New York: the city that never sleeps, the city of dreams, the Big Apple. It has many names that fit each characteristic it’s earned. The Concrete Jungle is accurate; since the city itself is so busy and spread out that it’s practically a jungle.
Being a visitor in a city that is described as a jungle, it is so easy to get lost and feel completely overwhelmed. With these simple tips, you’ll be prepared to conquer the Concrete Jungle.
1. Get a subway card.
Especially in the winter, subway cards are a chance to escape the bitter winds and still get to your destination. As one of my friends explained, people walk through the city in the summer and fall, saving the subway days for the winter and spring. Efficient and faster than walking, the subway cards are a simple way of going to and from places in the city.
2. Make a plan.
Planning out what buildings, places, and restaurants you want to visit can help you time your day just right. Depending on whether you’re visiting for the first time or not, your list may be longer or shorter. The length of this list may affect the likelihood of accomplishing all the tasks listed in one day, so plan accordingly. Make reservations!
3. Avoid common areas.
Although Times Square and Empire State Building are incredible, avoid them. Many attractions like these are overcrowded and have pickpocketers looming everywhere. They are well-known tourists attractions, which make New York the city it is. But the city is so large, it may be better to find your own corner of it rather than following everyone else around. This is especially true during the holiday season, when every building and street will be more crowded than normal.
4. Be unique.
It’s nice to get visit and take photos of the classic places, such as the Flat Iron Building, Central Park, etc. But break out of the tourist box and be original! In a city as large as New York, it is so easy to find a place to fall in love with that isn't a tourist attraction. Find small, charming places that peak your interests and visit them. To jump-start your ideas, I recommend Eataly and Bryant Park.
5. Bring fewer people.
In a city as big as New York, it is very easy to lose people. By bringing fewer people, you have less of a chance of losing them. If you must bring more than four people, I recommend using the buddy system (pairing up so no one is lost alone).6. The designated meetup spot.
Throughout all of my day trips, I have used this tip the most: the meetup spot. If for some reason, one part of your group wants to go to the other side of the city, you assign a well-known landmark or building as a meet-up spot. Be sure to keep it consistent or else people will be confused.
7. Take too many photos.
Taking a billion photos is incredibly irritating at the time, but pays off in the end. Not every tourist or city dweller can work a camera, so save your future self some anguish by taking many photos in different lightings and settings. Variety is best.
8. Keep up your guard.
One of my biggest pet peeves: leaving your phone or wallet in your back pocket. Are you serious? You're begging for someone to rob you. Although we'd love to pretend we live in a world with people who wouldn't take your phone out of your back pocket, we all know this isn't true. Be aware of anything sketchy: food trucks, neighborhoods, people who have been following you for more than three blocks. Just use common sense.9. Treat yo self.
Nine times out of ten, my friends will say "I need to splurge." For day trips like these, I agree with them! Enjoy your time out with your friends and family, you'll never know when you will be able to do it again.