Matt Peterson in Manhattan, New York: 1 Spot

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeThe quintessential NYC deli staple, most famously served at Katz’s Delicatessen. The beef is cured for weeks, smoked, boiled, and hand-carved into thick, succulent slices piled high between two pieces of rye bread with spicy mustard.
• New York-Style Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  New York-Style Bagel with Lox and SchmearHand-rolled and kettle-boiled for a chewy interior and shiny crust. A 'classic' order features a generous layer of cream cheese (schmear), salty smoked salmon (lox), capers, and red onion, with Russ & Daughters being the historic gold standard.
• New York Slice
  New York SliceA wide, thin-crusted pie that is crispy yet foldable. Whether it's a plain cheese slice from Joe’s or a thick 'upside-down' square from L&B Spumoni Gardens, the balance of tangy tomato sauce and high-moisture mozzarella is iconic.
• Halal Chicken and Rice
  Halal Chicken and RiceThe ultimate street food evolution, popularized by The Halal Guys. This platter consists of yellow rice, seasoned chicken or gyro meat, and pita, all smothered in the legendary 'white sauce' and a dangerous red hot sauce.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseBorn in upper Manhattan and Bronx bodegas, this sandwich features ground beef, onions, and melted American cheese chopped together on a grill and served on a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
• Cronut
  CronutA modern classic and viral sensation created by Dominique Ansel in SoHo. This croissant-doughnut hybrid is fried, rolled in sugar, filled with cream, and topped with glaze, with flavors changing every single month.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City is a metropolis in the northeastern United States, situated at the mouth of the Hudson River. Originally established by Dutch colonists as New Amsterdam in 1624, the settlement was transferred to English control in 1664 and renamed New York. It served as the first capital of the United States under the Constitution from 1789 to 1790.
• 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 the city’s parks are at their most scenic. Summer can be oppressively humid and winter quite biting, though the holiday season in December remains a popular but expensive draw. For the lowest rates and fewest crowds, aim for the off-peak months of January and February.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air and Regional Rail Arrive via JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark airports, then use the AirTrain to connect with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or NJ Transit for fast access to Penn Station or Grand Central in Manhattan.
  • MTA Subway System Navigate the city using the extensive 24/7 subway network; pay easily by tapping any contactless credit card, smartphone, or OMNY card at turnstiles for a flat fare that includes free transfers to local buses.
  • Walking and Ferries Explore neighborhoods on foot for the best experience, or use the NYC Ferry and free Staten Island Ferry to travel between boroughs while enjoying scenic views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always walk to the right on sidewalks and step aside completely before stopping to check maps or take photos to maintain the flow of pedestrian traffic.
  • When using the subway, let passengers exit the train fully before you attempt to board and avoid entering any car that is unusually empty compared to the rest of the train.
  • Expect to tip 18% to 22% at sit-down restaurants, as gratuity is a primary source of income for service staff and is rarely included in the menu price.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Village at Rockefeller Center featuring interactive screenings and a record-breaking LEGO trophy.
  • The 'All-New 2026 Experience' at Edge NYC, which has transformed the observation deck into a multi-sensory immersive art installation.
• New York City Tourism + Conventions↗
  New York City Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.