20 tips from a local resident to tourists who are visiting New York for the first time
'24.01.2020'
Source: wanderlustingk.com
The author of this text, Karen was born and raised in New York, which is incredibly proud. She decided to share the secrets of this city to help you better navigate the journey. This publication writes Wanderlustingk.
“I sincerely hope that these tips for traveling to New York will benefit you and help you avoid some of the mistakes people make on their first trip to New York,” the author notes.
Here are 20 tips for inexperienced travelers:
- Do not stop at Manhattan.
Most people associate New York only with Manhattan, but the Big Apple has much more to offer in four other districts. These include Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. “I can’t say how many times people told me that they were in New York and saw everything they could,” Karen writes. “When I ask if they were in Queens, the answer is always the same:“ No. ”
Karen notes that she herself grew up in Queens. According to her, in this area there are two airports - La Guard and Kennedy. This is one of the most diverse counties in the United States.
- Call a taxi right
Taxis in New York are usually very expensive, and if you are in a hurry, keep in mind that you will move in a car at the same speed as on the subway, or even slower.
If you want to call a taxi in New York, here's how to do it: stand on the sidelines and not at the bus stop, confidently raise your hand up, look closely at the cars and wait.
- Use public transport
Public transport in New York is superbly developed. Do not be afraid to go down the subway. If you plan to use the subway many times within 4-5 days, then it is more profitable for you to purchase an unlimited travel card, Karen notes.
When you get on the subway, remember etiquette. Considering people is acceptable, but you don’t need to look at anyone too long and closely, the author recommends. “It will look strange and creepy. Although it’s possible if someone has a kitten that he carries in the subway, ”the author writes.
Another recommendation is not to take the high-speed subway or bus if you are not sure that it will stop where you need it. An ordinary train stops at most stops, while high-speed trains pass on average half of them. Do not take the local train because it will take twice as long.
In order not to get confused, use the metro map. “A good metro map should help you figure out the end point,” Karen advises.
- Avoid driving in New York
“I do not recommend driving in New York,” Karen writes. - When my husband went with me to New York, he was shocked at the cost of bridges. Most New Yorkers also hate paying for bridges, even if they get a discount. ”
If you visit the Big Apple and you have a car, the best thing to do is to find a parking near the New Jersey transit station or Newark Airport and park it there, the author writes. Be prepared to pay about $ 25 a day for it.
If you have no choice, find one of the cheapest parking lots using the BestРarking app.
- Choose the right areas to visit
A trip to New York takes a lot of time, so use public transportation to move between areas. “Although I definitely recommend you take a walk in New York. It’s best to limit yourself to small areas where you will not go more than 6 blocks so as not to see anything interesting, ”the author advises.
Stick to the middle ground: you can look at one area, then go through several metro stations to get off in another borough. This will save you time and effort. “I love to ride the N, Q, and 7 trains in Queens because you are above the ground. This also applies to some trains in Brooklyn following Coney Island, ”Karen writes.
- Avoid Times Square unless you're a Broadway fan
“I think of Times Square as a light bulb, as it attracts the worst in New York: crowds, overpriced and chain restaurants,” the author notes. “Don't bother visiting Times Square during the day or rush hour.”
If you still want to visit this place, then the best time for this is night. Indeed, it is then that Times Square looks especially atmospheric thanks to the lighted buildings, like at Christmas.
In the end, if you are determined to visit this location, then do not miss the opportunity to visit the Broadway show.
- Check if the restaurant has an “A” rating from the Department of Health
Only eat at A-rated restaurants from the New York Department of Health. “If you don’t see an ad rated“ A, ”leave and don’t eat there. Honestly, street food does not have a rating, so decide for yourself where you will enjoy eating, ”Karen advises.
If the restaurant does not have an “A” rating, this means that the conditions in which the food is prepared are not clean enough.
- Try local dishes and snacks
In New York, there are many restaurants, cafes and bars where you can try all kinds of snacks and dishes. However, there is a list of what you should definitely try in New York. “This list is fairly constant and includes bagels, pizza and Chinese food,” the author writes. “Just get some cash, as many of the cheaper New York restaurants, serving mostly locals, only accept cash.” You can easily find ATMs throughout Manhattan, so don’t worry about finding them. ”
On the subject: Top 10 New York City's Top Attractions
Karen recommends giving preference to taste, rather than the appearance of the food, and not to waste time on long lines. If you want to buy, say, bagels, since they are tasty everywhere, the author assures.
- Allow enough time to get to know New York
New York is so large that the author recommends spending at least three days in it. “I think this is the minimum time for visiting the main attractions of Manhattan,” she said. Although, in my opinion, 5 days in New York is the best time to explore the city without haste. If you have more time, then seven days is great, as you can spend more time exploring the outer areas. ”
- In the holiday season, be prepared for what is magical but expensive
New Year's Eve in New York is definitely something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. In general, the holidays are a magical time in New York because of Christmas shop windows. But you will pay much more than during normal times of the year. Book your hotels well in advance and carefully plan your meals on days when many restaurants will be closed.
“There is something to get comfortable with hot chocolate and watch the balloons in the Thanksgiving Day parade soar,” the author notes.
- Prepare your list of places to visit - save time and money
New York does not have to be expensive, but you need to do your research in advance. So you will find out which museums you can go to by paying the lowest price, and in which areas it is better to stay.
Just book your hotel in advance and avoid using Airbnb if you can. As the author noted, there may be nuances with Airbnb, because New York does not welcome illegal rental relations. So it’s best to stay at the hotel, Karen advises.
Don’t forget: you can save if you stay outside of Midtown - in Queens, Brooklyn or Staten Island. “Even now there are more hotels that combine budget and luxury with a great location in the city center, although you will always sacrifice something if you find a cheaper hotel in New York,” the author said.
- Do not try to see everything at one time and do not get hung up on tourist attractions
“As a person who grew up in New York, I will say: you will never be able to see everything. I tried, but New York is never the same. Nevertheless, the main attractions will be waiting for you there on your next trip, ”the author writes.
Moreover, the city is changing at the speed of light: new institutions are opening in it, new museums and monuments appear. It is constantly holding more and more new events. “I like to go to the Time Out New York website to find out about upcoming parties, events, and museum exhibitions. Every week a new publication comes out, ”the girl shares.
- Do not spend money where you can save
“Do not spend your money to enjoy the views if you can get a drink and a view at half price,” the author recommends. “There are so many great rooftop bars in New York, so don't feel obligated to go to the top of the Empire State Building if you are 21+.”
The author advises a look at Pod39, which is one of the lesser-known establishments of this kind. Another tip for those planning to visit the rooftop bar is to dress warmly. Also keep in mind that getting to such places is easiest during the day.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Many people think that New Yorkers are not very welcoming. “I would say that we are a little more skeptical towards strangers, but we have good souls,” the author states.
If you need to ask a question to a stranger on the street - do it. However, do not go into lengthy explanations and ask for directions from those who are clearly in a hurry or talking on the phone. Look for someone who is not in a hurry, and immediately ask the question: “Where is X?” Or “How can I get to X using Y?”.
In New York, you will always find people who will happily help if you do not take a lot of time. Just prepare your question before stopping someone, the author emphasizes.
- Be loyal and attentive to others
To make friends with New Yorkers is enough to remain considerate and considerate.
Do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look up or take a picture.
Allow those who walk faster to walk in the center on the right side, and if you walk slowly, stay on the sidewalk edge away from the middle.
If you move around the city in a group, do not go all together, blocking people passing by you.
Let others exit public transport before you enter it.
- Take care of your safety
The crime rate in some areas of the city remains quite high.
It all depends on the area, so before booking a hotel always check the reputation of the area in which it is located.
Be reasonable. Do not wear headphones at night and do not show all your electronics in public places. Many New Yorkers have an iPhone, but it’s best not to carry what you don’t need. Leave a laptop and other valuables in the hotel room, the author advises.
“Most of the time, New York is safe, but you should be guided by common sense and not leave your things unattended. Pickpockets here are not as common as in Europe. But if you leave something unattended, you are unlikely to be able to get your thing back, ”Karen explained.
And most importantly - listen to your inner feelings. “If you feel bad in a particular situation, leave. Personally, I don’t like to walk in the parks late at night, which is what I wish you, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, ”the native said.
- Do Not Visit New York Alone
The Big Apple is not the best place for solo travel. “I love New York, but I happened to experience one of the worst sexual harassment in my life ...” states the author. - Even after traveling to almost 30 countries, I am still shocked at how many comments you can hear a young woman just walking along the street past strangers. "Why don't you smile?", "You look so sexy."
If anything happens, find the nearest policeman or call 911.
- Avoid tourist traps and don't buy anything outside
There are many tourist traps in New York, and some people will tell you anything to entice your money. “If you go through an area with heavy trade and someone gives you a flyer for an attraction, promising that you will see Aziz Ansari (or any other comedian) for $ 0 / $ 5, do not believe it,” advises Karen. “These comedy evenings rarely include someone famous, and many of these shows are 'free' until you want to order a drink for at least $ 15.”
Do not buy anything, especially water bottles, outside. “I always check if the bottle was previously opened, but paying more than $ 1 for a bottle of water is a robbery,” the author assures.
You can also replenish your supply of water at fountains, usually located in parks. “If someone offers you something on the street, please don’t take it, whether it’s drugs, fake designer purses or a massage offer. You know that this will end badly, ”the author states.
- Dress as comfortable as possible, not fashionable
Despite the city’s reputation, in New York, no one cares how fashionable you look, if only your appearance was not too messy.
Take care of comfort, the author advises. “Think of black dresses with white sneakers. But if you want to wear the craziest outfit - do it. And suddenly someone wants to take a picture with you, he will like your outfit so much. Uniqueness in our city is appreciated, so bring fun clothes (or buy it here), ”Karen recommends.
Do not wear high-heeled shoes if it is difficult for you to cover kilometers. “You can always put it in a bag if you want to take a picture of it in it. But if your goal is to see as much as possible, then I recommend comfortable sneakers, ”Karen emphasized.
- Remember: New York is a dirty city, take care of its cleanliness
“Having read enough research on the subway handrails (touching one of them is like a handshake of 10 people), I always carry an antibacterial gel with me and avoid touching the handrails everywhere,” Karen shares her experience. “I highly recommend doing the same.”
Also, do not visit latrines in very crowded places, especially at Penn Station.
It is better to go to one of the cafes along the way, buy a bottle of water and use the restroom for free.
New York - it's just magical. Here you can encounter unusual people of different cultures and nationalities, meet real fashionistas in the middle of the street or passengers with unusual animals just in the subway.
This city can exhaust you, but if you allow it to prove itself with all its quirks, beauty and charm, then fall in love with it (or really hate it), the author concluded.
