Travel Hacks for Your Trip to New York City

New York City is an incredible place (and the top visited city in the US!) but it requires a carefully planned itinerary to maximize your time. The city is a mix of iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse culinary offerings, which can make it hard to decide what to see. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned visitor, this guide will help you navigate the busy streets, plan your itinerary, and make the most of your stay. 

Dive into the heart of the Big Apple with these essential tips for your New York City trip! 

Craft Your Ideal Itinerary

New York City has countless things to do which means a well thought out plan will go a long way. To enjoy your New York City trip to the fullest, you should take the time to explore all your options. 

• Try not to overbook yourself: New York City is filled with amazing museums, parks, restaurants, theaters, attractions, and more, but the truth is you will exhaust yourself if you try to do it all.
• Prioritize your interests: Be selective about where you spend your time, but be sure to save time for the must-visit attractions!
• Leave time to commute: It is not realistic to book five main attractions in one day, especially when you factor in travel time, bathroom breaks, mealtimes, and exhaustion levels. Make sure to leave yourself enough time in between reservations to take a break.
• Group activities by area: If you group your adventures by neighborhood, you will save time and can further immerse yourself in the area.

Make Time for Must-Visit Attractions

As mentioned earlier, some New York City attractions are must-see. Some favorites include:

• Statue of Liberty
• Empire State Building
• Central Park
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Times Square

Choose the Best Time to Visit Popular Attractions

Popular attractions garner attention for good reason, so be sure to plan accordingly and book ahead of your visit.

• Book ahead of time: For popular attractions, be sure to reserve your tickets before you arrive. The Empire State Building Observatory, for example, offers online-exclusive offerings and experiences that ensure a smooth visit.
  • The Early Bird time slot: The Empire State Building Observatory currently opens at 9 a.m. daily, but this new online-only ticket allows guests to enter at 8:30 a.m. before the Observatory opens to the public. The special timeslot can be selected during the checkout process, with a limited number of tickets available each day.  
  • The Flex Ticket: This new, online-only option allows guests to have full freedom when they make a reservation to visit the iconic 86^th Floor Observatory at their own convenience. They can select their preferred date during checkout and enjoy the flexibility to arrive anytime that day – even at peak times like sunset – instead of a specific time slot. 

Navigate the City Like a Pro

One of our top travel hacks is to get acquainted with New York City's extensive subway system.

Why?

• With 472 stations that operate 24/7, the subway is a reliable way to explore all the city has to offer. 
• The subway is also significantly cheaper and faster than Ubers or taxis. 
• Enhance your travel experience with navigation apps, like Google Maps and Citymapper, which are essential tools for seamless city exploration. Google Maps is especially helpful for detailed subway directions.

What else?

New York City also has many alternative transportation options. 

• Rent a bike through Citi Bike
• Take a scenic bus ride for a different perspective. 
• For a quintessential experience, hail a yellow cab. 

Pro tip: While you walk, try to keep up with the New York City pace and be aware of your environment.

Explore NYC's Culinary Delights

New York City is a culinary paradise, and New York City travel tips offer insights into its diverse food scene. From street vendors to high-end restaurants, the city caters to every palate. 

• Avoid chain restaurants! There are hundreds of delicious, local restaurants and cafes that are only available in NYC.
• Explore food markets. Chelsea Market offers amazing options that range from oysters to tacos and everything in between.
• Discover neighborhoods like the Lower East Side, Manhattan’s Chinatown, and Astoria for authentic dining experiences.
• Make reservations early at popular spots when you use OpenTable or Resy. 
• Enjoy iconic dishes like New York-style pizza, bagels, and cheesesteaks.

Favorite Food Guides

• Bagel Guide
• Brunch Guide
• Coffee Guide
• Pizza Guide
• Must-eat Guide

Safety and Courtesy in the Big Apple

When you visit New York City, safety is a huge priority. You will most likely share small spaces with a lot of people, so always be aware of your environment.

• Remain cautious in busy areas
• Familiarize yourself with emergency services
• Secure valuables
• Listen when you ride the subway. The operator will announce stops at which NYPD is stationed
• Observe local etiquette 
• Respect foot traffic 
• Be courteous to others
   

Find the Perfect Place to Stay

Enhance your New York City trip when you take the time to choose the right accommodations.

Things to consider: 

• Budget: Book your hotel as soon as you know the dates of your trip. Prices often fluctuate and rise closer to your trip date.
• Location: Manhattan offers proximity to iconic attractions, while Brooklyn and Queens provide a local feel. Accessibility to public transport is key.
• Amenities: Consider your priorities when you make hotel reservations. NYC hotels offer everything from rooftop lounges, pools, gyms, arcades, basketball courts, and more.
• Uniqueness: Boutique hotels offer a more unique experience compared to chains. Be sure to check guest reviews before you decide where to stay.