ride-hailing is available through Uber and Lyft. Walkability scores 90/100.

Which airport serves New York City?

The nearest airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport, about 26 km away. Transfer options include train, taxi and bus.

Is New York City safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for fake charity solicitations and tourist trap pricing. Areas generally considered safe include Upper West Side and Brooklyn Heights. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in New York City?

4G/5G coverage is provided by Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, rated excellent. Plan for about 2 GB a day for maps, messaging and social media. A United States travel eSIM lets you get online on arrival without buying a local SIM.

Is tap water safe to drink in New York City?

Tap water is generally considered drinkable. If in doubt, follow local advice or choose bottled water.

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Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.

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