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New York City Tips: 50 Dos & Don’ts for Visiting NYC Like a Pro

If you’re looking for New York City tips that have been tried and tested by a local New Yorker, you’re in the right place!

For more than 2 decades (and counting), New York has been my home. I even married a native New Yorker! The NYC dos and don’ts below come from my own experiences of living here and helping visitors navigate the city.

So whether it’s your first visit or fifth to New York City, I’ve got 50 of the best NYC tips to help make your time in the city a success,

New York City Tips: 50 Dos & Don’ts for Visiting NYC like a Pro!

Living in New York City was always one of my dreams. As a young girl, I was fascinated with Broadway, the bright lights, and the endless number of things to do in NYC.

Fast forward to when I arrived and I had no idea what I was doing!

On my first full day living in New York, my aunt tried to help me get my bearings. We walked around, and in between getting jostled by people racing to wherever they were going, I got every single one of the questions on her New York City quiz wrong.

Luckily for you, it’s been 25+ years since that failed quiz and now there’s no denying my status as a New Yorker!

I’m also a traveler, who knows that local tips can’t be beat when you’re exploring a new place, so I wanted to pass on some tried and true New York City tips for your first/next trip to the Big Apple!

NYC Tips: Planning Your Trip

When you’re planning a New York trip , there are a few basics you want to keep in mind.

It’s impossible to see and do everything. Instead, you want to focus on the time you do have and decide which places and activities are at the top of your must-see list.

Then, take advantage of the New York travel tips below to help you save money and time, as well as plan for your arrival.

1. Do plan ahead and spend enough time.

Ideally, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days visiting New York City, especially if you’re one of the many first-time visitors who come to NYC each year. This will ensure you have time to see some of New York City’s top sights, as well as a few nights to enjoy NYC’s restaurants and entertainment.

Maximize your time in New York City by planning sensible logistics (avoid backtracking) and making advance restaurant and ticket reservations to avoid missing an opportunity and waiting in long lines.

This includes booking timed-entry tickets for tourist attractions like Summit One Vanderbilt , the 9/11 Museum , and the Statue of Liberty if they’re on your list of places to visit.

And if there is a Broadway show that you’re deadset on seeing, it’s best to secure those tickets ahead of time instead of leaving to chance getting discounted tickets last minute.

2. Don’t overstuff your NYC itinerary.

It’s easy to be wide-eyed as you plan what to see and do in New York City. The city has an endless number of things to do. But you also want to take the time to enjoy your time and not just race from place to place.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Unless you’re an absolute die-hard art lover, don’t visit more than 1 art museum in a day. Museum fatigue is real and you’ll likely stop absorbing what you’re seeing after a couple of hours.

If you can, mix in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA in the morning and then spend at least part of the afternoon in Central Park. Similarly, you might want to plan a morning or afternoon visit to the 9/11 Museum and the other part of the day walking across the Brooklyn Bridge or exploring Chinatown.

Lastly, if managing the entire day independently feels overwhelming, join a guided tour or activity for part of the day. Guided neighborhood walking tours can help you explore a new part of the city without worrying about where to go or what to see.

3. Do consider saving money with a sightseeing pass.

If you’re planning a heavy sightseeing itinerary, absolutely consider getting a bundled pass like The New York Pass or New York CityPASS . These passes can help you save a good amount of money when compared to buying tickets individually.

The New York Pass lets you choose the duration of your pass, from 1-10 days. This is a great way to pack together consecutive days of unlimited sightseeing with a choice of 100+ attractions.

The New York CityPASS , on the other hand, gives you access to 5 attractions (2 fixed and 3 of your choice from a set list) over 9 days. This pass is great if you want to sightsee at your own pace while mixing in other activities and experiences around the city.

4. Don’t miss NYC’s numerous free things to do.

Fortunately for your wallet, there are also plenty of amazing free attractions in New York City. Quite a few of them also happen to be top places to visit in NYC, too.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the harbor and Lower Manhattan views. This is a top New York City thing to do and shouldn’t be missed!

Central Park, Bryant Park, the High Line, Little Island Park, Riverside Park, and numerous other green spaces are all free to explore. Some like the High Line come with art exhibitions, while Little Island Park hosts free performances.

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the main branch of the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, and Grand Central Terminal…all for free!

Many of New York City’s museums have free days including MoMA, the Met, the 9/11 Museum, the Guggenheim, and the Morgan Library. Check individual museum websites for more info and, in some cases, to make a free reservation.

In Lower Manhattan, you can visit the 9/11 Memorial Reflecting Pools for free, as well as ride the Staten Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty and head to Governor’s Island for free.

And on any given day, the city hosts numerous free activities and cultural events from art shows to concerts and live theater productions. Use a resource like TimeoutNY to check free events happening during the days you visit.

5. Do learn how to navigate New York City’s streets.

One of the great things about getting around New York City is the grid pattern of its streets on most of Manhattan (down to 14th Street). The simple tic-tac-toe set-up combined with numbered streets makes it easy to orient yourself and find where you need to be.

NYC’s streets (i.e. 37th St., 38th St. 39th St.) run east and west across the island of Manhattan. Roughly 20 of these “city blocks” are about 1 mile. When you’re walking with the numbers going up, you’re walking uptown. If the numbers are going down, you’re heading downtown.

New York City’s avenues (Madison Ave., 5th Ave., 6th Ave., 7th Ave.) run north and south. These avenues intersect the numbered streets. The distance between avenues is greater than the distance between streets. About 7 avenues add up to 1 mile.

At 5th Avenue, you’ll find the dividing line between the west and east sides of the island.

For example, if you’re at 42nd St. & 5th Ave., walk in one direction along 42nd Street and you’ll see that it’s E.42nd Street. But if you walk the other way, you’ll notice the signs say W.42nd Street.

Street addresses get smaller the closer they are to 5th Avenue and bigger the farther they are from 5th Avenue. So, if you need to go to MoMA at 11 W.53rd Street, you know that the museum is on the west side of Manhattan and close to 5th Avenue because the building number is 11.

Lastly, New Yorkers typically use intersections or cross streets to explain where they are or to tell a taxi where to take them. You wouldn’t say to a taxi driver, please take me to 11 W. 53rd Street. Instead, you’d say, 53rd and 5th, please. This tells the driver the intersection where you’d like to be dropped.

6. Don’t rely on taxis to get to Manhattan from the airport

This might be one of the most important New York City travel tips on this list.

I highly recommend having a plan for getting from your airport to Manhattan. All the airports have taxi lines that will take you where you need to be. The problem is they’re expensive and sometimes come with a lengthy wait in line for an available taxi.

From JFK to Manhattan, taxis charge a flat rate of $70. This does NOT include extra for tolls, tips, and any surcharges in effect. From Laguardia and Newark Airports, taxi fares are calculated by the meter with tips, tolls, and surcharges tacked onto that. Depending on traffic, taxi fares calculated by the meter can add up quickly.

Instead, use public transportation or book a transfer service in advance so that you know the cost ahead of time. These guides will help you figure out the best way to get from each airport.

• JFK to Manhattan
• LaGuardia to Manhattan
• Newark Airport to Manhattan

7. Don’t shy away from spending Christmas in New York

I reject the idea that you should think twice about spending Christmas in New York .

Yes, it’s very crowded and hotel prices can be high especially right around the time of the Rockefeller Tree Lighting and during the school break week between Christmas and New Year’s.

But, Christmas in New York is absolutely beautiful. The city sparkles with lights and decorations. The atmosphere at the holiday markets is festive enough to warm even the coldest of Grinch hearts. Even “hardened” New Yorkers can’t help but feel the Christmas spirit.

8. Do know the mistakes to avoid spending Christmas in New York.

That being said, you want to make sure you’re a little extra prepared so that you don’t fall victim to some of the classic New York City Christmas mistakes.

Knowing what to avoid, how to dress, or the best places to ice skate all help to make your New York City Christmas trip a success!

New York Travel Tips: Getting Around

Pay attention to these New York tips for navigating the city. Getting around NYC (or lack thereof) can make or break your entire trip.

The last thing you want is the stress of getting lost or arriving late only to realize you’ve missed out on something you were really looking forward to.

The good news, though, is that with a little common sense and advance studying by reading these NYC tips, you’ll be on your way to getting around the city like a pro!

9. Don’t drive.

Traffic is horrendous and parking is worse. It can take a maddening amount of time to get around NYC by car and will inevitably waste hours.

And even if for one crazy fleeting moment, you think driving around New York City makes sense, remember that no restaurants, bars, shops, or sightseeing attractions have parking for their customers.

Bottom line. There are no good reasons to justify driving into or around New York City.

10. Do use public transportation.

The subway (and even walking) will typically be faster than taking a taxi, perhaps except for hours in the dead of night when NYC quiets down. (Although this is never a guarantee because night road work is always happening somewhere!)

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx are well connected by subway trains and buses. This is why millions of people use them every day,

You can get anywhere you’d want to go in the city and be much happier when you arrive…not to mention on time, too!

11. Don’t be a subway oaf!

The fastest way to annoy New Yorkers is to in any way block the turnstiles, the stairways, or the train entrance. We understand that you might not be familiar with the subway system. All we ask is that you move to the side or to a place that is out of the way so you can figure out which way you need to go.

Think of it like this. Navigating the subway is part of our daily commute. Would you stop your car in the middle of a highway entrance ramp (during rush hour) while you read all the signs or looked at a map? No. The subway tunnels, stairways, and turnstiles are no different.

Once you know the train you need, be sure to stand back on the platform. When the train arrives, don’t block the door. Step to the side to allow people inside to get off the train.

Once you’re inside, move all the way into the subway car. You’ll notice that New Yorkers have mastered the art of making no eye contact even when we are smushed together in a cramped space. You should practice this skill, too.

And, whatever you do, don’t lean your whole body on the poles inside the train. On a crowded train, these are the only things that a lot of people can hold onto once the train is moving.

Yes, it’s a petri dish of bacteria, but hold onto the poles with your hands so other people around you have space to hang on, too. This is exactly why those mini bottles of hand sanitizer were created in the first place.

12. Do have your subway payment method ready.

As of 2023, you can still swipe a MetroCard to enter the subway. Although, they will eventually be phased out. The subway and bus fare is $2.90.

Metrocards are refillable (except those that are single-ride cards) and can be used on buses, PATH trains to/from New Jersey, and for the AirTrain at JFK Airport. There are also 7-day unlimited ride Metrocards which make sense if you ride the subway at least 12 times no matter how long your New York City itinerary is.

You can also use the contactless payment system on all turnstiles with your smartphone or contactless credit card. Just tap to pay and you’ll be able to go through the turnstile. Be sure to use the same device or card so the system will recognize if/when you’ve reached 12 rides in a 7-day period. Any rides past that in the same window of time will be free.

13. Don’t get in an empty subway car !

While we’re talking about the subway, I feel obligated to mention this.

I did this once with a college friend of mine. I was new to New York City and flat-out didn’t know any better. Just trust me on this one…unless, of course, you enjoy breathing the foulest stenches in creation.

14. Do move down the platform and find a car with people on it.

If an empty subway car (while all the others are pretty full) pulls up in front of you on the platform, no you did not just get incredibly lucky. There’s 100% a reason why others have skipped the empty train car in favor of wedging themselves into a more crowded part of the train.

Instead of thinking you landed a jackpot, quickly move to a train car with people on it. Your nose and taste buds will thank you.

15. Do know the difference between local and express trains.

Several subway lines run express and local trains. It’s exactly as it sounds. The local trains make all the stops on the line, while the express trains bypass many stations stopping only in select places.

Know which one you need before you get on the train. Don’t waste time having to backtrack to a station because the accidental express train you were riding skipped your stop.

Look at an NYC subway map. Local stations are marked with a filled-in-all-black circle. Express train stops are marked by a white or unfilled circle. Where the white circle (or oval) overlaps several train lines, it means you can connect underground to these other lines without having to pay again.

Sometimes it’s knowing the simplest of NYC travel tips that can make all the difference.

16. Don’t block the subway station escalator.

Some subway stations have escalators to carry you to or from the train platforms. While riding these escalators, it’s expected that you move to the right if you’d like to stand and ride and move to the left if you’d like to climb the stairs and pass others.

Please don’t stand on the left or place suitcases there while others are trying to move quickly to wherever they are going (i.e. work, doctor’s office, picking their kids up from school).

17. Don’t be the cause of a sidewalk traffic jam.  

Other than the subway and buses, New Yorkers’ primary mode of transportation is their feet. The sidewalk in New York is like a pedestrian highway. Walking in a line across with your whole family blocks others from passing.

If you stop suddenly, the people behind you won’t expect this and just might walk into you. Just like there are rules of the road when you’re driving, NYC’s sidewalks come with similar protocols.

18. Do “pull over” to the right

Not to worry if you’re just strolling, are a slow walker, or want to stop and figure out where you are and where you’re headed! Just move to the right which signals to those around you that they are free to move past you.

This also applies if you want to look up or take photos of something. And don’t worry if you need to look at a map. Use Google Maps on your smartphone. No one will be the wiser that you aren’t sure which way to go because everyone else will be looking at their smartphone, too!

19. Don’t wait for a walk sign if there are no cars.

Ok obviously always check for cars before crossing the street. But if you want to blend in with real NYers, it’s okay to cross even when it doesn’t say “Walk” as long as no cars are coming.

20. Do watch for buses and bikes.

Just don’t forget about bike and bus lanes! Bike path traffic can be dangerous and they’re less forgiving than cars. So if you see a small painted green lane as you cross the street, be sure there isn’t someone racing by on a bike or e-bike!

New York City Tips: During Your Trip

The New York tips below are all about helping you take advantage of some of the best NYC has to offer while avoiding some of the pitfalls that an unknowing (first time) visitor might not realize.

21. Don’t spend too long in Times Square.

For that matter, don’t stay in Rockefeller Center, either. These places are iconic, sure. Go see them, take some photos in front of the ice rink or the giant billboards with their flashing lights, and then get out of there.

Times Square is full of tourist traps from costumed characters looking to be paid to take photos with visitors to chain restaurants overcharging for bad food.

Besides just seeing the spectacle that is Times Square, the only other reason to spend any length of time there is to get discounted Broadway show tickets at the TKTS booth on W. 47th Street.

22. Do explore other parts of New York City.

New York City is made up of 5 boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. And within these boroughs are countless neighborhoods, each with their own character and culture. Together, they make up the endless number of amazing things to do in New York City.

Why not head to Lower Manhattan to visit the Financial District and to see the 9/11 Memorial & Museum? The tiny streets at Manhattan’s southern tip are where the city first took root as a colony in the 1600s. When you look closely, you can see remaining bits of colonial history and even visit the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton.

Walk the High Line as it snakes through Chelsea or head uptown to the Upper West Side to visit the northern parts of Central Park and the iconic St. John the Divine. When you’re hungry, take the subway down to Chinatown to sample plates of noodles and Dim Sum.

When you’re ready, ride the subway to Brooklyn for a stroll through one of the most incredible open-air street art galleries in the world.

23. Don’t eat in Little Italy…unless you know where to go.

It pains me to say this as a girl of southern Italian ancestry but unfortunately what’s left of this neighborhood is just a couple of streets with souvenir shops and restaurants serving mediocre Italian fare.

If you do go, avoid the restaurants with wranglers trying to persuade you to sit down. The places worth visiting don’t have people doing this. For example, Di Palo’s on Grand and Mott is famous for their sandwiches and homemade mozzarella. (The line is worth standing in!) Il Cortile has fantastic northern Italian dishes and Ferrara Bakery has been making Italian sweets like cannoli for over 100 years.

24. Do walk down Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village.

Between 6th and 7th Avenues along Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village , you can taste delicious pizza at legendary places like Bleecker Street Pizza, John’s of Bleecker Street, and Joe’s Pizza. Save room for a couple of rice balls from Faicco’s Italian Specialties and cannolis at Pasticceria Rocco.

If you want to have a sit-down Italian dinner, New York City has no shortage of options! Some of my favorites are  Morandi , L’Artusi , and Via Carota .

And if you’re up for taking a bit of a trip “north,” head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for another authentic Little Italy neighborhood!

25. Don’t take disrespectful selfies .

Sadly this makes the list, but crimes, tragic or sad events, homeless people, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum are off-limits when it comes to selfies. Just please don’t do it.

26. Do take photos of NYC’s iconic skyline.

That being said, please take as many photos as you’d like of the city itself and all of its beautiful sights and attractions. This is especially true of the New York City skyline as seen from above.

Contrary to what others might say, I recommend visiting one of New York City’s skydeck experiences. There are plenty of options so choose the one that speaks to you the most or works best with your itinerary.

For example, Summit One Vanderbilt is the most popular immersive skyline experience and has amazing views, especially of the Chrysler Building. The Empire State Building is an iconic art-deco building full of classic NYC history. The view from the Top of the Rock is gorgeous at night when you can see the Empire State Building and all of Manhattan lit up.

Take a look at each one to decide.

• Summit One Vanderbilt
• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock
• One World Observatory

You might even splurge and take a helicopter ride over New York City to take in the epic views. Either way, it’s a quintessential NYC experience to see the city from above.

Can you accomplish the same thing by visiting a rooftop bar or restaurant?

That depends on where you go and what you’re hoping to see. Some rooftop bars and restaurants can come with fabulous views and even ones that are from a unique angle or height. But they’re also usually not the places where you snap off an endless number of photos without running the risk of irritating those around you.

Skyline experiences are for really marveling at the skyline and taking in the incredible scene before you. While rooftop restaurants and bars are for savoring the ambiance of being high up among the city’s skyscrapers.

27. Don’t eat at a chain or theme restaurant.

New York City is home to an unlimited number of incredible restaurants in every cuisine you can imagine. And you only have a limited amount of stomach real estate. Don’t waste it on food that you can get anywhere.

Besides if you’ve landed in one of these chain restaurants, you’ve most definitely fallen victim to one of NYC’s tourist traps. Restaurants like Olive Garden and Bubba Gump Shrimp typically exist in places like Times Square for a reason. You won’t find restaurants like these in the West Village or Dumbo in Brooklyn because most New Yorkers go for local restaurants instead.

You should do the same.

28. Do eat classic NYC foods.

That being said, not every meal has to be at a five-star restaurant. After all New York City is the land of pizza and bagels!

Order a bagel sandwich with cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon) from Absolute Bagels or Leo’s. Grab a slice of pizza at Prince Street Pizza or go for a classic margherita pie at Juliana’s in Brooklyn…my pick for the best New York style pizza in the city!

Try a new type of ethnic food. Whether you seek out local spots near your NYC hotel or you head to ethnic-specific neighborhoods like Koreatown or Little India, you won’t be disappointed by the endless array of authentic dishes. Not to mention, many of these spots are much better priced than what you might expect in New York.

29. Don’t eat at restaurants without an A rating.

Regardless of where you choose to eat, always look for the Health Department’s rating which must be hung in a prominent place in the front of every restaurant.

With so many restaurant options to choose from, there’s no reason to eat anywhere that doesn’t have an “A” rating. Hopefully, there’s no need to go into any more detail on this one.

30. Do take advantage of cheap eats in NYC.

In a city full of famous restaurants, you might think cheap eats in NYC don’t exist. You just have to know where to look.

Los Tacos No. 1 is hidden in plain sight in famous Chelsea Market. Gray’s Papaya is famous for its hot dogs & “recession special.” Mamoun’s Falafel is listed as one of the 1000 places you need to visit before you die. And Empanada Mama in Hell’s Kitchen will fill you up for about $10. Not to mention Chinatown and its plentiful options of cheap noodle and dumpling dishes.

Or keep your eyes out for any number of New York City’s famous food trucks from one of the Diso’s trucks around 46th Street or in the W. 50s. serving up Italian deli sandwiches to a Souvlaki GR truck also in midtown offering delicious Greek bites!

31. Don’t initiate small talk with locals.

This is not meant to seem rude. But most of us are out and about trying to run errands or get to appointments or work on time. In the process, we get a few moments to pop in our Airpods to listen to some music or a favorite podcast.

And for sure there’s a safety component to this, as well. There’s no need to open up a box of worms if you don’t have to. Better to just go about your business and let others do the same.

32. Do ask a local for directions if you’re lost.

Even with the above small talk NYC tip, I don’t want you to get the impression that NYers are really rude. In fact, I’ve seen countless New Yorkers go out of their way to help visitors who are lost or have a question…myself included!

So if you’re lost or need help, don’t hesitate to ask someone nearby, If you’re unsure about talking to a stranger, pop into a hotel or restaurant or even ask a doorman at one of the city’s many apartment buildings.

I guarantee you’ll come across a friendly local willing to help out!

33. Do avoid tourist traps.

In addition to chain restaurants, places like Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and experiences like a pedicab or horse-drawn carriage rides are best avoided.

They’re overpriced and gimmicky. Plus, in the case of the horses, they aren’t always treated right.

But for the record. I don’t think going to the top of the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, or the Book of Mormon are tourist traps, contrary to what you might read elsewhere. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

34. Don’t miss the chance to see a Broadway show.

In an era where everything is on a screen, the experience of seeing a live theater production is an unforgettable experience and totally worth it.

Feel free to choose the play or musical that most interests you. Broadway and the countless Off-Broadway theaters have something for everyone’s taste and budget.

Take advantage of discount tickets on websites like Broadway Box . Grab same-day discounted tickets from TKTS in Times Square or Lincoln Center. Or even try your luck at winning a Broadway lottery .

Either way, don’t miss this classic NYC experience!

35. Do tip appropriately.

Tipping in New York City is so important.

If you’re happy with the service you get from a waiter, bartender, delivery person, or taxi driver (to name a few), be sure to tip 15%-20%. These service workers make horribly low hourly wages and rely on these tips to survive in New York City. Don’t forget about tour guides, too, especially the ones giving free walking tours.

While it’s never an obligation if you don’t think a tip is earned, it’s greatly appreciated and often supports artists and students who live off these tips.

36. Don’t give money to beggars.

As difficult as it may be, don’t give money to beggars. You never know what that money is truly going to be used for. If the opportunity presents itself and you feel compelled, purchase a coffee or some food. But always beware that if it’s not asked for, your kind gesture can always be rejected.

And to be clear, I don’t consider musicians to be beggars. If you’re on a subway platform or walking through Central Park and appreciate the music someone is playing, feel free to contribute to their tip jar.

37. Do use bathrooms when they’re available.

Of all the travel tips for NYC, this one cannot be overstated. New York City has hardly any public restrooms. This poses a real challenge when you’re on the go all day.

So the golden rule (sorry pun not intentional!) is to always use a bathroom when you have one available to you regardless of whether or not you really feel like you need to go.

All of NYC’s top sights and museums have bathrooms for visitors. Be sure to use them when you’re visiting. The same goes if you’re at a restaurant or cafe for lunch or a coffee break. Take advantage of the access to bathrooms.

In an emergency, there are bathrooms at Grand Central Terminal. Nearby Bryant Park has one of the cleanest public bathrooms in the entire city. Public libraries have bathrooms, as do markets like Chelsea Market. Hudson Yards and the Shops at Columbus Circle have restrooms. And if you’re in Lower Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial & Museum , the Oculus has bathrooms.

Otherwise, you’ll likely have to go to a coffee shop or restaurant and buy something to use the bathroom.

38. Don’t use ATMs outside of bank locations.

Nearly everywhere you go in New York City, debit and credit cards are accepted. So there’s never a reason to carry large amounts of cash. However, if you need some money, use an ATM at an established banking location.

ATMs in places like delis, bars, or drug stores aren’t monitored as closely making it easier for skimmers to add devices to card readers that’ll help them steal account numbers and PINS.

Tips for NYC: Safety

Is New York City safe is one of the most common questions I get from readers who are considering a trip to the Big Apple. So in this section of New York City tips, you’ll find the common sense safety advice that I live by.

39. Don’t walk scared .

Despite what you might see on the news, New York City is still one of the safest mega-cities in the world. Yes, the pandemic’s empty sidewalks allowed a rougher element to surface. You will see homeless and mentally unstable people more so than perhaps in the years just prior to 2020.

However, with each day that life has returned to normal, the city’s residents and visitors alike are reclaiming the sidewalks, so to speak. To be a part of this, walk with purpose…like you know the streets like the back of your hand.

The more confident you look (and the faster you walk), the more you’ll blend in with every other New Yorker.

40. Do stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Yet with any big city, you need to exercise some basic caution. You should always be aware of where you are and the others around you. And if something doesn’t look right, move yourself away from the situation quickly and calmly.

Remember, pickpockets and others hoping to pull off petty crimes are opportunistic. They’re looking for anyone who has an unzipped bag or isn’t paying attention to where their belongings are. Everyone has a smartphone but don’t flash other expensive electronics.

Leave your best jewelry at home and don’t walk around with huge amounts of cash. And never carry phones or wallets in your back pants pocket. It’s an invitation for a quick-fingered thief.

41. Don’t react to catcalling.

As a female living in NYC, I’ve experienced plenty of catcalling. It’s always eye-rollingly annoying, especially when you’re just trying to enjoy the city’s sights like everyone else without feeling self-conscious about how you look or what you’re wearing.

The most important thing is not to react. Just keep walking and don’t make eye contact. I know the feeling of wanting to react but trust me, it’s not worth it.

42. Do trust your gut.

But you should always trust what your gut is telling you. If the catcaller (or someone) escalates their advances or you feel unsafe in any way, don’t hesitate to get out of there, seek help, look for a police officer, or even draw attention to what’s happening.

Go into the first available shop or restaurant. Cross the street. Stop walking and let whoever is bothering you pass so that you can see them in front of you rather them being behind you. Speak loudly so that others nearby are made aware of what is going on.

The same holds true outside of a catcalling situation. Something feels off on a subway car you’re riding? Move to another car or get off the train. The street is too dark or quiet? Take a different route. Always do what you feel is right for your own safety and remember the majority of New Yorkers around you will help if they can.

NYC Tips: What to Wear

What you pack for your trip to New York City is so important! With a lot of your trip spent outside, you’ll need to wear clothes that align with whatever the weather happens to be, while of course, achieving a few fashion points along the way.

These tips for traveling in NYC are all about the best clothes and shoes.

43. Don’t pretend it’s spring when it’s winter .

It doesn’t matter if you’re hot all the time. The streets in Manhattan have a really special way of funneling the cold winter wind right in your direction. It might feel crisp and refreshing at first, but after a few hours of walking around, you’ll be shivering miserably.

What to wear in New York in winter is not the same as what to wear in spring, summer, or fall. It’s also not like home where you likely go quickly from your heated house to your heated car to your heated destination.

During New York City in winter you have to be prepared to spend long periods of time outside regardless of what the temperature is or what the weather is doing. Otherwise, the winter weather can quickly put a freeze on whatever you had planned during your trip to New York City.

44. Do dress for the weather.

No matter when you plan to visit New York City, you’ll be walking outside, a lot. No matter how much planning you do before your trip, it’s so important to check the weather in the days leading up to your arrival. The right clothes and shoes will make all the difference during your New York City trip.

Fall in NYC is a great time to visit, weatherwise! The days are comfortable, with little humidity and plenty of blue skies. Similarly, visiting NYC in April or May comes with moderate temperatures and blooming flowers.

Winter and summer, obviously, come with more temperature extremes.

But regardless of what the calendar says, the weather forecast should dictate how you pack. Visiting in April and New York City is going to be 80+ degrees during the day? Pack like it’s summer with some layers for potentially cooler evenings.

Or are you planning a Christmas trip to NYC with sunny weather and 60-degree days in December? Leave your heaviest winter gear at home. You’ll only end up hot and sweaty as you walk around Manhattan.

45. Don’t underestimate the importance of the right shoes.

In a blink of an eye, you’ll have walked 10k+ steps in New York City. You need the right shoes so that you can sustain this amount of pedestrian life for a successful trip.

Fashion sneakers, flat boots, and sporty sandals all work depending on the season and how comfortable they are when you’re walking in them all day. These sneakers are among the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn and I often wear them for everyday walking around New York City.

And of course, weather plays a role. Don’t wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty during hot summer days. That’s a recipe for blisters. (Which is also why you should travel with at least 2 pairs of comfortable shoes. You can switch them from day to day so that your feet aren’t being continuously rubbed in the same places.)

The same goes for wearing the right shoes in the rain or snow. Wet and cold feet or shoes that can’t grip the sidewalks on bad weather days are the fastest way to put a damper on what you hoped to do in New York City.

46. Do leave the high heels at home.

Seriously. Unless you’re attending a gala or making an appearance in a Sex and the City sequel, you likely don’t need them. Not to mention, they hardly double for a shoe you can also walk in…outside…for several blocks.

If you need or want something dressier for nights out, consider shoes or boots with more of a platform or wider base that can also serve as functioning walking shoes.

47. Don’t wear your souvenirs here.

Your “I <3 New York”, subway line, or Broadway show tee-shirt will be much cooler at home. Not to mention, wearing items like these immediately identifies you as a tourist just when you might be trying to blend in with the crowd.

48. Do dress stylishly and comfortably .

With all the clothing tips for NYC focusing on comfort and the weather, you might think I’m suggesting you toss all fashion sense out the window. On the contrary! NYC is still a place to look put together. But you can do this in a smart way that combines utility and function.

Jeans are always a good start because you can dress them up or down. Boots, flats, oxfords, loafers, and fashion sneakers are all better choices than your standard gym sneakers.

Think minimalist fashion basics that are chic yet allow you to move comfortably (on foot) around the city. And don’t be afraid to accessorize with a scarf or a hat that will instantly add a bit of flair to your outfit.

49. Don’t wear white/light colors.

Ever wonder why a lot of New Yorkers seem to love wearing black? It’s because NYC is grimy and messy and most of us don’t have washers and dryers in our apartments!

This tip applies especially to pants, shoes, and jackets because they come into contact with park and subway benches and get splashed on by puddles and anything kicked up as you walk. Some of which may never come out even after being scrubbed or washed repeatedly.

Plus, if you’re trying to pack light and plan to wear things more than once, the soot and muck of New York City may upend that plan when it comes to those white pants or pastel pink jacket.

50. Do dress in darker colors.

Instead go for blacks, grays, and even dark colors like forest green, navy, or burgundy when packing bottoms and outerwear. You’ll have a better chance of hiding the inevitable filth that winds up on your clothes after traversing the city by foot and public transportation.

Not to mention, you’ll blend in with the crowd and have a better chance of re-wearing things you’ve packed.

New York City Tips Bottom Line

Your trip to New York City is destined to be fantastic now that you’ve prepared yourself with these NYC travel tips!

If you put these tips for visiting New York City into action, you’re on your way to saving money and time, as well as looking like a total pro as you sightsee, eat, and get around fantastic NYC.

What questions do you have about the best New York City travel tips?

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70 thoughts on “new york city tips: 50 dos & don’ts for visiting nyc like a pro”.

Perfect timing as we are going there in a few weeks, so have made notes from your post on NYC. Thanks

Excellent, Paula! So glad the tips will be useful. Enjoy your trip! 🙂

Love this tip – “Whatever you do, don’t take out a map. Look cool and use Google Maps on your smartphone!” haha. And are selfies ever respectful;?? Great post. It has reminded me that I really need to visit soon!

Glad to make you laugh, Dave! I only do selfies when the landscape behind me needs to be in the shot, like when I was hiking in Patagonia. Hope you make it to NYC soon!

Great tips. I used to spend summers in NYC growing up, but I have to admit, I’ve never been in the subway (mostly because of that petri dish of bacteria thing).

Thanks, Mags. The subway is THE way to travel while in NYC. If you’ve survived the air on planes, you’ll be fine. 🙂

I love your do/don’t format. You’ve given better options for things many tourists would probably want to do.

Thanks, Beverly! Local tips can’t be beat!

Great tips! We really want to make it back to NYC especially since we were there for such a short time on our last visit. I hate when people stop in the middle of sidewalks too–so frustrating!! And good thing to note about the empty subway cars! I would have probably jumped in one too, haha!

Thanks, Jenna! Seems logical to jump in that empty subway car, at first….but, oh how quickly you regret it! Thanks for your comments and hope you make it back to NYC soon!

I once was in the unfortunate position of having to drive in Manhattan. To this day that stands as the scariest thing I have ever done.

I believe it, Brianna! If you don’t know where you’re going and the aggressive style of the New York driver, then you’re in for a terrifying experience.

Dressing for the weather!! Definitely a good tip! I was in NY last winter and almost froze to death!! Great tips.

You’re not alone, Anna. Many people visit NYC, and are so used to getting in and out of their cars, they don’t realize how important dressing for the weather is.

Hi! great list! Thank you! #theweeklypostcard

Thanks, Tanja!

I’ve always wanted to go to NYC, I grew up only a couple hours away in Connecticut, have been inside JFK twice and to Yankee Stadium (the real one,) and that;s it. It was such a small taste and I need more… I gotta get my fix jack lol

So close, Adam! You should definitely not form your NYC opinions on JFK! And, I totally agree with you about the old Yankee Stadium being the real one! 😉

OK, now I am very afraid I want to know what on earth has happened inside an empty subway carriage. Especially as I gather this is a relatively frequent thing?

I would have to take a cab just once I think though. Unless New York taxi drivers are less legendary than they are painted? That would be disappointing.

*grins* I am not sure I agree with you about not wearing your souvenirs in country. I see it as an exuberant celebration of how much fun people are having when they are there, and am therefore quite tolerant. I am actually less so when people save it until they get home.

What good tips though. Especially about where is *really* interesting to go.

Thank you for your comments! If the subway car is empty, it’s typically because someone has become sick, a person who has not bathed in quite a while has taken a nap in there, or someone has used it as a bathroom. While I have a great deal of empathy in my heart for someone in these conditions, I don’t want, nor is it recommended, to ride in that car.

A taxi ride is an experience, but drivers can be hit or miss. Fair points about wearing souvenirs, even though it still wouldn’t be a “NYC Pro” move. Thanks again for your comments! 🙂

I live visiting nyc. Wanted to live there when I was younger but now I think the tourists and other inconsiderate people there would give me too much anxiety.

You would have loved it, Laura! But, it can, indeed, be a stressful city.

Great tips! I have to remember those for next time we visit. We did not take the subway once when we stayed in NYC for three days, we walked. And we did eat at non-chain restaurants we found near the hotel, and I’m glad of it. And yes, Times Square is a zoo!

The subway is a lot easier than it seems, Jolanta. Definitely give a try on your next visit. So glad you were able to enjoy some food at an NYC restaurant! Thanks so much for your comments! 🙂

I loved visiting NYC. There is just so much to love! I wish I had ventured out a little more to explore little restaurants and bars but there is always next time! Also “pulling over” out of peoples way should be practiced around the world haha

Absolutely, Sally! I agree with pulling over being a worldwide courtesy.

Really helpful tips! Bookmarking this one for future reference. Particularly like the one about the empty subway car as I’m sure I’ll be jumping on one if I didn’t read this, but now I know… 🙂

Thanks, Olivia! Good thing for your nose!

Great tips! I finally walked across the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time last year and it was one of the highlights of my trip!

The Brooklyn Bridge is my favorite too, Elena! It’s such a special landmark.

Great tips! We LOVE experiencing the restaurants in NYC. Some of the best food we’ve ever eaten. We often wonder how chain restaurants survive there. Who eats at a chain when there is a plethora of other amazing options!

Thanks, Amanda! Those chains survive only from the tourists who never venture outside of the Times Square tourist zone.

what a clever way to tell New York story:) i may not agree with all the tips, but i love that your personality shows through:) You got me with a paper map- I love those and will always use:)

Thanks for your comments, Victoria. Just be sure to pull over when you take out that paper map (wink wink!) 🙂

I must say, I read many articles about tips for NYC, this one ranks at the top! Most of the people writing about NYC have visited a few times. You are clearly someone who knows the city well! My biggest tip for any city I visit is to walk like you know what you are doing, even if you don’t. Duck into a store or side street to check where you are going rather than stopping in the middle of the sidewalk!

I have been planning a 10 day NYC itinerary for someone going for the first time. She gave me a list of places she wanted to see, and my first thing was to scoff. Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building. All these places are the things I was trying to tell her to avoid! But then I had to think like her, a person who has never seen NYC (and not like me—someone who grew up there), and understand that it is OK to want to see those places! They are iconic for a reason! So I guess my biggest piece of advice is that its okay to visit all of those popular tourist places in the city, just know that there is more to the city than Times Square!

Hopefully that all made sense! Cheers, Katie

Thanks, Katie! I’m so glad you got one of the post’s main points, which is to enjoy and explore New York City’s iconic sights, but also remember there’s so much more to see and do in the city! It’s such a fabulous city and, those of us who live or are from here, want everyone to get the most out of their trip. 🙂

Do go out and take in a comedy show, especially any of the local clubs that support upcoming talent.

Don’t wear sandals, especially if you are going to walk around Manhattan all day. Not only will your feet hurt, but it will take literally days to wash the sludge that built up in between your toes!

Do check out Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! It is probably one of the best outdoor festivals that you will ever see in your life.

Don’t get caught in the middle of an intersection during a red light unless you are cool with angry New Yorkers laying down on their horn like nobody’s business.

Do go to the Top of the Rock to get the best view of Manhattan. Don’t throw objects off the Top of the Rock. You might hurt someone and it’s illegal!

Been to NYC four times in my life and this city just gets better every single time!

Ray, these are awesome tips! Thanks for helping to make the list even better! Love the point about the sandals and walking around NYC all day and there is certainly no shortage of great comedy shows!

Interesting set of Do’s and Don’t while visiting NYC…..Thanks for Sharing Informative article…

Thanks for reading and commenting, Maggie.

This is great we are coming over from Australia in March and it is always a bit weird going to a new city! where would you recommend someone to stay? I was looking at the Roosevelt in Manhattan ?

thanks for the advice!

Hi Sharna, Thanks for reading. How exciting to be visiting NYC! I haven’t checked out the Roosevelt Hotel, but it is in a good location. You are just footsteps away from Rockefeller Center, Broadway, and the subway. Midtown east tends to be quieter at night than midtown west, but this is not so far east that you’d feel remote or unsafe. I have more hotel recommendations and all the tips to make your first trip a success in my NYC Guide . Plus, you can even download a cheat sheet to take with you if you want. 🙂

Hi Jackie, Thanks for your advice, what is the best area to stay in that is easy to get around, safe and not overly pricey ?

Thanks for reading and commenting. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I’m traveling and my wifi is a bit spotty. Ugh! Of course, the most convenient areas to stay are right in midtown, but these will also likely be the priciest areas, too. I’d recommend looking uptown on the west side of NYC, close to the 1,2,3 (red) subway line. It’s quick and easy and has connections in Times Square to nearly every subway you could want. If you really prefer midtown, east will likely be cheaper than west. I wouldn’t go past the Lexington Ave area, though. It’s safe, but so far east it’ll be a long way to walk to a train or to the main tourist areas of Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, etc. Hope that helps, but feel free to comment again if you need anything else. Enjoy your stay in NYC! 🙂

Hi Jackie what a great post and so spot on! I am a former New Yorker, been gone 20 years and I was visiting recently last month. It was so much windier than I’d remembered. It must be the tall buildings creating wind tunnels or something. I don’t remember that for 20 years ago. Maybe the buildings have gotten taller. I would also recommend the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical Gardens which make you feel as if you’re in an English countryside.

Thanks for reading, Mary. How great to get back to the city after many years. Great tip about the NY Botanical Gardens. It’s a favorite of mine, especially in fall.

Hi Jackie! Thank you for sharing such interesting tips. I will be visiting my Uncle and his family this June and it is my first time to go to US, and I am glad to be visiting New York. However, I do not have any idea what type of clothes to bring. Your suggestions will be very much appreciated.

Hi Faith, Thanks so much for reading. 🙂 Summers in NYC are warm and some days even, really hot. Sundresses, short sleeve shirts, shorts, capris, elephant pants (loose-fitting pants) are all good. NYers always wear jeans no matter what time of year. As for shoes, NYers wear all kinds of shoes, but we are also used to walking in them. Sandals are fine if they’re comfortable to walk in. Also, there can be afternoon rain storms, so pack an umbrella or pick up one once you arrive. Finally, most places have Air Conditioning, so sometimes a light sweater or sweatshirt comes in handy! Hope that helps, Faith. If you’re looking for more first-timer NYC tips, check out this post . Enjoy NYC!

This is a great list, except that blocking people in the subway is absolutely not “the fastest way to ingratiate yourself with New Yorkers.” It is, in fact, just the opposite since to ingratiate yourself means to bring yourself into favor.

Ha! I can’t believe I never picked that up after all this time, Lizzy! I guess that’s why it’s good to have lots of eyes reading. 🙂

This is a great post love all the tips. I am traveling there soon so will be very handy.

Thanks so much for reading. Glad the tips will be useful.

Great post. I am a travel and sports blogger who was born and raised in New York City , even though I lived in other places. I would definitely recommend that tourists check out the Outer Boros. Take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry , which is free. See the real Little Italy on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. See the Queens Zoo as well as attending a game at either Yankees Stadium or Citi Field . See the other Chinatown in Flushing. Have some Asian, Indian or Latin American food in Jackson Heights . Visit Grants Tomb or Alexander Hamilton ‘ s home Hamilton Grange in Harlem. There is more to New York City than times square . Also, please tourists , don’t take a picture of the rats on the subway. They’re just like their human New York City cousins , aggressive and in a hurry to get to the train.

Thanks for reading, Jo Ann, and for all the tips! You are soo right about getting to the outer boroughs. I’ve included many of these in my 100 things to see and do in NYC. 🙂 Love that last bit about the rats. They’re definitely camera shy!

NY is like a dream city to me. Thanks for the o do list and not to do list. Great. Thanks.

Thanks for reading, Jimmy. Enjoy NYC. 🙂

Hi going to New York for the first time late June for 4 nights then heading to upstate for a wedding. I’m getting freaked out because I’m disabled with visual and balance disabilities. So with that in mind do I stay in Manhattan and cab into the city for getting a feeling of NYC? I walk slowly and afraid of getting bumped around. 4th of July holiday Yikes what have I gotten myself into!?!

I’m so glad you reached out, Lisa. It’s more than possible to enjoy NYC in a way that you’ll feel comfortable. I’d recommend looking into the Global Greeter Network. There are locals who volunteer to show visitors around for free. It’s even possible to be paired up with a local who also has some type of disability. I’d also think about bus tours if the idea of getting bumped around too much is nervewracking. You’d be able to get around to different parts of the city without the stress of doing it on your own. Thanks so much for reading and I’m sure your trip to NYC will be great. 🙂

Ok list, but remember I think the the thing to remember is A LOT of people walking on streets in NYC are tourists! Been there many times and it runs like any other large city. I think the thing to remember, do what you want…there are no “rules” to walking around and subways just use common sense.

Thanks for reading, Nicole. Common sense goes a long way in NYC!

Wow, how kind of you to share this information. I am taking my wife Dec 14-18 and 3 exchange students–all 16, here for entire school year. This is a surprise for them (first trip), and I am attempting to put this all together, a play, a convenient hotel (will need two rooms) and recommendation would help. Prior post indicated you may have an article(s) out there with this information. Also, flying in from the south, ATL so all airports are reasonably price options, any recommendations there? Thanks again for taking time to share important information. Mark

Thanks so much for reading, Mark. That will be such an amazing surprise! I do have a where to stay in New York article. If you’re open to seeing any play or musical, I’d recommend going to TKTS the discount ticket booth in Times Square just before showtime. So if it’s an 8pm show, go to TKTS at 7:30. There will still be tickets available and no line like there would be had you gone earlier in the day. If you have a specific show in mind, look at websites like Broadway Box for discounts and buy in advance. As for airports, I have guides on all 3 NYC airports (JFK, LGA, and Newark) and how to get to Manhattan. I’d recommend JFK or Newark because their public transportation options are the best. But LGA also has options, so no need to worry if that’s where you fly into. 🙂

4 years on… do you have any new tips to add to the above? 🙂 Thanks Ryan

Thanks for reading, Ryan. If you’re visiting NYC for Christmas, I have these mistakes to avoid . I will also be updating this article soon. 🙂

I have a package deal and have to travel to NYC before 11/25/2020. When do you suggest I go? I would like to see the decorations and some iconic sites also and maybe a show or two but am only there 4 days and 3 nights. I will be staying somewhere in Manhattan, not sure where, yet.

Thanks for reading, Ellen. New York City in the fall is the best time to come. If you want to see some decorations, I’d recommend next November right before your package expires. The Rockefeller Center tree won’t be lit but there’s a chance it’ll be up. The ice rink will be up and the Bryant Park holiday markets typically begin right after Halloween. Not to mention the weather tends to be a little chilly but mostly pleasant for walking around. Hope that helps. If you need other NYC tips, start with this guide.

Would really like to know what was in that empty subway that made it smell so bad???

Also, great tips!

Thanks for reading, Shannon. 🙂 To this day, I don’t know. But it was absolutely putrid!

I plan on driving to visit New York from Virginia with my two teenagers this summer. I’m driving because we also plan on visiting family in Rochester. I do not want to drive in the city. Where do you recommend we stay and park our car while taking public transit into the city to sightsee?

Thanks for reading, Rachel. What I would do is to look for cheap parking around Newark Airport or JFK Airport. You can find cheap airport parking at hotels and off-airport sites and then take public transportation into NYC from there. Definitely a smart choice to avoid driving in Manhattan. Enjoy your trip!

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Businesstravel.com is still in development. get early access to the only booking website designed specifically with business travelers in mind., a business traveler’s guide to new york city.

Introduction

Did you know that New York is the most popular business travel destination in the world?

Sooner or later you’ll find yourself in the Big Apple for work, and when you arrive, you’ll want to look like you know what you’re doing— even if you don’t . It’s a way of life for New Yorkers. Before you depart, read our guide to make the most out of your New York business trip.

• Founded by Dutch settlers in 1624 and was called New Amsterdam 
• Served as U.S. capital from 1785-1790
• Made up of five boroughs: Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island
• Largest U.S. city in terms of population, with more than 8,000,000 residents
• More than 800 languages are spoken in the city

Get To Know The New York Airports

With three major airports to choose from, business travelers have flexibility in getting to New York.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Location: queens.

Where to Go:

• Shake Shack (Terminal 4): Yes, you can get Shake Shack at the airport.
• Blue Smoke on the Road (Terminal 4): It’s just fun to say, isn’t it? You’ll find heavy food options as well as a full beer, wine, and cocktail menu.
• Wingtips Lounge (Terminal 4): Even if you don’t have a membership, you can purchase a one-day pass (for up to four hours) to access this lounge to relax or finish up work before your flight.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

• Biergarten: The name says it all. Brooklyn Brewery’s master brewer, Garrett Oliver, filled out the draft list with local favorites and craft beer staples.
• Jabbrrbox: If you’re committed to working during your time at the airport ( one of America's worst according to a study) , these noise-canceling, one-pod workspaces are for you. Book a half-hour for $15.
• La Chula: This little taqueria features a welcoming open setting and a full menu of drinks— margaritas, anyone? —and quality bites.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Location: newark, nj.

• Belgian Beer Café: A beer haven before security in the B2 rotunda that features classic Belgian beer hall food staples such as cheese plates and fries.
• CBGB: Punk goes to the airport? It’s an odd marriage but one that works for passengers who want to get a taste of a legendary locale.
• d_parture spa: Unwind before or after your flight at one of the most comprehensive airport spas around. After all, EWR's reputation isn't the best. 

Dos & Don’ts in New York

Every city has its faux pas. Here are a few things to keep in mind to blend in with the locals.

• Walk fast and stay streetside on the sidewalks. Spoiler alert: There are a lot of people in New York, and they all have places to go, including you! Walking closer to the street keeps entryways for businesses open. And don’t wait for the walk signal. If the coast is clear, cross! This keeps foot traffic moving. 
• Let people leave the subway before you get on. This is common sense but a good reminder nonetheless. 
• Ask for directions if you’re lost! New Yorkers aren’t as rude as they’re portrayed. If you’re polite, they’ll help you out and probably give some useful advice in the process. 

DON’T: 

• Tell your cabbie where you’re headed until after you close the door. If you want to go to Jersey, they can’t kick you out if you’re in the car. They can if you’re not. 
• Stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at your phone. The rest of the pedestrians will appreciate it, and you’ll appreciate not getting bumped into. 
• Dwell in Time Square. It’s a tourist trap with high-priced, chain restaurants. New York is a great big city that deserves to be explored. 

Get Around Town: 5 Tips to Master the New York Subway System

You’re going to New York. The subway is your friend. Really, it is. Keep these tips in mind before you go through the turnstiles.

1. Download the New York Subway MTA Map. ( iOS | Android )

Sure, the map is intimidating at first glance, but this app’s worth really resides in the transit planner. Plug in where you need to go, and it will give you directions on how to get there.

2. Buy a MetroCard and keep it.

Once you fill your MetroCard, you’ll find the initial higher cost worth it—you can skip waiting in line to buy single rides and slide from the subway to the bus on a free transfer. Keep your MetroCard, too, even when you leave New York! They’re good for about a year. 

3. Understand the directions, and express vs. local trains.

This is crucial: Uptown=North, Downtown=South. So, if you’re at a higher street (say, 44th) and need to head toward a lower street (28th), you would take a downtown train. Also, know if the express train makes your stop. If it does, hop on board. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to wait for the local train.

4. Be patient with the turnstiles.

Getting through the turnstile takes a certain level of touch. It’s not as obvious as it looks, and if you’re in a hurry, it may take a few extra swipes to pass. Be mindful of those around you if your first attempt is denied. Should a line build, politely let others through before you return. 

5. Don’t rely on the speaker.

This is perhaps the most crucial bit of advice. Trains alone are loud, and the subway speakers aren’t exactly Bose. Needless to say, it’s best to know not just where you’re going, but how many stops you need to pass to get there. Also, commit to memory the two stops before yours. That way when you hear the Peanuts adult voice, you will know whether or not you’re in the right place.

New York, New York: Your Musical Guide To The Big Apple

No matter what your musical preferences are, you’ll likely find a genre-defining artist from New York, from the Ramones and Talking Heads to Jay Z and Nas. Hit play on Spotify and let these acts soundtrack your trip.

The Best Ways To Sneak A Workout In New York

Traveling and working out can go together. It just takes a little more effort and dedication. You’ll be rewarded if you follow these suggestions.

Download a fitness app.

There are several “seven-minute” workout apps. Most offer fairly comprehensive free versions, so you can find one that works for you. But you can’t go wrong with the Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout App . It features 22 preset workouts, ranging from easy to advanced, and videos to guide you along. You can turn your hotel room into your personal fitness center, or, better yet, find some green space in Central Park to mix in some exercise. 

Invest in a Planet Fitness Black Card.

Regardless of whether you use Planet Fitness as your preferred gym, there are Planet Fitnesses everywhere: 11 in Manhattan alone. The Black Card grants you access to Planet Fitnesses nationwide while enjoying perks at each gym. 

Check out free community rowing at Pier 40.

This is admittedly a bit narrow, but if you want to get in a gruelling workout that’s unique to New York, head to Pier 40 for its free community rowing. You don’t need to be a crew veteran either. Beginners are welcome! The service is offered April through October. 

Run the Hudson River Greenway.

With 12.9 miles of paved trail, the Hudson River Greenway gives runners views of the Manhattan skyline as well as some historical markers along the way. The famous Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, provides a juxtaposition between the modern, bustling New York and its quieter past. 

Take free Courses at Athleta & LuLuLemon.

This is one of those “only in New York” things. You can combine a Manhattan shopping spree, should you get free for a few hours, with a workout at two of the leading athletic-wear retailers. Both Athleta and LuLuLemon offer free events like yoga, dance classes, and more. 

Take A Bleisure Day In New York

What exactly is bleisure travel? Many business travelers are adding an extra day to their itineraries for leisure: business + leisure = bleisure. This provides them with a balance of work and play while they’re on the road. If you have an opportunity to take a bleisure day in New York, here are some things to consider doing. 

Grab coffee at Shakespeare & Co. 

With nonstop bustling all around, just being in New York can be tiring. Coffee, therefore, is a must, and while there may be better cups of joe in Manhattan, Shakespeare & Co. offers a unique atmosphere. Enjoy your preferred morning beverage while exploring the bookstore’s collection. Have a title in mind but can’t find it? Shakespeare & Co.’s Espresso Book Machine technology produces books on-site (from a catalog of 7,000,000) in minutes. 

Lounge in Central Park.

After you’ve stimulated your mind with literature and caffeine, mosey over to Central Park. And while there’s lots to do in perhaps the most iconic city park in the country, doing nothing is just fine, too. Find your own bench or spot in the grass and relax. Or, better yet, pack a picnic and people watch. 

Explore Governor’s Island.

Need to get away from Manhattan? Of course you do! Governor’s Island , located between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, is something like a large adult playground with plenty of activities: biking trails, kayaking, mini golf, and walking tours. There’s also a hammock park to catch a few Zzzs. Ferries run all week starting at 10 a.m. from Manhattan and the island is open May to October. If you’d rather escape in the other direction, though, head to the next location...

Take In Little Italy & The Bronx Zoo.

If you’ve never walked through an Italian market, this is for you. Head to the Arthur Avenue Retail Market in the Bronx’s Little Italy neighborhood where you’ll find an American bazaar—food of all kinds, bakeries, cafes, and a wine shop. After you get your culinary fix, travel just over a mile to the Bronx Zoo, home to more than 650 species of animals. 

Eat Dinner at Keens Steakhouse.

Once you’ve enjoyed your adventures outside of midtown Manhattan, secure a table at Keens and travel in time— sort of. The famous steakhouse opened its doors in 1885 and much of its decor represents that history. Still, this is more than a tourist stop: It’s a staple of the ever-growing New York restaurant scene for a reason. 

End the day with laughs at the Comedy Cellar.

The simple setting—dimly-lit room, red brick background—highlights the beauty of the place: The comedians are there to crack jokes, and you’re there to laugh. Unwind in a true New York setting , and who knows? Maybe a famous guest will grab the mic, or you’ll catch an up-and-comer before they hit it big.

Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

Well, there are a lot of these in a city that erupts from a small island. Each rooftop bar promises great drinks and even better views.

Broken Shaker

Inspired by the Miami original, Broken Shaker is part nightclub, part restaurant, all good time. On most nights, you’ll wait in a few lines, but the payoff is worth it, with reasonably priced food and cocktails that come from a wide variety of influences.  TripAdvisor

Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar

If you’ve dreamed of enjoying a cocktail on top of one of the most famous museums on Earth, here’s your chance. You can access the Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar on the fifth floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, aka The Met. The space is open April to October, weather-permitting. Check out the sunset happy hour to catch views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline in the gloaming. TripAdvisor

Monarch Rooftop Bar & Indoor Lounge

Step onto the Monarch’s outdoor terrace, and you’ll be greeted by a familiar face: the Empire State Building. Monarch is an upscale, trendy rooftop bar with the added advantage of having a glass-ceiling indoor lounge—it’s open year-round, even on rainy or snowy days. The Monarch takes reservations and hosts events, so there may be no better place to wow your clients.  TripAdvisor   |  Open Table

Top of the Standard

Classically chic with an indoor and outdoor setting in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Top of the Standard refers to the hotel underneath, but it also symbolizes the bar’s place among establishments. It is literally above standard . The 18th-floor restaurant and lounge features leather couches and fireplaces, while the rooftop offers views of the skyline on one side and the Hudson River on the other.  TripAdvisor

Rooftop at Time Out Market

What’s the point in traveling to New York if you aren’t going to explore Brooklyn? The Rooftop at Time Out Market , in the Dumbo neighborhood, features a menu curated by award-winning chefs and a mix of cocktails and local craft brews. Oh, and the Brooklyn Bridge makes for a spectacular backdrop.  TripAdvisor

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Every Chef I Talked to Loves This Tortilla Press

If you’ve ever had a made-from-scratch tortilla fresh off a comal, you understand: No premade grocery-store tortilla can possibly compare. Whether it’s a fragrant, slightly sweet corn tortilla or a still warm, slightly nutty flour tortilla, the difference between the homemade kind and the discs sitting in plastic on the shelf is so vast they may as well be totally separate food groups.

The most essential tool to making fresh tortillas at home is a good tortilla press. Sure, you can use a rolling pin or a wine bottle to flatten them out individually, but as I found out firsthand when I took up tortilla-making as a pandemic hobby, hand-rolling each of them gets old fast, particularly since I rarely made tortillas in batches of fewer than a dozen. Not only is a tortilla press much quicker at flattening the masa for tortillas into a pliable circular shape ready for griddling, it helps ensure that the thickness of your tortillas is consistent, which means that they’ll cook more evenly. Plus, you can use it to make other flatbreads at home, like roti, parathas, naan, or pita. I’ve even used mine to flatten pie dough.

A press is a pretty simple gadget. It’s essentially two flat plates attached with a hinge that allow you to put something in between them. You use a handle to press down on the contents inside, applying even pressure to flatten them. (Typically, you line the press with a plastic bag or parchment paper to prevent the tortilla dough from sticking, another lesson I learned the hard way.) When I started looking into tortilla presses, I learned that there are two major genres. The first is a circular press, usually made out of aluminum or cast iron. The second are square presses, usually also made of metal, though sometimes wood.

One square press stood out in my research: a jewel-colored, sleek, metal number that popped up repeatedly among the Mexican chefs I follow on social media. I noticed it in the Instagram Stories of Bricia Lopez , co-owner of Guelaguetza in Los Angeles and author of Asada , and in the kitchen behind Mi Cocina writer Rick Martinez in his videos of his kitchen in Mazatlán. When I reached out to Martinez to ask, he confirmed: It was the Doña Rosa Tortilla Press, an artisan-made press from Oaxaca distributed in the U.S. by the masa harina brand Masienda.

“I love this press so much,” Martinez told me. “I have two of them. It is so beautiful that it makes me want to make tortillas from scratch just so I can pull it out and use it.”

The press is made out of powder-coated rolled steel, which means that not only is it an appealing pop of color for your kitchen — it comes in a cobalt blue, a seafoam green, a bright, poppy yellow, white, and black — it also is a serious piece of equipment. The weight of the press, Martinez explained, is key. It means that it doesn’t wiggle back and forth while you use it. “I love the heft of it. It is virtually indestructible, and lasts forever, which is why a lot of restaurants and taco stands in Mexico use them,” Martinez said. (Plus, when Mi Cocina came out, the brand released an edition in pink to match the cover of the book.)

It’s not just Martinez, though. As I reached out to chefs for their thoughts on the best tortilla press, time and time again, I got the same answer: the Doña Rosa . Ana Castro, the New Orleans–based chef-owner of Acamaya, is also a huge fan. “They are the real deal; they are made in Mexico by Doña Rosa, she’s a master of her craft and has been producing them for longer than I have been alive,” Castro said. Plus, she appreciates that with the Doña Rosa , unlike the traditional circular cast-iron models, you can adjust the thickness of the tortilla that you’re serving. “This tortilla press is the last one you’ll ever buy,” Castro said.

It’s also the press that Chef Fermín Núñez uses in his masa-centric restaurants in Austin. “Masienda’s Doña Rosa Tortilla Press is what we use at both of our restaurants, Suerte and Este, to make fresh corn tortillas daily,” Nunez explained. “A good tortilla press should be high quality and have some weight to it. Masienda’s has both, which is exactly why we use theirs in the restaurants.”

When I got my hands on a Doña Rosa press to try it out, I had to agree. (I chose the seafoam-green one.) Though I am far from a master at making tortillas, the Doña Rosa tortilla press was a joy to use. It’s sturdy enough that I never worry about it slipping on the counter, and it quickly and evenly flattens masa into discs. The adjustable-thickness option makes it particularly versatile for use with other flatbreads, too. And it’s a pleasing object to have in my kitchen — always at the ready, reminding me that fresh tortillas aren’t that far away.

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Man dies after setting himself on fire near Trump trial courthouse in NYC

By Graham Kates , Pat Milton , Jericka Duncan

Updated on: April 20, 2024 / 8:38 PM EDT / CBS News

A man who set himself on fire outside the New York City courthouse where former President Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway has died, police said. 

Witnesses said that they saw the man — identified by the New York Police Department as 37-year-old Max Azzarello — pour liquid over his head and set himself on fire at 1:39 p.m. local time on Friday. 

In a briefing immediately after the incident, the NYPD said Azzarello, a Florida resident who had arrived in New York City earlier in the week, walked into Collect Pond Park, opened a book bag, and scattered papers and pamphlets on the ground before setting himself ablaze. Police described the materials as "like a conspiracy-theory type of pamphlet." 

Azzarello then fell on a police barrier. Civilians and court officers used coats and extinguishers to try to put out the fire, the NYPD said, and the New York City Fire Department responded, finally extinguishing the fire. 

The FDNY said that Azzarello was transported to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center, which has a burn center, in critical condition. 

The NYPD confirmed to CBS News overnight that Azzarello had died on Friday night. 

Four officers who responded to the fire suffered minor injuries.

Azzarello had posted a statement on social media, officials said. Although the incident took place close to the court where Trump's trial is taking place, officials said Azzarello did not appear to be targeting any particular person or group and added that he seemed to be a conspiracy theorist.

One witness described pamphlets that Azzarello threw, apparently while making allegations about New York University.

 "I heard this clattering, and it was those papers that he had flung up in the air," the witness said. "That caught our attention and — caught my attention, anyway ... then he pulled out a can and he poured it over himself. And at that point, I thought, 'Oh ... this is gonna be awful." 

"It happened so fast — what do you do?" another witness said. 

Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. Contact Graham at [email protected] or [email protected]

More from CBS News

What it's like to watch Trump's "hush money" trial from inside the courtroom

Supreme Court to weigh Trump immunity claim over 2020 election prosecution

In Trump immunity case, Supreme Court seems open to some protection

How Trump changed his stance on absentee and early voting

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460 Years Ago, Shakespeare Was Born Here. Or Somewhere.

Every year, millions flock to Stratford-upon-Avon, England, to visit the house known as Shakespeare’s Birthplace. But was he really born there? A whole industry depends on it.

By Elizabeth Winkler

Sometime in the late 18th century, a sign appeared outside a shambly butcher’s hut in the English town of Stratford-upon-Avon: “The Immortal Shakspeare was born in this house,” it announced, using a then common spelling of his name. Devotees began making pilgrimages — dropping to their knees, weeping, singing odes: “Untouched and sacred be thy shrine, Avonian Willy, bard Divine!”

A tradesman grew rich selling carvings from a local mulberry tree, like pieces of the true cross. Some skeptics suspected that the sign was part of a scheme to bring visitors to Stratford; others wondered if it had been hung by the property’s occupant. A local antiquarian criticized the whole scene as “a design to extort pecuniary gratuities from the credulous and unwary.”

Pilgrims flocked to the house, and it became a site so hallowed that one visitor warned that the veneration of Shakespeare threatened to eclipse that of God:

Yet steals a sigh, as reason weighs/ The fame to Shakespeare given,/ That thousands, worshippers of him,/ Forget to worship Heaven!

About 250 years after its break from the Catholic Church, England had its own Bethlehem and manger.

The problem: No one really knows where Shakespeare was born.

Mock Tudors and magic wands

Stratford-upon-Avon lies two hours northwest of London in the Midlands, more or less the heart of England. Today, it is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing up to three million visitors a year. The Birthplace is its main attraction, followed by the cottage reputed to be the place where Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, grew up.

Stratford exudes Elizabethan kitsch, with souvenir shops and half-timbered buildings. ​​In the 19th century, the Victorians tried to make Stratford look more “authentic,” which has left it teeming with mock Tudors.

It’s a town whose economy and identity revolve around Shakespearean fervor, which peaks every year on April 23, the date celebrated as Shakespeare’s birthday. It is also, conveniently, St. George’s Day , honoring the patron saint of England.

On my first visit in June 2021, I passed the Hathaway Tea Rooms and a cafe called the Food of Love, a cutesy name taken from “Twelfth Night” (“If music be the food of love, play on”). Confusingly, there were also several Harry Potter-themed shops. Stratford and Hogwarts, quills and wands, poems and spells . Then again, maybe the conflation was apt: Wasn’t Shakespeare a sort of boy wizard, magically endowed with inexplicable powers?

On Henley Street, I arrived at the Birthplace, a half-timbered house yellowed with age. Today, it looks like a single detached building, but it was originally a row of tenements. John Shakespeare bought one tenement on the street in 1556, though he also bought property on nearby Greenhill Street, which could just as easily have been the site of his son’s birth. He bought the property thought to be the Birthplace in 1575, 11 years after his son was born.

Those who believe in the Birthplace point to a record from 1552 showing that a John Shakespeare was fined for keeping a dung heap somewhere on Henley Street. It doesn’t specify the location, but that dung heap has fueled a theory that he must have been living there at the time of his son’s birth, perhaps as a renter.

Similarly, the claim for the authenticity of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage rests on a record that a John Hathaway leased the 90-acre farm on which the building stood 13 years before Anne was born in about 1556. The cottage may well be linked to the Hathaways, but there is no proof that Anne actually grew up in it, just as there is none that Shakespeare was born in the house on Henley Street.

Together, these traditions have sustained Stratford’s tourist industry, worth about $315 million in 2019, before the pandemic. But they have not convinced many skeptics over the years.

“Stratford permits — indeed encourages — one of the biggest frauds in England to rage unchecked,” the journalist Bernard Levin railed in The Daily Mail in 1965. “I mean those two monumental frauds, ‘Shakespeare’’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.”

It didn’t help that hucksters have found ways to make the story profitable. In the early 19th century, a tenant of the Birthplace named Mrs. Hornby ran a lucrative hustle showing and selling Shakespeare’s “relics” to gullible visitors. The relics were eventually exposed in an 1848 article in Bentley’s Miscellany , which observed that four different chairs, each purporting to be “Shakespeare’s chair,” had been sold over the years, each made by a well-known local craftsman.

I entered through the Shakespeare Centre, a strange museum that acts as an antechamber to the Birthplace. There were no books owned by Shakespeare or letters in Shakespeare’s hand, because none are known to exist. Instead, a glass case displayed eight Shakespeare busts dating from 1844 to 2000. Another case featured a Shakespeare beer mug (1933), Shakespeare playing cards (1974) and a Shakespeare action figure made in China (2003).

Inside the Birthplace, I went from room to room with the other visitors. Guides regaled us with tales of Shakespeare’s childhood — how he played and ate and dreamed in these rooms. Of course, his childhood is actually a yawning blank: From his baptism in 1564 to his marriage in 1582, there are no records of him. In one room, a table displayed books, quills and ink, indicating a family of learning — but his parents signed documents with a mark, like many illiterate people in Tudor England.

The other visitors murmured to one another in reverent museum whispers and nodded at the guides. I thought of how, in the late 19th century, a Birthplace custodian named Joseph Skipsey resigned his post after a few months, explaining that “not a single one of the many so-called relics on exhibition could be proved to be Shakspere’s” and that “the Birthplace itself is a matter of grave doubt.”

The power of popular faith

Efforts to preserve the property as the official Birthplace began in 1847, when it was put up for sale. In response to fears that P.T. Barnum was going to buy it and make it part of a show, a committee was formed to “save” the house for the nation, and the group began to solicit donations.

Not everyone was convinced. “The extraordinary sensation caused by the purchase of this shabby sausage-shop deserves a prominent place amongst popular delusions,” declared the 1848 Bentley’s Miscellany article . A writer for another British periodical mocked the gullibility of a nation pouring forth funds to buy a “rubbishing mass of lath and plaster in which the Poet was no more born than was the Man in the Moon himself.”

But the belief had already become an article of faith, strengthened by its own repetition. The Birthplace was a better shrine for the very absence of evidence — for the faith it required of its visitors — the publisher Charles Knight wrote at the time. That same year, the committee secured the Birthplace at auction for 3,000 pounds, worth about $323,000 today .

The “shabby sausage-shop” made an uninspiring temple. So the adjoining premises were demolished, walls moved, floorboards replaced, new doorways and staircases created. Its new stewards transformed it into the large, comfortable home of a prosperous Elizabethan family, leaving the cellar as “the only portion which remains as it was,” as the scholar Sidney Lee wrote in 1901. What emerged was less a Tudor dwelling than a Victorian imagination of one.

The committee became the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust , the group that still runs the site, and maintains its authenticity. “We know that, to the best of our current understanding, the building includes the surviving fabric of a property that is traditionally and intimately associated with Shakespeare and his family,” said a spokesman for the trust.

The trust went on to acquire more properties, including Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a thatched farmhouse where visitors are invited to “relive Shakespeare’s love story.”

A temple to baby Shakespeare

“This is the room where we believe William Shakespeare was born in April 1564,” read a sign in the Birthroom. Next to the bed stood a cradle laid out with blankets and a tiny pillow, encouraging visitors to imagine the baby genius mewling by his parents’ side. For the Victorians, the Birthroom offered the mystical possibility of contact with the poet. Visitors recorded melodramatic accounts of what they felt on entering the room: They burst into tears. They fell down. They kissed the floor. Those desiring a more extended communion spent the night.

Others were unimpressed. “If I were to allude to Stratford, it would not be in connection with the fact that Shakespeare came into the world there,” wrote the novelist Henry James after visiting. “It would be rather to speak of a delightful old house near the Avon which struck me as the ideal home for a Shakespearean scholar.”

But the fantasy is resilient. In a 2023 PBS documentary, “ Making Shakespeare: The First Folio ,” the scholar Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute, stood in the Birthplace, gushing over “the very room in which Shakespeare was born.”

I shuffled around the cradle with the other visitors, unsure of what to do. Were we supposed to genuflect? Kiss it? After an appropriate amount of staring, we moved on.

To exit, I had to pass through the gift shop, where any lingering sense of piety dissipated in a tidal wave of consumerism. Visitors were loading up on Shakespeare T-shirts, breakfast teas and tea towels. Shakespeare rubber ducks and windup toys. Shakespeare Christmas ornaments, baby onesies, tote bags and luxury chocolates. Belief is good business.

When I returned to Stratford last February, little had changed since my first visit. The Shakespeare Centre was now showing modern artists’ interpretations of the poet, including a Surrealist painting of a masked figure that suggested the mystery surrounding him. The trinket stands were still hawking their modern versions of those 18th-century mulberry tree carvings. Faith in the traditions is bound up with desire — the need to believe.

Where was “the Immortal Shakspeare” really born? Stories are usually more seductive than the truth.

Sheelagh McNeill contributed research.

Elizabeth Winkler is a journalist, a critic and the author of “ Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature .”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .