28 New York City Travel Tips (for First-Timers)

Visiting New York City is a travel goal for many people. If it’s your first time exploring the iconic Empire City though, there are some key NYC tips you need to know. The city consists of five boroughs that cover more than 300 square miles. It’s a world in itself and there are so many interesting places to stay in NYC. 

However, being aware of certain New York City travel tips can mean the difference between a life-changing trip and a spectacular disaster. I lived in New York City for four years and grew up with two certified New Yorker parents. 

Between their knowledge and my own experiences, I’ve pocketed a lot of tricks for making the most of everything the city has to offer. Now, it’s time to pass it all on to you to ensure you have the best, safest time in NYC possible.

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28 Travel Tips for New York City

#1 – Use the Bathrooms at Restaurants or Grand Central Station

Out of all the New York City travel tips I could give, this one could end up being the most crucial for you. In theory, wandering New York City without a plan or care in the world sounds like a beautiful experience. But, there’s a big issue that can arise: the bathroom situation.

Manhattan is notoriously annoying when it comes to the availability of public bathrooms. To avoid getting caught in a tricky situation, use the bathroom whenever you visit a restaurant or cafe to be on the safe side. 

If you do find yourself in desperate need of a public bathroom, head to Bryant Park or Grand Central Station. These are two of the few places that actually have public restrooms in New York City.

#2 – Reconsider Your Christmas Trip

Everyone dreams of exploring New York City as a winter wonderland. While seeing the Rockefeller Tree and ice skating in the middle of the city is romantic, this isn’t actually the best season to visit New York City in my opinion.

It’s the most expensive time of the entire year and that’s saying something when you’re talking about one of the priciest cities in the world. Plus, the allure of Christmas in New York City wears off pretty fast when you realize how freezing and wet it is. 

Personally, I think the ideal time to visit New York City is around April or May. The weather is getting pleasant and the city is coming to life, but prices are still low(ish). If you’re dying to see New York City in the winter, wait until after New Year’s Day for a dip in the cost.

#3 – Use Public Transportation, But Be Mindful of Rush Hour

By far one of my favorite things about New York City is its amazing, comprehensive public transportation. It’s easily the best way to get around the city for an affordable price ($2.90 per ride). Often, it’s even faster than taking a cab. 

While you should definitely take advantage of the train, I have two golden pieces of NYC subway knowledge to share before you set off. 

First: never get in an empty subway car. There’s always a reason nobody wants to be there, whether it’s a broken A/C or a gross smell. Second: avoid rush hour at all costs. It is extremely overwhelming, even for a seasoned New Yorker.

👉 Don’t Forget to Pack: Nothing is worse than having your phone die right in the middle of an exciting day in NYC. That’s why one of my biggest New York City tips is to grab a reliable portable charger. I always make sure I have one of these Anker portable chargers with me when I travel, especially in Manhattan.

#4 – Don’t Skip Out on New York Style Pizza or Other NYC Food

Some of the best foods in the world were born in NYC. Manhattan has mastered everything from pizza and hot dogs to eggs Benedict and cheesecake. That’s why munching on a few of these food staples should go on any good New York City itinerary. The best part is that many of the most well-known places to eat across Manhattan are affordable as well as delicious.

#5 – Skip the Chain Restaurants

New York City has an unreal selection of incredible food and you don’t want to miss it in favor of a bland chain. 

Some of my fondest childhood memories were going to the famous local New York City eateries with my dad. Most of them have been in business for upwards of a hundred years and have no intentions of slowing down. 

A few of my top recommendations for famous local NYC restaurants are: 

• 🥪 – Katz’s Delicatessen
• 🍕 – Lombardi’s 
• 🌭 – Gray’s Papaya 
• 🥡 – Mei Lah Wah 
• 🥯 – Absolute Bagels 
• 🍳 – Bubby’s 

A chain restaurant just can’t beat the New York City classics. If you’re a foodie who wants to know about all of the city’s hidden culinary gems, see Niamh’s full guide to dining out in NYC.

#6 – Pick Up the Pace When Walking Down NYC Streets

If there’s one behavior New Yorkers hate, it’s a slow walker. After all, the NYC traffic can be just as bad on the sidewalk as it is on the roads.

Even if it’s your first visit to the Big Apple and you’re in awe of it all, don’t admire it while in motion. Otherwise, you’ll probably be getting a few groans from a local New Yorker or two.

#7 – Check out the Skyline from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

One of the best things to do in New York City is simply appreciating the cityscape. There are lots of places to see stunning views of the concrete jungle, from the Empire State Building to One World Observatory. 

But my top recommendations for NYC views are the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. From up there, you’ll be able to take in a bird’s-eye view of New York City and Central Park from above.

#8 – Spend Time in Museums

You would be doing yourself a disservice by not visiting at least a couple of the incredible museums in New York City. I grew up spending afternoons at NYC museums and one of my favorites is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 

Even if you’re not an art person, there is still a museum here for you. They range from interesting and child-friendly to weird or even shocking. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET), Ellis Island, the Museum of Sex, and the Museum of the Moving Image are all great activities with AC to break up a hot summer’s day. 

👉 Bonus Tip: If you’re going to be visiting a bunch of New York City’s museums on your trip to the big city, consider buying a city pass. It’ll give you the chance to visit 3-5 of the biggest NYC attractions, including museums.

#9 – Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a top tourist attraction in New York City and I love that it’s totally free. Perfect for a budget-friendly trip in New York. Plus, it’s a super scenic way to cross over from Manhattan to Brooklyn.

You have to do it on your first visit to NYC and probably every other one after that. Just make sure that you bring a windproof jacket for the journey. Even during the summer, it gets pretty chilly up there on the bridge.

#10 – Drink During Happy Hour to Save Money

It’s basically financially irresponsible to go out drinking when you visit NYC unless it’s during happy hour. This is one of those New York City travel tips that’s bound to save you some cash. 

There are tons of bars and restaurants around New York City that put on a terrific happy hour and all you really have to do to find them is walk around. But, my top recommendations are: 

• 🍹 – Jadis (Daily, until 7 pm)
• 🍻 – Bunton’s World Famous (Weekdays, 4-8)
• 🥳 – Drop-Off Service (All day, every day until 7)

At all of these spots, you’ll actually manage to snag a glass of wine, cocktail, or beer for under $10. That becomes a rarity once the sun goes down. If you need more ideas, read the reviews on Google Maps. New Yorkers are very honest when it comes to their bar experiences.

#11 – Tip 15%-25% at Table Service Restaurants

This is one of the most important travel tips, so listen up. Tipping is necessary for NYC – there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

15%-25% is customary for a sit-down restaurant and $1-$5 at easy-going cafes, depending on how much you order.

#12 – Don’t Only Visit Manhattan

New York City is far from just Manhattan, so make sure you get out and explore all the boroughs if you have time. No matter where you’re staying in New York City, it’s easy to get to any of the other NYC neighborhoods. 

You can get there by taking a taxi, the subway, or even walking across the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge depending on where you want to go. If you don’t see the other boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island), you’re missing out on a huge part of New York.

#13 – Wear Comfortable Shoes

Every time I’m in Manhattan, I end up walking a minimum of six miles a day. You can walk just about anywhere in New York City with a little help from the subway. 

However, the flip side of this is that you’ll probably be on your feet a lot. Tourists who ditch comfort for a pair of high heels always end up regretting it. So, don’t make that common NYC packing mistake and wear comfortable shoes!

I always go for a trusty pair of sneakers such as these Fila sneakers for women or these highly-rated Asics runners for men.

#14 – Take a Wander Through Central Park

When I have no idea what I want to do in New York City, I always end up at Central Park to think about it. 

You’ll always find something interesting and fun going on over there – even if it’s just sitting on the grass and reading a book. Central Park is the perfect place to go in New York City to relax and people-watch. 

Unlike many public parks though, there are actually a lot of things to do in Central Park besides simply hanging out. From ice skating to renting a rowboat.

#15 – Consider Getting a New York CityPASS

The New York CityPASS can save you some serious money on seeing the city’s top attractions, like the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and Lady Liberty herself. 

The standard pass costs $146.00 and includes 5 attractions. The Empire State Building Observatory and the American Museum of Natural History are the first two included.

Then, you can pick three attractions from the following five: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Intrepid Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum.

#16 – Don’t Get Your Hopes Up About Times Square

Every New Yorker you ask will tell you the same preprogrammed phrase: “Times Square is one of the worst tourist traps on the entire planet.” If you’re looking for an alternative opinion, you won’t find one here. 

There’s not a huge payoff for dealing with all of the chaos of Times Square. Besides in-your-face advertisements, chain restaurants, and pushy ticket salespeople. Unless you’re catching a Broadway show or want that classic NY photo among the bright signage, I’d avoid. 

If it’s your first time in New York, I can appreciate wanting to check out the acclaimed attraction. I won’t tell you to skip Times Square altogether, but I will say don’t have your expectations too high. It’s a 15-minute and done type of place.

#17 – Go to NYC’s Music Venues

New York City is a music lover’s dream come true. Just about every day of the week, you can find some type of show or festival going on at New York City’s incredible music venues. 

If you’re traveling to NYC in the summer, then try to catch an outdoor festival. If not, cozy up in one of the many venues across the city.

#18 – Plan Ahead of Time

Hey, I love spontaneous travel just as much as anyone. In fact, I went to Asia by myself without much of a plan at all.

But New York City is a difficult place for a spontaneous trip unless you’re seriously rolling in dough. It’s just too expensive and difficult to find accommodations and things to do in NYC at the last minute.

Lack of planning can also lead you to missing amazing things, like a show at Radio City Music Hall or on Broadway. My recommendation is that you plan as much as you can for NYC while leaving some wiggle room for spontaneity and free attractions. 

#19 – Don’t Overstuff Your Schedule

There is so much stuff to do in NYC that many visitors get overwhelmed trying to cram it all into a single trip. When planning your trip, keep your to-do list for New York manageable and focus on what you care about the most. 

Since I love reading, the New York Public Library would be a must for me. But you may prefer the views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or something else. Pick your favorites and don’t overpack your schedule with things that don’t truly interest you. 

Don’t worry. It’ll all be waiting for you when you come back. If you’re not sure where to start with scheduling, just follow Niamh’s expertly crafted 1-day NYC itinerary or 5-day NYC itinerary, both of which include all the best stuff.

#20 – Check Out Some of the Cafes

While everyone raves about New York’s food, the coffee is an unsung hero. I love spending an afternoon sipping on a cup of joe at an NYC coffee shop. 

Luckily, all of New York’s boroughs have a healthy supply of cafes and caffeine. They’re all so unique from each other, too. There are legendary joints like Magnolia Bakery and lesser-known establishments, such as Hamlet Coffee Company in Brooklyn. 

In general, I’d recommend venturing out to the quaint, cool coffee shops in Brooklyn if you’re a real connoisseur.

🍎 Want More? Check out Niamh’s honest tips for visiting NYC

#21 – Prioritize Free Things to Do in NYC

New York is notorious for being one of the most expensive places on earth. This is accurate no doubt, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t cheap and even free stuff to do around the city. 

Some of the best fun, free things to do in NYC are: 

• 🌉 – Walking along The High Line
• 🚣 – Riding the Staten Island Ferry
• 🎥 – Catching a movie at Bryant Park
• 🚆 – Checking out Grand Central Station

If you need more ideas, check out the complete list of my favorite cheap & free things to do in Manhattan. 

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#22 –  Buy Souvenirs Away from Times Square and Midtown 

Everyone wants that one special souvenir to take home from their trip to New York, but you really shouldn’t buy it around Midtown and especially not Times Square. Not only will the prices be exorbitant, but it will be low quality and you’ll probably get pressured into purchasing extra stuff. 

Instead, I’d recommend heading into lower or upper Manhattan away from major tourist attractions to do any souvenir shopping. You’ll likely get a less generic item this way, too. 

#23 – Opt for a MetroCard Instead of Paying Virtually

A couple of years back, I was shocked to see the MTA’s new payment system allowed riders to pay through their phone. “How convenient!” I thought, happily setting my phone up to scan myself through. 

Later on when I went to check my bank account though, it had actually charged me three times for mis-scans where the gate didn’t open. I ended up getting it back by refuting the charges with my bank, but I realized then how potentially bad that system could be if you’re not paying attention. 

That’s why I take out all questions and guessing games by just using the tried and true physical MetroCard. Call me old-school, but at least I know MTA doesn’t have unfettered access to charging my debit card. 

#24 – Don’t Be Afraid to Eat Street Food

Americans from smaller towns might be wary of a street food cart selling meat plates and hot dogs. But, this is a perfectly delicious, cheap, easy-to-grab lunch when you’re taking on New York City. 

I lived off the Halal carts outside of my college for lunch when I was living in New York and never had anything questionable happen. So, eat away and make sure you try out the white sauce if you get a falafel plate. 

#25 – Take The Train from Penn Station or Grand Central or The Bus from Port Authority to Nearby Day Trips

While you could spend months doing everything in New York, it’s easy to get burnt out on the big-city energy. When that happens, consider taking one of the many incredible day trips from New York City. 

If you’re looking for a cute nearby town, I’d recommend a weekend or day trip to New Paltz by taking the bus from the Port Authority. From Grand Central Station, you can reach diverse destinations all over New York State, Connecticut, and parts of New Jersey. 

Penn Station is also a great way to efficiently reach other parts of the East Coast. The train to Philadelphia is only 1.5 hours each way and Amtrak runs through here, which can take you all over from Boston to Baltimore. 

#26 – Be Mindful of Common Street Scams

Many first-time visitors worry whether New York City is safe or not. As a major metropolis, it’s true that you have to keep your wits about you, but I think that Manhattan can be safe for anyone who travels mindfully. 

The best way to stay safe is to be aware of all possibilities and street scams are prevalent across New York, especially near tourist hot spots like Times Square. 

Be cautious if someone on the street: 

• 🎁Offers you something for free
• 📷Asks to take a photo of/with you
• 🎲Tries to get you to play a game
• 🖋️Requests your signature or donations for a charity 

Tread cautiously if anyone is approaching you and make sure you keep your valuables close to deter folks with sticky fingers. 

👉 Don’t Forget to Bring: A zipper daypack. Honestly, with so many people in NYC all going in different directions, the last thing you want is to get pickpocketed. The Osprey Daylite Backpack is one of the best travel backpacks out there for keeping your stuff safe. 

#27 – Don’t Forget To Look Up (But Stand Out Of The Way)

One of the most awe-inspiring parts of Manhattan is the enormous skyscrapers that seem to reach all the way to the heavens. It’s hard to avoid staring up at them, particularly when it’s your very first trip to the city. 

However, make sure you’re appreciating them from a stationary corner out of the way of other New Yorkers. A) This will prevent you from accidentally running into someone on the congested streets. And B) It will keep you and your belongings safer because you won’t look like a tourist or distracted. 

#28 – Embrace the Culture Shock

New York is a peculiar, funny, even bizarre place. As someone who has been spending time in the city since I was a child, I almost forget how strange it can truly be from an outside perspective. 

But the old adage is true – there is nowhere else in the world like New York City. 

Despite the reputation, visitors are still understandably shocked by the differences here. While culture shock is a natural reaction to a completely new environment, try to take it in stride. The uniqueness of New York (for better or worse) makes it what it is. The sooner you adjust to that, the sooner you can start appreciating its quirks. 

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You’ve already accomplished one of the best travel tips I can give – you’ve done your research! Thanks for reading and enjoy New York City like a pro. 

If you plan on taking your NY adventure outside of The Big Apple, don’t miss our list of the best towns in New York. 

–Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this article