New York City is a vibrant place to visit, but arriving unprepared can lead to unnecessary expenses and wasted time. Receiving over 60 million visitors every year, it is best to plan accordingly. From choosing best times of year to traveling around the city, below are 30 helpful tips.
Best Times to Visit and Research
The months of May and June as well as September and October are the most agreeable weather-wise. December gives a festive Christmas spirit to visitors, though it is also a very expensive month.
It is best to avoid driving because traffic jams and parking fees make traveling long distances very difficult. It is also more prudent to use the subway system. It is recommended to book restaurants, hotels, tours, and other experiences at least two months in advance.
Learning some local phrases can make the trip more exciting. New Yorkers often use the term bodega for convenience shops and order pizza by telling the server that they want just a piece of pizza or a slice. Another interesting aspect about the New York slang is that the name of the street, Houston Street, is pronounced differently than the name of the city in Texas.
Visitors should also wear good walking shoes and have at least 2 pairs of shoes to change during the trip as well as safeguard their belongings. Midtown, especially Times Square, is a dangerous area in terms of pickpockets. People should be more careful of scams of different kinds, which includes fake ticket sellers, street performers dressed as cartoon characters and phony monks. Do not forget to buy tickets through authorized channels of distribution.
Knowing how to navigate the City better
Thanks to the grid plan, Manhattan streets are easy to navigate since streets run from east to west and avenues from north to south. However, the layout of streets becomes confusing in Greenwich Village, where you may need the help of Google maps.
Tourists should also check out areas outside of Manhattan to experience different neighborhoods and a more local way of life. Tourists can also find out about the history of the city, its food, and its main sights by going on guided tours.
Ensuring that you observe the basic rules for sidewalk etiquette is also important. Do not stop halfway down busy streets to check your phone or take photos. Move aside so that other people can walk. New York has a culture of tipping in which people tip about 20% in restaurants and 15 to 20% to taxi drivers. Tour guides also accept tips of around 20% depending on the service. In pubs, it is common to leave a dollar for each drink that you order.
Having cash is also a good idea as some places in places like China Town only accept cash. Visitors from abroad can also consider purchasing an eSIM in order to avoid incurring high roaming charges.
To get to the airport, you can count on taxis, car-hailing apps, and public transport. Avoid unmarked taxis when taking a taxi and be wary of common taxi scams.
In the city, the subway is undoubtedly the best transport option. Locals refer to subways more with letters or numbers than colors.
When taking the subway, you should let people get off before you get on, keep your bag in front of you, give your seat to people in need, and stand on the right side of the escalator so other people can walk on the left side. It is not recommended to take an empty car because it may have an unpleasant smell inside.
It should never be paid to individuals selling tickets for this ferry. If you feel like cycling, the Hudson River Greenway with Citibank is a great way to see the city.
Recommendations for Eating and Sleeping
The food scene in New York is worth trying out; food carts and food trucks sell a selection of cheap food including halal food, and birria tacos. Tourists and travelers should taste international restaurants in New York instead of limiting their palate only to American food, as there are a lot of choices, such as Greek, Moroccan, Thai, Cambodian, and Ethiopian food.
When discussing accommodation, Times Square is not usually a good choice. Prices for hotels can be high, and restaurants and attractions around it are mostly aimed at tourists. Other areas of the city are Lower Manhattan, Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Long Island City can be one of the options, where prices for hotels can be around $200–$300 per night, plus only 10 minutes to Midtown by train. If budget is not an issue, the Peninsula Hotel on Fifth Avenue is an excellent choice for luxury accommodation in New York City.
Last Advice to First-Time Visitors
For those looking for a genuine experience, they should avoid wearing anything conventionally considered touristy and keep an open mind while exploring various neighborhoods. The good thing is that even though New Yorkers look like they are always in a hurry and tend to be direct, they will usually assist tourists.
In summary, by planning ahead, using smart transportation methods, being aware of the most popular scams, and being willing to stray from the beaten path, tourists can make their New York visits much more enjoyable.
