New York

It’s no wonder New York is one of the most visited states in the U.S. Home to New York City, one of the world’s great metropolises and a hub of art, culture, food, theater, and, well, almost everything, as well as beautiful nature like the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers.

Person wearing blue gloves shucking oysters hot from above

Photo by Doug Young

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip in New York.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
HOTELS
Heading to New York City? These are the best luxury hotels for every type of traveler in Manhattan—whether you’re hiding out, showing off, chasing restaurant reservations, or waking up next to Central Park.
From Montauk to Jackson Hole, a new wave of hotel openings is bringing fresh energy to iconic destinations through design-rich spaces rooted in local character and lore.
From the Hudson Valley to the Catskills, Berkshires, and Finger Lakes, these hotels immerse you in forests, lakes, and mountain landscapes—all within a few hours’ drive of New York City.
The hotels on this list are as thoughtful about accessibility as they are about design, going beyond compliance to make travel more comfortable and intuitive for disabled guests.
From Victorian London to Boston and Pasadena, Langham hotels continue to define timeless elegance and modern hospitality.
We checked in to the newly opened Faena New York to see if it lived up to the hype. We found theatrical design, a see-and-be-seen crowd, and key amenities that are still on the way.
A dose of luxury, at a gentler price—these are the 25 best four-star hotels in New York City.
With their firepits and comfort-minded interiors, these are the best hideaways where you can embrace the chill this season.
Afar editors share the 2025 hotel stays they didn’t want to leave—and would happily return to.
The Mark Hotel turns New York City into your personal playground—these are a few of the most memorable options available.
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
If the mood to bike or hike from Manhattan to Buffalo strikes you, there’s a beautiful connected path for that.
New York’s maligned train station just got a major upgrade.
Airbnb just listed a once-in-a-lifetime rental underneath the Times Square Ball.
No matter how many times you visit New York City, there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s a new show on Broadway, art exhibitions at the Met, or another jewel in the city’s culinary crown, you’ll find new favorites, every time.
By one estimate, New York City is home to almost 8,000 restaurants—add in cafés and delis, and the count is closer to 24,000. This list is, needless to say, a mere starting point to the many dining rooms worth sampling, from an intimate Italian restaurant in the West Village to inventive small plates from chef-owner Ignacio Mattos on the Upper East Side.
New York City provides a seemingly endless upwelling of experiences vying for your attention. For starters, find world-class art at the Met Museum or Chelsea’s galleries; catch shows on Broadway or at indie theaters; and admire the bucolic parks and exhilarating skyline views. It’s impossible to do it all in one visit, so give in to what excites you most. Explore by subway, ferry, tram, and, best of all, your own two feet to people watch and absorb the energy.
Explore NYC by taking advantage of its amazing outdoor public spaces. For people-watching, walking, and communing with nature and public art, these parks, paths, and viewpoints bring the beautiful city into a sharper focus.
New York’s sweeping cityscape is ever changing—mixing peoples, traditions and expectations unlike anywhere else in the world. The constant energy here inspires visitors and locals alike to explore the endless, unique experiences NYC has to offer.
New York City’s distinct neighborhoods offer up all kinds of shopping experiences. Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the side streets of SoHo are hubs for designer and indie boutiques. Department stores have their flagships planted on Madison Avenue around 57th Street, and you can score bargains at downtown’s Century 21. Here are some of the most unique places to shop in the Big Apple, including flea markets and museums.
New York City’s history is rich and varied—from the glitter of the Gilded Age to the struggles of the immigrants who sought a better life in America, the city’s past shapes its present. There are still many opportunities to experience a different era here, before skyscrapers, smart phones and consumer culture took over. Take a quiet moment and step back in time.....