City guide · United States
New York
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States.
4 ready itineraries · 3, 5, 7, 10-day plans
New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors.
The city comprises five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—each being coextensive with its respective county. It is the geographical and demographic center of both the Northeast megalopolis and the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the United States by both population and urban area.
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want New York without a car. The 3-day plan stays inside walking range of Passes.
- Skip if
- Skip New York if you only want a beach week or an airport layover. This cluster is for people who will walk most days.
Pick a trip length
One plan per length — open it and walk the days in order.
- 3days3-day itineraryA long weekend walking New York.Open plan →
- 5days5-day itineraryPopularA first visit to New York with room for one extra neighborhood.Open plan →
- 7days7-day itineraryA slower week in New York, with one day outside town.Open plan →
- 10days10-day itineraryFirst-time visitors who want a full New York trip with day trips.Open plan →
5-day preview
Skim the walking days, then open the full plan.
- 1
Passes
Walk Passes in New York. Start at GoCity Pass, then New York Pass and New York CityPASS. Stay on foot.
GoCity Pass · New York Pass · New York CityPASS · SoHo · …
- 2
City
Walk City in New York. Start at Latin American Pentecostal Church, then Rose of Sharon Holy Church and South Street Seaport. Stay on foot.
Latin American Pentecostal Church · Rose of Sharon Holy Church · South Street Seaport · South Street Seaport Historic District · …
- 3
City
Walk City in New York. Start at Congregation Shaare Zedek, then Chatham Square and South Baptist Church. Stay on foot.
Congregation Shaare Zedek · Chatham Square · South Baptist Church · People's Home Church · …
- 4
City
Walk City in New York. Start at Seventh Day Adventist Church of Union Square, then First Warsaw Congregation and Generoso Pope Catholic Center at New York University. Stay on foot.
Seventh Day Adventist Church of Union Square · First Warsaw Congregation · Generoso Pope Catholic Center at New York University
- 5
Day trip toward Metro New York
Leave New York for the day. Come back to the same bed.
Metro New York · New Jersey · Connecticut
Where to stay
Bases that fit the walking plan.
Passes
2 to 4 nights
Walking this plan
Base here if you want GoCity Pass, New York Pass, New York CityPASS on foot.
Getting there & when to go
Lock timing and airport basics early.
Best time
New York works year-round for a walking trip. Shoulder months are easier on crowds and hills.
- Shoulder months
- High season
- Low season
- Rain days
Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
thumb|upright=1.3|NYC Subway car interior thumb|upright=1.3|NYC Subway car exterior thumb|upright=1.3|The New York City Subway is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. However, it can get really, really crowded, especially during rush hour. OMNY is the contactless fare payment system for the MTA subway and bus lines. The system allows passengers to pay by "tapping" one of the following to a reader: * A contactless credit, debit or prepaid card, including American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay or Visa.
- Public transit from JFK30 to 60 minutes · Local ticket price. Check the operator the week you fly.
- Taxi or licensed ride hail20 to 45 minutes · Treat any number you see online as an estimate, not a quote.
Practical notes
Short reads before you book.
Understand
thumb|upright=1.3|Central Park is pretty at any time of the year. New York City is a major global center of international finance, politics, communications, film, music, fashion, and culture, and is among the world's most important and influential cities.
It is home to many world-class museums, art galleries, and theaters. Many of the world's largest corporations have their headquarters here.
Get in
New York City ( for all airports) is well connected by air with flights from almost every corner of the world. Three large airports, and several small ones, serve the region.
Kennedy International Airport ( ) and Newark Liberty International Airport ( ) are large international airports, while LaGuardia Airport ( ) is a busy domestic airport. All three airports are run by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Get around
thumb|upright=1.3|NYC Subway car interior thumb|upright=1.3|NYC Subway car exterior thumb|upright=1.3|The New York City Subway is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. However, it can get really, really crowded, especially during rush hour.
OMNY is the contactless fare payment system for the MTA subway and bus lines. The system allows passengers to pay by "tapping" one of the following to a reader: * A contactless credit, debit or prepaid card, including American Express, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, UnionPay or Visa.
Stay safe
New York is the safest large city in the United States, and its crime rate per person is lower than the national average and the crime rate of many small towns. You can be assured of a high police presence in Times Square, public transportation hubs and other major crowded places.
The most common crime against tourists (not including being overcharged, or scammed in the Times Square area) is bag snatching. Never let go of your handbag (putting other bags down is OK, as long as you guard them carefully), especially in the subway but also when eating at a restaurant.
Related guides
Helpful next pages for New York.