June 15, 2022, 4:34 am | Read time: 8 minutes
Anyone visiting a metropolis like New York for the first time wonders not only which highlights are a must-see but also what to avoid. Our editor was on-site for two weeks and has some tips on how to make your vacation in the world’s most exciting city even better!
All tips and inspiration from this article are also available to listen to in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World:
Here is an overview of all episodes of “In 5 Minutes Around the World.”
1. Watch Out for the “Express Trains”
New York’s subway system is certainly confusing for outsiders. Each line has several trains with different letters, often heading in different directions from certain points. Particularly tricky for newcomers: Some of these trains are “Express Trains” that don’t stop at all stations. This can lead to waving at your station as you pass by and then having to backtrack five stations with a “Local Train.” You can recognize the “Express Trains” by the letter at the front of the subway being framed by a square instead of a circle.
Warning: As a MetroCard holder, you must wait 18 minutes before you can use the ticket to re-enter. This is especially annoying if you’ve traveled in the wrong direction and need to return but have to exit the subway station–it’s quite common in New York for stations not to be connected underground. But don’t worry: If you explain your problem politely to the staff at the information desk, they usually let you through.
Tip: To be on the safe side, download the “New York Subway MTA Map” from the App Store before you leave home. It’s a great way to check if the train is really the right one. Here’s a short explanatory video:
2. Don’t Underestimate the Distances
Yes, New York is certainly not comparable to a hiking vacation. But anyone who has been there knows how big New York is and how much you still walk. This is partly because there’s so much to discover above ground.
It’s also because, although there are many subways and buses, they don’t cover the entire city area effectively. I found more than once that walking was faster than taking the subway–and I logged up to 30,000 steps a day. Comfortable shoes are a must, and a bit of muscle soreness for those not used to exercise is not unlikely.
3. Don’t Necessarily Buy a “New York City Pass”
The “New York City Pass” offers access to a total of six attractions: The Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are definitely included. Additionally, you can choose between other attractions: Top of the Rock OR Guggenheim Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island OR Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The City Pass costs $132 for adults and $108 for children. If you visit all the listed attractions, you save more than 40 percent–it’s definitely worth it.
However, here’s the catch: The pass only pays off if you plan to see at least half of the attractions anyway and don’t get discounts (students or seniors, for example, often receive discounts at many museums). So calculate beforehand whether you might be better off without the City Pass.
4. Don’t Go to a Museum on Just Any Day
Speaking of museums: It’s worth planning your visit not only based on the weather but also on the day of the week. Many museums offer free admission on certain days. For example, the 9/11 Museum, which is also included in the New York City Pass, is free on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m.–normally, admission costs $26.
You can find an overview of museums with free admission here.
5. Avoid Taking a Taxi
There are several reasons for this. For one, you can save a lot of money by avoiding rides in the famous “Yellow Cabs,” which are anything but cheap. Additionally, you often get stuck in the heavy traffic of the million-city, especially in Manhattan.
If you still decide against walking or the subway, it makes more sense to opt for an alternative ride service like Uber or Lyft. Here, you’re driven by private individuals who, at least in the U.S., must also have a taxi license. It’s especially affordable if you share the car with others (“shared” Uber or Lyft).
Also interesting: High Line Park – New York’s Coolest Sightseeing Tour
6. Don’t Buy a SIM Card
To be fair, it’s important to have internet for Uber and Lyft. As a tourist, you might think of buying a local SIM card for internet access. But hold on, no! You certainly don’t need mobile data in New York.
There’s free Wi-Fi literally on every corner in New York: in most restaurants and cafes (and on the sidewalks in front of them), in shopping malls, in the subway, and even on billboards. During my nine days in New York, there was only one moment when I wished for mobile data–and that was outside the city at JFK Airport.
7. Don’t Skimp on Food
Of course, a vacation in the Big Apple isn’t cheap, but when it comes to food, it’s really worth spending a bit more. From classics like the fantastic sandwich spot Katz’s Deli, where numerous celebrities have dined, to vegan fine dining at Avant Garden–New York truly offers something for every culinary taste.
You can find an overview of particularly good AND affordable restaurants in New York here.
8. Don’t Order Bottled Water in Restaurants
If you’re spending a lot on good food, you can save on water! In the U.S., restaurants always offer free “tap water.” It may smell and taste slightly of chlorine, but it’s clean and safe to drink. If that doesn’t bother you, you can save real money on restaurant visits in expensive New York.
9. Don’t Buy Musical Tickets in Advance
Many New York visitors want to see at least one musical on the famous Broadway, where classics like “Cats” and “Chicago” are performed alongside new releases. But booking in advance usually isn’t worth it. Depending on the day of the week, you can get leftover tickets on the same day for half the price and often in pretty good seats.
10. Don’t Try to Visit the Statue of Liberty Spontaneously
If you want to visit Liberty Island, it’s better to reserve in advance. You can buy tickets on the same day, but you might not be allowed inside the statue. Tourists also complain about long wait times of up to three hours before boarding the ferry.
Tip: The free Staten Island Ferry passes right by Liberty Island and offers a great view of the Statue of Liberty.
11. Don’t Get in the Way of New Yorkers
New Yorkers are often considered rude–but that’s largely untrue. Most are open-minded, friendly people who are often in a hurry in their daily lives. In a big and crowded city like New York, it can be annoying to have to push through crowds of tourists on the way to work. The worst-case scenario for New Yorkers: when tourists stop at every red light and wait until it turns green. This holds up the flow of people. Most car, taxi, and bike drivers are used to people not obeying red lights. So, a quick look left and right, and then cross quickly if no one is coming.
But beware: This of course doesn’t apply to all lights! At major intersections, in front of highways, or in unclear areas, it’s absolutely necessary to wait. It’s best to follow the locals. And if you’re unsure, it’s better to wait than to put yourself in danger.
Also interesting: The Forgotten Place in the Middle of New York’s Central Park
New York now has the most expensive subway in the world
The 9 most romantic places in New York
12. Don’t Pack Only Clothes for One Season
In New York, the weather can change quickly due to its coastal location. One day it’s over 30 degrees, the next just barely 20. Additionally, there are often huge differences between indoors and outdoors. While the city heats up in the summer, it’s often so cool indoors and in the subway, thanks to air conditioning, that you’d want to throw on a thick sweater. In the cold season, it’s uncomfortable outside and windy through the skyscrapers, but indoors, you’re grilled by the heating. The best solution: layering.
13. Don’t Walk Onto the Brooklyn Bridge from the Wrong Side
Whether as a photo subject from the outside or as a place for a walk with a view of the skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge should definitely be part of a New York visit. But many tourists make a mistake: They walk onto the bridge from the wrong side! Many travelers choose a hotel or vacation rental in Brooklyn for cost reasons and because it’s really cool. They spend the day in Manhattan sightseeing and then walk back home in the evening, ideally at sunset.
Also interesting: The Best Money-Saving Tips for New York
A romantic idea, but unfortunately, a stiff neck is inevitable because to see the breathtaking New York skyline, you have to keep turning around. Better: spend the day in Brooklyn (for example, in Prospect Park) and walk over to Manhattan for dinner in the evening. Then a great view is guaranteed!