Eight million inhabitants from all over the world, more than 400 subway stations, more than 50 million visitors from all over the world who land there annually… New York is passionate! The ideal destination for those who love culture, gastronomy and bustle, since the city never sleeps and has attractions for simply all types of tourists. Many Brazilians go there attracted by shopping and also the skyscrapers and iconic sights – and, wherever you look, you see one! The city is one of those destinations to be visited several times, it is impossible to see everything in one way!
Photo by Matthew Wiebe
Before visiting: knowing all about New York
New York consists of five major areas: Staten Island, Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan, which brings together the city’s most famous points of interest and the biggest attractions for tourists. On this island is the illuminated (and muvucada!) Times Square, with its incessant signs popping hundreds of Instagram photos per minute. A trip to the Empire State Building, once the tallest in the world, or Top of the Rock, is ideal to allow you to understand the greatness of the city.
Another beloved tourist spot is the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope for immigrants who have arrived in the United States and Central Park, a huge park in the heart of Manhattan ideal for a midweek picnic. There are those who save to watch a Broadway musical show (there are many!) there are those who prefer to visit museums such as the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) and the MoMa (Museum of Modern Art) and cross the Brooklyn Bridge.
As Manhattan is an island, water is part of the city’s scenery; on one side is the Hudson River and on the other, the East River, where Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge are located, two world-famous postcards. Regardless of your choice, one thing is certain: New York will steal your heart and you will want to come back whenever!
How to get there and get around NYC: shipping tips
The first thing we have to say is: if you want to go to New York is that the city was made to walk – and a lot. We always believe that this is the best way to know your travel destinations as a local. And the city is full of attractions, hidden shops and a surprise at every corner.
And Manhattan, where NYC simmerizes, has a very simple street organization scheme to understand. The avenues cut the island vertically and the streets cut horizontally. The avenues “grow” from east (east) to west (west); they are: 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, Lexington Avenue, Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, 5th Avenue, Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue), 7th Avenue, 8th Avenue, 9th Avenue, 10th Avenue, 11th Avenue and 12th Avenue.
The streets, which are numbered in 1St, 2St etc., grow from the south to the north of the island. When something is in the southern part of Manhattan, we refer to it as “Downtown” and when something is in the north (top of the island), “Uptown”. So when we want to understand an address, many people use references, such as “9th Avenue, between 33StSt and 34St – so it’s easier to locate.
Metrô
The NYC subway is a good way to go to the most distant sights of your stay when you are tired of walking around the neighborhood. But don’t expect modern, clean stations: the subway is widely used by New Yorkers but only because it’s practical and cheap. Below we explain in detail how to buy MetroCard and what is the best plan for each person.
The subway lines cross Manhattan from north to south and sometimes meet. Trains always follow the direction Downtown (moul part of the island) or Uptown (top of the top). The lines usually follow the north-south stretch and not the east-west, so if you’re at one point at the eastern end of Manhattan and want to go to the far west, probably a single train line won’t do, and sometimes, depending on the case, it may be worth going on foot more than using the subway. A good tip is: when booking your hotel, check out the nearest metro station and schedule the itineraries of your tours from there.
Bus
Little is said about the buses in New York, but they are a cheap option of transportation through the city (each ticket costs $2.50) and if the person buys the unlimited subway pass, they are entitled to use the bus lines for free too. This is great because the two transports complement each other in many moments! Check here the map of the city bus lines.
At the bus stop, check out which ones stop there on the blue plates and make a sign for your bus to stop. When you get on the bus, have your MetroCard on hand so as not to delay other passengers. To ask to go down, the system is the same as Brazil: pull the color. There is no point waiting for driver notice: stay tuned to the streets and hands on the map or app of city streets! Oh, and a tip: the bus doors don’t automatically open for you to get off as in Brazil, they need to be pushed – locate the yellow horizontal bar, squeeze it and keep it so until you get off the drive. For great tips on how to take buses in NYC, check out this post by Fred, SundayCooks.
Toxixie áxixi
The regular race rate starts at $2.50 and grows at $0.90 per 320m. A tax is also charged and added to the final value of the race. It’s always worth asking the taxi driver to take a path that you think is more empty – to know how traffic is, try to use apps on mobile as Google Maps.
To get a sense of how much you’ll pay for in a taxi ride, click here. Don’t forget to tip: the minimum is 15% of your total spending.
How to get from the airport to your hotel: arriving in New York and getting around the city
There are three New York airports: John F. Kennedy, which is in Queens, LaGuardia, also at Queens and Newark Liberty International Airport, which is in New Jersey, a neighboring state of NYC. The first, also known as JFK, is the most widely used, followed by LaGuardia, which is better located.
Toxixie áxixi
Usually, those who arrive by the busy JFK take a taxi to their place of lodging – the rate is fixed to anywhere in Manhattan ($60). Most taxis carry four passengers, more suitcases, but there are some larger taxis that can carry up to five passengers. Of course, this is the most comfortable option, after all, just leave the arrivals terminal and look for the taxi signs that you will soon find a taxi to take you to your destination. Even Manhattan, the route takes about an hour – of course it depends on traffic, which can be quite intense at peak times.
AirTrain + public transport
If you arrive at JFK or Newark, another way is to take an AirTrain, a monorail that circulates 24 hours a day and is connected to the city’s public transport through bucket.
AirTrain + Subway
To use the AirTrain towards your Manhattan hotel, follow the signs (the airport is well signposted) to take the AirTrain and get off at Jamaica Station. When you leave the station, you will pay the price of the AirTrain ticket ($5) at the service machines that are there in the lobby. After that, you will be ready to buy your individual subway ticket or already invest in a MetroCard (check this full blog post here how to buy your MetroCard and for whom it is worth).
At the subway station, take the E line to go to Midtown (Penn Station) and the J and Z lines to go to Lower Manhattan/Brooklyn. If you are new to the subway, you need to stay tuned to the signs Uptown and Downtown and check in which part of the city is your hotel, okay? Another option is to take the AirTrain and go to Howard Beach Station and then take the A train to Manhattan.
The most used option among tourists who want to go to the area of Times Square, a lodging area of favorite Brazilian tourists, is the combination of Airtrain – Jamaica Station – Line E.
AirTrain + LIRR (Long Island Rail Road)
Undoubtedly, the fastest option between JFK and Manhattan – in 20 minutes you complete your commute. LIRR is a fast train that passes by Penn Station, a train station located at 33rdrd St/8th Ave, which is also connected to the subway. Penn Station is very central and this can be an excellent option to get to the city more cheaply. The mine map is to take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and, arriving at the station, you take the LIRR to Penn Station. LIRR costs between $7 and $9.50 (depending on the time you pick up the train) and AirTrain costs $5 more.
Bus
A valid option for those who are not in such a hurry and are willing to save. The company that makes this transport is called NYC Airporter and you can check the schedules and prices in their app (available for Apple and Android) and still get 10% discount if you schedule your tickets there. The price of the ticket between JFK airport and Port Authority is $16 and from there you can take the subway for your hotel normally.
The shuttle
Another option to get from the airports to your hotel are the shuttles offered by some companies such as the Super Shuttle and Go Airlink and, depending on the company you choose, your route can cost $20. For the most forewarned travelers, the tip is to make your reservation directly on their website, before leaving Brazil, and traveling quietly and with the certainty of saving when arriving in New York.
How to buy transport and tourism cards
Transport Cards – MetroCard
The MetroCard is the transport card you will use non-stop in NYC, even if it is one of those travelers who loves to walk. Here on the blog you have a step-by-step with photos of how to buy the MetroCard to tourist in the city.
The MetroCard is rechargeable and can be purchased in various modalities, according to your needs and can be purchased at any metro station in the self-service machines. I use the 7-Day-Unlimited card, which entitles you to seven days of unlimited travel through the city. To know if it is worth it for you, you need to do the following calculation: in a week, will you make more than 12 unit trips? The “Single Ride Ticket” costs $3, and if you multiply it by 12 trips, you’ll be out for $36. In the “7-Day Unlimited” option, the same trips will only cost $30. If you are a breath traveler and use more than 12 metro rides for the week, this individual card is worth even more.
Check the costs of the different MetroCards:
7-Day Unlimited (use of the card for 7 days, without limitation of the routes) – US$ 31 (the $1 is the card fee)
7-Day Express Bus Plus – US$ 57.25
30-Day Unlimited (use of card for 30 days, without limitation of routes) – US$ 116.50
Single Ride ticket (single pass) – $3
The New York subway lines are divided into colors – yellow, orange, green, blue, red, gray, brown and purple lines. There are also two other categories: local trains (thos that stop at virtually all subway stations on that line), and express trains (lines that “jump” stations to get to others faster). You need to be aware because, on special days, this can be changed and there are only the audible warnings of the stations to warn you of this.
Map of the Metro
To see the subway map in large size, click here.
Tourist Cards
The two most well-known tour cards for those traveling to New York are the New York City Pass and the New York Pass. The NY City Pass allows you to know six tourist attractions in a week, while the NY Pass allows you to know more than 80 attractions and can be used in periods from one day to a week (each with a price). In our opinion are types of tickets that have some utility, especially so as not to have to pay when buying each ticket, but, as a rule, they are more financially advantageous for those who stay little time in New York.
What is included in the New York CityPASS:
Visit to the Empire State Building
2 – American Museum of Natural History
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
4 – Top of the Rock Observation Deck or Guggenheim Museum
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or Circle Line Cruises
6 – 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
What is included in the New York Pass are 80 attractions. The ten most visited are:
1 – Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour.
2 – Empire State Building.
3 – Top of the Rock Observatory
4 – 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMa)
6 – Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.
7 – Central Park Sightseeing Bike Tours & Rentals.
8 – Madame Tussauds
9 – Statue of Liberty
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Which of the two is worth it?
The New York Pass of a week costs $200 (three days costs $150; the one-day one, $85), and with it, you can visit 80 attractions. It can be a cold and a tourist catcher, since they are many attractions for a short time. And it has another disadvantage: this pass does not free you from the queue, since your coupons work as vouchers – you have to enter the ticket line and exchange the voucher for the entrance ticket.
The New York City Pass costs $109 and is the best of both, in our opinion. With him, you have nine days to visit six attractions – something very reasonable, no rushes to and fro. You can hit the Metropolitan (and go to Cloisters on the same day), at the Moma, the Natural History Museum, the Empire State Building (Observation Deck of the 86th floor; to go to the 102nd you pay an extra $15 on site), and choose from the Guggenheim OR Top of the Rock, and the tour to the Statue of Liberty (without Rise to the Crown) OR a Circle Line cruise.
Yes, these last two coupons are alternative: you need to choose between one of the coupon’s two attractions. The coupon works as a ticket; just present at the entrance of each attraction, without having to go through the ticket office, thus eliminating a queue at each visit.
Getting to know the surroundings of NYC – day tour tips
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia was signed the independence that gave rise to the United States as a country, that is, the city is a great travel destination for those who enjoy history and also American culture as a whole.
How to get there
Train
The company that operates this stretch is Amtrak and the stretch takes 1h30 minutes (conventional train), from Penn Station. A great scheme is to take the 8:10 train (which arrives at 9.35am) and return at 6:45 p.m. (back to New York at 8:07 p.m.). The last train leaves at 11:15 p.m. Tip: simulate trips and buy tickets on the Amtrak website; you can get tickets from $ 39 per leg if you buy in advance.
Bus
Some companies like HGTBus, BoltBus and WandaCoach operate this stretch and the duration usually varies by traffic. The estimated travel time is two hours and the price is around $ 15 round trip. The departure points of the buses are different and you check directly on the website of the companies.
The biggest attractions
Liberty Bell
the Independence Hall
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
the Franklin Institute
Old City
Reading Terminal Market
the Library Hall
the Rodin Museum
Learn more about the city and its attractions here.
Washington DC
Washington is the capital of the United States and is full of tourist attractions – the two most famous are the White House and the Capitol. Hardly anyone would travel to the United States just to get to know it, so it’s a good turn-out alternative from NYC to get to know some of the world’s most famous monuments and enjoy their trip to the U.S., getting to know more than one destination.
How to get there
Airplane
Some companies operate this stretch with low-cost flights like JetBlue, but this option only pays off if you catch the flight at an airport within NYC like the La Guardia – the Kennedy and Dulles are so far away that it pays more to go by train. The average price of a flight of these in a low cost ranges from $80 to $100, and if that’s your choice, remember to read the rules of boarding on the airline home website and also that you need to get to the airport, okay?
Train
The company that operates this stretch is Amtrak and the ideal is for you to buy this ticket before leaving Brazil, in advance, because at the time the stretch usually costs much more expensive. It’s the fastest way to make the NYC trip – Washington without being by air and the trains are very comfortable. There are two options: the normal train and the express train – the trip with the normal lasts about 3h30min and, with the express, 2h50min.
Bus
Of course, this is the cheapest – and the most time consuming option too – of making this stretch. The NYC trip usually takes five hours and this time varies greatly according to traffic, which can be very busy. The best hours to catch this bus are early morning and evening and, if you find it more comfortable, you can hire a backpack – some companies like BestBus, BoltBus and MegaBus offer this facility and the average price is $50.
The biggest attractions
The White House
Deigraliant, the Capitol
the National Mall
the Lincoln Memorial
United States Capitol
the National Art Gallery
Museum of Air and Space
Memorial of the Veterans
Newsweum
Learn more about the city and its amazing attractions here.
woodwood , ,
Every music and beautiful landscape fan should visit little Woodstock, which is in Upstate NYC. The city seems to have stopped in the 60s and is full of cool shops, throttles, culture and this makes it a unique travel destination to get to know the American culture better. Like every inland city, it has a “centrinho” where everything happens and beautiful landscapes more to the interior. It is said that the independent film festival of Woodstock is very cool, check out their website the dates of 2018.
How to get there
Car
To go by car, just ask the holy Google map – we went by car and it was very quiet. For those who want to do the same, we indicate renting a car by Rentcars and Rental Cars, two companies super reliable and with good rates. You take Interstate 17 in New Jersey and head to Kingston 87, then take the Mill Hill, which will leave you in the heart of Woodstock.
Bus
The cheapest option for a back-and-forth is the good old bus, as in all the back-and-backs we are suggesting here. The company Adirondack Pine Hill Trailways has a bus that leaves the bus station of NYC, Port Authority, to Woodstock. On the company’s website you check schedules and bus prices – a good time tip is to leave the city at 9:30 am and return with the 5 pm.
Train
In my opinion, it is not worth going by train because you would have to go to Kingston and take a bus. If you still want to risk, take a look at Amtrack’s website for times and prices.
Insurance travel
Do you want to know NYC? A good request is to take out a travel insurance, to ensure that you will have care if something happens there like a toothache or a back problem… If you have never heard about it and want to know more, read this post about travel insurance and all the tips to hire this service.
Travel quietly with your Travel Insurance Promo, Real Seguros, Mondial Assistance or World Nomads travel insurance.
Where to stay in New York: accommodation tips
Accommodation options will not be missing in NYC. There are from from now on budget options such as hostels for students and cheaper hotels, such as good comfortable hotels and well located hotels as well as more luxurious hotels on the Upper East Side.
Economic option
Vanderbilt YMCA – This hostel is part of a network of the YMCA and is the best located of all in the chain, although it is not necessarily the cheapest of all – the most affordable is that of Harlem, but it is far from everything, right? Vanderbilt has a shared bathroom but he is always clean and the staff is very solili. If you don’t mind staying in a hostel, it can be a good option!
HI NYC Hostel – This hostel is super highly rated on Booking and therefore needs to be scheduled very far in advance due to the great cost-benefit combination. It is a block from Broadway and offers a shared kitchen and has a reputation for being clean suuuper. It is worth to advance and guarantee your reservation!
The Local Hostel NYC – This excellent hostel is further away in Queens, but a four-minute walk from Court Square Metro Station and an 8-minute train ride from Times Square Avenue. It has laundry on site – a differential for those who stay more than a week in the city – and, for those who want privacy, it offers a double room with a private bathroom. And it has modern decor that is the face of NYC and an outside of the ordinary tranquility for a hostel, it is worth considering staying there! “Ill with you to the “complimentary “with ” & . . . “with the “Am… “Op.op. “or “or “or “or “a) and “or “or “Cerm up a.”
Novotel Times Square – In this boutique-style hotel, the fort is the location and very solicitous service of staff. Novotel is five blocks from Times Square, near the subway station and also offers a fitness centre and a terrace with views of Broadway and Times Square, which is breathtaking.
Average option
Distrikt – In the heart of Manhattan and the latgo of Times Square, it is one of the places where tourists most enjoy staying for the location and constant movement. This comfortable hotel offers modern gym for guests and is super well-evaluated on Booking – especially by Brazilian tourists, who love this location!
Pod51 – Located in Midtown Manhattan, it is close to Rockefeller Center and in an area of the city that never stops, with movement day and night. It has a perfect terrace for a late-afternoon drink and there is breakfast every day and free tours offered by the hotel three times a week.
citizenM New York Times Square – Modern and with youthful decor, it offers amenities such as digital control for everything in the room, breakfast, pub and three terraces to enjoy the night at the hotel. Another quality of this hotel is the location: it is right in the center of Manhattan, just a minute walk from Times Square Avenue and a 5-minute walk from Central Park and Columbus Circle. Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building are a 15-minute walk away. Perfection!
The Frederick Hotel – It’s always my choice when visiting NYC because it’s a perfect combination: well located in the heart of the Lower East Side (TriBeca), next to the Chambers Street subway station and with impeccable service and clean and modern decor. I indicate with eyes closed! And the Wi-Fi signal is wonderful – perfect for those who need to work even during the holidays, like me! Want to know more details about The Frederick Hotel, just click here!
High standard option
Crosby Street Hotel – This charming hotel is located on an equally beautiful street in SoHo and is famous for its impeccable service. And it’s well located – it’s from the front of the Museum of Modern Art and the Spring Street MTA station, from where you go everywhere in the city. It has a terrace, bar and restaurant and gym for guests.
The Beekman – This is a hotel for celebrities, with first-rate service and located in a totally renovated and beautiful historical building, really breathtaking! It is 500 metres from the Brooklyn Bridge and close to the Financial District and World Trade Center in a modern area of the city. If you can pay even more, the rooms on the upper floors are surrounded by balconies!
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York – The location could not be higher standard: in the Upper, opposite Central Park, the chicest part of the city. The hotel is beautiful, extremely well decorated and is very traditional. The service is a luxury standard and the newly opened restaurant, Perrine is already famous for its haute cuisine, as well as the bar/lounge, Two E, with traditional afternoon tea a day and live jazz in the evening, from Thursday to Saturday.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown – With the well-known quality Four Seasons, this great hotel is in the Tribeca neighborhood, near One World Trade Center and Ground Zero. The service is five star and the rooms are very large for the New York standard.
The New York EDITION – Hotel with impeccable atmosphere and out-of-the-grade service. The rooms are very large, extremely comfortable and overlooking Madison Park. Cleanliness is also highlighted by guests, as well as the five-star hotel service. Excellent location, with many dining options, easy access to the subway and close to many attractions.
Where to eat in New York: food tips
First of all, forget that myth that American only eats badly! New York is a melting pot of cultures and, of course, this is reflected in its rich gastronomy and the maddening offer of food at any time of the day or night.
Speaking of junk food because, I’m going to be honest, I can’t imagine traveling to New York and not eating a little crap! Three types of junk food I consider the face of the city: hot dog, hamburger and pizza. They are part of the lives of the hurried New Yorkers and it is not uncommon to see someone eating lunch standing up to a snack or running to cross the street by taking a huge slice of pizza.
To eat hot dogs, the request is the Greys Papaya (down Dakota Building and Central Park and operates 24h a day serving the biggest classic of NYC) and Nathan’s, which is on Coney Island and has been operating since 1916 near the waterfront. For dollar pizza, the request is…anyone! There are many spots scattered around the city and most serve delicious cheese pizza, warm and cheap! Finally, in the case of hamburger, there will be no shortage of options. I really like Shake Shack (always with large queues but the service is very good and fast – be sure to order French fries as a side dish). Five Guys, Burger Joint and Johnny Rockets are other great requests.
Shake Shack
Brunch is another classic in New York and, on weekends, offers will not be missed for you to get squatted in this lunch mix with breakfast in which you are allowed to sprinkle with mimosas, delicious drinks that mix sparkling wine and orange juice. For brunch, a good choice is a visit to the traditional Balthazar, which is beautiful, Sarabeth’s or Norma’s. To enjoy the view (without much concern for the food itself), I indicate the 230 Fifth, a great rooftop that serves bruch on weekends.
Picnic is a very New Yorker and you will find excellent options of fresh and delicious food to take. A good snack option is Dean & Deluca, where everything is organic and there are many different options of brands for each product. The breads are delicious, the coffee is impeccable and the cheese and dairy session is crazy! Another perfect place for this is the organic supermarket chain Whole Foods Market – you will find several points scattered around the city and everything there is always fresh, from vegetables to cookies! The variety of brands is very nice and go to Whole Foods (and Dean & Deluca) comes for a walk. “Ill with you to the “a” or “Cermpts of the time.”
Dean & Deluca
Another tradition of NYC is bakeries, where you can eat cupcakes, cookies, bagels and other delicaties. All tour guides talk about Magnolia Bakery, which became world famous for the series Sex and the City, but I prefer Butter Lane, which has amazing cupcakes and still offers workshop for those who want to learn how to make them. For those who love bagels, I indicate three fantastic ones: Absolute Bagels, Ess-a-bagel and the classic Jewish deli Rus & Daughters.
But I’ll tell you that the bagel of the Pret-a-Manger franchise is fantastic and the network is spread all over the corners of the city and has the best sign of Wi-Fi for you to post the photos of the trip while delighting with one of them, prepared with organic ingredients.
If you want to eat a traditional pastrami sandwich and live the experience of being in a Jewish delicatessen, two great options are Katz’s (since 1888 on the Lower East Side) and Carnegie’s, both with sandwiches very well served – usually a single request serves two people.
A restaurant with varied menu and great cheesecakes (some say that your cheesecakes are the best in town), go to Junior’s and, if you want something different and modern, bet on the Keki’s Modern Cakes, which serves Japanese bouncy cheesecake, super light, tasty and soft in the heart of Chinatown.
New York is notable: what I think is worth knowing:
1. Central Park – book a perfect day for it, deserve it! The area of Sheep Meadows is ideal for sunbathing and picnic.
2.The Museum of Natural History (remember the movie “A Night at the Museum”?)
3. If you like art, you have to go to MoMA, there are six floors of delight!
4. You can’t go to the Empire State, can you? ” ” “, “, “, “, “, with “, with “
5. Watching some show on Broadway is unforgettable – among the more traditional are The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Wicked and Mamma Mia!
6.Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot and walk through Brooklyn!
7. Go to Times Square – at night is even more impressive!
8. Grand Central Terminal is historic and crowded, but beautiful sore!
9. Stroll along the High Line, a suspended park built on an old train line.
10. See the sunset from Hudson Park or Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is on the East River and has a beautiful view of Manhattan.
11. Hit leg down Fifth Avenue and admire the showcases of the chic store – who knows, have breakfast in front of Tiffany’s? “Ill with you to the “a” or “1 of the “Ill of the “Ill of the “Ill of the “Ill of the “Ill of the… “or “”
12. To drink a beer: Old Town Bar (one of the oldest in the city).
13. See the Statue of Liberty, the greatest American symbol.
12 Spend a day on Coney Island having fun in the parks and enjoying vintage weather – eat a hot dog at Nathan’s!
13. Beating leg by Chinatown, Soho and the Lower East Side is a unique experience. If you beat your hunger, buy a snack at Whole Foods Market or Dean and Deluca!
14. Go to Chelsea Market, a market that houses restaurants, bars, food shops and art, to understand New Yorkers. It’s in the Meatpacking District.
15. Go get lost in Strand Books, the most amazing bookstore I’ve ever known!
What to do and where to tour in New York: itineraries of three days with different tours in the city
Day 1
A) Natural History Museum – Our day begins at the Natural History Museum, where the iconic film “A Night at the Museum” was recorded. It is huge and has five floors of attractions divided into 50 rooms. The attraction is amazing for all ages but of course, if you are traveling with children, the attraction becomes a must-see. Imagine just seeing live the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex or a gigantic replica of a whale, which sits on the roof of the sea wing? The space wing is also magic. Book at least one morning to the museum.
B) Central Park – The Natural History Museum is in Central Park West and, if you want, you can walk along it to the West 72nd and, on this corner, you will see the iconic Dakota Building, where John Lennon lived. On this same street, crossing the avenue, you will enter Central Park already facing the C monument) Strawberry Fields Forever, made in honor of the beatle. From there, you can enjoy at least this piece of the immense park – go at least to the beautiful D) Bethesda Fountain and feel to enjoy the beautiful fountain and the landscape.
E) Greys Papaya – If you’re hungry and want to try a New York classic, my tip is: get out of Central Park through the same place where you entered (the entrance to Central Park West with the 72nd) and walk on the 72nd to Broadway, where you meet the fantastic Greys Papaya. Simply the best hot dog in town, with fair price and friendly service (yes, rarity in the city!).
F) The Museum of Modern Art – After space in Central Park, a great museum option to visit is the Museum of Modern Art, which is south of the Park, on 53rd Street, near the Fifth Avenue. The museum deserves a few hours of your day if you like art – there, you will see works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Mondrian, Salvador Dalí, Monet and also works of Architecture, Design, Cinema, Video and Photography, Painting and Sculpture, drawings and engravings and illustrated books in a breathtaking collection and full of modern art! Tip: the MoMA shop is great to buy presentsinhos for your friends!
G) Fifth Avenue – After so much seeing art, a good walk on Fifth Avenue to see the showcases of the city’s most luxurious shops can be fun – especially to take that famous photo in front of Tiffany’s jewelry store. For those who want to shop, there you find stores like Macys, Sephora, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman and, for those looking for electronics, it is there that is the B&H Photo & Video and there is also a large Apple Store.
H) Rockefeller Center – This is our tip of the city observatory, especially in the afternoon and nightfall: in this building is Top of the Rock, where for modest US$ 28 you have the best view of NYC. The building is an entertainment complex, shops, restaurants and offices opened during the Great Depression of 1929.
I) Times Square – If you still have breath, walking two more blocks through the West 49th Street, you arrive on Seventh Avenue and the famous Times Square. Prepare for muvuca and good photos!
Day 2
A) Statue of Liberty – The greatest American icon and main postcard of NYC makes this attraction one of the most visited in the city. To get there, take a subway to get to Battery Park and from there you will take the ferry to Statue of Liberty. To visit her, buy the ticket at Castle Clinton at Battery Park in southern Manhattan. Arriving there, you can visit the Museum of Freedom or climb up to the pedestal or the crown of the statue – the view from there is beautiful and from there you will check out all the details of the building up – but the ascent is paid for. Learn more on the official website of the attraction.
B) Financial District – When you return from the Statue of Liberty, you disembark from the ferry in Battery Park, and from there you can walk to Charging Bull, Fearless Girl and Wall Street. It is a tour for those who want to take the iconic photos with the bull (dize that gives luck) and with the little girl who challenges him, who has become a tourist attraction since March 2017.
C) 9/11 Memorial – From the Financial District, you will take a short walk to visit the 9/11 Memorial. Before that, pass the St. Paul Chapel, a church that served as the basis for the rescue work on the day of the attack. There, you will find several objects referring to the date, letters, photos, testimonies… The memorial itself is very impressive and a monument of great respect to the victims of the terrorist attack that profoundly marked the history of NYC. The museum is worth visiting, if you are interested in the subject, of course.
D) Brooklyn Bridge – Leaving the memorial, in a short ten-minute walk you arrive at the Brooklyn Bridge, which is a must for those visiting the city. The bridge is the longest in the world and needs to be crossed on foot to have a beautiful view of the city and a very nice experience, which yields those iconic travel photos. Crossing the bridge, you can take several different walks, depending on what else you like: enjoy the historical architecture on the way to the Brooklyn Heights Promenades; take the classic photo on Washington Street, stroll through the artsy dUmbo neighborhood, enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge Park region with the classic Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory ice cream, go to cool Williamsburg, take a tour of the Brooklyn Brewery or get to know the charms of the Mast Brothers chocolate…
Brooklyn Heights Promenades – I will suggest here my favorite tour when leaving the bridge and getting there is relatively easy: when descending the staircase of the bridge, you will soon see a sign indicating the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. When you reach a large square, cross to the right and take any transversal in the direction of the river. On a short four-square walk surrounded by historic and typical Brooklyn homes, you arrive at the site, which has a beautiful view of Manhattan and which has appeared in several films – Annie Hall is the most iconic.
After resting in Brooklyn Heights, a 20-minute walk separates an iconic city view from an iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge, a spot that will yield one of the most iconic photos of your trip: the view of small Water Street. If you hit the famine in the late afternoon, on the way we trace to Water Street there is a Shake Shack, one of the best burgers in town.
Day 3
A) High Line – The worm that has become a suspended park is one of the coolest attractions in New York and, on weekends, it is usually full of people exercising and enjoying the day, especially if it has sun. There are several access points. Here, we suggest the 30th street with 10th Avenue (get off the subway at Penn Station and come walking).
B) Whitney Museum of Art – Opened in 1930, exhibits the best of American art and is a short walk from the exit of the High Line by Gansevoort Street. The architecture of the museum is beautiful and the building has a privileged view of the city and the Hudson River. In the contemporary collection, you will find works of Hélio Oiticica!
C) Chelsea Market – After the good walk through the High Line and the Museum, a great option for lunch is the Chelsea Market, which is in the heart of the Meatpacking District (the name is because, in the old days, the place was crowded with processing plants and meat packaging).
In the 1980s, Meatpacking was a den of street prostitution and sex clubs. But in the 1990s the invasion of designer shops, luxury hotels and chic restaurants began. Chelsea Market works where it was a biscuit factory, immense, and still maintains the rustic and supercool structure. Inside, you find several great restaurants – we indicate the hot dog of Dicksons Farmstand or the pizza of The Napoleon.
D) Flatiron Building – After lunch, our suggestion is a walk to the Flatiron Building, one of the most iconic in New York and has that name because of its shape inspired by an old iron. It was opened in 1902 and was one of the first skyscrapers in the city. If you want to eat a dessert, he is next to Eataly, which has an amazing gelato!
Greenwich Village – This neighborhood is the most charming and most “upper class” version of the East Village. The old buildings and trees leave the streets very beautiful for a walk. There are several restaurants scattered around the neighborhood and Washington Square Park is very lively and full of young people living here because of NYU college. Perhaps it is the presence of the university, the neighborhood is super cool, with excellent options of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cool shops. A delight of neighborhood!
Q) Chinatown – The decision is yours to go walking (20 minutes) or by subway (4 min) – if you choose the last one, take the D line towards Coney Island or B towards Brighton Beach and come down on Grand Street. Chinatown is worth a visit: a universe of colors, flavors, temples and outdoor fairs – Mott Street is the busiest and most crowded on weekends. Take a bubble tea, the drink of the moment in NY and, if I beat the hunger, the snack request are the famous guyozas (which the Americans call dumplings). There are plenty of delicacies out there!
G) Little Italy – It is from the side of Chinatown. Although Little Italy is one of the smallest neighborhoods in the city, its streets are littered with visitors from all over the world, especially on summer weekends, when the streets are closed to traffic. Take a walk to Mulberry Street and you will see a dense mix of Italian restaurants with sidewalk tables, cafes and old-fashioned cafes. Don’t be surprised when the hosts wave calling to visit them. Stop for a coffee and a cannoli or choose a table on the street to admire the scenery while enjoying an authentic Italian meal.
H) Attaboy – After so much walking, our suggestion is that you enjoy the bohemian area of the Lower East Side and go drinking drinks in one of the best bars in the neighborhood, Attaboy. When you ask what the best bar in NYC Attaboy is always nominated, and has in your resume the fourth best bar in the world in the list of the 50 best. Looking from the outside, one can never imagine that in that place there is a bar that will satisfy all its alcoholic desires. Tip: arrive early so you can go in and sit. They don’t work with menu, so you explain to the bartender the type of cocktail that pleases you or what you’re expecting to drink. The cocktail is spectacular and if you are in a group even better because you can try as many aromas and flavors as possible. They don’t accept reservation, knock on the door to enter.
For the advance purchase of tickets we recommend the official website of each attraction or everything in a single website and in Portuguese – Ticketbar !
NYC: contacts and emergency numbers
Emergency police, fire department, ambulance: 911 (toll free of any oremen)
Police Information (not emergency): 311
Anonymous line (to report a crime): 646-610-5000
Missing Persons: 212-694-7781
Suspected of Terrorism: 888-NYC-SAFE
Sex crimes: 212-267-RAPE
Consulate Brazil in NYC
Address: 225 E 41st St, New York, NY
Phone: +1 917-777-7777
Official website (in Portuguese and English)
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