What to know for a Trip to New York

New York is that city to be seen at least once in a lifetime, that city seen over and over again as a location for our favourite films. And trust us, walking through the streets of New York, along Fifth Avenue, will really make you feel like you are in a movie! There are so many things to do and see, a month would not be enough!
Lose yourself admiring the view from the top of the Top of The Rock, climb the Empire State Building and enjoy a river cruise to the famous Statue of Liberty.

This is one of those trips you've always dreamed of, so everything has to go right! We advise you to plan every single part of it well to avoid any unforeseen events. Here's what to know for a trip to New York!

Best time

Let's assume that New York is beautiful at any time of year!

It is characterised by a continental climate, i.e. humid and hot summers and very cold winters, with frequent snowfall between January and mid-March. Moreover, as there are no major mountain ranges blocking the currents, cold air masses arriving from Canada and warm air masses arriving from the south often collide in this area, causing some climatic instability.

Thebest period is the intermediate seasons, i.e. spring and autumn, more precisely the months from mid-April to June and from mid-September to early November. In these time periods, temperatures are mild, neither too high nor too hot. In these months, moreover, we are not really in high season (July, August and December), so you can find more offers. Finally, if you are not too afraid of the cold, December, during the Christmas period, is also recommended!
SEE ALSO: When to go to New York: climate, best time and month-by-month tips

Required documents

In order to enter America, you will need a number of documents, starting with your passport with an expiry date after your planned return to Italy.

For tourist stays you will not need an actual visa, but you will need to apply for ESTA authorisation at least 72 hours before departure, as it takes a few hours before approval. Cost is $14.00 (approximately €12.90). Read more about how to obtain ESTA authorisation.
Please note: As of 18 February 2016, individuals who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 will need to apply for an entry visa, ESTA will not suffice.

Finally, it is absolutely recommended to take out health insurance before travelling! The healthcare system in the United States is very different from that in Europe and Italy. If you do not have health insurance you will have to pay thousands of dollars even for a simple trip to the hospital!

How many days

• Minimum duration of trip: at least 7 days

• Recommended duration of trip: at least 10 days

How to dress and what to bring

If you plan a trip in the mid-season, i.e. spring and autumn, it will be important to dress in layers to cope with the temperature fluctuations. So pack half-sleeved and short-sleeved clothes, a few sweatshirts and heavier clothing. Don't forget a mackintosh and an umbrella for rainy days.

In summer, you will need to bring light clothes for the high temperatures, but also a light sweatshirt for when you visit museums or enter shops and buildings, as the temperature change caused by air conditioning is very strong.

In winter, prefer very heavy and warm clothes, such as jumpers, sweatshirts and a heavy jacket. Don't forget your hat, scarf and gloves to cope with the low temperatures!

What to see

To say what to see is really very difficult, as there are so many main attractions and sights! If you are visiting the city for the first time, we recommend visiting the great classics, such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, the MET, Moma, not forgetting the beautiful Central Park!

If, on the other hand, you go to the city for a second time, you could perhaps return to the places that have fascinated you the most and then devote yourself to discovering all the neighbourhoods outside Manhattan: for example Jersey City, Hooboken (where there is the famous pastry shop at Carlo's, whose owner is the Cake Boss Buddy Valastro), the Brooklyn neighbourhood with Coney Island. And not only that, you could visit other important museums in the city, often overlooked on a first tour, such as the wonderful Frick Collection.
SEE ALSO: What's a must-see in New York

• If you are visiting the destination for the first time: Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, MET, MOMA, Central Park, 9/11 Memorial

• If you're returning to the destination: Jersey City, Hooboken, Brooklyn with Coney Island, Frick Collection, New York Botanical Garden, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Getting around

Getting around on foot alone is impossible, as even the main attractions are really far apart. For example, the distance between Times Square and the 9/11 Memorial, although both are in Manhattan, is 6 km! From Times Square to the Guggenheim Collection is almost 4 km.

It is therefore essential to use public transport, starting with the underground, one of the most extensive in the world! Operating 24 hours a day, it has no fewer than 26 lines and will take you to every corner of the city. At first glance, the map may seem very confusing, but as soon as you get the hang of it, getting around will be very easy. Moreover, it is much better than buses or taxis as it allows you to avoid New York's huge traffic jam!
To get out of the city and maybe do some day trips, you can also rely on the efficient train system that connects all the major cities in the whole of New York State.
SEE ALSO: Getting around New York: info, costs and tips

What to book in advance

It is essential to book as early as possible! This is because it is a very expensive city, where the cost of living is really high, and during the high season (which we remind you is July, August and December) prices skyrocket.

Assuming that the first things to book are flights and hotels, then you will also need to take a look at possible excursions and tours, as they sell out very quickly!

You can find tours of all kinds and durations: from those that will take you to explore entire areas, such as the Wall Street tour, to those that will let you skip the end, such aspriority access to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum; from those to discover the gastronomic culture, such as the Midtown Manhattan Street Food Walking Tour, to out-of-town excursions, such as the Washington DC Day Tour

Where to stay

This is one of the most important points when organising a trip to New York. The city is very large and the offer is really wide. If you are visiting the city for the first time, we recommend staying in Manhattan. You will not have to worry about getting around: there are underground stops almost everywhere.

Among the best areas are Times Square and the Broadway district. Here you will be in the centre of everything and, of course, this is one of the most expensive districts in the city.
For something more alternative and bohemian you can choose Greenwich Village, if you want to be in the more artistic and shopping area the best districts for you are Soho and Tribeca. Finally, if you are looking for something quieter and maybe even travelling with children, the perfect district is theUpper West Side.

Where to eat

It is also known as the city that never sleeps, where at any hour you will find people moving around and crowding the streets. Consequently, the restaurant industry has also adapted to this: there are numerous establishments that keep open 24 hours a day! Obviously, the offer is really very high, as are the types of restaurants: you can find simple fast food outlets, high-class and starred restaurants, street food stalls selling mainly hot dogs and hamburgers, and restaurants of any type of cuisine from any country in the world!

It is possible to eat cheaply, so take advantage of the hot dog stands or go to places off the tourist track (so avoid all those, for example, around Times Square). At least one day treat yourself to brunch, an activity much loved by New Yorkers, especially on Sunday mornings, and don't shy away from trying new experiences and new types of cuisine!
SEE ALSO: 10 things to eat in New York and where

How much it costs

• Flights and travel: from €400.00

• Accommodation costs: from €80.00 per night per room

• Minimum daily budget for meals and attractions: €100.00

How to pay

Credit cards are accepted everywhere! You can pay with your card even for a simple coffee or a few dollars! You can also top up your metro cards. Before departure, make sure that your credit card can also be used abroad without any problems (you can check this directly with your bank).

Always keep some cash with you as well. We recommend that you pay in cash for short taxi rides and at hot dog and chips stands.

Safety

There areno particular dangerous situations that can get travellers into trouble. Obviously, being one of the largest and busiest cities in the world, it is important to maintain a careful and scrupulous attitude at all times, avoiding unsafe or excessively peripheral areas, especially in the evening or at night. Also, always keep your bags and backpacks securely closed and close to you, especially when travelling on the metro or in very crowded places.

Before leaving and throughout your trip, keep up-to-date on the official website of the Farnesina section of the United States of America.

Useful tips and rules of behaviour

1. Don'tforget your tips: tipping is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended both in taxis and in restaurants. In restaurants it is about 15%.

2. Buy the Metrocard: it is a rechargeable card that will allow you to use the metro without having to buy a ticket each time. A ride on the Metrocard costs $2.75 (about €2.50).

3. Don't go tosuburban areas at night: as in all big cities, it is really not recommended to go to suburban areas away from the busiest streets at night.

4. Buy a City Pass: there are many different city passes depending on the experience you want to have. We recommend purchasing the NYC Explorer Pass