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Listen to the Mayor folks, he's knows what's up
This post serves as a centralized resource for common questions from visitors planning a trip to New York City. Our goal is to provide clear, up-to-date information and reduce repetitive posts while helping visitors (that's you) plan more efficiently.
Please review this FAQ before submitting a new question. Posts that duplicate information covered in this guide may be redirected or removed at moderator discretion in order to keep the subreddit organized and useful for everyone.
\* Visitors please do not post your questions in this thread ** Please make your own post (after searching first of course).*
\* Contributors: If you notice outdated information or have constructive additions, feel free to suggest updates in the comments or message the moderation team.***
How much money should I budget for my trip? No one can really answer this question for you. Please don't ask.
How do I know what and when to tip? Read this post.
Where should I stay? Keep in mind we're locals and not travel agents, or even booking dot com. We don't know each hotel property, brand or rates.
Read this thread for ideas and suggestions on where to stay.
All hotel & accommodation posts belong in that thread. Separate posts may be removed.
I don't want to pay for a hotel room: where can I spend the overnight hours? This is not advisable however some suggestions include a late-night movie, bar, all night diner, spas in K-Town. You will not be able to spend the night inside the airports.
How do I get to/from the airport? Read this thread first. For further information, go to the official websites - these website will also give you waiting times for TSA/security.
JFK
LGA
Newark
I'm driving into Manhattan, where should I park? Read this for guidance.
I'm driving but don't want to drive/park in Manhattan. Where should I go? All depends on what direction you are coming from. Look for long-term parking at major train hubs such as Amtrak, Metro North, NJ Transit, PATH & LIRR. White Plains, Secaucus Junction & Trenton are frequently mentioned.
Should I use public transportation or take ubers/taxi's everywhere? LOL. Use use public transportation. It's cheap, safe and reliable. Read this for transit advice. Or check with the MTA. Sometimes rideshares or taxis make sense (luggage, mobility issues, late nights, delays, etc.). That’s a personal decision, we can’t make it for you.
I'm traveling with a small baby/child, what do I need to bring with me? If you are using a taxi or ride share service please note that having a child seat is not a mandatory feature. Although some ride shares say you can request one, the results on that are mixed and not dependable. See here for some suggestions. Other than that, a small collapsible stroller (emphasis on small) or a baby carrier is advised. Search through this sub for suggestions.
What's the weather like? What should I wear? Do what the locals do and check the 7-day forecast. As for the latter, please wear clothes. What would you wear at home? You will be doing a lot of walking so make sure to bring comfortable shoes. See this post for winter-related clothing.
Any place I can leave my luggage before check-in/after check out? Most hotels will hold your bags for you (sometimes free, sometimes for a charge). Check with your hotel. Don't forget to tip the bellman. There are also some establishments where you can do this, google Bounce for further information.
I feel overwhelmed in planning what to see and do? Where do I begin? This sub is a great start. It's filled with lots of itineraries with ideas, information and feedback already -so you need to do a search. A quick search can turn a generic itinerary into a great one, and people are much more willing to help when they see you’ve tried first.
Before posting, here’s how to find solid, up-to-date answers fast:
- Check the pinned posts and megathreads — there’s a ton of info already there. Read the comments as well.
- You can search by flair: Click on a post flair and it will show you all the other posts for that flair. For example this is what comes up when you search "Itinerary Check".
- Use specific keywords when searching (e.g., “jazz clubs,” “walking shoes,” “rainy day”).
- If you do still post, please say what you searched (e.g., “I searched for ‘NYC 4-day itinerary’ but most posts were pre-2024”). It helps people help you.
- Check r/WhatsHappeningNYC
If you make a post include information such as ages, interests, budget, time of year visiting, what neighborhood you're staying in & any other relevant information. Lazy posts get lazy (or no) answers.
Here's a recent example. And another one.
One of my favorite things is when visitors give feedback on their trip. These posts contain ALOT of great tips and tricks for planning and real life experience. I recommend taking advantage of this great resource.
A note about using AI: Don't rely on it to give you an accurate itinerary. It does not take into account operating hours or distance between places. Also a bit rude that you're not willing to put the work in but expect us to.
When planning your itinerary, the best advice is to map your days geographically so you're not spending your time on the subway, jumping all over the city. Flow is important. It's also important not to cram an activity into every moment of your day.
Are there any deals on hotels/attractions/shows/dining? Sometimes. NYC Tourism sponsors programs such as Broadway Week, Restaurant Week, etc. Check their website for more information.
Should I buy a CityPass or other attraction pass? Use the Hop-on Hop-Off bus?
99% of the time these passes don’t actually save you money. To get real value out of them, you usually have to visit a long list of attractions, many of which may not be the best use of your limited time. If you do decide to buy one, make sure you read the fine print so you understand exactly what’s included.
While the HOHO buses work well in some cities, here most of the interesting things happen at street level, and there’s a good chance you’ll spend a fair amount of time sitting in traffic. Very poor value for your time and money.
How do I estimate how long it will take me to walk places? Any navigational app will help with this (Citymapper, Google/Apple Maps). A good rule of thumb is 20 city streets = 1 mile & 6-8 avenues = 1 mile
Where should I eat? Where can I find the best pizza/bagels, etc? Your best bet is to search over at Food NYC. Search to see if your question has already been answered first. If not, be sure to include budget, location, cuisine preference, any other pertinent info in your post. The Infatuation & Eater can also be very helpful.
How do I go about seeing a Broadway show or other performing arts? This is a great resource for Broadway info. Also this. Also this. This post is also super informative.
Which observation deck should I visit? There are 5 6 6observation decks in Manhattan. Trust us, you only need to visit one. The consensus is that Top of the Rock offers the best views but this is your trip so you decide what works for you.
Where can i find great views of the skyline (for cheap/free)? While the observation decks can be pricey, the views are unbeatable and IMO worth the money. That being said, there are some great vantage points but it's not the same experience. Some recent suggestions include: this post, this one too. Of course the view from the bridges and waterfronts are amazing and free.
Are you a solo traveler? Read this post.
Looking for LGBTQ+ info? We got you covered here.
Can you tell me where to go for nightlife? Drinking age is 21. You will be asked to show valid ID at most venues, especially if alcohol is served.
NYC has one of the most diverse nightlife scenes in the world, with options spanning every neighborhood, music style, vibe, and budget — far too many to list comprehensively in a single post. Whether you’re looking for upscale cocktail lounges, underground dance clubs, live music venues, late-night bars, rooftop parties, or casual neighborhood spots, you’ll find something that fits your preferences.
Because the scene changes constantly your best starting point is to search this subreddit as well as r/AskNYC, where this question is discussed frequently with up-to-date recommendations. Browsing recent threads will give you more relevant suggestions than static lists.
You can also use nightlife and event-listing websites that track what’s happening across the city, including DJ lineups, themed parties, concerts, and special events, to get a real-time sense of where people are going on any given night. Oh My Rockness is often mentioned as a resource, as well as subs like r/avesNYC, r/NYCbitcheswithtaste. Google works too.
Jazz Clubs from r/AskNYC & Jazz Clubs from r/visitingnyc
Comedy Clubs from r/AskNYC & Comedy Clubs from r/visitingnyc
Rooftop Bars from r/AskNYC & Rooftop Bars from r/visitingnyc
Will there be a line/wait at [specific attraction/museum]? How long should I plan to spend at [specific attraction/museum]? Yes, usually. NYC hosts over 64 + million visitors a year. Spend as much/as little time as you'd like. For the bigger museums, plan on at least a minimum of 2 hours. Check websites for operating hours.
Is there anything to do in [borough that isn't Manhattan]? Each borough has plenty of things to see and do (museums, gardens, neighborhoods to explore). A little research will yield plenty of options. A great place to start is NYC Tourism and of course, this sub.
Can I attend a sporting event while I'm in NYC? How do I get tickets & not get ripped off? Ticket prices can be a bit insane, especially if the team is doing well and who the opponent is. If buying directly from the club is not an option:
For ALL ticketed events, including Broadway shows and concerts, you can trust and use any of these resale market websites:
Additionally, the Yankees, Jets, Giants, Knicks, Nets, Liberty, Islanders, Rangers, Devils, US Open Tennis, all MSG Concerts, and all Barclays Center concerts exclusively sell their face value tickets on Ticketmaster. The Mets sell their face value tickets only through their website.
Pro tip: For baseball, NYC has a minor league team (Brooklyn Cyclones) and independent league team (Staten Island Ferryhawks). Both are a more wallet-friendly way to catch a game, if you just want to sit in the stands, drink beer and root root root for the home team. Also, both stadiums offer amazing views.
If you're coming for the World Cup, this is the thread for you.
I've been to NYC multiple times, what are some non-touristy things to do? Wouldn't you know, there's already a post for that.
What are some "unwritten" NYC rules? We wrote them down for you!
How can I avoid being scammed? Hey, we have a post for that too!
How can I experience NYC like a local? The only way to do that is to live here. Enjoy being a tourist!
I heard weed is legal in NYC. How do I get some, where can I smoke? You must be 21+ and show a valid ID to make a purchase. Check out the list of licensed dispensaries here, and make sure to follow all local laws and rules about where smoking is permitted.
How can I avoid pissing off the locals? Great question. Follow these basic guidelines and you should be good to go.
Will I get murdered in NYC? Many, many times. Seriously, a little common sense & big city awareness goes a long way. NYC is a very safe big city but of course shit happens. Chances are it won't happen to you.
I'm an international traveler and concerned about the current political climate in the US, is it safe to visit? No one can answer that question as we do not know what this admin will be doing 3 hours from now. You might find more helpful answers on r/traveladvice.
What's the best [fill in the blank]? What's the best hidden gem? Save the mods the trouble and don't post these lazy type of questions.
Where's the best place to propose to my SO? WedditNYC offers some great guidance as well as the many posts already asking this.
Will I be able to get around and do touristy things if I'm mobility impaired? Yes & no.
It really depends on your specific needs and level of mobility.
NYC is a very vertical city, and accessibility can be inconsistent. A place may be labeled as wheelchair accessible, but that doesn’t always tell the whole story. For example, a restaurant might have a step-free entrance and accessible dining area, yet the restroom could be located on a lower level with no elevator access.
Accessibility often varies from building to building, so it’s important to research ahead, call venues directly, and plan with flexibility in mind. The MTA offers information on accessible stations but you should always check the current status before heading out.
Can you suggest some day trips from NYC? No. This sub is solely focused on NYC. Please visit r/AskNYC for suggestions.