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

Woman in NYC Looking at Brooklyn Bridge

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Are you planning your first journey to New York City?

I like New York (and I may be a little biased since I’m from there) so I would like you to have the most effective time in your journey!

Woman in NYC Looking at Brooklyn Bridge

That’s why I’m sharing the commonest errors I see vacationers make so you understand what to keep away from with a purpose 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

NYC Subway

One of the most important errors that vacationers make in New York shouldn’t 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 unhealthy! It’s a lot cheaper than taking taxis or Ubers all over the place, and it is nearly at all times quicker than driving too, due to New York’s insane visitors.

Taking the subway is simply $2.90 per journey. You should buy a MetroCard in most subway stations and cargo it up with nevertheless 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 an alternative of paying per journey.

2. Staying In Times Square

Central Park In Autumn

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 must 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 simple strolling distance of many vacationer points of interest together with Central Park, plenty 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

Man eating pizza in NYC

There’s a operating 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 will discover all around the United States!

New York is likely one of the greatest foodie locations on the planet, and you will discover 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 an alternative attempt some genuine native delicacies. If you are not certain the place to start out, a meals tour is a good exercise to guide in NYC!

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

4. Not Observing Proper Sidewalk Etiquette

People walking in NYC

There’s a stereotype that New Yorkers are impolite, which I do not suppose is sort 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 course of a sidewalk.

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

If you do have to cease to examine 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

View from Top of the Rock

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 embrace 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 take pleasure in free or pay-what-you-wish admission.

When it involves Broadway exhibits, you’ll be able to typically rating low-cost tickets for exhibits on-line through the use of TodayTix. Or you’ll be able to attempt 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 advocate Top of the Rock — for my part, it presents the most effective skyline view of NYC, and it is the one place the place you’ll be able to see a direct view of the long-lasting Empire State Building.

6. Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

Snow in Times Square

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

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

Because you will be doing a lot of strolling in New York, you will wish to be sure to have a cushty 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

Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn

Finally, one of many largest errors you can also make in New York shouldn’t 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, but it surely’s price getting off the beaten path.

If you’ve 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 be an incredible vacation spot in Brooklyn to go to. This seaside neighborhood has an old-school amusement park, a boardwalk, and seashores.

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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed listed below 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 throughout the submit.


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