Metro New York Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Metro New York with this comprehensive tour guide, featuring the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety and health and much more!


Introduction to Metro New York

Metro New York is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the USA. It encompasses five boroughs of New York City - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx, as well as nearby cities and towns in parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. This bustling region is a melting pot of cultures and offers a diverse range of attractions, from museums and historical landmarks to natural parks, shopping, and world-renowned dining and entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an intrepid traveler looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, Metro New York has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Metro New York

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The American Museum of Natural History
  • The Museum of Modern Art
  • The National September 11 Memorial & Museum
  • Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
  • The Statue of Liberty
  • The Brooklyn Museum
  • The New York Hall of Science
  • The Tenement Museum
  • The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Natural Attractions of Metro New York: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Central Park
  • The High Line
  • Hudson River Park
  • The New York Botanical Garden
  • The Bronx Zoo
  • The Palisades Interstate Park
  • The Appalachian Trail
  • Fire Island National Seashore
  • Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
  • Niagara Falls

Hiking/Biking Routes of Metro New York

  • The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail
  • The Hudson River Greenway
  • The South County Trailway
  • The Harlem Valley Rail Trail
  • The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail
  • The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
  • Bear Mountain State Park

Best Things to Do in Metro New York: Activities and Tours

  • Broadway Shows
  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  • Empire State Building
  • Circle Line Cruises
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Helicopter Tours
  • Brooklyn Brewery Tour
  • Food Tours
  • Shopping in SoHo and Fifth Avenue
  • Visiting Local Farmers Markets

Week-Long Itinerary for Metro New York

Day Activity
1 Explore Central Park and Upper East Side Museums
2 Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
3 Visit Brooklyn: Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
4 The High Line, Chelsea Market, and the Meatpacking District
5 The Bronx: New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo
6 Visit Niagara Falls from New York City
7 Shopping in SoHo and Greenwich Village, Farewell Dinner

Food and Drink Scene of Metro New York

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bagels with Lox
  • Pizza
  • Hot Dogs
  • Deli Sandwiches
  • Lobster Roll
  • Cheesecake
  • Black and White Cookie
  • Pastrami on Rye
  • Cronut
  • Cupcakes

Local Beverages

  • New York-Style Craft Beer
  • Manhattan Cocktail
  • Egg Cream
  • Ginger Ale
  • Lemonade and Iced Tea
  • Wine

Where to Stay in Metro New York: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Plaza Hotel
  • The St. Regis New York
  • The Mark
  • The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
  • The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
  • Pod 51 Hotel
  • HI New York City Hostel
  • The Local Hostel NYC
  • The Bowery House

What to Buy in Metro New York: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • I Love NY T-Shirts
  • NYPD and FDNY Merchandise
  • Empire State Building Replica
  • Broadway Show Programs
  • Local Cheese and Olive Oil
  • Artisanal Chocolates and Candies
  • Craft Beer and Wine
  • Vintage Records and Music Memorabilia
  • Handmade Soaps and Beauty Products
  • Local Artisan Crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Metro New York

The diversity of the region’s population makes up for a unique social landscape with different cultural traditions, customs, and etiquette. People from different ethnic backgrounds follow different etiquettes, but in general, locals work hard, are well-educated, well-travelled, and direct in communication. Tipping is customary, and tipping rules are explicit - usually 15-20% of the total bill. Wearing casual and functional clothing is dominant, but dressing well is recommended, especially in fine dining establishments, theater productions, and club event venues.

Best Time to Visit Metro New York

The best time to visit Metro New York is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November.) During these months, the weather is pleasant, and tourists are fewer compared to peak summer (June-August.) However, winter is also an excellent time to visit, especially if you’re interested in winter sports and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Metro New York

Do:

  • Plan your itinerary ahead to make the most of your trip.
  • Use public transportation for moving in and around the city, as driving and parking in the city could be a huge hassle.
  • Try local food and drinks, including new cuisine and exciting drinks.
  • Visit museums and cultural sites to learn about the history, art, and culture of the city.
  • Attend Broadway shows and musicals
  • Be respectful of others’ culture, religion, and language.

Don’t:

  • Touch street vendors or performers who do not engage with you.
  • Walk in bike lanes.
  • Litter or smoke in prohibited areas and public spaces.
  • Speak loudly or make noise in public transportation.
  • Bargain in stores. Prices are usually fixed.

Safety and Health

Safety in Metro New York

New York City is safe but, like any large city, it has its share of crime. Visitors should be mindful of their belongings and surroundings. It’s also recommended to use the services of authorized and reliable transportation service providers, such as taxis and ride-sharing apps, instead of unlicensed services.

Health in Metro New York

Metro New York has some of the best healthcare facilities in the world, but medical expenses can be very high. Visitors are recommended to carry travel insurance with adequate health coverage. It is also worth paying attention to hygiene, especially when handling food and drinks in public establishments.

Getting to Metro New York: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Metro New York

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Bus Stations Near Metro New York

  • Port Authority Bus Terminal
  • Greyhound Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train
  • Metro-North Railroad

How to Get Around in Metro New York

  • Subway and Bus System
  • Taxi and Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Lyft)
  • Bike Sharing Programs (Citi Bike)
  • Ferries and Water Taxis
  • Walking

Where to Go Next from Metro New York: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Boston, MA
  • Washington, DC
  • Hudson Valley, NY
  • Niagara Falls, Canada
  • Cape Cod, MA

Conclusion

Metro New York is a vibrant and exciting destination for travelers seeking culture, history, dining, and natural beauty. With its diverse neighborhoods and rich history, there is always something new to discover in this bustling city. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and create unforgettable memories!

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    Gateway National Recreation Area