Green City Trips destination New York

Destination New York City, USA: Planning a city trip to New York and want to keep it eco-friendly? Here are some ideas and reviews of eco-friendly things to do and places to stay in New York. We’ve also included some links to the weather in New York and other useful travel information.

New York City and sustainability

Electricity buzzes non-stop in the Big Apple. It’s part of what makes it magical. At 3am you can still find open diners to eat at and clubs dropping the beat. It’s had numerous songs written about it, and most people still consider it the greatest city in the world. But NYC is so much more than the electricity it generates. It’s working to create innovative, eco-friendly ways to make itself a sustainable city.

Farm-to-table restaurants abound, sustainable apparel stores are popping up all over, and Brooklyn is all about making things in…well, Brooklyn. NYC has one of the largest, most efficient transit systems in the world. It’s the law to recycle and there are plenty of organizations dedicated to making the city green.


Eco-friendly hotels in New York City

Ink48- Kimpton Line Hotel

Ink48 is NYC’s answer to the Hotel Triton in San Fransisco. Kimpton Hotels are a standout when it comes to quality and earth care promotion. They create a unique experience by offering A boutique vibe, while also maintaining their commitment to the earth. They boast a comprehensive recycling program, which includes in-room receptacles and allows guests to recycle hangers, batteries and more.

Check availability and rates


The Conrad

Downtown Manhattan is known for all its shiny, new buildings. The Conrad, however has been built inside a pre-existing building. Call it an up-cycled, eco hotel if you will. It’s LEED Gold certified and has many noteworthy sustainable features.

Check availability and rates


Eco-friendly NYC tours & urban adventures

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The Highline

Modeled after Paris’, Promenade Plantee, The Highline is an old repurposed rail line on 10th Ave. Visitors can stroll along this outdoor garden, which sits above the street and overlooks the west side highway and NJ skyline. The park traverses a 1.45 mile stretch and does not allow biking or rollerblading. Instead, locals and visitors walk and enjoy the garden and view, and sometimes a public performance. The High Line beautifully integrates plant life and modern industry. Check out The High Line website here.


The Hornblower

Who says a party yacht can’t be eco-friendly? Not NYC’s the Hornblower! Powered by a combination of hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turnbines, this yacht is sailing around the harbor in style. The interior is sustainably sourced with floors made from post-consumer recycled materials, as well as its energy efficient windows and counter tops made from recycled vodka bottles. A great way to see the city by sea, they offer the ship for dining cruises, corporate events and weddings. Check out The Hornblower website for availability and rates.


Ecocult NYC

Since the city is always changing and offering things to do, Ecocult NYC has made finding eco-events each week accessible. Simply go on the site to see all the events, ranging from ongoing famers markets to pop up vegan shops. They also offer a comprehensive list of places to shop, eat and play. Check out Ecocult NYC website here.


Bike and walking tours

Central Park Bike offers a fun ride through the largest park in NYC. If you are interested in seeing a large portion of the park, this is a great way to do it.

Get up and Ride offers A customizable experience and will take you through Brooklyn, as well as Manhattan.

Free Tours by Foot is a local favorite for Manhattanites looking for something to do beyond the bar. They offer a wide variety of pay-what-you-can walking and biking tours, including night tours.

Citibike is NYC’s shared bike program. With a fleet of over 6000, you can rent your bike for varied increments of time and return it at one of the many drop off and pick up locations across the city.


NYC weather & other travel info

For the latest weather forecast for New York, check weather.com.

For all sorts of useful information about NYC as travel destination, check wikitravel.org.

Need travel insurance?

Still need travel insurance for your upcoming trip to NYC? Here’s why World Nomads is our favorite travel insurance for city trips.


This article on eco-friendly things to do and places to stay in NYC was curated by Misty Foster of Green Suitcase Travel – a boutique online travel agency specialized in trips centered around responsible travel.


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New York City: Hotels, Activities and Urban Adventures for Eco-Smart City Travelers
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