New York City

Touching down in New York City feels like stepping onto a movie set where you're the main character. The energy is electric, a constant hum of ambition, creativity, and millions of stories unfolding at once. It's overwhelming in the best way possible; a concrete jungle that feels both intimidating and intensely inspiring. This city leaves you feeling plugged into the world's power source.

Honestly, there's nowhere else like it. The sheer diversity is the first thing that hits you—not just of people, but of experiences. One minute you're getting lost in the quiet, historic streets of the West Village, and the next you're blinded by the neon chaos of Times Square. The magic here is the cultural overload: seeing a world-class Broadway show, getting lost in The Met for hours, and then eating a perfect slice of pizza on a random street corner. This city is a living museum, a non-stop performance, and a culinary world tour all crammed into five boroughs. It's a place that pushes you, exhausts you, and ultimately, changes you.

New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude, but they're typically just efficient. They walk fast, talk fast, and don't have time for nonsense. If you're lost and ask for directions, they'll almost always stop to help, often with surprising detail and a dose of dry humor. You'll hear dozens of languages on a single subway car, a testament to the city's status as a global crossroads. The key is to be direct and confident; don't block the sidewalk, have your OMNY payment ready at the turnstile, and you'll fit right in.

The food in New York is a highlight in itself. You can find literally anything here, at any price point. The must-try experiences are often the simple ones: a classic New York slice of pizza (fold it!), a warm bagel with lox and cream cheese, and a pastrami sandwich piled high from a classic Jewish deli like Katz's. You can get a fantastic cheap meal from a street food cart for under $10, or you can splurge on a world-class tasting menu. Don't be afraid to just wander into a random neighborhood joint; you'll often find some of the best meals that way.

The infrastructure can feel ancient because much of it is. The subway, while an incredible 24/7 marvel of engineering, often sees delays, can be dirty, and is confusing for first-timers. However, it remains the absolute best way to get around. Performance metrics for NYC Transit in the first half of 2025 showed overall improvements in on-time performance and reduced delays for both subways and buses. Above ground, you'll find great cell service and Wi-Fi almost everywhere, except for some dead spots on the subway. Power is reliable, and air conditioning is a summer lifesaver. The city is constantly under construction, a sign of its perpetual motion, but navigating sidewalk sheds and detours is part of the daily experience.

Most international travelers fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). From there, you have a few solid options to get into Manhattan. A yellow cab has a flat fare of $70 to Manhattan, but factor in an additional $0.50 MTA state surcharge, a $5 peak hour surcharge (weekdays 4-8 PM), and a $2.50 New York State Congestion Surcharge for trips south of 96th Street, plus tip. This typically brings the total cost to $95-105 with a 20% tip. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are available, but prices fluctuate wildly and do not offer flat rates, often ranging from $70-$150, excluding tip. The best balance of cost and efficiency is the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station (costing $8.50), where you can connect to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a quick ride to Penn Station or Grand Central (LIRR fare $7.75 off-peak, $10.75 peak), or the subway (E, J, Z lines) for a cheaper, albeit longer, trip (subway fare $3). The whole journey via public transport will cost around $11.50-19.25 and takes about 60-90 minutes.

The subway is the lifeblood of the city. Forget trying to drive. The best way to pay now is with OMNY, a contactless payment system where you just tap your credit/debit card or phone at the turnstile. A single ride costs $3, effective August 2025. The system runs 24/7, but service can be sparse late at night. The OMNY system automatically caps your weekly fares at $36 for unlimited rides in a Monday-Sunday period. Above ground, the city is incredibly walkable, especially in Manhattan with its grid system. When walking becomes too much, the bus system, which uses the same OMNY payment, is a solid alternative. Citi Bike, the bike-sharing system, is also a great way to see the city, especially for cruising through Central Park or along the waterfront.

New York is generally a safe city for tourists, especially in the areas you'll likely be visiting. Overall major crimes in the subway system dropped by 3.2% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, and by almost 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. However, the sheer number of people means petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk, so keep your wits about you in crowded places like Times Square and on the subway. In terms of more serious crimes, recent data indicates a positive trend in gun violence, with the first five months of 2025 reporting record low shootings and murders compared to historical figures. However, violent crime, particularly felony assaults, showed an increase in 2024, standing above pre-pandemic levels. While serious crimes against tourists are relatively rare, incidents, such as a shooting in Times Square in August 2025, underscore that even prominent tourist areas are not entirely immune. Regarding terrorism, New York City remains a significant global target, and authorities maintain a high level of vigilance with sophisticated counterterrorism programs. Tourists should remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity. Beyond direct criminal threats, be prepared for nuisance encounters. Aggressive panhandling can be common, especially near transit hubs. In high-traffic tourist areas like Times Square and Central Park, you may encounter "fake monks" trying to give you a "free" bracelet and then demand a large "donation," or "CD guys" trying to hand you a music CD and then aggressively solicit money. Costumed characters in Times Square often demand tips if you take their photo. Never hand your phone to a stranger, especially if they offer to take your photo or process a payment via Venmo/Zelle. Also, avoid anyone offering "Uber" or "taxi" services outside official airport taxi lines or the app itself, as these are often unregulated and overpriced scams. Despite these points, the NYPD maintains a substantial presence in tourist-heavy locations, aiming to ensure public safety.