Welcome to your New York travel guide, to the the city of dreams. Where the skyline in as iconic as the energy of this city that also never sleeps. This is where rooftop bars originated, classic film and TV shows are set, musicals are made famous and the famous gravitate, making this city an undeniable attraction to young and old, first or 20th visit. Whether you’re in pursuit of the perfect hotel, need assistance navigating the airport lines, or want to be prepared to explore New York with confidence this travel guide has the basics covered for you. For shopping, things to do and of course rooftop bars I have created more guides as there is so much to cover!
Booking your flight to New York from London
Every time I book this trip I think it’s a 4-5 hour flight and wonder why I don’t go more often. Until I discover it’s deceptively further than that at 7-8 hours! That’s my tipping point timing of stir crazy in economy. (And yes, I have flown to Australia several times in economy!) If you were ever to upgrade or use those points, now is the time not least its a lot cheaper than Australia but also for the night flight home.
Most flights back to London leave New York in the evening and so the jet lag is a serious and surprising contender to those longer haul flights. So unless you are a sleep guru you will arrive back in the U.K. a bit battered. Don’t even think about going straight into the office – you will only be fit for bed! If you can upgrade, this is the flight to do so.
By upgrading you would also get lounge access with a shower at the airport – a god send after spending your last day running around sweating, shopping and souvenir hunting! So to be showered, smelling respectable and ready for that flat bed…. it makes the sadness of leaving much more bearable! If you haven’t got the points then do consider a lounge at the airport for your return. Or if flying from JFK – stay or pop into the TWA hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the run way!! Yes way!
Where to stay in New York
The choice is vast and overwhelming. You have the high end from the Plaza to the Mandarin Oriental. Through to some fantastic budget friendly Pod hotels. (Side note, Freehold rooftop bar at Pod 39 is well worth a visit for its incredible structure). I’ve stayed somewhere in the middle of these price ranges. My hotel decisions are always guided by location and price. I am modern lux hotel addict so the struggle is real and the research is intense to find something affordable but with sumptuous feels.
Location wise I always pick off 6th avenue and ideally round near Bryant Park. It’s always busy but not too hectic and I always feel safe – especially at night when walking back from the subway. It’s walkable to Central Park, Macey’s, Grand Central Station, Time Square and many rooftop bars but whilst when tucked up in bed I wouldn’t know!
Royalton Hotel: There are a few of this brand in NYC. I stayed at the one on 44 W 44th St, just above Bryant Park here 9 years ago. The picture doesn’t do it justice for size as it had pretty big rooms for NYC but the pay off was how dark the room was. A friend recently stayed here and said it need a refirb but can see it was quite special in its day. But for good sized rooms its worth a look.
Nomad by Melia: Not to be confused with the fancy NoMad hotel. This hotel is further down from Bryant Park at 132 West 27th Street but I had points for the Melia group so that’s why it won on a trip 5 years ago. This was a quirkier hotel than the more formal Royalton. The rooms were much smaller (this is a theme in NYC) and the walls a bit thin for my liking but I felt really at home here. There was a cute cartoon map of New York from floor to ceiling in the elevator which made for fun photos! It also boasted a lovely relaxed patio bar for post exploring bubbles!
Hotel Hendricks: This was my latest find in 2023 at 25th W, 38 St. New to the hotel scene and this time I was prioritising ‘needing’ a rooftop bar as it was the summer. After booking, I did find them a little slack at coming back on things before I arrived so I was a bit nervous. But I shouldn’t have been. This was an understated boutique hotel with the friendliest staff and a low key entrance with a cute lobby bar. There was also free drink vouchers for the rooftop (I was now sold!). And no door men, so no stressing about tipping awkwardness!
From the modest entrance to the lavish rooms which felt like entering an animals lair! Stylish and fun but again there was a downside and this was the size. It was though the smallest room I have stayed in New York and round the world recently. Like the Royalton it also had lighting issues and was quite dark.
Unusually there was no mini bar, glasses, cups or saucers. There was a coffee / tea machine with pods, paper cups and no milk! So bring your own kettle and ask the bar down stairs for some milk/ wine if you need a cuppa when you wake or wine before bed. They were really kind and helpful.
This was very much a base hotel. Not one I would have had a planned night in and no view from my room. That said it did feel like home as everyone was just so kind. And of course there was a view – on the rooftop! Yes it has a rooftop bar – the Daintree! Like the hotel vibe, it was unpretentious with stunning breath-taking views and Australian themed!
Lastly, special hotel mention goes to the Library’s hotel – I haven’t stayed here but have visited their rooftop and it’s getting a plug for bookworms. The clue is in the name – the rooftop is even called Bookmarks. This a readers themed boutique! So if you love reading this might be hotel for you.
Visa requirements for entering USA
You’ll need to check your countries visa requirements from where you are flying from / your nationality. That is if you aren’t already eligible to enter or don’t have a visa. From the UK as a UK citizen and staying less that 90 days you will need an $21 ESTA form – a visa waiver. And at least 6 months on your passport from date of return. It gets processed usually within 72 hours but I would not be leaving this to a few days before. As soon as your flights and accommodation are booked I’d advise you apply. If you accidently tick the wrong box or have a situation that requires a visa you may then miss your holiday trying to get an appointment at the embassy. Once you have the ESTA then it is valid for 2 years. Click here read more on their official website.
Arriving into New York airports
You have a choice of 3 airports: JFK in south Queens, Newark in New Jersey and LaGuardia in north Queens. None are a disaster to go to unless you are Ross from ‘Friends’ chasing after Rachel and go to the wrong one. The choice will probably be determined by cost or airline – which ever is your priority. I’ve only ever flown into JFK as always flown with BA - for those points upgrades! But you might find the others suit where you are staying better.
Allow time between arriving and making plans in the city. You may have heard how long the queues are at immigration – it’s not an exaggeration. Have water and snacks! And for those with kids bring an iPad for them. I mean as an adult that’s not the worse idea either. This last trip (2023) took 2 hours from landing until I was through security. My luggage wasn’t even on the carousel anymore just sat waiting on the side in a line waiting for m. I have heard JFK is the worse for this so you may get lucky at one of the other airports.
Getting to from New York airports to Manhattan or Brooklyn – which airport is closer and long does it take?
The closet New York airport to the city aka Manhattan is actually the lesser known LaGuardia – approximately 9 miles – depending where in the city you are staying, Newark is then fractionally closer than JFK but both are about 18 miles – also depending on how you choose to travel.
Taxi’s or uber: From JFK to Manhattan or Brooklyn averages 45 – 60 minutes. From the other airports its 30 – 40 minutes however to Brooklyn its more like an hour. But obviously it will depend on where you are going in these states. First option for all airports, being the country that bore Uber, it makes sense to use this app as usually its’s a cheaper option. However if your flight arrives into JFK at rush hour and are heading to Manhattan this can escalate to double the fix rate that yellow cabs have. The famous yellow cabs will be $70+$5 plus a $20% tip! Uber can go much higher depending on traffic. There is no flat rate from the other airports but they are cheaper in Uber or Lyft – a cheaper version of Uber, be sure to download the app before you go as an option.
Airtrain: If you don’t have much luggage or are on a budget then the Airtrain into New York is fantatsic much cheaper alternative . It runs for both Newark and JFK. I used it to return to JFK and was under £20 and almost as quick and super simple. I got the subway to Jamaica and then the airtrain straight to JFK. From Newark airport you’d change at Penn station. Just follow the signs and you can buy a ticket there. Download city mapper app or use Google maps to help you.
Bus: There is a bus service from all the airports for those with more time and less luggage or super tight budgets but they can take up to 2 hours from each but can be as little as $10
Getting around New York City
So once you are in the city, what’s the best transport options to explore every corner of this electric city? Are taxi’s expensive – yes! Is the subway safe – also, yes but advisable to keep your valuables close and not to travel late at night. Read on for the option to suit you.
Taxi: The iconic yellow taxi, synonymous with NYC much like London’s black cabs, is undeniably a popular choice. However, similar to the black cabs, it tends to be pricier compared to Uber. Additionally, if using them in Manhattan, be prepared to spend a significant portion of your ride waiting in traffic!
For a more budget-friendly option than the yellow taxi, you can opt for Ubers or ‘Lift’ (make sure to download it before you go). I usually go for these when I’m out late exploring areas beyond Manhattan.
Subway: My preference for speed and cost is the subway – much like the tubes or metro system in Paris you can use your card to tap and go. Though there are differences including how fifthly it can feel. As is most of the city! I was quite shocked on my last visit how much it had changed. Google maps will again be your friend to get you around their underground network but I have six top tips.
- One side of the platform is up (towards the Bronx) and the other side downtown (towards Brooklyn). So just ensure you are on the right side! In London you go to a different platform for different directions, here it is the same platform.
- I found the subways entrances quite discreet and hard to locate unlike London or Paris. So keep looking if google maps is saying you are there – you’ll find it!
- If you are travelling alone or at night, ride in the middle of the train as that’s where the conductor sits and it’s possibly busier.
- During the summer, the platforms can become scorching, sweat will be dripping off you. However, the trains are fully freezingly air-conditioned. So, you may need to consider carrying layers!
- Don’t expect the frequency of the tube. The subway is much more like our train system so you can be waiting 20 minutes on that boiling platform. A water bottle was essential.
- There is phone signal on the platform and in the train so you can keep in touch if misjudged the train timings.
On foot: If you don’t fancy navigating the world underground then my other favourite transport is walking! Best way to see the city too! There’s tons of walking tours if you want to get your bearings or you can do foodie tours or maybe you just want amble and explore yourself. It’s all in blocks so super hard to get lost. Wear the most comfortable shoes you own and pack plasters!
The Ferry: Another brilliant mode of transportation in New York is the ferry. Whilst it won’t get you round Manhattan it is a scenic way to to escape to sandy shores or to explore the vibrant boroughs of Brooklyn, or just to see the Statue of Liberty more of those activities in my list of things to do in New York (coming soon!)
Tipping in New York
Navigating tipping the norms in New York may feel awkward, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. Personally, I find tipping uncomfortable. I’d much rather it was included as a set service charge. Instead you will often be presented with a card machine and options while they wait and watch which you choose. At least since the pandemic most places don’t expect cash any more.
There are times it feels ridiculous to tip – to be sat a bar and have a glass of wine poured. Maybe if you had a fancy bespoke cocktail or if you had a lot of help choosing the wine but simply straight pour from a bottle. I don’t mind tipping for good service in fact I like to show my my appreciation but as an expectation, I struggle. Yet it’s crucial to acknowledge that the poor wages mean there is an unwritten rule they are reliant on tips. And tipping here is an ingrained practice, with a minimum of 20%, surpassing London’s standards. While it may be challenging, adapting to this custom is essential, whether you’re dining, drinking, or taking a taxi.
ID in New York
The legal drinking age in New York is 21 and it is enforced heavily. Even if you are way over 21 you will need to carry some form of ID on you at all times. Some venues have a policy to ID everyone regardless of whether they are clearly double 21 in age. It’s simpler for venues as then there are no mistakes or misjudgements made which are serious and lead to prosecution. (Or you can believe New York has made you look 20 again! 😉 Your passport or driving licence work – just make sure you keep them secure away from pick pockets!
So flights, accommodation and transport sorted… time to start planning what you will see and do and of course which rooftop bars you will land on. Top tip… one of my favourite rituals on the first night is reserving a spot at a rooftop bar with a view of the Empire State Building. There’s something truly magical about sipping that first drink in New York—it’s a pinch me moment that you’ve truly arrived in the city of dreams, and it’s bound to be a wow-worthy experience!!
