New York City

The largest city in the United States, featuring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Times Square. A global center for culture, finance, art, and cuisine that offers world-class museums, Broadway theater, and unparalleled urban energy.

Things to do

• Statue of Liberty — Visit this iconic 1886 copper monument on Liberty Island, accessible by ferry from Battery Park, with views of the harbor and opportunity to climb to the crown.
• Empire State Building — Ascend to the 86th-floor observation deck of this Art Deco masterpiece for panoramic views of the entire city.
• Times Square — Experience the vibrant heart of NYC with towering digital billboards, theaters, shops, and constant energy at the intersection of Broadway and 42nd Street.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art — Explore one of the world's greatest art collections spanning 5,000 years of history across multiple wings on the Upper East Side.
• Central Park — Stroll through this 843-acre urban oasis featuring lakes, meadows, bridges, and iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace and the bow bridge.
• Brooklyn Bridge Walk — Cross the historic 1883 bridge on foot for stunning views of lower Manhattan and the East River.
• Broadway Theater — Catch a world-class musical or play in the Theater District around 42nd Street, the heart of American live theater.

Food to try

• New York-style Pizza — Grab a large, thin-crust slice with cheese and toppings from iconic pizzerias like Joe's or Lombardi's, traditionally eaten folded and on the go.
• Bagels with Lox — Order a toasted bagel topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon (lox) from a classic deli, a quintessential NYC Jewish-deli tradition.
• Pastrami on Rye — Try this deli classic of piled high pastrami on rye bread with mustard, best experienced at legendary spots like Katz's Delicatessen.
• Fish and Chips at Oyster Bars — Sample fresh oysters and crispy fried fish at historic seafood establishments like the Grand Central Oyster Bar.
• Dim Sum in Chinatown — Experience small plates of dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized dishes served from carts in restaurants throughout Manhattan's Chinatown neighborhood.
• Hot Dogs from Street Vendors — Grab an affordable hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard from the ubiquitous street cart carts scattered throughout the city.

Local customs & good to know

• Master the subway system — Get a MetroCard for the efficient, 24-hour subway network; New Yorkers are usually helpful with directions but move quickly and respect personal space.
• Walk everything possible — NYC is best experienced on foot despite its size; neighborhoods have distinct character and street-level energy that cabs and subways miss.
• Embrace the fast pace — New Yorkers value efficiency and directness; don't take brisk behavior personally and keep conversations brief in shops or on the street.
• Respect the rules on sidewalks — Walk on the right side, don't stop abruptly in crowds, and avoid eating while walking; congestion etiquette is taken seriously in busy areas.