What You NEED to Know Before Visiting New York City

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, New York City offers an exhilarating experience like no other. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to trendy neighborhoods and delectable cuisine, the possibilities are endless in the Big Apple. To help save some time, money, and sanity, I’ve come up with a list of travel tips and tricks to help you make the most of your trip to New York City.

NYC has NO public restrooms

It’s probably best to “go” before you leave your hotel. I also recommend “going” anytime you eat at a restaurant or see a show.

Some businesses will allow paying customers to use their restrooms. Also, some coffee shops and stores have a lock on the restrooms with a code to open the door. Ask the cashier, “Do you have a restroom?” – some do not! If they say, “Yes, but only for paying customers.” – buy a cup of coffee, water, pack of gum, souvenir, etc. The code to open the door to the restroom with be at the bottom of your receipt.

Sometimes, hotels have public restrooms in the lobby, but some hotels require a room key to gain access to the lobby restrooms.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

I did as much walking in NYC as I do on a trip to Disney World. Having comfy shoes is a must! It’s tempting to want to be cute for Instagram photos, but your feet will pay for it. Also, you probably want to wear socks and put a few Band-aids in your pocket in case you get blisters.

Book a Hotel Near The Attractions You’re Most Interested In

By choosing a hotel in a convenient location, you make it easier to get around and can help cut costs with transportation. It is tempting to save some money by staying in New Jersey or Long Island, but by the time you pay for transportation into the city (or sit in traffic for 3 HOURS because of a wreck in a tunnel or on a bridge (trust me, I’ve been there)…well, it doesn’t seem worth it.)

For example, our last trip to New York was a Broadway show trip. We saw 8 shows in 6 days! We also visited Ellen’s Starlight Cafe, and Museum of Broadway, and took a tour of Radio City Music Hall. We stayed at Hampton Inn Times Square South. We were minutes from Times Square and the nearest subway station. It never took us more than 12 minutes to walk to any Broadway Show theater, restaurant, or other attractions we visited.

Learn All Your Options for Transportation in NYC

How to get around New York City:

• Public Transportation – like subways and buses
• Taxis
• Ride-sharing Services – Uber, Lyft, and Via
• Ferries – More info on Ferries and Schedules HERE
• Trains – These trains depart from Penn Station, Grand Central, and Atlantic Terminal. You can hop on and off throughout the city. The trains can even take you outside the city (like New Jersey or Long Island)

The best way to get around? Walk or ride public transit. New York City has an excellent public transit system that will take you anywhere you need to go. Get yourself a Metro Card and use it to ride the subway during your entire trip. Read more about Metro Cards (and how they work and what they cost) HERE. See all subway maps HERE. See below for information on the new Omni Pass.

Honestly, walking is the best way to get around the city if you can handle it. Sometimes, your choice is sitting in a taxi in traffic for 30 minutes or walking for 10 minutes. It’s really up to you! I like to google “How far is The Broadway Museum to Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery?”. Then Click on the Directions arrow. On the next page, you’ll see it’s a 3-minute drive and (if you click on the walking man) it’s a 2-minute walk. I’d rather walk the 2 minutes and save the cab fare!

Another option is to take a Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour, which can be a great way to get familiar with the city and see the main attractions. We did this and sat on top of a double-decker bus. It was fun, but if I’m being honest…getting off the bus was easy…waiting for another bus to pick you up required some patience.

There are also lots of taxis and Ubers. I once visited NYC with 3 teenagers and 2 kids under 5 (What was I thinking?!?) The subway was expensive even with a Metro Card and I was a nervous wreck about my little ones getting close to the track. I decided to get a minivan taxi that could hold all of us and it was worth every penny – just for the peace of mind.

Read all about the fares and tolls in NYC HERE. Read about the NEW Omni Pass Below.

If Riding the Subway, Get the OMNY Pass

Okay, so basically, you can use OMNY to ride the subway and/or bus an unlimited amount of times in one week for $33.00. And, you can use OMNY for several people. Just tap OMNY for you, your husband, your 6 kids, your grandma, etc. You will be charged 2.75 for each tap but the charges will stop once you reach $33. It’s a great deal.

Once you’ve paid $33 for fares in a seven-day period (beginning at 12 a.m. on Monday and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday), you can ride free for the rest of the week. 

Register for an OMNY account HERE. You can also buy an OMNY Card (sold at stores like Walgreens in NYC) or use their contactless fare payment system.

Pay your fare at any of the subway turnstiles, AutoGates, and onboard buses (including Select Bus Service buses). Simply tap your own contactless credit or debit card, smart device, or OMNY card on the OMNY reader. You can use the same card or device for both legs of your trip to get a free transfer.

The screen will instantly confirm that your tap was successful and then you can be on your way.

Get to Know NYC’s Neighborhoods

After visiting New York City several times and staying in different neighborhoods, I recommend staying in one of these 6 areas:

• Midtown – This is considered the BEST neighborhood for first-timers
• Times Square – Located in the heart of Manhattan, this is a great spot if you want to be in the middle of all the excitement and close to Broadway.
• Upper East Side – Ideal for museum lovers and close to Central Park
• Lower East Side & Soho – Ideal for shopping
• Greenwich Village & Chelsea – Lots of great restaurants
• Brooklyn– Ideal for travelers on a budget

Learn About All of the Pop-Ups During Your Visit

Pop-up Shops are businesses open for just a short period of time or are only seasonal. Pop-ups can include Artisinal Food, Music, Handmade Items, Family-friendly and kid’s events (like slime museums and The Color Factory), Art Exhibits, Special Experiences (Like FRIENDS), etc. They are temporary so if you see one you’re interested it, be sure to visit ASAP.

See events going on today or in the near future here: Pop-Ups or Pop-Up Events in NYC at Event Brite

If You’re Considering Booking an Airbnb in New York City – Make Sure it is LEGAL

Airbnb and other short-term rentals aren’t necessarily illegal in New York City *BUT* NYC has such strict regulations that it has made hosting and renting Airbnb accommodations very difficult. In 2022, New York City adopted the Short-Term Rental Registration (aka Local Law 18). So, according to this law, it is illegal to rent out any property that’s in a multi-unit building for less than 30 days at a time. Airbnb hosts must also register with the Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) at the Mayor’s Office and they must also verify their rental registration number before listing any rental. You can read all the Local Law 18 Restrictions HERE.

As of June 2023, Airbnb filed a lawsuit against New York City because of its short-term rental rules.

Sometimes, you will still see them advertised, but do not book unless you KNOW for SURE that the rental is legal!

Download the CityMapper App to Get Around

Citymapper is a wonderful APP that gives you different route options, gives you the exact amount of time that your trip should take, and even lets you know which station exit to use. The APP is FREE and can be downloaded directly to your phone.

Don’t Hop the Turnstile at the Subway Station

There are police officers everywhere as well as hidden cameras. It is very likely that you will get caught and have to pay for an expensive ticket if you jump or avoid the turnstile.

Research Fares & Traffic Before Getting a Taxi or Lyft

Check traffic on the route you’re going before you choose a taxi. The cost of using a Taxi isn’t set…so… if you sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic for 30 minutes – you will be charged for it. Now, with fares with Uber, Lyft, and Via, the cost of your ride is set, but the price can skyrocket on rainy days.

Know Where You’re Going BEFORE You Get in a Taxi

You don’t want to be googling addresses and directions while you’re in the taxi. Do your research before you hail the taxi, jump in and let the driver know that you need to get to (for example):

• The Chrysler Building at 405 Lexington Ave
• OR… The Chrysler Building on the Corner of Lexington Avenue and East 43rd Street

Try the Local Food

NYC is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Some of the best Italian food that we’ve ever eaten has been in New York City. And, there is something magical about the bread and pastries in NYC. I think there’s something in the water. You can find meals and snacks that are simple and others that are more sophisticated and gourmet. NYC also has several restaurants owned by celebrity chefs (our hotel was right next door to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant). Also, be sure to try some of the local cuisine, including pizza, bagels, hot dogs, street meat, cheesecake, and more.

If you have a food allergy, do some research before your trip. I googled “gluten-free restaurants in NYC” and I found SO MANY delicious options.

Get a Hotel with a Free Breakfast

Please note that hotel amenities and policies are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with the hotel directly before making a reservation.

• Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area (Marriott) – FREE hot breakfast (including eggs) with fruit and yogurt.
• Hampton Times Square South – We stayed here on our last trip and the free breakfast was from 7-10 a.m. They served waffles (regular and flavored, like red velvet), eggs, potatoes/home fries, meat (link sausage, polish sausage, bacon), fruit, oatmeal, bagels, and other pastries. They also offered Juice, coffee, and tea.
• Holiday Inn Express – Times Square – Free Hot Breakfast (Address: 343 West 39th Street, New York, NY – Times Square – Theatre District)
• Lex Hotel NYC – Breakfast included with stay (Location: 67 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY – Empire State Building Area)
• Hampton Inn By Hilton Manhattan/Times Square Central – Continental Breakfast Included (Location: 220 West 41st Street, New York, NY – Times Square – Theatre District)
• Comfort Inn Manhattan – Midtown West – Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast, which includes fruit, cereal, yogurt, eggs, sausage, and pancakes.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square – Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, which includes eggs, sausage, and cereal.
• The Evelyn Hotel – The hotel provides a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast for two people daily
• Best Western Plus Hospitality House – This hotel offers a free breakfast buffet each morning, featuring options such as pancakes/waffles, yogurt, eggs/omelets, bagels, and fresh fruit.
• The Pearl – Continental Breakfast for 2 persons and 24 Hour Coffee, Tea, and Light Snacks at the Gem Cafe (Located: Times Square at 233 W 49th St, New York, NY, 10019)
• Ramada By WYNDHAM New York Times Square West – Complimentary Breakfast Buffet

Use 1iota to Get Free Tickets to Show Tapings

Visit the 1iota website to request tickets to see tapings of tv shows in NYC (and other cities).  Shows such as Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the View, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and Good Morning America (and others) are available. You can also sometimes find tickets to special events with celebrities and movie screenings on this site. The tickets are totally free. You just sign up, complete your profile, and request tickets.  Know that IDs and COVID vaccination cards may be required to see certain shows. You will need to arrive early (latecomers may be denied entry). Some shows have a special dress code (bright colors, no logos, etc.).

Pick the Best Time to Visit New York

When is the best time to visit NYC? Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) are the best times to visit New York City. This is when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Christmas time is also a wonderful time to visit New York. It can be more expensive and very crowded, but it’s magical and it’s the only time to see Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Back in the day (before my back hurt all the time) we would visit NYC in the winter and then head over to the Catskills for a mini ski trip.

If you are squeamish, skip this next part…. Okay… just letting you know… In the hot summertime in New York, the city smells like…well… hot pee. It steams from the sidewalk and subway stations. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but I’ve been over 20 times and it’s true.

Drink Refills are NOT free 99% of the Time

On one of my first visits to NYC, we had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant in Little Italy. I ordered Iced Tea (there is also NO Sweet Tea in NYC, you sweeten it yourself). Anyway, I kept asking for refills. In Alabama, they refill your cup until you leave the restaurant without charge. But, when I got the bill at the NYC Italian restaurant, I saw a charge for $10.00 for tea. My native NYC friend just laughed and said, “Yeah, I thought you knew they charged for each refill – $2.50 each.”

Now, we did find one restaurant – Schnippers – that had a self-service drink dispenser so we were able to get refills there. But, those are rare.

Water and water refills are free.

Southerners Be Warned – Tea is not Always Fresh-Brewed

Okay, this may not bother everyone, but if you’re from the South or a true tea snob, I think you should know this. If you order tea in a restaurant, it’s very likely that you’ll get canned Lipton tea – a “sin” in the South. Your best chance of getting “REAL” freshly brewed tea is at a coffee shop or cafe where they brew their own coffee and tea. Even then, it usually is not sweetened – you sweeten it yourself.

NYC Weather is All Over the Place

We recently visited NYC in the spring (the last week of March). One day was freezing and windy. The very next day it was 70 degrees with sunshine and rain sprinkles off and on all day. Now, the night before, we checked the weather and it said that there were going to be dangerous storms all day. But, by morning, it had changed to a sunny, warm day with a few showers. So, the weather can literally change overnight.

I recommend checking the weather before your trip and packing for several weather scenarios. It never hurts to have a hooded rain jacket (or poncho) and a few outfits for warmer weather and a few for cooler weather. The temperature can drastically change from day to night. Also, dress in layers, you can always take off a jacket or hoodie if you get too hot. And then put the jacket/hoodie back on again when it cools down in the evening.

Save Money by Getting Discount Broadway Show Tickets

If you have your heart set on seeing a particular show (or waiting until the last minute stresses you out), buy them in advance and pay the price. Trust me.

If you’re flexible with your plans, there are many ways to get discounted Broadway Show Tickets.

On our recent visit to NYC, we passed the TKTS stand in Times Square and the line was SO LONG – it was winding! Do you really want to spend a good chunk of your day standing in line? Now, I have friends that say that they only stand in line at TKTS for only 45 minutes and think that it is totally worth it. So…it’s up to you and your travel plans

In addition to TKTS, you can try these options for getting Broadway ticket deals:

• Today Tix
• Broadway Box
• Lucky Seat – Sign up, Click on New York City, and Click on the Shows and Dates you’re interested in. Be sure to give your email and phone number. You have a limited amount of time to accept the discounted tickets. Otherwise, they’ll go to someone else.
• Lottery, Rush, and Standing Room Only Tickets
• HIPTIX – If you are under 35 years of age, you can join HIPTIX. Through this FREE Club, you can purchase 2 tickets for shows produced by the Roundabout Theater Company for $25 each.
•  30 under 30 club – For those under 30 years of age, you can join this club and get 2 tickets for shows produced by Manhattan Theater Club for $30 each.  

Enjoy a FREE New York City Walking Tour with a Local

One of the best-kept secrets for visiting New York City is that there are free tours available. Many locals run tours for tourists visiting the city. This is one of the best ways to see and learn all about New York City. You’ll be learning from someone who lives there.

One of the most popular free tours in the city includes Free Tours by Foot. This Tour Group also has a Facebook Group that you can join. It offers lots of helpful NYC travel tips and Photos.

Stay Safe

I’ve honestly never had any issues with crime in NYC, but it does happen. Like any large city, NYC has its share of crime. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. If you really want to blend in and avoid looking like a tourist, wear dark colors, avoid the big camera around your neck, and keep the massive fanny pack at the hotel. The only issue that I’ve dealt with is pushy “music artists” trying to “give” you a CD for a donation (the CD may or may not be blank). Don’t feel bad for saying “No” or just walking away.

Avoid The “Characters” in Times Square

Times Square is swarming with people dressed in costumes – Mickey Mouse, the Hulk, Batman, etc. Avoid them! Don’t even look them in the eye! The Optimus Prime character was kind of tempting – but don’t do it! Well, ya’ll do whatever you want, but I don’t recommend it.

The first time we saw them, my kiddos were very little and thought they were meeting characters like at Disney World. The “Elmo” was aggressively saying he would take a picture with them for money. It was uncomfortable. I know they are just trying to make a living, but I don’t like the aggressive way he treated us.

Enjoy the City’s Green Spaces

Pictured Above: Brooklyn Bridge Park

Pictured Above: Central Park

New York City has several beautiful parks and green spaces where you can relax and escape the hustle and bustle. Central Park, Bryant Park, the High Line, and Prospect Park are just a few examples. Take a break, enjoy a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll in these serene oases.

Make Plans to Include Free Activities to Off-Set Costs

NYC has many free attractions, including Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the High Line. Take advantage of these to save money while still seeing some of the city’s top sights.

• Ride the Staten Island Ferry
• Coney Island Beach – A beach? In New York? YES!
• Central Park – Central Park is a massive green oasis in the middle of Manhattan. It’s free to enter and explore, and there are plenty of things to see and do, from jogging and cycling to picnicking and people-watching
• Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge – Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City is a quintessential experience that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, including the majestic Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
• Tour the High Line is a former railway that has been repurposed. Located in Manhattan’s West Side, It offers stunning views of the city and is a great place to stroll, people-watch, and take in some art installations. It is about 1.45 miles long. It runs from The Meatpacking District all the way to Hudson Yards in Midtown. This area features art installations, and beautiful gardens full of perennials and wildflowers, and offers free public tours. While here you can also see/visit Chelsea Market, The Vessel, and Gansevoort Market- plus many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops!

Free New York City Activities continued

• Take a Free Walking Tour – You can see a list of free walking tours here or from a local historian here or use the New York Map and Walks app to take your own self-paced walk.
• Free Tours – Take a free tour of many of the city’s museums and landmarks, including the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Brewery, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (also its Museum and Learning Center offers free group tours). Check their websites for schedules and details.
• Take the Kids to a Playground
• Grand Central Station – Grand Central Station, located in Midtown Manhattan, is a world-famous landmark and transportation hub that is open to the public and free to enter.
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial & FREE Museum Days – The 9/11 Memorial is a powerful tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks. Admission is free, and you can also visit the adjacent museum for free during certain hours. Free Admission Mondays – Free Admission Monday tickets will be available on the website each Monday beginning at 7 a.m. ET and are first come, first serve. You can use these tickets and visit the Memorial and Museum on Mondays between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Children 6 years and younger are also FREE.

Free Activities Continued

• Queen’s County Farm Museum – General Admission to the farm is free to the public, except for special ticketed admission days and group visits. They are open daily, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Shakespeare in the Park – The event is held at Central Park’s open-air Delacorte Theater. The shows are always free (you may have to wait in line or enter a lottery to win tickets) and feature performances of some of Shakespeare’s famous plays. Sometimes, famous actors participate in the plays as well. Some who have joined the cast in the past include Natalie Portman, Meryl Streep, Liev Schreiber, and John Lithgow.

Above Photo: Shakespeare at the Park

Free in NYC continued

• Tour Ample Hills Ice Cream Museum – Located in Brooklyn, Ample Hills is the Largest Ice Cream Factory in New York City. You can tour the 15,000 sq. ft. ice cream factory and the interactive ice cream museum. Tours are self-guided and you can learn how Ample Hills develops and makes new ice cream flavors. 
• Tour the Brooklyn Brewery – Free tours of the Brooklyn Brewery are available on Sundays from 1-6 p.m.
• Discover Little Island – Little Island is a new public park, located in Hudson River Park, where all New Yorkers and visitors can experience nature and art in a unique urban oasis on the Hudson River.
• See Alexander Hamilton’s Harlem Estate – Only open Fridays through Sundays. All tour tickets are free and they are first come, first served. Tickets may book up before your chosen tour time, so please be sure to arrive early.

Pictured Above: Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Free Activities Continued…

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden ***ONLY kids under 12 years of age are FREE
• Watch a movie in Bryant Park – Bring a blanket and a friend to see the 10 screenings on summer Mondays nights at Bryant Park. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. for anyone who brought a picnic and the movie begins at 8 p.m. Food and beverage offered by Hester Street Fair will be available for purchase on the Fountain Terrace starting at 4 p.m. Beer, wine, and snacks can be bought on the back lawn from Stout NYC.
• Harry Potter Store – Located in Times Square, this store is a three-story, 21,000-square-foot retail space dedicated to all things Harry Potter and the Wizarding World. It is the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products in the world, from pocket money items to rare collectibles.
• Drama Book Store – Very cool bookshop with Broadway Play Memorabilia. This store is co-owned by Lin Manuel Miranda and he wrote “In the Heights” here.

Above photo: Shakespeare in the Park

Above photo: Little Island

Free NYC Activities Continued

• TV Show Tapings – There are tons of great shows that are taped in New York. Tickets to these tapings are free and you can request tickets to attend a taping. There are some shows that have standby tickets to fill extra seats. so even if you miss tickets you can give that a shot!
• Bronz Zoo (scroll down the page to Wednesday’s section) – Limited Admission is free all day on Wednesdays at the Bronx Zoo. ADVANCE-TIMED TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. The Wednesday Ticket Store opens on Mondays at 5:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations. You can’t visit the zoo without a reserved ticket.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – This park is open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. and entry is free. Within Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 is a favorite spot for kids. There is a splash pad, slides, and rope swings. See an interactive map HERE (just click on Pier 6 or any spot to see activities and photos). This park offers hundreds of free activities and events here, for kids and adults.
• Go Kayaking at the Downtown Boathouse – The Downtown Boathouse offers the world’s largest FREE Kayaking program. They give free 20-minute kayaking tours on the Hudson on the weekends. Just come by the Boathouse on weekends & holidays from the end of May to the first of October 10:00 am-4:30 pm. The last boat goes out at 4:30 pm and no reservations are needed.

Above Photo: Bronx Zoo

Join Club Free Time

New York City offers about 50 free events a day throughout the year. You can see gallery openings, join free tours of different neighborhoods, go to free jazz and classical music concerts, hear free talks/lectures/seminars at NYU and Columbia U, and/or listen to free readings by famous authors. Join Club Free Time to see all of the free events available during your visit.

Do you have any tips you’d like for me to add? Please let me know in the comments!

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Most importantly…

Have fun and enjoy the city: NYC is a vibrant and exciting city with something for everyone. Have fun and enjoy all that it has to offer!

Do you have any tips you’d like for me to add? Please let me know in the comments!

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