New York is the most visited city in the United States.
Famous for its fashion, crazy nightlife, incredible art scene, museums, incredible restaurant scene, and world-class theater productions, to me, New York City is the beating heart of the world, which is why I called it home for six years. Every culture, language, and food is represented here. You could spend a lifetime exploring the city and never really see it all.
There is a never-ending list of things to do in the city. No amount of time you spend here will be enough so don’t worry about running out of things to do. Whatever you like, you can find it in NYC.
But, as a budget traveler, visiting NYC can be tough, especially when you don’t know the hidden gems that make living here affordable. There are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you an arm and a leg — if you know where to look!
This travel guide to NYC can help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank!
Table of Contents
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New York City
Top 5 Things to See and Do in New York City
1. Meander through Central Park
2. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
3. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art
4. See the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
5. Walk the High Line
Other Things to See and Do in New York City
1. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
That two-hour-long line to see the Statue of Liberty not appealing? Walk a few blocks to the Staten Island ferry. This free ferry takes you across the harbor and offers a nice view of both the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way.
2. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get an interesting view of the New York skyline and harbor. It’s a long walk, but good food and drinks await you on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way makes the walk about 40 minutes. I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up. Otherwise, come early to beat the crowds.
3. Museum hop
While the MET is in a category of its own, New York City has dozens of museums worth visiting. The Natural History Museum, the MoMA, and Guggenheim are just three of the big ones. There are 11 museums on the museum mile near Central Park that would take days to really explore. Pick the ones you want to see the most and visit those unless you have weeks in New York to see them all. Admission varies, but expect to spend around $25 USD per person per museum.
4. Visit Radio City Music Hall
Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s (at the time, it was the largest auditorium in the world). It’s the home of the precision dance company The Rockettes, who have been performing here since 1932. It’s also been the venue for all kinds of award shows, including the Tonys and the Grammys. Tours run daily from 9:30am-5pm and cost $31 USD.
5. Take in the theater
You can’t come to NYC and not see a Broadway show. There are tons of amazing shows here from grand musicals to traditional Shakespeare to offbeat shows. There’s nothing better than witnessing NYC theater, and it’s such an integral part of life here you should check it out. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half-price tickets. To see what shows are playing during your visit, check out broadway.com.
6. See Times Square
No matter when you go to Times Square, it will be packed with people (usually other tourists). There are pedestrian areas where you can sit and hang out and tons of (overpriced) restaurants and stores. If you aren’t shopping or eating or seeing a show, there isn’t much to do in the area (and no New Yorker hangs out there), but it’s still a fabulous place to people-watch for a few minutes from the top of the red steps of the TKTS kiosk. Try to come at night when it’s all lit up. That’s when it looks the best!
7. Experience the Prohibition Bars
I love the 1920s. A lot. One of the reasons I love NYC so much is because there are tons of other people here who love the Jazz Age. There are lots of Prohibition-style bars serving classic drinks and hosting live jazz and swing music. While the fancy cocktails they serve may not be cheap ($15–20 USD), I’m hooked on the atmosphere. Stepping into these bars with the music playing, people dancing, and everyone dressed the part transports me to an era when things were classy, carefree, and fun. Some of my favorites are The Back Room, Apotheke, The Dead Rabbit, and Bathtub Gin.
8. Visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum
This museum highlights how immigrants from around the world lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s as they tried to make it in America. It’s a good follow-up to what you see on Ellis Island. You can only visit this museum via guided tours, and they need to be booked in advance. I like that live actors are used to portray and share the stories of newly arrived immigrants as it makes the experience much more memorable. Admission is $30 USD.
9. Visit Trinity Church
Built in 1698, the original Trinity Church was a small parish church constructed by the Church of England. When the British seized New York after George Washington’s retreat, it was used as a British base of operations. After the war, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton regularly worshipped here. The graveyard dates back to the 1700s and has many a famous American there, including Hamilton and his wife Elizabeth, Francis Lewis (signatory on the Declaration of Independence), John Alsop (Continental Congress delegate), Albert Gallatin (founder of NYU), and Horatio Gates (Continental Army general).
10. Head to Top of the Rock
This area is always filled with hustle and bustle. Wander around Rockefeller Center to see where they film The Today Show, shop, snack, and then take the elevator to the “Top of the Rock” for a bird’s-eye view of the city (I personally think the view is better than the Empire State Building since you get the Empire State Building in your pictures). Tickets cost $38 USD.
11. Just wander
Walk from the east side to the west side and marvel at the beautiful New York City architecture such as Grand Central Station, Union Square, the New York Times building, the Chrysler Building, the Flat Iron building, and more. There are so many historic buildings in New York City that just wandering around and looking at them is a fun afternoon activity for every budget traveler.
12. Relax in Battery Park
Located on the southern tip of Manhattan, this park is where the Dutch built Fort Amsterdam in 1625 to defend their settlement. The British took the area over in 1664 and eventually renamed it Fort George. While the fort was mostly destroyed during the Revolution, the battery was expanded after the war’s end. Today, there are over 20 monuments and plaques in the park, covering everything from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 to immigration and much more. You can wander around the fort and then stroll through the surrounding park and take in the beautiful waterfront views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
13. Visit Wall Street
Take a photo with the famous charging bull statue (which was created in 1989) and then walk to Wall Street and see where all those bankers destroyed the economy. There’s heavy security in the area, but you can sit and watch people whiz in and out of buildings on their way to cause some other financial disaster.
14. See Federal Hall
One of the most overlooked museums in the city sits across the street from the NY Stock Exchange (NYSE). Federal Hall, built in 1700, is where George Washington took his oath of office (you can see the Bible he was sworn in on). It was the first capitol building of the US, and was the site of the US Customs House in the late 1700s. It’s one of my favorite attractions in the area. I especially love the old vaults of Customs House. I highly recommend you visit. Admission is free.
15. See Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling as everyone races to and fro. There’s also an amazing eatery in the basement called the Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. And for fancy (and expensive) cocktails, visit the Campbell Apartments and step back into the 1920s (dress code enforced). It was once the office of John W. Campbell, a member of the New York Central Railroad’s board of directors and finance tycoon from the 1920s.
16. Visit The Cloisters
Few people make it up to the Cloisters (it’s up near 204th Street), a branch of the Met devoted to medieval Europe. It took me years to finally see it, and I kicked myself for waiting so long. It was built with Rockefeller money from parts of five European abbeys between 1934 and 1939. (They even stipulated that the land across the river would forever remain undeveloped so the view would be unspoiled!). The building and its stunning cloistered garden are very, very peaceful, and beautiful. It’s one of the best things to do in the city. There are free tours each day that explain the history of the museum and the paintings and exhibits. To get in, it’s $25 USD (which includes same-day entrance to the Metropolitan Museum of Art).
17. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Head over to the MoMA for lots of beautiful (and weird) modern art and some vivid impressionist art. Personally, I dislike modern art. I just don’t “get” it. How is shovel on a wall art? While I’m not a fan, this museum does have Van Gogh’s Starry Night as well as other post-impressionist art, so I can’t hate it completely. If you love modern and contemporary art, this (I’m told) is one of the best in the world. Admission is $25 USD.
18. Hang out in Prospect Park
Get out of Manhattan and explore Brooklyn’s version of Central Park, which spans almost 600 acres. While you’re here, don’t miss the nearby Brooklyn Museum. Spend the afternoon discovering its vast collection of both historical and contemporary art and artifacts (there are over 1.5 million items in its collection). It has art exhibitions highlighting ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, colonial USA, and more. Tickets are $16 USD.
19. Visit the Bronx Zoo
Head north for a look at one of the oldest and biggest zoos in the United States. Opened in 1899, the zoo spans almost 300 acres and sees over 2 million visitors each year. Home to over 650 different species, it’s a great place to visit with kids. Gorillas, birds of prey, bison — there is a huge assortment of animals here and you’ll definitely learn a lot during your visit! Admission is $39.95 USD.
20. See a Yankees/Mets/Rangers/Knicks game
Like sports? NYC has some world-class sports teams. I’m not a big sports fan (the Yankees play soccer, right?), but games are fun when you have friends to share the experience with. If you have a chance and the desire, don’t miss a sporting event, because New Yorkers are serious about their local teams!
21. Attend a taping
TV shows like Saturday Night Live, The View, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon offer free tickets to their tapings (although they must be reserved well in advance). See each show’s website for details and to make reservations.
22. Take a walking tour
A great way to orient yourself to the city is with a walking tour. You’ll learn some history, find out where the major sites are, and explore all the city’s nooks and crannies. I think free walking tours are a wonderful activity in any city (I always take them when I arrive somewhere new). If you’re on a budget, I recommend Free Tours by Foot. For paid tours, go with Take Walks. They have specific tours in the city that focus on art, food, and history, and they are pretty affordable too. (I wrote a whole blog post about New York City walking tours that you can check out here.)
(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to New York City filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e., hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc.), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book!)
For more information on other cities in the United States, check out these guides:
New York City Travel Costs
Hostel prices – During peak season (the summer), a bed in an eight-bed dorm starts at $42 USD. During the off-season, prices are closer to $30 USD. Private rooms cost around $95-150 USD per night and don’t fluctuate much between seasons. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.
Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotel rooms start at $95 USD. They don’t fluctuate much between off-season and peak season either. Expect basic amenities like TV, AC, and coffee/tea makers.
There are lots of Airbnb options in New York City. Private rooms start at $50 USD per night while a full apartment averages closer to $100 USD per night. Just make sure to book early if you want to find a deal.
Food – New York has food at every price range. Pizza slices can be found for as little as a dollar, though typically they cost about $3 USD. A bagel with cream cheese or a hot dog is usually around $2-4 USD. There are plenty of street vendors with meals around $5-8 USD. Sandwich shops, kebabs, salad shops, and cafe meals generally are less than $10 USD.
You can eat a mid-range restaurant for $15-25 USD per main course, including vegetarian dishes. Dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $100 USD, and a beer is about $7 USD.
Prices just go straight up from there as NYC has some really fancy and expensive restaurants. I mean, you can pay upwards of $335 USD for a prix-fixe dinner! But you can find main courses at many high-end restaurants for about $45 USD each, or $125 USD for a few courses and drinks
Beer costs around $8 USD while a latte/cappuccino is $5 USD. Bottled water is $2 USD.
If you cook your own food, expect to pay between $45-65 USD per week for groceries that includes basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.
If you want some suggestions on places to eat, here’s a list of some of my favorites.
Backpacking New York City Suggested Budgets
If you’re backpacking New York City, expect to spend around $80 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, a few subway rides, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the High Line and the Staten Island Ferry.
A mid-range budget of about $180 USD covers staying in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eating cheap street food for your meals, enjoying a couple of cheap drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities (like museum visits or paid walking tours).
On a “luxury” budget of $395 USD or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out at casual sit-down restaurants, go out for drinks a few times, take more taxis, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.
New York City Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips
New York City can easily drain your wallet. It is expensive and you can go through money really, really quickly if you aren’t careful. To lower your costs, here are some ways to save money in New York City:
- Take a free tour – Taking a free walking tour is the best way to get introduced to the city. You get to see the main sights and ask all your questions to a local guide. Just be sure to tip!
- Get a MetroCard – You’ll be taking the train a lot and fares can add up. Get one of the Unlimited MetroCards and save yourself a bundle during your trip.
- Get cheap theater tickets – Broadway tickets can easily run hundreds of dollars, especially for the new and popular shows. The TKTS stand in Times Square offers 40-50% off select shows. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have but it’s usually a wide selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. TKTS also have offices at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn.
- BYOB – There are many restaurants that don’t have a license to serve but let you bring your own and drinks. This is a great way to save money (one glass of house wine in N.Y.C. can easily be $8-15!).
- Visit the museums for free – NYC is full of some of the best museums in the world. In addition to the MoMA, many offer free entry on certain days of the week: the Whitney Museum of American Art is pay-what-you-wish on Thursday afternoons, the Solomon R. Guggenheim has pay-what-you-wish donations between 4-6pm on Saturdays, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design has a pay-what-you-wish policy on Saturday nights.
- Eat on the cheap – Between the food carts, dollar slice shops, kebab places, and ethnic eateries (Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai are some of the cheapest places in the city) you can eat really cheap in NYC. Some of my favorite places to eat cheap are The Dead Rabbit (cheap oyster happy hours), Percy’s Pizza ($1 slices), Noodle Q (Chinese food with big portions), and Gray’s Papaya (cheap hotdogs).
- Consider getting the New York Pass – This sightseeing pass allows you free entry to over 80 attractions and includes a hop-on/hop-off tour. If you plan on seeing a ton of attractions, this can save you money. A one-day pass is $129 USD per person while the two-day pass is $149 USD.
- Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like NYC. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car, and adjust your budget accordingly.
- Hit the oyster happy hours – Love oysters? Eat them during the $1 USD happy hours that happen all over the city. Jeffery’s Grocery is my favorite place to indulge.
- Couchsurf – Accommodation is expensive in NYC and, with few hostels, there aren’t many options for a budget traveler. Use a hospitality website like Couchsurfing to stay with locals for free. There is a huge network in the city with tons and tons of hosts. To increase the chance of success, request as far in advance as possible!
- Save money on rideshares – Uber, Lyft, and Via are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings.
- Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Where to Stay in New York City
Accommodation is expensive in New York, and there aren’t a ton of hostels in the city. If you stay outside Manhattan, accommodation costs can drop 30% or more if you book in advance. Here are my recommended places to stay in NYC:
- HI New York City Hostel
- Broadway Hotel & Hostel
- The Local NYC
- Chelsea International Hostel
- Jazz on the Park
For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of the top 15 hostels in New York City.
And, to find out exactly where in the city you should stay, here’s a post that breakdowns the best neighborhoods in New York City.
How to Get Around New York City
Subway – New York and its boroughs (and parts of New Jersey) are well-connected by subway. You can get to wherever you need to go, or close to it, via the subway. You need a MetroCard to get around, and you must put a minimum of $5.50 USD on the card. Fares for each journey are $2.75 USD. You can buy a 7-day unlimited transit pass for $33 USD. That means you just need to use the subway 12 times to get your money’s worth.
Bus – If you can’t get to where you’re going by subway, the bus will get you there. Like the subway, the fare is $2.75 USD, but an express ride is $6.75 USD (you can’t use a regular Unlimited Ride MetroCard for express rides).
Ferry – The Staten Island Ferry is a staple of morning commuters. It operates 24/7 and is free. The NYC Ferry Service is also a reliable way to commute and connects Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx along the East River. The ferries make many stops along the East River and are the same price as the subway.
Bicycle – You can bike just about anywhere in New York City, especially if you want to explore the big parks like Central and Prospect. Citi Bike is the bike-sharing system, starting from $3.50 USD per 30-minute ride, or $15 USD for 24 hours. There are about 10,000 bikes all over the city, so one is always within reach!
Taxis – Taxis are definitely not the cheapest option for getting around New York City. The minimum fare starts at $2.50 USD, with an additional $0.50 USD for every fifth of a mile or for every minute, depending on how fast you’re going (and you’re usually not going very fast so I’d skip them).
Ride-Sharing – Uber, Lyft, and Via are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings. Via is the cheapest option.
Car rental – Car rentals aren’t super cheap here, usually costing around $45 USD per day for a multi-day rental. Unless you are heading outside the city, I’d skip the car rental. Public transportation is faster and cheaper.
When to Go to New York City
Anytime is the best time to visit New York! Each season offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun, and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations.
Deep winter – January and February – is cold, with temperatures ranging between 18-23°F (-7 to -5°C). But coming in winter means better hotel rates, ice skating, and hopping around cozy cafes and bookstores.
Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park, and dining outside. Summer is hot (with average daily temperatures around 77-86°F (25-30°C).
Personally, I think the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer the best experience: there are fewer crowds and the weather is more bearable, averaging around 56-63°F (13-17°C) in the spring and 53-78°F (11-25°C) in September and October. Walking around snapping photos is a great way to see the city, but doing so when it’s sweltering can be challenging. If you love the heat, however, then summer is the time to visit!
(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to New York City filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e., hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc.), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book!)
How to Stay Safe in New York City
New York City is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas. You may encounter petty crimes, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially while taking crowded public transportation.
In Manhattan, most of Brooklyn, and Queens, the city is really safe and you’re unlikely to encounter any real problems. In all my years living in the city, I don’t know anyone that has had something really bad happen to them.
As a general rule, always watch people pour your drinks, keep an eye out for pickpockets, don’t flash your valuables when out and about, and stay vigilant if you’re using the subway late at night (but this is true for every major city).
Beware of anything that seems too good to be true in Times Square — it probably is. Try not to buy any tickets, massages, facials, or experiences from hawkers in the area. They prey on tourists here. If you do, you risk getting your credit card charged multiple times, getting less than you paid for, or getting ripped off altogether. Also, if you want to take a photo with the life-sized costumed characters in Times Square, they will demand money from you.
If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
Worried about travel scams? Read about these 14 major travel scams to avoid. There aren’t many here in the states though.
Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.
If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it when you’re in New York City. Follow that rule and you’ll be fine.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
New York City Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
Below are my favorite companies to use when I travel around New York City. They are included here because they consistently turn up the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Momondo – This is my other favorite flight search engine because they search such a wide variety of sites and airlines. I never book a flight without checking here too.
- Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Take Walks – This day tour company will give you inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock too!
- Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around the United States, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get a discount when you click the link!
- EatWith – This website allows you to eat home cooked meal with locals. Locals post listings for dinner parties and specialty meals that you can sign up for. There is a fee (everyone sets their own price) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
- World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!
GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to New York City!
There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.
While I have a lot of free tips on New York City, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorites restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.
I’ll give the insider view of New York City that I got from living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
New York City Gear and Packing Guide
If you’re heading on the road and need some gear suggestions, here are my tips for the best travel backpack and for what to pack!
The Best Backpack for Travelers
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt
If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Clothes
- 1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 bathing suit
- 5 T-shirts (Unbound Merino is my preferred company. If you’re a member of NM+, you can get 15% off your purchase)
- 1 long-sleeved T-shirt
- 1 pair of flip-flops
- 1 pair of sneakers
- 6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
- 5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
- 1 toothbrush
- 1 tube of toothpaste
- 1 razor
- 1 package of dental floss
- 1 small bottle of shampoo
- 1 small bottle of shower gel
- 1 towel
- Deodorant
Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)
- Band-Aids
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibacterial cream
- Earplugs
- Tylenol
- Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)
Miscellaneous
- A key or combination lock (safety first)
- Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
- Plastic bags (great for laundry)
- Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
- LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)
Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:
Clothing
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 sarong
- 1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
- 1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
- 2-3 long-sleeve tops
- 2-3 T-shirts
- 3-4 spaghetti tops
- 1 light cardigan
Toiletries
- 1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
- 1 hairbrush
- Makeup you use
- Hair bands & hair clips
- Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)
For more on packing, check out these posts:
New York City Travel Guide: Suggested Reading
Five Points: The 19th Century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World’s Most Notorious Slum, by Tyler Anbinder
The Five Points in Lower Manhattan was once one of the most infamous slums in the world. Made famous by Scorsese’s Gangs of New York film, it was home to impoverished Black, Irish, Jewish, and Italian immigrants. The Five Points saw more riots, crime, and disorderly conduct than anywhere else in the country. Yet it was also a bustling hub for artists and creatives who breathed new life into the city. In many ways, it was a microcosm of the rest of the country.
Stonewall, by Martin Duberman
On June 28, 1969, a gay bar in Greenwich Village called the Stonewall Inn was raided by police. As tensions flared, a crowd gathered and decided to fight back. This led to five days of rioting and one of the most pivotal moments in US history for LGBTQ rights. This book tells the story of Stonewall and the brave people who risked their lives for equality.
The Bowery Boys: Adventures in Old New York: An Unconventional Exploration of Manhattan’s Historic Neighborhoods, Secret Spots and Colorful Characters, by Greg Young and Tom Meyers
This book is based on the wildly popular (and super interesting) Bowery Boys History Podcast. Both Young and Meyers have called the city home for well over twenty years. In this book (as with on their podcast), they highlight interesting and often overlooked stories from NYC’s past that help add depth and nuance to its narrative. Like the podcast, Bowery Boys looks at each neighborhood of the city, highlighting major historical events as well as doing a deep dive into the food, architecture, culture, and unusual personalities that have made the Big Apple what it is today.
The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America, by Russell Shorto
In 1664, the British seized control of what is now New York City from the Dutch. Surprisingly, they inherited a cosmopolitan city not so unlike the NYC of today. It had a multi-ethnic population and citizens who developed a strong preference for individual rights and religious freedom. Relying on new source material, Shorto creates a nuanced narrative that provides us with an in-depth look at how the city that shaped the future of British — and eventually American — progress on the continent.
Harlem: The Making of a Ghetto, by Gilbert Osofsky
This eye-opening book highlights the sobering gentrification that occurred in New York as its Black residents were slowly pressed to the outskirts, eventually settling in Harlem where they were joined by more and more Black Americans fleeing the Jim Crow south. The book examines how Harlem evolved, struggled, and survived.
New York City Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:
The Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles: Where to Stay During Your Visit
New York Itinerary: What to Do and See in 5 Days in NYC
The Great American Road Trip: A 4-Month Itinerary Around the USA
Salt Lake City Is Cooler Than You Think
Road-Tripping New England: My Suggested Itinerary
Highlights from My 5th U.S. Road Trip
