alia zaita in New York: 8 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• New York Slice
  New York SliceThe quintessential thin-crust slice, characterized by its wide, foldable shape and light layer of tomato sauce and mozzarella. While Joe's remains a classic, 2026 favorites include the burrata-topped slices at L'Industrie and the sourdough-crust pies at Scarr's Pizza.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  Everything Bagel with Lox and SchmearA dense, chewy, hand-rolled bagel boiled before baking. The classic preparation features a thick layer of cream cheese (schmear), salty lox, capers, and red onion. Top-tier spots for 2026 include Tompkins Square Bagels and the legendary Russ & Daughters.
• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeHand-carved, spice-rubbed, and smoked beef brisket piled high on seedless rye bread, traditionally served with spicy brown mustard and a side of pickles. Katz's Delicatessen remains the gold standard, though 2026 trends see locals flocking to smaller operations like Hometown Bar-B-Que.
• Halal Chicken and Rice Platter
  Halal Chicken and Rice PlatterA street-cart staple consisting of yellow basmati rice, shredded chicken or gyro meat, and a pita, famously drenched in a mysterious 'white sauce' and fiery red sauce. The Halal Guys at 53rd and 6th is the icon, but local 2026 favorites often include Rafaqis or Adel's Famous.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseA true Bronx and Harlem bodega classic made by griddling ground beef with onions, topping it with melted American cheese, and chopping it all together before serving on a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
• Black and White Cookie
  Black and White CookieActually more of a small sponge cake than a cookie, this circular treat is topped with half-vanilla and half-chocolate fondant or icing. It is a staple of Jewish bakeries and a symbol of the city's culinary harmony.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City is a metropolitan area situated at the mouth of the Hudson River, originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement. Recorded history in the region began with Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in 1524, followed by the establishment of the Dutch settlement New Amsterdam in 1624.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit are from April to June and September to November, when the weather is mild and the city's parks are at their most scenic. While summer can be oppressively humid and winter bitingly cold, the holiday season in December remains a popular peak period despite the freezing temperatures. For the lowest rates and fewest crowds, plan a trip during the off-peak months of January and February, though you should prepare for potential snow and wind.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air Travel via Major Hubs New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty (EWR), and LaGuardia (LGA), offering global connections and easy access to Manhattan via AirTrain, taxis.
  • MTA Subway and Bus System The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates an extensive 24/7 subway network and bus fleet that covers all five boroughs.
  • Walking and Yellow Taxis Manhattan's grid layout makes it highly walkable for short distances, while iconic yellow taxis and ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft provide convenient.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Walk on the right side of the sidewalk and step to the side if you need to stop to avoid blocking the flow of pedestrian traffic.
  • Always tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, as service staff rely on these gratuities for their primary income.
  • Use a contactless credit card or phone to tap-and-go at subway turnstiles instead of purchasing a physical MetroCard.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • FIFA World Cup 2026: NYC is a primary host city, with the final match scheduled at MetLife Stadium and massive fan festivals at Rockefeller Center.
  • The Hip Hop Museum: A major cultural opening in the Bronx, serving as the first permanent institution dedicated to the genre's global history.