City guides / New York
New York travel guide
Walkable neighbourhoods, museums and the price tag that comes with them.
New York, United States · Local currency USD · Time zone America/New_York
Best time to visit New York
Flights and hotels are cheapest in January, February. Expect to pay the most in May, June, July, August, November, December.
Post-holiday lull; cooler weather.
Very cold; fewer tourists.
Spring begins; increasing tourist activity.
Cherry Blossom Festival; pleasant weather.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of peak tourist season.
Summer tourist season is in full swing.
Very hot; many outdoor events.
Tourist crowds remain high; notable events like the US Open.
Kids go back to school; tourist numbers decrease slightly.
Fall foliage attracts visitors; pleasant weather.
Holiday season begins with Thanksgiving parades.
Christmas festivities draw in the largest crowds.
Getting around New York
Public transport
New York City has a robust public transport system. Subways run frequently (every 2-5 minutes during peak hours) and payment is made via MetroCard.
Driving and parking (9/10 difficulty)
Parking is very difficult and expensive; garages charge around $30-$60 per day. Public transport is recommended over driving.
How locals get around
Locals typically use subways, buses, and rideshares. When on public transit, keep noise to a minimum and offer your seat to the elderly or disabled.
Local customs in New York
Tipping
Tipping is customary in New York City. A tip of 15-20% is expected at restaurants, and similar amounts for taxi drivers and bartenders.
What to wear
Dress varies greatly, but casual smart attire is common in restaurants. For religious sites like churches, modest attire is advised.
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; however, it's advisable to carry some cash ($20-$40) for small purchases and tips.
Phrases worth knowing
- How you doing?
- — A casual greeting, similar to 'How are you?'
- What’s the line?
- — Used to ask what people are waiting for or what's happening.
- Let’s grab a slice!
- — An invitation to get a slice of pizza, a New York staple.
- On line
- — New Yorkers say 'on line' instead of 'in line' when referring to waiting; use this term for accuracy.
Plan a New York trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day New York itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to New York