New York City (NYC) is one of the world’s most exciting cities – and for many Singapore travellers, it is also a benchmark when comparing global cities for lifestyle, work, and even property investment. In this complete guide to things to do in New York City USA, Homejourney brings together first‑hand, on‑the-ground experience with a Singapore‑centric lens, so you can plan a safe, efficient and unforgettable trip – and understand how NYC compares with Singapore as a global hub.
Having visited New York City repeatedly over the last decade – from staying in Midtown walk‑ups near Bryant Park, to longer Brooklyn stays in Park Slope and Williamsburg – I’ll walk you through what actually works for Singaporean visitors in real life: the subway lines that feel safest at night, realistic walking times between major Manhattan attractions, how much to budget for a decent meal by Singapore standards, and practical tips you only learn after a few trips.
Along the way, we’ll also show how Homejourney supports you beyond travel – from tracking currency for USA travel to exploring Singapore real estate as a complementary investment to your NYC interests through Property Search , Projects Directory and Bank Rates .
Table of Contents
- Destination Overview: Why Visit New York City (NYC)
- Best Time to Visit NYC
- Getting There from Singapore & Arrival Tips
- Currency, Costs & Exchange Tips for Singapore Travellers
- Top Attractions & Must‑Do Experiences in NYC
- Manhattan Attractions: Iconic Sights & Neighbourhoods
- Beyond Manhattan: Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx & Staten Island
- Practical Travel Tips: Visa, Transport, Safety & Budgeting
- Where to Stay in NYC: Area & Hotel Guide
- Food & Dining: What and Where to Eat in New York City
- Suggested 3‑Day & 5‑Day NYC Itineraries
- Best Day Trips from New York City
- Connecting NYC to Singapore: Travel, Lifestyle & Property
- FAQ: Things to Do in NYC & Singapore‑Specific Questions
Destination Overview: Why New York City Belongs on Your USA Travel List
New York City consistently ranks among the top urban destinations in the world, drawing over 60 million visitors annually in pre‑pandemic years.[7] It is made up of five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island – each with its own character, like how Singaporeans see distinct personalities in areas like Orchard, Tiong Bahru, Jurong and Katong.
For Singapore travellers and investors, NYC is compelling because it combines:
- World‑class attractions: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, High Line, Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History and more.[1][5][6]
- Strong cultural depth: Broadway theatre, jazz clubs, museums like MoMA and The Met, diverse immigrant neighbourhoods.[5][6]
- Global finance and tech hub: Wall Street and Midtown offices host many firms that also operate in Singapore, making it relevant for Singapore professionals and investors.
- Real estate benchmark: Prime Manhattan property is often compared with Orchard, Marina Bay and Core Central Region (CCR) properties listed on Homejourney’s Projects Directory .
From a Singapore point of view, think of NYC as a high‑energy, much larger, more vertical version of Singapore – with more extremes: colder winters, hotter summers, more subway lines, and a wider gap between neighbourhoods in terms of safety and pricing.
Best Time to Visit New York City for Singapore Travellers
NYC is truly a year‑round destination, but some seasons are more comfortable if you are used to Singapore’s equatorial climate.
Season Overview (for Singapore Climate Comparison)
Insider tip (from multiple winter trips): If you want the classic Christmas in New York feeling with lights and markets but slightly milder temperatures, aim for late November to early December instead of late December to January.
Getting to New York City from Singapore & Arrival Tips
From Singapore, you will typically fly into one of two major airports serving New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) From JFK to Manhattan: From Newark (EWR) to Manhattan: Safety note: Official NYC tourism sources and local experience suggest using only licensed yellow cabs from the taxi stand or rides booked via official apps; avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides in the arrivals hall.[7] New York City uses the US dollar (USD). For Singapore travellers, the key is understanding cost levels relative to Singapore and when to use card versus cash. Payment habits vs Singapore: Homejourney supports multi‑currency perspectives when you research Singapore property; you can mentally benchmark a monthly NYC hotel budget against a potential mortgage instalment on a Singapore investment unit using our Bank Rates and Projects Directory tools. Most first‑time visitors will focus on Manhattan attractions, but many of NYC’s most rewarding experiences are just outside Manhattan. The list below balances must‑see icons with practical sequencing for Singapore visitors dealing with jet lag and limited time. Insider tip: For observation decks, choose either Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory or newer options like Edge / Summit One Vanderbilt. You don’t need all of them in one trip – one daytime and one nighttime visit is more than enough.[1][3][4] Manhattan is roughly 21km long, but many key attractions cluster closely enough for walking. Compared with Singapore, walking from Times Square to Central Park South is similar to walking from Dhoby Ghaut MRT to Plaza Singapura and a bit beyond – very manageable, even with jet lag. Local sequencing tip: Start at Rockefeller Center in the morning, walk down Fifth Avenue, pass the New York Public Library and Bryant Park, then continue to the Empire State Building. This is an easy half‑day walk that keeps you mostly on flat streets with lots of food options.
Typical Flight Time & Jet Lag Tips
From Airport to Manhattan
Currency, Costs & Exchange Tips for Singapore Visitors
Typical Cost Ranges (Per Person)
Top Attractions & Must‑Do Experiences in New York City
Absolute Must‑See Landmarks (First‑Time Visitors)
Manhattan Attractions: Key Areas & How to Plan Your Day
Midtown Manhattan: Times Square, Broadway & Observation Decks
Central Park & Upper Manhattan
References
