National Geographic in New York: 4 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeThe quintessential Manhattan icon, best experienced at Katz's Delicatessen. It features thick, hand-carved slabs of spice-rubbed, smoked brisket piled high on seedless rye bread with a swipe of spicy brown mustard.
• New York Slice
  New York SliceA 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, which uses house-milled flour for a crispier, more complex dough.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  Everything Bagel with Lox and SchmearA 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.
• Chicken Over Rice (Halal Cart Style)
  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, creamy 'white sauce' that locals crave.
• Smash Burgers
  Smash BurgersRepresenting the peak of the smash burger trend, this minimalist burger features ultra-thin, lacy-edged beef patties, melted American cheese, grilled onions, and pickles on a soft potato bun.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseOriginally a Harlem bodega secret, this sandwich has gone mainstream. It features ground beef chopped on the grill with onions and melted cheese, served with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a hero roll.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkManhattan, the central borough of New York City, occupies a 22.8-square-mile island situated at the junction of the Hudson and East Rivers. The architecture of Manhattan is characterized by a chronological progression of styles. Lower Manhattan features colonial-era sites and Neo-Gothic structures such as Trinity Church.
• When to go
  When to goThe 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, humid summer months and the festive holiday period in December, while the off-peak "bargain" window falls between January and March when hotel rates drop significantly despite the bitter cold.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • AirTrain and Commuter Rail (LIRR/NJ Transit) From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for a 20-minute ride to Penn Station or Grand Central. From Newark (EWR).
  • MTA Subway System The primary way to get around Manhattan, the subway operates 24/7 with 472 stations. Use the OMNY contactless system to tap and pay with a credit card or smartphone; after 12 paid rides in a 7-day period using the same.
  • Yellow Cabs and Rideshares Taxis are ubiquitous in Manhattan and can be hailed on the street when their rooftop numbers are illuminated. For a more predictable experience, apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
• Local tips
  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.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • 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.
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