Mistakes 1st Time Tourists to New York City Make
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- Heading to New York City for the first time or the fifth? Well here are some typical mistakes tourists make when they visit the Big Apple. From not using the subway to thinking New York is only midtown or not visiting Times Square, there are a number of mistakes tourists make when they visit New York, and we want to help tourists have the best time possible in New York. Tourist mistakes in New York City.
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I am blown away by Mark's consistency with his uploads over the years! You have provided so much value for the world!
Thank you. That is really nice of you. I've tried to keep up putting out at least 2 videos a week on this channel and now with the other channels trying to do the same. Thank you for noticing. Happy travels
Pro-Tip from a New Yorker: plan your day based on commuting time, not just by borough. Just because two locations are in Brooklyn doesn't mean they are that close to each other. You might have to go from Brooklyn to Manhattan back to Brooklyn. Also, make sure to double check your routes during weekends and late nights. Subway lines get shut down for repairs often. So you may need to change how you get around. You don't want to take the shuttle busses that replace the subways.
Google Maps in your best friend.
@@BKLNHobo Transit and CityMapper too
I agree with you 100% about Times Square, you should see it, especially at night. Don't eat there, don't shop there, but definitely check it out
Especially if it rains! It looks amazing in the rain with all the reflections of the various lights and neon on the wet pavement.
Why do you suggest not to eat or shop there? I'll be visiting for the first time sun and I'm trying to get all the tips I can.
@@LadyTreble because it's all national chains. Red Lobster and Century 21. Shop and eat local!!
One tip for using Uber in NYC is- sometimes if you search for a ride it might come up as say $40 but if you walk a block or two in the direction you want to go and try to get to a more central spot away from a crowd “like when the broadway plays let out” the fair might be $10 less. We did this several times and it seemed to work pretty good.
I was in New York a few years back and the mistake we made was not staying in Manhattan. Sure it's half the price and only a 20 minute bus ride into midtown from New Jersey, but if you buy something you have to carry it around with you all day. Also, sometimes you want to go rest for a few hours before you go somewhere else.
Still had a great time! We only made most of the mistakes you listed.
I once had a meeting in New Jersey and a plane departure from LaGuardia. I decided to stop off and do a few touristy things in Manhattan, and found a place that stores luggage. Major transit hubs don't have this because of fear of bombs. I expected this to be a sizable room with lockers, but it was actually a pretty small room in a walk-up apartment-like place, with a person giving you a claim ticket. I'm not one for destination shopping or impulse purchases, but would have hated to carry my luggage.
Isn’t it a bit boring staying in Manhattan tho?
Another bit of subway ettiquite I see tourists break all the time. Going up stairs and escaltors, it's like driving right lane is the slow lane (standing still) and the left is the passing lane. I see families bunch up and cause a bottleneck behind them. Enjoy and I hope you have an amazing time!
I remember a study from London underground that it can be more efficient if everybody stands on an escalator as there is less space wasted.
Here in Bangkok even there are signs in the undergrounds telling "Don't walk on escalators."
And for the love of God, step toward the middle of the car once you get on the subway! Do not stand right in the doorway unless you want everyone to hate you.
@@karrihart1 The truth is locals stand by the door blocking the entrance and then get upset 😡 if you bump into them trying to enter the train, very frustrating.
I'm one of those people who likes to walk up escalators and often get blocked and if I say excuse me I get reluctance and dirty looks. It is also not feasible to walk up/down escalators during rush hour.
@@babsr8479 Oh I know locals do this too, and it’s super frustrating because they of all people should know better. And I say this as a local.
Subway was such fun .. got off on wrong stops so often but saw so much we didn’t anticipate plus it was like a movie seeing all the weird people and things they do .. we’re from New Zealand small town and it was an eye opener.. loved every minute of our subway ride day. P.S we were very conscious of not staring or standing out in any way and yes we were used to walking and you really need to have good shoes! We loved the New York people who were so friendly and wanted to chat to us when they found out we were from New Zealand. Favourite city in the US so far!
On the toilet tips, from a native New Yorker here- if you're near Columbus Circle, there's free and clean public toilets on the 2nd floor there. Otherwise, in a pinch a Starbucks, which are all over the place in the city, is a good bet for a bathroom. Also some hotels have bathrooms on the lobby floor you can pretty easily get to. Just play it cool and look like you're staying there and you'll probably be fine. With a bit of street smarts, you'll survive the city ;)
Good ideas! My rule is not to pass up a restroom opportunity when presented. You will regret in soon thereafter if you do! Bryant Park, Grand Central, Pier 11 ferry, Atlantic/Pier 6 ferry stop, ON all NYC ferries, public library branches, Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods, Target are some others that crossed my mind. Definitely known where to go! Or ask someone that appears local;)
@@karalynne7616 💯💯💯
Don't forget about the Staten Island Ferry. Excellent views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and South Manhattan. No ticket necessary, one of the best free things to do in New York City!
When you take the Staten Island ferry, don’t just turn around and go right back. Spend a little bit of time in Staten Island. No, there is not very much to see you there, which is why you only need about an hour or so, but don’t skip it over as a, kind of find it insulting that people just skip over it. There is an outlet mall right next to the ferry terminal, you can catch a minor-league baseball game, and there is little Sri Lanka that you could visit.
Not being used to walking is also just a tip for Americans . As a German it was no problem for me to walk all day long in NYC but it was always very hard for me to cross the street if I saw red light...
We all have our pros and cons 😀
Missing out on the Staten Island Ferry:
- It’s free (nice to save some money for once)
- It runs 24/7 (jet lag? Who cares - take in the sunrise or the city lights at night)
- good view of the Skyline and Statue of Liberty
Thanks for another great video, Mark. Super thankful to have your guidance on my trips
1:38 taking the subway (& public bus) is an experience by itself. I live in a big city and have experienced subways in many major cities but NYC is surely the most complex. I also saw some of the most interesting people or events during my subway ride.
7:03 locals everywhere tend to be helpful not just in NYC. The key is to be polite and smile.
9:20 trying to do too much. I fully agree because you will be spending a lot of time at the queue. Moreover many of the attractions are huge. For example, Natural History Museum & The Met need a full day or two.
These are awesome tips!! If you are planning a visit to New York and you’re going to be visiting for awhile, there’s quite a few things you can do in upper Manhattan as well and you won’t have the crowds. I visited High Bridge park in Washington Heights for the first time this year because I wanted to see and go inside their High Bridge Tower and walk The High Bridge which is the oldest bridge in Manhattan. I really enjoyed that and if you like greenery, you can visit in the summer when all the trees are bloomed. The park is also an 18 minute walk to the Morris-Jummel mansion which is the oldest house in Manhattan. To put icing on the cake, you are also not far from the George Washington Bridge which just redid their North Walk walkway (they also have The Little Red Lighthouse which is directly under the bridge that you can visit). There is also Fort Tyron Park which has The Met Cloisters. All of this is accessible if you take the A train uptown. Enjoy your trip to New York. 😁
Great Video. Thank you for posting.
I'm originally from NY and always tell people who want to visit NY to pick their top items to do, then plan how to do those - the city is too big to do it all, especially in one trip! I also suggest staying where you're going to explore - if that's mostly downtown, stay there; if most of what you want to do and see is in midtown, stay there. The city isn't going anywhere, so don't exhaust yourself trying to do it all - plan to go back and enjoy your time by doing things at a pace you can appreciate things!
A Thai lady and her husband were coming up in February she contacted me to meet them to take them around. She wanted to visit at least a Japanese restaurant, a Korean restaurant. a Thai restaurant, Central Park, the Met Museum, Statue of Liberty walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Her day of arrival (they currently live in Virginia) they would go to a Broadway show then leave two days later in the mid afternoon. I called her up and told her it's not doable. I made some changes, met them in front of the New York Stock Exchange close to where they were staying. Then took them to have pictures taken by the Big Bull. Showed them where the Statue of Liberty ferry is located so when they return in the future they can go get a ticket. But I took them on the free Staten Island ferry where they were able to pass in front of the Statue of Liberty.
After that we did a lot of walking so they were wearing good walking shoes. We headed over the Brooklyn Bridge. Stopped at Front Street Pizza had a pizza and tea. Then visited Emily Roebling Plaza then Pier 1 Brooklyn Bridge Park. Then took the NYC ferry to E. 34 St. Took the free shuttle bus to Madison Ave & E. 50 St. Visited Urban Hawker, a food place with different Asian cuisine mostly Singaporean where they had a light meal. Then over to the East Village to Somtum Der where they serve Isan Thai specialty foods. Then called it a night. Their feet were too tired to even visit Central Park after all the walking. The other advice is if they know someone from NYC best to ask for advice how to shorten times like not lining up to go to Liberty Island and taking the ferry back to Manhattan without having to do a long walk to catch the train back to Manhattan after visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park. That area is very hilly to walk to catch the subway at Clark Street or High Street.
Wolter you rock man. I love your video. Relatively short and packed with important information. Kudos to you
As a born and raised New Yorker rule number 1 Don't stand in the middle of the sidewalk to have a conversation or look at the sights move to the side and get out the way. Thank you
happy to say we learned about all this before our first visit and it made the whole trip so much more relaxing
This is after going there
Agree 100% with your comments Mark 👍
Hey Mark, awesome video
Great video Mark
You are so right about using The NYC Subway. I was born and raised in The UK so I use the London Underground whenever I am in our capital. Once you have learned how to use the metro system in one city you can use them in any city in the world. And you are so right about tipping in NYC. I learned that the hard way at the end of the one and only taxi ride I took in NYC. I didn't have the money to tip him and he got so frustrated. From that moment on I used the subway. And it was cheaper so it was a win anyway.
Excellent! Your tips are perfect. I’ve been to NYC many times and your suggestions will make for an outstanding trip. Especially - don’t drive into the city! And plan your day and be ready to walk. A lot. It’s worth every step!
Thank you for this video. I see tourist always mess up on the subway and see them get scammed all the time. I think this will help people a lot
Great video, thanks from Geneva
In my top 3 cities I love ❤️
You are spot on with your information 😊 I want to go back now after seeing your video. ❤
Visited a friend there, once.
New Yorkers are *nice*. They'll help.
They're just not *polite*.
It's a bigger difference than you'd think on the face of it! More authenticity there, than in other places.
100% agree with a lot of this. One thing that’s stood out was wear some good comfortable shoes. When we went after 4 days I could hardly walk as my feet in a lot of pain 😂. Ended up going to buy a nice comfortable pair whilst I was there which helped but still very painful. Definitely get some good foot wear before visiting 👍👍
Most tourists spend their whole time in the vicinity of Times Sq and many go when the weather is awful. Get up to Harlem and the South Bronx and do it at the height of summer 🔥
Good advice. The Bronx Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit. They often have special exhibits. The Metropolitan Museum has free days; I believe each first Thursday of the month.
6:50 if you arent comfortable doing risky crossings, i suggest going down the street to the middle and crossing behind all the stopped traffic. doesnt work ont he big avenues but its pretty good for filtering, esp when walking at a diagonal
My husband and I are going next Monday through Friday. Thank you for the tips 😊 funny thing about other bloggers who say dont bother with times square, we're staying at the margaritaville hotel in times square, so we have no choice lol love your videos ❤
I’ve always wanted to go to New York, its such a staple of world culture!
As a first time viewer, and under the assumption you don't live here in the city, bravo! This is an impressive list. All good advice!
Just a week out from going to NYC for a week - perfect timing!!
You actually don't need a metro card! You can pay with your debit/credit card if it has the tap feature.
lol i live a train ride away from nyc. just went this past weekend with my cousin for an eating tour. chinese, french, italian, korean, and japanese. while i feel like we didn't go that far, we still ended up walking 5 miles! we were amazed by that because it didn't feel like it, but then the eating probably distracted us 😉😂
It amazes me how many people don’t check the weather every day. We have the technology that tell us what will happen - why wouldn’t you take advantage?
Just went on my first trip to NYC, loved it. Took the subway a lot. At one point there was a weirdo in our train car, so we switched cars at the next station. No big deal.
When he says about shoes he’s absolutely right. I visited New York for the first time back in October and legit did 40k steps every day I was there
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ GREAT JOB ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved visiting new york and all the tourist traps
As a native New Yorker, I agree with your points, Mark.
Excellent video!!! And I would just add, in addition to the subway, the NYC buses are a great way if you just need to go a few blocks or even longer distances. For instance the M15 will take you from South Ferry up Water Street through Chinatown to the LowerEast side and ultimately the UN. It's the same price as the subway and WAY cheaper than the double deckers which take the exact same routes in many cases. Tourists should get the unlimited weekly $34 Metrocard because even if you're only here for 3-4 days it will pay for itself with the getting on and off the trains and buses! and YES to comfortable shoes .. we have a saying .. in NY, your shoes are your car!
All good points! Use the public transportation, everyone! Your feet will thank you AND you will see more. You simply cannot get around this city without walking, even with the public transit. Plan to walk many miles every day. Yep shoes = car haha. And believe me, we actually wear through our soles, that's how we know it's time for a new pair!!
Luckily I booked our trip to New York City in October yesterday… yeah 🎉
I have visited New York City multiple times and it’s a great city to live and work.
As always thank you Mark…all on point. Especially with subway etiquette and stopping short on the sidewalk during morning rush hour. As a local I can tell you it steams me especially when we’re trying to get to work. Oh and I’m reference to subway please please take your bookbags off when you get on the train. Trains at all times in Manhattan or sometimes full and we need every ounce of space we can and your bookbag hitting me is annoying.
Thank you Cynthia. I'm trying to get the word out 😀
The customs officers at EWR & JFK.
Due to New York kinda being the first point of entry means they are a bit stricter.
Went through EWR in 2017. They asked about more than LAX did the following year...
Listen to Professor Wolters about the walking.
The first two times I visited NYC I was in college and also 21 and 22.
It was very different when I went back and I was 45!!
The first day we were there we walked all over Manhattan and the next morning I had to send my wife to get Bengay and Ibuprofen.
I was in agony and we had to take taxis for two days.
Ouch!!! I feel that pain my friend. Believe me.
My mother rolled her ankle on Mt Tremblant, so when we got to Ottawa, we had to take a taxi just to go a couple blocks
Hilarious! I'm always popping to the loo before heading to the next step of our day!
Really helpful as we start to plan our NYC trip. Any suggestions on where NOT to stay?
So true on the weather. My wife and I spent the third week of June 2003 in Manhattan and it was 101 F as late as 10:30 at night. We were crazy enough to walk from our hotel near the Ed Sullivan theater down to the battery in that heat and humidity (something only architects would do), but gladly took the subway back afterward. CZcamsr Drew Binsky recently did a video on Queens noting that it is the most diverse place on Earth. So I've made the mistake of not yet leaving Manhattan except for the airports, and I will definitely make it a point to get to Queens and Brooklyn. On CBS Sunday morning they showed a small club in Brooklyn where Lester Holt plays bass; I wonder if he still plays there.
There was a heatwave there from June 24-30, 2003. Then it rained the rest of the summer.
Love this channel -
This was a great list
I would say as a local one thing you certainly want to do when going to Museums -
Is to inquire about suggested donation they usually will say it and you don’t have to pay that sometimes suggested donation for art museums can be 25 dollars easily you can pay and no one will scowl at you just don’t pay in Pennies- you can give a few dollars and that’s just fine .
Speaking of walking distances, my last year's NYC trip was basically to scratch an itch of all the places I missed before. Sadly they all were like 1 subway station or less apart, so we ended up walking everywhere - from northern Central Park, zig-zagging all the way to Battery Park. At the airport I was kinda tired, so I checked my smart watches. IDK how precise they actually are, but they told me in the last 50 hrs I walked 60 km (37 miles)! Poor wife... :D
It's disappointing to see tourists going into chain restaurants in NY like TGIF Fridays, just because they are familiar. There are so many unique food options that may be the best meal of your trip if you just do a little bit of research and are willing to step out of your comfort zone to enjoy excellent authentic food (eg Chinatown, Jackson Heights, Harlem). And if you can afford it, splurge on a fancy restaurant booked in advance (11 Madison, Le Bernardin).
Another observation deck mistake: thinking you need to visit one. I did previously, but on my last visit, I spend my money on a cocktail at Overstory and enjoyed the „free“ view - maybe not quite as good, but excellent value for money and very nice at night
Me as a native New Yorker watching this 😂😂
When you go eat in Chinatown be sure to take cash. I forgot to do that. I was with a Thai tourist who ended up paying for our meal. The waiter pointed to a sign at the register that states "cash only." I did go to a Chase ATM right after and withdraw some cash but she refused to take the money. Anyway the meal came up to around $15. Meals can be cheap in Chinatown.
Good restroom advice. The unofficial city motto is "Restroom for paying customers ONLY". I would also add that you should know the difference stops between local and express trains.
i love New York City..........
Subway is ok - but traveling on the subway during the weekend is crazy all the regulars routes change there is a MTA you can download but just a heads up. They are always doing maintenance on the subway during the weekend so that can be a challenge .
Loved the tips here! We are planning a summer getaway to VT, NH and ME. But on our way back to FL, we are thinking of taking the train into NYC for one day (about 8 hours). We were thinking $1 pizza slices for lunch (I mean we have to, it's Dan's 1st time here and we are limited on time).
What would you recommend us seeing in the little time that we would have? All needs to be walking distance from Amtrak Station and hopefully something we can at least do a short vlog on. Thanks!
If you have such a short amount of time, stick to the major areas. Penn station is right in the middle of everything Midtown has to offer. It’s practically right next to the Empire State building, then after you get done with the Empire State building walk up fifth Avenue until you reach Central Park, Then hit up Central Park and do those things, then, after that grab the subway, or walk down eighth Avenue and head to Times Square. You probably will not have time to do a museum in eight hours. I recommend spending at the very minimum two days there.
"The $1 Pizza Slice Becomes The Latest Victim of Inflation: 'World Done' 2 Bros. Pizza, a chain famous in New York for its greasy, one-buck slices, announced that it will now be selling pizza slices for $1.50. By Emily Rella • Mar 23, 2023 Getty Images 2 Bros. Pizza in New York City"
Cost of pizza went up a few days ago. I think you would have luggage so that could be an impediment walking around. There is a ferry boat on the west side of Manhattan close to the Lincoln Tunnel on 11th Avenue. There is a free bus that makes stops in midtown that go there. The cost is $4. It takes you down to the battery in lower Manhattan. That's good only if you're too tired walking around. Then you can sit above at the top of the ferry in the open and see the skyline.
* after checking for cars when crossing the street, also check for red-light running bicyclists. Also, Statue Of Liberty visit is a half-day long event.
Have a plan, and don't try to do too much in a short time. I'm a big museum guy. You could literally spend a whole day at the Met. So don't think you'll see it all if you only plan an hour there.
And I would suggest maybe having a focus. Are you mainly into food? Parks? Monuments? Museums? Walking tours? Bars?
If you do decide to drive into NYC, do yourself a favor and park at Port Authority Bus Terminal. It's less than a block from the Lincoln Tunnel and connects directly to the Subway. It's especially easy to do if you make sure you're in the rightmost lane in the Lincoln Tunnel.
Thanks David!
Love NYC! I purposefully fly out of JFK and hang out in NYC for a day or two every time I go to Europe.
One situation I found in New York..(year 2000)..was on a bus tour - double decker open top bus...Was a water balloon landed near where I was sitting (top deck),with quite an impact.....I was wondering if that's a common thing with thoes open top double decker tour busses 🤔...
If they are not in a hurry New Yorkers love to tell you about the best places to eat or to see( when you ask.)There are so many great places to eat. One of my favorites was an Afghani restaurant.
Mark, native NYer here. Don't go to the Statue of Liberty: the BEST view of it is from the Staten Island Ferry, which is much, much cheaper. Easy to do after visiting, say, Wall St. or other lower Manhattan site. Great tips re: the City!
I disagree the best view is from SI ferry, definitely best FREE view, though! I would highly recommend a tourist (and local?) to visit Liberty & Ellis Islands once if given chance. Get crown tickets, really cool! But be aware of small spiral staircase to top. It freaked me out a little, but worth it in my opinion:)
Edited to add>> definitely DO take the SI ferry ride both directions, BUT get off and stay for an hour! Don't do that quick-turn around. Walk along the water, take in the view of lower Manhattan, see the 9/11 memorial, support a business (buy something! My favorite is baked goods from Bake Culture). Anyway, have fun!!
@@karalynne7616 Exactly, I did the same. The SI ferry offers so much photoshoot angles . And being on Staten Island you can relax , take a nice walk and enjoy the views of downtown Manhattan
Honestly i would do the Highline as it might not give the best view it is a view down some really nice streets and you can rest. Brooklyn bridge is beyond crowded so really use it only if needed.
huge tip do not buy anything at times square as its way too expensive instead go just a couple streets over and boom you hit Koreatown. Chinatown on the lower east side, SOHO, NOHO, the fashion District, basically anywhere but Times Square. also avoid Madison square park for now as most of the park is under a huge renovation and like a single path is open through the park. I believe that will be finished around summer 2023. the Bowery is ok just its more for the restaurant supply stores although they do have some good deals on clothing and shoes.
Good, do one about picky travelers
Here's a little secret. New Yorkers also go to Times Square. We like Broadway shows etc. Now we may not visit the kitschy shops or chain restaurants but New Yorkers definitely do not avoid it as much as they let on.
take the staten island ferry day or night or both, it's free and has some of the most incredible views of nyc
If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, skip over Little Italy in Manhattan and check out Arthur Ave in the Bronx
great advice, sending a tourist to crime ridden bronx. how about some housing projects as well? cmon bro.
my biggest blunder was not reading how to get to the Brooklyn Bridge…i tried winging it while killing time in the city and couldn’t find how to get on to the bridge and ended up just going back the way i came
Love your videos, been watching for years. Life long Queens native of 51 years, so I know what I'm talking about! Is NYC as dangerous as it was in the 1980s/early 90s when I was a fearless niave kid/teenager/young adult exploring the city? Well, that's a tricky answer. Back in the bad ole days, crime was really condensed into certain areas of Central/North Bk, South Queens, most of the Bx and mostly upper Manhattan. Why? That's where the crack epidemic was hitting hardest. In black/hispanic low income areas. Drug dealers, gangs, you name it. But it was easy to avoid. The problem in 2023 is street crime is absolutely so random on any street in any borough. I live in what is considered the safer part of NYC in outer Queens past LaGuardia airport near Long Island, and we've never had gun violence, car jackings, home invasions and random street robberies like we've had since 2020 and the BLM riots. The main reason is criminals have no fear of getting caught or watched by the NYPD. The NYPD is no longer aggressively policing. It's not worth it to them. Risking another George Floyd type incident. So my advice to any tourist is...well, do the touristy things!!!! Stay in midtown or downtown Manhattan. Only take crowded subways and during the day. If you are out at night, make sure it's crowded. DO NOT venture off the beaten path. And I really wouldn't advise venturing into any of the other boroughs where most native NYers live because the criminal element is well hidden in those areas and is more likely to target a tourist. As in most cities, the locals quickly can identify someone who isn't from the area. And this especially goes for the outer boroughs of NYC. Stay safe folks.
Lol I’m def a noticeable tourist. A lot people helped me and spoke to me to have convos. Most are very nice especially 42nd street.
NYC also has world class sport teams, ballet, opera, beaches, gardens and zoos! If you need a break for the hustle and bustle.
I'm visiting NYC in September 🗽 still debating whether to visit either the Botanical gardens in Brooklyn or the Bronx ⛲🌺🌵
@@C--A I've never been to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The NY Botanical Garden in the Bronx is 250 acres and has a tram that runs around the garden and gives a good overview of the garden including the old growth forest. It is adjacent to the Bronx Zoo. It is near an old NY neighborhood, Arthur Ave. I've only driven there so public transportation could be a deciding factor in your choice. It's easy to drive to the zoo, the garden and Arthur Ave as they are very close to each other but I don't know about the walking distances since the zoo and garden are very large. However, Uber does make everything easier.
Have fun in NYC!
One mistake that I see always try the lirr from from the airport take the airtrain go to Jamaica then take the train peen st are no grand st it’s a good option very good video
I saw public toilets in lower Manhattan, but there were so many people that I wouldn’t use it. Always use it before leaving your hotel. Also, I found it cheaper to stay over in Jersey and take the ferry to Manhattan and over to Brooklyn. Only 5-8 minute ride. Plus it’s beautiful in the evening. Lastly, do not go to chain restaurants like Olive Garden, McDonald’s, Dominos, etc…! Eat at restaurants that you wouldn’t find in your state. Let your palate explore different flavors of food and drinks instead of the same old thing you’d find in your state.
Crossing against the light, beware of the Bus Lane! Car traffic might be stopped but the bus lanes can be wide upen
My biggest mistake in NY was - not heading to Penn station and not boarding next Amtrak to anywhere to explore that country.
Yes use the bathroom when you are in the restaurant or tourist site. You cannot get a free pass to the bathroom by just stopping in… buy food or drink then they give you the code to enter the bathroom. Department stores you can stop by and not buy.
Thanks for all the comments!
First 2 out of 3 tips. Prepare to walk and dont be afraid to use public transportation....laughs in London!
Great video, thanks!
The lack of toilets in NYC is shocking. Also places to sit indoors where you don't have to spend money.
Times Square is great to see just before midnight - they do a light show that any tourists interested in seeing Times Square should go see, at it starts just before midnight - you have to look up to see it - it is worth it, at least once in your lifetime. It's also fun to watch people in Times Square. Just realize Times Square is not something to spend a lot of time in - go see it, then move on to other things!
Thanks for the final point. I get so annoyed with travel blogs etc talking down to people who choose to go to certain tourist attractions etc.
I’ts my hard earned money I’m spending on the trip so I’ll go wherever I want, no matter how tacky the ‘experts’ say it is
Exactly.
Statue of Liberty book your tickets months in advance. If you you can’t get tickets for your trip ride the Staton Island Ferry ( FREE) runs practically all day and night and great views of the Lady Liberty. If you get a ticket to walk up the base of the statue, Be Prepared it’s not a short walk and elevator is only for Emergency
If I'm ever stopping in a sidewalk, I try to stand as close to a pole or something as possible, since it's already something taking up space, and I feel less intrusive since people are walking around it anyway?
New York is an incredibly safe city. You’re probably safer here than you are in London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, etc
😂 Hong Kong, Would never compare Hong Kong safety with NY. HK is top !!!
safe? let me drive you around at night
GREAT video. Im in the UK and I'll be visiting NYC in September with my dad as part of a 16 day US trip, it's my 40th birthday in July so I wanted to do a trip this year to celebrate that. We are starting in Seattle then flying to philly and then getting an amtrak train to NYC.
Great advice on planning and using public transport, as soon as we get there I'm going to get a 7day unlimited card for the subway, I've also made lists of things we want to see and do, the hard part is doing the itinerary, I.e. grouping things together and what to do at the same time so we don't waste time travelling etc. We want to go to coney island for example and I know that's quite far out so I know that will be a good half day out minimum, same with a statue of liberty tour, I want to go to the island, see the museum etc so that will be another half day I think. Do you have any tips that could help me?
Also, what is the weather generally like September time in NYC? it will be mid September when we are there, I'm just hoping we get some nice weather.
I would advise you to get a small container of pepper spray after you arrive. You can't buy it in NY but you can in most other states. Typically sold at Dicks Sporting Goods. Most Americans are now carrying it for safety reasons, especially women.
I’m in my 50’s I don’t carry pepper spray or had a reason to use it in all the times I visited NYC. When I visit my kids and myself ride the subway in the day and use cabs at night. I’m too worn out at the end of the day to walk to the subway station. Use the Hop on Hop off bus tours and buy the tickets from the company, not street vendors. Statue of Liberty, but your tickets now don’t pick the day you arrive. Be prepared for the great many steps if you walk up the pedestal, not a small feat. Fantastic museum in the pedestal! Great views! Book a first morning ticket if you only want to do half a day and include the island. Ride on top of boat at the back to get great selfie with our lady.
Oh I do carry a baggie of sanitizer wipes in my purse, bathrooms are not always as clean as you would like. Hand sanitizer is a must in any big city. Don’t eat from the street vendors since you are not from here. Bottled water is a great thing to buy from street carts.
In Philly the buses are fantastic way to get around. You can get an unlimited day pass for I think $5 per person. Beautiful Scottish and Irish statues near the Hilton just opposite of New Jersey. Chinatown is a short walk away from the Liberty Bell. Check out the parks they are beautiful.
@@magamaga1827 If you a NYC native feel unsafe scared to walk the streets without pepper spray then fair enough.
I'm visiting NYC in September 🗽 I'm from Glasgow Scotland (Google it if you didn't study at school) one of the roughest cities in Europe!
I'm certainly not going to be armed with pepper spray 🤦🏾♂️ or scared to walk in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens day & night 🚶🏾♂️
Don’t assume all pizza places are created equally, they definitely aren’t! Also, if possible go to a sporting event, it’s worth the money even if the team is not having a good season, sports are a huge part of New York culture.
I once had a dude try to sell me a bag of live shrimp for $50 on the subway. Such an interesting place
GreAt video. I live here. Do take the subway. Do plan on walking. Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk, don’t stop at the top of a staircase or escalator. Don’t take up the whole sidewalk. It is a fantastic and safe place. We have a lot lower crime rate than many places. Have fun. We do love tourists. And don’t forget to go to the theater. Not cheap, but so worth it
You forgot don't pay a tip at a restaurant or bar unless you got good service by the person serving you 👌🏾
And give the tip in cash 💵 only to the person that gave you the good service 😉
Is it a bad idea to go to NYC on 12/31? There's a concert I want to go to but I'm kinda worried it will be crazy
I want to go to bermuda because lot different than it was in the 90s bermuda
Want to see the Statue of Liberty, but don't want to spend the money? Take the absolutely free Staten Island Ferry, board it and go upstairs then outside once you're on, to the right side of it. You'll see the Statue, and the best view of Lower Manhattan. You do need to exit it once you get to Staten Island, but you can loop around and get right back on and repeat, this time on the left.
Two observations: I used Megabus to go to NYC and it was convenient and cheap. I'll use it again.
Did anybody else notice how much louder Mark speaks at an American site versus a European site? I guess he's adjusting to the local expectations. 😀
New York City is very noisy, he’s probably just talking around the noise of his environment. His audio control is pretty good, he seems to lower the city noise in his editor pretty well.
I went to NYC in 2007 for a couple of weeks from the UK, and we got a Megabus to Philly because I wanted to go to the Eastern State Penitentiary. It was only a few dollars for the bus, great value!
Also NYC isn't only just Manhattan there 4 other bourogs you can explore like the Bronx Queens Brooklyn Staten island there so much more to see in Nyc
NY native here, checking out this video to see if he gets us right, (he did) he's probably right about other vacation spots, do check out Times Square, just do NOT spend any money there, you will get ripped off.
Do you have tips for going with an older toddler? We have a travel stroller that folds up fairly easily for the subway but trying to decide if we should bring a wearable carrier instead or in addition?
Both are fine. Just remember that trains will be packed and strollers take up space. Plus going through the turnstiles with them can be a chore.
We'd go into the city often when our kids were small, took the small stroller and it worked pretty good even in the subways. However, the carrier is easier at times like getting thru the subway turnstile, going up steps (which happens a lot). With the stroller you will be picking it up over things or carrying to get past tricky spots. The stroller was nice for helping carrying things, letting the kid sleep, etc. Probably can't use the carrier in museums. Either will work fine, but nothing is perfect for every situation.