This guide comprises common mistakes people make when visiting New York City for the first time. While the Big Apple is packed with incredible things to see and do, such a massive, busy, and unique place can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Most mistakes are ultimately harmless, but they can lead to major disappointments during your time in New York. So, read our list of common blunders so you know what to look out for when creating special memories on your Big Apple holiday.
What are the common mistakes people make when visiting New York City?
- 1
Not using the subway
A fast and cheap way to get around
- Ekonomik
New York’s yellow cabs are famous for many reasons, but they are anything but cheap. It’s not unusual to see first-time visitors lose hours of their holiday stuck in gridlocked rush hour traffic. Some like to call this a New York right of passage.
Thankfully, the subway is faster and cheaper, though you should always be alert when using public transport in the city. Learn how the ticketing system works and you’ll be ready to zip across all 5 boroughs like a true New Yorker. You can even buy a MetroCard to save a little extra money.
- 2
Not using the hop-on hop-off bus
A convenient sight-seeing opportunity
- Ekonomik
- Aileler
New York’s hop-on hop-off buses are a great way to get around the city while taking in its major landmark attractions. It negates the expense of hailing a taxi or figuring out how the subway works.
You can purchase a 1-day ticket that serves all of Manhattan, or a super-flexible night tour pass. You’ll also benefit from a knowledgeable guide who’ll provide interesting details about iconic feats of architecture. Sit on the open-air roof deck for views of the skyline.
- 3
Only eating at chain restaurants
A city bursting with independent dining options
- Ekonomik
- Yemek
New York City boasts a mind-boggling number of restaurants that serve a delicious range of international cuisine. That said, some visitors head straight for familiar names and American chains and miss out on some iconic New York dishes.
Instead, expand your palate at cozy mom-and-pop bistros and iconic neighbourhood joints for a true taste of NYC. We love Katz’s Delicatessen for its mile-high pastrami sandwiches, Peter Luger Steak House for its juicy steaks and the Nom Wah Tea Parlor for its piping-hot dumplings. Make reservations to ensure you get a table at any of these famous eateries.
- 4
Underestimating how much walking you’re going to do
Comfortable shoes are a must
- Macera
While New York’s subway trains and buses will help you travel longer distances, you can expect to clock up quite a few miles when exploring the city’s museums, galleries and department stores. With taxi prices being somewhat exorbitant, it’s always preferable to walk a few blocks to your next destination. That means quality walking shoes are an absolute must.
Think trainers, boots or slip-on loafers for the ultimate in comfort and practicality. Handy advice: don’t wear heels in Central Park or sky-high platforms on the Brooklyn Bridge.
- 5
Stopping in the middle of a busy pavement
A common problem for residents
New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude, but the reality is that most are very friendly, and also very busy.
With walking being such a common way of getting around, tourists stopping in their tracks on busy pavements to admire the view will not only frustrate the residents but may also cause a safety issue. This is why many locals detest Times Square, as it's always crowded with starry-eyed visitors. Make sure to find the safest, non-crowded areas to stop and marvel at New York's many fantastic views.
- 6
Booking a hotel near Times Square for your whole stay
There’s more to New York than Midtown
Midtown Manhattan contains an epic number of landmark attractions, like Times Square, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Broadway. However, New Yorkers rarely think of this area as the 'real New York'. Visitors often make the mistake of booking their hotel in this neon-lit stretch, when other neighbourhoods offer equally interesting sights and good value for money.
Alongside Midtown Manhattan, plenty of fabulous hotels can be found in places such as Williamsburg in Brooklyn, the historic East Village, Astoria in Queens and multicultural Harlem. Why not stay in a luxury 5-star high-rise overlooking leafy Central Park or a comfy little guest house in atmospheric Chinatown?
- 7
Forgetting the suburbs
Boroughs brimming with character
New York’s 5 charismatic boroughs boast their own unique attractions that draw visitors from around the world. Brooklyn, in particular, deserves a special mention thanks to its iconic bridge, hipster neighbourhoods, eclectic flea markets and picturesque gardens.
Head uptown to Harlem for intimate jazz clubs, soul food restaurants and a rich and complex past steeped in African American narratives. Meanwhile, Queens, on Long Island, is the perfect place to spend a day watching a baseball game at Citi Field stadium.
- 8
Expecting to buy Broadway tickets at the box office
Planning ahead guarantees affordable seats
Broadway’s big-name shows often sell out months in advance, so those hoping to buy tickets on the day of the performance are setting themselves up for disappointment. Even if you do manage to find a seat, the price you’ll pay to occupy it will be somewhat staggering, so it’s best to pre-book whenever you can.
Some of the really popular shows offer daily ticket lotteries, but the odds of winning are very low. If you pre-book your tickets, you’ll be able to pick from smash-hit musicals like The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge, The Lion King and Chicago.
- 9
Not tipping properly
Who to tip and how much?
Across the world, a tip is often considered an optional bonus that's given for good service. In the US, tipping is so engrained in the culture that it’s effectively mandatory. The part that often confuses visitors in New York is exactly who should be tipped, and by how much. As a general rule, you should only tip those who provide you a service, such as waiters, taxi drivers and hairdressers.
Offering between 15% and 20% of the value of the bill will usually be met with a smile. What's more, if a hotel porter helps you carry exceptionally heavy bags to your 30th floor hotel room, make sure you get your wallet out.
- 10
Underestimating the winter weather
Including freezing temperatures and strong winds
New York may be at roughly the same latitude as Portugal, but the climate is anything but Iberian. During winter, Arctic air and strong currents sail down the Canadian coast into the city, bringing average temperatures of around the 0° degrees.
Alongside this, cold weather storms can dump about 6 inches of snow on New York’s neighbourhoods, making the pavements harder to navigate. If you don't want to visit in the warmer months and simply must see the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or ice skate at Central Park, then pack your warmest coats and invest in good quality gloves and snow boots.
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