The metropolis of New York entices with superlatives: whether you're enjoying the view from one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, learning about one of the largest waves of immigration in history, watching the sunset from the Brooklyn Bridge – the longest suspension bridge in the world – or simply feeding squirrels in Central Park. A trip to this impressive city guarantees unforgettable experiences!
Jörg Fermüller, Head of Sales at DERTOUR Austria, spent a month in New York and was able to experience the uniqueness of the city firsthand. He brought back the best tips for a trip to New York.
My Travel Tips for New York
New York is a multicultural city. Over twelve million immigrants arrived here by ship until the mid-20th century. The influences of many different cultures are evident everywhere: in cuisine, architecture, and language. The range of activities and experiences feels endless: whether it's Times Square, which is especially spectacular at night, or the Statue of Liberty, where you can enjoy a unique view of Manhattan from a platform 102 meters high. The Empire State Building, one of the tallest buildings in the world, or Central Park, the city's green "lung," invites you to relax after a day full of adventures.
Here are my tips for the best sights for your trip to New York!
Visiting the Statue of Liberty
A special highlight in the city that never sleeps is a sailing trip: aboard a sailboat, you glide silently over the water and can comfortably take in Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the skyline. A bar on board takes care of your culinary needs. This excursion is especially atmospheric in the evening when the city lights come on and the sun sets into the sea.
A Walk Through the High Line Park
The High Line is a 2.6-kilometer-long, 7.5-meter-high former freight rail line in western Manhattan that was transformed into a park, the High Line Park, between 2006 and 2023. It runs through the Meatpacking District and Chelsea neighborhoods. A walk amidst the plant diversity (especially in spring and summer) offers a great view of Manhattan and the Hudson River and is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan’s streets.
Panoramic Views Over New York
In New York, the best views are from above – don’t miss them! Various observation decks offer stunning panoramic views of the city, such as:
- Summit at One Vanderbilt: Located in Midtown Manhattan, standing 305 meters tall.
- Empire State Building: One of the city’s most iconic buildings.
- Edge New York: Located in Hudson Yards, 345 meters high.
- Top of the Rock: Located at Rockefeller Plaza, offering a 360-degree view.
- One World Observatory: The platform in the One World Trade Center, with views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
A Break in Central Park
The famous city park is a green oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for a break from sightseeing. It’s ideal for walking, cycling, or picnicking.
There are five man-made waterfalls to discover. Large green spaces like “The Great Lawn” offer room for various sports. And the jogging track around the reservoir lets you burn off energy over about 2.4 kilometers.
Central Park is great in any season: in summer, there are free concerts and open-air movie screenings; in winter, an ice rink. And in the “Shakespeare Garden,” you’ll find many plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.
In the middle of the park, you’ll also find one of the world’s most famous fountains: the Bethesda Fountain, featured in numerous films.
Glamour and Glitz on Broadway
Broadway is one of New York’s most popular attractions. Culture lovers will find not only classic theater and musical productions in the legendary theater district in Midtown Manhattan, but also brand-new shows.
With acting, singing, and dancing, popular shows like Moulin Rouge and Wicked shine near Times Square, as well as Disney highlights like Aladdin and The Lion King. At “Off-Broadway,” a bit away from the main Broadway area, you’ll find stages for smaller productions (with fewer than 500 seats). Around 40 theaters ensure magical evenings and great entertainment on Broadway.
Tip: Buy your Broadway tickets online in advance to secure the best seats and save time and money. Lines at the box office can be very long.
Not a fan of theater? How about attending a taping of a TV show? Several well-known late-night shows are filmed in New York, like The Daily Show. Tickets are free, but only available with a bit of luck – often distributed by lottery.
Sea of Lights at Times Square
Times Square is one of the most famous squares in the world and a popular attraction in New York, drawing millions of visitors each year. That’s why it’s also known as the “Crossroads of the World.”
Named after the newspaper New York Times, it is now largely a pedestrian zone. There are numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities. You’ll often see people in costumes at Times Square – for a small fee, you can take a photo with them, the perfect travel snapshot.
In the glow of the giant, iconic neon signs, it’s easy to understand why New York is called “the city that never sleeps.” These billboards have a unique flair and make the square truly distinctive.
A quirky tip: Celebrating a birthday in New York or planning a romantic proposal? You can book a spot on a billboard and display a video or photo for 15 seconds. This message will be shown every hour for 24 hours – a one-of-a-kind idea.
A special highlight is Times Square on New Year’s Eve. Over a million people gather for the famous “Ball Drop”: one minute before the new year, a 3.7-meter-wide ball is lowered down a 43-meter-high pole from the One Times Square building. There are also performances by well-known musicians and a massive fireworks display.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge
The 1.8-kilometer-long steel cable suspension bridge is impressive. For a long time, it was the only connection between Brooklyn and Manhattan. It can be crossed on foot, by bike, or by car. Walking offers the most peaceful way to enjoy the view. You should plan at least 45 minutes for the walk. Renting a bike is fun too – but since you have to ride with the cars, you miss much of the skyline.
If you want a view of the bridge itself, you can visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s a great spot for a picnic in good weather and a chance to escape the hustle of Manhattan for a while.
My tip: If you’re already tired from sightseeing, you can simply take the ferry. The NYC Ferry gets you across the river in just a few minutes, and you can enjoy the view during the ride.
For Rainy Days: Museums in New York City
On rainy days, you can explore the many famous museums in New York. The city boasts an impressive concentration of world-renowned museums – including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), the Guggenheim Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Compared to European museums, New York’s exhibition spaces often have a more hectic atmosphere, reflecting the city’s fast-paced rhythm.
Good to know: Photography, often even with flash, is allowed in most museums – something less common in Europe.
Travel Preparation for New York: What You Need to Know Before Departure
Traveling to the USA requires a bit more preparation than traveling within Europe. That’s why good planning is key to an unforgettable trip to the Big Apple.
To help you prepare, here’s a summary of the most important information – from the best time to travel to entry requirements.
The Best Time to Travel to New York
New York is a year-round destination, but each season has its own unique charm.
Spring (March – May)
- Weather & Atmosphere: Mild and sunny, the city comes to life. Temperatures are ideal for long walks.
- Highlights & Tips: Parks like Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are in bloom. Perfect for outdoor activities.
Summer (June – August)
- Weather & Atmosphere: Hot and often humid. The city is full of energy and tourists.
- Highlights & Tips: Time for rooftop bars, open-air cinemas, and free concerts in the parks. A trip to Coney Island is worth it.
Autumn (September – November)
- Weather & Atmosphere: Pleasantly warm to cool, with golden light and colorful foliage (“Indian Summer”).
- Highlights & Tips: Autumn is ideal for sightseeing. Halloween and the Thanksgiving Day Parade are special events.
Winter (December – February)
- Weather & Atmosphere: Cold, often snowy. The pre-Christmas season is magical but also very busy.
- Highlights & Tips: Ice skating at Rockefeller Center, admiring festive lights, and visiting famous Christmas markets
Entry into the USA: ESTA and Passport
Strict rules apply for entry into the USA. With an Austrian passport, you generally do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. However, please note the following points:
- Biometric Passport: Your passport must be biometric and valid for at least 6 more months.
- ESTA Authorization: You must apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This can only be done via the official website of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The authorization is valid for two years. Important: Apply for ESTA several weeks before departure to resolve any potential issues in time.
Accommodation: Where Should I Stay in New York?
In New York, the rental of vacation apartments and Airbnbs is strictly regulated. Therefore, it’s best to stay in a hotel. Expect high prices for overnight stays – especially during peak season.
Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for your New York experience:
- Midtown Manhattan: Ideal for first-time visitors. You’ll be close to major attractions like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Broadway.
- Lower Manhattan (SoHo, Greenwich Village): Perfect for those seeking charming streets, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
- Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Dumbo): Offers a more relaxed atmosphere, trendy cafés, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Often, you’ll find better value for money here.
- Queens (Long Island City): An up-and-coming area with many modern hotels and excellent, fast connections to Manhattan.
Getting Around the Metropolis: Overview of Transportation Options
As in most major cities, a car is not the best choice. While taxis and Uber are available, you’ll usually get around faster by subway or on foot. In New York, you can use the following modes of transport:
- Subway: New York has a vast public transport network. The subway is the fastest and most efficient way to get around – operating 24/7. You can pay contactlessly with a credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch directly at the turnstile using the OMNY system.
- Walking: The best way to truly experience the city. Plan routes through different neighborhoods and discover hidden gems.
- Buses: A good alternative to see the city above ground. You can also use the OMNY system here.
- NYC Ferry: The ferries offer fantastic views of the skyline and connect Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
- Citi Bike: New York’s official bike-sharing system is perfect for rides in Central Park or along the Hudson River.
Important: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
To make your trip to New York unforgettable and worry-free, good preparation is essential.
Healthcare in the USA is very expensive. If you become ill or have an accident during your trip, you may have to pay a lot of money for medical care without appropriate international travel health insurance. Medical repatriation in emergencies can be especially costly without insurance.
A personal liability insurance policy can also be useful. If you accidentally injure someone or damage someone else’s property, you could face high compensation claims.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance covers cancellation fees or reimburses costs for unused travel services and additional return travel expenses. This applies if you have to cancel or cut short your trip to New York due to unforeseen reasons – such as illness or an emergency at home.
Baggage insurance is also advisable. If your luggage is stolen or damaged, the insurance provides compensation. With CompleteCover, you don’t have to worry about potential risks during your New York trip – and can simply enjoy your vacation.