New York City… we love it or hate it, but we never remain indifferent. “Big Apple”, as New Yorkers call it, is a gargantuan curiosity for us Europeans! here is all our practical advice to prepare you to visit New York, the most famous city in the United States.
New York, Capital of the world?
Its flagship monuments, such as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building symbolize America. But it is so different in certain aspects, that we sometimes have the impression of being in a country in its own right.
By spending your vacation in this city, you will appreciate all the contrasts that have forged the complex identity of New York. For example, at Throughout its history, it has seen coexist on Manhattan Island, Central Park and the Empire State Building!
The image of New York has changed a lot over the years. Eldorado for pioneers, promised land for migrants, capital of the artistic avant-garde with its museums with inestimable collections, temple of finance, symbol of freedom, city of insecurity or capital of luxury ... the city has no had constantly muddled the waters. So much so that today everyone has their own image of New York.
But wherever you are in the 5 districts of the city, you will live a unique experience during a trip to New York ...
When is the best time to visit New York?
The best time to visit New York will depend on several criteria, which should be well defined before your departure. It is a city with a very fluctuating climate. Winter is very harsh, cold and also snowy. The big apple is covered with about 80 cm cumulative snow each year. Summer is very hot, it suffocates quite quickly in the heart of the city. The most temperate periods to visit New York are without hesitation, spring and autumn. Although these are also the rainiest seasons. These are also the times when flights and accommodation are the most expensive.
By night
However, in winter you may also enjoy the many illuminations of the end of the year celebrations and skating rinks scattered all over the city. In summer, several parks offer beautiful fountains and small bodies of water to cool off. It is therefore impossible to choose the best period if it is not to know precisely your personal expectations.
What budget should you plan for during your stay?
The budget for visiting and staying in New York will fluctuate throughout the year. Visits to museums, parks and other places will not see their prices change… unlike accommodation which goes from single to double depending on the season. Count around around sixty euros in low period for one night at the hotel for two people, against double in high season.
You will understand, everything will depend on the period in which you want to explore New York. Of course, you can already make an estimate of the budget thanks to the costs of the various activities that you want to do. Remember to include your meals if you go to several typical restaurants, guided tours, small excursions from one district to another, your means of transport and all other small expenses whose prices are fixed. You will only have to add your accommodation to have an idea of the budget you will need to visit New York in an optimal way and especially according to your desires.
How to reach the “Big Apple” from France?
To get to New York from France, the means of locomotion the most economical and fast remains without any hesitation the plane. The earlier you book your tickets, the cheaper they will be. So try to plan your departure and return a few months in advance. You can take off from several airports such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille or Nice. You will therefore have to go to one of these airports on your own. Consider carpooling or the train if you do not want to take your personal vehicle and thus pay the parking fees at the airport during your stay in New York.
View of New York
Another much more unusual means of transport, some container shipping companies offer departures of cargo passengers ! Departures are generally from the city of Le Havre. The prices are quite excessive but if you like adventure and discovery, you will surely be seduced by this mode of transport. You will be able to discover how these imposing boats work and get to know the staff who work there. Surely a unique adventure to experience!
Getting around New York: spoiled for choice
Getting around New York is a real problem for those who decide to visit this gigantic city. To make your life easier, here are details of all the means of public transport available to you.
Taxi
The famous New York yellow cab is a myth that must absolutely be tested, at least once. Note that the cost of the trip is added to the cost of tolls, tips (15 to 20% of the total price) and, if applicable, the night increase from 20 p.m. to 6 a.m. In the end, it is better to take a taxi for a distance of only a few blocks! Since 2013, green taxis (Boro Taxi) are also present in Big Apple. They can only take clients in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island… and not Manhattan. VTC companies have also established themselves in the city (Uber, Lyft, Via, etc.). Otherwise you can rent a car, the prices are often much more interesting than in Europe!
Yellow taxis
The Metro
It is the ideal mode of transportation for getting around New York. If one can be frightened by its 472 stations, its use is actually easy if one follows the detailed plan of the lines. Its price is just as attractive, thanks to the Métrocard which allows you, for less than 40 euros, to move around freely for 7 days.
The bus
If you want to enjoy the scenery while on the move, you can opt for the bus. The ticket is the same as for the metro and you can also use your Métrocard to travel at leisure on all lines. An advice : at certain times, the traffic is so dense, especially in Manhattan, that it is recommended to take the subway.
The ferry
Ferries are one of the must-see attractions for reaching different parts of the city. They assure 6 regular connections and the price is the same as for the metro. You can cruise on the East River and admire the skyline! The ferry to Staten Island, meanwhile, is free. and offers the best view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Do not miss !
ferry
The aircraft
New York City has three main airports : JFK International Airport, Newark Liberty International and Guardia Airport. They are the largest and most active air access route in the country. It will not have escaped anyone since the attacks of September 11, 2001, travelers are subject to drastic controls.
Helicopter
Here is an unusual activity to do in New York: a helicopter flight lasting approximately 12 minutes. You will fly over the main buildings and monuments. What to take your breath away and take full eyes with superb aerial views! Remember to book in advance to benefit from a more advantageous rate… and to take your camera on board.
New York culinary specialties to try on site
How to visit New York without even discovering its culinary specialties? It is simply not possible. And there's something for everyone ! Even if in general, Americans are not known to have healthy meals. Among the essential specialties, you can for example taste Cheesecake, considered more like a pastry than a cheese. However, it is made from fresh cheese baked in the oven, on a fairly crispy dough. A real delight!
Burger New York
On the salty side, you will surely taste the best burgers of your life, but also other less well-known specialties. You will leave New York with a new flavor, the pastrami. New Yorkers are very fond of it! You can taste one at several sandwich shops in the city. Pastrami is beef cut into thin slices. It is steamed, then shredded and inserted into a bun coated with barbecue sauce. You can also let yourself be tempted by cute little cupcakes, bagels or meatloaf. New York cuisine is very extensive. You will never stop discovering them every day during your trip!
In which district to stay in the heart of the city that never sleeps?
In the third most expensive city in the world in terms of real estate (after London and Monaco), finding accommodation to sleep is not easy, especially for small budgets. However, we have put together some tips for finding budget hotels for all tastes in New York. Foremost, remember to use comparators which will allow you to filter your searches on hundreds of hotels to find the best prices.
There are many neighborhoods in New York and you are probably wondering where you are going to spend your stay. It will all depend on your travel budget and what you want to visit. Each district has its characteristics! For example, if you prefer shopping with friends, go to the neighborhood of l’Upper East Side. You can walk its alleys and discover the biggest names in fashion, such as Dior and Victoria's Secret. You will also be very close to Central Park and the city's most important museums.
Manhattan
If you want to explore Times Square and Rockefeller Center, it's in the famous midtown neighborhood that you will have to surrender. It is a very tourist and commercial district. Regarding lovers of contemporary art, it will be the Chelsea district that will make you happy. As for the district of Greenwich Village, also has a lot to offer such as its art galleries, boutiques and several filming locations for TV series such as Friends and Sex and the city. You can also opt for Chinatown and its exotic side, Little Italy for romantic trips or even Wall Street for fans of the stock market.
What are the cultural visits to do in “Big Apple”?
New York is always an opportunity to see exceptional exhibitions. Discover the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is one of the largest in the world. At Museum of modern art (do like the New Yorkers and say Moma: it's more “connoisseur”), immerse yourself in a bath of colors, thanks to the fabulous abstract paintings of Mark Rothko and Ad Reinhardt.
But American culture, it's also baseball ! Why not take advantage of your stay to watch a Yankees game. You don't understand anything about this American national sport? it does not matter ! Go for the ambiance. A stone's throw from Central Park, enter the Yankee stadium. A stadium like you've never seen before: 50 people and an extraordinary atmosphere! An advice : reserve your seats online well in advance.
The Yankees
And to soften your ears after this experience, why not go see a concert au Madison Square Garden ? Located on Fifth Avenue, it is a mythical place where many singers perform. More intimate, the no less famous Radio City Music Hall de Rockefeller will enchant you. Discover, among others, the girl group "The Rockettes" which has been performing here for… 50 years!
Read also : Everything you need to know about New York history and culture
Parks and must-see attractions to visit
New York has many must-see places to visit (link to essentials). You're going to have a busy schedule if you want to explore them all! Plan a short schedule of outings to be sure you don't miss out on one of them. As for the visits, there is of course the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge which will leave you with indelible memories. For travelers who prefer nature, do not hesitate to get to Central Park (link to article central park) and take a carriage ride there. You will also appreciate the magnificent view from the Sky Line to contemplate the flora and fauna of New York.
Central Park
You will also have the opportunity to go to the Memorial to the attacks of September 11, 2001, a very symbolic place for New Yorkers who gather there regularly. To go out later in the evening, go to one of the famous Broadway cabarets, several famous musicals play there every evening. Also consider visiting the business districts, which will impress you with their breathtaking skyscrapers.
Memorial
Read also : What to do and see in New York: our 13 essentials!
Practical information to prepare for your visit
The New York megalopolis cannot be visited without having read some practical information beforehand… Here are some that will help you during your preparations:
- Biometric passport : To travel to American soil, you will need a valid biometric passport. You can do it in your town hall, at least 3 weeks before departure.
- Visa: If you stay less than 90 days in New York, you will need to apply for ESTA (Electronic System of Travel Authorization), which is a simplified authorization compared to Visa. If your stay exceeds 90 days, then you will need to make a Visa in the category that suits your situation (tourism, work, etc.). Remember to do it well in advance!
- health: No vaccine is required to enter the United States. Plan for health insurance that will cover you during your stay, as medical costs are very high in the country.
- Change : You can withdraw dollars on site, but beware of bank charges. You can also pay by Visa or MasterCard anywhere in New York. Please note that you may be asked for your passport ... remember to keep it with you.
- New York Tourist Office: Comprehensive information in several languages, free city map, Internet access.
- The New York Pass: This tourist pass allows you to visit more than 100 attractions free of charge. Several options are available depending on the number of days desired. This can be advantageous if you have planned many site visits!
- The festivals not to be missed: Spending the Christmas holidays under a blanket of snow in New York remains a must! Earlier in November, don't miss the Thanksgiving Parade in Times Square. New York being a cosmopolitan city… the Chinese New Year, Saint-Patrick's Day, Mardi-Gras or even Easter are celebrated as much as the others. Celebrate Flag Day on June 14 or Independence Day on July 4.
There is always something to do in the city that never sleeps!
Day or night, New York City is always lively. Do you have an anecdote or information to share with us on “Big Apple”? Let's talk about it in the comments!
