A Traveler's Guide to New York City: What You Should Know Before Visiting
There is no 'perfect time' to visit New York City because it's always the perfect time to visit New York City. With that said, however, NYC welcomes its highest number of tourists each year during the summer season (July and August) and the holiday season (November and December).
Is New York City next up on your travel list? Do you have plans to go within the next two months to fully immerse yourself in NYC during the holiday season? There are a few things you should know before you finalize your trip. This traveler's guide to New York City is perfect for all first-time visitors — whether you're coming in the next few weeks or sometime next year.
Familiarize Yourself With Your Public Transportation Options
Even if you drive to NYC, the best way to get around the city is by using public transportation. Not only can traffic be bad and incredibly frustrating, but it can be even more difficult trying to find parking. There are a few different options you can choose from: the subway, buses, ridesharing companies like Uber or Lyft, and taxis. Make sure to familiarize yourself with each option before your trip so you aren't trying to navigate them on the fly. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are fairly straightforward, but the subway system and bus routes are more complex and can be more confusing for tourists who aren't as savvy getting around the city.
Avoid Dining at Chain Restaurants
There is nothing inherently wrong with chain restaurants — we all enjoy the occasional trip to one! — but New York City is known for its endless list of award-winning culinary gems. If you know which neighborhoods you'll be spending the majority of your time in, research the top restaurants in that area and make a list of your favorites. You might not be able to hit all of them, but at least you know which spots you'd still like to try the next time you're in NYC. Also, if a restaurant encourages people to make reservations to guarantee seating, make sure you do that in advance as well.
Understand Sidewalk Etiquette
It doesn't matter what time of day you find yourself in New York City, the sidewalks will always be packed with people. Tourists might not realize that NYC sidewalks have their own traffic rules. You should never stop walking in the middle of a busy sidewalk. Don't take up the entire sidewalk if you're in a big group. And make sure you stay on the right side of the sidewalk to not disrupt the flow of the people walking in the opposite direction as you.
Wear the Right Shoes
Even if you use public transportation to get around, expect to still do a good amount of walking to get to your destinations. Wear comfortable shoes so you don't hurt yourself or need to end your day earlier than anticipated. If you want to wear fancier shoes for a show or dinner, you can pack them in a bag and change into them at the space and swap them out again before you leave.
If you're looking for recommendations for things to do in Manhattan, check out our blog for the best food, drink, and sight-seeing in the area!