7 Common Tourist Mistakes To Avoid In NYC (From A Local!)
Last Updated
Are you planning your first journey to New York City?
I really like New York (and I could be a little biased since I’m from there) so I would like 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 in an effort 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 will not be taking the subway.
You may 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 dangerous! It’s a lot cheaper than taking taxis or Ubers all over the place, and it is nearly at all times sooner than driving too, because of New York’s insane visitors.
Taking the subway is simply $2.90 per journey. You should purchase a MetroCard in most subway stations and cargo it up with nevertheless a lot cash you need.
If you may be in New York for various days, it usually is sensible to pay $34 for a 7-day limitless MetroCard as an alternative of paying per journey.
2. Staying In Times Square
Another mistake that first-time guests make in New York? Choosing a lodge in Times Square.
There is so rather more to NYC than Times Square. I perceive that in your first journey to New York, you most likely wish to see Times Square, however that does not imply you’ll 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 choice 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 operating joke in regards to the big Olive Garden restaurant in Times Square. Don’t come to New York and eat on the similar chain eating places yow will discover all around the United States!
New York is without doubt one of the finest foodie locations on the earth, and yow will discover all kinds of delicacies for each style. It actually is a melting pot of various flavors and cultures.
So skip the chain eating places and as an alternative strive some genuine native delicacies. If you are not certain the place to begin, a meals tour is a good exercise to e book in NYC!
You cannot depart NYC with out attempting a basic 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 assume 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 move of foot visitors, and in a metropolis as busy and crowded as New York, that is an issue. Similarly, it’s best to persist with strolling within the appropriate “lane” on the sidewalk (similar sides as how vehicles drive.)
If you do have to 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 persons 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 widespread museums in New York have a “suggested donation,” however you’ll be able to 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 sooner or later per week the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from free or pay-what-you-wish admission.
When it involves Broadway reveals, you’ll be able to usually rating low-cost tickets for reveals on-line by utilizing TodayTix. Or you’ll be able to 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 widespread (and costly) factor to do in NYC is go to an commentary 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 suggest Top of the Rock — for my part, it presents one of the best skyline view of NYC, and it is the one place the place you’ll be able to see a direct view of the enduring 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 another metropolis within the United States, and you may get to many locations on simply your personal two ft.
Because you may be doing a lot of strolling in New York, you may wish to be sure you have a snug pair of strolling footwear. I like to recommend sneakers — even in the summertime, I might by no means put on sandals strolling round NYC since you simply by no means know what’s on the streets.
If you may be visiting New York from December till March, you may positively desire a pair of waterproof boots and a few heat wool socks in case of snow, icy rain, or slush.
7. Not Leaving Manhattan
Finally, one of many largest errors you may make in New York will not be leaving Manhattan.
New York City is made up of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Manhattan is by far the preferred with guests, however it’s value getting off the beaten path.
If you’ve gotten a restricted period of time in NYC, I might suggest 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 chew to eat within the DUMBO neighborhood proper alongside the waterfront.
In the summer time, Coney Island can also be an ideal vacation spot in Brooklyn to go to. This seaside neighborhood has an old-school amusement park, a boardwalk, and seashores.
↓ Join Our Community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the newest journey information, conversations, and Q&A’s taking place day by day!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your electronic mail deal with to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.