8 tips for your first time in New York City

I have to say my first trip east felt like a whirlwind. I had never seen so many people in one place before! It was amazing how different NYC looked than California - life seemed slower and more relaxed than on the west coast. The city itself is also much smaller overall, but it's such an incredible impact for its size that you can't help but marvel at all that New York has to offer when you first visit.

When visiting New York City for the first time, figuring out what is right and what is wrong can be difficult. You might think everyone has a strange accent or is speaking in a slang that only locals understand - but don't worry! I've been there too, so here are a few tips on where to start.

1. Pack comfortable shoes

If you're like me with few precious vacation days to spare, it might be tempting to fill your diary with as many sights as possible. It also means you'll have to walk a lot, as the best way to see all of New York City is on foot.

I've run a lot the last few days and I'm not kidding about these shoes. One day it even reached up to 25.000 steps! It's crazy how many people take this opportunity to snap great OOTDs, but what you wear on your feet is just as important to me - there are many beautiful sneakers on the market that will complete any outfit.

Walking is easy when you have the best shoes for it, like mine. I wore my comfy ones on a day they cut us lines to get an observatory tour of the Empire State Building by climbing 86 flights of stairs from the ground. It was so much easier than waiting in line! The next time a stroll across Brooklyn Bridge doesn't seem tempting, consider loving your feet with these babies - I promise you won't regret it!

2. Be aware of where you are going

New Yorkers are a notorious bunch, but my out-of-town experience hasn't been too shabby. In the four days that I spent here I only dealt with two people who did not allow themselves to be bothered with my questions; these were both men walking down 47th Street on their way from work mumbling about tourists standing in their way!

There is a quick fix to this, however, and it's a common etiquette in many different places around the world: Always be Right. When walking down the sidewalks or stairs, keep to the right so you don't get in anyone's way! You can avoid coming from behind too by doing this simple thing.

You won't want to miss out on admiring the beautiful architecture of these city streets. Most people forget they are here for a reason and just keep walking, but standing away from the traffic while taking photos your experience is complete!

3. Take the subway

I love taking the NYC metro. It's so easy to get around, especially if you have an unlimited pass! The best part is that instead of paying for each trip individually, which can be a bit expensive depending on where you go and how often you take the train, with this one-stop ticket for anywhere ($ 2,75) all of my trips at the It is also covered in advance at my destination station at no additional cost - I simply swipe when entering and leaving by going out or returning through one of these turnstiles, as instructed during the journey 🙂

I feel like most people don't really experience New York City unless they use public transit - and why not? It is comfortable. It also runs around the clock; So if you want to party late into the night (or early in the morning) there are plenty of options - just don't miss your stop.

A normal metro card costs a dollar and you can top up it at stations. You'll need to top them up as often as needed to last for the number of people who want to use a card (you may not be able to do this on your own). A single Metro Card is enough for 2-5 passengers, depending on where you are going in Boston. but if someone leaves early or transfers lines, then their credit goes unused.

The Unlimited Metro Card is a great investment if you plan to use the subway frequently during your visit. This was my first time in NYC, and I picked up an unlimited pass card at the Jamaica train station after getting off the JFK Airtrain.

The 7-day Unlimited Pass is $ 31 and you can travel as much as you want (even the local buses!) As long as you don't use it at the same station within minutes of each swipe. They are trying to prevent them from having someone else's 7 day card because not only is it a prepaid card, but if they did then people would save money by using other cards without paying for them! Just do the math: If you drive through the city with your passport at least twice a day during these seven days, we will save money so easily that it doesn't even feel like work anymore.

Please do not run in the subway! The platforms are so narrow that they can be dangerous. Most trains come every few minutes, but not outside of rush hour, so be sure to check train schedules if you catch a meeting. Everyone tends to wait for the next train near the head at the entrance where people head to each platform after noticing how crowded these areas get especially during rush hour while most of the other parts of each station are less crowded and more space is available - instead, go as far as you can into the section or area of ​​your desired destination before patiently waiting as everyone else is (which will help reduce the rush).

4. Learn to navigate the subway

You have decided to take the subway, good for you! Before venturing anywhere in NYC, it is best to familiarize yourself with "The State of the Country." Keep an offline map on your phone in case the subway service is poor and always keep in mind that not all trains go everywhere. So before you get on, pay attention to which train is going where. You might have seen a map like this, but don't worry if you haven't because they are pretty straightforward once broken into sections:

• Color-Coded Lines - each line represents a different route through different parts of NY;
• Number-specific stops along each station are numbered based on how far you are from these locations from Times Square or downtown.
• Letters - You will also see letters that show where each stop is, so all maps have an AZ index too!

Some stations serve many lines. In the first step, look at all the colors and see which trains run on these lines! Watch out for numbers / letters because not every train that travels on this line will reach every stop - some trains that branch off from other stops on other branches can take you there instead. Also, remember that if you study old card designs carefully enough - with video, it will be clear which direction most people will travel along each branch, depending on where they are going (the new cards have small letters or numbers next to them ).

New Yorkers have a complicated system of getting around the city. Getting from one location to another may require an UPTOWN or DOWNTOWN train depending on where your start and end locations are projected. Always open a card before leaving the house so you don't end up in traffic for hours trying to get close! So you've got lost in the big city and you don't know how to get to where you need to go. When it's over your departure station on the map, take an UPTOWN train. But if you start at the bottom, take a DOWNTOWN train!

When waiting for trains, listen carefully and pay close attention as they announce which train is coming. You can also refer to the side of the train that has the letter or number code on it so you don't accidentally get on the wrong one! It'll seem less complicated after your first try, I promise.

5. Consider tourist passes

The US has some amazing tourist passes that they can use. For example, the New York CityPASS offers discounts on attractions and transportation in the Big Apple, while the New York Pass offers access to popular museums such as MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as other perks across NYC such as discounted meals or a free ride the Empire State Building Observatory!

New York is home to many of the most famous attractions in the world. From museums and landmarks to Broadway shows and more! The New York Pass gives you access to all of these amazing experiences without worrying about limited entry times or queuing for tickets at each stop on your list. With a New York Pass, we were able to buy 3-day passes with a 20% discount - which saved us $ 20 per person per day ($ 60)… travel

Various discounts are constantly being offered on the NY Pass website every day. So when I was looking for things this city could offer me, my best friend convinced me to buy one because they are “way too cheap”.

One great thing about having access to so many events in the New York City area at the same time with NYPasses is that you can be more spontaneous and quicker rather than planning every detail in advance.

6. Find restaurants

New York is a city where you can never get enough of food and drink. If this sounds like your type of city, I recommend doing your research on what these items will cost in New York City before visiting here as they aren't cheap! It shouldn't be a problem to find something tasty everywhere; There are too many places around every corner with great dining options, including street vendors selling food for an affordable price.

If you find yourself in the Big Apple, I recommend checking out one of these popular candy spots. Favorites include the Magnolia Bakery and their banana pudding or the Momofuku Milk Bar with their famous muesli and milk ice cream. If cupcakes are more your thing - Bouchon has them, so they should be on your list!

After researching NYC's most popular dishes, I found myself in the following places: Coal-Fired Pizza at Julianna's for New York Pizza; Brooklyn Bagels and Coffee for bagels with tofu spread or smoked salmon (depending on your preference); And finally, Junior's Cheesecake to satisfy my sweet tooth. These are a must.

7. Shopping in outlet malls

On my first visit to New York City, my expectations were not met. Determined to find a bargain for clothes in one of the many thrift stores in Manhattan, I ventured into Saks Fifth Avenue expecting to see all kinds of discounted clothes for sale. To my dismay and disappointment, there was nothing but high-priced merchandise that lined the walls from floor to ceiling with no signs of advertising for seconds! New York is an expensive city and my opportunities to socialize are limited due to the lack of opportunities to burn money.

There are tax-free facilities about an hour or two away from NYC that might interest you. Here you will find offers to die for!

Woodbury Commons is a place for the elite. It's home to many high-end European brands, and it's not uncommon to find items here that cost more than $ 1000! The mall itself is 5 levels with a huge atrium on each level with its own shops selling everything from clothes to handbags to shoes. If you're looking for something cheaper, check out one of Woodbury Common's 3 department stores. Macy's, Nordstrom Rack or Sears Outlet Store, where discounts can go up to 70%.

Instead of going to New York City, head to The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. There are mostly American brands but it's still a huge mall and you couldn't get all of your shopping needs done in just one day!

You can take the NJ Transit from New York Penn Station to Newark Penn Station (about $ 5 per person per trip), then take the # 40 bus ($ 2,55 per person per trip) and you'll be right next door The Mills! You should reserve all of our purchases for this trip in advance so that there are no additional costs while looking for deals around town.

8. Have fun

That's pretty self explanatory.

The best way to experience a city is to walk the streets and experience what it feels like to be there. Take some time out while in New York City and just pause for a moment. Take a look at everyone around you, listen to their conversations as they walk past each other on the sidewalks - these moments are the reason this place has been called one of the "liveliest cities" in the world.

Enjoy!!!