New York City Travel Guide…the Insider Guide

New York City. It's a city that moves fast, changes constantly and rewards those who know where to look

I’ve lived here my whole life — four generations of New Yorkers in my family. I know the neighborhoods locals actually explore, the restaurants worth your time and the shortcuts that save time, money and frustration. This guide is a labor of love and offers you everything I’ve learned.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or planning an extended stay, you’ll find what matters: hidden gems, world-class events, insider recommendations, ways to save and a roadmap to experience the real New York City — not just the postcard version.

I started NYC Insider Guide in 2008. Recently, I tested AI to help with this guide & itineraries – they got nearly everything wrong (and admitted it!). AI has data. I have 40+ years of real experience living in this city, plus a network of the city’s actual experts: Broadway stars & producers, museum curators, Oscar winners, top DJs and 1000+ native New Yorkers. This guide is built on real knowledge money can’t buy and AI won’t find out anytime soon.

NYC Insider Picks

Latest News

NYC Insider Hotel Picks

Broadway Shows

NYC Holidays

NYC Monthly Events

New York City Activities

New York City Tourist Attractions include the typical Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Museums of Modern Art and Natural History, Central Park and so much more. Some of our newer attractions include the 9-11 Memorial Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Times Square. But, do you also know you can have a martini and listen to classical music at a Museum? Or eat Chinese food while looking at the Statue of Liberty? Come enjoy NYC like a local….

Fun Things to do in New York in Winter

Newest NYC Experiences - Be The First!

Best New York City Hotel Rooftops

NYC Hotel Rooftops offer some of the best skyline views in the whole City, along with cocktails and food, views, pools, cabanas, sundecks and retractable roofs. Our top picks for the most surreal views and cocktails include:

New York City Hotel Rooftops

Ink48 Hotel - right next to the Intrepid Museum and my ALL time favorite rooftop!
The Ready @ Moxy NYC East Village - all-season rooftop with an amazingly eclectic vibe and great skyline views. (photo)
The Empire Hotel - year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop with seasonal pool and cabana rentals

See More: Best New York City Hotel Rooftops

Museums

Museums and attractions are open, some with reduced capacity, safety protocols, reservations and vaccination proof. Check out the new Museum of Ice Cream (SoHo), Guggenheim, MoMA, Whitney and so many more NYC Museums from which to choose.

New York City Museums

Attractions & Sightseeing

NYC attractions are open, some with reservations required. Whether you want to sightsee from the sky or selfie with celebs @ Madame Tussauds, you can be safe and explore.

Go HIGH or Go Home

Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or the new SUMMIT? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.

Edge NYC Observation Deck

Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opened Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building. One of the hottest tickets in town