Any good tips for visting NYC?

Answer 1

1. Keep track of your wallet at ALL times
2. Don't fall for any scams when people come up to you.
3. Have a plan of what you want to see before you get there.
4. Don't walk alone at night by yourself.
5. Have fun and enjoy whatever you do.

Answer 2

Learn to use the subway. The NYC subway system is very simple, compared to the subways in most other major cities. All the lines run pretty much north-south or east-west. Get a map and use the subway to get around - it's the fastest and cheapest way to get around. If you'll be in NYC for at least a few days, it's worth getting an unlimited weekly metrocard which will give you unlimited access to the subways and buses for 7 days. Avoid crosstown buses because they are so slow. Also member the direction that a few streets run to tell which way you're going. For example, 5th Avenue always runs from north to south - so if you're on 5th Avenue, the direction that the cars are going is south (downtown). Once you know where south is, then you can easily figure out north, east and west and you can work out which direction you need to walk.

Answer 3

Take a good pair of shoes, you will be doing lots of walking.
Have a good map (Pop-Out maps are excellent)
Have an itinerary worked out for each day
Make use of the subway, its cheap and efficient

Make sure your shuttle ride to the airport departs about 4 hours before take off - traffic en route to the airports can build up a lot

Take a guidebook so you can find out about the places you visit
If you have a very sunshiny day, Central Park is a real treasure
Visit some stylish New York cafes - lovely places
Don't be afraid to talk to the locals - New Yorkers are v friendly

Answer 4

- Use the subway, and don't be afraid to ask folks directions. Contrary to TV, New Yorkers LOVE to share their insights about how to get around and what to see. Ask others who look "local" on the subway platforms or the street how to get where you want to go.

- For a CHEAP evening entertainment, take the Staten Island Ferry from Battery Park to Staten Island and back in the evening (30 mins each way, total trip 90 minutes or so). You get to see the Statue of Liberty and the downtown skyline lit up at night for FREE. Pick up some snacks and/or drinks (alcohol is okay on the boat) for the trip and relax. Way better than paying big bucks for a commercial tour. (1,4,5, R or W train)

- If you are planning to visit soon, and the weather is nice, check out the Bronx Zoo. It is beautiful and much more enjoyable at this time of year without loud, annoying school groups and day camps.

- Take a stroll down to the WTC site, and pick up bargains at the Century 21 department store across the street afterwards.

- Yes, do take a walk in Central Park (or Prospect Park). And contrary to the sterotype, it is probably safer than walking from your front door to the end of your driveway. Crime there is minimal and there are tons of people.

- If you visit before January 14, go ice skating for free at Bryant Park (after that, they take down the rink to make way for the fashion shows). If after 1/14, go to Wollman Rink in Central Park for skating. And their snackbar is great.

- If flying into JFK or Newark, skip cabs or overpriced shuttles, and take the AirTrain from the airport to the subway or commuter train. Just ask the staff there for directions. (from LaGuardia, take a cab)

- Grand Central Terminal has great architecture and a food court in the basement with a wide range of New York and other types of food to please all members of your family or group.

- See a Broadway or Off-Broadway show. (or more than one) TKTS has half-off tickets for many shows the day of the show. Their regular spot is under construction, but their temporary spot is at the Marriott Marquis. They only take cash and travellers checks, so go to the ATM before going there.

Answer 5

See a Broadway show, visit the Radio City Music Hall, eat dinner at Le Bernadin, take a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park, visit the MOMA or Guggenheim, walk down Times Square, shop at Macy's or Tiffany's, visit China town, take the Metro North train from Grand Central Station to Poughkeepsie and back... just to name a few. :)

Answer 6

You'll see countless electronics stores, particularly in well-touristed midtown areas. We know these as "going out of business" stores because they lure customers in with those fake signs. They'll offer cash discounts too fantastic to believe. Take my word, DON'T BELIEVE THEM. The "list" prices on the stickers are phony, and you're likely to buy discountinued merchandise.