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Image by Matteo Catanese

Welcome to New York

Check out our New York City Guide to help you make the most of your free time during the programme

Image by Pierre Blaché

Must-See Attractions & Iconic Landmarks

  • ​Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

  • Empire State Building Observation Deck

  • Central Park

  • Times Square

  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum

  • Guggenheim Museum

  • Edge Observation Deck & Immersive Experience

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We advise booking tickets in advance to secure a space when there is free time in the event itinerary.

Food, Bars, Rooftops & Nightlife

  • Classic New York pizza and delis; Joes Pizza, Katz's Delicatessen, Eataly Flatiron and Chelsea Market

  • Rooftop bars with skyline views; 230 Fifth, Refinery Rooftop and Westlight

  • Speakeasy-style cocktail bars; Please Don't Tell (PDT), The Back Room, Employees Only and Bathtub Gin

  • Live entertainment; Blue Note Jazz Club and Comedy Cellar

Image by Morgane Le Breton
Image by Redd Francisco

Neighbourhoods, Shopping & Hidden Gems

  • Fifth Avenue — Major flagship stores and luxury shopping, particularly around Midtown

  • Macy's Herald Square — An iconic department store

  • Chelsea Market — Independent food vendors and distinctive gifts

  • Strand Book Store — A New York institution for book lovers, with an extensive range of new, used and rare books

  • Vintage shopping in the East Village and Williamsburg — Worth exploring for one-off finds, vintage clothing and independent stores

  • Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO for waterfront views and photography

  • The High Line for an elevated walk through Manhattan

  • Chelsea Market for food and independent retailers

  • West Village for charming streets, cafés and restaurants

Insider Tips, Transport & Practical Advice

Getting around

  • Use the subway for longer journeys and walk between nearby sights

  • New York is bigger than it looks on a map; check journey times before setting off

  • Contactless payment is now the standard option across the subway and local buses

Taxis and rideshares

  • Official yellow taxis can be hailed from the street

  • Uber and Lyft are useful for door-to-door journeys, particularly late at night or when travelling in a group

  • Check the destination and fare details before starting your journey

  • Traffic can be heavy, so the subway is often quicker at busy times

Tipping

  • Restaurants with table service: around 18–20% is a common guide

  • Bars: around $1–2 per drink or 18–20% of the bill is a useful rule of thumb

  • Taxis: around 15–20% is customary for good service

  • Check the bill for service charges or gratuity already included, particularly for larger groups

Safety and awareness

  • Keep phones and valuables secure in crowded places

  • Stick to well-lit, busy routes when walking late at night

  • Use official taxi services or recognised rideshare apps

  • Be cautious of unsolicited offers for tours, tickets or photographs around major attractions

Make the most of your free time

  • Book timed-entry attractions and popular restaurants in advance

  • Group activities by area to avoid unnecessary travel

  • Leave a little flexibility for weather, queues and spontaneous discoveries

  • Check opening hours and availability for April 2027 before making plans

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