Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
New York City (New York County, New York; pop. 8,804,190) sits at 10 m (33 ft) elevation near African Burial Ground National Monument, with regional transit access via Penn Station South (3.8 km). Visitors pair New York City landmarks with signature New York specialties including New York coal/gas-deck slice pizza & hand-rolled bagels with lox and Deli pastrami on rye & Manhattan clam chowder.
Within New York, New York City (New York City, NY) serves as a major hub city in new york. Travelers exploring New York often combine a stop in New York City with state highlights such as Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Broadway & Manhattan Skyline, Niagara Falls, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes Wine Country & Adirondack Mountains.
| Fact | Details for New York City (New York City, NY) |
|---|---|
| City & State | New York City, NY |
| County & Role | Major hub city in New York |
| State & Major Hubs | New York (New York City, Buffalo, Albany & Hudson Valley) |
| Population | 8,804,190 residents |
| Elevation | 10 m (33 ft) above sea level |
| Nearest Airport / Transit Hub | Penn Station South (3.8 km) |
| Coordinates | 40.7143°N, 74.0060°W |
Getting to New York City & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Penn Station South (3.8 km)): JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) airports; Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station & Grand Central Terminal; NYC Subway with $34 7-day OMNY contactless cap; Amtrak Empire Service.
- Public transit & contactless payment: Major US metro areas use tap-to-pay cards and mobile wallets (NYC OMNY, SF Clipper, Chicago Ventra, DC SmarTrip, LA TAP), while smaller towns and National Park gateways are best explored by rental car or intercity coach.
- Airlines & baggage rules: Flying domestically into JFK, LGA & EWR Airports + NY Penn Station / Moynihan Train Hall (Amtrak & MTA OMNY)? Check your 22×14×9 inch carry-on and $35 checked bag fees in our TSA & Airline Baggage Checker.
- Driving & National Parks: If your route from New York City includes National Parks or Scenic Byways, use our $80 America the Beautiful Pass Calculator to see if the annual pass saves you money.
What Locals Eat in New York City (New York)
1. Signature Regional Dish
In New York City (New York County, New York), local tables feature: Signature New York dishes—New York coal/gas-deck slice pizza & hand-rolled bagels with lox, Deli pastrami on rye & Manhattan clam chowder, and Buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese & beef on weck.
2. Diner, Smokehouse & Market Staples ($14–$28)
Around New York City and across New York, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in New York: Finger Lakes dry Riesling & Brooklyn craft lagers, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Local Craft Beverages & Regional Produce
At farmers markets and specialty shops in New York City (New York), look for: Local specialties across New York: New York-style cheesecake & black-and-white cookies, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18%–22%)
Classic New York dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In New York City (pop. 8,804,190), diverse neighborhood dining districts, food halls, James Beard-recognized kitchens, and late-night spots across New York County offer everything from $12–$18 counter lunches to chef-driven tasting menus.
GeoNames Local Data: Elevation, Nearest Hub & Neighboring US Cities
- Elevation: 10 m (33 ft) above sea level
- Nearest Airport / Rail Hub: Penn Station South (3.8 km)
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: African Burial Ground National Monument (0.1 km) · Commons Historic District (0.2 km) · Titanic Memorial Lighthouse (0.8 km) · Titanic Memorial Park (0.8 km) · Federal Hall National Memorial (0.9 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Civic Center, Tribeca, Governor Alfred E Smith Houses, Financial District, Two Bridges
5 Nearest Neighboring US Cities & Towns
- Hoboken, NJ (4.0 km)
- Jersey City, NJ (6.2 km)
- Weehawken, NJ (6.3 km)
- Union City, NJ (7.4 km)
- West New York, NJ (8.2 km)
Regional Specialties Across New York
- New York coal/gas-deck slice pizza & hand-rolled bagels with lox — a signature specialty across New York.
- Deli pastrami on rye & Manhattan clam chowder — a signature specialty across New York.
- Buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese & beef on weck — a signature specialty across New York.
- New York-style cheesecake & black-and-white cookies — a signature specialty across New York.
- Finger Lakes dry Riesling & Brooklyn craft lagers — a signature specialty across New York.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our American English Idioms & Allergy Show-Cards.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips for New York City
Best time to visit New York: Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec.
- Sales Tax & Tipping: Menu and shelf prices in New York City exclude state and local sales tax. At sit-down restaurants, plan on an 18%–22% pre-tax tip. Use our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
- Cards & Contactless: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere in New York City; keep $20–$40 in $1 and $5 bills for hotel bellhops, valet parking, and roadside farm stands.
- Emergency & Visitor Info: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the US, and dial 511 for state highway and weather road conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is New York City (New York City, NY) located in the United States?
New York City (New York City, NY) is a us city in New York, United States (coordinates: 40.7143°N, 74.0060°W, elevation: 10 m (33 ft)). It has a population of approximately 8,804,190.
How do I get to New York City by plane, Amtrak, or car?
Most visitors reach New York City via Penn Station South (3.8 km). JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) airports; Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station & Grand Central Terminal; NYC Subway with $34 7-day OMNY contactless cap; Amtrak Empire Service. You can compare Amtrak fares and passes using our Amtrak & USA Rail Pass Calculator ($).
What local food is New York City and New York known for?
In New York City and across New York, signature regional dishes include New York coal/gas-deck slice pizza & hand-rolled bagels with lox, Deli pastrami on rye & Manhattan clam chowder, Buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese & beef on weck, as well as New York-style cheesecake & black-and-white cookies and Finger Lakes dry Riesling & Brooklyn craft lagers. Remember that menu prices exclude state sales tax and 18–22% tipping—check our State Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($).
When is the best time of year to visit New York City?
Best time to visit New York: Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec. Check our US Seasonal Travel Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and National Park crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: