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
43 Best Hotels in New York City
With everything from NoMad hotspots to Brooklyn breakouts, this city is the ultimate hotel town.
Where to Stay in New York City
Places to Stay
The 25 Best Boutique Hotels in NYC
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Smyth Tribeca$$ | United States, New York City, 85 W BroadwayTribeca’s minimal-elegant home baseRead full review
- The Manner$$$ | United States, New York City, 58 Thompson StStep into New York’s coolest new hotel.Read full review
Hot List - The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel: First In$$ | United States, New York, 20 E 76th StUpper East Side quiet luxury at its finestRead full review
Readers Choice Awards
Hot List - The Hoxton Williamsburg$ | United States, Brooklyn, 97 Wythe AveAmerican debut from the streetwise London hotel group right in the heart of the Williamsburg scene.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- Mandarin Oriental, New York$$$ | United States, New York, 80 Columbus CircleOne of New York City’s quintessential five-star hotel experiences, just off Columbus Circle.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
Gold List - The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad$$$ | United States, New York, 25 W 28th StOne of the most serene (and coolest) escapes in Manhattan.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
Hot List Gold List - Hotel Chelsea$$ | United States, New York, 222 W 23rd StHotel Chelsea may not be filled with famous musicians anymore, but the rock-and-roll vibe remains.Read full reviewHot List
- Trump International Hotel & Tower New York$$$ | United States, New York, 1 Central Park WestAcross from Central Park on Columbus Circle, this 52-story hotel is a great home base for sight-seeing.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park$$$ | United States, New York, 50 Central Park SouthThis is how you make old New York 21st century compatibleRead full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- The Knickerbocker$$$ | United States, New York City, 6 Times SqStay in a renovated piece of hotel history in this national historic landmark Beaux Arts building near Times Square.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC$$ | United States, New York, 18 9th Ave.Swanky, and a short stroll from Chelsea, the West Village, and the Meatpacking District.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- The Plaza$$$ | United States, New York, 768 Fifth Ave.This stately grand dame on Central Park South is as New York as it gets.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- Thompson Central Park New York$$$ | USA, New York, 119 W 56th StA fabulous location with spacious rooms, Billionaire’s Row views, and destination-worthy dining to boot.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
- The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel$$$ | United States, New York City, 35 E 76th StThe Carlyle is an Upper East Side institution that feels like its own world.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
Gold List - Westin New York Grand Central$$ | United States, New York, 212 E 42nd StYes, it is possible to wake up to the Chrysler Building right outside your window.Read full reviewReaders Choice Awards
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Top Activities in New York City
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Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour
Summit One Vanderbilt Experience
Edge Observation Deck
American Museum of Natural History
New York Botanical Garden
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.
- 16 Cheap Things to Do in NYCThrow on your walking shoes—this DIY tour of the city promises all of the highlights, without breaking the bank.
- 15 Best Things to Do With Kids in New York CityThe concrete jungle of NYC is actually quite family-friendly.
- Where to Go Shopping in NYC: Our 20 PicksFrom iconic department stores to thrift shops and an Upper East Side pharmacy.
- 7 Easy Weekend Trips from NYCLeaving New York now and then is undeniably necessary—here are eight nearby locations worth experiencing.
- 17 Airbnbs Within 3 Hours of New York CityThese roomy rentals are all within four hours of Midtown Manhattan.
- 5 Best Day Trips from New York CityWhere to go when you need a break from the city that never sleeps.
16 Best Spas in New York City for Massages, Wellness Clubs, and Facials
From subterranean Shiatsu massages to rooftop saunas, New York's wellness scene has something for everyone.
Editor Recommendations
- QC NY SpaUnited States, New York, 112 Andes Road, Governors IslandFor the Italian-inspired art of “dolce far niente”—the sweetness of doing nothingRead full review
- Knockdown CenterUnited States, Maspeth, 52-19 Flushing Ave
- Barclays CenterUnited States, Brooklyn, 620 Atlantic Ave
- IFC CenterUnited States, New York, 323 6th Ave
- Quad CinemaUnited States, New York, 34 W 13th StA consummate experience in the no man's land of Union Square.Read full review
- Anthology Film ArchivesUnited States, New York, 32 2nd AveA red brick monument to the avant-gardeRead full review
- AMC Lincoln Square 13United States, New York, 1998 BroadwayFor the big blockbusters and infamous popcorn bucketsRead full review
- The Paris TheaterNew York, New York, 4 W 58th StThe archetype of a New York City arthouse theaterRead full review
- Marsha P. Johnson State ParkUnited States, New York, 90 Kent AveOddly enough, this waterfront park doesn't allow dogs despite Johnson herself being a dog lover.Read full review
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community CenterUnited States, New York, 208 W 13th StA safe, public gathering space to engage with likeminded people and learn about LGBTQ+ history.Read full review
- James Beard HouseUnited States, New York, 167 W 12th StThe American culinary leader now known for the eponymous awards lived in this multilevel townhouse from 1973 until his deathRead full review
- HarlemUnited States, New York, HarlemThe uptown Manhattan neighborhood was a hub of queer activity during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s.Read full review
- Alice Austen HouseUnited States, New York, 2 Hylan BlvdThe Staten Island property that photographer Alice Austen shared with her partner Gertrude Tate.Read full review
- Industry CityUnited States, New York, 220 36th StTrue one-stop shopping for lovers of artisan production.Read full review
Featured
The Best Bars for Live Music in Brooklyn
Where to experience the borough's diverse, energetic, and sponetaneous music scene—any night of the week.
NYC’s Cultural Institutions Are Having a Renaissance
The Frick Collection, New Museum, The Met, and Delacorte Theater will all re-welcome visitors this year as part of the city's wave of renovations for its 400th anniversary.
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.
- The Best Sushi in NYCIf you're looking for the best sushi, NYC has it and then some.
- The 15 Best Bakeries in NYCYou only need to wait in line at a couple of these picks.
- The Best Jewish Food in NYCAccording to a Jewish New Yorker.
- 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.
- The Best Burgers in NYCWhether you want a smash burger or something thicker and more traditional, these are our favorites.
- 15 Best Bars in New York CityAbove all else, New York is a drinking town. Here's where locals go for a tipple.
- Our Favorite Steakhouses in NYCThere's a best steakhouse in NYC for everyone, from the classics to the cutting edge.
- 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?
10 Best Rooftop Bars in New York City
Where the city looks its most beautiful, enjoyed with the perfect drink in hand.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Paradise LostUnited States, New York, 100 2nd AveBrave souls will love everything this unconventional bar has to offer.
- Sugar MonkUnited States, New York, 2292 Frederick Douglass BlvdThis experience will surprise your palate.
- EavesdropUnited States, New York, 674 Manhattan AveWhen you're tired of the high energy, see-and-be-seen places, come here for a relaxed evening.
- Lobby Bar at The Hotel ChelseaUnited States, New York, 226 W 23rd StCome for the "if these walls could talk" historic legacy of it all, and stay for the artful ambiance, chic crowd, and masterful drinks.
- Swan RoomUnited States, New York, 54 Canal StPart time swanky lobby bar, part time historic architectural marvel.
- schmuck.United States, New York, 97 1st AveThings are hectic here in the kind of way you want to be a part of, with cocktails that are dangerously easy to finish.
- Portrait BarUnited States, New York, 1 W 28th St
- Sushi Yasuda$$$ | US, New York, 204 E 43 St
- DOMODOMO$$ | United States, New York, 140 W Houston Street
- Umami Sushi$$ | US, New York, 50 Greenwich AveThere's no better deal for affordable takeout downtown.
- Sushi Ouji$$$ | US, New York, 196 Prince StreetWhere the fish is flown in from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market.
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More from New York
Destinations
11 Best Restaurants Near Broadway for a Pre-Show Meal
Believe it or not, there is good food in the Theater District.
Style & Culture
'Sex and the City' Creator Candace Bushnell Shares Her Favorite New York Spots
New York is still “a city where you can really be single,” says the author.
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News & Advice
The Best Art Exhibits to See in New York City This May
From a deep dive on Madame X to a spotlight on the craft and costumes of Mission: Impossible.
Destinations
19 Easy Weekend Getaways From NYC
From sand to the suburbs, there are ample weekend getaways from NYC.
Inspiration
Roosevelt Island's Micro-Forest Is Bringing a Quiet Space for New Yorkers
Planted just over one year ago, New York City's first micro-forest is now home to a thriving interspecies network of native flora and fauna.
Inspiration
How Indian Restaurants Became the Hottest Reservations in New York City
A wave of regionally focused openings are causing diners to reconsider their notions of what Indian food should look and taste like.
Style & Culture
A Waldorf Astoria-Inspired Packing List for a New York City Getaway
A packing list as elegant as the newly restored Waldorf Astoria.
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Destinations
The Best New Restaurants in New York City of 2025 (So Far)
There are Lower East Side wine bars with exciting food menus, buzzy Peruvian-Japanese izakayas, and more.
Wellness & Spas
The Best Winter Spas in NYC for Saunas, Heated Outdoor Pools, and More
Escape the city's harsh winter cold at these spas, saunas, and wellness spaces.
Couples Travel
Where to Go for a Romantic Getaway in New York
Cozy upstate cabins, swanky hotels, and laid-back retreats await.
Style & Culture
Where to Shop, Sip, and Get Inspired in New York City, According to a Creative Director at Tiffany & Co.
The eternally stylish Lauren Santo Domingo, creative director of the home collection for Tiffany & Co. on the best of NYC.
Style & Culture
Recreating Bob Dylan’s New York City for A Complete Unknown
Director James Mangold, actor Monica Barbaro, and production designer Francois Adoury on bringing 1960s Greenwich Village back to life—and transforming Cape May into Newport.
Destinations
The Best Free Things to Do in New York City
The Big Apple's got a free-of-charge activity for every type of traveler out there, from strolls through sculpture gardens to scenic ferry rides.
Destinations
16 Romantic Restaurants in New York City For Your Next Date
Whether it's the first, last, or somewhere in between, these spots will set the right mood.
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.
