Julia Gonzales Travels in New York: 14 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeThe definitive NYC deli experience, best exemplified by Katz’s Delicatessen. This towering sandwich features hand-carved, smoky, spice-rubbed pastrami piled high on rye bread with a side of traditional pickles.
• New York Slice
  New York SliceA wide, thin-crust pizza slice intended to be folded and eaten on the go. While institutions like Joe's Pizza remain icons, the 2026 scene is dominated by 'elevated' slices like the burrata-topped versions at L'Industrie.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese
  Everything Bagel with Lox and Cream CheeseA staple breakfast consisting of a hand-rolled, boiled bagel topped with 'everything' seasoning, generous schmear, and high-quality smoked salmon. Russ & Daughters remains the gold standard for this Lower East Side classic.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseBorn in the bodegas of Harlem and the Bronx, this 'street-side icon' consists of ground beef, onions, and melted cheese chopped together on a grill and served with lettuce, tomato, and condiments on a hero roll.
• Halal Chicken and Rice Platter
  Halal Chicken and Rice PlatterThe quintessential street cart meal featuring yellow rice, spiced chicken or gyro meat, and the famous, secretive 'white sauce.' The Halal Guys at 53rd and 6th remain the most legendary purveyors.
• Cronut
  CronutA viral sensation that became a permanent part of the city's pastry DNA. This croissant-doughnut hybrid from Dominique Ansel Bakery continues to draw crowds for its monthly rotating flavors.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkDiscover the beauty and culture of New York. Enjoy the local cuisine, explore historic landmarks, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit New York are during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to early November, when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking. While the holiday season in December is magical despite the cold, it marks the peak tourist period with the highest hotel rates and largest crowds. For the best deals and fewer tourists, visit during the off-peak months of January and February.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air Travel via Major Hubs New York City is served by three primary international airports: John F. Kennedy (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA), which connect the city to global destinations via hundreds of daily flights.
  • MTA Subway and Bus System The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates an extensive 24/7 underground rail network and surface bus routes that provide the most efficient and cost-effective way to navigate all five boroughs using OMNY.
  • Rail via Penn Station and Grand Central Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and the Long Island Rail Road converge at Penn Station, while Metro-North serves Grand Central Terminal.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Stand to the right on escalators and walk on the left to avoid blocking the flow of commuters.
  • Download an offline map of the subway system and always check for weekend service changes before traveling.
  • Standard tipping etiquette in restaurants is 18% to 22% of the total bill before tax.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zones at Rockefeller Center and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
  • The New Museum's 60,000-square-foot OMA-designed building expansion on the Bowery.
• NYC Tourism + Conventions↗
  NYC Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs of New York City, providing comprehensive travel guides and resources for Brooklyn.