United States - New York
Discover the city that never sleeps: New York
This trip is from 2022. The practical information is up to date but some details may have changed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
New York, the city that never sleeps! In 2022, I finally got to discover this legendary metropolis seen in so many movies. The energy of this city is incomparable: the towering skyscrapers, the cultural diversity, the constant buzz of the streets…
"— Frank SinatraIf I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the beating heart of New York, home to most of the iconic landmarks.
Times Square
Times Square is a spectacle in itself with its giant illuminated screens and constant activity. It is the crossroads of the world, impressive by day and by night.
Central Park
Central Park is Manhattan’s green lung, an oasis of peace amid the skyscrapers:
- Bethesda Fountain: The park’s iconic fountain
- The Mall: An avenue lined with century-old trees
- Bow Bridge: A romantic and much-photographed bridge
- Strawberry Fields: Memorial dedicated to John Lennon
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building offers a panoramic view of the entire city from its observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors. The sunset from the top is an unforgettable moment.
Statue of Liberty
The Lady Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, remains a powerful symbol. To visit:
- Liberty Island: Access to the base of the statue
- Ellis Island: American Immigration Museum
- Book the ferry in advance on the official website
Other Manhattan Must-Sees
- Rockefeller Center: “Top of the Rock” view of the Empire State
- Grand Central Terminal: Magnificent historic station
- Fifth Avenue: Shopping and architecture
- High Line: Linear park on a former elevated railway
- One World Trade Center: September 11 Memorial
Brooklyn
Brooklyn has its own identity, more bohemian and artistic than Manhattan.
DUMBO
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers the most photogenic views of Manhattan:
- Washington Street: The famous view of the bridge between buildings
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: Riverside park
- Jane’s Carousel: Historic carousel by the water
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is the quintessential hipster neighborhood:
- Bedford Avenue: Vintage shops and cafes
- Smorgasburg: Weekend street food market
- Street art: Numerous wall murals
Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do experience. The bridge offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline. Allow 30-45 minutes for the crossing.
Cross the bridge early in the morning or at sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light.
Museums
New York is home to some of the greatest museums in the world.
Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET)
The MET is one of the largest art museums in the world:
- Egyptian collection with the Temple of Dendur
- European art from the Renaissance to Impressionism
- American and contemporary art
- Plan at least a full day
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
The MoMA is the temple of modern and contemporary art:
- Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, Monet
- Design and architecture
- Films and performances
American Museum of Natural History
Perfect for families, this museum features:
- Impressive dinosaur skeletons
- Hayden Planetarium
- Dioramas of animals from around the world
Gastronomy
New York is a culinary paradise with cuisines from all over the world.
New York Specialties
- New York style pizza: Thin and large foldable slices
- Bagels: With cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Hot dogs: The iconic street stands
- Cheesecake: The signature dessert
- Pastrami sandwich: At Katz’s Deli, an institution
Recommended Food Halls
- Chelsea Market: In a former cookie factory
- Eataly: Italian market near the Flatiron
- Time Out Market: In Brooklyn
Practical Information
🇺🇸 United States - New York
Capitale
Albany (state capital)
Population
8.3 million (NYC)
Langue(s)
English
Monnaie
US Dollar (USD)
Fuseau horaire
UTC-5 (Eastern)
Type de prise
Type A and B
Indicatif
+1
Conduite
Droite
🛂 Visa pour the United States
Visa non requisPour les ressortissants de nationalité française
Durée autorisée
90 days
Type de visa
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Coût
21 USD (~19€)
Note: ESTA is mandatory for French travelers. Online application, valid for 2 years.
💵 US Dollar
Taux approximatif: 1 € ≈ 1.10 USD
💡 Conseils pratiques:
- • Tips of 18-20% are mandatory in restaurants
- • Taxes (8.875% in NYC) are not included
- • Cards are accepted everywhere
- • Cash is useful for food trucks and small shops
Sample Days
Jour 1
Classic Manhattan
Bagel breakfast
📍 Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
📍 Battery Park
💡 Book the ferry in advance
Lunch in Chinatown or Little Italy
Brooklyn Bridge on foot
DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park
📍 Brooklyn
Return to Manhattan for dinner
Times Square at night
💡 Magical with the neon lights
Jour 2
Culture and Heights
Metropolitan Museum of Art
📍 Upper East Side
💡 Impossible to see everything in one visit
Stroll through Central Park
Quick lunch
Top of the Rock or Empire State
💡 Book a sunset time slot
High Line
📍 Chelsea
Chelsea Market for dinner
Evening stroll in Greenwich Village
Getting Around New York
🚀 Transport Options
Subway
Avantages
- ✓ Covers the entire city
- ✓ Fast
- ✓ Runs 24/7
Inconvénients
- ✗ Can be confusing at first
- ✗ Stations sometimes run-down
Walking
Avantages
- ✓ Discover neighborhoods
- ✓ Free
- ✓ Manhattan is compact
Inconvénients
- ✗ Tiring over several days
- ✗ Weather sometimes harsh
Taxi
Avantages
- ✓ Iconic (Yellow Cab)
- ✓ Convenient late at night
Inconvénients
- ✗ Expensive
- ✗ Traffic during rush hours
Estimated Budget
💰 Daily Budget in New York (par jour)
| Catégorie | Estimation |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Hostel / Budget hotel | 60 - 150 $ |
| Meals Mix of street food and restaurants | 40 - 80 $ |
| Transport Unlimited subway | 5 - 10 $ |
| Attractions Museums, observatories | 20 - 50 $ |
| Extras Shopping, snacks, coffee | 20 - 50 $ |
| Total estimé | 145 - 340 $ |
These tourist passes can be worthwhile if you visit several attractions. Compare the offers based on your planned itinerary.