When to go and how long to stay
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable for walking the city; July and August are hot and humid, and January–February are cold but quieter. December is festive and busy. Four days cover the classics at a sane pace; five or six leave room for Brooklyn and a day trip up the Hudson.
Book the big-ticket items early
Broadway seats for a group, the Statue of Liberty ferry (especially pedestal or crown access), the 9/11 Museum and sunset slots at the observation decks all sell out. One observation deck is usually enough — agree which one together, have one person book, and save the tickets in the trip so everyone has them on their phone.
Where to stay as a group
Midtown puts most sights within a short subway ride but is busy and pricey; Chelsea, the Lower East Side and Downtown Brooklyn feel more local and are still well connected. Short-term apartment rentals are heavily restricted in the city, so hotels with adjoining rooms or suites are usually the practical choice for a group — stay near a subway line with express trains.
Group tips
- Everyone can tap in on the subway with their own contactless card or phone — no need for one person to buy tickets for all.
- Split up for museums: the Met and MoMA take hours, and not everyone wants that. Plan two options and meet for dinner.
- Many restaurants add an automatic service charge for larger groups, and tipping is expected elsewhere — check the bill before adding more.
- Log shared costs as you go (tickets, dinners, cabs) so settling up doesn't wait until the flight home.
