✅ Essentials Checklist
- ESTA pre-travel authorisation (apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before flying)
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Travel insurance with medical cover — US healthcare without insurance is catastrophic
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes — you'll walk 15–25km per day
- Layers appropriate to the season (see below)
- Credit/debit card — NYC is almost entirely cashless now
- Power adapter (Type A/B — US two-pin flat)
- Compact daypack for sightseeing
- MetroCard or contactless card for the subway
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Summer (June–Aug): Light breathable clothing, shorts, sunscreen — humidity is intense
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Layers, light jacket, comfortable shoes — ideal walking weather
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Proper winter coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, scarf — temperatures regularly below 0°C
- Spring (Mar–May): Unpredictable — pack for both warm and cold days
- Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable in every season
- Smart-casual for evenings — NYC restaurants are dressy but not formal
⭐ Nice to Have
- NYC Explorer Pass or Go City Card (covers top attractions, saves money)
- Portable battery pack (long days out drain phones)
- Foldable tote bag for shopping (Strand Bookstore, Eataly, etc)
- Compact umbrella
- Anti-blister products (Body Glide, Compeed) for long walking days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York City safe for tourists?
Yes — NYC's crime rate has fallen dramatically over 30 years and the main tourist areas (Manhattan, Brooklyn) are very safe by any global city standard. Standard urban awareness applies: keep phones in pockets on the subway, be alert at night in less-visited areas, and don't flash expensive cameras. The subway is generally safe but can feel intimidating late at night — Ubers are cheap and available 24/7.
How do I get from the airport to Manhattan?
From JFK: the AirTrain to Jamaica, then LIRR or Subway to Manhattan (around 60–75 minutes, under $15). From Newark: NJ Transit to Penn Station (around 30 minutes, around $15). Taxis and Ubers are $50–80+ from JFK and $50–70 from Newark. The train is significantly cheaper and often faster in traffic.
How many days do you need in New York?
Four to five days covers the essential Manhattan highlights — Central Park, the High Line, a museum, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge and the best food. Seven days allows you to go deeper and add Brooklyn, Queens food scene and day trips. First-time visitors consistently underestimate how much there is — a week goes quickly.