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New York

It’s no wonder New York is one of the most visited states in the U.S. Home to New York City, one of the world’s great metropolises and a hub of art, culture, food, theater, and, well, almost everything, as well as beautiful nature like the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers.

Person wearing blue gloves shucking oysters hot from above

Photo by Doug Young

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip in New York.

Read Before You Go
New York City took first place again in 2022.
Cities We Love
America’s Best Cities of 2024
The numbers are in: New data reveals how U.S. cities stack up in Resonance’s annual list of the best in the country.
June 25, 2024 08:03 AM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Brick home on a green lawn
History + Culture
5 Black History Landmarks in the U.S. You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
June 17, 2024 04:28 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
Four statues (a pair of men and a pair of women) painted white in a fence-lined park in New York City
LGBTQ Travel
Where to Find Meaningful LGBTQ Monuments Around the World
June 03, 2024 05:59 PM
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Kelsy Chauvin
Amsterdam Gay Pride 2018
LGBTQ Travel
The World’s Best LGBTQ Pride Celebrations Worth Traveling For
June 01, 2024 11:02 AM
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Adam M Groffman
The Best Beach Camping Spots in the U.S.
Camping
9 U.S. Beach Camping Spots for Incredible Views and Oceanside Relaxation
May 28, 2024 04:31 PM
 · 
Adrienne Jordan
Hotels
BNH-Collage-For-Web_logo.jpg
Hotels We Love
These Are the Best New Hotels of 2025
Afar’s picks for the 25 best new hotels in the world.
April 03, 2025 08:59 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
A rendering of the The Langham, Venice showing the hotel's waterside view from the island of Murano
Hotels
Is This the Future of Luxury Hotels? This Hotel CEO Weighs In
The luxury hotel industry is changing fast. The Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord discusses how his brand is adapting—and what the future holds for high-end travel.
March 07, 2025 11:49 AM
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Jennifer Flowers
The Shore House Pool at sunset at the Hotel del Coronado in California
Hotels
12 Hotels Opening This Year Worth Planning an Entire Trip Around
Afar’s resident hotel expert uncovers 12 of the most alluring new and renovated hotels of 2025, from California to Indonesia.
February 14, 2025 12:54 PM
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Jennifer Flowers
Chiva-Som, Thailand
Hotels We Love
24 Wellness Resorts and Hotels You Should Book Right Now
These are the 24 hotels we recommend most for wellness.
January 31, 2025 01:00 PM
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Devorah Lev-Tov
The Lexington Avenue entrance of the Waldorf Astoria New York features two white statues and two large staircases.
Hotels
This Legendary Hotel Will Be One of New York City’s Most Important Debuts in Years
Afar’s hotel expert Jennifer Flowers got a hard-hat tour of the soon-to-reopen New Waldorf Astoria New York—here’s what it was like.
January 29, 2025 09:54 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
hotel lobby with columns and steps and trees in the background
Stay Here Next
This Iconic Manhattan Hotel Reopened With a New York–Themed Cocktail Menu—and an $80,000 Suite
The Four Seasons Hotel New York reopened in mid-November after four years of closure.
January 13, 2025 01:36 PM
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Katherine LaGrave
A snowy landscape as seen through an igloo-style bubble hotel room, with a grey linen covered bed.
Outdoor Adventure
Hot Take: Glamping Is Better in the Winter
This winter, snuggle up in one of these insanely cozy bubbles, pods, cabins, and geodesic domes.
January 03, 2025 11:04 AM
 · 
Maggie Fuller
The facade of the Raffles Hotel Singapore has white columns and a red roof.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 16 Best Historic Hotels Around the World
These remarkable hotel makeovers of historic buildings are bringing the past to life again.
December 19, 2024 09:00 AM
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Mary Holland
The Art Deco lobby of the Four Seasons New York with soaring marble columns, a high ceiling, and a massive, marbled sky light
Hotel News + Openings
This Legendary Hotel in New York City Has Reopened After Being Closed for Years
The luxury I. M. Pei–designed Midtown marvel is near Central Park—and it’s open to overnight guests again with a reimagined lobby restaurant and bar worth a visit even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.
December 13, 2024 02:15 PM
 · 
Devorah Lev-Tov
This bedroom at the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel has views of the city skyline.
Hotels We Love
These Are the 23 Best Four-Star Hotels in NYC
A dose of luxury, at a gentler price—these are the 23 best four-star hotels in New York City.
October 30, 2024 07:36 PM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
This Chamber King room at the Virgin Hotels New York has a view of the city.
Hotels
These 5 Hotels Aim to Make Solo Travel Easier
Traveling alone? More hotels are helping solo travelers make connections, stay safe, and have big adventures.
August 28, 2024 03:01 PM
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Alexandra Cheney
A bartender in a white suit and black tie behind a stylish golden bar with five stools and palm fronds on either side
Bars + Nightlife
16 Hotel Bars We Keep Returning To
From lobby bars to rooftop lounges, these are the hotel bars Afar editors love checking out when they’re checking in.
July 03, 2024 11:05 AM
 · 
Ann Shields
Lake Kora Boat Dock
Hotels
Summer Like a Rockefeller at These Historic Adirondack Great Camps
Former vacation homes of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers are among the beautiful, remote lodgings now open to the public.
May 30, 2024 10:59 AM
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Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
The all-day restaurant and bar at the Warren Street Hotel is filled with pops of color and patterns.
Stay Here Next
This New Hotel in New York City Is an Ode to Global Art, Craft, and Design
The new Warren Street Hotel from British hotelier and designer Kit Kemp is brightening up New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood.
May 24, 2024 01:06 PM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
The Grand Staircase at Raffles London at The OWO features stone railings and a red carpet, and is illuminated by a large chandelier.
Hotels
The Future of Luxury Hospitality, According to the CEO of AccorHotels’ Raffles and Fairmont Brands
Omer Acar, the CEO Raffles and Fairmont, shares his vision behind the recent growth of both luxury hotel brands and talks about what great hospitality truly means. (Spoiler alert: It’s all about people.)
May 23, 2024 12:32 PM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
Three alpacas standing in front of a blurry barn in the background
Hotels
Penguins, Monkeys, and Alpacas, Oh My! 8 Wild Airbnbs for Animal Lovers
At these rental properties around the world, you can commune with wildlife and farm animals.
May 17, 2024 03:24 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
BNH-Lede-02.jpg
Hotels We Love
These Are the Best New Hotels of 2024
AFAR’s picks for the 31 best new hotels in the world.
April 04, 2024 09:00 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
The Tree Haus accommodations at the Green O are elevated 23 feet off the ground.
Hotels We Love
The 10 Top Cozy U.S. Hotels to Visit This Winter
With their firepits and comfort-minded interiors, these are the best hideaways where you can embrace the chill this season.
December 29, 2023 12:39 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
High Peaks Resort puts guests within reach of kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, and more.
Hotels
The 8 Hotels in North America to Book for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Snag a room at one of these hotels in the path of totality next April—before it’s too late.
November 20, 2023 07:52 PM
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Stephanie Vermillion
The Madison Suite Bedroom at the Ritz Carlton NoMad, featuring a palette of brown and bronze and a view of New York City.
Hotels We Love
The 15 Best Hotels in New York City
These are the finest places to stay in the Big Apple.
October 31, 2023 09:00 AM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
1-hotel-brooklyn-bridge-bed-view.png
Hotels
The 7 Best Hotels to Stay at in Brooklyn Right Now
Choosing a hotel in New York City can be overwhelming. Here, we narrow down the options to the best of the best in Brooklyn.
October 21, 2023 09:37 AM
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Lyndsey Matthews
10 Affordable NYC Hotels for Under $250 a Night
Hotels
11 Stylish New York City Hotels With Rooms for Under $300 a Night
If you’re visiting New York on a budget, consider staying at one of these hip yet affordable NYC hotels with rooms for under $300 a night.
September 21, 2023 12:07 PM
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Lyndsey Matthews
Facade of a couple classic brick apartment buildings in New York City
Hotels
Do New Airbnb Restrictions Mean the End of Vacation Rentals in New York City?
For some visitors, short-term rentals provide a way to access neighborhoods and pricing they can’t access otherwise with hotel stays. But residents complain about a depleting affordable housing supply.
September 18, 2023 08:00 AM
 · 
Devorah Lev-Tov
The lobby of the Nine Orchard in New York City features nubby yellow couches and shares and floral wallpaper.
Stay Here Next
How a Restored Bank—and New Hotel—Became NYC’s Hottest Culinary Destination
A neoclassical bank in New York City’s energetic Lower East Side neighborhood has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel.
May 02, 2023 06:22 PM
 · 
Aislyn Greene
Barriere Hotel
Stay Here Next
Stay Here Next: Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York
A touch of Paris lands in Tribeca with the U.S. debut of the Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s New York.
March 27, 2023 12:42 PM
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Kristin Braswell
A studio king guest room at the Hotel Chelsea, with a big white bed, a fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stained-glass details overlooking a balcony.
Stay Here Next
Stay Here Next: Hotel Chelsea in New York City
After a decade of closure, the revived NYC landmark is welcoming a new generation of travelers and local creatives into its legend-filled spaces.
February 24, 2023 05:11 PM
 · 
Billie Cohen
Suites at the Aman New York in Midtown Manhattan start at 745 square feet.
Hotels
Inside the $3,200-a-Night Aman New York, Manhattan’s Most Anticipated Hotel Opening
The room rates are eye-watering—but the promise from the brand is that a couple of nights at an Aman will feel like a week staying anywhere else.
October 11, 2022 01:36 PM
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Jennifer Flowers
The sprawling grounds of Canoe Place
Hotels
The Rebirth of an American Icon: Welcome (Back) to Canoe Place
Fully renovated and reimagined, the new Canoe Place Inn and Cottages in Hampton Bays is more than just a hotel. It’s a cultural crossroads where history buffs, art enthusiasts, and gourmands can gather once more.
Sponsored by
7 New NYC Hotels to Get Excited About
Hotels
The 9 Best New Hotels in NYC of 2022
Check into one of these new spots near Central Park, over in Brooklyn, and yes, even on Roosevelt Island.
August 03, 2022 02:09 PM
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Lyndsey Matthews
This New “Boatel” Has Its Own Oyster Company on Site
Hotels
This New “Boatel” Has Its Own Oyster Company on Site
The Shoals opened in May on the North Fork of Long Island, New York.
June 22, 2022 08:22 AM
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Devorah Lev-Tov
Resources to help plan your trip
Holiday Travel
9 Festivals to Plan Your Summer Travels Around
Give your summer travels a healthy dose of arts and culture with these spectacular events.
April 03, 2024 09:27 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
Travel for Good
5 EV Tours That Are Changing Sightseeing in the United States
Get a glimpse of the plugged-in future on these tours.
March 29, 2024 10:47 PM
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Elissa Garay
Books
12 Great Books to Read Before Your Trip to New York City
New York City may be one of the most written-about places in the United States. Here are some of the best reads about the five boroughs to build anticipation before you go.
March 29, 2024 06:58 PM
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Shannon Reed
What’s New In...
What’s New In New York City: Hot Hotels, Buzzy Restaurants, and the Broadway Shows Not to Miss
Highlights for 2024 include Jeremy Strong in an Ibsen drama and a new offering from James Beard–winning chef Andrew Carmellini.
March 29, 2024 11:24 AM
 · 
Laura Dannen Redman
Festivals + Events
8 Surprising U.S. Cities and Towns That Go Big for St. Patrick’s Day
Skip the well-known extravaganzas this year and raise your pint of Guinness at one of these rollicking events instead.
March 14, 2024 06:53 PM
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Anna Mazurek
Holiday Travel
7 Festive Places to Visit for a July 4 Weekend Getaway
Because where else would you be?
February 29, 2024 09:18 AM
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Chloe Arrojado
History + Culture
17 Beautiful, Abandoned Places Around the World
From a deserted Bolivian “train cemetery” to an empty, Romanian salt mine, these are some of the world’s most fascinating and unusual tourist attractions.
February 26, 2024 08:37 PM
 · 
Sarah Buder
Trending News
A New Floating Pool with Epic Skyline Views Is Coming to New York City’s East River
Years in the works, the NYC floating pool project will finally become a reality thanks to recent backing from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
February 15, 2024 07:41 AM
 · 
Devorah Lev-Tov
Hiking + Cycling
You Can Go on an Epic 32-Mile Hike—Without Leaving NYC
The Great Saunter is a longer haul than the city’s famous marathon.
February 08, 2024 10:51 AM
 · 
Matt Villano
Where to Travel Next
5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans
Get on the road again to experience these tuneful itineraries through the Mississippi Delta, along the California coast, and more.
February 07, 2024 06:01 PM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Astrotourism
Where to Camp for the Total Solar Eclipse
Stake a claim to these viewing spots in the USA.
January 18, 2024 12:42 PM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Air Travel News
Chase Sapphire’s Newest Airport Lounge Opens at LaGuardia in New York
AFAR got a sneak peek inside New York’s first Chase-branded airport lounge. Here’s how you can access it too.
January 16, 2024 10:56 AM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
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