If you’ve ever been to New York before, this is not the book for you. It’s been many years since I have been to NYC and am thinking about planning another trip in the future. I was hoping for something that would provide more recent information - what to see, how to get there, where to stay. Most of the tips/tricks were either what I already knew from prior trips or common sense tips for any time you are traveling. The where to stay section was very generic. I understand not wanting to give specific hotel names but more information can be found just by doing a little research online.

This was a really useful reference guide for visiting New York. Having been once, I have done the most obvious and this gave some more interesting places to explore.
I liked the layout with the key information about visiting the area before getting to the sights. Overall this is a worthwhile book to take with you when visiting.

Taking a bite out of the Big Apple

New York: the city that feels like it never ends. Sierra starts you off strong from Safety stretching to Specialized Museums.

She has written the information walking you what airports are accessible to Subways over tips to help you maintain efficiency in such a city. I am such a fan of the style the material is delivered in. The intimidation in planning a trip to New York flew out the window as I flipped the pages.

There were great visuals including overview maps of New York and routes within for traveling.

I received a copy of this book from Sierra Quest and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

4 Stars – A Must-Have Guidebook for the City That Never Sleeps!

If you’ve ever wanted to explore New York City like a local—without actually becoming one—The Essential Travel Guide for Unforgettable Destinations: Exploring Famous Landmarks and Beyond in New York City by Sierra Quest is your new travel bestie.

This guide is bursting with personality and practical tips. Sierra Quest doesn’t just tell you to see the Statue of Liberty and Times Square (though yes, they’re in here). She invites you to experience the city—ride the subway with confidence, pick a hotel that fits your vibe and your wallet, and eat like you’ve lived in the five boroughs your whole life.

I especially appreciated how this guidebook goes beyond the basics. There’s a real love for the city in these pages, from lesser-known treasures in the Bronx to artsy corners of Brooklyn that even your most well-traveled friend might have missed. Sierra’s tone is breezy, witty, and endlessly encouraging—as if your coolest, most well-traveled friend is planning your itinerary.

The culinary recommendations alone are worth bookmarking—she covers everything from where to get that iconic New York slice to rooftop bars perfect for Instagram and craft cocktails. And bonus points for including a subway map and safety/etiquette tips that made even this anxious traveler feel ready to tackle NYC head-on.

Why not five stars? A few sections could’ve used a bit more depth—like Queens and Staten Island, which felt a little rushed compared to the love showered on Manhattan and Brooklyn. Still, this is a vibrant, savvy, and super helpful guide that I’d recommend to first-timers and frequent visitors alike.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC—I’ll definitely be packing this with me for my next trip to the Big Apple!

A short compact guide to New York City and day trips beyond the city. There is not much detail to each entry but it is a pretty information filled book for a quick guide.
It is split into neighborhoods as you would expect and includes some sights and eating ideas you may not expect from a regular guide book.

I Love New York….this is more than a slogan to me…I really do! This guidebook provides an overview of the top spots to visit in New York City. For many of them, it doesn’t provide specifics in terms of how to get there or address, but is helpful in compiling a list of must see places. I liked that they included some sights and activities in not just Manhattan, but also the outer Boroughs. I also liked that they discussed some of the various neighborhoods, something that is helpful for people unfamiliar with “The City.” I’m glad they included pizza in their discussion of Greenwich Village! They just touched on a few neighborhoods; I would have enjoyed them mentioning more of them, especially in Manhattan.

I did appreciate that they provided addresses for some of their culinary recommendations, but thought it would have been helpful to more specifically identify the locations of some of their recommendations such as the Chelsea Art District.

In all, this is a solid introduction to New York City. I read an advanced copy of it and hope they have enough time to note in their section about public transportation that Metro Cards will only be available until the end of 2025.

This is the best kind of guidebook. It starts out with the basics about getting around and goes through section by section giving examples of what to see and do. The photos are clear and vibrant and there is so much great advice, including some places to visit off the beaten track and even day trips.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This is a great resource for someone traveling to NYC for the first time, or even a repeat visitor, as it offers a lot of suggestions and resources to help point out fun details. Everything from transportation, to accomodations, to sightseeing, to dining is covered in depth. It makes you feel like you have the insights of a local at your fingertips!

This guidebook promises to elevate your New York trip! Navigate the city like a pro with detailed transportation tips, including a subway map. Choose accommodations that match your style and budget, with insider booking tips. Stay safe and embrace local etiquette with our comprehensive guide. Explore the iconic landmarks of each borough, from the Statue of Liberty to lesser-known treasures. Dive into the vibrant neighborhoods of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. Uncover the art scene through museums and street art tours. Savor New York's culinary diversity, from classic pizza to trendy rooftop bars. Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences that most tourists miss.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Advanced Reader Copy - all opionions are my own.

This review is the same for the guides I read
An informativa and easy to follow guide, very useful if it's you first time in NY or London
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine