Our recommendations on the best travel books for New York City
New York City offers a dazzling kaleidoscope of experiences and a one-of-a-kind spirit that captivate travelers from around the world. From iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building to world-class museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA, there's no shortage of sights to behold. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's palpable energy, from the frenetic pace of Wall Street to the artistic vibrancy of Greenwich Village. Take in the bright lights of Times Square, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Central Park, or catch a Broadway show in the Theater District. The city's diverse neighborhoods, from the trendy streets of SoHo to the cultural enclaves of Chinatown and Little Italy, offer unique flavors and atmospheres to explore. With its impressive skyline, bustling streets, eclectic mix of people, and unparalleled culinary scene, New York City promises an unforgettable urban experience.
Dear New York, by Brandon Stanton
From Brandon Stanton, the voice behind the “Humans of New York” phenomenon that changed how millions see their neighbors, comes a book that feels less like something you read and more like something you live. Dear New York opens with a prologue that moves like the city itself—restless, tender, impossible to forget—then guides readers through nearly five hundred pages of faces and voices pulled from every neighborhood and borough. More than three-quarters of what fills these pages has never been seen before: stories too quiet or too complicated for a caption, moments that didn't make it online. What emerges is a portrait that refuses to simplify, holding space for the grit and the grace, the loneliness and the belonging, the chaos and the unexpected kindness. It's Stanton's most ambitious work, and his most personal: a tribute not to the skyline, but to the people who make the city worth knowing at all.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - New York City
Our Travel Book Recommendations - New York City
Walk With Me: New York, by Susan Kaufman
Walk With Me: New York is pure magic for anyone who wants to fall in love with the city all over again or discover its hidden charms for the first time. This stunning photography book captures more than 200 intimate color images that reveal the beauty of exploring from the sidewalk, showcasing charming townhouses, decorated shops, lovely parks, shop facades, and serene streetscapes across ten NYC neighborhoods. Former fashion editor turned photographer, Susan Kaufman genuinely reveals the beauty of NYC in all seasons, inviting you to slow down and see the gorgeous details that most people rush past every day.
Frommer's New York City
Frommer's New York City is a compelling addition to the iconic Frommer's travel guide series that has been enlightening travelers for decades. This expertly crafted guide stands out as a beacon for those seeking clear, practical advice on navigating the Big Apple. What sets this book apart is the personal touch of Pauline Frommer, a true New Yorker who has poured her intimate knowledge of the city into its pages. Her insider perspective makes Frommer's New York City an invaluable companion for any visitor. While the guide caters to all budgets, it truly shines in its ability to unearth hidden gems - affordable accommodations, mouth-watering eateries, and unforgettable experiences that won't break the bank.
DK Eyewitness Travel: New York City
For travelers exploring New York City, the DK Eyewitness Travel series stands out as one of our top recommendations. Known for its stunning color photography and focus on art, architecture, and culture, this series excels with its high-quality custom maps and illustrations. While many excellent travel guides exist, DK Eyewitness Travel's visual detail sets it apart, especially for those who like museums. For first-time visitors, the Top 10 guide is particularly useful, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview of the city's must-see attractions and experiences.
Humans of New York, by Brandon Stanton
From pixels to pages: the viral phenomenon that captured hearts worldwide has evolved into a literary masterpiece. In 2010, visionary photographer Brandon Stanton embarked on a quest to unveil the beating heart of the Big Apple, birthing the cultural touchstone Humans of New York. This digital tapestry, woven from raw emotion and unfiltered humanity, now graces bookshelves in tangible form. Each spread is a portal into a stranger's world—a fusion of arresting imagery and soul-baring confessions that range from tear-jerkingly poignant to belly-laugh inducing. Within its pages, four hundred faces tell four hundred tales, each a unique thread in the city's grand narrative. This isn't just a book; it's a journey through the human experience, as diverse and dynamic as New York itself. Prepare to laugh, cry, and rediscover your faith in humanity. For an in-depth exploration of this must-read gem, dive into our review of Humans of New York.
111 Places in New York That You Must Not Miss
Uncover some hidden gems in the city that never sleeps with 111 Places That You Must Not Miss. This captivating guide unveils a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-path experiences that even lifelong New Yorkers will find surprising. Unlike conventional travel books, it offers insider knowledge and secret spots that capture the authentic pulse of the Big Apple. From clandestine speakeasies to quirky museums, each recommendation promises a unique adventure beyond the typical tourist haunts. Whether you're a curious visitor or a jaded local, 111 Places will reignite your passion for New York's endless possibilities, also making it an invaluable gift for anyone who thinks they know New York inside and out.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of those rare novels that manages to be both deeply personal and universally resonant, following young Francie Nolan as she grows up in early 1900s Williamsburg with dreams bigger than her tenement building and a spirit that refuses to be crushed by poverty. Betty Smith crafts this semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story with such authentic detail and warmth that you can practically smell the stale beer from the saloons and feel the summer heat rising off the Brooklyn pavement. What makes this book truly special is how it captures the immigrant experience and the gritty, hopeful essence of New York—if you've ever wondered what shaped the soul of the city, or if you want to understand how ordinary families carved out extraordinary lives in the shadow of Manhattan, this novel will give you that understanding in the most beautiful, heartbreaking way possible.
Hello World - New York
Embark on a magical journey around the globe with the Hello World series! These enchanting board books will transport young readers to bustling cities filled with wonder and excitement. Vibrant illustrations bring New York's towering skyscrapers, San Francisco's rolling hills, London's iconic double-decker buses, and Paris's twinkling Eiffel Tower to life. As children explore each page, they'll discover early learning concepts woven seamlessly into the fabric of these captivating cityscapes. Perfect for tiny hands and curious minds, the Hello World series ignites imagination and plants the seeds of wanderlust in little adventurers.
Older kids visiting New York City might instead enjoy From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, which follows siblings who run away to live secretly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art while solving the mystery of a Renaissance sculpture.