Essential New York City Travel Tips from Locals
Visiting a crowded and awe-inspiring city like New York can be overwhelming for many.
But don’t worry. We have some handy tips for New York City travelers that will rescue you in times of confusion and distress!
Exploring New York City
New York is not just about the towering skyscrapers and the glittering streets.
Check out spaces like Central Park, Long Island, the boroughs, etc., to experience a different side of NYC.
We strongly recommend buying a sightseeing pass/city pass.
A city pass like the Go City New Explorer Pass or The New York CityPASS will allow you to access multiple attractions at highly discounted prices!
An important New York City tip is downloading the NYC map for easy use.
While you are out to explore the city, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Even though the subway will take care of transportation for most parts, the feel of being a New Yorker will only come by stepping onto the streets.
Wake up early to get the best sunrise views and avoid huge crowds at popular tourist attractions.
Transportation In NYC
The best tip for New York City exploration is to take advantage of public transportation.
Options like the Subway are cheap, well-connected and easy to access.
You can enjoy free access to NYC public transportation with Go City New Explorer Pass.
Renting a car or taking cabs will not be a good idea because NYC traffic is one of the worst nightmares any tourist can experience in New York.
Visiting restaurants
When identifying a place to eat, look for an “A” sign.
The “A” sign refers to a “clean chit” rating given by the Board of Health and means that this place is clean and healthy to eat in.
Tipping is commonplace in the NY culture. So, waiters and staff will expect you to leave a generous tip.
It is essential to keep in mind that you can not use the restroom in a restaurant you do not dine at.
However, Starbucks, Penn Station in the Long Island Railroad Terminal and New Jersey Amtrak offer free restrooms.
Read about the best NYC restaurants for more insider New York City tips.
Famous NYC Streets and Sidewalks
Sidewalk manners are crucial to remember in NY.
New Yorkers are always in a rush. This means two things:
One, you might not be welcomed if you interrupt locals for directions and two, do not stop on a busy sidewalk.
The rushing New Yorkers move on the left, so always keep to your right on the sidewalk.
Also, if you are in a group, ensure you do not take up the entire sidewalk space.
Watch out for scammers and pickpockets on the street. You might also encounter people approaching.
Times Square is also home to many fake electronic stores and fake monks who will most likely try to get some money out of you.
Other important New York City Tips
Know what to pack and dress according to the season and weather during your visit.
New York City is massive, so we recommend getting accommodation close to the area or the attractions you plan to visit. This way, you can save time, energy and money.
Plan your budget for the trip. New York is expensive, which is why planning according to your budget is something we strongly advise you to do.
Your budget plays a big role in determining the kind of experiences/activities you can go for. If you’re an extreme budget traveler, you should go for the Go City New Explorer Pass.
Note: There are many free things to do in New York that can help you make the most of your trip.
Featured Image: DemocratandChronicle.com