It’s not hard to find a New York City travel blog or city guide – it’s the most written-about city in the world. But, separating the good travel recommendations from the not-so-good advice? Now, that’s where things get tricky.
Anonymous3482 on Google Maps might tell you Blue Sky Deli’s Chopped Cheese is overrated – because they woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning. But we all know the Chopped Cheese is a New York classic worth having. So that’s why we leave it up to the experts to guide us. They know what they’re talking about.
So – here are some of the best New York City travel blogs out there. From big-name publications with a broad reach to independent voices sharing unique New York perspectives, their travel recommendations and insights will point you in the right direction when exploring the Big Apple.
From photography project to landmark New York storytelling archive.
Let’s start with something unconventional. Humans of New York transcended its founding purpose as a photographic catalog of the city’s inhabitants, becoming a hub for human storytelling. Through its founding creator, Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York continues to capture the city’s essence through intimate portraits and personal anecdotes. Its inclusion as a travel blog is perhaps an odd categorization. However, the project offers a deeply human perspective on the diverse inhabitants of New York City. Travel recommendations may be few and far between, but it is a must-read if you’re looking to connect with the heart of New York.
The official New York City destination guide.
NYC Tourism is the city’s official destination guide to New York, designed to help travelers navigate the five boroughs like locals. The site provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on everything from dining and attractions to events and neighborhoods. Each of the five boroughs has its own travel guide. Plus, there are additional New York City guides curated for different experiences – NYC Luxury, The Asian Experience, or Family Friendly NYC. Yes, it’s far from an independent publication. But it’s sleek, user-friendly, and offers pretty comprehensive coverage of the city.
New Yorkers exploring their city’s historic secrets and hidden gems.
Untapped New York tours NYC through the perspective of hidden gems, untold stories, and lesser-known places. The platform stands out for its commitment to exploring the city’s history, architecture, and culture in a way that goes beyond the surface-level attractions typically covered by mainstream tourism sites. From abandoned subway stations and infamous mob hangouts to historical landmarks often overlooked by guidebooks, the platform offers in-depth articles, walking tours, and even behind-the-scenes access to restricted places through its popular Insiders membership program. Here, the content tends to be more grassroots and community-driven. Its niche focus on urban exploration makes it a go-to resource if you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or want to explore NYC beyond its well-known landmarks.
New York City guide and travel blog for everything free and cheap.
The Skint focuses on finding and sharing affordable or free things to do in New York. Known for its daily newsletter and website, it curates various budget-friendly events, from free museum days and concerts to pop-up markets, film screenings, and food deals – a refreshing take for a city with a pricey reputation. The platform is casual and approachable, providing readers with a down-to-earth guide to New York travel. Above all, The Skint is valuable proof that living and traveling in New York doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable.
Mainstream New York travel blog with state-wide coverage.
iloveny is a travel blog with a broader scope. The tourism website covers the entire state, offering travel inspiration, guides, and tips for exploring everything from the iconic urban scenes of NYC to the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, and Hudson Valley. Its resources appease both city and nature lovers, with categories like outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, food and drink, and cultural experiences. Much like NYC Tourism, iloveny is a well-rounded, comprehensive travel blog, but it likely falls short if you’re seeking hyper-local experiences or off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Use it as a knowledge base if you’re a first-time visitor to New York.
Independent New York travel blog with a focus on Brooklyn – if the name didn’t give it away already.
Your Brooklyn Guide deals mostly in things east of the Upper Bay. Its team of writers, helmed by founder and editor Megan Indoe, focuses on giving readers an insider’s perspective, highlighting the best neighborhoods, restaurants, activities, and events. The travel blog’s content spans a wide range of interests – from detailed guides on exploring Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Bushwick, to covering Brooklyn’s hidden gems, small businesses, and cultural experiences that mainstream New York City guides might overlook.
All-topic New York travel blog highlighting things to do, see, and eat.
Loving New York is a comprehensive travel blog designed to help visitors experience New York City. Founded by two German expats who fell in love with the city, the platform offers detailed tips, itineraries, and personal recommendations based on years of exploration and dozens of NYC trips. The site also curates weekly lists of what to do, including upcoming events such as The New York Film Festival or seasonal markets. These event calendars, plus its trip-planning app, make Loving New York a great resource for itinerary planning.
Hyper-local travel blog and neighborhood guide for its namesake in Brooklyn.
Greenpointers diverts us away from conversations of city-wide New York travel blogs. Instead, it is a hyper-local platform dedicated to its namesake Brooklyn neighborhood – Greenpoint. The blog covers neighborhood news, events, food and drink recommendations, local businesses, art, and culture. Greenpointers also publishes in-depth stories about small business owners, artists, and the history of Greenpoint, adding to its personal and grassroots approach. With community as the focus, it regularly hosts and promotes local events like markets, workshops, and fairs. So, if you’re looking to experience Brooklyn through a hyper-local lens, Greenpointers is the way to go.
New York travel blog from a fourth-generation New Yorker.
Inspired by a friend’s inquiry about a trip to New York, Melissa Trachtenberg created NYC Insider Guide to help visitors experience New York City from a local perspective. The travel blog offers extensive resources for trip planning, with detailed itineraries, neighborhood guides, and recommendations for both major attractions and lesser-known spots. NYC Insider Guide’s personal touch is what makes it a great read, with insider tips reflecting the author’s love for the city and its unique experiences. The site also features helpful tools like customizable maps.
Independent New York travel blog with an unending curiosity for arts and culture.
Mad Hatters NYC is a New York City-based travel blog created by a duo of local adventurers who strive to explore the city’s lesser-known experiences. The platform focuses on art, history, food, and culture – from street art tours in Bushwick to hidden cafes and pop-up events in the Lower East Side. Lynn and Justin let their curiosity drive their travels, and by association, their content – Mad Hatters NYC guides adopt more of a storytelling style, rather than rigid lists. Plus, each is filled with vibrant photography, detailed narratives, and helpful tips. In all, the New York travel blog shares a fresh perspective on the city, making it a great resource for both locals and visitors alike.
A duo of New York travel blogs run by locals.
New York, Dearest and New York Simply were both born of the mind of Antonina Pattiz, who founded them to demystify New York for locals and visitors alike. Both sites run on the premise of “No spam, no BS” – just helpful city guides written by the people who know it best. They cover all worthwhile topics, from the best New York restaurants and bars to the best things to do in Brooklyn or Chinatown. Many of the guides are categorized by neighborhood, making it easy to find travel recommendations to match your itinerary. If you’re after an even more personal perspective on life in New York City, you can click through to Antonina’s New York Simply substack.
New York travel and food blog, from a Michigan native turned New Yorker.
Here, Lyssy, a now-New Yorker, posts a running feed of her adventures around New York City and beyond. The blog features personal stories, neighborhood explorations, restaurant and food reviews, plus seasonal activity inspiration. Each month Lyssy also posts a “What’s Up” roundup, mentioning what she’s been doing, eating, and enjoying – a personal touch that offers readers New York insights through the eyes of a local. Again, it is Lyssy’s friendly writing and candid photography that make Lyssy in the City one of the more approachable New York travel blogs through which to explore the city.
New York iteration for a global network of travel blogs and city guides.
Secret NYC fits into the category of larger travel blogs, with guides for over 120 cities worldwide. But alas, we’re talking about their New York travel blog here. The site covers a wide range of topics, from quirky events and secret spots to food recommendations and city news – though you will find a lot of well-known activities too, due to the scale of their coverage. Nonetheless, Secret NYC serves as a worthwhile resource for locals and visitors alike, sharing up-to-date travel advice and insights, all with a playful tone.
