Planning notes for New York

Manhattan, the central borough of New York City, occupies a 22.8-square-mile island situated at the junction of the Hudson and East Rivers. Established as New Amsterdam in 1624, the area contains a concentration of historical landmarks, including Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated in 1789, and Fraunces Tavern.

Must-try foods nearby

• Pastrami on Rye
  The quintessential Manhattan icon, best experienced at Katz's Delicatessen. It features thick, hand-carved slabs of spice-rubbed.
• New York Style Pizza Slice
  A thin-crust, wide-slice marvel designed to be folded. While Joe's is the classic, 2026 trends favor the 'New-School' slice at Scarr’s Pizza.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  A traditional Jewish-style boiled bagel from institutions like Russ & Daughters. It is typically loaded with scallion cream cheese, Gaspe Nova smoked salmon, capers, and red onion.
• Bacon, Egg, and Cheese (BEC) on a Roll
  The lifeblood of Manhattan breakfast culture. This bodega staple consists of two fried eggs, American cheese, and crispy bacon on a buttered, toasted Kaiser roll.
• Chicken over Rice (Halal Cart Style)
  A legendary street food platter popularized by Adel’s Famous and The Halal Guys. It consists of yellow basmati rice, seasoned chopped chicken, a pita, and the secret.

When to go: The best times to visit Manhattan are from April to June and September to October, when mild temperatures (50°F–75°F) make the city highly walkable and parks are in bloom or vibrant with fall foliage. Peak tourist seasons occur during the hot.

Local tips

• Always walk on the right side of the sidewalk and pull over to the side if you need to stop to check a map or take a photo.
• When using the subway, let passengers exit the car completely before you attempt to board and move to the center to keep the doors clear.
• Expect to tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, as this is the standard social expectation for service in the city.
• Stand on the right side of escalators to allow those in a hurry to pass you on the left.

What travelers are noticing

• Sirrah: A moody, maximalist French concept in the Meatpacking District that has become a viral dinner destination for its four-course prix-fixe and late-night scene.
• Or'Esh: Chef Nadav Greenberg’s new Mediterranean spot in SoHo, trending for its creative tasting menu featuring standout dishes like sliced tuna and house-made bagels.
• The Eighty Six: A speakeasy-style dining room in the West Village gaining significant buzz for its intimate atmosphere and signature tuna and caviar opener.