31+ Travel Tips for New York City: What to Know Before You Go

ByVictoria Philpott Last Updated:

I wanted to put together my top travel tips for New York City, ready for you just in case you’re planning a trip there anytime soon. Read on for all the best NYC travel tips advice on the internet…

I love New York City

I’m lucky enough to have been to New York City quite a few times now. I worked as a camp counselor in New York state and so popped in on my days off regularly. It was also the first place I went when I finished school. I’ll remember that trip forever. It was all just so exciting – just like off Sex and the City!

There’s so much to see and do in New York that you definitely need some sort of planning for your trip. I’d recommend you don’t plan too much, or too little, just somewhere in that sweet spot in between.

These travel tips for New York City will help you to have the best trip to one of the best cities in the world – enjoy!

Travel Tips for New York City

Everything you need to know before your vacation to NYC.

New York Christmas

1. Plan ahead for NYC

  • Research specific attractions, their opening hours, and any admission fees.
  • Create a daily itinerary, considering the proximity of attractions to one another to save time on transportation. Take a look at my guide to 4 days in New York for all my tips.
  • Make restaurant reservations, especially for popular dining spots. You’ll find all the spots on the ‘best restaurants in NYC’ lists will be full, especially at peak times. But of course, this then ties you to the restaurant – you might prefer to mix up bookings with going with the flow.
  • In restaurants and taxis you need to calculate the tip based on the total bill before tax, typically 15-20%.

2. Choose the right accommodation in New York

  • Manhattan offers convenience, but neighborhoods like Brooklyn’s Williamsburg or DUMBO provide a more local experience. Explore Harlem for its jazz clubs, Brooklyn for its artisanal food scene, and Queens for its diverse cuisine.
  • Consider factors like the view, amenities, and proximity to subway stations. Especially if you’re going out at night.
  • Airbnb options can offer unique experiences but make sure they are legal and safe. I basically stayed in someone’s cupboard when I booked an Airbnb in December in NYC. It was weird.