USA
New York: itinerary & travel tips
New York is made up of five boroughs, but for a short trip Manhattan and a detour to Brooklyn are more than enough. In a compact area you'll find world-famous landmarks, major museums, parks and neighbourhoods with their own distinct character. Much of it can be combined on foot or by subway, so you can see a lot even in three days.
The city is easy to reach with direct flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and the time difference is six hours. Allow time for getting around and set priorities instead of ticking everything off: one day for Downtown, one for Midtown and Central Park, and one for museums and Brooklyn.
Ready-made itineraries
3 days · 28 stops
New York in 3 days
Three days in Manhattan, based in Midtown: arrival and Midtown architecture, then Downtown with history and food, and finally the Lower East Side, the Brooklyn Bridge and departure.
- Day 1Arrival and Midtown architecture
- Day 2Downtown history and classics
- Day 3Lower East Side and Brooklyn
Weekend like a local · 14 stops
New York: weekend like a local
A relaxed weekend in New York, arriving on Saturday in Brooklyn (Williamsburg and Greenpoint) and spending Sunday in Manhattan's East Village and Lower East Side with coffee, food and small art venues.
- Day 1Arrival and Brooklyn treats
- Day 2East Village and Lower East Side
What to see
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
The ferry from Battery Park takes you to the landmark and to the immigration museum, which tells the story of migration to the USA.
Central Park
The park, begun in 1858, offers lawns, lakes and paths, ideal for a break between museum visits or for a stroll.
Empire State Building
The Art Deco skyscraper from 1931 has observation decks with views over Midtown and Downtown.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the world, with collections ranging from ancient Egypt to the modern era.
Brooklyn Bridge
The walk across the bridge, built in 1883, offers a classic skyline view of Lower Manhattan.
National September 11 Memorial & Museum
The memorial and museum at Ground Zero document the 2001 attacks in a factual and moving way.
Where to stay
Midtown Manhattan
For first-time visitors who want short distances to Times Square, the Empire State Building and subway hubs.
Lower Manhattan
For travellers who prefer somewhere quieter and want Wall Street, the 9/11 Memorial and ferries nearby.
Greenwich Village and SoHo
For guests who prefer cafés, restaurants, boutiques and small-scale architecture to the hustle and bustle.
Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
For younger and budget-conscious travellers who like bars, street food and vintage shops and enjoy skyline views from the water.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant times are April to June and September to November, with mild temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage in Central Park. July and August are hot and humid, January and February often icy, but hotel prices are usually lower then. Around Thanksgiving and Christmas the city and hotels are very busy and expensive. You should avoid the peak summer heat and January if you value long days outdoors.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul
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- Oct ✓
- Nov ✓
- Dec
Getting there
Most flights from German-speaking countries land at John F. Kennedy International (JFK) or Newark Liberty (EWR) in New Jersey. From JFK, the AirTrain connects to the subway or the Long Island Rail Road; the trip to Manhattan takes about 60 to 75 minutes and costs roughly 10 to 20 USD. From Newark Airport, the AirTrain takes you to the train to Penn Station in around 30 to 45 minutes. A taxi from JFK to Manhattan costs a flat fare of about 70 USD plus tolls and tip.
Getting around
The subway runs around the clock and is the fastest way to get around. You simply pay by credit card or smartphone at the turnstile (OMNY); a ride costs about 3 USD, and after a certain number of rides per week the price is capped. You can reach many places in Manhattan on foot, and buses are a good addition.
Daily budget
budget
€70
mid-range
€160
per person, without accommodation. Accommodation is very expensive, while food from street stalls, delis and pizzerias is cheap; admission fees and observation decks add up noticeably.
Local tips
- For meals and taxis, allow for a tip of about 18 to 22 percent; it is customary and effectively part of the price.
- Prices on menus and signs are usually shown without tax; the sales tax of just under 9 percent is added at the checkout.
- The ferry to Staten Island is free and offers a view of the Statue of Liberty without a ticket.
- Buy tickets for observation decks and the Statue of Liberty online in advance to cut down on queues.
FAQ
How many days do you need for New York?
Three to four days are enough for a first impression. With two days, you'll have to limit yourself to Manhattan and a few highlights.
Where is the best place to stay in New York?
For first-time visitors, Midtown is practical because of its transport connections. Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn are quieter and cheaper, each with good subway links.
Is New York expensive?
Yes, hotels in particular are among the most expensive in the world. But you can save money on food and with free attractions such as Central Park or the Staten Island Ferry.
How do I get from the airport to Manhattan?
From JFK and Newark, you can get into the city by AirTrain and train or subway for about 10 to 20 USD. A taxi is more comfortable but much more expensive and can take a long time in traffic.
Do I need an entry authorisation for the USA?
Yes, travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland generally need an ESTA authorisation and a valid passport. Apply in good time before departure, and only through the official US government website.
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