Guide · 2 Places
New York City
United States
Before You Go
April to June and September to November offer ideal weather with temperatures from 15-25°C (59-77°F) and comfortable conditions. July and August are hot and humid (25-30°C) with peak tourist season. December to February is cold (0-10°C) but magical with holiday decorations and fewer crowds. Spring brings cherry blossoms in Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Visa
Check requirementsInternational visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa (requires ESTA authorization). Citizens of other countries need a B-2 tourist visa. Canadian and Mexican citizens have simplified entry requirements. Check requirements at travel.state.gov.
Getting There
TransportationBy Air: John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA) serve the city. Newark (EWR) in New Jersey also serves NYC.
By Train: Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal are major hubs with Amtrak and commuter rail connections.
Language
CommunicationEnglish is the primary language. NYC is incredibly diverse with over 200 languages spoken, but English is universal.
Currency
Money mattersUS Dollar (USD). Credit cards accepted everywhere. ATMs widely available. Tipping is customary: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 for rideshare drivers.
Getting Around
Local transportSubway: Extensive 24-hour system covering all five boroughs. Get a MetroCard or use OMNY contactless payment. Single ride $2.90.
Buses: Comprehensive network, same fare as subway.
Taxis: Yellow cabs abundant, also green cabs for outer boroughs.
Uber/Lyft: Widely available.
Walking: Manhattan is very walkable, though distances can be long.
From the Airport
Arrival infoFrom JFK:
AirTrain + Subway: To Manhattan (60-75 min, $8.25 + $2.90).
Uber/Taxi: $60-80 to Manhattan (45-60 min).
From LGA:
Bus + Subway: To Manhattan (45-60 min, $2.90).
Uber/Taxi: $40-60 to Manhattan (30-45 min).
From EWR: Similar options via AirTrain.