Heading to NYC? Here’s some useful tips to help guide you through the city.
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
NYC is one of the greatest places in the world and one of the most traveled to cities. I lived in Soho for a year and fell in love with the city and New Yorkers. They’re honest, direct, cool and will always help you out if needed. I eventually moved back to LA for work, but still visit as much as I can. The Big Apple attracts over 60 million tourists each year, and while it’s exciting to experience the grandness of NYC, it’s also important to take a few precautions. So here’s a few tips I learned during my time there that will help make your trip smooth and hassle free.
SUBWAYS
Download subway maps and maps of the city to your phone so you don’t need data or cell service to use them.
While waiting for the subway or train, don’t stand too close to the platform. For one, people will need to get out before you can board so you need to make room for them. Two, people have fallen on the tracks before, so don’t be that person.
There are free apps like Transit you can download that will guide your every move. It will tell you which subways to take to get to your location. Screenshot the directions so if you lose service you still know where you’re going. There are a few different apps, so research the one that’s best for you.
If a station is marked with a poll topped with a green ball outside, you can buy a MetroCard inside; if a station is marked with a role topped with a red ball, you need to already have a MetroCard to enter.
If you get a seat on the subway, great. If an elderly, pregnant or disabled person is on the subway, please give your seat up to them.
Do not lean on the poles inside the subways. When you do that, it makes it harder for other people to hold onto the pole.
There will be performers inside the subway station playing music or trying to entertain you in some way. It’s your choice if you want to tip or not. Same goes with people performing on the train.
CABS
Tip at least 15 to 20 percent.
If you’re having a hard time hailing a cab, which can be super challenging when it rains or if it’s rush hour, try to make your way to a to hotel that has people calling cabs for guests/visitors of the establishment. Or call an Uber/Lyft.
Be as specific as you can with telling the cab driver where you want to go. Always try to have the cross street.
Most drivers don’t like to engage in conservation, so don’t take it personal.
Always exit the cab curbside—safety first.
Never take a ride with someone who approaches you in person. This happens a lot at NYC airports. A driver will be standing inside the airport as people exit baggage claim asking if they need a ride. They’ll take you to a black car usually and oftentimes there’s a meter. However, you will be grossly overcharged. This is a popular scam in the city so beware.
STREET SMART
There are several places you can store your luggage or bags while you wander the city starting around $10/day (this is great if you can’t check into your accommodations right away, or if you shop a little too much and don’t have time to drop bags off). To compare prices and locations click here.
Keep your purse over your shoulder and in front of your body, and your wallet in your front pocket to avoid opportunistic pickpockets.
Bars are open until 4am, and many diners are open 24/7.
Bathrooms are hard to find, so download an app that can point you to the nearest public facility.
If you ever feel unsafe and are alone, you can pop into a bar or restaurant if it’s late, or look for doormen in residential buildings. They can help you out.
Download the “Noonlight” app if you do happen to be walking alone late at night. You keep your finger on the button until you feel safe, and as soon as you release your finger, you have to enter a code or police will automatically be sent to your location.
Keep location tracking and “find my phone” services on at all times.
Pickpockets are everywhere in New York. Beware of scams such as the overly friendly dog walkers who distract you while someone walks off with your purse. Subways are another place to be careful of so hold on to your bags and don’t let them out of your sight.
Fake goods are another popular scam. You’ll find street vendors in places like Fifth Avenue and Grand Central Station. They’ll tell you they’re selling genuine Tiffany items that may seem like the real thing, but aren’t. If it looks too good to be true, you can assume you’re probably better off buying it in a store rather than from someone on the street.
CENTRAL PARK
Seems obvious, but don’t go at night, especially if you don’t know you’re way around. Go in a group if possible.
Watch out for the bikers and don’t walk in their way.
Please don’t take the horse carriage rides in the park. The horses are abused and everyone but the tourists know it. They are forced to stand in the streets for hours in extreme weather conditions, fight their way through traffic and have no access to shade or water. Their stable conditions are also terrible. So please, don’t contribute to the problem. If people didn’t take the carriage rides, this service wouldn’t be offered. Walk around the park or take a guided tour.