New York City in 2025: Still the Most Exciting City on Earth!

By Max Hartshorne
GoNOMAD Editor

I’m back from my annual trip to the Big Apple, and as always, there are some new travel developments to share. The biggest news about New York City in 2025 is that congestion pricing was in effect as of my visit in January of 2025. The new toll, $9 for cars and $25 for large trucks has dramatically reduced the traffic in Manhattan below 60th Street.

Early stats said there were 26,000 fewer cars per day in the city. An impressive 55% fewer crashes happened in Manhattan during this period than last year!

My observation after walking across Manhattan was there were fewer cars and it felt like fewer traffic jams were forming.  Stay tuned, because even this innovative idea that raises money for mass transit from car owners raises serious hackles with many people.

The same people who fought and compromised at $9 instead of $15, will soon be trying to derail the tax using some form of blackmail for federal highway dollars.

Below are Some of What’s New in NYC for 2025

The Expanded High Line: The High Line-Moynihan Connector

The beloved High Line walking path has extended its reach with the High Line-Moynihan Connector, a new pathway that links the elevated park to the historic and beautiful Moynihan Train Hall. This seamless connection featuring a wooden bridge with flowers underneath blends art, nature, and urban design while making it easier than ever to explore Manhattan’s west side. New public art installations along the route showcase works by emerging and established artists.

Penn Station Re-imagined

After years of construction, Penn Station’s transformation is finally complete. The newly expanded and modernized station features soaring ceilings, natural light, and improved amenities, making it a far more welcoming gateway to the city. Travelers can now enjoy a smoother commute and explore what’s just after the underground tracks across Eighth Avenue at the Train Hall. Much of Penn is still dreary with its low ceilings, but now part of it has improved. Train travelers, make sure to take the escalator up and see the glory of the Moynihan Train Hall.

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Tourism

New York City is doubling down on sustainability in 2025. The Green NYC Initiative has introduced electric ferries, expanded bike lanes, and more pedestrian-only zones in areas like Times Square and Union Square. Hotels across the city are also embracing eco-friendly practices, with many achieving LEED certification.  All over the city, even when it’s freezing, bikes are being ridden by both delivery drivers and locals.

Broadway’s Next Generation of Shows

There’s nothing in the world as exciting in theater as Broadway. The way they build sets and some of the effects are just stunning. In ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the show we enjoyed, two cars were driving on stage—real cars!  A theater packed with 1400 people is an exciting place to be when the lights go up on a new show. There is simply nothing like it.

This year’s lineup includes groundbreaking productions like MJ, the musical about Michael Jackson, and the latest Harry Potter show.  As usual, in 2025, Broadway theaters are packed to the gills.   The best tip we can ever give is to go to the TKTS booth in Times Square and other locations for half-price tickets. It is still a great deal.

Food in the Apple

Food Halls are one of Europe’s best contributions to dining. These popular halls combine 50 or more restaurants in stalls surrounding a big central hall with long shared tables. One of the newest food halls in Manhattan is The Hugh, at 157 East 53rd St.

This upscale, sparkling clean hall has a cool vibe and a wide selection from fish and chips to Pad Thai, and comfortable seating.  Little Spain in Hudson Yards and the new Japan Village in Brooklyn offer authentic pop-up treats from around the world.

The one thing we will see less in 2025 is the city’s dreaded “sheds,” those covered walkways that seem to be everywhere. Mayor Adams is trying to get them taken down with mixed success. The problem is that it is often cheaper for the landlords to pay the fines than to finish the work.

The Arts and MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has unveiled its highly anticipated $450 million expansion,  featuring new galleries dedicated to digital art and immersive experiences. The Bronx Museum of the Arts has also completed its renovation, showcasing a larger collection of works by underrepresented artists.

The New York City Ferry: Expanded Routes

In warmer weather, the cheapest cruise you can take is on the Staten Island Ferry. The NYC Ferry system has expanded its routes, making it easier to explore the city’s waterfront neighborhoods. New stops include Red Hook, Coney Island, and City Island, offering travelers a unique perspective of the city’s diverse boroughs. The ferries are also fully electric, aligning with the city’s sustainability goals.

Paying for Public Transit

The city’s public transportation system has been upgraded with contactless payment options and real-time updates via the new NYC Transit App. Now, you just tap your phone to take a subway ride. You no longer need to buy a physical  Metrocard.

Where to Stay: Not Airbnb

We stayed in the modern and fun Yotel with its purple exterior on 10th Ave. The only wrinkle  I had was that when you book the hotel from any site except the Yotel site, you have to pay an additional hefty city tax upon arrival. That turned a  $425 stay into a $500 one.

Friends in Whately have told me their own stories about how hard it is now to get an Airbnb because the law has changed in New York City requiring landlords to live in the same apartment that they’re renting. Friends who used to use Airbnb when they visited their kids in Brooklyn now have to pay for a hotel instead.

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