New York City is the seventh most visited city globally, but perhaps the most famous in the whole world.

If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, you’re in for a treat. It’s the home of many movies and TV shows, as well as first-class museums and entertainment.

Before you visit, there are a few crucial things you need to know about getting around and what to do while you’re there. Keep reading for the essential New York Travel Tips.

9 New York Travel Tips

1. Learn the Grid System

The first thing you need to learn about making your way around the Big Apple is its grid system. New York City is by no means the only city which uses this system, but let’s take a quick recap.

Streets run from West to East, often separated by Central Park. So, West 112th will run into East 112th. 1st Street starts in the south of Manhattan, around Noho and Lower Manhattan, and the streets run up to 193rd Street in Fort George in the north.

The avenues run from North to South, with 1st Avenue in the east and 12th Avenue in the west of Manhattan. There are also several famous exceptions to this rule, such as Park Avenue and Madison Avenue.

2. Enjoy NYC Cuisine

Visiting New York City is like having the cuisine of every country in the world at your fingertips. At least 800 languages are spoken in the city, so just imagine how many cultures you can taste during your trip.

Of course, there are also classic New York delicacies to sample, such as pretzels, bagels, cheesecake, and New York pizza. If you’re a real foodie, make the most of your vacation to sample dishes from some of the finest restaurants in the world while in NYC.

3. Choose the Right Season

It’s important to take the weather into account when planning your trip to New York. While the city is stunning in winter, beware that temperatures can drop to under 30°F in January and February, and snowstorms do occur once or twice a year.

It should also be noted that New York becomes a lot more expensive over the festive period.

On the other hand, the heat during the summer can be stifling, reaching around 90°F in July and August. Being in such a large city in this hot weather might make you choose spring or fall for your trip.

4. Make the Most of Public Transport

New York has great public transport, so it’s well worth getting the hang of it. Due to the city traffic, taxis can sometimes be very expensive so always take a look at your public transit options.

If you’re staying for a week (or plan on using a bus or subway more than 12 times) you should opt for the 7-day unlimited pass.

5. Discover the Rest of New York State

There is far more to New York state than New York City. Why not make time in your itinerary to explore other cities such as Utica and Rome?

Getting out of the city also allows you to explore the wonderful nature and landscapes that New York has to offer.

The smaller cities and towns of New York are well connected by airports – such as Albany and Syracuse International Airports. A taxi to airport service will ensure a smooth journey from door to door.

6. Get Along With New Yorkers

Several pieces of etiquette should be followed if you don’t want to get on the wrong side of New Yorkers. While they have a reputation for being rude, the majority are very friendly people who are just used to certain customs.

So, don’t stop suddenly in the middle of a busy street to take a photo. Let people get off the bus or subway before you try to get on. And don’t make fun of the New York accent!

7. Get Out of Manhattan

You haven’t really visited NYC until you explore all five boroughs. All tourists visit Manhattan, some get to Brooklyn, but why not go to Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island?

All five boroughs offer lots of fun activities to do and should not be missed. For example, there’s the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, and Staten Island Zoo on Staten Island. Queens is home to Flushing Meadows and City Field, if you’re a fan of tennis or basketball.

8. Stay Safe

New York City has a worse reputation than it deserves for safety. Yes, there is some crime, but this occurs in every major city. If you follow some common-sense rules, your trip will be problem-free.

First, don’t display expensive items like smartphones or watches ostentatiously. This is just asking for trouble. Next, research the neighborhood you’re staying in and make sure you’re aware of any potentially dangerous areas around you.

Finally, be careful at night. Don’t wear your headphones, and try to avoid walking alone.

9. Plan Your Time Carefully

There is so much to do in New York, that no matter how long you visit for, it won’t be enough! But this is something to be excited, not put off by.

Prioritize the places you really want to see. Whether that’s crossing off Times Square, walking the High Line, or visiting the Empire State Building. You should also set aside some time for simply walking around the different neighborhoods and discovering the gems NYC has to offer.

Don’t worry, you can always come back a second time to catch what you missed the first time around!

Now You Know Our New York Travel Tips

You’re now ready for your first time in New York, all that’s left to do is pack your suitcase. But make sure you don’t bring the infamous ‘I Heart NY’ t-shirt if you don’t want to stand out as a tourist!

We’ve covered all the essential New York travel tips: from transport to sight-seeing, and how to get the most out of your trip. Enjoy your vacation in the city that never sleeps!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure you check out our other travel posts.

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