If you’re visiting New York City for the first time you might be wondering about helpful NYC travel tips. I’ve lived in the Big Apple for 10 years and would like to offer some advice you might find helpful. As a local, I can tell you that we truly appreciate folks that do some research before visiting New York City for the first time. So kudos to you for being a responsible visitor, let’s dive in!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Helpful New York City Travel Tips
(Table of Contents)
Tips for Visiting NYC (Table of Contents)
- Helpful New York City Travel Tips
- Comfortable Walking Shoes are Non-Negotiable
- Don’t Get a Hotel Too Close to Times Square
- Restrooms Are Not Easy to Come By (Plan Accordingly)
- The Best Views of the City are From the Top of the Rock
- Treat the Sidewalk Like a Highway
- Eat at Local Joints (Not Chain Restaurants)
- Let’s Talk: Tipping Culture in New York City
- New York City is (So) Expensive
- Escalator Etiquette is a (Real) Thing
- Visit at Least Two Boroughs During Your First Visit to NYC
- You Should Make Time to Visit a Museum
- Ask for Directions if You’re Lost (Yes, Really)
- A Broadway Show is Always Worthwhile
- Transportation Travel Tips for New York City
- Tips for Visiting New York City for the First Time (Post Summary)
So I went to New York City to be born again. It was, and remains, easy for most Americans to go somewhere else and start anew. I wasn’t like my parents. I didn’t have any supposedly sacred piece of land or shoals of friends to leave behind.
Kurt Vonnegut
Comfortable Walking Shoes are Non-Negotiable
One of the most important tips for first time visitors to New York is to bring comfortable walking shoes. If helpful, I recently wrote a guide on the 10 BEST Shoes for Walking Around New York City.
Most of my out-of-town guests average 15,000-20,000 steps per day, simply because there’s so many great things to see in New York City. The subway is efficient but sometimes it’s better to walk between places to absorb more of the city. There’s no denying that the skyline is euphoric and the streets are always buzzing with energy. Bring your most comfortable pair of shoes because you’ll be getting those steps in, I guarantee it.
If helpful, here’s the walking shoes my podiatrist recommended (I’m on my 3rd pair)
Don’t Get a Hotel Too Close to Times Square
Most people visiting New York City for the first time end up staying near Times Square. It’s hard to blame them because there’s so many hotels in the area (offering some of the best deals in town, too!). But the problem with staying in Times Square is that the area is so touristy and busy 24/7, you’ll never get a break from the action.
In my opinion, staying in such a busy area takes away from the overall experience because you won’t get to experience the charming and calm side of daily life in NYC. Rather, your version of NYC will seem noisy and loud, which is a pity.
If you can, try to find a hotel in another neighborhood. I highly recommend staying in the Upper West Side. Or, better yet, read: Where to Stay in New York City (+3 Neighborhoods to Avoid)
Restrooms Are Not Easy to Come By (Plan Accordingly)
This is a New York City travel tip I can’t stress enough — public restrooms are hard to come by, so plan accordingly (especially if you’re visiting New York City with kids). Whenever I show folks around town I make a mental note to track public restrooms along the way and point them out. Plan ahead and use the restroom at restaurants you’re patronizing. If all else fails, your next best bet is to run into a nearby mall.
The Best Views of the City are From the Top of the Rock
I dare you to show me a more mesmerizing skyline than that of New York. And if you’re looking for the absolute best views of New York City, it’s hard to beat the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. I’ve visited all 5 observation decks in NYC, and the Top of the Rock is the cream of the crop.
Visitors can access three separate indoor/outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors. The large glass-panels offer unobstructed panoramic views the NYC skyline, unlike some of the other observation decks in NYC that use fencing — an inexcusable offense! From the Top of Rock you’ll see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Flatiron Building and the One World Trade Center.
Further Reading: 18+ JAW-DROPPING Views of New York City (For All Budgets)
Treat the Sidewalk Like a Highway
Nothing bothers a New Yorker more than a person that stops smack-dab in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s inconsiderate and you’re guaranteed to get some eye rolls from locals. There’s two ways people inadvertently hog the sidewalk: walking side-by-side in large groups & randomly stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take photos.
If you don’t want to look like a tourist during your first visit to NYC, make sure you step to the side if you need to stop. And please, don’t stop at the top of the stairs when leaving the subway station, move aside so other folks can get past you.
Eat at Local Joints (Not Chain Restaurants)
NYC is a foodie’s paradise so one of my biggest New York City travel tips is to avoid chain restaurants altogether during your visit. You’ll be in the land of carbs (pizza, bagels and pasta!). Take advantage of the awesome local joints for all your meals. To give you some guidance, here’s: 10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Everybody Needs to Try
Let’s Talk: Tipping Culture in New York City
NYC attracts a lot of international visitors. Unlike most other international cities, NYC has a tipping culture that might seem foreign to non-American tourists. So, it would be inexcusable to skip a quick recap of the tipping system in America.
Unlike most foreign countries, tipping at restaurants is expected in the US. The rule of thumb is 20% minimum (anything below 15% can seem insulting). My rule of thumb is as follows: If I sit down at a table I expect to tip 20%. If I’m grabbing something from a counter (like a bagel, etc.) I’m not expected to tip.
All this to say, one of the most helpful tips for visiting New York City for international visitors is to budget a 20% tip whenever you eat out.
New York City is (So) Expensive
I know, understatement of the century, right? But bear with me. New York City is the 7th most expensive city in the world. Let that sink in. Expect everything to cost more, from daily coffee to a meal at a restaurant. The highest sticker shock tends to occur with cocktails, it’s not uncommon for a single drink to clock in around $22+ before tip.
As such, one of the most important New York City travel tips is making sure you budget accordingly before visiting New York City for the first time. It’s so easy to get carried away and spend more than you planned. Make a list of your top 5-10 can’t-miss spots, but don’t expect to experience everything in one go (unless your budget allows, of course).
To that end, you can most definitely visit New York City on a budget because some of the best things to do in NYC are completely free. For example, spend an easy-going afternoon at one of the 15 most iconic parks in New York City and you’ll instantly see why folks enjoy living here so much.
Escalator Etiquette is a (Real) Thing
This is a simple New York City travel tip that catches first-timers off guard. In NYC, there’s a “right way” to use the escalator, thankfully it’s pretty easy to catch on. Here’s how it works: stand on the right, pass on the left.
If you stand on the left side then you are blocking access for people that need to get somewhere in a hurry (but can’t get past you). Effectively, standing on the left side of the escalator is a breach of etiquette and bound to get sighs from locals.
The reason folks get annoyed by those that don’t follow proper escalator etiquette is because New Yorkers are quick walkers. Locals have places to go and people to see and have learned the way the sidewalks and escalators work. Whenever we see tourists standing on the right and passing on the left, we appreciate the effort!
Visit at Least Two Boroughs During Your First Visit to NYC
Something a lot of folks don’t realize is that New York City is comprised of five separate boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island). These boroughs collectively are known as New York City. However, when most people think of NYC they only think of Manhattan, but I won’t let that happen to you.
One of the most important New York travel tips is to make sure you explore more than just Manhattan during your first visit to NYC. Luckily, it’s very easy to see the two most popular boroughs (Manhattan & Brooklyn) in one day. The best part? Reaching Brooklyn from Manhattan is an experience in itself!
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most memorable things to do in New York City. The bridge spans one mile and takes about 30 minutes to walk across (you can see the Statue of Liberty from here!). You’ll end up in DUMBO, Brooklyn after getting off the bridge. Head towards the Brooklyn Promenade and take a leisurely stroll while soaking up views of the Manhattan skyline.
This helpful itinerary for 4 days in New York City (our most popular guide!) covers the two most popular boroughs in NYC. It took our team two weeks to write, so you can bet it’s full of great NYC travel tips.
You Should Make Time to Visit a Museum
New York City is home to some of the best museums in the world, and you should make an effort to see at least one during your first visit to New York City. Yes, even if you’re not “into” museums. Here’s some to consider:
The Met: Founded in 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is often considered the best museum in New York City. With more than 2 million pieces of art spanning 5,000+ years, the Met is the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world. Averaging 6 million visitors per year, it’s also the most visited museum in New York City.
MoMA: Home to world-renowned paintings like Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Claude Monet’s Water Lilies and notable works by Warhol, Basquiat and Dali, MoMA is a must-visit for lovers of modern art.
The American Museum of Natural History: Considered one of the greatest natural history museums in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is arguably the best museum in NYC for kids. This incredible science museum is home to 33 million specimens, yet only 3% are on display (and even that amount can get quite overwhelming!).
Need help deciding which museum to visit? 15 Best Museums in NYC (+What to See at Each).
Ask for Directions if You’re Lost (Yes, Really)
New Yorkers get a bad rap for being rude, but we’re not — we’re just busy. Speaking from personal experience, please don’t hesitate to approach locals and ask for directions if you’re lost. Find someone that looks approachable (isn’t glued to their phone or walking at blazing speeds) and approach them.
When asking for directions in NYC, the key is to get right to the point, rather than trying to exchange pleasantries (sounds strange, but trust me). When you approach a New Yorker say something along the lines of “Hello, I’m looking for the New York Public Library, can you point me in the right direction?” No small talk needed.
More often than not, it gives us great joy to help people out (we want to be a good representation of the place we call home!). Plus, nothing makes you feel more like a local than knowing which direction to point people without picking up your phone, it’s a win-win for all. 😉
A Broadway Show is Always Worthwhile
Yes, Broadway Shows are expensive, but the experience is unforgettable. I would suggest budgeting at least one show during your first visit to New York City. Something I wish I knew earlier was that certain Broadway Shows have a lottery system where you can apply to win discounted tickets in advance. Simply go on the official website of the show you’re interested in seeing and apply for the lottery directly through the website.
Another way to save money is by purchasing “same day” ticket at the TKTS Booth in Times Square (an official Broadway partner). I’ve done this a few times and scored $100 tickets for shows valued at $250+. The only downside is you can’t be very picky! So if you’re set on a specific show (here’s a roundup of the best Broadway shows in NYC), you may need to bite the bullet and eat the cost. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Transportation Travel Tips for New York City
Getting to Manhattan From JFK Airport
If you’re flying into JFK Airport, don’t make the assumption that an Uber will be cheaper than a taxi. Taxis from JFK offer a flat rate to Manhattan, which is often cheaper than taking Uber or Lyft. The flat rate is $70 (+$5 rush hour surcharge weekdays between 4pm – 8pm), plus 15-20% tip. All told, I typically pay around $100-120 to get from the airport (steep prices but this is New York, baby!)
Helpful guide: How to Get to New York City From the Airport (Local’s Advice & Price Breakdown)
Tips for Hailing a Taxi
Hailing a taxi seems romantically easily in movies, but in reality it requires some know-how. Here’s some tips for hailing a taxi like a true New Yorker:
First, check to see if the middle light on the roof of the cab is lit. If so, the taxi is vacant and can be hailed. If no lights are lit then the cab is occupied. When you see a vacant cab you can flag it by standing on the curb and raising your hand in the direction of the cab. Make eye contact with the driver and they’ll pull over to pick you up, but take note: taxis cannot stop at bus stops.
Also, you may notice green cabs in New York City. Green cabs are NOT allowed to pick up passengers with Manhattan. The reason? The green cab program was launched to address a discrepancy in ride availability outside of the tourist hot-spots in Manhattan. You can read about the green cab program here.
The Subway is the Best Way to Get Around While Visiting NYC
A lot of people love to hate on public transportation (this isn’t unique to the Big Apple), but NYC’s subway is efficient and easily to take. In fact, sometimes the subway is the fastest way to get around town because of the notorious traffic.
Here’s a few things to keep in mind while using the subway during your first visit to New York City:
Avoid empty trains: There’s typically a reason they’re empty. The AC might be broken, there might be a terrible smell or someone is causing a ruckus.
Don’t hog seats you aren’t using. If you brought a large item onboard place it in your lap. If you’re taking the subway during rush hour you probably won’t find a seat. Hold on the handrails because sometimes the train jerks out of the station.
Know the difference between express and local trains. Local trains stop at every stations, express trains skip a handful of stops. Google Maps does a great job of telling you which train to take, I use it often.
Don’t stress catching the wrong train. Getting on the wrong train is not ideal, but it happens all the time. Roll with it. Simply get off at the next stop and hop on the train going in the opposite direction (or follow the directions on your phone).
The New York City Ferry is a GREAT Way to Rest Your Legs
One of my favorite things to do with first time visitors to NYC is taking them on the Ferry. The NYC Ferry is part of the public transportation network, so rides are only $4 per person. Riding the ferry is a great way to rest your legs while soaking up incredible views of NYC.
Just keep in mind that this is an official mode of transportation and not a tourist attraction, so you can’t stay on all day (all passengers must disembark at Wall Street). My best advice it to take the ferry from DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) to Wall Street, it’s a sort route that offers unparalleled views of Manhattan from the water.
Download the Offline Google Map Before Visiting NYC
One of my most important New York City travel tips is to download an offline map (using Google Maps) before visiting NYC for the first time. It’s free and very easy to do. There’s seldom any cell service in the subway and having access to a map while you’re en route is invaluable.
Tips for Visiting New York City for the First Time (Post Summary)
I hope that this list of NYC travel tips helps you avoid mistakes people make on their first trip to New York City.
- A taxi might be the cheapest option from the airport
- NYC travel tips for hailing a taxi
- The 7-day metro card is typically worthwhile
- The subway is the best way to get around
- The NYC ferry is a GREAT way to take a break
- Download Google Maps before you get here
- Ask for directions if you’re lost
- Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable
- The best views of NYC are at the Top of the Rock
- Don’t hog the sidewalk
- Eat at the local joints
- Tipping in New York City
- New York City is expensive
- Try to find a hotel outside of Times Square
- Escalator etiquette
- Make an effort to visit at least two boroughs
- You should make time to visit a museum
- Restroom are not easy to come by
- The NYC CityPass might be worthwhile
- A Broadway show is always worthwhile
Cheers!
THIS WAS AMAZING. My husband and I are coming from Australia in October and have found this so helpful. We want to be prepared and a responsible visitor. Many thanks for this, we really appreciate it.
Hi Rochelle! Thank you SO much for your kind words, I’m touched! Locals love responsible visitors and I’m so happy that you’ll be visiting NYC soon. Enjoy your time and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, we’re here to help!
This was really interesting with all the information I read from it very useful indeed, we are going to New York in November , we are struggling a bit to sort out what we would like to go and see, we have got wrote down Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, 9/11 Museum, Broadway show, Empire State Building, The Edge, Rockefellers, biking in central park, Brooklyn Bridge, etc. We are stopping in Times Square for 4 days and we just trying to work out times and days we going on and best time to go .
Hi Deborah, so happy to hear you found the info helpful! Sounds like you’re spending 4 days in NYC, you might find our guide on How to Spend 4 Days in NYC helpful. Enjoy your trip to NYC!
Thanks for sharing these details. Found it very useful, I will be in New York in couple of weeks, so want to be prepared
Hello Padma, I’m so glad you found our list of NYC tips helpful! It was a pleasure to write, hope you enjoy your time in NYC!