To know "The City" like a local might still be the greatest badge of honor for travelers. But take a breath: you won't be able to cover the countless museums, galleries, restaurants, watering holes—and, yes, $1 pizza slices—all in one visit, but that's the good news. Now that the outer boroughs draw as much attention as Manhattan, it makes repeated trips not only possible, but essential.
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New York City Travel Guide
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Featured
New York City's Best Wine Bars Are on the Lower East Side
From Parisian-inspired wine bars to Mediterranean restaurants with considered bottle lists, the neighborhood rivals Paris's 11th arrondissement.
The 28 Best Restaurants in New York City
The best tables in the city prove that if you can make it here (as a restaurant), you can make it anywhere.
On Location: How ‘Bros’ Captured the Gay Scenes of NYC and Provincetown
Lifting the curtain on the destinations behind the season’s most exciting new releases.
34 Best Hotels in New York City
With everything from NoMad hotspots to Brooklyn breakouts, this city is the ultimate hotel town.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Mandarin Oriental, New York$$$ | United States, New York, 80 Columbus CircleRead full reviewOne of New York City’s quintessential five-star hotel experiences, just off Columbus Circle.
Readers Choice Awards - Hotel Chelsea$$ | United States, New York, 222 W 23rd StRead full reviewHotel Chelsea may not be filled with famous musicians anymore, but the rock-and-roll vibe remains.
Hot List - Trump International Hotel & Tower New York$$$ | United States, New York, 1 Central Park WestRead full reviewAcross from Central Park on Columbus Circle, this 52-story hotel is a great home base for sight-seeing.Readers Choice Awards
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park$$$ | United States, New York, 50 Central Park SouthRead full reviewThis is how you make old New York 21st century compatibleReaders Choice Awards
- The Fifth Avenue Hotel$$$ | USA, New York City, 1 West 28th Street, New York, NYRead full reviewAn eclectic palette and worldly flourishes fill this Renaissance-style mansion turned jewel-box hotel.Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - The Knickerbocker$$$ | United States, New York City, 6 Times SqRead full reviewStay in a renovated piece of hotel history in this national historic landmark Beaux Arts building near Times Square.Readers Choice Awards
- The Lowell$$$ | United States, New York, 28 East 63rd StreetRead full reviewFlawless boutique option on the Upper East Side.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC$$ | United States, New York, 18 9th Ave.Read full reviewSwanky, and a short stroll from Chelsea, the West Village, and the Meatpacking District.Readers Choice Awards
- The Plaza$$$ | United States, New York, 768 Fifth Ave.Read full reviewThis stately grand dame on Central Park South is as New York as it gets.Readers Choice Awards
- Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown$$$ | United States, New York, 27 Barclay St.Read full reviewYabu Pushelberg designed the rooms in this downtown outpost from the luxury brand.Readers Choice Awards
- Thompson Central Park New York$$$ | USA, New York, 119 W 56th StRead full reviewA fabulous location with spacious rooms, Billionaire’s Row views, and destination-worthy dining to boot.Readers Choice Awards
- The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel$$$ | United States, New York City, 35 E 76th StRead full reviewThe Carlyle is an Upper East Side institution that feels like its own world.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Westin New York Grand Central$$ | United States, New York, 212 E 42nd StRead full reviewYes, it is possible to wake up to the Chrysler Building right outside your window.Readers Choice Awards
- The St. Regis New York$$$ | United States, New York City, Two East 55th Street At, 5th AveRead full reviewOne of New York City's remaining legendary hotels is an experience you simply can't get elsewhere.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List
The Best Things to Do in New York City
- 27 Best Things to Do in New YorkIn the city you could inhabit for a lifetime and never run out of things to do, here's where to start.
- 23 Best Museums in New York CityThe city's museum scene can be a dizzying one—but our list has you covered.
- 7 Easy Weekend Trips from NYCLeaving New York now and then is undeniably necessary—here are eight nearby locations worth experiencing.
- 15 Best Things to Do With Kids in New York CityA family trip can include famous landmarks and museums, but also range across the city to new playgrounds and public parks along the waterfront and surprising green spaces that will delight visitors.
- Where to Go Shopping in NYC: Our 20 PicksDiscover an array of stores that have a distinctively New York identity, where you’ll find exciting clothes, gifts, and decor by independent designers (plus a few wild cards, like an old school Upper East Side pharmacy and a beloved Tribeca party store).
- 17 Airbnbs Within 3 Hours of New York CityThese roomy rentals are ready and waiting for your next long weekend getaway.
- 5 Best Day Trips from New York CityWhere to go when you need a break from the city that never sleeps.
Editor Recommendations
- IFC CenterUnited States, New York, 323 6th Ave
- Quad CinemaUnited States, New York, 34 W 13th StRead full reviewA consummate experience in the no man's land of Union Square.
- Anthology Film ArchivesUnited States, New York, 32 2nd AveRead full reviewA red brick monument to the avant-garde
- AMC Lincoln Square 13United States, New York, 1998 BroadwayRead full reviewFor the big blockbusters and infamous popcorn buckets
- The Paris TheaterNew York, New York, 4 W 58th StRead full reviewThe archetype of a New York City arthouse theater
- Marsha P. Johnson State ParkUnited States, New York, 90 Kent AveRead full reviewOddly enough, this waterfront park doesn't allow dogs despite Johnson herself being a dog lover.
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community CenterUnited States, New York, 208 W 13th StRead full reviewA safe, public gathering space to engage with likeminded people and learn about LGBTQ+ history.
- James Beard HouseUnited States, New York, 167 W 12th StRead full reviewThe American culinary leader now known for the eponymous awards lived in this multilevel townhouse from 1973 until his death
- HarlemUnited States, New York, HarlemRead full reviewThe uptown Manhattan neighborhood was a hub of queer activity during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.
- Alice Austen HouseUnited States, New York, 2 Hylan BlvdRead full reviewThe Staten Island property that photographer Alice Austen shared with her partner Gertrude Tate.
- Industry CityUnited States, New York, 220 36th StRead full reviewTrue one-stop shopping for lovers of artisan production.
- Film ForumUnited States, New York, 209 W Houston StRead full reviewEverything on the marquee is worth a few hours of your time.
- Russian Turkish BathsUnited States, New York, 268 E 10th StRead full reviewA no-frills den of functionality beneath the East Village.
- Jewish Brooklyn: Tours of Hasidic BrooklynUnited States, New York,Read full reviewPockets of Brooklyn often left off the Big Apple itinerary are worth a visit.
10 Best Rooftop Bars in New York City
Where the city looks its most beautiful, enjoyed with the perfect drink in hand.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in New York City
- 28 Best Restaurants in New York CityThe best tables in the city prove that if you can make it here (as a restaurant), you can make it anywhere.
- 15 Best Bars in New York CityAbove all else, New York is a drinking town. Here's where locals go for a tipple.
- 28 Best Brunches in New York CityIt’s a way of life in this town.
- 21 Best Italian Restaurants in New YorkOutside of Italy, where is there a better Italian food scene?
- 22 Best Places for Pizza in New York CityIt's hard to find a bad slice in this town, but these spots do it best—from Sicilian to Detroit-style.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Ladybird$$ | United States, New York, 111 E 7th St
- Urban Dessert Lab$ | United States, New York, 95 Orchard St
- Willow$$ | United States, New York, 199 8th Ave
- Anixi$$$ | United States, New York, 290 8th Ave
- Third Kingdom$$ | United States, New York, 21 E 7th St
- Spicy Moon$$ | United States, New York, 328 E 6th St
- Planta Queen NoMad$$ | United States, New York, 15 W 27th St
- Soda Club$$$ | United States, New York, 155 Avenue B
- Smør$$ | United States, Brooklyn, 1826 Putnam AveWith food so Nordic you'll wonder if you've bonked your head and woken up in Copenhagen.
- Manuela$$$ | United States , New York, 130 Prince StreetContemporary art and food combine to create a buzzy atmosphere.
- Strange Delight$$ | United States, Brooklyn, 63 Lafayette AveA seafood tower is actually something that can be so personal.
- Smithereens$$ | United States, New York, 414 E 9th StLike being on a blustery New England boat with salt air in your face, but with a warm Paddington-style jacket protecting you from the elemenets.
- Kellogg's Diner$ | United States, Brooklyn, 518 Metropolitan Ave
- Din Tai Fung$$ | United States, New York , 1633 Broadway
- Good Guys$$ | United States, New York City, 134 Eldridge St
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The Best Museum Shops in New York City
Our favorite spots for artsy and historic gifts and souvenirs.
More from New York
Destinations
The 12 Best Movie Theaters in New York City
Los Angeles makes the movies, but New York is the best place to watch them.
News & Advice
Where to Watch the Ball Drop in NYC for New Year's Eve 2025
From private penthouses to Applebee’s (seriously).
News & Advice
The Best Art Exhibits to See in New York City This December
A celebration of 120 years of the subway, a dance extravaganza, and Warhol at peak voyeur are amongst your options.
Destinations
6 NYC Christmas Markets Worth a Holiday Visit
For the ineffable magic of New York at Christmastime, head to these holiday markets, hot chocolate in hand.
Destinations
The Best New Restaurants in New York City
There are affordable spin-offs from Michelin star spots, casual taquerias, and deeply cool seafood restaurants.
Destinations
The Best Restaurants in New York City's West Village
From old-school Italian to inventive Indian.
Style & Culture
Nora Ephron's Beautiful, Flawed Representation of New York City
The writer behind a new book exploring the beloved filmmaker's oeuvre takes a look at her relationship to her favorite setting.
Style & Culture
Brooklyn's Brighton Beach Is Ready For Its Closeup in ‘Anora’
Russian oligarchs, private jets, and an iconic boardwalk restaurant take center stage in filmmaker Sean Baker's new movie.
Places to Stay
7 Brooklyn Hotels That Offer the Best of the Borough
From waterfront views to artsy coffeeshops, Brooklyn has it all.
Destinations
Why Fall Is the Best Season in NYC
Crisp foliage, hot coffee, and wandering walks through Central Park—this is the city at its finest.
Readers' Choice Awards
2024 Readers’ Choice Awards: The Top Hotels in New York City
The top hotels in NYC, as voted by our readers.
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Destinations
The 10 Best Wine Bars in New York City
It’s never been easier to drink good wine in NYC—and there's a spot for every personality.
Family Travel
The Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near New York City
The Big Apple doesn't fall far from the trees.
Places to Stay
19 Best Hotels in Midtown Manhattan
The top-rated hotels in the center of the Big Apple.
Food & Drink
The Best Bagels in New York City
From old-school spots in the East Village to buzzy Brooklyn outposts.
More Destinations
- New York State Travel GuideAll of our best hotel, restaurant, and activity recommendations in one place.
- Phoenix Travel GuideAbundant sunshine, potent summer monsoon storms, and the Suessian cactuses and ancient petroglyphs of the Sonoran Desert.
- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Chicago Travel GuideSecond City? Not by our count.
- Charleston Travel GuideWhere Lowcountry meets high charm
- Key West Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
- San Francisco Travel GuideDon't forget to pack an extra layer
- Dallas Travel GuideHard to crack. Easy to love.
- Washington, D.C. Travel GuideIt all starts at the Capitol.
- Seattle Travel GuideOysters and craft beer so good you won’t notice it’s drizzling
- Savannah Travel GuideFamous for its ghosts, but plenty full of life
- Portland, Oregon Travel GuideBeverly Cleary, Matt Groening, and James Beard are all from here. Enough said.
