I couldn’t resist one more post on my recent New York trip.
So here goes – 10 things not to do in New York. Enjoy!
Spend too much time only in your neighborhood
We pick the hotel and the neighborhood we want to stay in. Excellent! Often it can be tempting to spend too much time only in that neighborhood. While it can be a great way of familiarizing yourself with one area, there is still so much to see.
Jump in a cab (they are incredibly well priced at least compared to back home in Australia), buy a Metro ticket and ride the Subway and get out there and explore.
A lot of the neighborhoods in New York have their own unique feel. Check it out for yourself.
Only spend time in Manhattan
I have to admit I have been guilty of this in the past. It’s easy to stay in Manhattan and not venture out to any of the other boroughs. Remember New York is not just Manhattan – there is Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island to check out as well.
Start small (if that’s what you are comfortable with) and work up to being more adventurous and curious.
I had two friends on separate trips rave about staying in and visiting Harlem so that’s definitely on my list for next time!
Spend too much time in Times Square
Tourists tend to flock to Times Square. By all means you need to see it, especially at night. It’s spectacular. There are lights everywhere you look.
Just don’t spend too much time there when there are so many other places to explore.
Stay in Times Square
Personally I avoid staying in hotels in Times Square. It’s too noisy, too crowded (and I quite enjoy crowds) and too commercial.
There are so many more interesting places to sleep.
I’ve stayed in Mid Town a few times because the accommodation is affordable. If you have the cash, head downtown to Soho. Chelsea is great too.
Stay on the ground
In a city with so many skyscrapers (do they still call them that?) you are guaranteed some amazing views.
Do not stay with your feet on the ground!
The view from The Empire State Building is fantastic but there are also so many others. Try Bar 54 at the top of the Hyatt in Times Square if you want a breath-taking light show with your glass of wine.
Grab a knee-knocking (if you are scared of heights) ride on the Roosevelt Island cable car for mind-blowing views of the river and east side buildings. The cable car goes between the building and parallel to the top of the Queensborough bridge. It’s actually a normal commute for the people who live on Roosevelt Island.
Try to see everything in one trip
For peace of mind, so you don’t race around like a crazy person accept straight up that you won’t see everything in one trip.
Don’t even try to do everything because it’s not possible. It’s a big place with a lot to do.
Make up your to do list or your wish list, work your way through it but know full well that you will probably be adding to the list as you discover incredible new things that you didn’t know about.
It just means you have to go back again!
Related post – 10 Tips for Traveling to New York City Alone
Eat fast food
There is absolutely no reason to eat McDonalds or a similar style of junk food in New York.
If you feel like a burger there are countless places available that can fill your burger craving. I’m talking great burgers, delicious fries. Give the junk food a miss.
Stay in your comfort zone with food
There are so many amazing cuisines to pick from in New York that you would be crazy not to try things you don’t normally eat.
New York is the place to literally eat your way around the world.
The last time I went to New York I has just stopped eating meat. Unfortunately that didn’t last long. I forget to let the airline know and ended up with the chicken option. Then I fell right off the wagon.
This time however I stuck to my guns and didn’t eat meat but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t try new things. Cauliflower tacos anyone? Believe me they were delicious and not at all what I expected.
Make the most of the incredible food. Remember you are on holiday, eat dessert!
Refuse to tip
If you aren’t American tipping might seem a bit strange at first.
Personally I like the bills that come with the suggested gratuity amounts at the bottom. I can just pick one of the three suggested options and know I am paying the right amount. Admittedly I was surprised to see that the percentage of gratuity had increased on this trip but it makes sense, when prices go up so will the gratuity.
Don’t refuse to tip.
I know you might have trouble getting your head around it but it’s a fact of life. Do the right thing and kick in with a decent tip.
Refuse to walk anywhere
Technically you could catch taxis and the Subway everywhere but where is the fun in that?
Being mostly flat Manhattan is a great place for walking.
Walking is a great way to get your bearings and familiarize yourself with an area. You also see and experience so much more walking as opposed to being under ground and missing it all.
Word of warning, make sure you have comfortable walking shoes. I made the mistake of waiting to buy comfortable shoes once I arrived but I couldn’t find the exact store I was looking for right away and ended up with sore, bleeding feet. Come to think of it, I had bleeding feet twice in one week. Not pretty.
One more benefit of walking a lot, it will help work off some of that amazing food you will be eating.
As you can tell, New York is one of my favorite places. I hope it becomes one of your favorites as well.
If you live in New York, I would love to hear your best tips on your city…
If you enjoyed this post, please share the New York love with your friends. Start spreading the news. (Couldn’t resist that one!)