Travel guide
An iconic skyline, neighbourhoods with wildly different personalities, and non-stop energy: New York works just as well over 4 days as over 10. Here's what to build your itinerary around, from the classics to the unexpected.
Quick answer: For a first trip to New York, plan 5 to 7 days, ideally from April to June or September to November. Our starting budget is €1,300 to €1,700 per person for 5 days (return flight + accommodation), plus roughly €80 to €170 a day on the ground (meals, transport, sightseeing). Travelers from France need an ESTA travel authorization before departure.
Iconic neighbourhoodsManhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg: each has its own mood, best explored on foot or by bike.
Museums & cultureMoMA, the Met, the Whitney… enough to fill several days depending on your interests.
Shopping & rooftopsAddresses to shop like a local and watch the sunset over the skyline.
Possible side tripsThe Hamptons, Niagara Falls or Washington D.C., depending on how long you're staying.
Entry requirements, health and safety: check the French foreign ministry’s travel advice before booking.
Washington, D.C. by train (about 3 to 3.5 hours from New York), the Hamptons in summer, or a slower discovery of Williamsburg and Brooklyn. Niagara Falls requires at least one night on site.
| Expense | Budget | Comfort | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €120 – €180 (simple hotel, hostel, outside central Manhattan) | €200 – €320 (3-4★ hotel in Manhattan) | €450+ (luxury hotel) |
| Meals (per day) | €40 – €60 (delis, food trucks) | €70 – €110 (restaurants) | €150+ (fine dining) |
| Local transport (per day) | €5 – €10 (subway, walking) | €15 – €25 (subway + a few taxis) | €40+ (car with driver) |
| Sightseeing (per day) | €20 – €40 (parks, bridges, ferry, one museum) | €40 – €70 (observation deck, museums) | €110+ (shows, private experiences) |
| Total 5 days (excluding flights) | €950 – €1,300 | €1,800 – €2,400 | €3,700+ |
Indicative estimates per person (double room, 4 nights), excluding flights. Prices vary widely with season, events and the holidays. The starting budget shown at the top of the page corresponds to a budget-conscious trip.
1. Packing in too much per day: Distances between avenues are long. Two to three stops a day are enough to keep it enjoyable.
2. Buying tickets on the spot: Observation decks, the Statue of Liberty and shows should be booked ahead, especially in high season, with a time slot.
3. Forgetting tax and tips: Displayed prices generally include neither sales tax nor tip.
4. Choosing a hotel far from the subway: Saving a few dozen euros does not make up for 40 minutes of commuting every day.
5. Neglecting the ESTA: Apply online before departure, only on the official site, to avoid paid intermediaries.
Four days cover the highlights. Five to seven days leave time to explore several neighborhoods, museums and Brooklyn without rushing.
From April to June and September to November, the weather is pleasant. December is festive but cold and crowded; July and August are hot and humid.
French travelers do not need a visa for a tourist stay but must obtain an ESTA online before departure. The fee and the information requested have changed recently: check them on the official US government website.
Excluding flights and accommodation, expect about €80 a day on a budget and €170 or more for comfort. Accommodation is the biggest expense.
Midtown or Lower Manhattan are the most practical for limiting travel time. Brooklyn is a good option to save money, with the skyline as a bonus.
It is possible, but better suited to a long, well-prepared stay: the flight and US entry conditions are demanding, and many venues do not admit dogs. The dog-friendly option is assessed case by case.
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Planning your trip
This page provides a starting point for planning. Prices, availability, opening hours, access conditions and local rules can change; confirm these details with providers before booking. Your personalised travel journal is tailored to your dates, budget and priorities.
If you travel with a dog, check pet policies and restrictions for each stop directly. Have a question about the service or spotted something to correct? Contact Amélie.
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