Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2025)

New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world and easily one of the biggest tourist destinations out there.

You’ve got Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, all the obvious landmarks that everyone knows. And honestly, no matter if you’re visiting from abroad or you’re American yourself, New York still has that wow factor when you see it in person.

I’ve been to New York a few times now, and one question I keep getting asked is: “Is New York City worth visiting?” . For me, the answer is yes, I really do love it here. But I also get why people ask, because it’s busy, it’s expensive, and it can feel overwhelming at times. So in this guide, I’ll share my honest thoughts from my own trips to hopefully help you decide if New York is worth visiting in 2025.

Is New York Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

The short answer? Yes, New York City is absolutely still worth visiting.

I’ve been a few times now: once in winter over Christmas, in spring, and in the middle of summer, and every single trip has impressed me. It really is the city of cities. 

There are always new markets, restaurants, and little things to discover. And honestly, I’ll happily go back to the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building every single time, even though I’ve “done” them before.

That said, I get why people hesitate. New York is expensive, actually it’s ridiculously expensive. Hotels, food, even coffee (yes, I’ve paid $7 for one). 

It’s annoying, but I’ve learned to just expect it. For me, New York works best as a short trip, maybe a weekend. If I go in knowing it’ll be pricey and busy, I won’t leave disappointed.

So yes, I definitely think it’s worth visiting! 

And just a little FYI: I come to New York as a tourist, for a tourist experience. I don’t care what life is like as a real New Yorker, I’m not hunting down the hidden Michelin-star basement restaurants, and I don’t need the newest bagel shop that everyone’s lining up for. I want the full-on tourist trip including the landmarks, the cheesy slice of pizza, the busy streets.

What I Really Liked About New York City

The overall vibe: The energy in New York is like nowhere else. Every time I’m walking down the streets of Manhattan I catch myself thinking, hmm, maybe I should move here for a month or two just to see what it’s like.

The food: Honestly, the food alone makes the trip worth it. You’ve got everything from dollar slices of pizza and bagels from the corner bodega, to cozy French bistros and Michelin-star dining. I don’t think I’ve ever been to another city where I could eat something completely different every single meal and still feel like I only scratched the surface.

Getting around: I love how easy it is to get around. The subway system makes sense once you get used to it, and whenever I’m in Manhattan I end up walking ridiculous distances without even realizing it. It’s just so walkable.

The landmarks: The big landmarks never get old. The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, Wall Street… they’re all clichés but in the best way possible, and I happily revisit them every time.

Christmas in New York: It’s busy, yes, but it’s also magical. No other city does Christmas quite like New York. The decorations, the ice rinks, the lights, every time I see it I can’t help but think of Home Alone 2.

The diversity: And I don’t just mean the people (although of course that too). Each borough feels completely different, and even within the boroughs, every neighborhood has its own little personality.

What I Didn’t Like so Much About NYC

It’s expensive: New York is ridiculously pricey, accommodation, food, activities, everything. Sure, you can eat cheaply with pizza slices and bagels, but when I’m here I like to treat myself a little, and that adds up fast.

The weather is extreme: Spring is my favorite season to visit because it’s the one time the weather actually feels pleasant. Summers can be unbearably hot and sticky, and winters are freezing with icy winds whipping through the streets. It’s definitely something to think about when planning your trip.

It can feel unsafe: Coming from Europe, I wasn’t used to seeing as many unhoused people and people struggling with addiction out on the streets. It can be intimidating, especially the first time you experience someone suddenly shouting at you on the sidewalk.

It’s busy, really busy: New York never feels quiet, it’s buzzing with energy 24/7. Add peak tourist seasons like Christmas or spring, and suddenly sidewalks are shoulder-to-shoulder. If crowds aren’t your thing, it can feel overwhelming.

My Top Things to Do in New York City

There are endless things to do in New York, but since this isn’t meant to be a 50-item bucket list, here are a few of my personal favorites that I think are actually worth your time:

• Head up the Empire State Building: I did this on my very first trip to New York and honestly, it’s just as magical as you imagine. The views are incredible and it’s just one of those must-do things in New York City.
  
• Take a trip to the Statue of Liberty: Book your ferry tickets in advance because they do sell out. Pro tip: the Staten Island Ferry is free and gets you surprisingly close for a budget-friendly alternative.
  
• See Times Square at night: Yes, it’s chaotic, yes it’s touristy, but there’s something about standing in the middle of all those flashing lights that’s just fun.
  
• Eat like a New Yorker: Grab a classic slice of pizza, a hot dog from a street cart, and an everything bagel from a bodega. No Michelin stars needed.
  
• Explore the museums and galleries: My personal favorites are the Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs, enough said) and MoMA.
  
• Hang out in Central Park: My ideal morning is to grab a coffee and a bagel first, then find a quiet spot in the park to sit and just watch the city go by.
  
• Christmas in NYC: If you’re here in December, don’t miss the Union Square Holiday Market and of course the Rockefeller Center tree, it’s peak Christmas movie vibes.

What is New York City Like 

I love visiting New York City, and coming from a smaller town, it really is everything you’d expect or everything you’ve seen in movies.

One of my favorite things is sitting in Domino Park in Brooklyn, looking out over the East River at the Manhattan skyline. It blows my mind every single time, and honestly, every visit makes me think about moving here for a couple of months just to see what it’s like to live in the middle of all that energy.

What makes New York so special to me is the sheer variety. The diversity, the food, the neighborhoods, it’s exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. 

Walking through Manhattan and ticking off my little tourist bucket list always feels like I’m just scratching the surface. I know there’s a whole other side to the city that locals experience, but as a visitor, I’m more than happy to lean into the classic tourist version.

To me, New York feels like a book with a thousand chapters, you can read a few in a weekend trip, but you’ll never finish the whole thing.

Is New York City Safe

This one’s a little tricky to answer because it really depends on perspective. From my experience, most of the areas you’ll be spending time in as a visitor, Manhattan, Brooklyn’s popular neighborhoods, and the main tourist spots, feel totally fine to wander around, especially during the day.

Of course, New York is a massive city, and like any big city, there are neighborhoods where you probably wouldn’t want to find yourself late at night. It’s not exactly a secret that some areas have higher crime rates, but as a tourist you’re unlikely to end up there unless you really go off the beaten path.

What can feel intimidating at first is the number of unhoused people or people struggling with addiction on the streets. Most of the time they’re not dangerous, but it can be a bit unsettling if you’re not used to it.

My advice: stick to busy, well-lit areas, and if you’re heading somewhere at night, just grab an Uber or a yellow cab instead of walking. During the day, exploring Manhattan or Brooklyn on foot is not only safe but one of the best ways to actually enjoy the city.

Where to Stay in NYC

If it’s your first trip to New York, picking the right spot to stay can really shape your experience. I always like being in a neighborhood where I can just walk out the door and start exploring, instead of planning a subway ride or Uber before I’ve even had coffee.

For that reason, Midtown Manhattan is my go-to. You’re right in the center of the action, and while the neighborhood can be a little more expensive than others, it pays off in convenience. From here you can easily walk to Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway, all the must-see sights you’ll probably have on your list.

Here are a few hotels I’ve stayed at myself and can recommend:

Book Here: Concorde Hotel New York

Book Here: The Renwick

Book Here: Aka Central Park

FAQs About Is New York City Worth Visiting

Where should I stay in New York?

If it’s your first time, I’d definitely suggest staying in Manhattan, ideally somewhere around Midtown. That way you’re within walking distance of a ton of landmarks and won’t have to rely too much on the subway for the main sights.

What’s Christmas in New York like?

I loved Christmas in New York. It’s busy (no surprise there), but the decorations, lights, and giant Christmas trees really do feel magical. If you get a little snow on top, it looks straight out of a holiday movie.

Is New York expensive?

Yes. Painfully so. Hotels, restaurants, even coffee, it all adds up quickly. My trick is to keep trips shorter, like a long weekend, so I can enjoy it without feeling like I’ve emptied my savings account.

When’s the best time to visit New York?

For me, spring is the sweet spot. The weather’s pleasant, perfect for exploring on foot, and it’s not as unbearably hot as summer. That said, Christmas in New York is also incredible if you don’t mind crowds.

Final Thoughts: Is New York City Worth Visiting?

For me, the answer is definitely yes. New York is busy, expensive, and a little overwhelming, but it’s also exciting, full of energy, and packed with iconic sights and great food. 

It’s all about managing expectations: book your accommodation early, prepare for the costs, and decide if you want to brave the Christmas crowds or visit in spring or fall when it’s calmer. Do that, and chances are you’ll have an amazing trip.

Check Out My Other New York City Travel Guides

Is New York City Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Best Time to Visit New York City: My Guide on When to Visit NYC

Worst Time to Visit: My Guide on When Not to Visit NYC

First Time in New York City: My First Timers Guide for NYC

Christmas in New York: My NYC Christmas Itinerary

New York City Itinerary: My Perfect Itinerary for NYC

Autumn in New York: My Guide for New York Fall Foliage