New York City, The Big Apple

Currency: US Dollar

Language: English

Tax Refund: The United States of America does not have a national or federal sales tax system, which means that the government does not levy a sales tax. But instead each states have their own sales tax that is being levy to the resident and tourists. The sales tax varies. For example, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not levy a sales tax, while California has the highest state sales tax rate at 7.5%.

One of the most popular place to shop, New York charge a 4.375% sales tax on all sales. However the city of New York waives the sales tax of 4% on all purchases of clothing and footwear if the item is under $110.

From Airport to the City

An UberX Ride to the manhattan will cost roughly around 50 USD. Instead of taking a cab or an uber try private transfer companies from chinatown. Such companies are based in China Town, such as New Golden Horse. A booking can be done online in advance. A ride from JFK will cost roughly around $40 – $48 with reservation,

In the meanwhile if you want to get to the city using the subway. You must first use the JFK Air Train to get to the nearby rail and metro station. The total time taken to travel from JFK to Manhattan will take about an hour. The total cost would be $5 plus the amount that you will pay for the subway, which is $2.75. Take the JFK red line and transfer to subway E Line at Jamaica Station.

Considered one of the most extensive and complicated metro system in the world, the subway in NYC has many stations and will probably bring you anywhere in town. A metro card can be purchase for the ease and also cheaper fares. A one way ride cost 2.75 and with a min of 5.50 value add, you get 5% more credit. The Metrocard cost $1. A 7 day unlimited pass cost $32.

Attractions

Statue of Liberty

Probably the most famous icon of the city and the whole nation as well. The symbol of freedom and independence, it is something that you got to see with your naked eyes. The statue is located on Liberty Island and built in 1875, it was then a gift from the French to the American. A good view of it can also be from the ferry to Staten Island. Furthermore the ferry is free. The tickets includes to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, it can also be bought online. The first ferry starts at 8.30am. Tickets cost around 25.50 to 28.50 with availability up to 6 months ahead. Buy in advance to prevent disappointment. Certain tickets run out early in advance. This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Staten Island

Ferry, offers great view of Manhattan and also the Statue of Liberty. Best of all, the ferry is free. The ferry can be boarded at White Hall Ferry terminal. Outside of the peak rush hour, the ferry is great for some leisure ride and you get impeccable view.

Brooklyn Bridge

The iconic cable suspension bridge seen in many shows and movies. It like u the two borough of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is open more than a hundred years and is a true classic. Many great photo opportunities are available. The promenade also allows pedestrian access and the backdrop here is picture perfect. The view of Manhattan while walking from Brooklyn is impeccable, especially during sunset. The Brooklyn Bridge Park also provides some of the best picture spot. It has some greens and the walk along the waterfront is great.

Rockefeller Centre

One of the newest landmark in town and it is a place for entertainment and shopping, it consists of a couple blocks and nearby are all shops. It is located near Times Square and a popular place is also the Top of the Rocks, a viewing deck at the top of the building. The observation is located on 70th floor and open from 8am to midnight. Tickets are pretty pricy at $34. In the winter season there is also an outdoor skating park.

Flat Iron Building

An iconic building in the city which was built by Daniel Burnham in 1902. It is known for the exterior look which looks like a clothes iron look. It is definitely worth a look while walking past.

Central Park

Perhaps known as the most famous park in the world, the uniqueness of this place is also its location, a space of greenery right smack in the middle of towering skyscrapers. The bow bridge in Central Park is exceptionally great for photos taking. The park is huge, spreading in the middle of Manhattan, with the lakes in the middle.

Soho

Located in lower Manhattan, Soho is a place for food, drinking and many other uniqueness.  It is really the vibes that you have to feel, walking down the cobblestone street and looking at lofts.

Empire State Building

One of the world greatest building in the world. It is probably made famous by the show King Kong. It is the sight that you definitely have to see when you are in town. Standing at 102 levels high, it is once the highest building in the world. It is also possible to ascend to the top of the building, although for a hefty price of $54. It is open daily from 8am to 2am, to escape the long queues, it is sometimes special to go at late hours too. The tickets can be bought online.

Times Square

The real reason why the city is known as one that never sleeps. Bright neon lights, mega tv showing ads and never closing shopping and restaurants, this is the hype and the place to be. It never gets boring here. On special occasion, this is also the gathering place for countdowns and fireworks.

Manhattan Bridge

One of the best photo spot in town and super instragramy, the exact location of the spot is in Dumbo, at 15 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. The Dumbo is a great sight with the bridge at the back and lined up by red brick buildings on the side. It is really perfect. This suspension bridge is built in 1901.

Grand Central Terminal

This place is more famous for its grand façade and concourse rather than being a train station. The interior is absolutely grand and gorgeous. Never miss taking a shot here. It is a destination for dining and shopping. Located right in town, it is crowded. The stairs and main floor is also the scene of many movies and proposal location. The flash mob here is world famous.

Highline

The highline is a linear park in west Manhattan that was built above a historical freight rail line. The park is great for picnic and strolling, taking in the greens while enjoying the view. The park can be access by numerous points along the route. It is located near the Chelsea Market. It is a great photo spot.

New York Public Library

Flanked by two stone lions, this iconic public library in the heart of the city, close to Times Square is popular. The exterior beaux arts building is gorgeous as well as some of its interior reading room. Take a walk through. It is also one of the largest library in the world. The interior is really insta perfect.

Broadway Musical

One of the greatest thing to do in New York is to catch a show or musical in the theatre, expect mind blowing impression leaving shows and performance. It can be said to be the birthplace of arts. Some of the great shows in town includes, Phantom of the opera, Hamilton, Wicked. Try your luck at getting the cheaper Rush tickets. On the day itself, make a visit, it can be found in Times Square and Lincoln Centre.

Shopping

Chelsea Market

A food hall, shopping mall and also an office building it is famed for its seafood in Manhattan. Go here hungry as the stalls are exceptionally good at preparing the ingredients straight on the spot. It is also a short walk from the Hudson River. It is open from Mon to Sat from 7am to 9pm and on Sun from 8am to 8pm. The stall Los Tacos No. 1 is a popular and is famed for their cheap and good tacos, Ham and Baguettine Sandwich from Amy’s Bread and Dickson Farmstand Meats.

Union Square Greenmarket

Located in Union Square this farmers market is the place to be. It is also popular for getting some of the freshest local produce straight from the producer. It is open on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat. In addition to fruits and stuff, you can find plenty of Cheese, Bakes and Flowers. It is open from 8am to 6pm.

Smorgasburg

Known as one of the best 9 markets in NYC for visitors, Smorgasburg can be said as the premier food market in NYC. It is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is famous for fusion food here and you could find all the trendy food and the hype in the food scene. The location is ever changing and can be checked online. In the season, it will be held at East River State Park on Weekends.

Macy’s

W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

The well-known department store in the heart of the city that never sleeps this Macy’s outlet near Times Square and Empire State Building is impressive and you can probably not finish any inch of it. Also its flagship store, it is the largest store in the world. It is open daily from 10am to 10pm with Sun from 11am to 9pm. There is usually discount and great prices can be found.

Forever 21

1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036, USA

Can be said as one of the largest forever 21 flagship store in the world, this place is everyone paradise. It can be said as the reason why Times Square never sleeps since it is open daily from 8am to 2am daily. Much cheaper prices can be found here than in other parts of the world.

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917, USA

With 220 stores, you want to plan a full day, as you’ll need to comb through the racks searching for slashed deals at stores like Barney’s New York Outlet, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, and Neiman Marcus Last Call. It’s important to keep in mind that these are outlet stores, which means that you will definitely find a better price. It is open daily from 10am to 9pm. It is about an hour drive out of the city. There is a Shake Shack on location.

Century 21

21 Dey St, New York, NY 10007, USA

1972 Broadway New York, NY 10023

A Retailer and department store offering discounted trendy apparel, shoes & accessories. Some sell cosmetics & home goods. There are well known for their cheap affordable prices for well branded items. Best would be their location since it is located right in the heart of Manhattan, near the World Trade Centre. There is a couple location in town, with another at Cortlandt St.

Restaurants

Shake Shack

691 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA

The best fast food chain in the states, it is well known for the classic American food like burgers and frozen custard. They now have now spread and have a couple outlets island wide. However the iconic location is still the branch at Times Square. The branch here is open from 11am to 12am 7 days a week.

Jean Georges***

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York, 1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023, USA

One of the three star Michelin restaurant in town. It is famed for their cuisine here. Helmed by French born Chef Vongerichten, the dishes are delicate. Their sea trout draped with quail eggs and sea scallop came recommended. While the dinner is expensive, the lunch set is worth the price. The places also have a view over the Central Park. It is open for lunch 1145 to 1430 from Mon to Sun. A 2 course meal cost $58. Reservation open two month in advance.

Le Bernardin***

155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Right near Times Square and Rockefeller Centre this is famed for their French cooking in seafood dishes. It has also been a 3 star restaurant since 2005. Helmed by Chef Eric Ripbert, their three courses set lunch is $87. Reservation is open for the month on the first day. It is open for lunch from Mon to Fri from 12pm to 2.30pm. Reservation open two month in advance.

The Spotted Pig*

314 W 11th St, New York, NY 10014, USA

A European gastropub, it is a cheap and good Michelin restaurant and frequently visited by the locals. Their Brunch is also fantastic. It is also open from 12pm to 3pm for lunch and 5.30pm to 2am for Dinner. Brunch is served from 11am to 3pm on weekends. Prices are cheap too.

Gotham Bar & Grill*

12 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Classic New York steakhouse and grill restaurant, it is the birth child of Chef Alfred Portale. Holding one Michelin star since 2006, it is open from Mon to Fri from 12pm to 2.15pm and dinner from 5.30pm to 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends. The set lunch comes at a modest $29 dollars.

Egg Restaurant

109 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Famous for their all day breakfast with local source materials and cooking with a southern flair, their lunch is always crowded. The place is also in an industrial rustic décor. It is open from Mon to Fri 7am to 5pm and from 8am on weekends. Do keep in mind that there is a limited menu on the weekends.

Magnolia Bakery

Rockefeller Centre, 1240 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020, USA

A famous bakery for getting some home bakes and their creations. The ice cream and banana pudding is especially famous. There is a couple location now in town, with one at Rockefeller Centre and Grand Central Station. It is open from 7am on weekday and 8am on weekends till 12am on Fri and Sat and 10pm on other days.

Barbuto

775 Washington St, New York, NY 10014, USA

Renowned for its roast chicken, this Italian eatery is popular. The restaurant is also near The High Line. The dishes here have been described as empowering yet without overwhelming. The prices are fair. The pollo al forno is the dish to order here. It is open from 12pm to 3.30pm all days and from 5.30pm till late. Reservations are available for parties of 3 or more.

Buvette

42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, USA

A popular French bistro serving tapas kind of French food, it is popular among the locals. The place is perfect for casual food and drinks and perfect for some small talks. It is open from 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends till 2am daily. No reservations are allowed. There is also a great happy hour.

Bibble & Sip

253 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019, USA

The famous café in town that is wiping the social media by storm with its cream puffs. The puffs here are a must get as they are both a delight for your tummy as well as the camera. The puffs here are sold daily after 12pm. The queue would build up while waiting for it. While they have other offering on their menu, the puffs are the ones you would kill for. It is open from Mon to Fri from 7.30am and 10am on Weekends till 8pm daily.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, USA

The home of the famous cronut by pastry chef Dominique Ansel. It is said to be a legacy creation by the chef itself and crowd just people flock here from all over the world to try the various genius creations, including his Frozen S’mores, Magic Soufflés, Milk & Cookie shots. While the prices may be expensive for the boutique desserts, the legendary cronuts is definitely worth the price. A hybrid of croissant and donuts. The cronut can be bought via a lengthy q or making a reservation online. It is open from 8am to 7pm from Mon to Sat and 9am to 7pm on Sun.

Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop

727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA

Located in Greenpoint Brooklyn, it can be said to have the best donuts in town. The creations are simply magical. It is also kind of a return to the 1990s with counter seating and donuts displays on the open shelves. The choices are vast and prices range from $1.10 to $1.50. It is open from 4.30am to 8pm from Mon to Fri, 5am to 8pm on Sat and 5.30am to 7pm on Sun.

Root & Bone

200 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009, USA

A great place for classic southern cooking in New York City, the brunch is exceptionally good and the fried chicken here can be said as the best in the world. A must order is the fried chicken and waffles. It is open daily from 11.30am to 10.30pm from Mon to Thu, till 11.30pm on Fri and on weekends they open earlier for Brunch on 10.30am.

John’s Coffee Donut Shop

481 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, USA

A classic diner serving up decent coffee and donuts, prices are honest and well worth for money. Expect no fills flair with simple cooking. The place is famous with the locals and people from the neighbourhood.

Doughnuttery

Chelsea market

A small stall in Chelsea market that serves up simple fried doughnut piping hot, you can then have them with an assortment of sauce that you can get from them also. There might easily be more than 18 creations available. It is open daily from 8.30am till 9pm from Mon to Sat and till 8pm on Sun.

The Bagel Store

754 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

A hype place that you see all the rainbow bagels showing up on the social networking sites, this is where you can get freshly baked bagels and some cream cheese. It is definitely worth it to visit here just to get that one great picture. It is open from 6am to 6pm from Mon to Fri and from 7am to 6pm on Sat and Sun.

Pies ‘n’ Thighs

166 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Another great place to go for the best chicken biscuit in town. The buttery biscuit together with the tender flavourful buttermilk fried chicken is one of the world best creations. It is also famous for their classic pies which are a delight. It is open from 9am on weekdays for breakfast and 10am on weekends from Brunch. The place close at 12am.

Luke’s Lobster

700 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA

The one great place to go for in the states for lobster rolls. It is kind of like Burger & Lobster but US edition. There are numerous stalls throughout the city but the best would be the one at Times Square. It is open daily from 11am and till 9pm on Sun to Wed and 10pm from Thu to Sat. Prices are fair.

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque

103 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

75 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10014, USA

A couple location in town, they serve up the best no fills all American barbeque in town, pulled pork, ribs, all with a glass of beer. They are usually open from 11.30am till late. With the west village one closing slightly earlier. The fries here are perfect too.

Virgil’s Real Barbeque

152 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

Located right in the heart of Times Square, this is a joint that serves up some of the best food in town. The meat galore here is unimaginable and they are really good. Open daily from 11.30am till late, you won’t be disappointed. The really main point is the location.

Clinton St Baking Company & Restaurant

4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002, USA

The place for pancakes in the heart of the city, especially the blueberry pancakes which came highly recommended. Their simple omelettes and sandwiches are also divine. It is open from 8am to 11pm from Mon to Fri and for brunch from 9am on weekends. There is an afternoon break from 4 to 5pm.

Bleeker Street Pizza

69 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014, USA

After all, a visit to NYC can be without trying some of the New York Classic Pizza. This place serve up great awesome pizza at cheap prices, it is also open late into the night. It is also said to serve up the best pizza in town. They even offer free delivery. It is open daily from 10am to 2am on Sun to Wed, till 3am on Thurs and from 11am to 5am on Fri and Sat.

Croissanteria

Available in regular or mini sized, the Raisin Swirl at the recently opened Croissanteria in the East Village is a freshly baked cinnamon bun to grab on the go. Don’t forget to order a coffee or espresso drink to enjoy with your bun for the perfect wake-me-up combination. And stop by Croissanteria for a sandwich on a crispy croissant, like the Prosciutto di Parma (Buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, tomato, basil, extra virgin olive oil and cracked pepper) or Nutella and Banana.

Do, Cookie Dough Confections

550 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012, USA

Currently the most hype up destination in New York City, made viral by their delish video that have been trending on social networking sites. They serve up edible unbaked cookie dough like ice cream. It simply made frozen yogurt craze a thing of the past. It is open from Tues to Sun from 10am till sold out. Do come early or try your luck. Take into consideration of the long queues. A scoop of it cost about 4 USD.

Union Fare

7 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

This place is an industrial chic American restaurant serving up comfort fare. But the key here is the gastro hall where you many food stands sells some of the most delish edible food. It is open from Mon to Fri from 11am to 3pm and the bakery is open till Sun from 8am till 9pm.

The Empire Rooftop & Lounge

The Empire Hotel, 44 W 63rd St, New York, NY 10023, USA

In the upper west side, this is one of the best rooftop bar in NYC. Located on the 12th floor of the Empire Hotel it boost impeccable view of Central Park and Lincoln Centre. During happy hour, drinks are well priced. It is open from 4pm till late.

230 5th Bar

230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

A greenery filled rooftop bar with views of midtown, this place is perfect to wine down the night. The place is also perfect as it is right smack in town. It is open from 4pm till late daily although the kitchen do close at midnight. Happy hour is from 4 to 7pm on weekdays. Prices are decent.