The Best New York Travel Tips

NYC is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the U.S., and it’s on nearly every travel wishlist. It’s also one of the most eclectic, diverse, and jam-packed cities in the country, and a visit here can be a bit of a challenge for those unfamiliar with this particular concrete jungle. If a visit to New York City is on the cards for you, you’ll love our best New York travel tips. Use the following NYC tips to help you plan your vacation, whether it’s your first time to the city or you just need a refresher.

Tips for getting around New York

• Whatever you do, don’t try to drive in New York. Traffic is atrocious and parking fees are absurd.
• Try to figure out mass transit. The MTA is a lot more affordable than Uber or Lyft and you won’t have to deal with traffic.
• To that end, get an unlimited ride Metro Card for 7 days. Even if your trip isn’t quite that long, it’s going to be a lot cheaper than paying per trip fares.
• Hop-on hop-off buses are a great way to see the sites and you'll learn about the city as you travel from one attraction to the next. Just be aware that traffic in NYC can be bad if you need to get somewhere quick.
• If you need to look at a map, do so discreetly on your phone. Pulling out a paper map is an invitation for trouble.
• Walking is another time-honored way to get around the more concentrated areas of Manhattan. Just remember to not walk more than two abreast and don’t gaggle in large groups.

Hotels & places to stay in New York

• Avoid choosing touristy areas like Times Square for your hotel, as you’ll pay a high premium for an increasingly limited benefit.
• At the same time, don’t stay too far out of the city or you’ll spend all of your time on the train waiting to get into Manhattan. You’ll regret the hour it took you just to get from Jersey City when you’re running out of time at the Met.
• For some recommendations on our favorite hotels, check out the best hotels in NYC for 2019.
• Use sites like Trivago, Hotels.com, or TripAdvisor to book your hotel and save on lodging costs.
• Or, if you’re a member of a rewards program at your favorite hotel, check to see if they offer special discounts or packages.
• Book as far in advance of your trip as possible to get the best rates.

Tips for dining in New York

• Avoid eating at chain restaurants or in places like Times Square. NYC is a culinary capital and it’s worth exploring local restaurants.
• Check out sites like Time Out New York or Yelp for restaurant recommendations, and use Open Table to make reservations if necessary. The restaurant industry is fully modern these days, so take advantage of the tech!
• If you can time your visit to match up with NYC Restaurant Week, it will save you a bunch of money on delicious food at some of the city’s best restaurants. There's usually one in the summer and one in the winter.

Tips for things to do in NYC

• Explore beyond Times Square and Manhattan. Try the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Yankee Stadium, or DUMBO.
• Take in a game at one of the city’s legendary arenas or ballparks. Often you can even score cheap walk-up tickets if you wait until game-day.
• Trying to choose between the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock? Many prefer the Top of the Rock for more unobstructed views, but the Empire State Building is more iconic. Check out our post that compares the two to help you decide.
• The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are worth your time, but try to take an early ferry or you’ll be deluged by crowds.
• If you want an idea of what to do on a short trip to NYC, check out our one-day itinerary. There are also options for two and three days in NYC.

Tips on saving money in New York

• Save up to 50% on admission to top NYC attractions with a New York City Explorer Pass. Who said you can't do New York on a budget?
• Avoid buying souvenirs at tourist traps and pick out something special at a museum or other cultural institution. Sporting venues are good places for unique gifts and treats, too.
• Look into sites like Groupon to see if you can save on activities, restaurants, shops, and more. These sites offer rotating deals and plenty of specials on a wide variety of experiences.