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Americas Visited 2022 ⏱️ 6 min read

United States - New York

Discover the city that never sleeps: New York

💡Note

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…

"

If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.

— Frank Sinatra

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.

💡Tip

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
  • 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 requis

Pour 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.

🔗 Site officiel
$ USD

💵 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

1

Jour 1

Classic Manhattan

08:00 ⏱️ 45 min

Bagel breakfast

📍 Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters

09:00 ⏱️ 4h

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

📍 Battery Park

💡 Book the ferry in advance

13:30 ⏱️ 1h

Lunch in Chinatown or Little Italy

15:00 ⏱️ 1h

Brooklyn Bridge on foot

16:30 ⏱️ 2h

DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park

📍 Brooklyn

19:00

Return to Manhattan for dinner

21:00 ⏱️ 1h

Times Square at night

💡 Magical with the neon lights

2

Jour 2

Culture and Heights

09:00 ⏱️ 3h

Metropolitan Museum of Art

📍 Upper East Side

💡 Impossible to see everything in one visit

12:30 ⏱️ 1h30

Stroll through Central Park

14:00 ⏱️ 30 min

Quick lunch

15:00 ⏱️ 1h30

Top of the Rock or Empire State

💡 Book a sunset time slot

17:00 ⏱️ 1h30

High Line

📍 Chelsea

19:00 ⏱️ 1h30

Chelsea Market for dinner

21:00

Evening stroll in Greenwich Village

Getting Around New York

🚀 Transport Options

Recommandé
🚀

Subway

⏱️ 24/7 💵 $2.90 per trip / $33 weekly

Avantages

  • Covers the entire city
  • Fast
  • Runs 24/7

Inconvénients

  • Can be confusing at first
  • Stations sometimes run-down
🚶

Walking

⏱️ Variable 💵 Free

Avantages

  • Discover neighborhoods
  • Free
  • Manhattan is compact

Inconvénients

  • Tiring over several days
  • Weather sometimes harsh
🚕

Taxi

⏱️ Variable 💵 Meter + tip

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 $
💡CityPASS or New York Pass

These tourist passes can be worthwhile if you visit several attractions. Compare the offers based on your planned itinerary.