Top Tips For Planning Your Next New York Trip

Helpful Guide For Planning Your Fun Trip to New York

New York City is often referred to as the city that never sleeps and for good reason: It has endless attractions, dining options and cultural experiences. NYC offers an endless array of attractions, from the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the charming neighborhoods of Brooklyn, each with its own distinct character and energy. As you begin to map out your itinerary, consider the must-see landmarks that have captivated visitors for generations.  Let’s get started with some practical tips for planning a fun trip o New York.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit New York would be in the spring months, from April to June and then in fall, from September to November. These seasons have mild weather and less crowds, making it the best time to explore the city. Central Park and other green spaces bloom with flowers during the spring, while leaves change color during the fall. In summer it is often hot and humid, usually above 85°F or 29°C, but at the same time, it is when lots of events and festivals are celebrated outdoors. Cold winters occasionally bring snow; however, the festive decorations, ice skating rinks and the holiday season with the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree might be pretty magical.  Whenever you choose to visit New York, some advance planning with help mitigate any weather concerns.

How to Get There

New York City is served by three big airports: John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International (EWR). JFK and Newark receive flights worldwide, whereas domestic fights generally serve LaGuardia.  Amtrak provides many well-connected services from the East Coast. Greyhound, Megabus and many other discounts are also available, such as services offering extremely low-priced buses into the city. If coming by car, be warned: traffic is generally terrible and there is very little parking.

Accommodation

The accommodation options in NYC range from fancy hotels at the high end to budget hostels on the low end. For that real New York experience and ease of sightseeing, you should stay in Manhattan.

Neighborhoods such as central as Midtown, Times Square and the Upper West Side keep the more extraordinary attractions near at hand. If you want a more local atmosphere, Brooklyn and Queens both have countless charming options with a little bit more lay-back feel. Airbnb options and vacation rental properties can be very cost-worthy, especially for larger groups or extended stays. It is also advisable to book in advance to get decent rates, especially in peak holiday times, such as summer, spring break, or significant events.

Getting Around the City

Navigating New York City can be daunting at first for a new student or first time visitor, but the transit system in the city is beefy and expansive.

Navigating Public Transportation

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates the city’s subway and bus systems. Access is made through a MetroCard or the newer OMNY contactless fare payment system. The subway is the fastest way to get someplace 24/7, but you may want to use this option for daylight travel. For the bus, which may be preferred as more scenic in short intervals, it’s a perfect way to understand the neighborhoods in the city. Download a transit app like Citymapper or Google Some Maps for updates 24 hours to plan out routes. Be sure to integrate with the different lines and their various routes.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even voir manhattan depuis le ciel and travel in style.

Taxi and E-Hailing Advice

Taxis in the city tend to be yellow and getting one is accessible from numerous streets. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also readily available and convenient for people arriving off-peak hours. But for heavy traffic, consider walking or using public transit during rush hours. Flat fares are offered for taxi rides to and from JFK Airport and visitors traveling at peak times should be aware that extra charges may apply, along with peak surcharges or tolls.

Walking and Biking in NYC

Walking around New York City scores the highest on our list of options. Within Manhattan, you can reach many attractions on foot. Besides, the city also continues to become bike-friendly, complete with proper markings and Citi Bike rentals. Just be sure to follow the basic traffic rules and wear your helmet. Walking tours offer unique explorations into the history and culture of the city.

Where to Eat and Drink

New York City is a culinary melting pot, offering thousands of dining experiences.

Popular Eateries

To experience the culinary history of New York firsthand, one has to visit some of the legendary places: the famous Katz’s Delicatessen for an authentic pastrami sandwich, Lombardi’s for the first pizza place in history, or Peter Luger Steak House for a unforgettable steak dinner. Each restaurant is legendary for its reason and indeed a must on a gourmand’s checklist. Equally a must are Junior’s Cheesecake in Brooklyn and the Oyster Bar located in Grand Central Terminal regarding cheesecakes and oysters, respectively.

Hidden Gems

Not everything you have to eat is at a famous spot; some of the area’s best food is located off the beaten path. Food halls not previously mentioned include Chelsea Market, Gansevoort Market and Dekalb Market. Neighborhoods such as the East Village, Williamsburg and Astoria offer food that is very diverse but equally delicious. Xi’an Famous Foods for some goggles of spicy noodles, Joe’s Shanghai for soup dumplings, or Prince Street Pizza slices with pepperoni that have a cult following.  Don’t also forget authentic Italian food on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx and the new vibrant tastes of Flushing’s Chinatown in Queens.

Food Trucks and Street Food

Food trucks and street vendors add an immensely authentic NYC food experience. From Halal carts to hot dog stands, these on-the-go eateries serve fast, cheap, flavorful food. Grab a bagel or pretzel from one of the street carts for a classic New York snack. The Vendy Awards showcase some of NYC’s most incredible street food vendors, making it that much easier to get great bites on the move.

Travel Tips and Safety

For the most part, New York City is safe when it comes to tourists. However, it never hurts to be too prepared and cautious and always have your wits about you.

This means do not wander into dark or abandoned places alone, especially at night. pickpocket aware and keep all your belongings safe. Avoid riding on empty subway cars and stay very wary at street crossings, as there may be much traffic. Get a map, city guide, or download it on your mobile device. Caution, do not walk around the city with your eyes downcast and not aware of what’s going on around you.  Never cross the street while looking at your phone screen.  Also, always be careful with giving information about yourself and never buy tickets or tours from the people lurking and offering discounted tickets on the streets.

Budget Ideas for New York City

Visiting New York can be expensive, but there is always a way to save. If using public transportation frequently, get an unlimited-ride MetroCard. Watch for free or pay-what-you-wish admission days at museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Modern Art. Lunch is an excellent time to eat at sit-down restaurants; many have more affordable prix fixe menus at lunch time.  It’s always the ideal time to experience New York’s varied street food scene with food trucks parked throughout the city. Make good use of free attractions like the Staten Island Ferry, which offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.  For theater tickets join the line at the TKTS ticket booths in Times Square or Lincoln Center to purchase discounted tickets for that day’s performances.

Dealing with Crowds

NYC is crowded, so be prepared, especially at major attractions. To avoid peak times, wake up early and go to significant sites in the morning or later in the evening. You will save a lot of time and hassles by buying tickets to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and theater tickets to Broadway in advance. Make full use of skip-the-line passes wherever possible; it pays dividends when you go off-peak.  Also purchase as many tickets as possible online in advance to avoid delays while touring.

Conclusion

New York is a bustling, feral city with something for everybody. Whether you are a first-timer or a frequent traveler, use these tips to for organization, quickly getting around the city, eating like a local, and being safety consciousness which should help you to turn this travel into a very special time in New York City. Happy travels!