If you love traveling, a trip to New York is probably on your list, and for good reason! New York is unparalleled in its diversity, entertainment options, and energy. But, the Big Apple can also be big and overwhelming, and it’s helpful to have some great travel tips when visiting New York for the first time.
Here are our top ten travel tips for visiting New York:
- Pace yourself
- Take the subway
- Be aware of others
- Explore the boroughs
- Choose restaurants carefully
- See some theater
- Get ready to walk
- See some tourist destinations
- Prepare for the not-so-pretty parts
- Keep safety in mind
You’re probably still looking for some more in-depth information on what you should know before visiting New York for the first time, and we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll break down some do’s and don’ts while planning your trip. We’ll also provide you with some detailed tips on what to expect, what to put on your itinerary, and what to avoid. Keep reading to get the facts.
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Central Park, indulge in diverse culinary delights, and catch a Broadway show for a truly immersive and unforgettable first trip to the city of New York.
Looking for a quick New York City itinerary? Explore our guide to discover the best things you can do in New York in 3 days, from exploring Central Park to catching a Broadway show and indulging in world-class dining. Plus, find tips on how to enjoy New York on a budget, including affordable dining options and free attractions
What You Should Know Before Visiting New York
Having an amazing trip to New York starts way before you get to the city. There’s a lot you’ll need to think about when it comes to:
- How you plan to get to the city
- What to pack
- What to plan
- How to budget
In this section, we’ll discuss what you should know before visiting New York.
Do's and Don'ts in New York?
We’ve compiled a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to planning your New York trip. Check them out below!
DON'T: Plan to drive in the city.
WIth the almost-constant traffic and astronomical parking prices, driving your own car or even a rental car around New York is definitely not the way to go. If you will be driving to the city, do your research ahead of time to find affordable parking, and plan on walking or taking the subway during your trip.
DO: Be practical when you pack.
Make sure to check the weather and pack accordingly. New York during the holidays is magical, but the city’s tall buildings can create wind tunnels and block the sunlight in the winter, making it feel colder than it actually is. And, the concrete jungle traps in heat in the summer, so if you’re planning a July trip, be prepared for sticky, 90-degree days.
Bring functional clothes, too. New York is the fashion capital of the United States, so it’s natural to want to dress the part. But, you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to bring clothes that are as comfortable as they are cute.
And, be sure to leave a little room in your suitcase. The shopping in the city is unparalleled, and it’s hard not to leave with at least a couple of souvenirs.
DON'T: Plan every second of your trip.
There’s so much to see in New York, and it’s easy to want to fill your schedule to the brim. But, make sure to block out a couple of hours each day just to wander around. You’ll want to take time to savor the many incredible:
- Street performers
- Charming independent stores
- Beautiful parks around every corner
DO: Be aware of your budget.
It goes without saying: New York is expensive! It’s all too easy to drop the big bucks on meals, show tickets, and cab rides if you aren’t careful. To avoid this, be sure to set a limit for how much you feel comfortable spending.
There are many affordable, and even free, things to do in the city, so do some digging before your trip, and your wallet will thank you. Several of New York City museums offer free admission one night a week. And some tourist attractions, like the Met and the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), sell skip-the-line tickets at no added price if you book in advance. Discover the vibrant art scene of New York City with our curated guide to the best art museums to visit in NYC, showcasing a diverse range of artistic masterpieces.
DON'T: Book a hotel in a touristy area.
When you’re trying to find a place to stay, you’ll obviously want to find a convenient location. But, stay away from hotels directly in Times Square or other touristy areas. These places are bustling pretty much 24/7, making it hard to get some peace and quiet late at night.
10 Great Travel Tips When Visiting New York
Tip One: Pace Yourself.
In the city that never sleeps, it can be easy to want to spend every second of your day exploring and experiencing the city. But, with its constant barrage of sights, sounds, and smells, New York can cause sensory overload. And, if you’re spending all day on your feet, you’ll be pretty physically tired, too.
So, make sure you give yourself enough time to see everything you want to see while saving a little time in the day to relax and recuperate.
Tip Two: Take the Subway.
Don’t be afraid of the subway! While New York’s underground train system can be crowded and confusing to navigate at first, a trip on the subway is often quicker than an uber or a cab ride. The subway is also how the majority of New Yorkers get around when going to work, running errands, or going to see friends, so it can feel like a more authentic experience.
You’ll find world-class entertainment from the musicians performing on the platforms, and at $2.75 per ride, the subway is one of the least expensive ways to get around.
Tip Three: Be Aware of Others.
Don’t be afraid of the subway! While New York’s underground train system can be crowded and confusing to navigate at first, a trip on the subway is often quicker than an uber or a cab ride. The subway is also how the majority of New Yorkers get around when going to work, running errands, or going to see friends, so it can feel like a more authentic experience.
You’ll find world-class entertainment from the musicians performing on the platforms, and at $2.75 per ride, the subway is one of the least expensive ways to get around.
Tip Four: Explore the Different Boroughs.
A lot of New York first-timers make the mistake of staying in Manhattan during their trip. And while you can easily spend a five-day trip exploring Manhattan, there is also so much to see in the other four boroughs.
Take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and explore the charming, brownstone-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights. Or, venture to Jackson Heights in Queens to try some incredible, authentic Himalayan food.
Tip Five: Choose Your Restaurants Carefully.
New York is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, so make sure to choose wisely when it comes to eating. If there’s a well-known eatery your heart is set on, try to make a reservation ahead of time. And, steer clear of restaurants in the most touristy areas – these places are often packed, overpriced, and inauthentic.
New York’s pizza and bagels are legendary, but you’ll be in one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, so don’t be afraid to try some dishes that are out of your comfort zone, too. You’ll find amazing:
- Thai food in Elmhurst
- Authentic dim sum in Chinatown
- Top-notch Korean cuisine in Murray Hill, Queens
A quick note: if you’re traveling from outside of the United States, be sure to follow the country’s tipping culture. In New York, a 20% tip will be expected at anything above a fast-food restaurant.
Tip Six: See Some Theater.
New York is one of the world’s theater capitals, and we recommend that you experience a Broadway show at least once in your lifetime. The talent is unparalleled, and there are plays to see if musicals aren’t your thing.
Broadway tickets can be pricey, and the best strategy is often to buy half-price tickets from a TKTS booth on the day of the show. Or, try your luck at the ticket window at one of the theaters. Sometimes, theaters release extra tickets or have no-show seats to fill last-minute.
Broadway’s not the only place to see great theater in New York. Several off-broadway shows are happening at any given time, often with the Broadway shows’ same talent and entertainment level. To that point, some of these shows are aiming for Broadway, so you might be one of the first to see the next Hamilton.
Tip Seven: Get Ready to Walk.
The subway is a great way to get around the city, but the most efficient way to get to your next destination is often to just walk there.
- Opt for sneakers over heels
- Bring a bottle of water with you
- Be prepared to get all your steps in
Tip Eight: See Some Tourist Destinations.
Some people might tell you to steer clear of crowded, touristy places like Times Square and the Empire State Building. But, these places are tourist destinations for a reason, and they are worth seeing once. However, these places can also be crowded and stressful, so it’s a good idea to have a strategy when visiting these places.
For example, take a walk through Times Square at night after seeing a Broadway show. The crowds will likely be a little smaller than during the daytime, and the billboards look pretty amazing at night.
If you want to see some iconic landmarks and get great views of the city skyline, a great option is to take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. This will get you great views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan, and it’s free!
Tip Nine: Prepare for the Not-So-Pretty Parts.
New York has some incredible sights, but it also has some not-as-pleasant parts, too. There’s trash on the sidewalks, rats on the subway tracks, and cat-callers galore.
These are definitely less than charming, but they are a part of the city. So, if you’re visiting for the first time, it’s good to prepare yourself and know what you should expect.
Tip Ten: Keep Safety in Mind.
New York is a remarkably safe city on the whole, but it’s always a good idea to keep your belongings close to you and stay aware of your surroundings. There are almost no unsafe neighborhoods in Manhattan, so there’s often no need to worry as a tourist. Even so, be smart. Don’t roam around alone at 3 am. You’re likely to have it stolen if you hold your iPhone in your hand while you’re walking down the street.
Get Ready to Visit New York
Follow the do’s and don’ts and tips we’ve laid out in this article, and you’ll be prepared to take on New York and get the most out of your time in the city. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
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