Custom travel to New York

New York is one of the world's most stimulating capitals — 8.8 million inhabitants across 5 boroughs, 600,000 buildings, 13,000 yellow cabs, 472 subway stations, 27,000 restaurants. The city that never sleeps condenses unmatched cultural, creative, and human intensity in a few streets. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, from MoMA to Central Park, from Lower East Side bagels to Brooklyn pizzas, from the High Line to West Village brunches, New York is lived by letting yourself be carried — every street is a film, every corner a surprise.

Highlights

  • Manhattan: Empire State, Central Park, MoMA, Met
  • Brooklyn: DUMBO, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge
  • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Broadway: iconic shows
  • High Line and Hudson Yards (Vessel)
  • Neighborhoods: SoHo, Chelsea, West Village, Harlem

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a New York trip?

April-June (mild spring, cherry blossoms) and September-November (flamboyant autumn) offer the best conditions. Avoid July-August (stifling heat) and January-February (intense cold). December magical for Christmas but crowds.

How long for a New York trip?

Minimum 5 days for Manhattan essentials + some Brooklyn. 7-8 days to really explore (Manhattan + Brooklyn + Queens + thorough museum). 10 days to add a Boston or Washington DC extension.

What budget for a custom New York trip?

As a guideline, €2,200-€3,200 per person for 5-7 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with exceptional hotels and Michelin-starred dining: €5,000-€10,000. Paris-NY flights: €500-€1,200. New York remains one of the world's most expensive cities.

Do I need a visa for New York?

No visa for French citizens for tourist stays under 90 days, but ESTA is mandatory (apply online before departure, around $21, valid 2 years). Biometric passport required.

How to get around in New York?

24/7 subway (24 lines, 7-day unlimited MetroCard $33). Complementary buses. Walk a lot (Manhattan is walkable). Uber/Lyft for late nights. Free Staten Island ferries.

Which neighborhood to choose for hotel in New York?

Midtown (Times Square, Central Park) for a first trip and easy access. SoHo / NoHo / West Village for charm and restaurants. Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO) for savvy travelers wanting a creative atmosphere. Avoid Times Square if you want quiet.

How to book Broadway?

Ideal booking 2-3 months in advance for premium seats (TicketMaster, Telecharge, or via my network). TKTS (Times Square or Lincoln Center) offers same-day discount tickets (up to -50%, queues). Hamilton and Wicked are most in demand.

Is the subway safe?

Yes during the day and evening until 11 pm. Later, vigilance in some zones (south Bronx, peripheral Brooklyn). Prefer Uber after 11 pm-midnight. Stay attentive to belongings (pickpockets in tourist subway).

Is New York suitable for a family trip?

Absolutely. NY is extraordinarily kid-friendly. Central Park (zoo, carriage, skating), Museum of Natural History (T-Rex), family-adapted musicals (Lion King, Aladdin), Coney Island in summer, iconic stores (M&M's World, FAO Schwarz). From age 6 ideal.

Should I plan for tips in New York?

Yes, it's culturally mandatory (servers live on tips): 18-22% in restaurants (before tax), $1-2 per bag at hotel, 15-20% in taxi/Uber, $1-2 per drink at bar. Not tipping is very badly perceived.