Don't hire a car
Unless your planning to drive out of town then do not hire a car. The city is walkable or easily accessible via public transport, more on that in a second.
Go and visit Times Square first.
My first city recommendation, go visit Times Square first. I'll admit it's not my favourite tourist attraction but the bright lights at night make it a tourist favourite. Once you've done it you can cross it off your list. But please, whatever you do, don't eat in Times Square, food is overpriced and don't give money to the street buskers. Ensure you keep your personal possessions close by at all times. Apart from that enjoy the crossroads of the world.
Tipping is important
The hospitality industry lives off tips. If eating out double the tax and leave the amount as a tip. In bars leave a dollar per drink to ensure you receive good service.
Don't eat at chain restaurants
Support local businesses, independent restaurants. Most will offer good food and great service to help win back your custom.
Visit the other boroughs of New York City
Don't just spend your time on Manhattan visit the other boroughs, do your research, the other boroughs offer various cultural experiences from international eateries to communities of cultures from around the world A visit to the other boroughs will enhance your US travel and your trip to New York City.
Take the Staten Island Ferry
It's free and offer wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty. Disembark at Staten Island to rejoin the ferry for breathtaking views of lower Manhattan on the return trip.
99 cents Pizza exists
But remember it is 99 cents for a reason and it will usually be the plain cheese topping, any other toppings will be little more expensive
Do not jaywalk
Cross at traffic signals, it is safer and legal.
Don't block the sidewalks
Whilst looking up at the skyscrapers and the various sights of New York is tempting, don't block the sidewalks, you'll cheese off the locals. Step to the side, let others pass and then by all means take your time to soak up the marvellous sights.
New Yorkers are not rude
They will be the first people to assist you if you needed help. They will offer their experience and say hello. Yes, they may be in a hurry but New York City is a fast moving city, respect the locals and they will be the first to help you.
Need a bathroom?
Make sure you take advantage of the restaurant or cafe you are in. Bathrooms in restaurants are for patrons only and they will stick to the rule. There are free bathrooms in big stores or train stations, not the cleanest but if you have to go, you have to go.
Buy a 7 day Metrocard
If your in the city for more than 3 days and you intend to use NYC mass transit, buses and subway then buy the 7 day Metrocard is $33 or staying longer, get the monthly Metrocard, $127. These are the latest price at time of writing April 29th. A single ride on a bus or subway is $2.75 so therefore if you are in town for a few days you can see the benefit.
Airtrain at JFK
Here is a good tip from Geoff. The JFK Airtrain has gone up to $7.75 which is annoying but not widely known is that there is a 10 ride ticket for 25 dollars which can be used for up to 4 people or for multiple trips.
Take the ferry
From Graeme Patrick. From Travel tip for you. We walked 9 miles from midtown to Brooklyn over the Bridge. We discovered ferry from below Brooklyn heights to E34th St which took 30mins and cost $2.75 and got us back to midtown with nice views from the East River.
Save money, get the train from Newark Liberty to Manhattan - Don’t get a cab.
Don’t get a cab from Newark Airport in New Jersey. Instead getting the NJ Transit train from Newark International Airport into Penn Station, Manhattan. Remember to get off the train at Penn Station, Manhattan, not Penn Station, Newark. Getting the train in is a fraction of the price of a cab. Fare prices and details here https://www.newarkairport.com/to-from-airport/air-train
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