City in New York, United States
New York City
The easiest big city in the US to be alone in: 24-hour subway, endless food, museums and meetups. Rent and hotels are among the world's highest, and summer heat and noise wear on you.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$5,800–8,000Comfortable, one person · $5,800–8,000Details
- Value for money1/100Better value than 0% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 26°CDetails
- Air quality7.1 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableFamously good tap water from upstate reservoirs; free refill fountains in parks.Details
- LGBTQ+5/5Very welcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$200–450Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phone pay work almost everywhere including the subway; keep a few dollars for tips, some delis and food carts.Details
Where to stay in New York City
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Lower Manhattan (East Village, SoHo) | Nightlife, food and walkable first-time stays |
| Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn | Cafés, bars, music; quick subway into Manhattan |
| Upper West Side | Quieter, near Central Park and museums |
| Long Island City, Queens | Cheaper rooms, short ride to Midtown |
| Midtown West | Tourist sights and hotels; busy and loud |
Apps that work in New York City
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Yellow cabs hailed on the street use a meter; add 20% tip. Green cabs serve outer boroughs. Avoid unlicensed drivers at airports.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phone pay work almost everywhere including the subway; keep a few dollars for tips, some delis and food carts.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in United States
- Las VegasCity
- Los AngelesCity
- OrlandoCity
- MiamiCity
- San FranciscoCity
- HonoluluCity
- Washington, D.C.Capital city
- ChicagoCity
Going to New York City solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in New York City meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- MTA (subway, buses and fares)
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- NYC Official Guide (NYC Tourism)
- NYC Department of Environmental Protection (water)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.