The City That Never Sleeps – New York City is one of the most famous and preferred choices for international students to advance their careers to further heights. New York City is a true “melting pot” and home to people from across the globe.
The most racially and religiously diverse, commercially focused, and notably crowded city will never disappoint you! Whether you’re here to study, explore, or both, this New York City guide will help you ease the academic journey. New York is an exciting place with endless opportunities, but it can also be overwhelming. Here’s a simple New York City guide to get you started.
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New York City Guide: Top Key Attractions
Besides its high-quality universities and iconic landmarks, New York has a vibrant culture and great food that make visiting as a student an unforgettable experience. From exploring the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to trying the local cuisine, you’ll be amazed by the city’s energy and diversity. Check out the key attractions and places to visit in New York.
1. Manhattan
The heart of New York, Manhattan, is home to Times Square, Central Park, and the iconic Statue of Liberty. It’s the place to be for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. You can find many restaurants and cafes in New York.
- Times Square: Bright lights, Broadway shows, and tons of shops.
- Central Park: A huge park perfect for relaxing, jogging, or picnicking.
- Financial District: Home to Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial.
2. Brooklyn
Next in the New York City Guide is Brooklyn. Known for its vibrant arts scene, Brooklyn offers a glimpse into the city’s past through its historic brownstone buildings and charming neighbourhoods. You can find many famous monuments as well.
- Williamsburg: Trendy area with cool cafes, vintage shops, and street art.
- Brooklyn Bridge: Walk across this iconic bridge for stunning views of Manhattan.
3. Queens
This borough is known for its ethnic diversity and vibrant food scene. Don’t miss out on trying the local cuisine in this area. You will love visiting and exploring various places in Queens.
- Astoria: Known for its diverse food scene.
- Flushing: Great place for authentic Asian cuisine.
- Museum of the Moving Image
- Queens Museum
- Rockaway Beach
4. The Bronx
The Bronx is another key attraction you should visit to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is another amazing place you must explore. It is the only New York City borough not primarily located on an island. The birthplace of hip-hop and salsa, the Bronx is a hub of creative expression and cultural pride.
- Yankee Stadium: Catch a baseball game if you can.
- Bronx Zoo: One of the largest zoos in the US.
5. Staten Island
Staten Island is one of the most beautiful New York City’s 5 boroughs which is connected to Lower Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry. It is renowned for its long and rich history with an ideal blend of historic buildings and cultural scenes.
- Staten Island Ferry: Free ferry with amazing views.
- Stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Further Read: If you are planning to travel solo then you must read our blog Solo Travel Destinations From New York!
New York Travel Guide
In New York Travel Guide, one thing that you should know is that it boasts its well-connected public transportation system. The most popular mode of transport connects all five boroughs, such as Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. The subway runs in all directions and has stations all over the city. Apart from that, here are some of the tips for New York travel guide:
1. Plan for the Big Attractions (But Book Early!)
From the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building and Broadway shows, New York’s top sights get busy fast. Book tickets online in advance to save time and avoid long queues.
2. Use the Subway—It’s Cheap and Fast
New York’s subway runs 24/7 and is the quickest way to get around. A MetroCard or OMNY tap card gives you access to all lines. Pro tip: download the “Citymapper” app for easy navigation!
3. Try Iconic NYC Eats
Don’t leave without grabbing a $1 pizza slice, a bagel with cream cheese, or a street cart hot dog. For diverse food experiences, visit Chinatown, Little Italy, and Queens!
4. Shopping & Budgeting Tips
From luxury brands on Fifth Avenue to thrift finds in Brooklyn, shopping is a major draw. Set a budget—NYC can get pricey fast. Don’t forget sales tax (around 8.875%) is added at checkout.
5. Stay in a Safe, Student-Friendly Area
Choose accommodation near subway stations and in safe neighbourhoods like Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Astoria (Queens), or Williamsburg (Brooklyn). Hostels, student dorms, and Airbnb can offer great value.
Additionally, several apps like Mymta, TrainTime, NYC Ferry by Hornblower, and Google Maps can assist with transportation and ticket purchases.
Also Read: If you are planning to move to New York, then you must know Interesting Facts About New York!
City Guide on Things to Do in NYC
Living in an exciting city brings a curiosity and desire to explore things. Often called ‘the Big Apple’ or ‘the city that never sleeps’, New York is one of the best cities to live in. Next on our list of New York City Guide is things to do in the city. There are some exciting and cool things to do in New York in the daytime, while you can also try some of the crazy things to do in NYC at night that you can try during your monotonous academic schedules.
1. Take a Tour of NYC at Night
See the city come alive after dark. From Times Square’s dazzling lights to nighttime skyline views, guided night tours let you experience NYC’s charm, history, and beauty in a completely different vibe.
2. Witness The View from New York’s Observation Decks
Head to the top of the Empire State Building, Edge, or One World Observatory. These decks offer unbeatable panoramic views of Manhattan’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset or after dark with the city all lit up.
3. Walk Along the Brooklyn Bridge and Others
Enjoy a scenic stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s perfect at sunrise or sunset with views of the East River and skyline. Also, try the Manhattan or Williamsburg bridges for less crowded, equally charming walks.
4. Sail Midnight Cruise on the Hudson River
Hop on a late-night cruise and watch NYC sparkle from the water. Pass by the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and skyline—all while enjoying music, drinks, and the city’s magical nighttime energy.
5. Secret Speakeasy Bar Crawl
Step into NYC’s hidden world of speakeasies—bars tucked behind phone booths or disguised doors. It’s a fun mix of history, cocktails, and adventure. A local-led bar crawl will show you the coolest secret spots.
6. Watch an Exciting Broadway Show
From iconic musicals to gripping dramas, Broadway offers world-class performances. Catch a show at the historic theatres in Times Square and experience the thrill of live entertainment that’s loved by people across the globe.
7. Visit Famous Filming Locations
Explore real spots from your favorite movies and shows—like the Friends apartment, Ghostbusters HQ, or Gossip Girl scenes. NYC is full of filming locations, and many walking tours take you right to them.
8. Enjoy a Day at Central Park
Escape the hustle with a walk or picnic in Central Park. Rent a bike, row a boat, visit the zoo, or just relax under the trees. It’s peaceful, huge, and full of surprises in every season.
4. Thrift and Vintage Shopping
Check out quirky vintage stores in East Village, SoHo, and Bushwick. You can score unique finds without breaking the bank, especially great for students on a budget.
5. Chill at a Rooftop Bar or Lounge
NYC has stunning rooftop spots with skyline views—some are free to enter if you grab a drink or snack. Look for places like 230 Fifth, Westlight, or The Crown.
New York City Guide on Student Lifestyle
From beloved musicals to cutting-edge dramas, there’s something for every theatre lover to enjoy. The student lifestyle in New York is something that most of them love to follow. If you are coming to New York to study, then you should definitely learn about the student lifestyle in New York City.
1. Social Life in New York
The social life in New York is as diverse as its population. From the best Broadway shows in New York to exciting nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in New York for students. You can explore several beautiful attractions in New York, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square, etc.
2. Food & Cuisine
Next in the New York City Guide is the diverse food scene of the city. Students can try various flavours of some of the authentic cuisines. Some incredible cafes in New York include New York Bakery Cafe, Koneko Cat Cafe, Peachy Keen, etc. If you love having street food, you’ll find street vendors at almost every corner in New York, selling bagels and hot dogs. The street food in New York is going to provide you with amazing flavours. There are some legendary street food centres that you must try, including Halal Guys and Joe’s Pizza.
3. Shopping
Whether it is local designer boutiques or some of the famous malls in New York, the city is never going to disappoint you. There is no shortage of options when it comes to shopping in New York. Brookfield Place, Westfield World Trade Centre, Manhattan Mall, Chelsea Market and La Marqueta Market are some of the places you may go shopping in New York.
4. Study Spaces and Libraries
New York City is home to some of the most beautiful libraries and study spaces. The New York Public Library (main branch) is iconic, offering both a historical atmosphere and modern amenities. Many universities and cafes also have cosy corners for students to focus, making it easy to find a quiet place for study sessions.
5. Outdoor Activities and Fitness
For students who love staying active, New York has endless outdoor activities. From running and biking in Central Park to kayaking along the Hudson River, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay fit. Many parks also offer free outdoor fitness classes, making it easy to integrate exercise into your daily routine while enjoying the city’s stunning scenery.
New York City is a blend of iconic sights, diverse culture, and endless energy. Whether you’re into art, food, history, or adventure, there’s something here for everyone. Explore at your pace, stay curious, and let the city surprise you. NYC isn’t just a place, it’s an experience!
FAQs on New York City Guide
Some of the crazy things to do in NYC at night are:
– Late-night Show’s Live Tapings.
– Witness the View from New York’s Observation Decks.
– Catch a Broadway show.
– NYC Night Tour by Walk/Bus/Cruise/Helicopter.
– Watch a sunset movie at Bryant Park
Student life in New York is vibrant and filled with opportunities. There are many affordable accommodations available in this city for students, and many outdoor activities as well.
New York is one of the best study-abroad destinations. The city has world-famous universities, and the lifestyle in New York for international students is also amazing, with lots of opportunities and extracurricular activities.
New York is a city well known for its Hot dogs. What croissants are to Paris and samosas are to India, the same is the hot dog for New York.
Some of the cool things to do in New York are visiting Broadway shows and planning a picnic in Central Park.
Yes. Book a combo ferry ticket early in the day to explore both landmarks.
Yes. Tip 15–20% in restaurants, $1–$2 for quick services (like coffee shops or taxis).
Absolutely! Views from the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, or Edge are unforgettable.
Yes! Many museums, shows, and even transportation services offer student discounts with a valid ID.
Try food trucks, dollar-slice pizza places, and small eateries in Chinatown, Koreatown, or East Village.
Hope you liked reading our blog about the New York City Guide. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
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