15 Travel Tips for New York

The Big Apple is the dream destination for many travelers and a city full of possibilities to enjoy. It's an experience that's difficult to explain and must be experienced in person.

And so you can enjoy it to the fullest, I've prepared 15 tips to help you make sure everything goes perfectly. Want to know what they are?

If you like New York, any time of year is a good time to travel, as they all have their charm. However, they all have their peculiarities.

Spring

The days are longer and the temperatures are milder, which invites you to walk around and explore the city by doing more outdoor activities, such as booking a tour of New York to get to know the city comfortably. In addition, it is filled with flowers and looks beautiful.

Summer

During this season, the heat can sometimes be overwhelming. However, New Yorkers take advantage of the festive atmosphere at Coney Island, the beaches of Staten Island, and endless outdoor activities such as movies, kayaking, or drinks on rooftop bars.

However, it is peak season for flights and hotels, and prices go up.

Fall

The New York landscape is very colorful during this season, perfect for taking pictures or booking a photo tour of the Big Apple. In addition, there is little rain and temperatures are mild, which is perfect for exploring the city on foot.

In autumn, two very American holidays are celebrated, Halloween and Thanksgiving, which envelop the city in a very special atmosphere.

I visited New York for the first time in autumn and since then I have found it to be a very special time to get to know the city. I'll tell you everything you can do there at this time of year in my guide to 10 Things to Do in New York City in the Fall.

Winter

If you're not afraid of the cold, visiting New York during this season is a good idea because Christmas is like a fairy tale and the city is decorated in great detail. Many tourists take the opportunity to book a tour of Dyker Heights to see the Christmas lights, which are truly impressive.

On the other hand, in January and February there are few tourists and you can visit the tourist attractions at a more leisurely pace.

In fact, Christmas in this city is a world apart. I've written a specialized guide about 15 Christmas Things to Do in New York City, so if you are lucky enough to visit the city at the most magical time of the year, use it so you don't miss a thing.

Obviously, the longer, the better! I'm sorry to say that you could spend years in New York and still not see and enjoy everything it has to offer. But since time and budget are not usually infinite, I recommend that you visit New York for at least 5 to 7 days, especially if it's your first time.

With fewer days, you'll miss out on a lot, you'll be more stressed, and you'll feel like the trip is too short.

If your circumstances and budget allow, a 10-day trip to New York is ideal, as it will allow you to see most of the city's must-sees and get the most out of your trip.

For longer trips

If you are lucky enough to stay in New York for several days and want to get out of the big city to discover its surroundings, you have several options:

• Book a trip to Washington from New York: where you will visit the White House, the Capitol, the Senate, J.F. Kennedy's tomb, and other monuments of interest in the capital.
• Book a getaway to Boston, one of the most historically rich cities in the United States due to its important role in the American Revolution.
• Purchase a trip to Niagara Falls: one of the essential activities that should be on every traveler's list.

These are just some of the excursions you can take from New York. I recommend them 100% to add some variety to your trip and discover a little more about the culture and other American cities.

Get travel medical insurance

Healthcare in the United States is private, and medical costs in this country are particularly high (for example, the cost of one day in a hospital is €6,000, or €80,000 for a broken femur).

That's why having good travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential when traveling to New York.

Most likely, during your trip, you will not have to deal with a situation that requires medical attention and could ruin your vacation. But to prevent these unexpected surprises, it is best to have travel insurance that saves you from having to face exorbitant expenses.

Are any vaccinations required?

To travel to New York as a tourist, no vaccinations are required to enter the United States from Europe.

However, if you are coming from or have visited a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission, it is advisable to carry a certificate proving that you have been vaccinated against this disease, as the authorities may ask to see it.

If you have any other questions or concerns in this regard, you can always contact the International Vaccination Center in your city for more information.

If you are traveling to New York from Europe, whether for business or tourism, you will not need to obtain a visa, but you will need to obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which can be processed online and is a mandatory requirement.

The ESTA can be submitted electronically at least 72 hours before your trip on the official website of the United States government.

This authorization is valid for two years unless the passport you use to apply for it expires earlier. If you have any questions, you can request more information from the U.S. Embassy. If you are from outside Europe, you can also check there or on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Security checks at the airport

On the plane or in the customs control area of the airport, you will be given a form to fill out with your details and flight information, which you will then need to show along with your passport (valid for at least 6 months) at the security checkpoint.

You will be asked for the address of your accommodation (hotel or apartment), your return flight reservation (if you have one), and the reason for your trip, but you don't have to worry about anything as these are routine questions that do not require a high level of English, as they are used to dealing with tourists.

Once you land on American soil and pass through security, you will have to choose how to get to downtown New York from the airport.

This is a city with fairly good transport links. Its public transport network (bus, subway, taxi, etc.) is efficient and allows you to travel from one end of the Big Apple to the other to explore every corner quickly.

However, from experience, I can say that after landing from a long flight that leaves you exhausted, the last thing you want to do is walk around the terminal looking for a free taxi or make multiple transfers. Therefore, the most convenient option is to book a private transfer to your hotel or a shared one.

Difference between shared and private transfers

The main difference between a shared and a private transfer is that with a private transfer, the driver will be at your complete disposal and the VIP vehicle will be just for you and your group, so you won't have to wait for other passengers.

Check out my article on transfers between the airport and New York if you want to know more about how to get to your hotel from the airport and vice versa in the most comfortable way while saving money on each trip.

In terms of safety, New York is one of the safest cities in the United States, despite the bad reputation it may have had in the past.

In the last decade, the crime rate has fallen significantly, and it is only advisable to avoid certain troubled areas, such as East Harlem, the South Bronx, or Brownsville in Brooklyn, especially at night.

As in other highly touristic cities, there may be some pickpockets. The best way to avoid this is to be alert to your surroundings, not carry too much cash, and keep an eye on your cell phone or camera. If you take certain precautions and use common sense, you will have nothing to worry about in New York.

When planning a trip, we always ask ourselves the same question: where and when should I exchange my money for dollars? My advice is to do it in your home country to avoid wasting time with currency exchange in New York. Here's how I do it.

Exchange currency in your country of origin

In theory, if you go to your bank, they should give you the best exchange rate, but this is not always the case. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit different banks, whether you are a customer or not, and ask how many dollars they would give you for a certain amount and what commission they charge.

During this process, make a note of the bank you ask and the exchange rate they give you, so that you can compare them at home and finally choose the one that suits you best.

The amount you exchange depends on you and the circumstances of your trip. What you should bear in mind is that you will have to request the currency exchange at the bank a week in advance, as they have to order the dollars and you run the risk of them not arriving in time for your trip.

Currency exchange at your destination

If you choose to exchange money once you are in New York, it is better to do so at currency exchange offices than at the airport.

There are usually several currency exchange offices scattered around the city, each with a different rate. Keep in mind that you will be subject to the changes they want to make and you may lose track of the commission and the real value.

In any case, look for the one that suits you best to exchange your money.

An unwritten law that is strictly enforced in New York (and which drives tourists crazy) is to leave a tip after enjoying a service, especially in restaurants, cafes, taxi rides, hotel room cleaning, etc.

Where should I tip and how much should I leave?

Why tips are left

In the United States, in some sectors, workers are allowed to be paid less than the minimum wage because, in theory, adding tips to their base salary should bring workers up to the minimum wage.

The reality is that many people need tips to earn a decent wage at the end of the month.

We may find this system more or less fair, and although it may surprise us coming from other countries, this is how things are done in New York, and we have to adapt. As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

What happens if I don't leave a tip?

It's true that they can't require customers to leave a tip, but not doing so is considered very rude and inconsiderate. Therefore, after taxes and tips, prices will be 15-20% higher than indicated in New York.

Obviously, the clothes you take will depend (a lot) on the time of year you travel to New York.

• Summer: temperatures are very high on the street and the air conditioning in shops, hotels, and shopping malls is very strong. I recommend that you bring a scarf and a denim or light jacket to protect yourself indoors.
• Winter: gloves, a hat, and a scarf are essential, but don't forget to also bring some thermal clothing (temperatures can easily drop below freezing), several extra pairs of thick socks in case it snows, and winter shoes.
• Fall and spring: wear several layers of clothing during the day, as temperatures are mild but there can be a big difference between morning and night and the middle of the day.

As for rain, don't worry, as it doesn't usually rain too much, and when it does, hundreds of street vendors appear where you can buy an umbrella at a good price.

Take advantage of shopping in New York

The prices of some clothing, electronics, and accessory brands in the United States are much cheaper than in other countries, so be sure to leave enough room in your suitcase to bring back all your purchases.

In fact, I recommend that in addition to visiting the typical Manhattan street shops, you should also visit the vintage markets that can be found in areas such as Brooklyn.

Don't miss out on visiting the famous outlets either. There you can find luxury brand clothing from previous seasons at very good prices. If you are interested in finding out more, here is my guide on Woodbury Commons and Other Outlet Malls in New York.

Many travelers claim they can go a few days without connecting to the Internet, but having the option to connect anytime, anywhere is something that many people today don't want to give up during their vacations.

Roaming in the United States

Roaming is the service that allows you to use your cell phone abroad. If you travel to a country that is part of the European Union, the advantage is that you will pay the same rate as you do in Spain.

However, if you want to use roaming in the United States, be careful. Telephone companies can apply excessive rates.

My recommendation is that you read the terms and conditions of your contract carefully and check with your telephone company to find out if you need to activate your roaming service to travel to the United States or if it is already active by default.

Buying a SIM card in New York

There are countless stores in New York where you can buy a U.S. SIM card, so it will be easy to find one.

If you choose this option, remember that your phone must be unlocked in order to switch your current card for another company's SIM card.

The employees themselves will activate your SIM card, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Take advantage of free WiFi in New York

To avoid using up all the GB on your SIM card, the perfect complementary option is WiFi. In New York, you'll find free WiFi almost everywhere: cafes, museums, department stores, public libraries...

Take advantage of a visit or a coffee to send a photo to your family showing how much you're enjoying your vacation in the Big Apple.

To get the most out of your trip to New York, have you thought about buying a New York Pass? It's a tourist card that gives you access to the city's main tourist attractions and has several advantages. If you use it wisely, you'll save:

And it's also very convenient to have all your tickets in one place!

What do the passes usually include?

Which pass should I buy?

The key thing to bear in mind is that there are passes based on the number of days, the number of attractions, and the type of attractions.

Finding the perfect pass depends on the type of trip you are planning in New York and your budget. In our post on New York tourist cards, we help you choose the one that's right for you. Take a look!

The subway will be your best friend once you settle into the Big Apple. At first, you'll want to walk for hours on end (and I recommend it, as it's the best way to enjoy New York), but sometimes the distances will make it impossible and fatigue will start to set in.

But don't worry, because wherever you are, you'll have a subway station nearby that will take you where you need to go, in no time and for very little money.

Even though there are many lines, don't feel overwhelmed because it's easier than it seems. I'll tell you everything you need to know in my article on Guide to the New York City Subway.

The tourist bus

If you prefer not to complicate your life and want to continue enjoying the sights of New York while moving from one place to another, booking the tourist bus is always a good option.

With several routes, it connects the most emblematic points of the city and allows you to hop on and off as many times as you want.

It runs day and night and is easier to use than the subway, as it is designed exclusively with the traveler in mind. Here are all the details about New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.

A cruise on the Hudson

Another way to get around Manhattan (while relaxing) is to take a cruise on the Hudson (or take one of the ferries to Brooklyn or the Statue of Liberty).

The views of the Manhattan skyline from the water are spectacular, and you can relax, even if only for a while, as you cross the river at a leisurely pace. Here are all the options available New York Cruises and Boat Tours.

I'll tell you right now that eating well in New York at a good price is not impossible, but it does require a little attention when choosing a restaurant or place to stop for a break.

About prices

This city has a gastronomic offering that is hard to beat, but you'll have to pay attention to the menus so you don't blow your budget. Remember that menus don't usually include taxes or tips, so the price you see on the menu is not the final price.

My advice is to set yourself a daily budget for food. Unless you're traveling with an unlimited budget, I recommend combining one fast food meal a day (probably at lunchtime, when you're out and about in the city) with a more relaxed dinner in one of the coolest neighborhoods (the West Village or SoHo area).

Don't rule out picnics

Especially when the weather is nice, I love to have picnics in one of the parks or squares (you won't be alone; you're sure to see dozens of executives, tourists, and New Yorkers doing the same thing).

Throughout the city, you'll see fast food chains (but more or less healthy ones) such as Pret-À-Manger, where you can buy a sandwich or hot soup to go.

What to eat

New Yorkers don't live on hamburgers alone (although you'll obviously have to try more than one during your stay).

In New York, you'll find all kinds of food, from the most elaborate menus to typical hot dogs and delicious hamburgers.

I've written a guide with 10 Places to Eat in New York City with all my recommendations so you don't fall into any tourist "traps." Oh, and don't forget the typical cheesecake for dessert. Delicious!

Take at least one food tour

This is one of the best ways to discover the city's best restaurants and enjoy the best flavors New York has to offer. However, I recommend it if you are spending several days in New York or if you are passionate about gastronomy.

There are several food tours in New York, and each one usually covers a specific area of the city, showcasing its best dishes. For example, you will find:

• Manhattan Food Tour: perfect if you want to combine learning about the history of the area with sampling typical local flavors.
• Brooklyn Food Tour: discover the gastronomic epicenter of New York.
• Little Italy Food Tour: where you'll sample flavors that emerged from the fusion of Italian and American cuisine and visit popular restaurants such as Lombardi's Pizza and Ferrara Bakery.

Are you one of those travelers who dreams of seeing a Broadway musical or an NBA game at Madison Square Garden? The feeling of being in the mecca of basketball or sitting in a velvet seat waiting for the curtain to rise is one of the most exciting things to experience in New York.

But since these activities are in high demand, especially during the Christmas season, my recommendation is to reserve your Broadway tickets and purchase your NBA tickets online and in advance so you don't miss out.

But most importantly, be wary of scalpers you see on the street. These tickets offer no guarantee of being genuine, and even if they are, the seats will probably not be as promised.

How can you get good tickets without spending a fortune?

I recommend buying tickets online as far in advance as possible if you are sure of the date and the musical you want to see.

Otherwise, if you wait to buy them at the box office, you run the risk of missing out on the day you want to see the show due to high demand.

This also happens with NBA tickets for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center.

If you want to discover the most interesting places in New York with a guided tour, I can tell you that my favorite tours are:

• The Contrasts Tour: where you can discover New York's most iconic neighborhoods in depth.
• And the Lower Manhattan tour: also known as Downtown, it covers areas such as Chinatown, Greenwich Village, and the financial district, among others.