Travel Guide
Navigate New York City like a discerning local with our curated guide that covers the iconic landmarks all the way through to the local hangouts.
Elizabeth Tucker
December 19, 2023
Travel Guide: New York

You know it from 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'. You know it from 'Taxi Driver'. You know it from 'Gossip Girl'. You know it from, well, any of the 395,000 movies that IMDB says are set in his thriving metropolis.

New York City is made up of five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island — and its skyline is as iconic as the soundscape of honking horns and emergency services sirens.

It’s a city that lets you know it’s alive every second of every day, and as long as you can keep up with the fast pace, the unexpected local characters and the endless buffet of things to do, then you’re sure to have a hoot.

So, let us be your concierge to the ultimate NYC vacay. You bring the Main Character Energy and NYC is the supporting character that ensures your holiday will be an affair to remember. In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city, so you can start planning your itinerary.

You know it from 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s'. You know it from 'Taxi Driver'. You know it from 'Gossip Girl'. You know it from, well, any of the 395,000 movies that IMDB says are set in his thriving metropolis.

PLANNING AHEAD

Before you launch into responsibility-free fun in the USA, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including USD) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

GETTING AROUND

The subway is the best way to get longer distances quickly (and on a budget). Those iconic yellow taxis are abundant and can be hailed right off the street. Walking is a great and fun way to explore, and if you’re heading to the islands or the Statue of Liberty, a ferry will be your friend.

LOCALS LOVE

Zabar’s is a family-run institution that’s been feeding the mouths of New Yorkers in the know since 1934. This delicatessen has it all. Come for the bagels, and stay for the lox, pickles, cheese and cold cuts. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to channelling Jewish Queen Midge Maisel.

DON’T MISS

Whether your interests are architectural, engineering, or simply walking, you’ll love a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. Opened in 1883, it was an engineering marvel and the longest suspension bridge (at the time). Now, it’s an excellent way to travel between Manhattan and Brooklyn and a prime tourist photo opp.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Museums

Whether you adore Andy Warhol or just love the Jurassic period, you can keep very busy soaking up the best of NYC's world-class museums.

Must-Have Experiences

They're tourist attractions for a reason. These must-have experiences give you a taste of what makes the city so special.

Accommodation

For a place to rest and recuperate after your day’s (and night’s) adventures, take comfort in a hotel that suits your sleeping sensibilities.

Restaurants

It’s nigh impossible to narrow down New York’s thriving restaurant scene to five, but this selection is sure to tantalise all discerning taste buds.

Bars

From beers to cocktails, old-world charm to innovative inventions, you’ll find a drinking experience to suit every part of your personality.

Must-Try Snacks

Sweet tooths, on-the-go eaters and deli darlings can go Jon Hamm on the greatest snacks under the sun in NYC.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Explore New York Your Way

Discover the best of New York’s neighbourhoods with our interactive map. Save must-see attractions, plan your route, and build your dream itinerary — all in one place. Whether it’s hidden bars or must-visit museums, this is your ultimate tool to navigate the city with ease.

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      Further Afield

      If you've got a little extra time, here are five day trips you should plan from New York.

      • The Hamptons

        The Hamptons

        Book yourself a seat on the Jitney, you’re going to the Hamptons, baby! Extreme traffic in summertime means the drive will be long but if beachside glamour immortalised by 'The Great Gatsby', Nancy Meyers and 'The Real Housewives of New York City' is your thing, then you’re in for a treat.
      • Philadelphia

        Philadelphia

        Take the quick 1.5 hour train ride to the streets of Philadelphia. Experience a city that was at the heart of the American Revolution, and has a rich art and music culture that is palpable in its streets.
      • Fire Island

        Fire Island

        Come summer season, Fire Island is the place to be for queers and allies alike to come together and celebrate by the beachside with abandon. For history lovers, it also has a rich Native American history worth understanding and exploring, too.
      • Storm King Art Center

        Storm King Art Center

        An hour’s drive upstate takes you to a 500-acre outdoor museum in the Hudson Valley. Bringing art and nature together and giving artists the space to deliver works at scale, it’s a worthwhile trip out of town.

      Get Started

      Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

      • Statue of Liberty

        Statue of Liberty

        This symbol of freedom, created by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi is more than Lady Liberty herself. Learn the full story with a visit to Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island and Museum on this three-hour tour. Book now from AUD $78pp.
      • Radio City Music Hall

        Radio City Music Hall

        Home of the famous Radio City Rockettes and their Christmas spectacular, the venue also hosts musicians, comedians. Catch a glimpse behind-the-scenes on this stage-door tour. Book now from AUD $65pp.
      • New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center

        New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center

        It's recognised as one of the top ballet companies in the world. Here, you’re seeing the athletic prowess of dancers at the absolute tippy toe top of their game. Head this way to book tickets.
      • The Apollo

        The Apollo

        Head to Harlem to experience the soul of American culture. The Apollo supports emerging and current artists of the African diaspora in the performing arts, and a tour will take you through the history of jazz, blues, soul and the genres you know and love. Visit the website to nab tickets to an upcoming show.
      • Madison Square Garden

        Madison Square Garden

        The Knicks basketball season runs from October to April each year. If you can nab yourself a ticket not only do you see the Knicks in action but also the unbelievable spectacle that is NBA entertainment throughout the game.

      Where to eat and drink

      • Attaboy
        Bar

        Attaboy

        An unassuming, hard-to-find space boasting some of the best cocktails of the city.

      • The Four Horsemen
        Bar

        The Four Horsemen

        A natural wine bar in Brooklyn, with multiple Michelin star nods, owned by LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy.

      • Supermoon Bakehouse
        Cafe

        Supermoon Bakehouse

        Is your tooth sweet and your gluten tolerance high? Then you’ll love this selection of croissants, eclairs, donuts and baked goods.

      • Double Chicken Please
        Bar

        Double Chicken Please

        If inventive cocktails paired with chicken sandwiches is your thing, here's where to go.

      • Bemelmans Bar
        Bar

        Bemelmans Bar

        Journey back in time to old Manhattan at Bemelmans, the namesake of artist Ludvig Bemelman, whose murals adorn the warmly lit and ambient space.

      • The Dead Rabbit
        Bar

        The Dead Rabbit

        The Irish story is one of the many immigrant stories in New York. And its legacy? Well, the world’s most-awarded pub.

      • Russ & Daughters
        Cafe

        Russ & Daughters

        Snacking on high-quality lox, bagels and caviar is a must in NYC — and this longstanding institution is where to do it.

      • Levain Bakery
        Cafe

        Levain Bakery

        Have you heard of 'the cookie'? Well, Levain Bakery is where you'll find it: a gooey, six-ounce chocolate chip dream.

      • Laser Wolf Brooklyn
        Restaurant

        Laser Wolf Brooklyn

        Tasty Israeli morsels cooked over coals in Brooklyn with uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline. Need we say more?

      • Via Carota
        Restaurant

        Via Carota

        Find Italian rustic charm and Tuscan-inspired cuisine at this warm West Village trattoria.

      • Jack's Wife Freda
        Cafe

        Jack's Wife Freda

        For excellent all-day dining, this popular cafe honours Grandma Freda and her multicultural legacy of cuisines.

      • Eleven Madison Park
        Restaurant

        Eleven Madison Park

        Plant-based food meets fine dining meets multi-course tasting — it's a vegan's dream Venn diagram.

      • Katz's Delicatessen
        Restaurant

        Katz's Delicatessen

        You’ve gotta risk it to get the brisket — and by that we mean risk the meat sweats to enjoy some of the best pastrami and brisket in town.

      • Di Fara Pizza
        Restaurant

        Di Fara Pizza

        By the slice, a whole pie or a calzone — your authentic New York pizza experience awaits.

      • Gray's Papaya
        Restaurant

        Gray's Papaya

        'The best hot dog anywhere' is not an empty claim. This classic NYC snack is as delicious as it is affordable.

      What to do

      Where to stay

      Be prepared for your USA adventure by opening an HSBC Everyday Global Account. For more information, head to the website.

      This is a sponsored post in partnership with HSBC. This advertisement provides general advice only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the product terms and conditions before acquiring the product, available at www.hsbc.com.au.

      Illustration: Haylee Poppi
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