7 Common Tourist Mistakes To Avoid In NYC (From A Local!)

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Last Updated 4 minutes in the past

Are you planning your first journey to New York City?

I really like New York (and I may be a little biased since I’m from there) so I need you to have one of the best time in your journey!

That’s why I’m sharing the most typical errors I see vacationers make so what to keep away from as a way to have a great experience in NYC.

These are the highest seven errors to keep away from in your journey to New York:

1. Not Taking The Subway

One of the most important errors that vacationers make in New York just isn’t taking the subway.

You might need heard that the subway is unsafe otherwise you would possibly simply really feel overwhelmed on the prospect of navigating the subway system.

But I promise you that the subway is not that unhealthy! It’s a lot cheaper than taking taxis or Ubers in every single place, and it is nearly all the time sooner than driving too, because of New York’s insane visitors.

Taking the subway is simply $2.90 per trip. You should purchase a MetroCard in most subway stations and cargo it up with nonetheless a lot cash you need.

If you will be in New York for quite a lot of days, it typically is sensible to pay $34 for a 7-day limitless MetroCard as a substitute of paying per trip.

2. Staying In Times Square

Another mistake that first-time guests make in New York? Choosing a lodge in Times Square.

There is so far more to NYC than Times Square. I perceive that in your first journey to New York, you in all probability wish to see Times Square, however that does not imply you want to keep in Times Square. It’s the least genuine and most touristy space within the metropolis.

If you do wish to keep in Midtown, I like to recommend selecting a lodge close to the southern finish of Central Park. This is a good space inside straightforward strolling distance of many vacationer points of interest together with Central Park, a number of museums, and Broadway.

If you wish to keep in a extra hip Downtown neighborhood, Chelsea is an efficient possibility as a result of it is between Midtown and funky neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, West Village, East Village, SoHo, and extra.

3. Eating At Chain Restaurants

There’s a working joke concerning the big Olive Garden restaurant in Times Square. Don’t come to New York and eat on the identical chain eating places you’ll find everywhere in the United States!

New York is likely one of the greatest foodie locations on the earth, and you’ll find all kinds of delicacies for each style. It really is a melting pot of various flavors and cultures.

So skip the chain eating places and as a substitute strive some genuine native delicacies. If you are not positive the place to begin, a meals tour is a good exercise to e book in NYC!

You cannot go away NYC with out attempting a traditional New York slice from Joe’s Pizza or a bagel along with your selection of toppings from Ess-a-Bagel.

4. Not Observing Proper Sidewalk Etiquette

There’s a stereotype that New Yorkers are impolite, which I do not suppose is kind of justified.

If you ever need assistance with instructions or desire a advice for the place to eat or issues to do, New Yorkers are literally very useful and approachable.

But one factor that does irritate New Yorkers? When vacationers cease proper in the midst of a sidewalk.

This disrupts the stream of foot visitors, and in a metropolis as busy and crowded as New York, that is an issue. Similarly, you must stick with strolling within the right “lane” on the sidewalk (identical sides as how automobiles drive.)

If you do must cease to verify the place you are going or ship a textual content message or take a photograph, step off to the facet and do not block the sidewalk the place individuals are strolling.

5. Overpaying For Tourist Attractions

It’s no secret that NYC is a pricy vacation spot, however you can lower your expenses on vacationer points of interest.

For instance, many fashionable museums in New York have a “suggested donation,” however you possibly can truly pay no matter you need, even when that is simply $1. Some of those museums embody the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Brooklyn Museum.

Many different museums have at some point per week the place you possibly can take pleasure in free or pay-what-you-wish admission.

When it involves Broadway reveals, you possibly can typically rating low-cost tickets for reveals on-line by utilizing TodayTix. Or you possibly can strive your luck ready on line (facet observe, New Yorkers say on line and never in line) at TKTS, a sales space in Times Square with deeply discounted same-day tickets.

Another fashionable (and costly) factor to do in NYC is go to an remark deck. There are so many to select from: the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge, and extra. You actually solely want to go to one, although!

I personally advocate Top of the Rock — for my part, it gives one of the best skyline view of NYC, and it is the one place the place you possibly can see a direct view of the long-lasting Empire State Building.

6. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

As I discussed above, you should not be afraid of taking the subway in New York!

But my private favourite approach of getting across the metropolis is on foot. New York could be very walkable, greater than some other metropolis within the United States, and you may get to many locations on simply your personal two ft.

Because you will be doing a lot of strolling in New York, you will wish to ensure you have a snug pair of strolling sneakers. I like to recommend sneakers — even in the summertime, I’d by no means put on sandals strolling round NYC since you simply by no means know what’s on the streets.

If you will be visiting New York from December till March, you will positively desire a pair of water resistant boots and a few heat wool socks in case of snow, icy rain, or slush.

7. Not Leaving Manhattan

Finally, one of many greatest errors you may make in New York just isn’t leaving Manhattan.

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan is by far the most well-liked with guests, however it’s value getting off the beaten path.

If you might have a restricted period of time in NYC, I’d advocate spending not less than half a day (or a full day) in Brooklyn. You can begin off by strolling throughout the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan after which stroll across the charming neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights earlier than stopping for a chunk to eat within the DUMBO neighborhood proper alongside the waterfront.

In the summer season, Coney Island can also be an amazing vacation spot in Brooklyn to go to. This seaside neighborhood has an old-school amusement park, a boardwalk, and seashores.

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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.