New York is set to welcome football fans from across the globe this summer for the World Cup, though most will be transported to MetLife Stadium in northern New Jersey at a significant cost.
Stadium and Matches
MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's Jets and Giants, will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19. The 80,000-seat venue previously hosted the Super Bowl and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
Landmarks and Attractions
Tourists can visit the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Empire State Building, Central Park, Coney Island, and enjoy Broadway shows or performances at Radio City Music Hall. Major League Baseball's Yankees and Mets also have home games, including the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium during the final weekend.
Food Scene
New York offers diverse cuisine, from bagels and pizza to Michelin-starred restaurants. Steakhouses and Italian eateries are plentiful in Manhattan, while Flushing in Queens provides excellent Asian food.
Fan Zones
Free fan zones will be in all five boroughs: Rockefeller Center (Manhattan), Billie Jean King Tennis Center (Queens), East River waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn), a shopping mall near Yankee Stadium (Bronx), and a minor league baseball stadium (Staten Island). A paid zone at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, costs $10 for adults and is free for children under 12 with a ticket.
Transportation
A round-trip train ticket from Penn Station to East Rutherford on NJ Transit costs $98, down from the initial $150, but requires a transfer at Secaucus Junction. Tickets must be bought in advance for a specific time slot. Alternatively, fans can take NJ Transit from Secaucus or Hoboken Terminal. FIFA's official shuttle bus costs $20 and departs from Grand Central Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal, a north Midtown site, or a park-and-ride in Clifton, New Jersey. Parking is limited to premium spots at the stadium and American Dream mall, with ride-share pickup at the Meadowlands racetrack.
Stadium Tips
Allow extra time for entry and exit due to long lines and logistical complications, especially with no parking or tailgating and many fans unfamiliar with the venue.
