Your Guide to the Perfectly Curated NYC Trip

New York City can be the perfect getaway for all types of travelers, with proper planning and an open mind to new experiences being the key to an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the city rewards curiosity and an adventurous spirit. This guide highlights local favorites—from what to see & do to where you can eat & drink—so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.

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See & Do

1. Yankee Stadium (Bronx)

Few places capture the city’s energy like Yankee Stadium. Whether you’re catching a game in the dog days of summer or touring Monument Park, this Bronx landmark is full of history. CLEAR+ Members can use the CLEAR Sports Lanes at Babe Ruth Plaza and the Suite Entrance at Gate 4 to get in the stadium faster, so you can maximize your time at this iconic venue. Grab a hot dog, take in the crowd, and experience one of the city’s most electric activities. 

2. Date Night at The Met (Upper East Side)

Every Friday and Saturday night, The Met transforms into an after-hours experience with live music and cocktails. Explore the galleries, have a drink in the Great Hall, and enjoy breathtaking views from the sculpture garden. It’s a simple, yet unforgettable way to see one of the city’s most loved spaces. Afterward, stroll down Fifth Avenue or grab dinner nearby at a classic Upper East Side bistro. Art, music, and conversation—it’s the kind of night that makes the city feel alive.

3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Prospect Park)

A quiet 52-acre garden filled with winding paths, open lawns, and blooming trees. Whether you’re walking under the cherry blossoms in the spring or watching the leaves change in the fall, visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a great, easy activity in the heart of Brooklyn. Bring a coffee, take a seat by the pond, and recharge before your next adventure. Don’t miss the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, one of the most photographed spots in the city, or the Desert Pavilion for a change of scenery. This is where New York takes a deep breath and resets.

4. Rock Climbing at Movement at LIC (Long Island City)

Just one subway stop from Manhattan, Movement offers some of the best indoor climbing in the city. The gym’s open layout and view of the skyline make it a fun and active way to spend an afternoon. You’ll find everyone from first-timers to seasoned climbers, alongside friendly instructors who make it simple to get started. Stay a little longer to catch the sunset over the East River—it's one of the best views in Queens.

5. The Tenement Museum (Lower East Side)

Step inside restored apartments that tell the story of immigrant families who built the city. Each guided tour focuses on a different generation and culture, offering a glimpse at how New York  came to be. The museum is personal, moving, and definitely worth a visit. The surrounding neighborhood still reflects that layered history—old-world bakeries beside new cafés and vintage shops next to galleries. Take your time here; it’s a reminder of the city’s shared roots.

6. Jazz at The Django (Tribeca)

Hidden beneath The Roxy Hotel, The Django offers nightly live jazz in a timeless brick-lined cellar. The space is cozy and low-lit, with every show bringing something new. It’s the kind of night that reminds you why New York has always been the city for live music. Come early for dinner upstairs or stay late for a second set—the crowd gets livelier as the night goes on. Between the music, the energy, and the setting, it’s pure downtown magic.

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Eat & Drink

1. Arthur Ave (Bronx)

The heart of the Bronx’s Italian community, Arthur Avenue is lined with bakeries, butchers, and family restaurants that have been here for generations. Stop for fresh pasta, espresso, or cannoli, and you’ll see why locals call this the “Real Little Italy.” Pick up Italian groceries to take home or watch locals play bocce at nearby Ciccarone Park. It’s a short trip from Manhattan, but it feels like a world away.

2. Chelsea Market (Chelsea)

Inside a former factory, Chelsea Market brings together some of the city’s best casual food—from tacos and sushi to coffee and pastries. It’s easy to grab a bite, browse local shops, and walk to the nearby High Line. Visit early to beat the crowds, or stop by in the evening when the lights and music give it a lively, neighborhood feel. It’s a one-stop taste of New York’s global mix.

3. Smorgasburg (Williamsburg)

Every weekend, Smorgasburg turns the Williamsburg waterfront into a food fair with dozens of local vendors. Try new things, share a table, and take in the Manhattan skyline. It’s relaxed, social, and represents everything New York has to offer. Plan to spend a few hours if you can—it’s easy to lose track while sampling everything from lobster rolls to small-batch ice cream. And make sure to bring friends, as half the fun is comparing your culinary picks.

4. Contento (East Harlem)

A neighborhood restaurant built on connection and community, Contento serves Peruvian-inspired dishes and a thoughtful wine list in a friendly, welcoming space. The team focuses on making every guest feel at home—this is hospitality done right. The bar is a great place to sit solo and chat with locals or the staff. Dining here feels personal, like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than just another restaurant.

5. Rule of Thirds (Greenpoint)

In a simple, open space in Greenpoint, Rule of Thirds offers modern Japanese dishes made for sharing. It’s a great spot for brunch, dinner, or drinks with friends—laid-back but thoughtful in every detail. Try the okonomiyaki or anything from the charcoal grill, then stay for a drink at the bar. On warmer nights, the outdoor courtyard turns into one of the best hangouts in the neighborhood.

6. L’Industrie Pizzeria (Williamsburg)

Some of the best pizza in New York is found right here at L’Industrie. The crust is crisp, the ingredients are fresh, and the vibe is friendly. Grab a slice, stand by the counter, and enjoy the kind of food that makes this city famous. The owners often hand out samples to regulars in this neighborhood spot where pizza is done right.

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Before You Head Home

Your New York adventure doesn’t have to end with waiting in long lines to get back home. With CLEAR+, you can speed through airport security at EWR, LGA, or JFK and get to your gate with time to spare for a stress-free travel day. Step into the CLEAR+ Lane, verify face-first, walk straight through the eGate and onto bag screening. It’s a faster, more predictable way to start your journey home.