Your Dream Trip to New York City

Q: What’s the Best Time To Visit New York City?

As with any destination, the best time to go to New York City depends on what you want to do and which events you want to attend. Other factors include your preferences regarding weather, crowds and how much you want to spend.

Q: How Many Days Do I Need in NYC?

People commonly recommend three to five days as enough time to get acquainted with the city, but there’s so much to do that you could visit a new museum every day for six months if you wanted to. Seven to 10 days is often plenty to see the sights and go off the beaten path.

Discover the best things to do on your NYC vacation

GettyImages.com / Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel

Exploring the Big Apple: What To Do in New York City

New York Travel Guide

From fabulous fun for fashionistas to haunted tours for history buffs, the City That Never Sleeps boasts more attractions than just about anywhere in the US. It's an international epicenter for art, culture, food, commerce and more. Whether you're in a Broadway audience or enjoying a street-corner hot dog, there are quintessential experiences everywhere when you visit NYC. Enjoy the Big Apple like a true New Yorker with AAA. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, AAA Members can save on hotels, flights and car rentals while getting expert advice on the best things to see and do in NYC. Let us help you plan the perfect NYC adventure.

TourBook^® Curated Hotels

Discover standout hotels worldwide with TourBook®. From Diamond-designated properties inspected for quality, to carefully selected international stays. Every hotel in this collection is chosen to help you enjoy a trusted and memorable experience, no matter where you travel.

Learn More

Hotel

Cruise Deals

Your Next Great Voyage Awaits

AAA has partnered with the top cruise lines in the industry to give you exclusive AAA member benefits on cruise and river cruise bookings. Get ready to set sail!

See All

Vista14 Nights - New York to MiamiDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Majestic Princess7 Nights - Canada and New England with Saint JohnDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Viking Astrea28 Nights - Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and BeyondDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Norwegian Breakaway8 Nights - Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay, Orlando & NassauDeparting from New York - Manhattan, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Norwegian Luna7 Nights - Bermuda from New York, NYDeparting from New York - Manhattan, New York • 3.88mi | 20 Sailings

Viking Vela14 Nights - Iconic Iceland, Greenland, and CanadaDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 2 Sailings

Majestic Princess12 Nights - Southern Caribbean IslanderDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Norwegian Escape7 Nights - Boston & Halifax from New York, New YorkDeparting from New York - Manhattan, New York • 3.88mi | 2 Sailings

Majestic Princess7 Nights - Canada and New England with Saint JohnDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Vista11 Nights - New York to MontrealDeparting from New York, New York • 3.88mi | 1 Sailing

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All

ARTICLE36 Things To Do in New York11/01/2023 : New York earned the moniker “The City that Never Sleeps” because there’s so much to experience. Here are 36 things to do in New York and a few budgeting tips.

ARTICLE28 Top Day Trips From New York City to Take in 2025AAA Travel Editor, SMT01/08/2025 : Planning an escape from the city? From coastal towns to mountain regions, discover 28 day trips from New York for a change of scenery. Read on to learn more!

ARTICLEThe Best Time of the Year to Visit New York City AAA Travel Editor, CW01/30/2025 : Discover the perfect seasons to explore the Big Apple with our guide on the Best Time to Visit New York City.

ARTICLEBest Things to Do in New York City With KidsAAA Travel Editor, CW10/03/2023 : From museums to parks and everything in between, discover the best family-friendly activities in the heart of NYC.

ARTICLE6 of the Most Romantic Things to Do in New YorkAAA Travel Editor, CW10/03/2023 : Explore the most enchanting and romantic activities in the Big Apple with our guide to the best Romantic Things to Do in New York.

Top AAA Five Diamond Restaurants in New York CityAAA Travel Editor, CW10/12/2023 : Try some of the best restaurants in New York City according to our AAA Inspectors. Whether you live in the area or are looking for something special on your vacation, these restaurants are sure to please.

EDITOR PICK14 Things for Fashionistas to Do in New York City AAA Travel Editor, Patricia Miller09/20/2023 : Whether you’re visiting during New York Fashion Week or a random weekend, there are plenty of fashion things to do in New York City for every fashionista.

ARTICLEHow to Visit New York Harbor’s 12 National Park Service Sites05/02/2023 : From iconic landmarks to serene natural landscapes, embark on an unforgettable adventure through New York Harbor's 12 National Park Service sites.

ARTICLE4 Tips to Saving Money While Visiting New York10/03/2023 : Embrace the thrills of New York City without emptying your pockets. Our comprehensive guide shares savvy hacks and money-saving tips for your ideal vacation.

ARTICLE7 Must Visit Lighthouses in New YorkAAA Travel Editor, CW10/04/2023 : Experience the magic of New York's coastal heritage by visiting these incredible lighthouses, and discover the iconic beacons that have guided ships for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC

See what other visitors have asked and get expert answers from AAA.

What’s the Best Time To Visit New York City?

How Many Days Do I Need in NYC?

What Are the Best NYC Attractions To Check Out?

As the heartbeat of American fashion and finance, there's never a shortage of events, but what are the best things to do in NYC? Eating pizza can be a complete answer—just ask a New Yorker where their favorite slice is and try them all. Fine dining, world-class entertainment and intimate cocktail bars abound if you're after romantic things to do in New York, but some family favorites are: Central Park, The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Brooklyn Museum and MOMA.

What’s the Cheapest Month To Visit New York City?

If you’re visiting NYC on a budget, lodging prices typically hit a low during the Big Apple's coldest winter months, but don't let the snow deter you from visiting New York City. The shows must go on, so Broadway tickets are easier to score during January and February, and there's still plenty to do. Restaurants, art galleries, jazz lounges, museums and other sites remain open all year. Plus, hockey season is the only time to catch a Rangers game!

What Are Things To Do in NYC With Kids?

With so many upscale restaurants and quiet art galleries, are there any New York activities for a whole family? Absolutely! Some of the best things to do in NYC with kids include: Seeing the animals at Central Park Zoo, strolling the boardwalk and riding the coasters on Coney Island, visiting the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. exploring the Manhattan Children's Museum, and visiting the top of the Empire State Building.

How Much Does a Trip to New York City Cost?

Want a Big Apple vacation for Little Apple prices? Luckily, there are lots of ways to save on a trip. The cost of staying in a hotel in New York can vary widely depending on the season and location, but staying in Manhattan will be the priciest. Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx and Staten Island can be more affordable, and MTA bus and subway stops are usually within walking distance. Another popular option is to get a hotel in nearby New Jersey or Long Island, which are easily accessible via commuter trains. For the best savings, look for AAA discounts and lodging recommendations that can help you plan your trip and stay within your budget.

What’s the Best Way To Get Around NYC?

With approximately 5 million daily riders on buses and trains, NYC runs on the MTA, but there are other ways of getting around New York City. Many people walk or bike to their destinations, others take a taxi or Uber, and people who don't mind parallel parking can drive. If you're looking for an affordable way to get almost anywhere in the city, a 7-day unlimited Metrocard will get you on any subway or local bus across the five boroughs for under $40.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Explore trip canvas

Categories

Quick Links

AAA Travel

Explore AAA

Your Dream Trip to New York City

Exploring the Big Apple: What To Do in New York City

TourBook® Curated Hotels

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

Arlo SoHo

Holiday Inn Express New York City-Chelsea

Hampton Inn Manhattan/Madison Square Garden Area

The Chatwal, New York - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

InterContinental New York Barclay

The Peninsula New York

WestHouse Hotel New York

Park Hyatt New York

Mandarin Oriental, New York

TourBook® Curated Restaurants

Aquavit

Essential by Christophe

Bar Masa

Bella Luna

Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare

Gramercy Tavern

Bowery Meat Company

Cull and Pistol

Daniel

Le Coucou

TourBook® Curated Things To Do

Central Park

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Statue of Liberty

Empire State Building

Intrepid Museum

Rockefeller Center

Times Square

Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

Ellis Island

One World Trade Center