New York is known as the city that never sleeps and is a hub of activity and exploration 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is always something going on in the Big Apple and it’s for that reason more than 60million tourists visited this part of the world last year. Beyond the mass of cool things to do, there are countless sightseeing opportunities too.
If you are thinking about heading to New York or have already booked but don’t know where to start when it comes to ensuring you catch everything, this article will offer tips and guidance on how to make the most of your visit to this iconic city.
Book in Advance
There are literally hundreds of places to visit in New York City and there are literally millions of other people dreaming of checking out the same sights as you. Therefore, to avoid huge queues and delays to your vacation, book some events long in advance. From viewing the Statue of Liberty up close to going and seeing a show on Broadway, if it is possible to purchase tickets before you travel do so.
With this in mind, it’s a wise move to purchase a pass for New York attractions so that you can access more than 100 of the most popular. From sightseeing buses and the Manhattan Cruise to Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building, having a pass means you’ll be able to plot a route for venues you definitely plan on visiting. With so many tourists, day passes for some of the most popular venues will give you an edge and ensure you see your favorite spots while also having the time to truly explore.
Plan Ahead
As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail and that is certainly the case if you simply touch down in New York without any semblance of a plan. The city is vast and there are countless options for activities and sightseeing so it is imperative that you look ahead and carve out at least a rough itinerary so that you definitely tick off the main tourist hotspots you wish to experience.
Whether visiting for a few days, a week or longer, plot out your bucket list options of things you absolutely want to see and do. Try to find attractions which are close together so that you can view them in one go as opposed to leaving and coming back to the same area as this will simply waste time and get in the way of all the other incredible sights you wish to see.
Use Maps to get Around
Despite its enormity, New York city is actually quite easy to navigate thanks to the make up of its streets and avenues. They are all numbered which helps to work out where certain landmarks are located and how far away they may be. Streets run east-west and avenues run north-south with Fifth Avenue dividing Manhattan in half. Understanding how the layout works, always have a map handy on your smartphone so that you can find sights easily and plot daily routes to ensure you don’t take wrong turns and get lost on your way to the next attraction.
Research Transport and Routes
New York is the most populous city in the United States with 8.3million residents and so the transport system can get a little busy to say the least when you consider millions more descend on the area as tourists. Whether the height of summer or Christmas time, the Big Apple is a bustling metropolis with people going about their daily life and enjoying all New York has to offer.
Therefore, it is important to plan your routes and conduct thorough research into peak hours and the best time to travel to certain venues. Whether heading out on the Subway, catching a bus or hailing one of the famous yellow cabs which fly all over the city, look into which mode of transport will best suit your journey as some could take longer than others. For instance, a taxi may be swift if you have enjoyed food and drinks and are heading back to your hotel at midnight. However, a cab at 8.30am when commuters are heading to the office could find itself stuck in traffic for hours (yes, really) so certainly weigh up your options and explore the best advisable journeys to take before travelling.
Chill out and Relax
While planning is essential to turn a great New York trip into an epic holiday, you should still find moments to relax and explore with no set idea on what to find or locate. That’s the beauty of New York, down every street, there will be a new surprise and part of the city to appreciate. So yes, plan all of your sightseeing and pick out shows and events but be sure to keep some time to wander around Central Park and stroll along each avenue. Pop into the cool eateries and swanky restaurants, view art at a gallery and check out the gift shops while appreciating the more laid back part of your trip. Alongside the frantic tourist elements that everyone looks forward to when they visit New York, taking a quick break here and there can make for the perfect day out.
Summing Up
New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world and has been the location for millions of memorable trips. To make the most of your vacation to the Big Apple, plan ahead, book in advance, assess transport, plot routes and enjoy one of the greatest places on the planet.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum.
