Exploring NYC During AI World 2025
Your comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit to the Big Apple
Conference: July 5-6, 2025
Javits Center, NYC
Welcome to New York City, a metropolis that never fails to amaze with its iconic skyline, world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and unparalleled cultural experiences. As an attendee of AI World 2025, you'll have the perfect opportunity to explore the city that's continuously reinventing itself yet maintaining its historical charm.
Whether you're extending your trip before or after the conference, or simply looking to make the most of your evenings, this guide will help you navigate the city like a pro. From must-see attractions to hidden gems, top-rated restaurants to neighborhood eateries, and insider tips to streamline your visit, we've got you covered.
NYC Attractions by Neighborhood
Midtown
The heart of Manhattan, home to iconic skyscrapers and bustling streets.
Empire State Building
The iconic 102-story Art Deco skyscraper offers spectacular 360° views of NYC from its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
Times Square
The world-famous intersection known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and New Year's Eve celebrations is a must-visit landmark.
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
One of the world's largest and most influential museums of modern art with an extraordinary collection of modern and contemporary art.
Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Closed Tuesdays
Website: Official Site
Upper East Side
Elegant and sophisticated, known for Museum Mile and upscale shopping.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's largest and finest art museums, with a collection spanning over 5,000 years of world culture and art.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Hours: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Website: Official Site
Central Park
An 843-acre urban park that offers countless activities including walking paths, boating, zoo, and seasonal events.
Guggenheim Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece of modern architecture houses an impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and contemporary art.
Address: 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Website: Official Site
Lower Manhattan
The financial heart of the city with historic sites and modern attractions.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
A tribute to the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, featuring two reflecting pools in the footprints of the Twin Towers.
Address: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Hours: Memorial: 24/7, Museum: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Website: Official Site
One World Observatory
Located at the top of One World Trade Center, it offers spectacular panoramic views from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Wall Street & Charging Bull
The heart of America's financial markets and home to the iconic bronze Charging Bull sculpture that symbolizes financial optimism.
Brooklyn
Trendy borough known for DUMBO, Williamsburg, and its unique culture.
Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic 1883 suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn offers spectacular views of the city skyline and harbor.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
A scenic esplanade offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty.
Address: Columbia Heights between Middagh and Montague Streets, Brooklyn
Hours: 6:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Website: Official Site
Prospect Park
A 526-acre urban oasis designed by the same team behind Central Park, featuring a zoo, boathouse, and beautiful natural settings.
Where to Eat in NYC
New York City is a culinary paradise with countless dining options across all cuisines and price points. Here are some recommendations to satisfy your palate during your visit:
Fine Dining
Le Bernardin
$$$$French Seafood
Chef Eric Ripert's refined seafood-focused French restaurant with 3 Michelin stars.
Address: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Reservations: Required, book weeks in advance
Website: Visit Site
Eleven Madison Park
$$$$Modern American, Plant-Based
Daniel Humm's 3-Michelin star restaurant offering an innovative plant-based tasting menu in an Art Deco setting.
Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
Reservations: Required, book 60 days in advance
Website: Visit Site
Per Se
$$$$French-American
Thomas Keller's 3-Michelin star restaurant offering prix-fixe menus with spectacular views of Central Park.
Address: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
Reservations: Required, book 30 days in advance
Website: Visit Site
Iconic New York Eats
Katz's Delicatessen
$$Jewish Deli
Historic deli famous for its hand-carved pastrami and corned beef sandwiches since 1888.
Address: 205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Reservations: Not accepted, expect lines
Website: Visit Site
Joe's Pizza
$New York Pizza
A Greenwich Village institution serving authentic NY-style pizza by the slice since 1975.
Russ & Daughters
$$Jewish Appetizing
A New York institution since 1914, famous for smoked fish, caviar, and bagels.
Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Reservations: Not accepted at the original shop; available at the café
Website: Visit Site
Trendy Spots
Lilia
$$$Italian
Chef Missy Robbins' acclaimed Italian restaurant in Williamsburg, known for handmade pasta.
Address: 567 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Reservations: Highly recommended, books up quickly
Website: Visit Site
Atomix
$$$$Korean Fine Dining
A 2-Michelin star Korean restaurant offering an intimate counter experience with a multi-course tasting menu.
Address: 104 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
Reservations: Required, released monthly
Website: Visit Site
Crown Shy
$$$New American
Modern American cuisine in an elegant space in the Financial District, earning a Michelin star.
Getting Around NYC
New York City has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Here's how to navigate the city efficiently:
Subway
The most efficient way to navigate the city. Purchase a MetroCard at any station. Single rides are $2.90, while a 7-day unlimited pass costs $34.
Pro Tips:
- •Download the MTA app or use Google Maps for real-time updates
- •Express trains (marked with numbers) skip certain stops
- •Trains run 24/7, though service is reduced late night
- •Stand clear of the closing doors and let passengers exit before boarding
Bus
Buses cover routes the subway doesn't reach. Same MetroCard works for buses and subways.
Pro Tips:
- •Bus stops are marked with a sign showing route numbers
- •You can track bus arrivals with the MTA Bus Time app
- •Enter through the front door and exit through the rear
- •Select Bus Service (SBS) requires pre-payment at the stop
Taxi/Rideshare
Yellow taxis are plentiful in Manhattan. Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services operate throughout the city.
Pro Tips:
- •Yellow taxis can be hailed on the street; green taxis serve outer boroughs
- •A typical taxi ride in Manhattan costs $15-25
- •During rush hour, subway might be faster than a taxi
- •Add 15-20% tip for taxi drivers
Walking
New York is a very walkable city, especially in Manhattan.
Pro Tips:
- •Most avenues run north-south, while streets run east-west
- •Generally, 20 blocks = 1 mile
- •Manhattan has a well-organized grid system north of 14th Street
- •Walking is often the best way to explore neighborhoods
CitiBike
Bike sharing program with stations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Pro Tips:
- •Single rides cost $4.49 for 30 minutes
- •Day passes are available for $15
- •Download the CitiBike app to find available bikes and docking stations
- •Use bike lanes when available and always wear a helmet
Getting to/from Airports
JFK Airport
- AirTrain + Subway: $8.25, 60-90 minutes to Manhattan
- Taxi: Flat rate of $70 plus tolls and tip, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
- Rideshare: $65-85, comparable time to taxi
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Bus + Subway: $2.90, 60-90 minutes to Manhattan
- Taxi: $45-55 plus tolls and tip, 30-45 minutes depending on traffic
- Rideshare: $45-65, comparable time to taxi
Newark Airport (EWR)
- AirTrain + NJ Transit: $15.25, 45-60 minutes to Penn Station
- Taxi: $90-100 plus tolls and tip, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
- Rideshare: $90-110, comparable time to taxi
NYC Insider Tips
Make the most of your New York City experience with these insider tips from locals and frequent visitors:
Visit popular attractions early
Arrive at major attractions like the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty first thing in the morning to avoid long lines.
Take advantage of free museum days
Many museums offer free or pay-what-you-wish hours. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is pay-what-you-wish for NY residents, and MoMA is free on Friday evenings.
Explore beyond Manhattan
Each borough has its own character. Try Williamsburg or DUMBO in Brooklyn, Long Island City in Queens, or Arthur Avenue (the 'real Little Italy') in the Bronx.
Check for Broadway discounts
The TKTS booth in Times Square offers same-day discounted tickets, or try digital lotteries through apps like TodayTix for deeply discounted seats.
Pack comfortable shoes
New Yorkers walk everywhere, and you'll likely do the same. Stylish but comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the city.
Explore food halls
Places like Chelsea Market, Essex Market, and Time Out Market offer a wide variety of excellent food options under one roof.
Take advantage of parks
Beyond Central Park, check out the High Line, Bryant Park, Washington Square Park, or Brooklyn Bridge Park for beautiful urban green spaces.
Use public restrooms strategically
Public restrooms can be hard to find. Department stores, museums, parks, libraries, and hotel lobbies are good options when needed.
Walk like a New Yorker
Keep to the right on sidewalks, walk with purpose, and don't stop suddenly in the middle of foot traffic.
Visit during off-peak seasons
January-February and September-November often have better hotel rates and fewer tourists, while still offering plenty to do.
Safety Tips
•NYC is generally safe, but always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
•Keep your wallet in your front pocket and bags securely closed and in front of you.
•Avoid empty subway cars when others are occupied—there's usually a reason they're empty.
•If you're lost, don't hesitate to ask for directions. New Yorkers are generally helpful despite their hurried demeanor.
•Stick to well-lit streets at night and consider using rideshare services for late-night travel.
•Keep the address of your accommodation with you in case your phone battery dies.
Post-Conference Events (July 2025)
If you're extending your stay in NYC after AI World 2025, here are some notable events happening right after the conference:
4th of July Fireworks
Macy's spectacular annual fireworks display over the East River, celebrating Independence Day with America's largest pyrotechnic show.
Date: July 4, 2025
Time: Around 9:00 PM
Location: Best viewed from Brooklyn Bridge Park, FDR Drive, or East River waterfront
Website: More Info
Shakespeare in the Park
Free performances of Shakespeare plays at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, a beloved New York summer tradition.
Date: Throughout July 2025
Time: 8:00 PM performances, ticket distribution at 12:00 PM
Location: Delacorte Theater, Central Park
Website: More Info
SummerStage Concerts
Outdoor concerts featuring diverse musical acts in Central Park and other city parks.
Smorgasburg
The largest weekly open-air food market in America, featuring 100+ local vendors.
Date: Saturdays (Williamsburg) and Sundays (Prospect Park)
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Williamsburg (Saturdays) and Prospect Park (Sundays), Brooklyn
Website: More Info
What to Pack for NYC in July
New York City in July is typically hot and humid. Here's what to pack for a comfortable visit:
Clothing
- •Lightweight, breathable clothing
- •A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned spaces
- •Comfortable walking shoes
- •One business casual/formal outfit for nice restaurants
- •Hat for sun protection
Accessories
- •Sunglasses
- •Portable phone charger
- •Small umbrella (summer showers are common)
- •Refillable water bottle
- •Small day bag or backpack
Other Essentials
- •Sunscreen
- •Insect repellent (for parks)
- •Hand sanitizer
- •Medications and a basic first aid kit
- •Digital copies of important documents
Weather in NYC - July 2025 (Expected)
Average High
85°F / 29°C
Average Low
70°F / 21°C
Humidity
65-70%
Precipitation
4-5 days
Ready to Experience NYC?
New York City offers an endless array of experiences, and this guide only scratches the surface. While attending AI World 2025, be sure to carve out time to explore this magnificent city. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, world-class dining to street food, there's something for everyone.
Remember that the city moves at a fast pace, so don't try to see everything in one visit. Pick a few areas to explore thoroughly and save the rest for your next trip—because there's always a reason to return to NYC!
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