I’m a proud New Yorker who was born and raised in New York City. When someone asks me what they should know when visiting New York for the first time, I don’t always know where to start as there’s so many things to do in New York. I’ve decided to take a different approach here with some NYC local secrets to help you navigate your trip better.
Expect some humorous tips for first time visitors to New York (although those on their fifth trip to NYC might find this travel advice helpful). I sincerely hope that these New York travel tips come in handy and help you avoid some of the mistakes that people make on their first trip to New York. 20 Insider tips for New York under the cut.
Contents
- 1 You have not seen all of New York City until you’ve left Manhattan.
- 2 NYC taxis are slow due to traffic and there is a proper way to call a taxi.
- 3 Public Transit in New York is great, including the subway.
- 4 Should you bring your car to NYC? No.
- 5 Don’t walk everywhere
- 6 Avoid Times Square unless you’re a Broadway fan.
- 7 Check if restaurants have an “A” rating from the NYC health department.
- 8 Eat all the delicious food in NYC! Don’t eat at chain restaurants and don’t feel like you only need to go to only cool hotspots.
- 9 Give New York enough time.
- 10 The holiday season in New York is magical, but expensive.
- 11 A cheap New York trip is possible if you do your research ahead.
- 12 Don’t obsess about the main tourist attractions in NYC; you can’t see everything in one trip.
- 13 Don’t waste your money on a view alone!
- 14 New Yorkers are not that rude
- 15 Be aware of yourself: Safety tips for New York
- 16 New York City is tough for solo female travelers.
- 17 Avoid the tourist traps in New York and don’t buy anything off the street!
- 18 You don’t need to be fashionable in New York, but it can’t hurt.
- 19 New York is filthy
- 20 There’s not ONE New York culture; New York is ever-changing
- 21 Final thoughts
- 22 Have you been to New York? Did you fall in love with New York?
You have not seen all of New York City until you’ve left Manhattan.
Most people only associate New York City with Manhattan, however New York has so much more to offer, including four other boroughs. That includes Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island.
I cannot tell you how many times people have told me that they’ve been to New York and they’ve done everything. When I ask if they’ve been to Queens, it’s always a no. (Hint: I grew up in Queens, which is also where LaGuardia Airport and JFK are located. This is also one of the most diverse counties in the United States!)
NYC taxis are slow due to traffic and there is a proper way to call a taxi.
You know the movies where the hero calls a cab in New York and rushes to tell the one that he/she loves her/him? You won’t make it in time in real life.
Taxis are generally very expensive in New York and if you’re in a rush, traffic will make it about the same speed (or slower) than the subway. Sometimes, walking is even faster.
Side note: When you’re walking, you’ll see metal grates and cellar doors. Don’t walk over them. There’s always some horror story about them. Urban legend? Probably, but better safe than sorry.
If you want to call a taxi in New York City, this is how to do it: Stand on the curb NOT by a bus stop, put your arm confidently UP and stand there intensely looking at the cars.
Public Transit in New York is great, including the subway.
Don’t be afraid of the subway in NY besides the handrails [more about this later]. I’m not really sure where the stigma of the subway comes from, but I promise you: I’ve never met a mole person (although I admit: count the rats is a real game that I play with friends). The week unlimited subway pass is worth it if you’ll be taking the train a lot over 4-5 days.
Subway etiquette includes NOT making eye contact. Like, you’re allowed to look around ~subtly, but don’t be that creep who stares directly at someone the whole time. It’s weird and creepy. It’s only okay if someone has a kitten that they’re carrying on the subway. In that case, feel free to go crazy over it. (Thanks to Mae Ahern for this amazing photo.)
Express v. Local Subway Trains (or Buses). Don’t get on the express subway or bus unless you’re sure that it’s going to stop off where you want it to. The regular train will stop at the majority of the stops (with skipping some) while the express trains will skip on average half the stops. Don’t get on the local train because it will take twice the time.
You need to know which entrance you need for the subway via the direction that you’re headed. Check before you pay to get into the subway station as you might need to exit to get to the other side.
East Bound/ West Bound and Uptown / Downtown can be a bit confusing if the endpoint is in a different borough, but a good subway map should help you figure out the endpoint. If you’re in Manhattan, imagine a grid with yourself looking up (uptown) and to the right (east). Click for a full post of subway tips.
Should you bring your car to NYC? No.
In general, I don’t recommend driving or parking in New York City. When my husband drove with me to New York, he was shocked about the cost of the bridges, which are not cheap. You can’t really avoid them, so if you can find reasonable parking, it’s nice not needing to deal with parking and driving in New York City. Most New Yorkers also hate paying the bridge tolls, even if they get a discount.
If you’re visiting New York City and you have a car, the best thing to do is to find a parking lot near a New Jersey transit station or Newark airport and park it there. It’s typical to pay at least $25 per day.
If you don’t have a choice, my dad swears by the BESTPARKING app for checking deals at various parking garages to find the cheapest ones and getting coupons by reserving a spot. The only thing is that you need to “reserve ” the spot then show your deal to the parking attendant.
Don’t walk everywhere
I consider this one of my most important tips for first-time visitors to NYC. It takes a while to get around New York, so take public transit in between neighborhoods. Although I definitely encourage you to walk around New York, it’s best to limit your walking to smaller neighborhoods where you won’t be going 6+ blocks without seeing anything you’re interested in.
Although you might think that walking is a good idea (and you can see a lot), your feet will be killing you by the end of day 1. It’s good to see one neighborhood, hop on the train to the next, and then hop back on the train once you’re done.
When showing friends around, they worry that they’ll be missing out if they take the train, however, if you take the train in some of the boroughs outside of Manhattan, you’ll have a very scenic train ride. It depends on the subway, however I always love taking the N, Q, and 7 trains in Queens due to the fact that you’re above ground. This is also the case for some Brooklyn trains as they head towards Coney Island.
Don’t worry: You’ll still be walking enough to burn off those bagels and delicious meals, but you’ll be able to see SO MUCH more than if you decide to walk just for hours on end. (Also it gets tiresome to walk past the millionth office building in between SoHo and Midtown.)
Avoid Times Square unless you’re a Broadway fan.
I think of Times Square as a light bulb as it attracts the worst of NYC: the crowds, overpriced things, and chain restaurants. Don’t bother visiting Times Square during the day or rush hour. Besides it is a must for most visiting tourists (especially at night), there’s mostly overpriced chain food directly on the Square. You can check out my guide to Times Square for a surprisingly good local coffee shop that I love with fantastic desserts, but otherwise, I only head to Times Square for occasional shopping, subway transfers, and when people are visiting.
That said, I understand if you want to see it at night. Times Square at night is like daylight, so your photos will actually come out better and it’s quite atmospheric to see the entirety of Times Square lit up like its Christmas every day.
My insider tip is to get a last-minute ticket at the TKTS booth in Times Square for a Broadway production (clear your morning) and once you’re in a Broadway show, you’ll finally understand why New Yorkers endure this area. You’ll also find a lot of TV shows filming in this area, so you might be able to watch a favorite comedian or talk-show host filming for free!
Check if restaurants have an “A” rating from the NYC health department.
Only eat at restaurants that have an A rating from the NYC Health Department. If you do not see an “A” posted outside of the restaurant, leave and do not eat there. To be fair, street food does not currently have ratings, so use your judgment in evaluating whether or not you want to eat at a place.
Simply: A non-A rating means that they do not have a clean kitchen and/or the restaurant received infractions on their cleanliness rating for something. My dad always looks at what the infractions are prior to committing to eating at any restaurant, but I can’t really say that it’s always appetizing to read these reviews….
Eat all the delicious food in NYC! Don’t eat at chain restaurants and don’t feel like you only need to go to only cool hotspots.
There are about a million cool eateries and the best places to eat in NYC list is ever-changing, however, there is something to be said for the foods that make me miss New York.
That list is fairly constant and includes bagels, pizza, and Chinese food. Just take out some cash as many cheaper New York restaurants that mostly cater to locals are cash only. You’ll easily find ATMs all over Manhattan, so don’t worry about finding one.
Food lovers, consider this a competition of how many you can try while in New York: bagels (with lox and schmear [cream cheese)), New York Style PIZZA (don’t ever let anyone tell you Chicago style is better), great Dim Sum (Flushing), Chicken & Rice (Halal Brothers), Bialy (the delicious cousin of bagels), Black & White Cookies, Cheesecake from Junior’s, Babka (delicious chocolate loaf cake), steak, pastrami sandwiches, knishes, hamburgers (Shake Shack), and delicious Ramen. Click for my tips on where to find the best classic New York City foods!
Note that rainbow bagels are not on this list as they taste like play-doh. There are so many better foods to eat AND Instagram while you’re in New York. Prioritize taste over appearance. It’s also great not having to wait in line for one treat. For bagels, I think that it’s harder to find a place with a bad bagel… At least I haven’t found one yet!
Give New York enough time.
Wondering how long to spend in New York City? New York City is SO BIG and I usually recommend that you take spend 3 days in New York at a minimum. I think that this is the minimum for just going to the main attractions in Manhattan.
I consider 5 days in New York City to be the sweet spot for being able to explore New York without being rushed. If you have more time, seven days is great as you can take more time to see the outer boroughs! For more info on what to see, do, and eat over 5 days in NYC, click here for my insider’s guide!
The holiday season in New York is magical, but expensive.
New Year’s Eve in New York City….is definitely something to experience once. Personally, it wasn’t for me between the waiting, crowds, and lack of bathrooms, but some people love it. I went one year with friends and I found it claustrophobic and cold. I wrote a bit more about my experience here: Click for insider tips for visiting New York City for the holiday season, including Thanksgiving and New Years!
More generally, the holidays are a magical time in New York City due to the Christmas windows at the stores, but you’ll pay a premium to be in New York around this time. Book your hotels well in advance and plan your meals carefully on days when many restaurants will be closed.
There is something about cozying up with a hot chocolate watching the Thanksgiving parade floats being blown up. As a child, my parents brought me quite a few times to see the Thanksgiving floats blown up the night before. It is really worth it!
For getting off the beaten path, Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for their crazy Christmas light displays! I have a weakness for the Christmas windows along 5th Avenue myself. I wrote an entire post focused on Christmas in New York that includes what to do on Christmas itself.
A cheap New York trip is possible if you do your research ahead.
New York doesn’t have to be expensive, but you need to do your research ahead to know which museums you can get into with a suggested donation and which areas to stay in. It’s very important to do your research in New York on good neighborhoods as not everyone is used to big cities and NYC is big enough that you want to think carefully about what makes sense for your trip.
Just book your hotel ahead of time and if you can, avoid using Airbnb. Airbnb has been a mess in New York City and New York has been cracking down on illegal rentals. Given how tight the New York housing market is for locals and how Airbnb has not helped the housing situation, I encourage you to stay at a hotel.
You can save a lot of money by staying outside of Midtown in Queens, Brooklyn, or even Staten Island. Even now, there are more hotels that are a mix of budget and luxury with great central locations although you will always sacrifice something if you find a cheaper hotel in New York City. I have a few recommended affordable hotels that I recommend staying in.
A lot of the best parts of New York involve just walking around and soaking in the city. A little glimpse into my favorite free activities: wandering around Central Park, walking around the Lower East Side, doing a self-guided food tour of Flushing (one of the best neighborhoods in Queens!), and strolling around the High Line. Click for free and budget activities in NYC all under $10 including tips on finding cheaper accommodations!
Don’t obsess about the main tourist attractions in NYC; you can’t see everything in one trip.
Don’t feel like you need to do everything. A lot of my friends come to NYC feeling overwhelmed and like they need to see/do all the major attractions. As someone who grew up in New York, I can tell you: you will NEVER see everything. I’ve tried, but New York City never stays the same… That said, the major attractions remain there for your next trip.
Nothing remains stationary, so even if you live in New York, you’ll constantly be discovering new neighborhoods, museum exhibits, and eateries! I love to pick up Time Out New York or check their website to find out about upcoming parties, events, and museum exhibitions. A new edition comes out each week.
I think that one of the most important things to know when traveling to New York is that you can try and rush about to see AS MUCH AS possible, but at some point, consider what you actually want to see rather than ticking off every box off some list you found on the internet.
Don’t waste your money on a view alone!
Don’t waste your money on a view if you can get a drink AND a view for half the price. There are so many great rooftop bars in New York City, so don’t feel that you need to go to the top of the Empire State Building if you’re 21+.
There are many rooftop bars in New York that vary in terms of how formal and crowded they are. I recommend looking into Pod39, which is one of the lesser-known ones, where you can also buy a taco. In general, it’s best to dress up if you intend to get into a rooftop bar. It’s a bit easier to get in earlier in the day, especially in the afternoon.
New Yorkers are not that rude
A lot of people that I meet expect New Yorkers to be very rude, but like anywhere, you might find someone you don’t like. Maybe we’re a bit more brusque than Midwesterners or Kentuckians.
We’re 99% human underneath all those black clothes (I kid; I own a red dress). I’d say on average that we’re a bit more skeptical of strangers, but we’re good souls who will talk your ear off given the opportunity about how amazing (and expensive) New York City is.
Please don’t give a 5-minute explanation if you’re asking for directions. I recommend avoiding people with headphones and those who are on the phone as they’re just busy! Look for someone who isn’t in a rush (the biggest barrier to being able to help!) and ask your question straight away, “Where is X?” or “How can I get to X using Y?” “Which stop do I get off at for Z?”
Even I’m guilty of getting impatient with visitors who tell me that they’re visiting from _____ and it’s their first time in NYC, but you will always find people happy to help if you’re not taking up a lot of time. Just prepare your question before you stop someone.
How to befriend New Yorkers
- Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look up and/or take photos.
- Let fast people walk in the middle on the right side and if you’re going slow, stay on the edges away from the middle.
- Don’t dance on the subway poles.
- If you’re with a group, do not walk all together in a group in a row blocking everyone from passing you.
- Don’t block the subway doors even if it’s crowded as people might be trying to get out of the subway doors.
- Let people exit the subway/bus before you get on.
- Asking us to say the word coffee a million times. The New York accent is very real although surprisingly diverse. Mine has receded a bit in recent years, but it’s still there!
I swear that we’re nice. Just give us a chance and don’t cut us in line.
Be aware of yourself: Safety tips for New York
I wish that I didn’t need to write this, but crime can be an issue in some areas of New York, especially compared to some very smaller towns that many people visit from.
It depends on the neighborhood, so always look up the reputation of the neighborhood where you’re staying before you book. Be smart. Do not wear your headphones at night and don’t flash all your electronics in public places. Lots of New Yorkers have iPhones, but it’s best not to carry around items that you don’t need. Secure your laptop and other items in your hotel room.
New York is safe most of the time, but you need to use your common sense and not leave your items out unattended. Pickpocketing isn’t an issue like in Europe, but if you leave something out, you might not get it back.
Most importantly: use your spider senses. If you’re not feeling good about a situation, get out of there. I generally don’t like walking in parks late at night and I’d say that this is generally good advice, especially on Fridays and Saturday nights.
New York City is tough for solo female travelers.
NYC is not a cakewalk for solo female travelers. I love New York, but I’ve experienced some of the worst sexual harassment that I’ve ever endured anywhere…in New York.
Even after traveling to almost 30 countries, I’m still shocked by how many patronizing comments you’ll hear as a young woman just walking down a street by passing dudes. “Why don’t you smile?” “You look so sexy“
I once got harassed by a passing truck driver while I was wearing a puffy down jacket, baggy pants, and winter boots!? I take a strong stance that women should be able to travel without harassment, but this is a reality for many women here. It’s gotten better as I’ve gotten older, but it can get to you.
If you’re uncomfortable, don’t feel like you need to be nice. I find just walking away is very effective although putting in your headphones works too. For the record, it does NOT matter what you wear. If anything happens, find a nearby cop or call 911. If you’re worried that you’re being followed, work at trying to step into an open shop and losing your tail by a series of quick turns if possible. Also, consider finding another woman to recognize on the street before explaining your situation.
Avoid the tourist traps in New York and don’t buy anything off the street!
There are a lot of tourist traps in New York and some people will tell you anything to get you in the door. If you’re walking through a heavily trafficked area and someone gives you a flyer for an attraction promising you that you’ll see Aziz Ansari (or any other comedian) for $0/$5, don’t believe it. Those comedy nights rarely include anyone famous and many of these shows are “free” as long as you meet the $15 drink minimum.
Similarly, there are a lot of restaurants that CLAIM to have authentic food, but the ones that are authentic don’t need to assert that they were the first or the best. The real ones will be FULL with locals waiting for a table, so use Yelp to find the real thing.
Don’t buy stuff, especially water bottles, on the street. I always check if the bottle has been previously opened, however paying more than $1 for a water bottle is a rip-off. No matter how thirsty you are, keep walking to the nearest bodega. The CVS down the street, as well as the local bodega, are good places to buy a bottle of water. (You can refill your water at water fountains usually found within parks!) Paying with a card shouldn’t be a problem. I wrote a guide about finding the best souvenirs in New York on a budget, so skip the aggressive street sales and go straight for stores with set prices.
If someone offers you something on the street, please don’t take it whether it’s drugs, fake designer purses, or an offer for a massage. You know it won’t end well.
You don’t need to be fashionable in New York, but it can’t hurt.
Wondering what to wear for your trip to New York? Don’t feel like you need to be a fashionista and wear comfortable shoes. Despite its reputation, nobody cares whether you look fashionable OR cool beyond not looking sloppy.
You can look cool (and black is always in), but go for comfy cool. Think black dresses with white sneakers or chic comfy flats, but if you want to wear the craziest outfit you have, go for it. If anything, someone might ask you for a photo as they love your outfit. (It’s happened to me!) Uniqueness is valued, so bring some fun clothes with you (or buy them here).
Don’t wear heels if you can’t walk for miles in them. You can always carry them in your bag if you want them for photos, but if your goal is to SEE as much as possible, I recommend a comfortable pair of sneakers rather than heels. You’ll be walking miles, even if you don’t intend to!
New York is filthy
After reading enough studies about subway handrails (touching one is like shaking hands with 10,000 people), I always carry antibacterial gel with me at all times and avoid touching the handrails/buttons everywhere. I strongly recommend that you do the same.
You will need to pay for a clean bathroom whether it’s by buying a coffee or a water or…just paying a fee. Starbucks is on every corner, but don’t use the bathroom of the one in Penn Station.
If you’re walking around, I generally do not recommend the public bathrooms and/or the bathroom at the local bodega (corner store) most of the time. Pay for anything at a coffee shop, bar, or restaurant and trust me, it is worth every penny. My recent habit is to go into nicer looking bars (if you’re over 21+) as the women’s restroom is generally well maintained.
There’s not ONE New York culture; New York is ever-changing
NYC might be famous for its skyscrapers, but at its heart, New York is a city of immigrants. It’s estimated that more than 800 languages are spoken in New York and all that matters for being a New Yorker is that YOU call yourself a New Yorker.
Most New Yorkers are not born in New York City (I’m an exception), let alone the United States, but this means that we have a common bond: our love of this gritty, dirty, noisy, iconic city that we call home.
If you come to New York looking for the New York that you see in movies/TV shows, you’ll find it. But, I think it’s far more important to see the real New York that inspired it.
You’ll understand why people fall head over heels for this dirty city (I warned you), you need to experience the uniqueness that defines New York: the many different groups that coexist here side by side with their own distinct bits that they contribute to New York’s culture.
Whether you’re after knishes, Chinese food from a region next to the Korean border, Colombian areas, Yemeni tea, Himalayan food, cannolis, or even New York cheesecake, you’ll quickly understand why we love this city before dinner time.
Final thoughts
New York City is just magical. You know that saying: ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN NEW YORK? It’s true, including the fuzzy feel-good stories that made Humans of New York famous, people carrying around kittens on the subway, seeing some of the world’s best fashion on the street, spotting celebrities walking into your neighborhood deli, impromptu dancing in the street, and even getting discovered by modeling agents (it happened to Jennifer Lawrence).
New York City can wear you down, but if you allow it to show itself to you with all its quirks, beauty, and charm, you’ll fall in love with New York (or just really hate it). I hope that you get the chance to judge it for itself.
Have you been to New York? Did you fall in love with New York?
- For more insider tips for New York City, keep reading:
- 5 Days in New York: Your Ultimate Guide by a New Yorker
- New York City on a Budget
- Two days in New York
- Where to shop in New York
- New York Off the Beaten Path
- Best Museums in NYC
- The Best of NYC for the Holidays
- NYC for Christmas
- JFK Airport to Manhattan
- Your guide to the New York City Subway by a New Yorker
I’ve been to NYC and was too scared to take the subway, which is funny because I grew up riding trains all the time (I grew up in Japan). Your tips are awesome and I’ll def make sure not to make eye contact! 🙂
Loved it. I cant wait to go to NY.. got my visa and plotting my bucketlist. Will be referring to this article when planning.thanks
This is a terrific list – love the tip about finding a clean bathroom. I’m not sure I would enjoy the ‘count the rats’ game, ha!
Hi Karen!
I’m from Portugal and I am planning to spend 10 nights in NY in April. It will b my 1st time in the city.
I loved your post and took many notes.
Thank you for your great post!
Awesome post. I love the way you describe New York and I agree. Based on my three days experience at Christmas time in Manhattan 😀 Since that time I always wanted to come back to explore the other neighbourhoods, too. I will do so one day, for sure!
Right on. I grew up in Jersey so I have visited NYC quite a bit. I recently went during Christmas time because like you said, it’s magical. I found myself laughing quite a bit during this post ESPECIALLY about making eye contact. I live in Texas now and have to let people know that making eye contact is something I have to gradually condition myself to.
Thanks so much for commenting Courtney! I really think kittens make everyone’s day, but yeah I’m also bad at eye contact. I either do it too much or I avoid it. Glad it made you laugh!
That’s a great tip about the A ratings for restaurants, and thanks for being so honest about NYC for female travellers. Really appreciate that.
Great post and insight! I really like that you included the Queens/Brooklyn bit. My best friend lived in Astoria for a bit and I couldn’t get over how different it was when I visited her many moons ago. I def agree with dining locally; but I think that should always be the case for anyone traveling in the USA. Mom and Pop places are the best! I’ve been to NYC quite a few times (and lived in Greenwich Village for a summer when I was 16), but I was a bit salty that we had to go to Times Square and other touristy things last time I was there as James wanted to see it all. We did some fun stuff as well 🙂 There’s always something to see and do there!
Seriously great list girl, I’ve never seen tips this practical and real! I’m headed to NYC next week, so this is perfect!
I love all these tips! I made the mistake of #5 and realised quickly that NYC was massive… and i had sore feet the next day!!!!
Very interesting post. I didn’t know anything about New York to be honest so this post was a nice read and very helpful as well.
I especially had to laugh at the How not to piss off the locals tips – that was a great one and I think everyone who travels should read this as it counts for every single touristy city!
Loved every minute of this Karen! I’ve NEVER been to NYC – can you believe that? But it is on my list, especially now I’m living in North America. Not only is this list super comprehensive – there are a myriad of other articles that i’m now about to spend 2 hours reading haha. Absolutely returning to this to make notes when I finally book my trip!
I particularly enjoyed your taxi advice – haha! Cash only restaurants is so useful, would never have thought about that as I only ever pay on card! The different neighbourhoods I will definitely explore now – you should do neighbourhood guides too!
How not to piss off locals was hilarious – it sounds EXACTLY like London. The number one way to piss of a local there however is to STAND on the wrong side of the escalator and block the people who are in a rush. Is that the same in NYC?? I wonder if it’s the other side like the roads…hahaha. Great work!
Hey Elise,
London reminded me A LOT of NYC actually. I definitely feel like I did when I was there just because my American sense was making me think that I should be on the other side …. Oops.
I’m so glad that you loved this and I can’t wait to hear your feedback after you visit NYC for the first time.
Best,
Karen
Haha the bit about not pissing off the locals is basically all true for London too except the ‘coffee’ part! Also OH MY GOD A KITTEN.
I’ve been to New York a few times (the first time I spent most mornings queuing at the TKTS booth for Broadway shows and I never once felt unsafe despite being on my own). These are great tips, if I ever go back I’m going to make it my mission to explore further out than just Manhatten/Staten Island.
What a great post filled with the perfect tips! I tell everyone #13. I however love walking everywhere cause you always see something new or experience something different!
It makes me sad when I see people eating at the chain restaurants! I have such a long list of restaurants I want to try.
Some excellent points! I am a fellow Northeasterner (Boston) so I’ve been to New York a handful of times and these are things I definitely needed a reminder of because New York is SOOOO much bigger than Boston and is a totally different vibe. My favorite were your tips to not piss off locals, lol!
First things first… The kitten is adorable! I spent a few moments just admiring the little guy! That being said…. I agree with using your spidey sense. Not just in New York City (I haven’t been there yet! Need to !) but wherever in the world you may live or travel to. If you sense something is wrong then get your butt out of there! Better safe than sorry!
As a fellow New Yorker, I found myself nodding in agreement to all of this! So many great tips and pointers (which everyone who lives here will appreciate). It’s always nice to see an NYC post that’s more in depth than “visit the Highline!”
Great post, agree 100% on the comfortable shoes! By the end of day one in New York I was craving my workout trainers 🙂
Great list! I’d add for #16 that it’s more annoying than that you feel unsafe. One of the things I love about NYC is that there are always people around so there’s always someone you can go to if you need to just roll your eyes at someone about something or if you truly do need help.
Hi Erin, I’d disagree. It really depends on the time of day and where you are. There have been times where I’ve been totally alone and felt unsafe. I’m glad you haven’t had these experiences, but they are mine.
Best,
Karen
I love New York, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world. It is, however, not that easy for newbie visitors. Your post is one of the best I’ve read — I agree with all your tips, and learned a lot too.
I love the photos in this post – especially the one with the white triangular roof. Gorgeous!
I feel like I had done NYC to death as a tourist, but now I know a few of the local hints and tricks I might be tempted to go back. Even just to count the rats 😉
Hi Anna,
That’s the new One World Trade with all credit to my dear friend Laura. 🙂 I hope you return soon to see it for yourself!
Best,
Karen
I’m so glad I saw this post! I happen to be heading to NYC next week for the second time and this was actually super helpful. Last time I was there, I did a lot of the “touristy” stuff, so I’m more excited to try local foodie spots and a couple happy hours. Thanks for the encouragement about visiting the other boroughs! I’ve only been to Manhatten and Brooklyn, so I might branch out more this time :). Great post!
I grew up right outside of NYC and this article is spot on!
Love this post, Karen! I am visiting NYC around Labor Day and am excited to utilize your tips. Pinning for later! Thank you so much! <3
I loved reading this post, New York is one of my favourite places in the world. I’m visiting twice later this year, first by myself and second right before christmas which I’m so excited about. As I’ve been to quite a few of the main tourist attractions before, I’m really looking forward to exploring the city further and finding some amazing food places! xo
omg I actually LOVED #14, made me giggle a bit on your mention of Midwesterners (I live in Wisconsin). I’d applied for my dream job fresh out of college and it was in NYC, and a direct quote from my dad was “You’re going to get eaten alive in NYC.” (The job was for Buzzfeed, which of course I had no chance in getting but HAD to apply)
I’m also just super curious about the urban legends around the cellar doors and metal grates… now going to look those up!
I 100% agree with all these tips for visiting NYC for the first time! I just came back from visiting the city for the 4th time and actually spent most of my time in Brooklyn and some time in Queens!! I’m definitely excited to go back again because NYC is constantly changing, which is what I love the most about it!! Thanks for summing up all these tips!
I wish I had read this in February when I went to New York because I booked an Airbnb. That is an essential tip. Also, I’ve always wondered what the NYC rainbow bagels taste like….it’s good to know I’m not missing out! This post definitely made me miss all of the wonderful food, especially the photo of the bagel and lox. I’ll keep these tips in mind for when I visit NYC next 🙂
ok so I am researching booking a trip in october and I was considering airBnB. Is it really that bad? also I will be with my elderly grandparents so I want to stay somewhere comfortable for them. any thoughts?
Well I was 13 when I went to New York so it’s safe to say that I haven’t seen much of the city . . . and I have been dying to go back ever since. This is very useful, especially because it’s good to be reminded that there is no “one” New York. New York is so many things to so many different people from different backgrounds. I want to experience what calls to me, not just what is on the top lists because for me that’s the best way to see any place.
Love this, as someone who used to live in NYC, I can 100% agree with all of this. My favorite tip is, and always will be, do not go to Times Square!!! Lol
I visited NYC about 10 years ago and wandered around totally aimlessly as I had no idea what to see! I still really enjoyed it though and was charmed by the yellow taxis and steam rising from the pavement grids. It seemed just like the movies. I visited Williamsburg and Brooklyn so hopefully didn’t only spend my time in Manhatten. I remember sharing beers with some firemen at a bar and being in awe of their accents (I’m from England). A great city! Such a helpful post. Makes me want to revisit.
Wish I had known some of these tips before I went to NYC. The first time we used the subway we were unaware of the normal vs. express line. So we just hopped on one train. After a few stops, I was like “Ehhh, isn’t this already past Central Park??” I checked the map and found out that we were on an express line… Well, we learned from this experience 😀 We spent only 4 days and in Winter. I definitely wanna go back for a week in spring because I also wanna see more outside Manhattan 🙂
Been to New York several times and still learned something from your tips 🙂
Not surprised by the sexual harassment part – same in LA, I feel like… Unfortunately!
I lived in NYC for 7 years and cannot love and agree with this list more – esp #8! Fine dining in NYC is next level but the local spots are still some of the best food I have had in the world.
Oh New York. One of my favourite cities in the world. Absolutely love the city and your guide!
This was so much fun to read through! Having been to NYC on many occasions to visit some of my native New Yorker friends, I’m sure they would wholeheartedly agree with you! And I’m proud to say that I’ve been to Queens and Brooklyn and The Bronx!
Such awesome tips for New York ! It sounds like an incredibly vibrant city. I love your sense of humour : How not to piss off locals was hilarious ! And I love also the tip about finding a clean bathroom !
This post made me laugh – I’ve been to NYC countless times (including Brooklyn but not Queens yet!) and so much of this is true! I learned quite a few things too (re: rainbow bagels hah)! I feel like you covered it all and it was a fun read 🙂
This is so on point! Wow! I have visited many times and lived in Brooklyn for 6 months while working UES so I totally get so many of these things. Someone needed to write this! I had so many issues with the damn cabs. I was smiling at the memories of all the great food you mentioned. The pizza, bagels, shake shack. MMM. The “why don’t you smile” makes me homicidal! Oh and the shoes part! During the height of the Sex and the City era I tried walking everywhere in ridiculous Carrie Bradshaw type shoes and deeply regretted it!
I absolutely loved this post! As a NYCer, #1 and #2 especially stuck out to me. There are so many amazing things can be be found off the island of Manhattan and so many visitors (and people who even live here!) don’t explore as much as they should and to #2, amen to walking sometimes being faster!
As someone who has lived here for 13 years now, it is a great guide! My family is coming this December and I can’t wait to share the holiday season in NYC with them. It will be pricey but I am trying to find some great things for them to see/do on a budget!
Those tips are amazing – thank you so much! I’ve always wanted to go to NYC, maybe I’ll treat myself for my next birthday 🙂 Where would you recommend staying? Like, where is coolest?
Hi Kathi,
Definitely hope you do! It is a GREAT vacation spot.
I really love Astoria and LIC. Williamsburg is pretty cool too! You can go even more hipster and go to Greenpoint, but the train connection is more difficult. 😉
Best,
Karen
I think you’re right: 4-5 days is the sweet spot, for a first-timer or a veteran like me who realizes she’s better suited for the mid-size cities she left New York for 😉 Anything more than that can take a toll on you. I think doing a Thursday-Monday weekend to New York every year or so allows you to explore so many different parts of it in more digestable chunks of time.
thanks for writing that, I am sure it will help when we visit May 18
I am originally from Long Island, NY. I also spent time living in upstate NY in the Catskill Mountain region. I now reside in Pennsylvania south of Pittsburgh. About a month before 9/11 I went back to Long Island for a visit. On the way home, at night I missed my exit by mistake and found myself in an area I wasn’t familiar with. I tried to use my sense of direction and drove towards where I thought I would get back on track. I was looking for the Holland Tunnel. I found myself in front of one of the World Trade Towers. There was a man outside that was dressed like a doorman. I asked him while still in my car if he could tell me how to get to the Holland Tunnel. He was very rude and just shook his head. There was also a man and woman there and the woman wanted to tell me but the man that was with her told her not to tell us. The woman was nice and tried arguing with the man to let her tell me how to get to the tunnel and finally she just pointed where I had to go without giving me any directions on how to get there. I thought this was very strange. Can someone tell me why these people acted so strangely?
Hi Lori,
What a strange situation to say the least and what weird people. Luckily, Google Maps exists now, so you won’t encounter these weird people again.
On an unrelated note, I absolutely love the Catskills and that part of Pennsylvania close to Fallingwater.
Best,
Karen
Hi Karen!
Thank-you for replying. Yes, I found it weird too but I keep wondering why these people acted like they did. Could it be because I have a NY accent and they thought I was pranking them? Like maybe they thought I lived in NYC and thought I was pranking them? I don’t know
I used to live in a town called Cairo in the Catskills. Do you know the town? It used to be a big resort town but no more. I can remember the days during the summer all the people that would come up from the city and Main Street would be packed. All those beautiful resorts. Some of them were turned into apartments. It’s sad to see other resorts with grass and weeds overgrown. There used to be famous people that came up to put on shows for the resorts. People like Joey Castle which was a personal friend of mine. He passed away from a brain tumor. He sounded a lot like a young Elvis and you can listen to his songs on Youtube. I also remember George Valentine. He was a comedian. One of the places he performed was the Acra Manor. Then there was Al Martino. He was an Italian singer. Then there was the Catskill Game Farm and Carson City. I enjoyed going to those places.
Fallingwater…yes I don’t live very far from there. There is also the Laurel Caverns.
This was a fantastic read, and eye opener and very helpful thank you! We are hoping to head to NY for Christmas next year with our 3 kids all the way from Australia! These tips will surely make things smoother for us!
Hi Zara, I’m so glad to hear that. I’m not sure if you’ve seen my NYC holiday post, but I really think Christmas is one of the best times of the year to visit New York. Have a great trip and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. 🙂
Best,
Karen
I think it really depends on the person. My parents don’t find airbnbs comfortable just as they prefer the comforts of a hotel and the ability to call downstairs any time of night if anything is wrong. I’ve heard it can be good for those with young kids, but I’d ask your grandparents what they think about it. A hotel is probably more familiar and the price difference isn’t much, so I’d go with a hotel personally.
I’m so glad I found your blog, great insider tips. I was looking for AirBnBs but will check out hotels now too. We live in the Netherlands and are planning to visit New York with our teenagers. Any tips for teens are very welcome!
Hi Dhani, I’m glad to hear that! I’m trying to think what I liked as a teenager. I think that I’d definitely recommend a Broadway show (pick a cool one), Central Park, the Village (close to NYU), and maybe Coney Island if it’s summer. I very clearly remember refusing to go to a lot of art museums as they were “boring.” I hope you all have a great trip. 🙂
Best,
Karen
Very insightful and useful tips for travelling to New York. I have bookmarked this link would be using this when we plan our next travel.
This is a great list..awesome post!!
Heading to NY this coming weekend..for the first time! Thanks for the tips
So glad to hear that Violet! I hope you have a great time!
I had a wonderful experience with Airbnb last May/2017! It was in Brooklyn Heights, which is beautiful and only 5 minutes from Manhattan by Subway!!
Omg! Thanks so much for this helpful info. I’m going to NY too meet up with My Sister for vaca. I’m going 2days before she arrives. I love all the info you provided and have screen shoot it!! Blessing…
There are many good tips here. However, on one I must disagree.
Eat only at “A” rated restaurants? Are you kidding? While some places with “B” ratings MAY have problems, anyone who works around the bar and restaurant can tell you that the ratings system in the city can be more of a shakedown racket than a true measure of cleanliness or an indicator of bad business practices. I’ve seen super disciplined and near spotless places get downgraded by inspectors that do major excavations and get into deep areas where any food or drink establishment is going to have some evidence of some germ or some dirt. There’s no such thing as complete antiseptic conditions, and the city makes a lot of money intimidating businesses with these practices.
OK, “C” ratings seem pretty drastic, but I’m still suspect of some of those too. By no means pass up intriguing or compelling restaurants and bars just because of a “B” rating. Use your head, and your eyes, and look over the crowd. Be smart, don’t just look for a “sign” of approval. You’ll miss some great meals and beverages otherwise.
Hi Justin,
I get that it’s a bit strict, however I generally go a bit more overly cautious here as I really want people visiting New York to have good experiences eating the delicious food here from kitchens that are (mostly) clean without getting sick. I get that the food violations in the grading criteria sometimes seem kind of petty/small, but that’s why I often look up the recent grades before commiting to a place with a B as I like to know upfront if it’s something like mice droppings or something less noteworthy regarding silverware. In some cases, I’ll also overlook it myself. I think that it’s good to be informed at least about the food rating system (as many of my friends from out of town had no idea what the letters stood for) and to take it into account when deciding about a restaurant.
Best,
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thank you for the tips. Planning to go in August for the first time so this helps a lot.
I have a question about the water. Is it okay or do I have to make sure I don’t drink it like when I brush my teeth or take a shower?
Aloha from Hawaii
Ann
Hi Ann,
The water tastes fine and it’s perfectly safe to drink. No worries. 😉
Best,
Karen
What great information you’ve provided. We will be in NYC for two weeks and coming from relatively rural northern California, and being seniors, we are researching like crazy. Still haven’t chosen a hotel but want one by the action in midtown east and right by a subway stop. Any suggestions? I know the area is pricey.
Hi Sarah,
Glad to hear that it’s been helpful! Look up The Iroquois New York. It’s a classic New York hotel. 🙂
http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-iroquois-new-york.html?aid=1138430&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
The link to it. ^
Best,
Karen
Hi Karen, we are four friends in our 50’s coming to New York in September for four days – staying at the Conrad Hotel in Battery Park area. How easy will it be to get uptown – eg Central Park, Grand Central Station, Madison Square garden etc – we are happy to walk or is the Metro easy
Hi Claire, I hope that you have a fantastic trip to NYC! The Battery Park area is lovely. It’s very easy to get uptown by subway or bus although I’d recommend subway due to traffic. You can check my NYC Subway Guide (https://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/nyc-subway-guide) for more tips on getting around NYC by metro. It’s a bit far to walk and I wouldn’t recommend it. I hope you have a great trip.
Great article! Next weekend will be my 3rd visit to NYC. I totally agree with you, you will either love it or hate it. My first visit was not so great. I hated it. I’m from the midwest (Chicago) and our big city experiences are very similar, but midwesterners aren’t as rude (for the most part). I like how you explained how NYers aren’t rude. Thanks for the explanation, I will look at it from your point of view on my upcoming visit (I’m an optimist). My 2nd visit was very pleasant. I liked it a lot. My stay was longer, I did more things, I had a lot of fun. I just had one major issue. I don’t understand why there is so much filth and garbage in every area; high end and low. There is more money in NYC than there is in many states put together. Clean up the joint. LOL! We ate at some very nice restaurants but had to look at piles of garbage outside. Please help me understand how NYers deal with that. I’m fasting right now but I’m sure I will go to some very nice restaurants with friends. How do you do it!?! Your article was very fun, easy to read, and accurate. However, there is one correction to be made… NOBODY has better pizza than Chicago!!! (says the Chicagoan). That’s a fact not an opinion. Lol! Just having fun. NYC get ready for me and my girls. Thanks for the great read.
Glad you enjoyed my article and I hope you have a great trip. I still assert that NY pizza is better although Chicago style isn’t bad. 😉
Yeah, New York isn’t the cleanest city. I’d love to see less trash… Go to Singapore if you want to see clean streets.
You speak to my soul with the “groups walking in rows” statement. I’m visiting NY from Seattle, and it is an EPIDEMIC out there. I find NY magical as well for all the reasons you’ve listed, but YES. I also respect New Yorkers for their awareness. Thank yooooooooou!
-A walker
Great tips! My daughter and I took out first trip to NYC last fall. I have to comment on the friendliness and kindness of New Yorkers.
Everywhere we went we encountered the most wonderful people!
I was truly blown away and this was not at all what I expected. It seemed like people went out of their way to be kind and helpful.
I slipped and fell on the subway one time and 6 people rushed to help me! We cannot wait to go back!
Hello! I am going to New York for some weeks. What if I get sick (something mild)? I am taking some general medication with me but if I need any kind of medical consultations, is there any way to have it? I’m European.
I hope you have travel insurance. Please contact them about this. We have many great hospitals in New York City. It just isn’t cheap out of pocket.
Thank you Karen, your tips are so precious.
What do you think about late night walk in Central Park or Brooklyn’s Prospect Park?
A walk around sunset or early evening is fine, but I personally avoid late night walks in the park. It’s much better than years ago, but personally, I still wouldn’t be walking around too late.
“Airbnb has been a mess in New York City ” why/how ? please elaborate a bit.
I 100% disagree with your assessment about on avoiding any restaurant that doesn’t have an “A” rating. Restaurants get knocked to “B” for small infractions that have little to do with cleanliness or how they care for the food. This letter-grading system, imported from Los Angeles, is not really fare to restaurants, as most of the general public is ignorant about what a “B” means, for example. Even a “C” means there were issues but the health department still deems it okay to eat at — if it wasn’t okay they would shut it down.
I grew up in a tiny town in the Midwest that has no public transportation. When I got the opportunity to visit NYC with a choir, I jumped on it, but I knew I couldn’t afford taxis. I got a handy subway map from Amazon for Manhattan and figured it out. Crowded, yes, but the subways were not scary! And I was pleasantly surprised by how polite everyone was. People made sure that the elderly had seats and I even had an older man insist I take his seat because I’m a girl. The crowd can be intimidating, but most of the people in it are perfectly normal.
***Helpful Tip*** If you wait In line at the TKTS booth to get broadway tickets, you can go back to the booth the next day with your ticket stub and skip the line!
The view from the 7 train is amazing. But I thought an A rating meant the restaurant owner gave the inspector a hundred bucks.
Really enjoyed reading this! We’re travelling from the UK next year and can’t wait to explore this wonderful city.
I am planning to visit NYC soon. I started doing some research. I find it a little overwhelming. There is so much to do. I’m struggling with which hotel to stay. I live in update NY. My daughter is a senior in high school now and is interested in attending FIT. I will definitely be using your tips. I find them very helpful. Thank you
I was only in New York City for 2 and a half days, and I still came out ahead when I bought the 1 week unlimited subway pass. I took something like 15 trips on the subway, so that saved me over 8 dollars compared to paying $2.75 per trip.
Hi Karen! Thank you for the comprehensive guide. I followed your tips for the most part and did it ever turn out well! I had a great time during my first visit to New York last week thanks to your guide.
Fantastic blog, I went to NYC. With a pipe band in the April after 9/11. To help raise money for the families of the victims, I am from Glasgow, Scotland, and like New York, we have a reputation we don’t really deserve, I fell in love with NYC as like my home town the people are fantastic, a bit brash sometimes but helpful and will do anything for you,
I am going back in 2020 and your blog will help me have a fantastic experience.
Take Care
Great post & tips, Interesting and funny to go through the comments from people around the world! The cultural and personnal perspectives on your post are enlighting and helpful. Leaving TOMORROW for first time in NYC, we’ll be avoiding eye contacts (in spite of coming from a place you hugg and kiss strangers you meet for the first time!) and have enough cash money to enjoy “A” and local restaurants.
I’m on my way to NY for the first time so I really appreciate your guide I feel more prepared now. One small correction though Chicago pizza is definitely better (Chicago Native 🙂
Thanks for informative sharing. I also spent a really good time there and came back with great memories.
I’m heading to NYC in October and it’s articles like yours that are helping me feel more prepared about my trip. I will be staying for 7 days and staying in Tribeca. I plan to study the subway system before I arrive, so that I can cover more ground.
I will make sure to stock up on hand sanitiser for when I’m exploring.
Thank you so much for the pretty much priceless (to someone like me anyways) information x x
Great tips! Some of the best conversations we had as a family were in NYC and San Fran when we DID make eye contact. Travelling with kids is even better than travelling with kittens!
Glad to hear that! I like to think that New Yorkers are very friendly when we have the time to chat. Not everyone has the time though!
I think it’s a great artikel! The way you wrote it really shows the love you have for the city but that you also see it flaws. I’ll be visiting New York in August and I think this artikel will be really helpfull!
Thank you, Karen, for these great tip! Fun read. My husband and I would like to take our son and daughter for 4 days/3 nights, but we’re having trouble deciding when given their college schedules. Choices include Labor Day weekend, the week before Christmas, the week after Christmas (but not NYE!), or the week after New Year’s Day. Do you have any points to consider that would help us decide?
That’s very tough. I’d say that the Christmas season is quite pricey, but it’s really nice as you can enjoy the windows, so either period should be good if you are interested in that. It’s slightly cheaper after NYE and I believe the windows should still be up then, but I’d recommend checking that. Labor day is nice if you want good weather and want to enjoy the parks more. It’s a quieter time as many New Yorkers head out of NYC that weekend. Hope that helps! Please check my other post about Christmas in NYC for more information!
Hi! I am also a native NYer and this post is really well done. Totally agree with Pod39 Rooftop – and seeing the skyline with a cocktail vs just one of the three major observatories. My new favorite view is Manhattan – best views since Windows on the World.
This is an awesome insight and one article I wish I had read before heading to NYC, but I will be back! One of the biggest mistakes we made was not getting to Brooklyn or Queens. We were lucky enough to have 10 nights there which was amazing, and we didn’t do anywhere near everything,
Totally agree about the subway, it’s a fabulous way to travel and I have included it as an essential for getting around in my article on my blog “My 17 Best Tips for Visiting NYC” but no-one can give insight like a local can.
Food was fantastic – the pizzas, the bagels, the giant pretzels, we loved it all. I also recommend checking out the New York City Pass website. You don’t need to buy it, and I wouldn’t necessarily guarantee buying it because you have to go hard to get your money’s worth, but what it does do is give you a great list of most of the big ticket items as well as some quirkier ones like the Catacombs tour that we enjoyed.
Keep up the awesome work, this is a great blog.
Hi, this was one of the most valuable posts i’ve read when i was planning our trip to NYC. We’re 1 week in NYC, took our 4yo son and he loved it. We got a bit lost in Brooklyn and got help from one super nice girl, in the subway talked to an amazing old lady and overall the people were very helpful and friendly. We’ve followed your tips and the trip was delightful. Thank you
Hi,
We are going in June this year. I was reading through the comments and saw yours. We are taking our son that is about the same age as yours. Any tips or suggestions for going with Lea little one?
Really enjoyed this read. I almost wish I had read it before traveling to NYC for the first time as an adult, but half of the fun was figuring out the city on our own (with a little help from some older ladies at a bus stop) I’m from southern CA and I absolutely fell in love with NYC and would jump at the chance to live there if I could. I absolutely love being able to do everything I want without having to drive. I love the food culture, the energy in the streets, even the way most citizens are totally unfazed by almost getting hit in the middle of a crosswalk. I can’t wait to return for an even longer trip next time!
“Stay away from chain restaurants”, why reccomend shake shack than? First of all, it’s horrible, second it’s a chain restaurant. There are a lot of great burger places in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan, for example: bare burger, burger bistro etc.
I was born and raised in NYC. Harlem,to be exact. I’ve traveled to all the boroughs and I love my city. Just like any other city, be careful and use common sense. Otherwise, it’s a melting pot of cultures and lots of things to do. That’s why it’s called, “The city so nice they had to make it twice!!” And “The city that never sleeps!!” Literally. I live in Florida now but do go back to NY once in a while just to recharge my battery. Lol!!
This is a very well written blog!! It gives a “real” insight.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
We’re heading to New York for the first time in May and found this post super helpful – definitely sending it to my husband to read. Thank you x
Great article! I’m taking my daughter and friends in April for her Sweet 16. This will be my third trip and get first. I am SO excited as we are born to travel!!! One tip I would include from my previous experience is to realize how difficult it is to find a bathroom. By law, hotels have to let anyone use the bathroom. You would be amazed how valuable this is to know. When you’re out and about, just stop into any hotel lobby for a bathroom break.
Thanks for the great tips- def tagging this for our “girls’ trip to the city” planning!
That is a great tip! There’s an app for this called Flush, I believe. 🙂
Yes and YES! We went, we fell in love, we’re planning our next trip for Jan 2021. Australian family of 4. Our kids (11 and 12) were especially enamoured with the Big Apple. We felt at home as soon as we arrived and loved everything about your City. Maybe it was because of Crocodile Dundee or Sex & the City we grew up watching? Never once found New Yorkers to be gruff or rude – we just ploughed through and asked them for directions anyway. Turns out, they love Aussies. We can’t wait to return and next time, we’re taking our extended family. So much good food, great shows, awesome streetscapes, history and just a great pace of life. You can’t think of the expense as a visitor, esp from Australia. It’s such a long way to go, so we made the most of it.
Pay attention to what she says. It’s very good advice. I’m a former New Yorker. And I miss it every day.
Hi! I spent 4.5 days in NY in Dec 2019. Traveled as a single female in her 40s with a heavy country girl accent. Stayed at the hotel Alziz. Visited their fantastic bar, great views and drinks. Saw some Broadway shows, visited the natural history museum, took a boat ride past the statue of liberty. Also saw all the Christmas decor and the Rockefeller Center tree. Highly recommend! I didn’t try the subway until my third day, and OMG I wish I’d had used it sooner. Such a time saver. Everyone was so nice! Except for 1 police officer, He was a dick. Sorry, but I was unaccostomed to seeing police standing around holding rifles out without there being some big trouble going on. When I asked one of them what was going on and if I could go on down the street, because, honestly, I thought something really bad must have happened, He was like, “You’re a tourist, just go on and leave me alone.” But other than that, I had the time of my life!
Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines.
Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines.