New York City is arguably the best city on Earth. Parisians and Romans might disagree. But they have to give some sort of credit where credit is due. In the streets of New York (including Manhattan and its neighboring boroughs), there’s so much to see, from museums to botanic gardens to some of the best boutiques this side of heaven.
When you’re ready to take on the City That Never Sleeps, we have a few do’s and don’ts to help you make the most of your time. We hope these tips will keep you safe and encourage you to explore as far and as wide as you feel comfortable doing.
Do Expand Your Horizon Beyond Midtown
Midtown is an easy starting point for beginners. From Grand Central, all you have to do is walk out the 49th Street exit and make your way to 5th Avenue. There, you can explore Rockefeller Center, stroll past the flagship stores of all your favorite brands, and make your way to Central Park.
But true New Yorkers love to hang out in wine bars in the Lower East Village or fantastic restaurants on the Upper West Side. They might sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar on the Upper West Side, overlooking the Hudson. Rubbing shoulders with locals is a lovely way to make new friends and receive new recommendations for tomorrow night’s dinner.
Don’t Stay at a Chain Hotel
There are so many charming boutique hotels in New York. Treat yourself to something extraordinary by staying somewhere off the beaten path. Check out the Library Hotel on E 41st Street if you love to read.
Check out the High Line Hotel if you think you’ll fall in love with Chelsea and want easy access to its famous market. You’ll experience more personalized service, receive great recommendations from the front desk, and have a more unique experience.
Do Embrace the Greenery
For such a metropolis, it’s amazing to think about all the greenery packed in and around New York. Of course, you have over 800 acres to explore in Central Park, including a zoo for the little ones.
But there’s also Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library (also worth peeking in). Then, you have the High Line on the Lower West Side and Prospect Park in Brooklyn (if you’re looking to explore New York’s neighboring borough).
Don’t Just Stick to Manhattan
In fact, let’s continue that train of thought. When visiting New York, don’t just stick to Manhattan. Check out Williamsburg in Brooklyn or DUMBO (between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges).
Go to Astoria in Queens for some of the best Greek food of your life. Head to the Bronx Zoo or Botanic Gardens (in the Bronx or Brooklyn). Let your wild child out; there’s so much more to see beyond magnificent Manhattan.
Do Learn the Subway
Admittedly, the subway system can be a little tricky. Study it before you go to see how you can connect from the Upper West Side to the Lower East Side, for example. Something like that will require a few different stops.
There are several different apps nowadays, where you can plug in your destinations and it’ll tell you how you’ll arrive. But, the subway system can be a tad overwhelming for newbies and you don’t want to let anxiety take over in the moment.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Which brings us to your time on the subway. Always keep your purse close to your body and one hand over it. Try to avoid using a backpack because, if you’re standing in the subway car, you never know who’s behind you. Like every major city, it’s best to stay alert, know your surroundings, and keep a watchful eye on your bag at all times.
Do Take a Taxi or an Uber at Night
Even if your first few subway experiences were major successes, don’t hesitate to hop in a cab or an Uber after you’ve had a few drinks at night. Assuming it’s within your budget, it’s easier to seek safe passage to your boutique hotel instead of getting lost in the subway system in an unfamiliar city.
Don’t Expect to Spread Out
With over eight million people in only five boroughs, New York is a tightly packed little box of gems. Don’t expect your boutique hotel room to be particularly large. Don’t expect to have your pick of seats on the subway, especially during rush hour.
It’s better to go with the expectation that your dinner table may be neatly nestled beside two nearby tables and that small seat on the subway will be scooped up if you’re not fast enough.
Do Walk Quickly
Sticking with the theme of fast movement, let’s discuss walking. There’s not a lot of lolly-gagging going on in Manhattan. Try to keep up with the crowds and walk quickly. The worst thing you can do is stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take a picture and disrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic.
Even if you’re lost, act like you know where you’re going, keep your eyes forward, and move with the crowd. Not only will this keep you from getting an elbow or two to the ribs, but it’ll also prevent you from looking like a tourist and being spotted by someone looking to pick a pocket or two.
Don’t Record People for Your Vlog
This probably goes without saying. But if you have visions of putting your New York trip up on your YouTube channel, don’t invade anyone’s privacy by recording them.
Keep the shots tight, perhaps of your gourmet meal. Record Central Park in its quieter corners. Although this is a common courtesy that most people understand, it’s worth reiterating – especially in New York City!
Do Consider a Guided Tour
With so many sights to see, don’t be afraid to book a guided tour. You’ll learn so much more about the city’s storied history from your guide and probably feel more at ease with someone leading the way. There are plenty of “New York In a Day” tours out there that can be tailored to the sights you’d like to see the most.
Don’t Eat at Chain Restaurants
You’re in New York – a city filled with Michelin-starred restaurants where gourmet dreams come true. You might be tempted to eat at a chain restaurant, especially if you’re touring Times Square. But don’t do it!
Instead, find a local Italian restaurant. Snag a slice of pizza from a place that looks no bigger than a hole in the wall. Seek out the best sushi spot in the Lower East Side. Savor New York and all the flavor sensations it has to offer.
The Time of Your Life In the City That Never Sleeps
We hope you’ll have the time of your life in the City That Never Sleeps. With a keen awareness of your surroundings, a firm plan of action, and a little familiarity with the subway system, you’re about to have the time of your life.
With so much culture packed into 300 square miles, there’s something here for everyone. As you prepare to leave, be sure to check out our destination guides! We have plenty of tips and tricks embedded into every guide to help you travel the world in style – and safety. Enjoy New York!