New York City

New York is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests:

• March–May (Spring): Best for mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds.
• June–August (Summer): Ideal for outdoor festivals, rooftop bars, and Central Park activities.
• September–November (Fall): Great for fall foliage, cultural events, and cooler weather.
• December–February (Winter): Perfect for holiday lights, ice skating, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

• Times Square – A vibrant entertainment hub with massive billboards, street performers, and Broadway theaters.
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – A symbol of freedom and immigration history, accessible by ferry.
• Central Park – A beautiful urban park perfect for walking, biking, and picnicking.
• Empire State Building – Offers breathtaking views from its famous observation decks.
• Broadway & Theater District – Experience world-class performances in the heart of NYC.
• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO – A scenic walk with amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) – One of the world’s greatest art museums.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum – A moving tribute to the victims and heroes of September 11th.
• Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock – A must-see, especially during the holiday season.
• Fifth Avenue Shopping – Luxury stores, iconic department stores, and flagship locations.

• New York-Style Pizza – A thin-crust slice, often folded and eaten on the go.
• Bagels & Lox – A classic NYC breakfast featuring fresh bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
• Hot Dogs from a Street Cart – A quick and tasty NYC tradition.
• Pretzels – A salty, doughy snack sold by street vendors all over the city.
• Pastrami on Rye – A hearty sandwich from famous delis like Katz’s.
• Black & White Cookie – A NYC bakery staple with a vanilla and chocolate glaze.
• Cheesecake – A rich, creamy dessert made famous by NYC bakeries.
• Halal Cart Chicken & Rice – A street food favorite found throughout the city.
• Dim Sum in Chinatown – A delicious experience with dumplings, buns, and tea.
• Cronut – A croissant-doughnut hybrid, invented in NYC.

• Flights: Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
• Subway & Buses (MTA): The most efficient and affordable way to get around NYC.
• Taxis & Rideshares: Yellow cabs, Uber, and Lyft are widely available.
• Walking: Many of NYC’s attractions are best explored on foot.
• CitiBike: NYC’s bike-sharing program is great for short trips.
• Ferries: The Staten Island Ferry offers great views of the Statue of Liberty for free.
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: A tourist-friendly way to see the top sights without walking too much.

• For U.S. travelers: No passport or visa required.
• For international travelers: A valid passport is required, and a visa may be necessary depending on your country.
• Visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries: May need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

• Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, even in small businesses.
• ATMs are available throughout NYC, including in subway stations and major attractions.
• Currency exchange services are available at airports, major banks, and tourist areas.

• English is the primary language spoken.
• Spanish, Chinese, and other languages are widely spoken in certain neighborhoods.
• Most tourist attractions and restaurants have English-speaking staff.

• NYC is fast-paced—walk briskly, especially on sidewalks, and stand to the right on escalators.
• Tipping is expected (15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and for taxi/rideshare drivers).
• Public transportation is efficient but crowded during rush hours—avoid blocking subway doors.
• New Yorkers are friendly but direct—don’t be afraid to ask for help, but be brief.
• Always hail taxis from the curb, not the middle of the street.

• Restaurants: 18–20% tip is standard for good service.
• Bars: $1–2 per drink or 15–20% of the total bill.
• Hotels: $2–5 per bag for bellhops, $2–5 per night for housekeeping.
• Taxis & Rideshares: 10–15% tip is appreciated.
• Tour Guides & Excursions: $10–20 per person for great service.

• For major holidays (New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, Christmas): Book 6–12 months in advance for hotels and attractions.
• For Broadway shows: Book at least 3–6 months ahead for the best seats.
• For summer and peak travel season: Book 3–6 months in advance for better rates.
• For last-minute trips: NYC has many hotels, but booking at least a few weeks ahead is recommended.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check for any updates before traveling.
• Some museums and attractions require advance reservations—check ahead.
• Traffic can be unpredictable—use public transport whenever possible.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com