When you are traveling to New York City, you want to be sure that you have the best time possible. Planning your trip, doing what you want, and taking in all of the sights and scenes are important. As New York is so large, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and even end up feeling a little lost. To ensure this doesn’t happen, and to ensure you enjoy every second in the big apple, here are some tips you may wish to follow.
Visit the Rockefeller Center
The Rockefeller Center is made up of many buildings (19) and gardens and it is appealing to travelers of many ages. In the Rockefeller Center, you can take tours to see the magnificent art deco statues. Or, if you are an entertainment buff, you may wish to go on the NBC Studios tour or visit Radio City Music Hall. In the center, you can take a walking tour which is great for brushing up on your art history and knowledge. Open all year round, this is a location that is truly magical during the holiday season. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree can be a highlight of any Christmas NYC trip.
Use Public Transportation Where You Can
Getting around the city can be a hassle if you do not take advantage of public transportation. Weekly passes are available for buses, and it is just as quick to travel via public transportation. Getting a cab for quick trips may also be fun and enjoyable and give you the full NYC experience. It is highly recommended that you avoid renting a car for the duration of your trip. Driving in the city can be stressful, and it can take you too long to get safely from point A to point B. In addition to making use of buses and cabs, you may also wish to travel via the subway. Tickets for public transport can often be purchased at vendor desks or vending machines.
Take in Times Square
If you are looking for some real excitement and thrills during your trip, then head to Times Square. You can shop in famous boutiques and stores or simply take in a show or musical on broadway. Open 24 hours a day, you will find there is plenty to keep your mind from wandering. A lot of attractions are open well into the night, and this gives you the chance to see Times Square by day and by night. There are often lots of parties and festivals organized throughout the year, especially at Christmas.
Tipping is Normal and Expected
Whether you are hailing a cab or having dinner followed by a cocktail, you should realize that tipping is expected in the city. On average, it is expected that you would tip around 20% of a bill (for food and drink). Tipping in other locations, such as hotels and cabs, should be around $1-2.00 + on each occasion. Tips boost workers’ salaries, and it can be seen as rude not to tip, especially if excellent service has been provided.
Know Your Limits and Have an Itinerary
New York City is huge, and there is so much to do. You may want to try and fit everything in; however, this will not be possible. Understanding that you have limits and restrictions and working to an itinerary will help you see all that the city has to offer. It will also help you enjoy as much as possible. If you push yourself too hard to do too much, then you may find that you end up disliking New York, and of course, this is not what you want.
Try New Food and Eateries
It can be easy to stick to what you know, especially if this involves visiting a well-known large chain of restaurants. However, when you are in New York, it is important to embrace new foods and new dishes. Try out the local cuisine in the smaller restaurants, and even tuck into some street food. Be both open and willing to visit new places, and try and stay open-minded to get the most out of the whole experience.
Pack Comfortable Clothing and Layers
When you are covering such a vast space, it is important that you focus on comfort at all times. When you are traveling, you want to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers. You also want to focus on layering where you can. It can drop chilly in the evening, and it can soon get hot when you are traveling on foot or via public transport. Having suitable clothing on and with you will allow you to indulge in the city in style and comfort.