NYC: Tips for First-Time Visitors to the Big Apple
There are some cities that you simply must visit at least once in your life, and New York most definitely falls into that category. The Big Apple is widely regarded as the best city on the planet, offering a host of attractions, world-class restaurants, and as many events as you can handle.
Still, New York isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s easy for first-time visitors to become a little overwhelmed when they first arrive. By following best practices, you can ensure that your trip to New York is everything you want it to be and more.
Go at the Right Time
Your experience of New York will depend, in large part, on the time of year that you visit. There’s a big difference between New York in January and New York in June. If you’re looking to see the city at its best, then look at visiting during late Spring or late Summer. At that time, you’ll get to enjoy the best weather, which can have a huge impact on your overall experience of the city. You might save some money by visiting in February, but there’s a reason why it’ll be cheaper — it’s the city’s low period.
Make it a Seamless Experience
You’ll likely only be visiting New York for a few days at most. As such, it’s imperative that you set yourself up to make the most of your time. It’s recommended to do whatever you can to make your travel to the city as smooth as possible. That makes choosing appropriate flight times, using a JFK airport car service to take you into Manhattan, and staying at a centrally-located hotel. Do those things, and you’ll be putting yourself in a position to enjoy all that the city has to offer. It’s all about making the most of your time when you’re in a city like New York.
Hit the Big Attractions
There are thousands of attractions in New York, and you can’t be expected to see all of them during your first trip. In fact, you probably can’t expect to see even a fraction of the attractions, so don’t even try! On your first visit, it’s best to see all of the major attractions plus a few that hold special interest to you. Some of the key attractions include the State of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Central Park. You can also visit some of the many other attractions the next time that you’re in town!
Watch the Budget
It’s easy for the budget to spiral out of control in New York. It’s a city that’ll be all too happy to take your hard-earned cash. As such, it’s recommended to create a budget before you travel — and then make sure you stick to it. It’s not about watching the pennies too closely, since this is certainly a city where it can be worthwhile splurging from time to time, but rather about ensuring that you return home without having put yourself in financial difficulties.