Explore the Vibrant City of New York

Whatever it is you’re into, you’ll find there’s more to do in New York than you’ll have time.

Attractions and Activities

Check out the views from the top of the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, or One World Observatory. Take yourself on a museum crawl, starting at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on the northeastern edge of Central Park. Moreover, make your way north several blocks to the Guggenheim Museum and eventually to the Museum of the City of New York, one of the best places to learn about the Big Apple’s history.

Go to Chinatown for dim sum and to Little Italy for cannoli. Head to a jazz club in Harlem, check out the independent artist galleries that dot Chelsea, shop along Fifth Avenue, and pay a visit to the Statue of Liberty.

You could spend an entire day in Central Park alone, checking out its zoo, carousel, lakes, and ice rink. A number of gardens and meadows make for excellent people-watching and host impromptu musical performances on nice days. If you’re traveling in the summer, make sure to check the schedule for Shakespeare in the Park.

Prefer sports, movies, and live music? See the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, the New York Mets at Citi Field, or the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. You can also track down sites from your favorite movies and TV shows. Seinfeld, Sex and the City, “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Serendipity,” and “Home Alone 2” are just a small fraction of what’s been filmed here.

New York is a city filled with attractions, but some of its most interesting experiences are sure to be the ones you accidentally stumble upon on the way to somewhere else. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you can find it in New York. Remember: Just don’t try to do everything in one trip.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time

Best Time to Go

New York is a city that’s always celebrating something, and summer is one of the best times to visit. Outdoor concert season is in full swing. Free movies and theatrical performances fill the city’s parks, street vendors are everywhere, and street fairs abound. However, subway platforms can get steamy, lines can get long, and temperatures can soar among the city’s high-rises. If this sounds like misery, visit between Thanksgiving and the New Year, when temperatures are cooler and department store windows are decked out for the holidays. During this time, Manhattan’s three major outdoor ice rinks are open, a giant Christmas tree marks Rockefeller Center, and holiday light shows are more elaborate than anything you could ever imagine.

Best Hotels

The Plaza

Address: 768 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 759-3000

If money is no object and you can afford to check into the best New York City hotels, this is the property for you. Built to resemble a French château, The Plaza is a favorite of filmmakers and underwent a $450 million restoration in 2008.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Address: 50 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 308-9100

The Ritz-Carlton is one of Central Park’s most luxurious hotels, located steps from the best shopping in the world, with plush rooms and personalized services.

The Peninsula New York

Address: 700 5th Ave., New York, NY, 10019

Phone: (212) 956-2888

After being closed for 14 months due to the pandemic, The Peninsula New York has reopened, offering a luxurious experience in a prime location.

CitizenM New York Times Square Hotel

Address: 218 W. 50th St., New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 461-3638

Located on the northern edge of Times Square in the heart of the Theater District, this hotel offers a modern, functional, and clean experience.

Pendry Manhattan West

Address: 438 W. 33rd St., New York, NY, 10001

Phone: (212) 933-7000

Bringing California luxury to Hudson Yards, Pendry Manhattan West opened in September 2021, featuring a serene West Coast style that merges with the energy of New York City.

Top Restaurants

Katz’s Delicatessen

Address: 205 E. Houston St., New York, NY 10002

Phone: (212) 254-2246

Founded in 1888, this kosher-style deli is known for its pastrami on rye, considered one of the best in the city.

Eleven Madison Park

Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

Phone: (212) 889-0905

Best known for its multi-course tasting menu, this Michelin three-star restaurant offers beautiful views overlooking Madison Square Park.

Le Coucou

Address: 138 Lafayette St., New York, NY, 10013

Phone: (212) 271-4252

A Michelin-starred French restaurant offering an a la carte menu, as well as a new four-course tasting menu priced at $185 per person.

Shopping Experiences

Saks Fifth Avenue

Address: 611 Fifth Ave., New York, NY, 10022

Phone: (212) 753-4000

A luxury department store that anchors New York’s Fifth Avenue shopping strip, famous for designer names.

Macy’s Herald Square

Address: 151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

Phone: (212) 695-4400

The flagship Macy’s store is one of the largest in the world, known for its animated holiday window displays.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Financial District: Home to the New York Stock Exchange and iconic monuments.

Chinatown: Offers some of the city’s best Chinese restaurants and bargain shopping.

Upper West Side: A residential area featuring beautiful townhouses and the American Museum of Natural History.

Weather Overview

Summer days are long and can be either beautiful or sticky and sweaty. Winters are relatively mild, with January and February offering the coldest temperatures.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month:

January: 26°F to 39°F
February: 29°F to 42°F
March: 35°F to 50°F
April: 44°F to 60°F
May: 55°F to 71°F
June: 64°F to 79°F
July: 70°F to 85°F
August: 69°F to 83°F
September: 61°F to 76°F
October: 50°F to 65°F
November: 41°F to 54°F
December: 32°F to 44°F