This New York travel guide covers everything for a first visit. New York City packs world-famous skylines, museums, parks, Broadway and food from every country into five boroughs, and most of what visitors want to see is in Manhattan and nearby Brooklyn — easy to reach on the 24-hour subway.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) have the most pleasant weather. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold, sometimes snowy, but the December lights are magical. Pakistani passport holders need a US visa; flights from Pakistan connect once in the Gulf, Istanbul or Europe.
Getting into New York from the airport
New York has three main airports. JFK in Queens handles most long-haul flights, Newark (EWR) is across the river in New Jersey, and LaGuardia (LGA) is used mainly for US domestic flights.
Public transport is much cheaper than taxis and avoids the traffic. Tap a contactless card or phone at the subway gates — the OMNY system caps your fares after 12 rides in seven days.
| Airport to Midtown Manhattan | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| JFK: AirTrain + subway | 60–75 min | about $11.50 |
| JFK: AirTrain + LIRR train | 40–50 min | about $17–20 |
| JFK: yellow taxi (flat fare) | 45–75 min | $70 + tolls, surcharges, tip |
| Newark: AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station | 30–45 min | about $16 |
| LaGuardia: free Q70 bus + subway | 45–60 min | about $2.90 |
Top sights to see in New York
Book timed tickets for observation decks and the Statue of Liberty in advance, especially at weekends.
Ferry from Battery Park; the free Staten Island Ferry passes the statue too.
Half day · ferry about $25Walk from the Mall to Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge, or rent a bike.
2–3 hours · freeClassic skyline views; Top of the Rock shows the Empire State in your photos.
1.5 hours · from about $45Walk across towards Brooklyn for skyline views and the famous Manhattan Bridge photo spot.
1.5 hours · freeOne of the world’s great museums, from Egyptian temples to Islamic art galleries.
3 hours · about $30Two reflecting pools on the Twin Towers’ footprints; the museum tells the story.
2 hours · memorial freeNeon at night and world-class musicals; TKTS sells same-day discounts.
Evening · shows from about $80A park built on an old elevated railway, ending at Hudson Yards and the Vessel.
1 hour · freeFood to try in New York
New York’s food scene is a world tour. Try a classic thin-crust slice, bagels with cream cheese, a deli sandwich, dumplings in Chinatown and cheesecake. Food halls such as Chelsea Market and Urbanspace let a group eat different things in one place.
Halal food is everywhere: the famous chicken-and-rice carts stand on Midtown corners, and Jackson Heights in Queens and Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn have many Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants. The Islamic Cultural Center on 96th Street is the city’s best-known mosque.
Getting around: subway, buses and walking
The subway runs 24 hours and reaches almost every sight; a ride costs about $2.90 with tap-to-pay OMNY. Check whether a train is “local” or “express” before you board, and use the uptown or downtown entrance. Buses are slower but useful for crossing Manhattan east to west.
Manhattan’s grid makes walking easy — avenues run north–south and streets east–west. Yellow taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient late at night, and Citi Bike stations are all over the city.
Safety and local tips
New York is safe for visitors who use normal big-city care. Keep phones and wallets secure in crowded places such as Times Square and the subway, avoid empty carriages late at night, and ignore people selling “free” CDs or tours.
Tipping is expected: 18–20% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink and 15–20% for taxis. Prices in shops do not include sales tax (about 8.9%). Hotels add a city tax, so check the total when you book.
Where to stay in New York
Stay within a few minutes of a subway station and everything is 20–40 minutes away.
Close to Times Square, Broadway and Central Park; most hotels.
Mid to luxuryNear the 9/11 Memorial, ferries and Brooklyn Bridge; quieter at night.
Mid-rangeViews of Manhattan, great food and slightly lower prices.
Mid-rangeOne subway stop from Midtown, good value and near JFK and LaGuardia.
Budget to midBest time to visit New York
April to June and September to early November are the best times to visit New York: pleasant 15–25 °C days, spring blossoms in Central Park and autumn colours in October.
July and August are hot and humid (often around 30 °C). Late November and December bring holiday lights and the Rockefeller Center tree but peak prices; January and February are cold and the cheapest months for hotels.
A 3-day plan for New York
Day 1: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in the morning, the 9/11 Memorial, then walk the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO at sunset. Day 2: Central Park, the Met, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center, with Top of the Rock and Times Square in the evening. Day 3: The High Line, Chelsea Market and Hudson Yards, then Chinatown and Little Italy, ending with a Broadway show.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in New York?
Four to five days cover the main sights at a comfortable pace. With three days, focus on Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for the USA?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a US visitor visa (B1/B2), with an interview at the US embassy or consulate.
Is New York expensive?
Yes — hotels are the biggest cost. Save with the subway, free sights like Central Park and the Staten Island Ferry, and food carts and delis.
Where can I find halal food in New York?
Halal carts are on many Midtown corners, and Jackson Heights (Queens) and Coney Island Avenue (Brooklyn) have many Pakistani restaurants.
Which airport is best for New York?
JFK has the most international flights and a cheap AirTrain-plus-subway link. Newark is often just as convenient for Midtown.
Prices and transport details were checked 12 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.