15 Must-Know New York Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers

Planning your first trip to New York City? This guide offers essential New York travel tips on where to stay, must-see attractions, how to save on expenses, and how to prepare for your adventure in the Big Apple. With so much to explore, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the largest city in the USA.

Let these New York travel tips guide you through the process of organizing your visit, ensuring you make the most of your time and fully experience the vibrant and diverse energy of this iconic city.

Where to Stay in New York for First-Time Visitors

After exploring New York City multiple times and staying in various areas, I’ve narrowed down the six best neighborhoods for first-time visitors:

• Midtown – The perfect spot for first-timers due to its central location and proximity to famous landmarks.
• Times Square – The lively center of Manhattan with unbeatable access to entertainment and dining.
• Upper East Side – A great choice for museum lovers and those who want to be close to Central Park.
• Lower East Side & Soho – A haven for fashion enthusiasts and shopaholics.
• Greenwich Village & Chelsea – Popular for its vibrant restaurant scene and laid-back vibe.
• Brooklyn – The go-to option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a unique local experience.

It’s important to note that staying in Airbnbs can be tricky as they are often illegal in New York City. Booking a hotel will ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience. I personally recommend using Booking.com for great deals, and Hotwire is another excellent choice for scoring high-end hotels at a bargain.

Best Hotels in New York City for Every Budget

Whether you’re looking to save or splurge, New York City offers a wide range of hotel options to suit every budget.

1. For budget travelers, here are some top affordable hotels in NYC:
   • CitizenM New York Times Square – A modern and stylish option right in the heart of the city.
   • Hotel Scherman – Located in Midtown, offering easy access to sightseeing spots and great restaurants.
   • Artezen Hotel – Just steps away from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
2. For those with a mid-range budget, these hotels strike a perfect balance between comfort and affordability:
   • Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Midtown East – Conveniently located near top attractions.
   • Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station – Ideal for those traveling by train or exploring Manhattan.
   • AC Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square – A sleek, modern choice near one of the city’s most iconic areas.
3. For luxury seekers, New York City is home to some of the world’s finest hotels:
   • The Standard, High Line – A trendy and upscale option with stunning views of the city.
   • The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel – Known for its historic charm and luxurious rooms.
   • New York Marriott Marquis – A premier hotel in Times Square, perfect for those wanting to be in the middle of the action.

Essential Tips for Traveling to New York City

Planning a trip to New York City? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your visit:

1. Best time to visit: The ideal time to explore New York is during Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November), when the weather is mild, and crowds are smaller.
2. Best area to stay: If it’s your first time in the city, neighborhoods like Midtown, Upper East Side, and Times Square offer convenient access to top tourist attractions. For budget-conscious travelers, consider staying in Queens or the Bronx.
3. Best way to get around: Walking is one of the best ways to experience the city, but New York’s public transit system (subway and buses) is also efficient and will take you anywhere. Alternatively, you can try the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to get a comprehensive overview of the city while seeing the key landmarks.
4. Top 5 things to do in New York:
   • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
   • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
   • Empire State Building
   • Top of the Rock
   • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
5. Best way to save money on attractions: Purchasing a city pass can help you save big on entry fees. Consider these options:
   • New York Pass (Save up to 50% on over 100 attractions)
   • New York CityPASS (Save 40% on the top 5 attractions)
   • New York Explorer Pass (Save up to 50% on selected attractions)
   • New York Sightseeing Pass (Save up to 70% on over 150 attractions)
6. What New York City is famous for: New York is known for its iconic spots like Broadway shows, Central Park, Grand Central Station, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. Be sure to avoid common tourist mistakes like underestimating travel time or overscheduling your itinerary!

Getting Around NYC: Skip the Taxi!

Avoid taking a taxi or Uber when getting around New York City – it’s expensive and often time-consuming with all the traffic. You don’t want to waste your precious sightseeing time stuck in gridlock!

So, what’s the best way to travel in New York City? The answer is simple: use public transportation. The subway is by far the quickest and most affordable way to hit all the must-see attractions on your list.

To make things easier, get yourself a MetroCard. This magnetic stripe card will be your best friend for paying fares across New York’s public transit. Depending on how long you’re staying, you can choose a Pay-Per-Ride card for shorter visits or a 7-day Unlimited MetroCard if you’re in town for a week.

On my last trip, my husband and I opted for the 7-day unlimited card, and it gave us so much freedom. We didn’t have to worry about paying for each ride, and we saved a lot of money.

Even if you’re staying in a central area, New York is HUGE, and the subway will save you plenty of time getting from one landmark to the next. Trust me, it’s the best way to explore New York City.

I know the subway map can look overwhelming, like a tangled spider web, but don’t worry – it’s surprisingly easy to figure out once you get the hang of it.

Pro tip: Watch a YouTube tutorial on how to use the New York subway. It’ll help ease your mind and give you a sense of what to expect. You can also download an app like CityMapper to check train schedules, service disruptions, alternate routes, and even which exit to use.

Other Ways to Get Around New York City

Looking for more ways to explore New York? Here are some alternatives to public transit:

• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – Sure, it might seem a bit touristy, but for first-timers, this is an excellent way to experience New York. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city, especially if you’re just getting your bearings.With over 35 designated stops throughout the city, you can hop on and off as much as you like, making it super convenient. Plus, you’ll get to listen to digital commentary that shares interesting facts about New York’s top attractions.
• Walking – New York is one of the most walkable cities in the world. The city is designed in a grid pattern, which makes it incredibly easy to navigate. Streets run East-West, and Avenues run North-South, so finding your way around is a breeze.Just make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be on your feet for much of the day.

Side Note: Avoid wearing sandals while walking around New York. The streets can get pretty dirty, and trust me, it’ll take forever to wash the grime off your feet at the end of the day!

Save Money with the New York Pass

If you’re planning to explore New York’s most popular attractions, I highly recommend getting a city pass. It allows you to save up to 50% on top landmarks, tours, and experiences across the city.

There are several city passes to choose from, but the New York Pass is the most popular, especially for those who plan to visit multiple attractions.

What’s the best way to save money on New York attractions? The New York Pass is your best bet. It has consistently been rated the top city pass for New York tourists and offers tremendous value for your money.

Saving money is always a priority for me when planning a trip, and the New York Pass was rated #1 on TripAdvisor for good reason. It also comes highly recommended by Expedia and currently holds a 4/5 TrustScore rating on Trust Pilot.

PRO TIP: Purchase the pass online to save additional money and avoid the hassle of buying it in person. Plus, the pass comes with the flexibility of being activated within two years from the purchase date, giving you ample time to plan your trip.

Not only will the New York Pass save you money, but it will also help you avoid long lines, making your sightseeing experience stress-free.

The New York Pass is an excellent way to make the most out of a trip to New York City. It opens the door to some of the city’s best attractions, allowing visitors to explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems while saving money along the way.

Some of the must-see observation decks include:

• Edge NYC (valued at $50.08)
• Empire State Building (valued at $51.17)
• Top of the Rock Observatory (valued at $59.88)

For those who love museums, there’s access to:

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum ($33.00 value)
• American Museum of Natural History ($28.00 value)
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) ($30.00 value)

Tours are another highlight:

• Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour ($80.00 value)
• Statue of Liberty Ferry and Ellis Island Immigration Museum ($25.00 value)
• Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line ($52.00 value)

Once the New York Pass is purchased, visitors can check out as many attractions as they wish, making it a fantastic deal. The more you explore, the more you save. Plus, it opens the door to experiences you might not have considered before, such as small walking tours. These tours turned out to be a pleasant surprise, offering a unique way to see the city up close, and the fact that they’re free with the pass made them even better!

How to buy your New York Pass:

Step 1: Choose the pass duration that best fits your trip (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days). You can purchase the New York Pass directly from their official website for a quick and hassle-free experience.

Why buy online?

• When purchasing online, you can benefit from exclusive discounts.
• They offer a 365-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a full refund in case your plans change.
• Your pass can be activated at any time within two years from the purchase date.

Step 2: After purchase, download your mobile pass instantly using the New York Pass app. For those who prefer a physical version, you can print the pass and guidebook at home. The confirmation email will include all the necessary links and instructions for both options.

Step 3: Once you have your pass, you’ll gain free access to over 100 top NYC attractions for the duration of the pass.

How to activate your pass: Your pass will be activated as soon as you visit your first attraction. After that, it can be used for consecutive calendar days based on the pass duration you purchased.

Plus, the pass includes a free guidebook, which helps you easily plan your itinerary and maximize your experience in the city.

Make time to visit Brooklyn

During my first trip to New York City, I spent the entire time exploring Manhattan, not realizing how many incredible places there were to discover in the other boroughs. If you have some extra time, make sure to include Brooklyn in your itinerary. It offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, along with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

For those using the New York Pass, here are some Brooklyn attractions and tours you can enjoy for FREE with the pass:

• Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking (valued at $63.18)
• Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour (valued at $39.00)
• NYC Bus Tour of Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens (valued at $89.00)
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden (valued at $22.00)
• Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn (valued at $32.00)

Pro Tip: The best photos of the Manhattan skyline can be taken from DUMBO in Brooklyn.

Since discovering Brooklyn, I always make time to visit whenever I’m in New York City. Some of my favorite things to do in Brooklyn include walking across the Brooklyn Bridge (you’ll be amazed by the NYC skyline views), grabbing pizza at Roberta’s, sipping the best hot chocolate at Jacques Torres Chocolate, and exploring the New York Transit Museum.

Don’t pay full price at New York City museums

Visiting iconic museums like The Met, MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), or the American Museum of Natural History doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. In fact, there are several ways to score discounted tickets or even visit for free. Knowing this before your trip can help you save a lot.

Take advantage of free museum days

Many museums in New York City offer free admission on specific days. This is a great way to explore world-class museums while keeping your budget in check. However, there’s a catch — free days tend to be extremely busy. That’s why it’s a good idea to arrive before the museum opens to avoid long lines.

Side Note: For residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, certain museums like The Met offer a “pay what you wish” policy. Just bring a valid ID to take advantage of this offer. In the past, “pay what you wish” was available to everyone, but now it’s limited to residents of these three states. Non-residents can still save money by visiting on free days or using one of New York’s sightseeing passes.

Save money with one of these New York sightseeing passes:

New York Pass – If you want to avoid paying full price at New York City’s top attractions, the New York Pass is an obvious choice. With the savings you get from using this pass, you can put that extra cash toward a fancy dinner, a nice hotel, or other splurges.

Best for: Those looking to visit all the major attractions in a short amount of time. You can save up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets for each attraction.

New York CityPASS – If your goal is to visit the city’s most popular attractions without focusing on tours, the New York CityPASS might be the better option.

Best for: Those who want to see the top 5 attractions in New York. This pass allows you to save 40% compared to paying regular admission prices. The top attractions included are:

• Empire State Building
• American Museum of Natural History
• Top of the Rock OR Guggenheim Museum
• Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

New York GO City Pass – If you prefer to take your time and visit only a few attractions at your own pace, the New York GO City Pass is worth considering.

Best for: Those with more time to explore New York and see the top attractions at a leisurely pace. You can save up to 50% compared to regular admission prices.

While the New York CityPASS and GO City Pass don’t offer as deep of a discount as the New York Pass, they are still excellent options for saving money while visiting the city’s most famous attractions.

Don’t spend all your time in Midtown and Times Square

Midtown is fantastic, but New York City has so much more to offer. Spending all your time in Midtown or Times Square would mean missing out on many of the unique experiences the city has to offer. Many tourists make the mistake of sticking to these two areas during their entire trip, which limits their chance to explore the richness of the city.

What to do instead:

Even if it’s your first visit to New York City, try to carve out time in your itinerary to explore some less crowded but equally incredible neighborhoods. Some of my favorites include the Village, Upper East Side, Union Square, Lower East Side, Lower Manhattan, and SoHo (where you’ll find the Museum of Ice Cream).

If you’re using the New York Pass, here are some great attractions to check out outside of Midtown and Times Square — all of which are free with the pass:

• 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• One World Observatory
• Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigrant Museum
• American Museum of Natural History
• Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
• Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• The Highline
• Flatiron Building
• Central Park
• Washington Square Park
• Coney Island
• Brooklyn Bridge

Exploring these neighborhoods and attractions will allow you to experience the diverse culture, art, and history that make New York City truly special.

Don’t eat in Times Square

Times Square is perfect for snapping a photo or catching a Broadway show, but it’s not the best place for dining. The food here is typically overpriced and often doesn’t provide good value for your money.

If you find yourself hungry while visiting Times Square, I suggest walking at least 3-5 blocks east or west. You’ll discover more affordable restaurants offering better quality food.

Instead, some of my favorite neighborhoods to find delicious food in New York include Chinatown, West Village, SoHo, Chelsea, Flatiron, Lower East Side, and the East Village.

Pro Tip: Traveling can be expensive. One way I like to save money is by earning FREE gift cards through Swagbucks. You can use these gift cards at places like Starbucks to cover your coffee or breakfast during your trip. It’s a simple way to cut back on travel costs without spending out of pocket.

Check out at least one observation deck in New York City

Yes, visiting an observation deck might feel a bit touristy, but the breathtaking views of New York City are absolutely worth it. To truly experience the city, you need to see it from above.

If you decide to splurge on one thing during your trip, this should be it!

My personal favorite is the view from the Top of the Rock. I’ve visited multiple times and never get tired of the stunning skyline. Just make sure to buy your tickets in advance. This will not only save you money but also prevent disappointment if tickets sell out on the day you want to go.

Here are some other popular observation decks to consider. All of them are FREE with the New York Pass:

1. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience – A newer and exciting addition to New York’s observation decks.
2. Empire State Building – A classic, especially for fans of the movie Sleepless in Seattle. You can visit the 86th-floor observation deck, or splurge on the 102nd floor for 360-degree views of the entire city.
3. One World Observatory – Located at One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
4. Edge NYC – The highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, offering a unique view from above the city.

Avoid eating at chain restaurants

Please don’t tell me you traveled all the way to New York City just to eat at a Sbarro Pizza, like Michael Scott did in The Office! If it’s your first time in New York, take full advantage of the city’s diverse selection of unique restaurants and ethnic cuisines.

Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic slice of New York-style pizza or a gourmet meal crafted by some of the best chefs in the world, New York has everything your taste buds could desire.

If you’re a foodie like me, you might want to try a Manhattan Food & History Tour with a local guide. It’s a fantastic way to hear the stories of the millions of immigrants who shaped New York’s food scene while tasting incredible dishes from Chinese, German, Dutch, Italian, Jewish, and many other culinary traditions.

Don’t pay full price for a Broadway show

Seeing a Broadway show is one of the top experiences for anyone visiting New York City for the first time. However, instead of paying full price for tickets, you can almost always find great discounts.

How to save money on theatre tickets:

The TKTS Ticket Booths offer discounted tickets for most Broadway musicals, plays, and dance performances. You can grab same-day tickets at up to 50% off, which is a fantastic deal!

I recommend arriving early, as these booths get busy quickly and popular shows can sell out fast. The main TKTS booth is located right in the heart of Times Square, but there are also other locations at South Street Seaport and Lincoln Center.

What are the most popular Broadway shows in New York?

1. Aladdin
2. The Lion King
3. Chicago
4. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
5. Moulin Rouge! The Musical
6. MJ Broadway
7. Wicked
8. The Book of Mormon Musical
9. Blue Man Group
10. Hamilton

Don’t support horse carriage rides in Central Park

While a horse-drawn carriage ride may sound like a fairy tale, the reality is far from magical. Carriage horses often endure inhumane working conditions, sharing roadways with honking cars and cyclists, which poses risks to both the animals and the public. These horses are made to work long hours in all weather conditions, from scorching heat to freezing cold.

By paying for a horse-drawn carriage ride, you’re supporting an industry that continues to exploit these animals. While it may seem like a charming way to see Central Park, it’s best to skip this activity.

Do this instead:

There are plenty of other great ways to explore NYC. Here are some of my favorite ways to get around the city:

1. Metro – The metro is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to travel around New York City, aside from walking.
2. Staten Island Ferry – It’s free to ride and offers fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty from a distance.
3. Walking – My personal favorite way to get around. Just put on your walking shoes and explore! Consider joining a local walking tour for added fun. If you’re using the New York Pass, several walking tours are included for free.
4. By bike – Biking through the city’s parks or along dedicated greenways is another fantastic option. With the New York Pass, you can even rent bikes for FREE in Central Park (a $54.44 value!).
5. Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour – If you’d rather sit back and relax, the Big Bus Classic panoramic tour is a great way to see NYC’s top sights. A free bus tour is included with the New York Pass (a $59 value!).
6. New York City helicopter tour – For an unforgettable experience, consider splurging on a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of Manhattan and 180-degree vistas of the city’s iconic landmarks.
7. New York Cruise – If you’re pressed for time, this 90-minute cruise around lower and midtown Manhattan is a great way to experience New York City. You’ll get up-close views of the Statue of Liberty and other popular sights.

Some NYC attractions require advance booking

If you’re planning a trip to New York City soon and have popular attractions on your list, I strongly recommend making reservations as early as possible. Many top attractions, like the Empire State Building, can sell out or may require you to wait for the next available entry time.

If you’re using a sightseeing pass, such as the New York Pass, New York CityPASS, or the GO City Pass, you’re already a step ahead of the crowd. These passes allow you to skip the long ticket lines, which can save a lot of time during busy periods.

Once you’ve mapped out your itinerary, you can make reservations through the attraction’s website after purchasing your pass. This ensures you won’t miss out on the experiences you’ve been looking forward to.

Here are some popular NYC attractions that require or recommend advance reservations:

1. Empire State Building
2. American Museum of Natural History
3. Top of the Rock observation deck
4. Guggenheim Museum
5. Ferry Access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
6. Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
7. 9/11 Memorial and Museum
8. Edge Observation Deck
9. One World Observatory
10. SUMMIT

Learn how to find cheap eats in NYC

New York City is known for being expensive, and restaurant prices are generally higher than in cities like Toronto. However, with some smart planning, you can still enjoy great food in NYC without breaking the bank.

Get the lunch special Many popular NYC restaurants offer affordable lunch specials, making it a great way to savor delicious meals for less.

Eat and drink during Happy Hour If you’re flexible with your dining schedule and don’t mind eating early or late, take advantage of New York City’s happy hour specials. You can enjoy discounted prices on both food and drinks during these times.

Dollar pizza slices We all deserve to indulge once in a while! One of my favorite quick meals when sightseeing is grabbing a slice of classic New York pizza. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, trying a NYC-style pizza is a must!

Find cheap eats in the Village, Lower East Side, and Chinatown Think everything in NYC is pricey? Think again! You can find plenty of affordable and tasty options in neighborhoods like the Village, Lower East Side, and Chinatown.

Check out New York Diners Diners are a great choice for an affordable breakfast or lunch in the city, offering hearty meals at a reasonable price.

Try Street Food From ethnic food trucks to hot dog carts and bagels, New York’s street food scene is full of tasty, affordable options.

Pro Tip: Wherever you decide to eat, make sure the restaurant has an “A” rating from the NYC Health Department. If you don’t see an “A” rating posted outside, it’s best to find another place to dine.

If you’re hoping to dine at one of New York’s most popular restaurants, try making a reservation in advance. Not all places accept reservations, so if that’s the case, aim to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times.

Don’t rent a car in NYC

One of the most common travel mistakes is renting a car in New York City. Parking is extremely expensive, and traffic can be a nightmare, especially for those not used to driving in a big city.

Even if you’re driving into New York, I recommend leaving your car at your hotel or accommodations for the duration of your stay. The city’s metro system is easy to navigate and one of the fastest, most efficient ways to get around. Plus, walking and public transportation offer much more convenience than trying to deal with parking and traffic.

Follow this basic New York City etiquette for first-timers

Many people expect New Yorkers to be rude, but in my experience, most people are actually quite friendly. To ensure you have a smooth trip and maybe even connect with a local, it’s helpful to follow some basic NYC etiquette.

Tips for riding the NYC Metro:

1. If you have trouble swiping your Metro card at the subway turnstile, step aside to let others pass, and then try again when the crowd has thinned out.
2. Don’t block the subway doors unless you’re getting off at the next stop. Other passengers may need to exit.
3. Always let people exit the subway or bus before you board.
4. When the subway or bus is crowded, avoid wearing a backpack. Instead, carry it in your hands or place it in your lap to free up space.
5. Be courteous and give up your seat for pregnant women, elderly, or disabled passengers.

Tips for walking around NYC:

1. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk, street, or stairs to look up, take photos, check your phone, or look at a map. Instead, step to the side to let others pass.
2. If you’re in a group, avoid walking side by side if it blocks the sidewalk. In crowded areas, you may need to walk single file to allow people to pass.
3. Stick to the right when walking on the sidewalk or riding escalators, so people in a hurry can pass on the left.
4. Pay attention to bike lanes, especially when walking through parks or crossing streets.
5. Many New Yorkers don’t wait for the walk signal to turn green. You might notice locals crossing the street when there’s no oncoming traffic, even if the pedestrian light is red (most streets are one-way).
6. If you’re using an umbrella, be mindful of those around you. Move your umbrella up, to the right, or left when passing others to avoid collisions.
7. Wear comfortable shoes! Many locals wear sneakers with their suits and change into dress shoes once they reach their destination. If you want to wear heels for photos, bring them in your bag and change when you arrive.

Tips for talking like a New Yorker:

1. “Houston Street” in Lower Manhattan is pronounced “HOW-stun”, not “HUE-stun” like the city in Texas. If you’re taking a taxi to Houston Street, make sure to say “HOW-stun” to avoid confusion.
2. New Yorkers typically refer to Manhattan as “the City”, not NYC or Manhattan. So, if you’re talking to a local, it’s more natural to say “the City.”
3. When asking for directions, keep it short and to the point. There’s no need for small talk. A simple question like “Can you please tell me how to get to The Met from here?” works best.

Tips for staying safe in New York City:

1. Stay away from platform edges on the subway. Always stand away from the edge of the platform to avoid accidentally falling onto the tracks or being pushed.
2. Be aware of pickpockets. Keep your valuables close and within sight, especially in crowded areas like subway stations.
3. Avoid walking with earphones in, especially at night. Walking alone at night with earphones can make it harder to be aware of your surroundings, potentially making you a target for muggers.
4. At the airport – Never leave your bags unattended or accept help from strangers offering to carry your bags or give you a ride into the city. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Taxi safety – Only get into clearly marked NYC taxis. They are usually yellow, with a light on the roof displaying the driver’s medallion number. Avoid unmarked cabs.
6. Disney and superhero characters in Times Square – If you take a photo with them without asking, they may demand payment. If you’re with children, plan ahead for how to handle this in Times Square.
7. Avoid walking alone at night or riding the subway late at night. Stick to subway cars with other passengers (avoid empty cars) and walk in well-lit, busy areas. Central Park and the Financial District are quiet at night and should be avoided if you’re walking alone.

Public bathrooms are hard to find

Finding public restrooms in New York City can be a challenge. I recommend using the restroom at the next restaurant you eat at or any museum or attraction you visit. Unfortunately, most businesses won’t allow you to use their restroom unless you’re a paying customer.

You might have some luck at Starbucks, though. In some locations, you may need to ask an employee for the restroom door code.

Another good option is to use the restrooms at hotels. Walk in as if you’re a guest and look for the restroom sign, usually located in the lobby. Just be aware that during busy times, such as the holiday season, some hotels may ask to see your room key before allowing access to the lobby.

What is the Best Month to Visit New York?

The best time to visit New York is in the spring (from April to June) and fall (from November to December). The weather is cool and pleasant for exploring the city, and there are fewer tourists.

What is the cheapest month to visit New York?

If you don’t mind the cold weather, early spring (February and March) is an ideal time to visit New York on a budget. During this period, you can often find affordable flights and reasonably priced hotels.

What should I do on my first trip to New York City?

Here are my top 10 things to do on your first trip to New York City:

1. Visit Central Park – It’s free and one of the most beautiful spots in the city.
2. Check out Times Square at night – Yes, it’s touristy, but worth experiencing at least once.
3. See the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – Free with the New York Pass.
4. Enjoy the views from Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center – Also free with the New York Pass.
5. Explore the Egyptian mummies at The Met – Admission is free with the New York Pass.
6. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory – The 9/11 Memorial Museum is worth a visit too, and both are free with the New York Pass.
7. Walk the High Line and visit its observation deck – A peaceful urban trail elevated above the city streets.
8. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – One of the best free views of the New York skyline.
9. See a Broadway show – Popular shows book up fast, or you can find same-day ticket deals.
10. Eat food from around the world – Try New York’s famous bagels, cheesecake, and pizza, or sample authentic cuisines from this diverse city of immigrants.

How many days do you need to see New York?

If it’s your first time visiting, I recommend spending at least 5 days in New York. This will give you enough time to explore the main attractions and neighborhoods of Manhattan.

However, depending on your plans, you can visit for just 3 days, but you’ll need more time if you want to fully experience the top sights and dive deeper into the city’s offerings.

Should I stay in Times Square?

Times Square is the heart of Manhattan and a central location for many of New York’s top attractions. It’s a great neighborhood to stay in for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action.

However, if you prefer a quieter experience and want to escape the crowds, consider staying in areas like the Upper East Side or Greenwich Village, which offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the city’s highlights.

What is the easiest way to get around New York?

The easiest way to get around New York is by riding the subway. It’s often faster and cheaper than driving or taking a taxi, and it will give you the authentic experience of traveling like a local. Another fun and convenient option is to take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, which allows you to explore the city’s major attractions at your own pace.