Travelling to New York for the first time? Even a third of fourth time you might still need a little help on navigating what is a totally awesome city, but fast paced, huge, intimidating and crowded. You really would be remise to not put lots of planning into a New York trip away. So here are just a few top tips and ideas to make your visit go smoothly.
Your phone is your New York friend.
Your phone, or more precisely the apps you download are really essential whilst you are trying to navigate a New York holiday. Apps such as Yelp, which every New Yorker uses. Yelp is a way that you can rate places that they visit. It even tracks your location so you can find the nearest restaurant with great reviews.
Or how about Travel Planners for your next New York holiday, who have made a nifty tool showing just some of the amazing places that you can visit. With all of the info at your fingertips it takes all of that hard work out of it, whilst you are out and about.
Sport
If you really want to get involved in the whole American vibe, then visiting a sporting venue will give you a true refection of New York life. Not really a touristy activity either I think! Whether its Madison Square Garden home to the New York Rangers, New York Knicks, or Citi Field home to the New York Mets. There are many venues to visit, and I’ve found American audiences to be full of life whenever they watch anything, even the cinema, so definitely a fun one to do, that’s maybe a little unusual.
Public Transport all the way!
Don’t be afraid of the subway in NY, it’s a fantastic way to get about. You can buy unlimited or day passes for the length of your stay. The only thing is to do you research as its can feel intimidating. I’ve found a great and fun guide HERE. that should help. Even though I would recommend walking as much as possible, as there is so much to see, its a huge amount of ground to cover, so take public transport to different districts inbetween, to save your feet!
Go Independent
Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes and go and explore the independent shops, cafe’s and restaurants that New York has, in abundance. Something I’ve learnt is that the smaller cafês tend to deal only in cash, so make sure you’ve some of that on you. Try not to go the chains ( I know it’s tempting) when you are looking for food to eat. Pizza lovers at these amazing independants have only dreamed of the variety they have, and buying by the slice is one of those cool things we don’t really see in other countries. We as a family are totally bagel obsessed, and NYC with its lox and schmear will definitely be everything you desire! Here’s a list of the 11 best bagel stores in New York.
Do you have any tips to add? I’d love to hear them, feel free to add them in comments.
Collaborative Post – All images Unsplash
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