Top Tips - New York

‘Somewhere between Living and Dreaming, there’s New York!’

Before you go to New York I think you should know a few things, I did a lot of research before I went but I still wish I had known these things before I left for the Big City...

• Plan ahead!

New York is always busy but is crowded slightly more than usual during the summer and holiday season. Just be prepared to queue a little longer and book things in advance so you don’t miss out.

• See New York from a skyscraper!

There are so many to choose from but the Empire State Building offers the best views as it’s right in the centre so in every direction you get to see a bit of New York. The thing is the queues get really long so you either aim to get there early or head there in the afternoon and hope the crowds have already been. We went between 3 and 4 o’clock and didn’t have to wait long at all. 

• Use the Subway

Now if you need to get somewhere quickly, or your feet are aching or you are trying to fit a lot in to one day then the subway is a must! Two things you must remember though is not to take the last train at night because its known as the drunk train, and don’t go into a empty subway carriage, you may think it’s nice and quiet but there’s a reason no one is there. Could be a nasty smell or item or even a rat

• Walk

Don’t get a taxi, they are very expensive and you will spend most of your time going the opposite direction to where you want to go because the roads are one way or you end up sat in traffic watching the meter going up.

Make sure you walk because there are so many different things to see, if you take the bus or subway you will miss things. The bus is great if you want to go to the main attractions and be provided with endless information but after speaking to people who had previously gone made me realise that we did and saw so much more by walking than the people that sat on a bus all day. 

• Get a pocket map!

This little gem came with me everywhere and helped us navigate the streets when walking around. I recommend ‘inside out’ pop out map of New York. It’s about £4 and will 

be a handy item to have I promise you.

• Try all the delicious food on offer

Check out my post - https://escapebehappy.blogspot.com/2019/02/food-of-new-york.html for more information on what food to try in New York.

• Don’t waste your money going to the Statue of Liberty

So we didn’t bother going up the Statue of Liberty and we are so glad that we didn’t. Everyone who has been doesn’t always have the best things to say and I know some people who have wasted most of their day there queueing. Take this tip from me, go on the Staten Island Ferry which is free to get a closer view of the Statue of Liberty. Get a good picture and take in the views of New York, the views are just as good from the ferry... but if it’s on your bucket list and you want to go then that’s fine, I just don’t want you wasting time when you could be doing something else. 

• Pedestrian crossings

So everyone does something different! This took us a few days to get used to, the people living and working in New York don’t have time to wait for the man to turn green so they go at any opportunity but if you want to follow make sure it’s safe as they’re not always right. Also the green man doesn’t mean that bikes have to stop, well it might mean they should stop but they don’t and they will ride straight into you if your in the way. Also sometimes the man is still red and all the cars have stopped but no one moves, you judge at you own accord... if you go I bet you a lot of people will follow because people are sheep, we follow what everyone else does (well most of us anyways haha, if your not a sheep well done!)

• Make sure you see a show!

Tickets can be expensive so do your research before you go and look into what you want to see. Also buy your tickets before you go, this will save you money!

• Not all beggars are homeless

The amount of people living on the streets is a eye opener but sadly not all the people sat on the street or singing on the subway are homeless. People have now made this their job role in New York and beg for money even though they have a home to go to at night. I learnt that the real homeless people are the ones that don’t tend to ask for money or are living in tents at night. Such a hard subject to talk about as I was really shocked to learn that people are making money in these ways. Just be mindful if you do hand over your change. 

• Rain!

It does rain in New York so be prepared with things you can do inside out of the wet. Take an umbrella, use the subway to get to different places or visit a free museum. 

• Keep your valuables hidden!

So my partner had his camera and kept a watchful eye on it at all times but luckily for me I used the camera case as a bag with my money and map in as the camera was out all the time. I had my phone with me but I kept it in my front pocket and made sure it wasn’t stuck out but hidden under a longer top or jumper. Just be careful with your things and make sure there zipped, hidden or tucked away. Don’t wear a rucksack as this is a easy target for pickpockets and make sure you keep a firm hold on bags and cameras. Luckily we had no issues but I know people that have. 

Here’s just some things to consider when away but enjoy yourself and have a fabulous holiday!!