Want to blend in and live like a local while visiting New York City? Check out these tips and tricks on everything from how to use the subway to the best free things to do in NYC!
I called New York City my home for almost nine years, and while I may not have been born and bred in the city, I have certainly done a huge portion of my growing up here. I’m what they call a “transplant” in NYC, and I’ve certainly earned my stripes after enduring just about everything this city can throw at you. In my time here, I’ve discovered a few secrets, found some amazing spots, and fallen in love with the grit and glory of New York.
For a list of 20+ cheap places to eat in New York City, check out this post containing all of my favorites!
I’ve been slowly working on this post for months (no joke), and have tried my best to create a comprehensive inside guide to navigating and enjoying your time in NYC, whether you’re visiting for 24 hours or moving here for good! I hope that my experience can help you get the most out of your time here and fall head over heels for the city that (truly) never sleeps. Welcome to New York!
How to get around New York City:
- Public transportation (i.e. subways, buses)
- Taxis
- Ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and Via
- Ferries (more info on those here)
- Helicopters (only if you’re rich and fancy)
- Trains (not to be confused with the subway…these trains depart from Penn Station, Grand Central, and Atlantic Terminal and can take you outside the city if you’re looking to go to New Jersey or anywhere outside NYC!)
Public Transportation
The subway is an excellent transportation option, particularly if you’re traveling on a tight budget. At just $2.75 per ride, it’s definitely the cheapest. (It’s now $3 for a Single Ride ticket, which means it’s an individual one-way ticket, not bought on a Metrocard.) The bus costs the same, and you can transfer between subways and buses within two hours if you use a Metrocard.
If you’ll be exploring New York City quite a bit, I highly recommend purchasing a weekly unlimited Metrocard to save money (it’s $32 for unlimited rides on trains or buses, which works out to about the same cost as 11 rides – and they add up quickly). So it’s definitely worth it! More information can be found on the MTA website here.
Note: if you’re traveling with other people, you can only use the unlimited Metrocard once every 18 minutes, so don’t even bother trying to swipe in four different people one after the other at the same station! It won’t work.
I’ll be honest with you, taking the subway is an experience. Some stations are relatively clean and uncrowded, others are pretty disgusting and packed with people. It just depends on where you’re headed. Yes, you will see rats on the train tracks and smell funny smells (the legend is true: if you see an empty subway car, it’s probably empty for a reason, don’t go in there). It can be downright gross.
New Yorkers have a love/hate relationship with the subway system, because we have to rely on it for our daily transportation, and the delays and issues that come with it can make getting around quite stressful. However, it’s something you should experience if you want to have a fully-rounded New York visit! It’s not all terrible, and saves a lot of money. Just bring your hand sanitizer.
A couple of other things to note when taking the subway:
- Make sure you’re going the right direction! The subway system (and getting around NYC in general) can be confusing, especially for newcomers. I still use apps to double-check my route options and check for delays or construction. My favorite transit app is Citymapper (it’s also available on desktop, but I recommend downloading the app to your phone for obvious reasons). It’s free and extremely helpful – Citymapper gives you different route options, tells you exactly how long your trip should take, and which station exit to use.
- Related: figure out which end of the train you’ll be exiting on, and do some “pre-walking” as you wait for the train to arrive, so you don’t waste time walking from one end of the subway station to the other at your destination. There’s even an app for that! It may seem frivolous, but especially during the hot summer months, avoiding long walks underground is a life-saver.
- Don’t make the mistake of getting on an express train (or bus) because those won’t necessarily stop where you need to get off. Express trains look pretty much the same as the regular (local) trains, so it can be easy to make a big mistake and end up going way farther than you need to. When the train arrives, quickly pop your head into one of the train cars (or ask the conductor if you see them) and ask if it’s an express train or ask “is this train stopping at ___?” Someone will gladly yell out the answer and help you. It can be nearly impossible to tell sometimes because local trains will often switch to an express route (or vice versa) due to construction or train issues. So pay close attention to that once you’re on the train as well.
- Let people off the train before you push your way onto it. Please, for the love of God. There is nothing worse than people shoving their way past you as you’re trying to get off of a train. Be patient, step aside, and let people out before getting on.
- Don’t be a rebel and try to hop over the turnstiles or sneak your way past them in order to save a couple bucks. There are cameras hidden everywhere and cops all over the place. It’s not worth the hefty ticket.
Taxis
If you’ve ever seen a movie about New York City, you’ve seen someone hail a taxi. It’s a pretty simple process, but here are some do’s and don’ts.
- Don’t upstream (that’s a jerk move and everyone will hate you).
- You have to be confident – step out onto the curb, throw your arm in the air and stare into oncoming traffic. You don’t need to whistle or get fancy with your hand gestures, a simple arm in the air will do! Taxi drivers know what you want. Note: don’t do this at a bus stop, taxis won’t stop there.
- Check traffic on the route you’re going before you choose a taxi. Unlike Uber, Lyft or Via, the cost of your ride isn’t set, and it will skyrocket if you’re sitting in traffic.
- Know where you’re going before you get in the car, and tell the driver immediately using the proper terminology so you don’t waste their time and cause a traffic jam. For example, if you’re going to Carnegie Hall, you can just tell the driver and they’ll take off. However, if you’re going to a random restaurant on West 4th Street, don’t give the driver the exact address, just look it up beforehand and tell them the cross streets (i.e. “West 4th and Jones St please!”) Trust me, they’ll be much nicer if you’re not sitting there googling things after getting in their cab.
Another note about taxis: they often take longer than hopping on the subway due to crazy NYC traffic, so if you see a subway station nearby, you might be better off just taking the train. This is especially true in high volume areas such as Midtown or Soho. Weigh your options before committing to a potentially expensive cab ride.
Ride-sharing Services
Uber, Lyft, and Via are three of the most popular ride-sharing apps used by New Yorkers, with Via being the cheapest. Choosing to use Uber Pool or Lyft Line typically saves quite a bit of money on your ride, because you’re usually sharing the car with other riders. Via is the absolute cheapest, and probably my favorite way to get around when I’m on a tight budget.
I have referral codes with discounts for all three of these services, so be sure to use them to save a little money! For Via, you get $10 off using the code sierra4z3. For Uber, you can get your first ride free using the promo code sierrad23. For Lyft, you can get up to $20 ride credit using the code SIERRA804075. Happy riding!
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Take advantage of the freebies!
There are so many free things to do in New York City, and not everyone takes advantage of them. I’m working on a full post about all the free and cheap activities you can do in NYC, so keep an eye out for that! For more NYC money-saving tips, click here. (Pssst…my all-time favorite, secret spot for the best views in NYC will be in my next NYC post…just sayin’.)
In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Yes, really! Many people don’t know that The Met operates on a “suggested donation” basis. The suggested ticket price is $25. If you can afford to pay the full entry fee, please do and support the arts! But if you’re on a tight budget and need to spend less, all the way down to $0.01, all you have to do is go up to the ticket counter and tell them the amount you’re able to pay, and they’ll let you in. Bonus tip: go up to the rooftop for some incredible views of the city! Updated March 2018: The Met has changed its “suggested donation” policy a bit and now only residents of New York (and students from NJ/CT/NY) with valid IDs can choose this option. More info here.
- Take in some art at the many galleries in Chelsea (bonus: some have free wine and cheese tastings!) Wandering through the galleries is always free and there are some really amazing exhibitions.
- Walk along The Highline. This is a popular tourist spot, and can get quite busy, particularly on the weekends. My advice? Go for a stroll early in the morning or later in the evening on a weekday for some peace and quiet.
- Take the Staten Island Ferry for a 25-minute free boat ride with incredible views of The Statue of Liberty and a glittering Manhattan! You can hop off once you get to Staten Island and do a little exploring or hop right back on the Manhattan-bound ferry and head back to the city.
- Visit Governor’s Island for a remarkably peaceful, quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Governor’s Island ferry is not the same as the Staten Island ferry, but they are located very near each other at the tip of Manhattan. If you go before 11:30am on Saturday or Sunday, the ferry is completely free! All other times, the ferry costs $2 roundtrip for adults, and children under 13 are always free. There are art exhibitions and events, bike rentals, playgrounds, food trucks, and historic buildings to explore on Governor’s Island, as well as plenty of open lawn space for picnicking and relaxing. Bonus: there is a hammock grove perfect for napping!
NYC isn’t as loud and crazy as you’d expect.
While it’s true that many areas are full of traffic sounds, ambulances, helicopters, and folks having a good time (or hollering at each other), there are so many places to find a little oasis even in the heart of Manhattan! Central Park is the most obvious choice, given its size and prominence in the city. There are lots of magical spots in Central Park to wander, relax and enjoy the city skyline in a more nature-filled environment, and I highly recommend checking it out.
But if you’re in Midtown or another hectic, busy area of the city, don’t fret! You can still find some really nice little “pocket parks” and areas with benches and trees between all those big buildings. Comment below if you’d like me to do a whole post on the best pocket parks in NYC!
Another way to get some respite from the city noise is to go explore some of our beautiful libraries. My favorite is definitely the Bryant Park branch of the New York Public Library, also known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. It is an absolutely magical place to visit and relax, with an incredible collection and beautiful architecture.
It’s also the perfect spot to duck into for a cool, shady break on a hot summer’s day! The Rose Main Reading Room is my favorite spot in the library (for obvious reasons – it looks like something straight out of a Harry Potter book) and I highly recommend checking it out.
New York City doesn’t just mean Manhattan.
You may or may not already know this, but NYC is comprised of five different areas, or boroughs. There’s Manhattan, Brooklyn (where I live!), The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. That is all considered New York City. However, if you’re a New Yorker, when you say “I’m going to the city today,” you’re typically referring to going over to Manhattan.
If you live in Manhattan, nothing else matters and you never leave the island. (Okay, I’m mostly kidding…but there are a good bunch of Manhattanites who don’t like coming over to Brooklyn and it’s kind of a running joke that some New Yorkers “won’t come” to Brooklyn or other boroughs. I digress!)
There are so many different cultures, styles, and lifestyles represented in New York City. One of my favorite things about living here is how small I feel. I am continually surprised by how many different types of people I encounter, and I have learned so much about how to be even more open-minded and curious. Whether you’re visiting or moving here, I encourage you to keep an open mind and heart, and try to make connections with people you wouldn’t normally think to engage with.
You’re probably familiar with the fact that NYC has a Little Italy and a Chinatown, but did you know we also have a Little Senegal? With New York City being the huge melting pot that it is, we have a ton of different cultures and ethnicities represented here, and visiting these various neighborhoods is a fascinating, educational experience you can’t get anywhere else!
Here is a list of 18 ethnic “micro neighborhoods” to check out if you’re curious. Take advantage of the wide variety of cultures we have in our city and explore! (Obviously, always be respectful and kind when venturing into each different neighborhood, as cultures and customs vary greatly.)
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We really do have the best bagels (and some damn fine pizza).
Ess-A-Bagel (Manhattan), La Bagel Delight (Park Slope), and Bergen Bagels (Prospect Heights) are three of my favorite bagel shops. Juliana’s (DUMBO) is probably my go-to spot for true New York pizza. Many tourists flock to Grimaldi’s up the street, but I prefer Juliana’s (also, as a New Yorker, I’m sick of standing in long lines).
The secret here is that the original owner of Grimaldi’s, Patsy Grimaldi, is actually no longer running Grimaldi’s, and started his own place (Juliana’s) named after his grandmother after selling Grimaldi’s to someone else. There’s a whole pizza feud history, but the gist of it is: Juliana’s is legit. Go there.
You can also avoid the ridiculously long lines for over-hyped items like cronuts and rainbow bagels. Trust me, they’re not worth it. Stick to the classics and then explore the wild variety of foods that this city has to offer.
NYC is chock full of delicious cuisines from just about any country! You can get authentic dim sum, amazing fresh Italian pasta, Peruvian, Haitian, Tibetan, Indian…you name it, we’ve got it.
Here are 20 of my favorite cheap places to eat in New York City! So many gems on that list…it will surely have you drooling. And check out this post for even more of the best food in New York City. (Can you tell we love food here?!)
For a list of my Top 10 Favorite Food Spots in NYC, check out this post! I’ll be doing a Part Two soon, but if you’re curious about more of my favorites in the meantime, or have specific questions, drop them in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter, and I’ll happily help you out.
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Don’t use the public bathrooms.
When you’re out and about and suddenly find yourself in need of a bathroom break, things can get dire pretty quickly, and you might find yourself resorting to using a McDonald’s bathroom or trying to find a public bathroom option.
Here’s why you shouldn’t: A) McDonald’s/Starbucks (et al) don’t always have working bathrooms available for public use (and Starbucks will typically make you buy something before you even use theirs – which means hopping in line to buy something you likely don’t need when you’re just desperate for a pee break) and B) their bathrooms are typically so overused and under-cleaned that you really don’t want to go inside.
This includes bar bathrooms (which are especially disgusting). Now, of course there are some exceptions to this rule, but in general, I’ve never found a McDonald’s or Starbucks bathroom in the heart of NYC to be both clean and available for use. In a major pinch, these might be your only real options, but I have a bit of a secret suggestion…
My trick?
Find the nearest nice hotel, and stride right in. If you’re confident about it and walk right past the reception desk in search of their nearest bathroom, no one should give you a second glance. Act like a guest, and look for their lobby bathroom (or hop in the elevator to a different floor that you think might have a bathroom available).
Nine times out of ten, doing this results in you getting a super nice bathroom (often all to yourself!) where you can do what you need to do, get refreshed, and avoid the grossness of all the other overused bathrooms you’d normally find while out and about.
Another place to look for decent bathrooms in NYC is nicer restaurants, but this can be a little hit or miss. If you ask to use their bathroom, they may tell you they don’t have a public one available. However, if you march in confidently, act like you’re “meeting friends” and walk towards the back in search of the bathroom, they may not bat an eye.
I still recommend trying hotel bathrooms first! My favorite hotel bathroom is the one at the Mandarin Oriental near Columbus Circle because it’s beautiful and always empty, and close to the southwest corner of Central Park, which means you can avoid hunting down the public bathrooms in the park (which usually smell like someone has either lived in them for 10 years without showering or…like an animal has recently died).
In a nutshell: use public restrooms at your own risk.
Go to Times Square. No, really.
Before you run away from this post screaming, hear me out. My rule of thumb is this: avoid Times Square at all costs, except for once in your life, when you go stand in the middle of Times Square late at night or very early in the morning, when no one else is around.
It is unexpectedly quiet during those late night or early morning hours, and taking a stroll through the flashing billboards and famous theatres is a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience. I mean it when I say once-in-a-lifetime, because you don’t really need to do it twice, and I would never tell you to walk through Times Square any other time unless you had to.
However, it’s a quietly magical place to be when no one is around! Safety note: use common sense. Standing in Times Square alone at 2 a.m. on an empty street corner is probably not the best idea ever. Bring a buddy, stay alert. There are always police officers patrolling nearby, and an NYPD station in the middle of Times Square, so no real need to worry, but don’t be silly about it.
A note about safety!
While New York City is much safer than it used to be, and far less scary than it is often portrayed on television, it is still a very big city with lots of people. With that comes an increased risk of safety issues. You don’t need to be paranoid, but there are some things you can do to improve your odds of staying safe:
- Don’t be flashy. In other words, don’t wave big wads of cash around, carry around tons of shopping bags from expensive stores all day, or show off your electronics unnecessarily.
- You’ll notice that most New Yorkers do walk around with their cell phones in front of them 24/7, and never get them stolen, but still – be careful if you have your phone out and keep your hands on it at all times.
- You don’t need to wear a money belt or anything, but I do recommend a cross body purse or bag instead of a backpack, and holding it in front of you versus on your back (for obvious reasons).
- We don’t really have a pick-pocketing problem here, but stay alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If something feels sketchy, it probably is. Use common sense.
- If you’re a woman, odds are (unfortunately) that you’re going to get catcalled at some point during your time in NYC. I wish it weren’t the case, but many men here are gross and vocal about it. It’s unlikely that these men are going to follow you and hurt you, but still, be careful. Don’t respond when they holler at you, just keep walking. Doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a tight dress or a paper bag, the comments are always the same. If you feel unsafe or need assistance, look for another person nearby and ask them for help or to walk with you until you’re away from the area. And never hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you need to. Your safety and well-being are important!
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Here’s how to blend in and be fashionable:
Wear all black. There you go! Moving on…
All kidding aside, dressing in black (or dark colors) really does make you look like less of a tourist. If you want to blend in and not out yourself as a newbie or visitor, that’s one way to do it. Dressing like a local serves two purposes:
- People will bother you less (i.e. the street vendors trying to take advantage of tourists or those annoying guys trying to get you to “take” their mixtape or come to a free comedy show)
- Your clothes won’t get as dirty. I know it may sound silly, but wearing dark colors in NYC is pretty standard and definitely helps you stand out less, which can be a positive thing in so many ways. If you stroll down the street wearing your Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt with a camera slung around your neck, it’ll be pretty obvious that you’re an easy target, and more people will try to sell you things and take advantage of you. Dressing like a local is the way to go, in my book.
Dark colors, dark wash jeans, jean jackets or leather jackets, scarves and boots are pretty much always in when it comes to New York fashion. (This may sound like a strictly fall/winter outfit, but I guarantee you, New Yorkers basically wear these items year-round!) I’m no fashion expert, nor do I know what I “should” be wearing each season, but I know those things never really go out of style!
Check out some helpful local’s tips on surviving winter in NYC here.
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Plan your trip wisely!
I’ve lived here almost eight years and still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. There is an endless list of things to see, do, eat, and experience in New York City, so don’t try to do it all in one trip. Take your time to really enjoy the things on your list, rather than trying to cram everything in. It’s so much more enjoyable.
While it’s true that NYC is home to a bunch of amazing museums, there are a few that I think are do-not-miss: The Met (aka The Metropolitan Museum of Art), The Museum of Natural History, The Guggenheim and The Whitney. MoMa is also a popular stop for most tourists, but it’s just not my favorite. (I’m not the biggest modern art fan, full disclosure. I prefer classical art or historical museums. Just a personal preference.) Obviously, do your own research and tailor your visits to your personal tastes, those are just a few of my recommendations.
If you’re traveling with children and looking for fun things to do in NYC with kids, there are tons of different options, from educational museums to amazing parks, activities, shows and much more.
For me, the perfect trip involves lots of good food and being able to wander and explore on a more local level. There are some tourist attractions in NYC that I think are worth a visit, such as Central Park, and others (like the Empire State Building) that you can probably skip.
Before you click out of here and call me crazy, hear me out: if you want to get that iconic photo of New York City that includes the Empire State Building, you have to go to Rockefeller Center and visit Top of the Rock! Check out some of the beautiful Top of the Rock views here.
Tickets aren’t cheap (they’re currently $34 for adults) but it is a pretty neat experience and beautiful vantage point. The Freedom Tower Observation Deck is also incredible (but always totally packed to the gills with tourists). I do have a secret hack for getting a free view of the city that will be in an upcoming post about cheap and free things to do in NYC, so keep an eye out for that if you’re curious.
If you’re a fan of the TV show Gossip Girl, here’s a fun guide to all the best Gossip Girl filming locations in New York! And here’s another great itinerary for anyone looking to maximize a short trip and make the most out of a weekend away in NYC.
Wondering what to pack for NYC? This expert local’s packing list will have you ready to go (in style!) in no time.
Here are a few little things to know about New Yorkers:
- We don’t call it “The Big Apple.” You can if you want to, but we might roll our eyes at you. Fair warning. As I mentioned earlier, people who live outside Manhattan in other boroughs often refer to Manhattan as “the city,” but remember, all five boroughs are included in New York City limits!
- We aren’t all rude! New Yorkers get a bad rap for being unfriendly, unhelpful, and dismissive. We’re really not – we’re just busy and tired most of the time. I have stopped fellow New Yorkers on the street to ask random questions many times, and have never once been met with a rude response. If you need help, we will typically stop whatever we’re doing to try and assist you. However, be respectful of our space and time – if you see someone hustling down the street with their headphones in, looking upset or harried, don’t step in front of them and ask where the nearest Applebee’s is. Use common sense, ask direct questions, and I guarantee you, someone will stop to help you (and yes, even be friendly)! This leads me to my next tip…
- Don’t look people in the eye when you’re on the subway or stare. This may sound contradictory to my last point, but it’s not. When you live in a city with 8 million other people and are constantly bombarded by lights, noise and other intense sensory input, just getting from place to place can be exhausting. We typically pop in our headphones and listen to music, news or podcasts while we’re out and about, because it helps create our own little space bubble and provide some respite from the constant overload.
- When you’re on the subway and it seems like everyone is being rude or sullen, they’re usually not, they’re just in their own little world. It’s rude to stare or look people in the eye on the subway, because you’re in such close proximity and we’re going to assume you want something or have a problem with us. As silly as that may sound, it’s true. If you can tell someone is open to chatting or seems friendly, feel free to talk to them. But as a general rule: look out the window, read a book, or chat quietly with your travel companion – don’t openly gawk at everyone else and make them uncomfortable.
- We typically refer to the subway as “the train” and call each line by its letter or number, not by its color. No one will ever refer to the 3 train as “the red line” so don’t even bother using color names.
- We like to get out of the city on weekends so we don’t go too crazy! From quick trips to the Adirondacks to walking across the Canada/US border at Niagara Falls, there are lots of amazing, easy places to visit and take a break from the city.
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Some final NYC etiquette tips:
- If you’re with a group and you walk in a row, rather than walking in a line, you will get glared at and possibly shoved. There are too many people in NYC for you to take up an entire sidewalk. Be respectful of the limited space and walk single file on busy sidewalks!
- Please don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk to snap a photo, I beg of you. Step to the right or left side and out of the way of foot traffic to do your thing. Everyone will silently thank you.
- If you want to walk slower, stay to the right. Think of the left as the fast lane, and the right as the slow lane. It’s fine to walk slower and take everything in, but be mindful of everyone around you and don’t create a pedestrian traffic jam!
In a nutshell…
New York City is a wild and wonderful place that I’ve come to love deeply over my nearly eight years here. Despite its shortcomings and the inevitable frustrations and challenges of living in a huge city, there is truly nowhere else in the world quite like it, and I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything. This place has grown me and shaped who I am, and I’ll be forever grateful for that.
I hope that by sharing all of these inside tips and tricks with you, I’ve inspired you to come visit or given you the confidence to explore the city as a brand new New Yorker! I’m always happy to help answer questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out on Twitter or Facebook if you’re wondering about something I didn’t cover in this post. I’d love to hear from you!
Read more:
20 Cheap Places to Eat in New York City
Why I Moved to New York City (And Why I’ve Stayed)
Travel Guide to Niagara Falls (the perfect weekend trip from NYC!)
12 Most Instagrammable Spots in NYC
101 Awesome Things To Do In New England
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Some really great tips, thank you for this! I have been to New York twice but only for a couple of days each time for layovers and honestly I’ve never really known where to start! Hoping to go back again soon to visit properly and have some more positive experiences there!
Hope you come back soon for a proper visit!
Thanks for the detailed tips on visiting New York. I have been nervous about visiting such a huge busy city, but I know I will brave it when the special offer flights are on again from the U.K. I would like us to go in the fall and take advantage of the season to see other cities. Your advice on when to visit Time Square and the tip on finding clean toilets are very useful – Thanks!
So happy they were helpful, Chris! NYC is a really special place, I think you’d love it! Fingers crossed you can make the trip soon!
This post is brilliant! Seriously! You can tell that you have spent a long time thinking about it and making it good for us NY newbies!!
I especially appreciate the part about loos! It’s always good to know where you can go for an emergency pee! I tend to head to department stores, but hotels are a really smart option as well!
Thanks Josy! I tried! 🙂
Department stores can be a great option for finding a bathroom quick too!
This guide is seriously amazing. I’ve been to NY a few times but still get a bit overwhelmed. This guide was really insightful and got me pretty excited about my next stint there. Also LOL’ing at the etiquette tips at the end.
Yay! Always happy to hear that, thanks Chantel! Haha – gotta include those etiquette tips for my fellow New Yorker’s sanity 😉
Such a cool guide to NYC! Also can I ask the name of your Instagram plug in for the photos?
Thanks Rose! I actually just use WordPress’s built-in function – you just paste in IG links and it converts them to the photos! Magic, really!
You really nail what someone needs to know to seamlessly navigate the city. I feel like 13 years of my experience was distilled down to this one handy post. Pro tip on the Juliana’s as well. Great read.
Thank you so much Yvette! So happy to hear that 🙂
This is such an amazing guide and so helpful! Thank you for putting it all together in one place and sharing it with us! Will come in handy next time I go! I absolutely love New York and can’t believe you got to call it home for 8years!
Of course! Happy to do it. Thank you for reading! 🙂 I can’t believe I’ve been here 8+ years already either!
I love NYC! I go all the time. My favorite part it’s definitely the food! You can’t find the same quality and variety as in NYC!
I have a whole post on NYC food if you want to really drool all over your keyboard: http://www.passportvoyager.com20-cheap-places-eat-new-york-city/
Ahh!! This guide is absolutely amazing, darling! <3 I had no idea you could pay a "flexible" fee at the Metropolitan (and I have been dreaming of going there!). Using the underground is an adventure at most places, but I'd most certainly try the NY one hehe :))
Thank you so much Rosie! I’ve recently updated the Met Museum’s admission policy as it just changed this year – but it’s still a very good deal for all the art you get to see! Our subway system is a bit crazy but it is pretty good!
Great tips. I love the hotel bathroom idea, don’t know why I hadn’t thought of that. And I agree with you food has got to be a big part of any visit to NYC.
It’s definitely a life-saver when you’re trying to find a bathroom that isn’t disgusting. Ha! There are so many incredible places to eat in NYC, that’s for sure!
I love this insiders guide! Next time I come, I want you to take me around haha!
I’d love to Andrea! Come visit! 🙂
Great post! I grew up outside of the city in Connecticut and a lot of the tips you shared are so accurate. Even though going in and out of NYC is now second nature to me, I remember the times I screwed up taking the 4&5 instead of the 6!
I can easily still step onto the wrong train, even though I know better. Ha! When things are hectic and you’re in a rush, you never know where you might end up 😉
Where was this guide when I first traveled to New York! Whoa I love how detailed it is. Also your tip about the toilets is so true. I live in London and whenever I’m out and about I usually stop by a pub but I have to say that you can’t get it wrong with a nice hotel!
Thanks so much Mayi! The pub tip is great for London – I’ll have to keep that in mind next time I’m over there 😉
It’s great to get advice on a city from a local’s perspective! Thanks for sharing <3
Of course! Thanks for reading Sandy!
Such a refreshing post – I’ve never been sure about New York, but your friendly advice makes it feel much more manageable, and less overwhelming. And what a library! I couldn’t miss that if I was in town.
I’m so happy to hear that! It really can be an overwhelming city to try and tackle – I hope that posts like this one help and encourage people to visit 🙂 The library is gorgeous, isn’t it?
Wow what a comprehensive guide, every thing I need to know the next time I visit NYC!
Glad to hear it was helpful 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Awesome info for a visit to NY! And such fab photos. Thanks for sharing.
Yay! Glad to hear. Thanks Nicky!
Amazing guide! I wish I had known all this stuff when I visited! I have visited NYC twice with my mum; one time when I was seven and one time when I was 17… Now I have a deal with her that when I turn 27 (time moving closer and closer), I will have to invite her 😉 I will so much return to your guide (and hope for updates 😉 ) by then.
Thanks for sharing your insider tips!
Ah you’re still just a spring chicken! 😉 Hope it’s helpful when you make your return trip with your mom!
Wow this is super comprehensive.. if only I knew about it before I went to NYC last time!!
I tried to hit everything – and I know I missed plenty but didn’t want to write a full novel. Ha! Hope you can come back soon 🙂
What a fabulous guide with great, practical tips. I’ve been to NYC — only once. And I’d love to go back to spend more time. Your guide will come in use when I do!!
Thanks so much Lynne!
LOVE this post! Great tips! I’m about 15 mins from NYC, over in NJ and found a lot of these useful. Oh and that picture of the bagel + pizza – yummm!
Oh hello neighbor! 🙂 Always happy to hear that this post was even helpful to locals. Awesome!
What an amazing indepth post! Love the freebie ideas and cheap eats suggestions. Have still never been to this city and hope to change that soon! Gorgeous pics, thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for reading and for the kind words, Cat! Hope you can make a trip to the city soon, it’s pretty fun 🙂
I just adore this post!! Also checking the “read more” section since I’m going to NYC in a month!!! Really can’t wait 🙂
Awesome! I hope you find some helpful tidbits in there too! I need to get more NYC posts up soon – there are so many I want to write! Hope you have an amazing trip next month!
Such an in-depth, comprehensive guide. I’ve been to New York a couple times but still, a lot of this was new to me. Thanks for sharing and working so hard on this.
Thanks Diamond! Appreciate you taking the time to read it 🙂
Wow, this post has covered EVERYTHING about NYC! Thank you.
Yay! Happy to hear that April!
Oh this post is so perfect! My husband is a native New Yorker (born and raised) and we visit the city multiple times a year – it’s my favorite place in the whole world, and my kids are getting to know the city almost as well as they know their hometown! Ess-a-bagel is a favorite of ours too!
So cool! Love that your kids are getting to know the city too – such a great learning experience for them. Ess-A-Bagel is literally the best. Just thinking about their bagels makes me drool.
I love this post but it’s not fair that I’m on a stupid carb-free diet and haven’t eaten pizza or bagels in forever. Your post has been drooling! Especially since I’m remembering all the awesome pizza I’ve eaten in New York.
Ugh, no carbs is rough in NYC with all the pizza and bagels screaming your name. Sorry to make you drool in sadness! Haha.
So much good info! I am hopefully going this summer and I am bookmarking this!
Perfect timing! Fingers crossed you make it to NYC this summer!
Girl I love this post! My Swedish friend used to live in New York and she taught me how to live like a New Yorker! It was so fun! We ate so much pizza after bars and went to all these fantastic places. I really need to go back and follow this list. Thanks for sharing:-)
It’s so nice to have a local to teach you things, right? Otherwise it can be such a daunting prospect trying to learn the city and all its quirks. Hope you can come back for another round of NYC soon!
Wow! What a resource! I’ve been visiting NYC for years and years, and I learnt a dozen new things from this post. Upstreaming, for example.
NYC is an amazing place, full of legends. Thanks for being one of them!
Ah, good old upstreaming 😉 I try to educate people about that one in particular, since it’s something that a tourist might not really think about in all the hustle and bustle. Ha! Thanks for your kind words!
The unlimited Metrocard for $32 seems like great value, especially since it lasts for 7 days. Another good tip you gave, which will apply to anywhere is to use a hotel instead of McDonalds etc.. for a bathroom. Even if the hotel wouldn’t let you use the bathroom, there will be another around the corner to try!
It really is a great deal especially when you’re taking 6 trips on the subway or more! Saves so much money in the long-run. Thanks for reading, James! Glad you found it useful!
Wow. What a very extensive travel guide. Will definitely use this in my future trip to New York City 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that – hope it helps you out when you come visit!
Always love to travel with the perspective of a local. New York is a big city and can be overwhelming for first timers, hence this is a very good resource. I love the fact that you have provided details of the options of public transport. We love to use the public transport in cities we travel to because this gets us close to the local people and culture.
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to read and for your sweet comment. Public transport can be the trickiest thing to figure out in a big city, so I hope this guide proves helpful for everyone!
I believe for a first time visit to NYC everything can be overwhelming. This is one of the best guides I have read that comprehensively covers the deets especially in transport. Nicely timed post, and going ahead to book mark it!
You’re so right – NYC is overwhelming even for the locals I think! Thank you so much for the kind comments on this post – it was a lot of work so it’s rewarding to know how helpful its been to people. Yay!
some great tips here. I have been to NYC twice and only started getting the hand of the subway system the second time haa!
Thanks Chiera! Honestly, even after living here for almost 8 years, I still check for subway directions a lot of the time. So you’re doing great! Ha.
Ive been in NY many times now but am still getting excited when I get to go there again! I am actually going there in 3 weeks and I can’t wait! I am pretty sure ive seen everything what has to be seen in Manhattan so its time to explore different areas! I do like Brooklyn! It has something what makes me wanna go there all the time. Especially Brooklyn Bridge Park with a stunning view of Manhattan !
Perfect timing, Ada! So glad you still enjoy exploring the city. There really are an endless number of things to do, see and eat in NYC. I sometimes think I could live here an entire lifetime and still have not seen everything! Having lived in Brooklyn almost 8 years, I’m a little biased, but I really do adore it. Brooklyn has something special that Manhattan simply doesn’t. There’s so much character and variety in Brooklyn. I love Brooklyn Bridge Park and the surrounding areas (DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, etc.) If you can, go to Hanco’s or Bombay Heights for some delicious eats over there!
This is a fabulous guide to New York City! I particularly love the etiquette tips and ideas for low-cost things to do. I had no idea about the Staten Island ferry, but I’m going to need to add that to my itinerary next time I’m in the city. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yay! I’m so glad there were some things you hadn’t heard before Grace! I just took a trip on the ferry yesterday actually, and was reminded yet again why I love it so much. Such a great free way to see the city! Thanks for reading 🙂
Thank you so much for this information! I visited NYC last Christmas and got the feeling I should come again in Autumn, to get great pictures of Fall’s foliage in Central Park.. and follow your guide!
xx
lau
You definitely should! Autumn in New York City is absolutely magical – I hope you get to see it one of these days soon! Thank you Iau!
OMG! These photoes are awesome! I have to join to your instagram community 😀
Would love to have you join us over there Kasia! 🙂
Wow! Great guide! I’ve pinned this for future reference and visit! 🙂
Thanks so much! 🙂
Wow! Fantastic guide especially for those who are planning a first time trip to NYC. Wish I saw this post before my first visit back in 2010. Need another trip, miss this city dearly
Thanks Danik! Hopefully it proves useful for your next trip to NYC! It’s an easy city to miss, isn’t it?
Now that’s called a comprehensive guide. Very useful for first timers like me who’s yet to get to that part of the world. The library looks stunning. Esp the ceiling painting is so renaissance styled! Big thanks for the trick of using hotel bathrooms!!!
Ha! Thank you! I tried to make it as comprehensive as possible. The library is absolutely beautiful, definitely visit it if you get the chance. And you’re welcome about the bathroom tip – it really does make walking around all day much more enjoyable!
These are genuinely great and honest tips for travelling or visiting new York. There’s so much I didn’t know and your tips are genuinely awesome, esp about the bathroom 🙂 i’ll keep this post in mind when i make it to NYC one day. I love this post!!
I’m so happy to hear that Bee! I was hoping there would be some good gems in there that most bloggers haven’t covered 😉 Thank you so much for reading! I know it was a doozy!
I have no trouble believing it took you months to write this post! It’s a very detailed and complete guide to the big city! I wish to visit soon, thanks for sharing!
And there’s so much I didn’t even cover, ha! Thanks for taking the time to read it 🙂 So glad it was helpful, hope you get a chance to visit NYC soon!
Thank you for putting this post together – as if I didn’t already want to go to New York! Those bagels look soooo amazing and I can’t wait to try them! A visit to Times Square is also a must. I love the vibrancy of this district! I have a few more to add to my bucket list when I go to NYC!
Happy to add to your NYC wanderlust! 🙂 Our bagels really are the best – hope you can come visit soon and enjoy the city!
While there are probably a million blog posts about NYC, I found yours to be really practical and helpful! Also, loving your photos! Thanks for taking the time to put together such a great post 🙂
That means a lot! Seriously. Thank you! It certainly does take a lot of work to put together bigger posts like this, but I’ve received so much positive feedback that it only makes me want to do more of them! 🙂
Love this! Such a thorough guide! I’ve been to New York as a kid, would love to go back and experience it all!
I hope it encourages you to come back for another visit Greta! It’s such a great city, with an endless amount of things to do, see, and experience!
So well structured and helpful !! I’m a total stranger to NYC and loved the way you have portrayed the city. The compilation of photos is wonderful as well.
That makes me so happy to hear, Meghna! Thank you. I hope it encourages you to visit one day!
This is a REALLY in depth post and so much great information for visitors to NYC. The first time I went, I thought it was extremely intimidating. I visit quite a bit now, but only for work.
Thanks Melissa! It can be a very intimidating place, especially when you’re not used to all the hustle and bustle! What’s your favorite area of the city now that you’ve visited more?
Wow!!! That’s one long but very comprehensive guide right there! Having visited NYC for the first time and coming from the England where people still hold doors for you, rude and impolite was the first thoughts that came mind but I still enjoyed NYC despite the potholes, the dirty subways snd the groups of homeless people around.
Haha, and I left SO much stuff out too! I could go on forever about NYC – it’s such a complex city! Thanks for taking the time to read, Raquel. I’ve gotta say, I absolutely adore London (and everyone’s politeness is a huge positive for me). New York is gritty, rough-and-tumble, and very tough to handle sometimes. A bit jarring especially if you’re used to more civilized society as a Brit 😉
Oh I most certainly have made the mistake of getting on an express train before and overshooting where I needed to be…lol I give props to people who can live in the city! I feel like it must be hard to deal with the throngs of tourists in regards to sidewalk etiquette (like you said, stopping randomly, taking up entire sidewalks, etc.). I have learned where to avoid going if I don’t want to be bombarded w/ tourists but still, it can be difficult! Anyhoo, this is a great compilation of NYC tips!
Isn’t that the absolute worst? You’re siting on the train just minding your business and then start realizing that it’s not stopping at all the stops, and oh, great, not stopping at yours either! Ha. It’s really tricky to survive (let alone thrive) in a big city like New York, I won’t lie. There are enough good things about it to keep me here thus far, but it comes with its fair share of difficulties, and I know I won’t last forever. About 90% of my friends have already moved away to other states! I’m one of the last ones standing, ha. Thanks for taking the time to read, Alicia! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This is such a great post! I love the comprehensive info you give and street smart tips. Even someone like me who’s from NJ didn’t know even half of these places to go to or exactly how to use the metro properly (I’ve gotten lost on it so many times!), but I love taking the Staten Island ferry – I can pretend for a bit I’m on a mini-vacation taking a boat somewhere 😛 )
I’ve never been to library in NYC, but that Bryant Park branch looks like a book nerd’s (like myself) dream! I could be in there for hours.
Thank you so much taking the time to put together this amazing guide. It’s been bookmarked because I’m using it for my next trip to the city!
P.S. I co-sign on the not using public bathrooms. Straight up, people! Lol
You’re the sweetest! Thank you for taking the time to read through this massive thing! I especially appreciate your feedback since you’re a local 😉 The Staten Island Ferry is seriously the best-kept activity…it’s like a free fancy boat cruise, minus the fancy. Ha! If you ever make it to Bryant Park library, I guarantee you you’ll be in love – it’s so beautiful in there, especially now that its been renovated!
So happy you enjoyed this guide! I hope it proves helpful for your next trip over the river! Also, seriously – no public bathrooms. Thank you haha!
Ooh, great guide! There’s so much useful info in here, especially the list of free things to do. Great timing too as we’ve just booked a trip to NYC in Feb next year, so I’m definitely bookmarking this for later. Can I ask whether you’ve ever been to the Stick With Me Sweets chocolate shop? I’ve seen how cool the chocolates look but I’m not sure if it’s 100% worth it? 🙂
I’m so glad you found it helpful Justine! Be on the lookout for another post coming soon all about free and cheap things to do in New York (I have a bunch more that didn’t make it into this guide!) So glad you’re coming for a visit in February! Hope you have a blast. I haven’t been to that chocolate shop, I’ll have to look it up!
Such practical, useful information. For someone like me who isn’t drawn to big cities, it also makes a visit to NYC sound much more appealing. And yes to a post about the pocket parks—I’m sure I’d be looking for them if I visit NYC again (only been there once, on a work-related trip, in 1997).
This post is not only a generous gift of your time to Passport Voyager readers, it also tops many of the “tourist tips” articles about NYC published in high circulation magazines. Great work, Sierra!
Those kind words mean the world to me! Thank you so much – it takes a lot of work to put posts like this together, but it’s all worth it if it evens helps one person to have a more enjoyable trip. I hope you can come visit me soon! I’ll definitely get to work on the pocket parks post too!
I’ve been to NYC a couple of times and always loved it. Your post makes me wanna go back right away. I walked the city with my camera and never felt unsafe and I noticed New Yorkers have become more and more friendly over the years. Thanks for sharing your article, I tweeted it.
Thanks for reading and sharing this post, Nicola! I really appreciate it. Hope you come back soon for another visit! I agree with you – I honestly feel safer here than I do a lot of other cities.
I’ve always dreamed about visiting New York, and while that is still not in the works your guide was really helpful! And the pictures are amazing too. I guess it’s time to shop for some dark color clothes and start planning away 🙂
Yay! Glad to hear that. Hope you can come visit NYC soon, Denisa 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read!
Love how informative this is – a great comprehensive guide to New York City! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy to help! Thank you for reading, Kelly 🙂
I love that you put this post together! For some reason, I’ve been craving for a trip to NYC! Mostly because all my trips were pre-blogging and I just want some fresh photos to share. I think I’ll also have to do Time’s Square just ONE more time, to see it bright and early before anyone gets there. Thanks for all the tips — I’ll certainly be referring to this when I go again 🙂
I love hearing that! So happy to know it was helpful and encouraging you to come back – fingers crossed you can make a trip to NYC soon. Maybe even this fall? Fall in NYC is the best thing ever! 🙂
Absolutely wonderful post! No matter how many times you visit the Big Apple (or how long you’ve lived there), there is always something new to discover. I’m looking forward to visiting NYC this fall 🙂
So glad you’re coming for a visit! Fall is my favorite season here in NYC, it’s always so magical. Thank you for the kind words and for taking the time to read through 🙂
Great post! I’m definitely saving it for my next trip to New York!
Awesome, thanks Kaitlin! 🙂
Wonderful tips- wear black to blend in and etiquette on the subway. Also, going to Times Square at times when it’s not busy, so helpful. It’s nice to know there are also places to go where you won’t hear all the city noise.
Things most people probably wouldn’t think about, right? I tried to sneak little bits of random info in there 🙂
Totally thorough and detailed information. Thank you… I will need this for my upcoming trip to NY 🙂
Perfect timing! I hope it really helps. Thanks for reading, Priyadarshini!
Love love love! I have only been to NYC once and didn’t do much at all because I got super overwhelmed with everything. I love this post and might just have to give NYC another shot. 🙂
Totally get it! NYC is a very overwhelming place to be, especially when you aren’t armed with little tidbits of insider knowledge. I really hope you come back and give it a second try! 🙂
A comprehensive post with tips and tricks. Really appreciate the detailed post for outsiders.
So happy to hear it was helpful. Thanks for reading, Sapna!
This is so comprehensive! Definitely saving it for when I go to NYC!
Hooray! So happy to hear that Suzie. Thank you! I hope it’s helpful!
There are so many interesting things to do in New York, and mostly so little time. You were so lucky to be able to live there for 7 years 🙂 Saving this list for when I get there, it will help planning what to do and see. Thanks
You’re so right! I always feel like I’m missing out on something or need to do more – the city is so full of things to do and places to go, it’s crazy. I hope this post helps you when planning your NYC trip! Thanks for reading Sabine 🙂
Definitely did not know about the MET’s suggested donation option. But I do agree, it’s good to support the artists if you can. And that IG photo of Ess-A-Bagel!!!!! Mmm-mmm! You got me drooling all over my laptop! I visited New York back in high school on a band trip and this just makes me want to return so bad! Awesome suggestions, thanks for sharing!
Sorry about that laptop drool 😉 Thanks for reading Jas! Definitely come back and visit soon. We have so much to do and explore!
That’s a whole load of super helpful info, something I’ll bookmark and read again and again when I plan a trip to NYC! Thanks for all these girl! I love the details, including the popping-in-headphones – totally makes me look at it a little differently now. The insider tips are awesome too, they’ll definitely help someone out! Great guide! =D
So glad to hear it was helpful! I hope some of these tips are useful for your next trip to the city 🙂 Also love hearing that it made you see things in a different light – New Yorkers really are good, kind, helpful people, we’re just all in our own little world most of the time. Ha!
What a wealth of information! My sister lives in NYC and I’ve been too intimidated by the city to visit her so far. Pinning this!
Ooh, good! I love to hear that. Don’t be intimidated! We’re a nice bunch, I promise. Hope this encourages you to come visit soon 🙂
This was great Sierra! I’m bookmarking to remember where to get bagels because we’re going this fall!
Thanks Michelle! Definitely enjoy those bagels – it’s so hard to not want to eat them every single day living here, let me tell you!
I love love love New York and definitely need to spend more time there. Lots of great ideas for our next trip! Thanks!
Come visit soon! Glad to hear it was helpful 🙂
I LOVE your photos! These are absolutely beautiful. The tips are also really helpful.
Thank you Loretta! A lot of these really beautiful ones came from Unsplashed (photographers credited beneath each photo). I wish I were that talented 😉 Appreciate you taking the time to read!
I’ve lived here for over 9 years and I totally agree with everything you said! Also, I just went to Governor island and spent an hour at the hammock Grove.
Ahhh, isn’t it glorious?! I haven’t been out yet at all this summer, it has totally flown by. Gotta go ASAP!
Wow! What a great post! I don’t live in the city, but I’m there often enough and I love the etiquette tips! So true!
City etiquette is important, right? It’s tricky because no one tells visitors what us locals would appreciate, we just get annoyed and expect them to know what to do! Ha. Hopefully this will help at least a few people feel more comfortable and prepared when visiting!
Holy cow, this is comprehensive and very detailed and I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Sierra! Love this guide! I’ve been to NYC quite a number of times and tips/advice from locals are always treasured! Will be bookmarking!
You’re too sweet! It’s a behemoth of a post, isn’t it? Ha. I tried to cut some things out and it still ended up this long! Crazy. There’s just so much to say about NYC! Thanks for reading, lady!
This post is so helpful, I visited NYC for my 18th Birthday but I’m coming back twice later this year by myself. I can’t wait to explore but I still find it a bit daunting. Your tips have really helped though, I did not know that about public restrooms either! xo
Perfect timing! Also, if I can save anyone from the horror of a public NYC restroom, my job here is done. Ha! xo
So my absolute favorite part of New York is the food. I pretty much just walk and eat when I visit. I’m coming again in November and will definitely actually see things and will use your insanely helpful post as a guide. Saving to reference later!
You are speaking right to my stomach, ha! I have barely scratched the surface when it comes to NYC’s food offerings, there’s just so much to eat! Walking and eating is a great combo 😉 I’m so glad to hear this was helpful and glad you’re coming back for another visit!
This is such an amazing and useful post Sierra! This is going to help so many people! I especially like the etiquette tips because it’s something that isn’t always touched on. Pinning for when I’m there next month 🙂 xo
Can’t wait for you to be here! Thanks for the sweet words – I really hope it helps a lot of people on their visits here. I know how overwhelming it can be, even as a local. Many bloggers skip over the etiquette tips, but honestly, they’re the most important bit! Helps both locals and visitors have a better time interacting. Ha! See you soon! xox
This is such a great, comprehensive guide to a city that can be so completely overwhelming to a newbie! I’ve only been to NYC once, for three short days, but I dream of going back. I will hold on to this for the future!
Yay, so glad to hear that Kristen! Thanks for reading! I hope this helps you on any future return trips to the city 🙂
I love how much detail you put into this post! It was super informative and helpful – especially that hotel restrooms trick. I haven’t been to NYC yet, but I am hoping to go soon since I have a few friends who will be moving there. Definitely saving this guide for future reference.
So happy to hear that! I tried to pop in as many little insider tricks as I could think of (there are so many more that I couldn’t fit in this post – maybe I’ll end up doing a part two at some point). Hope you make it to NYC for a visit soon, and that this guide helps when you do! It’s such a great city – despite all its flaws!
Love your insiders look into NYC! It really is an amazing city, and I can’t wait to be back! Definitely keeping this handy.
Can’t wait for you to come visit so we can go exploring together! Fingers crossed we see you soon 🙂
What a comprehensive guide! Thanks so much for your tips 🙂 especially the bits about the subway. I feel like I could get around like a pro now!
Mission accomplished! Thank you for reading, Anna! So glad it was helpful 🙂