NYC is a great place to visit and there are so many things to see! It’s one of the top travel destinations in the world and offers plenty of things to see and do! But for those of you who’ve never been before, here are six pieces of advice that will help you make the most out of your trip.
1. Plan Out A Tourist Attraction Day
NYC has plenty of tourist attractions that are perfect for a day’s visit. One idea would be to visit the Empire State Building, Museum Of Modern Art, or Madame Tussauds during your first day in NYC – that way you’ll have an entire afternoon and night to rest up before continuing with your trip. You can also find activity tour guides to plan out a full day of attractions, such as New York On The Cheap’s 24 Hour Freebie Tour, which takes you to the Empire State Building and 9/11 memorial. With a proper plan and guide, you will surely see and explore everything you need to!
2. Try Not To Worry About Booking Your Hotel In Advance
Hotel prices tend to be pretty high in NYC – so why not stay at a hotel in Jersey City or Newark? It’s an affordable way to stay close by without having to pay Manhattan prices. Your hotel might be cheaper further away, but the bus ride will only take about 30 minutes and it could save you hundreds of dollars on your trip. You can also shop around for deals online that are usually offered by various travel sites – just make sure to book your ticket before walking into the bus station, as many of these are last-minute deals that expire quickly.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions!
So many people live in NYC – surely some of them will be willing to help you out if you’re lost or need directions somewhere. Asking for help is a great way to get around and it’s really easy and simple – plus there’s no shame in asking for help! If this is your first time visiting, take advantage of the free tours that allow you to explore New York City with a guide. They can answer any questions you might have about the city and its various attractions. Just make sure not to plan everything on your first day, as you can stress yourself out trying to squeeze in too much at once.
4. Pack Smart & Save Space
Try to pack light with clothes that are versatile, comfortable, and easy to wear. It’s also a good idea to bring only one carry-on sized luggage for your entire trip – there are lots of stairs, trains, cabs, subways, etc. that make it extremely inconvenient if you have to drag around luggage everywhere or store it somewhere else while exploring the city on foot. If possible, try not to stuff your suitcase full because understuffed luggage is easier to move around with!
5. Keep Some Money Back For Shopping!
NYC has some of the best shops in the world with top brands, expensive products, and plenty of souvenirs to choose from. If you plan on shopping for clothes or other accessories, keep some money aside so you can find something perfect for yourself back home! It’s also a good idea to have small change with you in case you need to pay for things that aren’t as expensive – plus if your wallet is full, it’ll be easier to take out the exact amount of money needed at once.
6. Things You Need To Avoid Doing
Though it may be obvious, New Yorkers don’t like tourists who walk around with maps in their hands and take up the entire sidewalk walking slowly. If you’re not sure where to go or how to get somewhere, just ask someone! It’s easy to ask for help – plus New Yorkers are friendly people who are willing to lend a hand. Remember that they live there so they know best! It’s also really dangerous to listen to music while walking around New York City because everyone is constantly rushing everywhere, walking fast, jogging, etc. You never know when you’ll bump into someone or trip over something and it’s just a bad idea to walk around while listening to music and not paying attention – plus you’ll look like a tourist!
New York City is a beautiful place that offers so much to see and do! It can be overwhelming when you attempt to pack in too many things in one day, but if you keep these pieces of advice in mind and carefully plan your trip, you’ll see and experience everything New York City has to offer with time to spare.
