Top 10 New York City Travel Tips: How to Bite the Big Apple Without Getting Bitten

Dec 12

“New York is not a city. It’s a world.”

— Iman

New York City is an adrenaline rush of skyscrapers, noise, and endless energy. But let’s be real: it’s also aggressive, expensive, and confusing. If you don't know the ground rules, the city will chew you up and spit you out (probably in Times Square).

I’ve compiled the ultimate survival guide to help you navigate the subway, save a fortune on food, and experience the grit and glamour of NYC like a local, not a lost tourist.

1.

The "Empty Subway Car" is a Trap

This is the most important survival tip for the NYC subway. If a train pulls into a crowded station during rush hour and one single car is completely empty, do not get in. It is not your lucky day. That car is empty for a reason—usually a broken air conditioner (sauna heat) or a truly unbearable smell. Follow the herd; crowd into the full cars.

2.

Skip the MetroCard, Use OMNY

Forget trying to figure out the old yellow MetroCard machines that always seem to reject your credit card. NYC has fully rolled out OMNY. You can simply tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or smartphone (Apple/Google Pay) directly on the subway turnstile or bus reader. It costs the same ($2.90), and after 12 rides in a week (Mon-Sun), the rest are free.

3.

Avoid Eating in Times Square

Times Square is amazing for a 15-minute photo op, but it is a culinary wasteland. The restaurants here are overcrowded chains (like Olive Garden or Bubba Gump) with mediocre food at double the price. The Hack: Walk just two avenues west to Hell’s Kitchen (9th Avenue). You will find incredible, authentic Thai, Italian, and Mexican food for half the price and much better quality.

4.

The Pizza Rule: Fold It or Go Home

New Yorkers take pizza seriously. When you grab a "slice" (usually a large, thin cheese slice), do not eat it with a fork and knife. The Rule: You must fold the slice in half vertically. This creates a structural channel that keeps the cheese from sliding off and allows you to eat it while walking—the true New York way.

5.

See the Statue of Liberty for Free

Tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island can be expensive and take half a day. The Hack: If you just want a great view and a photo, take the Staten Island Ferry. It runs 24/7, serves beer on board, passes right by Lady Liberty, offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, and best of all—it is 100% free.

6.

Sidewalk Etiquette: Don't Be a Roadblock

In NYC, the sidewalk is a highway. Walking slowly, stopping abruptly in the middle to look at a map, or walking three-people-wide is considered extremely rude. The Rule: Walk fast and stay to the right. If you need to stop to check your phone or tie your shoe, step to the side (near the building wall), "pull over," and let the traffic flow.

7.

Tipping is Not Optional (20% Minimum)

Unlike Europe or Asia, tipping is the primary source of income for service workers in the US. Leaving 10% or nothing is seen as hostile. The Rule: For sit-down dining, calculate 20% of the pre-tax bill. For bartenders, it’s $1-2 per drink. Budget this into your trip costs before you even arrive; it's part of the price of eating out.

8.

The High Line: Go Early or Late

The High Line (an elevated park built on an old rail line) is one of the best free attractions in the city, but midday on a Saturday, it feels like a cattle line. The Hack: Visit on a weekday morning before 10 AM or at sunset. The crowds are thinner, the light on the Hudson River is beautiful, and you can actually find a bench to sit on.

9.

Don't Go to the Empire State Building Deck

It sounds iconic, but the observation deck is expensive, the lines are horrific, and there is one major problem with the view: you can't see the Empire State Building in it. The Hack: Go to Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) or Summit One Vanderbilt. Both offer better views that include the Empire State Building for that perfect skyline photo.

10.

Bagel Etiquette: Don't Toast the Fresh Ones

If you go to a premier bagel shop (like Ess-a-Bagel, Murray’s, or Tompkins Square Bagels) in the morning, the bagels are fresh out of the oven. The Rule: Do not ask them to toast it. Toasting ruins the soft, chewy texture of a fresh bagel. Just order it with "schmear" (cream cheese) and lox. Only toast cheap deli bagels or day-old ones.