When you visit a metropolis like New York for the first time, you not only ask yourself which highlights must be on the program, but also what it is better to avoid. Our editor has just been there for two weeks and has some tips on how to make your vacation in the world’s most exciting city even better!
1. Open your eyes to the “Express Trains”
New York’s subway system sure is confusing for strangers. There are several trains per line that have different letters and often go in different directions from certain points. Especially bad for those unfamiliar with the area: some of these trains are “express trains” that do not stop at all stations. In case of doubt, this means that you can wave to your station as you drive past and then take a “local train” back five stations. Incidentally, the “Express Trains” can be recognized by the fact that the letter at the front of the subway is framed with a square and not with a circle.
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Danger: As a Metro Card holder, you have to wait 18 minutes before you can use the ticket to get back in. This is especially annoying if you went in the wrong direction and want to go back, but have to leave the subway station to do so – it’s quite common in New York that the stations are not connected underground. But don’t worry: if you explain your problem to the staff at the information desk in a friendly manner, you’ll actually always be let through.
Tipp: To be on the safe side, download the New York Subway MTA Map from the App Store at home. Here you can check very well whether the train is really the right one. Here is a little explanatory video:
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2. Don’t underestimate the distances
Yes, New York can certainly not be compared to a hiking holiday. But anyone who has ever been there knows how big New York is and what distances you walk. On the one hand, this is because there is so much to discover above ground.
On the other hand, because there are many subways and buses, they do not cover the entire city area in a meaningful way. More than once on site, I experienced that it was faster to walk than to take the subway – and I walked up to 30,000 steps a day. Comfortable shoes are therefore a must and a bit of sore muscles are not unlikely for those who don’t like sports.
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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. You can also choose between other attractions: Top of the Rock OR Guggenheim Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island OR Circle Line Cruises and 9/11 Memorial & Museum OR Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The City Pass costs $132 for adults and $108 for children. If you visit all of the attractions listed, you save more than 40 percent – it’s definitely worth it.
However, this is where the problem lies: The pass only pays off if you want to see at least half of the attractions anyway and don’t get any discounts (students or pensioners, for example, get discounts in many museums anyway). So calculate beforehand whether you wouldn’t get away cheaper without the City Pass.
4. Don’t go to the museum on any day
Speaking of museums: here it is worth making a visit dependent not only on the weather, but also on the day of the week. Admission to many museums is free on certain days of the week. For example, the 9/11 Museum, which is also included in the New York City Pass, is free on Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. anyway – admission normally costs $26.
An overview of the museums with free entry can be found here.
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5. Avoid taking taxis
There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, you can really save a lot of money if you don’t use the famous “Yellow Cabs”, which are anything but cheap. On the other hand, you often get stuck in the heavy traffic of the metropolis, especially in Manhattan.
However, if you decide against walking or taking the subway, it makes more sense to opt for an alternative transportation service provider such as Uber or Lyft. Here you are driven by private individuals, who, at least in the USA, must also have a taxi license. It is particularly cheap if you share the car with other people (“shared” Uber or Lyft).
Also interesting: High Line Park – New York’s coolest sightseeing tour
6. Don’t buy a SIM card
In fairness, having internet is important to Uber and Lyft. As a tourist, you could now come up with the idea of buying a local SIM card for the Internet directly. But wait, no! You certainly don’t need mobile data in New York.
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There is free WiFi on literally every corner in New York: in most restaurants and cafes (and on the sidewalks outside), in shopping malls, on the subway and even on billboards. When I was in New York, there was only one moment in nine days that I wished I had mobile data — and that was out of town at JFK Airport.
7. Don’t skimp on food
Of course, a holiday in the Big Apple is not cheap, but when it comes to food, it is really worth spending a little more. Starting with classics such as the grandiose sandwich bar Katz Deli’s, where numerous celebrities have already dined, to vegan star cuisine such as in the Avantgarden – in New York everyone really gets their money’s worth when it comes to culinary delights.
An overview of particularly good AND cheap restaurants in New York can be found here.
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8. Don’t order bottled water at the restaurant
If you spend a lot of money on good food, you can save on water! In the USA, there is always free “tap water” in restaurants. It smells and tastes faintly of chlorine, but is clean and safe to drink. If that doesn’t bother you, you can save money when you visit restaurants in expensive New York.
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9. Do not pre-purchase musical tickets
Many New York visitors want to see at least one musical on the famous Broadway, where classics like “Cats” and “Chicago” are performed as well as new releases. But booking in advance is usually not worthwhile. Depending on the day of the week, you can get remaining tickets on the same day at half price and often even in pretty good seats.
10. Don’t try to spontaneously visit the Statue of Liberty
On the other hand, if you want to go to Liberty Island, it is better to reserve in advance. You can also buy tickets on the same day, but you have to reckon with not being allowed inside the statue. Vacationers also complain that you have to plan long waiting times of up to three hours before you get on the feeder ferry.
Tipp: The free Staten Island Ferry runs right past Liberty Island and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty.
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11. Don’t get in the way of New Yorkers
New Yorkers are often thought to be rude, but most of them aren’t. Most are cosmopolitan, friendly people, but they are often in a hurry in everyday life. In a big and crowded city like New York, it can certainly be annoying if you have to squeeze through crowds of tourists on your way to work. The worst-case scenario for New Yorkers: If the tourists then stop at every red light and wait for it to turn green. That’s how you stop the flow of people. Most car, taxi and cyclist drivers are used to the fact that nobody stops at red traffic lights anyway. So a quick look to the left and right, and then quickly over there if no one is coming.
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But beware: That’s true naturally not for all traffic lights! It is absolutely necessary to wait at major intersections, in front of highways or in blind spots. It is best if you orientate yourself to the locals. And if you are unsure, you should of course wait rather than put yourself in danger.
Also interesting: The forgotten place in the middle of New York’s Central Park
12. Don’t just take clothes for one season
In New York, the weather can change quickly thanks to its coastal location. One day it’s still over 30 degrees, the next just under 20. In addition, there are often enormous differences between inside and outside. While the city heats up a lot in summer, thanks to indoor air conditioning and the subway, it’s often so fresh that you want to put on a thick sweater. In the cold season, on the other hand, it’s uncomfortable outside and you’ll get through the street canyons, indoors you’ll be grilled again by the heating. The best solution: the onion principle.
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13. Don’t walk onto the Brooklyn Bridge from the wrong side
Whether as a photo motif 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 visit to New York. But many tourists make a mistake: They go on the bridge from the wrong side! Many vacationers choose a hotel or vacation rental in Brooklyn because of the cost and because it’s really cool. You spend the day in Manhattan and see the sights and then walk back home in the evening, preferably at sunset.
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Also interesting: The best savings tips for New York
A romantic idea, but unfortunately a stiff neck is inevitable because you have to keep turning around to see the breathtaking New York skyline. 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!
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