The Best New York Travel Tips

By Katie Sagal

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.

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Best time to visit New York City

New York City is a fun and exciting place to visit any time of year. This sprawling city of more than eight million residents offers world-class shopping, sporting events, restaurants, and museums. It's also home to some of the most iconic American landmarks and attractions including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. However, some seasons in New York are better suited to different interests than others. Below are just a few suggestions on when you should visit based on what New York events and attractions you plan on experiencing during your visit. The best time of year to visit New York City for sightseeing New York weather can be fickle and sometimes make it difficult to navigate the city streets to see in the sights. That's why it's important to choose a seasonable time in order to make your sightseeing more enjoyable. The temperate New York weather in April, May, September, and October is perfect for walking tours of the city and taking in such sights as the 9/11 Tribute Museum, Top of the Rock, and the Empire State Building. Best time to visit New York for foodies Food festivals abound in New York City during the summer. The annual Taste of Times Square food festival takes over the theater district for a week every June. June also brings the annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party to the Madison Square neighborhood. Early July brings French Restaurant Week to the city, and, at Coney Island, you can witness the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest on July 4th. In addition, farmers' markets set up all over the city from May through September. Best time to visit New York for shopping While there is really no bad time to visit New York City for shopping, some times of year are a little better than others. The holiday season, which begins in the city around the middle of November, brings a variety of gift items and seasonal merchandise. After Thanksgiving, the department store windows add a festive air to Fifth Avenue, Third Avenue, and Herald Square. For bargain hunters, January and February is sale season in New York, with white sales and discounts on holiday merchandise. Best time to visit New York for shows For ticket availability, visiting New York City in January/February or September/October is desirable. The city is less crowded during these times of the year and you're more likely to be able to get tickets to top shows. For ticket bargains, check out Broadway week, held in both January and September. You can get 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 shows during these weeks. Best time to visit New York City for museum hopping While New York's hundreds of museums are fascinating to explore any time of year, they are less crowded during winter, when there are fewer tourists and locals are more inclined to stay home where it's warm. Escape the winter weather by spending a day at The Met - you still won't see all this wonderful and extensive museum has to offer. Or, museum hop along Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, with stops at the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, and The Frick Collection. About the pass One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to New York City is to purchase a pass for New York by Go City that allows you to experience a variety of attractions for a single price. We make it easy. You choose the pass that best matches your interests, load it to your mobile device or print a hard copy at home and show it for admission to more than 90 NYC attractions. Plus, you'll avoid waiting in line at the ticket counters. Get your pass for New York today and start making huge savings on sightseeing.
Andrew Martineau
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Your Guide to New York Yankees tickets

If you're a sports fan visiting New York City, you'll be spoilt for choice with games to watch and events to enjoy. Catch a basketball game at Madison Square Garden, watch a football game at the MetLife Stadium, or witness a frantic ice hockey match at the Nassau Coliseum. If you're an avid baseball fan - heck, even if you aren’t an avid baseball fan - you can't miss the opportunity to watch the New York Yankees in a live MLB game. Baseball season in New York is between April and October, and the New York Yankees have won an impressive 27 World Series Championships. Thanks to the passionate Yankees fans, the atmosphere at each game is electrifying, and experiencing a match is an absolute must-do on your trip to the city. After you've experienced the thrill of the game, step backstage and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium on the New York Yankee Stadium Tour which is available on our New York Explorer Pass. How to get New York Yankee tickets For those looking to enjoy a Yankee game to its fullest without spending a fortune on admission, consider going to a game during the week. The cost of admission tends to be lower on a weekday when compared to the cost on the weekend. In addition to going on a weekday, consider sitting up higher in the stands. The design and layout of Yankee Stadium is fantastic, and really, you should worry more about inclement weather rather than getting a bad seat. This is a great way to get New York Yankees cheap tickets. If you're not buying for a large group, and for even bigger cost savings, be patient and wait to buy tickets from a seller who needs to offload unsold tickets. Sure, that means you may be waiting until the last minute to make your purchase, but the payoff can be substantial and is a strategy that works quite well. For those who just aren’t comfortable waiting to the last minute, check out SeatGeek’s Deal Score feature, which can help you get the best deal at the best value. Yankees Stadium Tour While at the stadium, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind experience that any Yankee baseball fan is sure to enjoy, and it starts with getting Yankee Stadium Tour tickets. The Yankee Stadium Tour is your opportunity to tour the best stadium in the world while hearing its story told with passion. You’ll learn about the legendary stadium itself and visit the Yankee Museum and Monument Park where you will learn about the history of the team and many of the greatest baseball players who have played there. How exciting to view firsthand the bats, gloves, and uniforms worn by famous players since the year of its founding in 1901. You can expect to see championship trophies and the famous centerpiece of Yankee Museum, the Ball Wall, which is a tribute to former Yankee players and includes over 870 autographed baseballs from both current and former players. Monument Park displays history, plaques, and monuments of both managers and players that no other team or stadium can boast. You aren’t left alone to learn the rich history of the Yankee Stadium on your own because knowledgeable and experienced tour guides lead each tour to ensure that the experience is both informative and memorable. The tour is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in baseball while learning and enjoying a day in New York City. Grab your Go New York pass today and go behind the scenes at one of the most famous sports venues in the world.
Andrew Martineau
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Things to do Alone in New York

In many ways, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Aside from its undeniable beauty, the city presents no shortage of fun and interesting things to do. Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of America, view some world-class art, or walk the High Line, you’ll find countless reasons to love the Big Apple. In a city presenting so many opportunities for adventure, you’ll never be bored. If you aren't sure where to start, have a read through our guide of the best things to do in the area. With Go City, you can see more, for less. See the Sites Travelling alone provides great opportunity for sightseeing and discovery. Gifted to America by the French in 1884, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. To marvel at this historic landmark up close, take the ferry over to Liberty Island. Bearing a torch in her right hand above her crowned head, this neoclassical sculpture stands out as a true emblem of freedom and possibility. Whilst you’re there, you should take time to visit Ellis Island, since these two attractions come hand in hand. Once the United States' main immigration point of entry, the area now presents many interesting activities for those looking to learn more about the development of the United States. Check out the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum, delve deeper in American history with a Hard Hat Tour, or take a boat trip around the area. Presenting such an interesting background that’s still relevant to this day, this site is a moving experience for many visitors. Some things are perhaps best enjoyed on your own – like the spectacular architecture of the city, for instance. Standing out against the towering skyscrapers and modern structures, the Brooklyn Bridge is a mainstay of NYC culture with its own claim to fame. Built in the late 19th century, it was the first roadway to connect Manhattan with Brooklyn and is recognizable today for its stunning gothic arches. Set aside an hour or so to walk the bridge and check out the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. Don’t forget to bring your phone to capture the magic! Get Cultured If you’re looking for art and culture, New York City is the place to be! A well-recognized hub of innovation and creative thought, the city boasts some of the best galleries in the world. Located along the Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a total must-see for all artsy types. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, the museum exhibits over 5000 years of art across all disciplines. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lillies, and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Another one of our favorite things to do alone in the city is visit the Morgan Library. Formerly the private collection of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this place is recognized as one of the largest on-paper repositories in the world. Indeed, situated in a striking palatial building on Madison Avenue, you can view an expansive collection of art across a wide variety of disciplines, including drawings, prints, and musical works spanning from 4000 B.C. right through to the 21st century. Highlights include Charles Dickens’s manuscript of A Christmas Carol, the only manuscript of Milton's Paradise Lost, and letters written by Jane Austen. Going to see a play of your own choosing can be pretty liberating. Luckily, New York is brimming with options for theater lovers - no matter what your style may be! If you’re a musical fan, Broadway should be right up your alley. Attracting millions of visitors each year, this iconic playhouse is recognized for shaping the landscape of popular theater as we know it today. Still, if you’re looking to see something a little different, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. Located in Greenwich Village, the Cherry Lane Theatre is known for being the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. Here, you’ll find everything from total classics and tragedies to side-splitting comedies and political works all under one roof. Whether you’re an actor, a drama student, or a dedicated fan of the performed arts, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Relax! New York, we love you, but you can be a little tiring sometimes! For those looking for a refuge among the mayhem, don’t worry – we've got you covered. Running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District right through to Hudson Yards, the High Line offers visitors a great chance to soak up the city without too much of a fuss. There are flowers, benches, and public art installations to be enjoyed. Go for a casual stroll, have a picnic, or sit back and enjoy the sunset over the skyline – the world’s your oyster! Visiting a market is a fantastic solo travel activity and New York has some of the best. Drawing together artisans and tastemakers from all over the city, Chelsea Market offers a rewarding experience for any visitor. Its main draw is its vibrant food hall, which has over 30 vendors selling dishes and ingredients from around the world. The market also has many interesting shops and kiosks to explore. Browse the book stores, check out the jewelry, pick up a jar of raw wildflower honey, or watch an interactive art installation at Artechouse. Hey, what’s not to love? Forever interesting and bustling with life, New York is the perfect destination for the solo traveler. Whether you love art, history, or just simply want to admire the cityscape, the Big Apple is where you want to be. Looking to learn more about the background of the city? Head over to Ellis Island for a trip back in time. Are you fostering a deep love of the performed arts? Make a trip to Broadway for some of the best live entertainment in the country. Harnessing a sweet tooth? Check out Chelsea Market for some delicious eats. Wherever your interests may lie, New York has plenty of things to do, and even more to see. Explore the city to its fullest with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris

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