New York City is a city unlike any other I’ve ever been to. Getting to live within the walls of the concrete jungle last year was an absolute dream come true for me. That being said, it was by no means perfect. Through a lot of trial and error, I eventually felt like I had a grip on the way things operated in New York. Today, I am here to share my knowledge with you.
If you have plans to visit New York city anytime soon, there are some practical things you’ll want to consider. Most of these tips are things I discovered only after living in the city for quite some time. I’m hoping the following tips will help you navigate the city with a bit more ease next time you visit. And in the worlds of Taylor Swift, ‘Welcome to New York!’
1. Keep walking
Anyone that’s lived in New York for a while will tell you how utterly annoyed they become from tourists walking pace. Seems like a pretty minor thing to get upset about, but it really does get irritating {coming from personal experience}. That being said, when visiting the big apple, be aware of your surroundings and keep in mind that most people are in a rush to get wherever they need to be.
By all means, don’t rush around without taking in the beauty of the city. But, maybe reconsider checking directions on your phone in the middle of the sidewalk. Just use some heightened common sense and awareness. As with any new place you are a guest of, respect the locals.
2. Eat at food trucks on weekdays
Of course, please don’t miss the world renowned restaurants New York has to offer. That being said, you shouldn’t underestimate the food trucks in midtown and downtown on weekdays. I have had some of the best lunches from these food trucks scattered around the city. Don’t be surprised if you see multiple men in $1,000 suits carrying gyro’s from Rafiqi’s or Uncle Gussy’s. Both of these small food trucks serve traditional Greek cuisine and will inevitably have a long queue around lunchtime. Neither should be missed – highly recommended!
3. Don’t lose your Metro card
This is something I did when I first moved to New York City, so I imagine it might be helpful to repeat for anyone visiting. When you buy a Metro card from the kiosks underground, you’ll instantly realize how flimsy and thin they are. Unlike the Oyster card in London, they aren’t made of plastic {though they should be}. This pathetic piece of paper will be your lifeline in New York so make sure you keep it in the same, secure place during your trip.
4. Visit Brooklyn
Don’t spend all of your time in Manhattan – just don’t. Cross the river and make your way to Brooklyn for a laid back version of the concrete jungle. There is so much to do in Williamsburg, DUMBO, Prospect Park, and downtown Brooklyn. Williamsburg stole my heart from the moment I arrived {read about it here}, and my biggest regret from last year is not spending enough time in the charming neighborhood.
I personally lived in Brooklyn last year and it felt like a breath of fresh air each time I arrived home from Manhattan. There is something to be said for the brownstone buildings and vegan-friendly-ness of Brooklyn {though I know it gets a lot of shit for it}. It just feels cool. Even if it’s for an afternoon, I suggest boarding the ‘L’ train to see what it’s all about.
5. Walk everywhere
When you are in Manhattan, make it a point to walk everywhere. Firstly, it’s easy to do so. The entire city is arranged in a grid made up of avenues and streets. Figure out if you need to end up downtown or uptown, and start moving. It’s honestly the best way to see the city. And you won’t feel as guilty for indulging in a New York bagel en route. I’ve walked from midtown Manhattan {near Grand Central} all the way to downtown Brooklyn {near Barclays center}, and it took me an hour or so. Walking has always been my favorite form of transportation.
6. Take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the Statue of Liberty
Forget the boat tours to see Lady Liberty, and instead opt for the Staten Island Ferry. You will get views {like the one above} for free, while the boat tours can cost anywhere from $30 – 45. I completely understand if you want to actually visit Ellis Island, but for those just wanting to wave to our great lady, take the ferry. Plus you get stunning views of Manhattan from afar! Ferries depart every half an hour from Whitehall Terminal near Battery Park {4 Whitehall Street New York NY 10004}. Once you arrive on Staten Island, simply line up to board the departing {free} ferry returning to Manhattan.
7. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge starting from Brooklyn {not Manhattan}
First and foremost, you shouldn’t leave New York without walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Point blank. I brought every single guest that visited me in the big apple, to the Brooklyn Bridge – but never starting in Manhattan. If you are going to walk it, take the subway to High Street Brooklyn Bridge Station or Clark Street Station and follow signs leading to the bridge. I promise you, the experience is heightened simply by walking this direction. Of course I’ve done it both ways, but if given the choice, I always start in Brooklyn. Think about it, either way you’ll end up on that side of river so you may as well use it as a starting point rather than a finishing point.
8. Avoid the bike lane on the Brooklyn Bridge
Keeping to the topic of the Brooklyn Bridge, make sure to stay in your own lane {so to speak} when walking across. Cyclists won’t stop for you. They will normally scream obscenities or holler extremely loud if you are in their way. To avoid embarrassing yourself, and possibly getting run over, I suggest keeping to the pedestrian side of the bridge. Yes, the tourists move slower than a one legged cat, but it is a tourist destination. Take a deep breath and enjoy the view while you wait.
9. Get a drink at Bar 65 for the same views as ‘Top of the Rock’ {and avoid paying $36}
Does the image below look familiar to you? Yeah, that’s because it’s what someone would typically see at the Top of the Rock. This photo wasn’t taken at the Top of the Rock though, and instead on the 65th floor. That’s right, the nearly identical views can be found just five floors below the Top of the Rock – for a fraction of the price.
Simply order a glass of wine at Bar 65 for approximately $12 – 15 and enjoy your evening with one of the best views in the city. The bar opens at 5:00 pm and requires a dress code {nothing too crazy – think close toed shoes and no sweat pants}. You can also enjoy a full meal, or a variety of small bites if you wish.
10. Remember to hold on when you take the Subway
This was a surprising one that I never thought I would have to advise someone on – but alas. The amount of friends and family unfamiliar with taking the subway that fell victim to this was insane. Once you board the subway, make sure you find something {or during rush hour – someone} to hold onto. Otherwise, you will be left with the unfortunate fate of being thrown off your feet. Now, this isn’t the end of the world, but save yourself the embarrassment of falling on top of an angry New Yorker, unimpressed with your ignorance to the ‘way’ of the underground.
11. If you watch a street performance {even for a minute} it’s courtesy to tip
This was something I didn’t realize before living in New York. I figured tipping was optional, especially for a silly street performance I glanced at for 30 seconds – NOT in New York City. Sure, you may only get daggers sent your direction in the form of death glares, but just be courteous and tip anyone that makes you stop in your tracks. Even if it’s momentarily, these people work really hard to provide entertainment for city dwellers and visitors, and they deserve recognition.
Only if you recognize them of course. By all means, don’t feel obligated to tip the man singing off-tune in your subway car – you didn’t have a choice in the matter. Plus, you’ll get the nod of approval from any performer if you tip on behalf of your clueless friend that decided to stop and watch the ‘free performance’. Again, speaking from experience…
12. Ask directions
I know New Yorkers get a bad reputation for being mean, angry, and impossible, but I promise it’s not the case. The best way to test the theory is to ask for directions. Locals love giving directions in their city – don’t believe me, try for yourself. Even if someone is in a rush {by all means don’t test this theory with someone physically rushing somewhere}, they are usually more than willing to give you at least a brief summary of how to get to your destination. If you’re lucky, they may even include some local tips or recommendations.
When I first arrived in New York, I would occasionally ask someone for directions, and always received the warmest welcome. Sometimes I would look so lost, I didn’t even have to ask for directions and someone would be by side. When I became more familiar with the city, I always did my best to pay it forward and assist visitors with directions.
13. The metro weekend schedule is always changing
You may think you have the metro system figured out after a few days – but then comes the weekend. The weekend schedule was literally the bane of my existence. There is always some kind of construction happening on most subway lines, meaning they will not be running, or will only be running locally. It always effected my route into Manhattan, or elsewhere. And I always forgot about it until I was on the platform staring at the roped off subway line. You should be safe during the week, but keep it in mind when visiting the outer boroughs on weekends.
14. Carry hand-sanitizer at all times
…because New York is disgusting. Not much more needs to be said about that – still love it though.
15. Utilize happy hours
For anyone trying to save a dime, and still have a good time while visiting New York, you would be an idiot not to utilize happy hours. You can find a good happy hour on nearly every corner of Manhattan {and Brooklyn actually}. These can include half price drinks, 2 for 1, or a certain dollar amount off house wine and draft beer. Most happy hours start around 5:00 PM and last until about 7:00 PM, so this is your sweet spot. Normal drink prices in New York are astronomical, and locals rarely pay full price on weekdays. How else do you think they afford to live in the city?
I worked in midtown east in Manhattan {more specifically 50th and 3rd} so my knowledge of happy hours centers around this area of the city. That being said, some of my favorites include Kurant, Draught 55, and Soccarrat Paella Bar.
16. Some of the best views are outside of Manhattan
I cannot stress this point enough! You’ll never get a view of the Manhattan skyline while within Manhattan. And you simply can’t leave New York without seeing it from outside the walls of the concrete jungle. Like I mentioned before, Brooklyn should be on your itinerary regardless, but it’s also the best place to get a glimpse of the city skyline. My favorite location to do this is from Brooklyn Bridge Park, specifically around sunset. If you get the chance, you can also make your way to New Jersey, specifically Hoboken, where you will find magnificent views of the city as well. Both destinations are easy to get to – you’ll thank me later.
17. Don’t complain about the smell – just don’t
We know it smells like garbage and pee and homeless people and smoke. We are aware – we know. So you don’t have to make it a point to include it in every conversation you have while in New York – k, thanks.
18. Share a picnic in Central Park
Everyone who reads the blog knows my favorite location in New York is the Brooklyn Bridge. That being said, I am tempted to say it’s a tie with Central Park. After being away from the city for six months now, I can’t make a confident decision on the matter. I’ll just say Central Park is worth 10 million visits if you get the chance while in New York. If 10 million isn’t going to work with your schedule, then at least make it a point to walk through the park once – minimum.
It is truly the most beautiful park I’ve ever stepped foot in. You won’t feel as though you’ve escaped the city {high-rise apartments are still very much in view}, but it does give you a chance to slow down. Some of my most cherished moments in the big apple were spent within the confines of the park, which you can read more about here and here.
19. Get the best Broadway tickets at TKTS booth in Times Square
You can actually receive 20 – 50% off day-of Broadway shows. For day-of matinees, you should arrive at 10:00 AM when the TKTS booth opens. For evening performances, the booth opens at 3:00 PM. It is obviously more difficult for people working in New York, but if you simply visiting the city, make sure you get your hands on discounted tickets. Times Square isn’t the only TKTS location, but it offers the best options. For more information on locations and hours, click here. For real-time listings, you can go to their website here.
20. Avoid taking the Subway during rush hour
By this point, I should probably just draft a guide specifically about taking the subway… watch this space. But honestly, try your best to avoid the subway between 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM on weekdays. Everyone and their mother is commuting to and from work during these hours, making it impossible to efficiently travel via subway. There were multiple times last year that I would have to wait for one {occasionally two} trains to pass me by before I could board at all. You will see traffic monitors at the busy stations during these peak hours. If you do – I suggest running in the opposite direction.
No one wants to be wedged between two armpits at any point in their life. But this is especially true while on vacation – at least for me. That beings said, you’ll have nothing to worry about on the weekends. Just be wary of the time if you plan to take the metro during the week. Plus, as mentioned previously, this is prime ‘happy hour time’ in New York. Therefore, you might as well kill two birds with one stone, and take full advantage.
21. Always keep an open mind
And finally, always remain open-minded when visiting New York. The city is a true melting pot and requires patience, understanding, and a positive attitude. If you allow the city to fully consume you, you won’t be disappointed. Be prepared to take the wrong train, get harassed by a few homeless people, receive an elbow jab or two, and possibly have a melt down or two. But also prepare yourself for one of the best trips of your life. New York City is, in many ways, the epicenter of the world. The energy that flows within the walls of the concrete jungle is unlike anything else.
– If you are looking for more information about visiting, or living, in New York, look not further. You can find my ultimate guide to moving to the big apple, here.
– For my penny pinchers, I’ve provided a post about how to spend a day in New York for under $20.00, here.
– If you are looking for things to add to your itinerary while in New York, you can see a breakdown of how to spend 24 hours in Tribeca, here.
– And finally, for more random tips and tricks about New York city you can read 10 Things I’ve Learned After Moving to New York {here} and 10 More Things I’ve Learned After Moving to New York {here}.
