Though I have travelled to many different places, New York City remains my favorite travel destination and has a special place in my heart. That being said, I visit quite frequently and have learned a lot of what to, and what not to do during ventures within the city. Whether you're planning a trip or are just thinking about paying the city a visit in the future, allow me to share my list of top ten tips for your time in the Big Apple.
1. Plan your trip before you go.
https://www.nyctourist.com/map1.htm
If you don't you'll waste so much time looking for places to go and things to do. Shops, shows, activities, restaurants…plan the things you want to hit ahead of time to make the most of your time and have an idea of your routes.
2. Disregard the assumption that New Yorkers are rude.
https://www.videoblocks.com/video/crowd-of-people-walking-on-nyc-sidewalk-maugjmh
People have come to the mostly unsupported conclusion that NYC is an unfriendly city and that the people there only care about themselves: NOT TRUE. Its residents are busy and have places to be-there are already around 8.5 million living in the city, and adding commuters and tourists to the mix doesn't make their lives any easier. NYC is fast paced, and people aren't trying to be mean when they push past you to get to their destination, they just need to get to where they need to be.
3. Walk the speed limit.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevesalter/5366094561/in/photolist-9bbCXK-4GnMDd-4rNPij-kZB5Vc-ag22Ej-bdgxTc-Fb8qqp-8yhs5p-51RDjA-24ST9Fm-SKJJAE-25DGVrd-vLhh-21ua4co-g5Sq7Z-qQJcbf-9FTxiv-6k9F5Y-mNMQS-UXMaSA-SgxDUP-btR1HM-21YteQf-qExis4-aDZFgQ-6uXr-QwUVnY-22fcKtM-qs7fcY-dGfH3h-e6pJZu-H3ycJV-9xwq5U-aqbszu-oNrcRC-27HR58L-qZ9GHZ-cbTKML-6KgoG2-22wtZD5-62AREK-dBfNa8-SYdBYE-kfBpS7-8FX74y-2117kGk-7i5TnX-HZFJaA-4zks1q-fFPNwU
While there isn't a designated speed limit for pedestrians, please keep up your pace: following #2, people have places to be and you taking a leisurely walk or stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to take pictures doesn't help with the flow of foot traffic.
4. Don't spend all of your time in Times Square.
Own photo
Yes, it's a must-visit on every trip no matter if it's your first time or last, but it gets congested and there's so much more to see. Head to the upper side for Central Park or go to the lower side for great shopping and restaurants.
5. DO NOT eat at any chain restaurants.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/niceimages/16209167112/in/photolist-qGmdEu-dvHjVC-4V8Wvt-k4rjmd-bsmTwL-525j1D-eXTjJr-Tue4Hn-nYM7p3-2G7BJz-cNakWm-3JDXM4-9QieiS-bARRwq-rLwmH8-Rbg4vC-6hBqVu-a6KTHR-nYTobd-m74fUv-jhXa4r-8k4QMy-ynUdY-RPA98s-c9qGE-8NbMUX-aKnMKe-bnmgHv-3e5cah-f1d5ax-4uyN46-Tr55LZ-9gki8-UZUkaU-awmK6-qEgb3h-279vdMs-K5M5B5-5YQEPf-3b6a29-dM9oz9-aKNYiD-k4mDSX-aKza1c-UYW5nj-jsD5Fd-oENh8E-bpGx3A-3mNj3k-2Cjjvc
I cannot stress this enough: why on earth would you go to a restaurant that you could go to at home when NYC has THOUSANDS of unique restaurants? I don't care how "hungry" you are, if I see you inside a McDonald's or waiting for a table at Ruby Tuesday, I WILL throw a fit.
6. Also, do not eat at any restaurants where you see its workers outside with advertisement signs or trying to lure people in.
https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Food/2012/0829/Do-posted-calorie-counts-help-people-make-healthy-choices
Let this be a warning sign. Restaurants that are actually good know that they're good and that people will find them-no luring needed.
7. Let Yelp be your new best friend.
Need some NYC recommendations? Check out my Yelp account: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=dGrTTStn7JPPojrJV2N7dw
https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=dGrTTStn7JPPojrJV2N7dw
To aid in finding good restaurants, as well as hotels, activities, and sights, download and learn how to use Yelp. It helps you find reviews and photos for these things. Don't go into a random hotel or restaurant simply because it's convenient, find the best-reviewed spots with the help of Yelp.
8. New York is diverse-be prepared to see anything and everything.
https://cheezburger.com/4759813/11-cringeworthy-nyc-subway-pics-that-make-walmart-look-like-paradise?bypassCache=true&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=FAIL&utm_campaign=60218
This city is a huge melting pot of an array of various cultures, lifestyles, languages, religions, and styles. This being understood, you will come across people who dress, act, and speak differently- don't point at or judge these people simply because they live differently than you. Instead, appreciate the uniqueness and diversity of the city that reflects the varied lifestyles of the world itself.
9. Visit the parks-and not just Central Park.
Own photo
New York has a ton of beautiful and quaint parks that allow you to enjoy nature…weather permitting. Central Park is the obvious attraction, however, be sure to check out parks such as Union Square Park, Washington Square Park, and Bryant Park. Many of these little parks often have free events such as live music, yoga, and markets depending on the season and the time of year.
10. Make the most of your time in the city
Own photo
With so much to see, do, eat, and buy, whether you're staying just for the day or for an entire week, there never seems to be enough time to do it all. You won't get to do everything you're wanting to do in one trip, so be sure to keep a list of things you want to hit on your next trip, because trust me…you will be back!