New York City is one of the most famous urban centers in the world. As a major hub for American entertainment and culture, this bustling metropolis attracts visitors from around the globe.

How to Get Into the City from the Airport

New York City is served by three airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport. All three airports offer taxi, shuttle, and bus service. For a less expensive option, try public transportation. From JFK, take the Airtrain to the Howard Beach Station or Sutphan Boulevard Station, and catch the subway into the city from there. If you’re flying into Newark, take the AirTrain to the NJ Transit train station. From there, you can take an NJ Transit train to Penn Station in Manhattan. From LaGuardia, take the Q70 Limited bus to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave Subway Station to catch the train into the city.

How to Get Around the City

One of the best ways to get around New York City is on foot. In inclement weather, or when you don’t feel like walking, try the city’s many transportation options. If you’re on a budget, the subway system is a great option. Purchase a MetroCard at any subway station, and load it with a designated amount of money. Swipe the card to enter the subway; when you do, the system automatically deducts the fare. If you only plan to ride once, purchase a Single-Ride ticket. MetroCards also work on New York City buses.

Taxis are also available all over the city. To hail one, simply stand on the edge of the street and wave. Lyft and Uber also operate in New York City; both services have smartphone apps for easy ride scheduling.

What to See

New York City is packed with attractions and world-famous monuments. Some of the most iconic sights include:

  • Statue of Liberty
  • Times Square
  • Central Park
  • Empire State Building
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Things to Do

Tour One World Trade Center: See the monuments at the site of the former World Trade Center, tour the museum, and check out the One World Observatory for views of the city.

See a Broadway Show: For discounted last-minute tickets, go to the TKTS booth in Times Square, the South Street Seaport, downtown Brooklyn, or Lincoln Center.

Visit a Museum: Check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Shopping

Home to everything from high-end designers to flea markets, New York City is a shopper’s paradise. For the iconic experience, head to Fifth Avenue to check out Bergdorf Goodman, F.A.O. Schwartz, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more. In Chinatown, you can find everything from rare herbs to knockoff designer bags. For budget-friendly shopping, try the stores around Union Square. For artisan goods, check out the Canal Street Market. If you’re after antiques, head to Brooklyn Flea.