A large part of the fun of New York is exploring the city. You’ll find tons of free stuff to do, plus loads of other great things like Central Park, The Guggenheim, The High Line, Empire State Building, Top of The Rock and of course Lady Liberty. When visiting NYC it can be difficult to keep track of the many places and attractions that you want to visit while you are there. Luckily, the Buzz in New York City is immense! There seems to be something cool to do on just about every street corner – a little overwhelming if you only have limited time or resources to spare.
If you’re planning your first trip to New York City, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, know that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is located at 125 Varick Street in downtown Manhattan.
Plan your trip to downtown NYC, then stand in awe at the sights while simultaneously experiencing all that the city has to offer.
As you plan your trip, keep in mind the following crucial steps. Your trip will be epic.
1.) Prioritize what you are viewing
YEAH, sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?
If you want to see it all in New York City, it’s not easy to do. If you only want to see the best of what New York has to offer, it helps to organize your plan and use an app like this one that can serve as a guide. You can explore your options before your visit, ensuring what’s most important is achieved while also working out when Sunset falls. It’s one of the best ways to experience the city, and we’ve thought of it all for you!
2.) Always schedule a Plan B just in case your Plan A goes sideways
Sometimes it’s hard to stay positive when the weather sucks. Fortunately, The Statue of Liberty is a great place to see no matter what! If you’re planning on visiting during a storm though, there are other options. You could visit museums or just get out and get active indoors. Hopefully, the rain will have stopped before it becomes too bad and that can be the best time to make your dream trip a reality.
3.) Set a realistic time frame
The bottom line is that timings can make or break an already busy trip to New York City. While not everyone tries to maximize every minute when they’re away from home, at some point it may become crucial to complete your itinerary and see as much as possible.
4.) Sometimes it’s better to walk than rely on your car
There are many ways to get around in New York City, and sometimes the best way to save time is by public transport. If you’re going from the Flatiron Building to The Empire State Building, it will only take 25 minutes, not counting waiting times. It’s not always necessary for more than walking distances, but if you had a long day on your feet or needed additional time, the subway or an Uber would be great options.
5.) Stop your wasted energy, time and money
Did you know that the New York City CityPass is a must-have if you’re visiting multiple attractions? For a much lower and discounted price, you have access to six of the city’s most popular attractions. The CityPass usually saves around 40% off the overall costs of individual tickets, so now is the chance to take your pick!
6.) Eat & Drink Well
Staying hydrated and grazing all day long is important, don’t forget to remember this rule when you’re visiting New York City. I know firsthand, remembering these guidelines wasn’t easy the last time I visited—I ended up being totally “hangry” and had to raid a restaurant (which happens at least once every visit). Having a stockpile of snacks on-hand can be the difference between a vacation or not.
7.) Proximity Is Key
Remember to choose the events/attractions you want to visit, and then visit the ones that are close to each other. Doing so will make your overall journey in New York City a whole lot smoother. You’ll save time when you plan your itinerary and see multiple attractions with just one trip. For instance, if you’re planning on visiting The Statue of Liberty, why not include this with other nearby attractions like: Freedom Tower, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial? Doing so will save you time when you have more exploring time!
8.) Obviously, ask a local
Blogging about your travels can help you meet other travelers and share your advice on what makes a successful trip to New York. For that, we thoroughly recommend asking a few locals, as they will help fill in the gaps that you might’ve missed while planning out your trip. It’s also important to always ask locals; they’ll be able to give you a little more insight into what’s going on and may even steer you towards some hidden gems!