Whether you’re planning a trip away with friends, or a family vacation, New York City has it all and more. Known as the city that never sleeps, millions upon millions of tourists from across the globe flock to the big apple every year. Whether it be to take in the bright lights of Times Square, or to catch a show on Broadway, it’s easy to see why New York City is a firm favorite with tourists, no matter your age! With that in mind, here are a few things to know to help get the most out of your NYC adventure.
Carefully Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re new to the travel scene, or you’ve been across the world, carefully planning your trip is strongly advised. It’s best to do as much research as you can into New York City before you head out, helping you to get the most out of your adventure. With so much to see and do in NYC, you will waste a ton of time and cash if you aren’t prepared. Creating an itinerary can help add some structure to your trip, so if you’re travelling with friends or family, it’s best to sit down and discuss what types of attractions you want to see.
Explore the Neighborhoods
If you aren’t interested in hitting the tourist traps, why not get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and go off and explore the smaller, local neighborhoods? Whether you plan to wander the streets of Greenwich village, or pop over to Brooklyn for some sightseeing, you’ll be able to get a real insight into what makes NYC so popular.
Choose Your Season
It goes without saying, the time of year you visit New York City will have a huge impact on cost. If you’re a big lover of Christmas, you must visit the city in winter, however, be prepared for the price to be much higher. If you don’t like the idea of fighting your way through the crowds, you may prefer to visit the big apple in January – March, or late summer where it’s less crazy.
Get Up Early
No matter how much time you have in New York City, it’s only natural that you will want to do as much as you can. Using your time wisely is important, so it’s best to wake up early which can be a wonderfully rich cultural experience. New York can get painfully crowded and busy, so getting up early before the hustle and bustle kicks in and wandering around the streets can be a great way to take in what the city has to offer.
Saving Money on Attractions
With so many attractions to check out in New York City, it can be hard to know where to start. The last thing you want is to fork out a ton of money on something you’re not too keen on, so doing your research into top attractions and checking whether they have a skip the line pass can help you beat the queues. There are lots of corners you can cut to help save money too. For example, why not embark on a free walking tour run by New York locals? There are also lots of museums dotted across the city that are free to explore too. Also, many attractions provide discounts if you book in advance, making it more important than ever to do your research!
Subway Tips
To see as much as you can of New York City, it’s advised to take the subway. While it can be good to walk around New York to take in the sights, using the subway can be an efficient and cheap way to get from A to B. If you’re staying in the city for a few days and plan to use the subway frequently, it’s best to purchase a 7-day unlimited pass.
Booking Your Flights
The earlier you book your flights to New York City, the better. With so many airlines flying to the city, it can be difficult to know who to book with. When looking for flights to New York, you may want to check out websites like flyporter.com where you can find a range of deals that may save you money. When on their website, you have the option to input your departure airport, as well as trip type to help you find the best deal. Porter Airlines also give you the option to book your flight and hotel combined.
Picking Your Accommodation
In New York City, there are tons of accommodation options to pick from. Whether you want to play it safe and stick with a hotel, or you don’t mind being more adventurous and booking an Airbnb, there is accommodation available to suit every kind of budget.
Broadway
For the theatre lovers, no trip to New York City is complete without taking in a Broadway show. No matter what genre sparks your interest, there are dozens upon dozens of world class theatres that house some of the best theatrical shows on the planet. Just like you would with any attraction, it’s always best to book your tickets well in advance, as you may be able to save some money.
Food & Drink Tips
If you’re a foodie, New York City has you covered. With people from all over the world calling the Big Apple their home, you can only imagine the wide range of cuisines available at your fingertips. For those who like to stick to what they know, there are plenty of world known food outlets to help satisfy your hunger, however, it’s best to avoid chains, and opt for eateries located a little out of the city, as you can save a ton of money.
Shopping
For those who love the bright lights that New York City has to offer, you must take a trip to Times Square. With a wide range of stores to check out, you are bound to find something that’s perfect for you. Whether you want to update your wardrobe with the latest fashion trends or want to take some souvenirs back home for your friends and family, there are countless stores and shopping outlets to check out in the city.
Staying Safe
When travelling somewhere new, it’s always best to refrain from having any sentimental or valuable items on you. If you do, make sure to keep them in zipped up inside pockets. Just like with any major city, pickpockets can strike anytime, anyplace, so having your wits about you and being aware and alert of your surroundings is wise. Thankfully, New York City is known as being one of the safest cities in the world, thanks to their large police presence.
Whether you want to take in the glorious skyline, visit a Broadway show, or shop ‘til you drop, New York City has it all and more. To get the most out of your trip, it’s always best to book your flights and accommodation well in advance. Not only will you have more choice to pick from, you may save a ton of money in the long run. Like with any city, it’s important that you stay alert and aware of your surroundings, so taking all the tips listed on board can help ensure your NYC trip is one you’ll never forget (for all the right reasons!).
