A little extra advice for what to avoid so that you’re a NYC pro in no time.
If you’re heading to NYC, check out this recommended itinerary!
Don’t spend more than an hour in Times Square.
You should definitely experience this sensory overload and fully embrace the madness, but then move on quickly!
Don’t take cabs everywhere.
Most of the time, it’s much faster to take the subway to your destination. Locals swear by it and if celebrities choose to do it, so can you.
Don’t think you are Carrie Bradshaw and walk around in heels. Learned this the hard way! There’s so much to do and see in the city and wearing sneakers or flats is perfectly acceptable daytime footwear.
Don’t eat at at chain restaurants. This would be a complete tragedy. There is so much good food in New York City, and there’s something for every budget. You can find damn good pizza slices for $3 or go to a Michelin starred multi-course meal. If you’re going for the latter, plan ahead.
Don’t spend all your time in Manhattan.
It’s a seriously short subway ride to Brooklyn or Queens, or take a ferry to Greenpoint or Governor’s Island.
Don’t spend hundreds of dollars at a broadway show.
Head to TDF’s TKTS booth the DAY of, or check TodayTix for discounts on shows.
Don’t take a horse drawn carriage.
The animals are treated cruelly and there are petitions in place to ban the rides. Walk or take a bike instead!
Don’t travel to NYC without looking at a calendar of events.
Do a quick search before heading to the city. There could be an epic one-night-only concert, free event in the park, large food festival or all-encompassing occasion like the New York Marathon that could derail original plans.
Don’t drive.
There is no reason to rent a car unless you are heading out of the city! The traffic will give you serious road rage and you’ll pay outrageous prices for parking.
Don’t stop/loiter/hover in the middle of the sidewalk.
New Yorkers walk with purpose in the city and those who dawdle will get serious side eye. Best to step off to the side if you’re admiring the city or figuring out directions.
