Useful Information

Buying tickets online for major attractions is highly recommended to skip long lines, especially for the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Top of the Rock, and MoMA. Many attractions offer time-slot tickets. City passes (CityPASS, New York Pass, Go City) offer access to multiple attractions with significant discounts.

New York has no strict dress code, but smart casual is recommended for upscale restaurants and Broadway shows. For sightseeing, comfortable clothes and walking shoes are ideal. In winter, prepare for very cold temperatures with a coat, gloves, and scarf.

Most major New York attractions are accessible to visitors with disabilities. The subway is improving accessibility, but not all stations have elevators — check the MTA accessible map. All MTA buses are accessible. Accessible taxis (with ramps) can be booked.

Photography is generally allowed at all outdoor attractions and most museums. Some museums (like MoMA and the Met) allow photos without flash. Check specific rules for each museum. Drones are banned throughout New York City.

Most museums and attractions offer coat check or lockers. At the Met, MoMA, and the American Museum of Natural History, coat check is free. Large backpacks may be subject to security checks at major attraction entrances.

New York is a food paradise with options for every budget:
• Street Food — Hot dogs, halal carts, pretzels from street vendors ($3-8)
• Pizza — A New York-style slice costs $1-4
• Food Halls — Chelsea Market, Gotham West Market, Urbanspace
• Restaurants — Book on OpenTable or Resy for popular spots
New York tap water is excellent and safe to drink.

New York is a generally safe city for tourists. Standard precautions: keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, avoid displaying valuables conspicuously, and use public transit with normal caution even at night. In an emergency: 911.

Emergencies: 911
NYC Visitor Center: Macy's Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street
Tourist Information: nycgo.com
MTA Info (transit): 511 or mta.info