Street-Smart New York: Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

New York City is at the top of many people’s travel bucket lists — and for good reason! But, while the city that never sleeps is an incredible destination, it can be a little overwhelming if you’re planning your first trip. 

In this guide we’ll go through some practical tips that will make your trip run smoothly and take some of the stress out of planning. 

Choosing the Right Accommodation

Deciding where to stay can be the most daunting part of planning a trip. We all know it can make or break a vacation and with so many different options available it can be hard to know which one to go for. 

The good news is that with a little advice and planning you can stay at a hotel in New York that will be the perfect fit for your trip.

First, you want to think about the neighbourhood. For your first trip, it helps to be close to the action, so look for somewhere in Midtown Manhattan. It’s incredibly well-connected, and you can even walk to most of the main attractions. Just be prepared for crowds, as it can get very busy. 

If you’re looking to escape the traditional tourist sites and get in touch with a more authentic side of New York, then Brooklyn or Chelsea might be a better option. You’ll find more affordable accommodation and independent shops, and restaurants.

Whatever you do, avoid booking somewhere directly on Times Square or the area around Penn Station. It might seem like the obvious choice, but a lot of the hotels are subpar, you’ll get a less than authentic experience, and you’ll be battling crowds every step of the way.

Top tip:

Be very cautious about booking accommodation through Airbnb. The city has strict regulations on short-term rentals, and you don’t want to find out your vacation rental was shut down just before your trip. 

Instead, look for budget hotel chains or smaller boutique hotels. Hostels can also be a great option if you’re working with a tighter budget.

Making the Most of Your Trip and Money

New York is often perceived as an expensive holiday destination, and while this may be true, it is still possible to enjoy the city on a budget. In fact, you can enjoy many of the city’s iconic landmarks for free.

Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge to view the spectacular New York skyline or spend hours exploring Central Park. You could catch the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Statue of Liberty or discover the art installations on Governors Island. Many museums even offer free admission on specific days of the month. 

You also don’t have to spend a fortune when eating out either. If you take advantage of the plethora of street food vendors on offer or stick with New York classics like hot dogs and pizza by the slice, you’ll find the city a lot more affordable than you first thought. 

Top tip: 

If you are planning on visiting several of the city’s iconic landmarks, consider buying a CityPass, Sightseeing Pass, or a New York Pass. It can help you save money on admission costs. 

Navigating New York Transportation

New York City is incredibly well connected with everything from the subway, buses, and taxis, helping you get from A to B. Here are a few tips on how to navigate each and make your trip that much easier.

The Subway

The subway is probably one of the quickest and most economical ways to get around, but it can be confusing to first-time users. Before you get started, download a reliable subway map such as Citymapper, Transit, or the official MTA app. This will provide you with directions and real-time information on services.

You can buy a Metrocard for $1 and top it up as needed or use the OMNY system, which involves tapping a contactless card or smartphone with a digital wallet at the reader. It’s incredibly simple to use and much cheaper than catching taxis every time you want to go somewhere.

Buses

If you like to enjoy the view as you travel, then a bus might be a better option. You can also pay in exactly the same way as you would for the subway (OMNY or a Metrocard). Just be aware of the different types of buses operating in the city:

• Local buses: These stop every two or three blocks
• Limited (LT) buses: They operate with purple signage and make fewer stops
• Select Bus Services (SBS): You’ll need to pay in advance at a sidewalk kiosk before boarding, as these offer a priority service with even fewer stops

Taxis

You can find the iconic yellow taxis throughout the city and they can be hailed on the street if their roof light is on. Your hotel doorman can also help you hail a cab, just be aware that they’ll expect a small tip. 

Uber and Lyft can be great alternatives to taxis, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, just be aware that prices can go up a lot during peak hours. 

Street Smarts

New York isn’t known as a particularly dangerous city, but you do need to keep a few things in mind if you’re to stay safe and avoid the common tourist scams.

Keeping Your Belongings Safe

When you’re out and about in New York City, it’s important to maintain a sense of awareness of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas. Keep your belongings close at all times and consider using anti-theft bags for added security. This will help protect you from pickpockets who tend to be more active in the busier areas.

Navigating Times Square

Times Square is a must-see in New York, but there are a few things to bear in mind. First, be aware that there are often costumed characters who will pose for a photo and after demand money. So, only pose if you’re prepared to pay. It’s also a good idea to avoid buying counterfeit goods or overpriced souvenirs from street vendors and be very wary of anyone selling tickets to attractions on the street.

Scams to Avoid

There are several common scams you might encounter on the streets of New York. Here are some of the more common ones around:

• Unmarked taxis: These taxis often wait at the airport and will overcharge unsuspecting visitors. Make sure you stick with the iconic yellow taxis with clearly displayed medallion numbers or one of the commonly recognized rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.

• CD guys: You might be handed what appears to be a free CD (or another item). They’ll then demand a tip or payment. Avoid taking anything from a stranger; instead, walk away quickly.

• Broken bottle scam: This is when someone claims that you have broken or damaged their belongings. Try not to engage with them and definitely don’t give them any money.

The main thing is to trust your gut and if you feel uncomfortable or that something isn’t right, remove yourself from the situation. 

Wrap Up

Visiting NYC doesn’t need to be an overwhelming experience. With a bit of street smarts and some savvy holiday planning, your getaway is sure to run smoothly. So get planning and enjoy all that New York has to offer.