the ultimate travel guide toNew York City

The five boroughs of NYC have their own distinct personality. It’s up to you which one you choose to base yourself in when you visit – there really is something for everyone.

Most of the big tourist attractions are in Manhattan, so for convenience it’s an excellent choice. Each neighbourhood within Manhattan has its own unique appeal. The well-heeled tend to be drawn to the upper east side while a spot like Alphabet City has grungy charm. Accommodation wise, things tend to be a little more expensive in Manhattan so if you’re wanting to travel on a budget you might like to stay in one of the other boroughs (which still offer easy access to Manhattan thanks to the excellent subway system).

Brooklyn is sometimes considered to be the hipper younger sister of Manhattan. For vintage clothing stores, interesting bars, sprawling open air spaces and contemporary art, Brooklyn is a real drawcard for many people visiting New York.

Both Queens and The Bronx have even more affordable accommodation options and are worth checking out if you’re travelling on a shoestring.

Best Time to Visit New York

Most people say the best time to visit New York City is from April to June and September to early November. New York is prone to temperature extremes in summer and winter and these windows tend to be the most temperate times to visit (the tourist crowds are also manageable in these months).

If you’re a foodie you’ve come to the right place. From excellent Mexican to mouth-watering Italian and authentic eastern European cuisine, New York is a veritable smorgasbord of fabulous flavours.

Have your mind blown with a trip to Eataly, an enormous Italian “marketplace” in the heart of Manhattan with an array of different little dining sections. The displays of cakes, meats, cheeses and fresh pastas will have you abandoning your diet in a heartbeat.

No trip to New York would be complete without a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese (try the classic Russ & Daughters) and a pastrami and rye from Katz’s Deli. A word to the wise, you might like to share one with a friend. They are as big as your head.

If you find yourself in the NoLita/SoHo area be sure to check out Café Gitane, which is something of an institution, especially for lunch or brunch.

Good Ukranian food is an absolute joy and New York is home to some excellent eastern European dining. A great place to indulge in traditional dishes such as pierogi and borscht is Veselka in the East Village. It’s open 24 hours and is something of an institution (the people watching is top notch).

Other fan favourites are the Momofuku group of restaurants (pork buns at their Noodle Bar and decadent desserts at the Milk Bar), The Spotted Pig for some innovative British “pub” fare and Il Buco for world-class Italian. Café Habana has the most amazing grilled corn, Cuban sandwiches and cocktails.

Speaking of which, if you find yourself in Brooklyn around sunset head to the top-floor bar at they Wythe Hotel and enjoy the excellent views back over to Manhattan.