New York City (NYC) is located in the northeastern United States. It is famous for world-class museums, diverse neighbourhoods, rich culture, and beautiful attractions. This is what continues to draw the attention of tourists across the globe. Are you craving the dreamy getaway with your loved ones? You should definitely add NYC to your bucket list. There is so much to do here to make the most of your all inclusive holidays New York. Being in this place feels like you have the entire world at your feet. There are plenty of traps that are easy for visitors to fall into.
In this comprehensive article, you will walk through the top mistakes people usually make during their trip to NYC and how you can avoid them. So, keep reading to get valuable insights!
Common Tourist Mistakes in NYC & How to Avoid Them
Among many other travel destinations in the world is New York City. Thousands of visitors come here each year to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty and have a fun time away from hectic life. The following are the top mistakes that tourists make in NYC and how to avoid them.
Not Using the Subway
The yellow cabs are pretty famous in NYC. First-time visitors usually make use of these cabs as a source of transportation. Some lose hours of their holidays stuck in the traffic rush. Try not to make this mistake during your trip to NYC. Instead, you can use the subway. It is one of the most efficient and cheapest ways of transport for tourists like you. All you need to do is know how the ticketing system works, and you will be ready to zip across the city. In case you want to save a little money on the subway, it is recommended to purchase a MetroCard for that purpose.
Only Eating at Chain Restaurants
New York City has a range of fine restaurants that offer mouthwatering cuisine options, both local and international. Most tourists prefer only eating at chain restaurants during their tour, which is not good. There are several other neighbourhood joints and mom-and-pop bistros to expand your palate. For instance, you can go to Katz’s Delicatessen to try super tasty sandwiches. Peter Lugar Steak House is popular for its juicy steaks and more. These places can be very busy, which is why you need to reserve your tables early for a great culinary experience.
Underestimating Too Much Walking
There is no doubt that trains and subways will help you travel longer distances in NYC. You still have to walk too much when exploring museums, department stores, and galleries. Many tourists ignore this thing, but you shouldn’t do the same. The prices of taxis may not always suit you. That is why it is a smart choice to walk a few blocks to your next destination. Make certain to pack comfortable shoes for a smoother experience. Slip-on loafers, boots, and thin sneakers will help a lot. One essential tip is not to bring heels on the Brooklyn Bridge or in Central Park.
Staying Near Times Square
Midtown Manhattan has an epic number of attractions. Some of these include Times Square, the Chrysler Building, Broadway, and the Empire State Building. Locals typically do not think of this area as part of the real New York. Many visitors mistakenly plan their stay near these sites, when other districts offer the same level of convenience and beautiful views at a good value for money. Plenty of other hotels can be found in places such as the historic East Village, Williamsburg in Brooklyn, and Astoria in Queens. Why not stay in an opulent high-rise overlooking exotic views?
For Granting the Weather
If you want to make your all inclusive holidays New York fully enjoyable, consider the weather conditions too. The weather in NYC is roughly at the same altitude as Portugal. The average temperature is as low as 0°C during winter. Adding more to this, cold-weather storms can bring about 6 inches of snow to the neighbourhoods. You shouldn’t take the weather for granted like most tourists. Make certain to pack your essentials accordingly. Create a list of outdoor activities that you can comfortably do during the wintery season. It will help make the trip more fulfilling.
Forgetting the Suburbs
Many visitors in New York City focus solely on Manhattan. They forget about the suburbs, which is a common mistake to avoid. You might not know, but the suburbs give an entirely different side of the city. They include local food spots, quieter streets, and cultural areas. Places, such as Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx, have their own charm that you won’t find in Times Square. By missing the suburbs, you will not be able to get insights into the everyday life of New Yorkers. No matter when you plan a visit to NYC with your family, consider the suburbs as well.
Expecting to Get Broadway Tickets at the Box Office
The big-name shows of Broadway often sell in advance. So those expecting to buy tickets at the box office on the same day of the show will only have to face disappointment. Even if you somehow manage to book a seat, the price you pay will be somewhat staggering. Some of the shows offer ticket lotteries on a daily basis, but the chances of winning are low. You need to be very smart when it comes to buying Broadway tickets at the box office. Ensure to pre-book your tickets wherever you can. This way, you can better enjoy your New York trip with your friends.
Stopping in the Middle of a Busy Sidewalk
The people of New York are known to be rude, but they’re not. You will find locals very friendly, welcoming, and also busy at the same time. Most tourists stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk so they can admire captivating views of the city. Well, this is what frustrates the residents a lot. Not only this, but it can also cause safety issues. Take Times Square as an example to better understand this saying. This site is always crowded with starry-eyed visitors. You have to make sure to find the safest, non-crowded site to stop and marvel at the idyllic views of New York City.
Wrapping It Up
New York City is popular for its wonderful landmarks, beautiful libraries, and rich culture. Whether you want to relax for a while or enjoy fun activities with your loved ones, there is something for you. Be wary of common mistakes made by tourists in NYC and follow the tips discussed above in this post. This is how you will be able to spend quality time in the city, far from the busy routine of your life, in a memorable way. In case you have no time to plan your itinerary for all inclusive holidays New York, reach out to Virikson Holidays. You will be provided with every necessary service that is needed to make the whole trip stress-free for you.