Plan a Trip to New York City

New York City is full of adventure and excitement. The fact that it's so bustling can mean that it's an overwhelming place to visit for the first time. However, there's something there for everyone, and it's possible to plan a trip that celebrates your interests, hits the major attractions, and steps off the beaten path a bit. Take the time to pick destinations that appeal to you, make reservations in advance, and pack carefully, and you'll be able to experience the wonder of the City That Never Sleeps in all its glory.

Steps

Choosing Your Dream Destinations

1. Identify the things you want to see. Why do you dream of going to New York City? You probably have a few things in mind already that you’re curious about. List them, then take some time and research other places, landmarks, museums, or shows that interest you.
   • If you’re overwhelmed by all of the options, you can always start with a pre-planned itinerary as a jumping-off point. The city has special ones based on TV shows, classic movies, and beloved children’s literature.
   • Look around for other resources on interesting attractions. Guide books are a good start, but the blogs of travelers (and NYC locals) are useful, too.
2. Customize your visit around what interests you. There’s something for everyone in New York City. Conversely, there’s something not for everyone in New York City. You may have seen the Empire State Building in movies and TV shows, but that doesn’t mean it’s essential to your trip. You don’t have to do anything you find boring.
   • Make sure to take the interests of the others you travel with into account, too.
   • If you’re used to the structure of a group tour, consider planning a day tour instead of one that encompasses your whole visit.
3. Contact friends for recommendations. Your friends know you better than any guidebook, or even travel agent, does. If you have a friend who has traveled to New York recently, grill them. What was their favorite activity? What do they wish they’d known? If you have a friend who lives or has lived in NYC, they may be able to offer even more advice.
4. Don’t feel limited to Manhattan. Manhattan is central, busy, and full of historic excitement, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to Alexander Hamilton’s house in Harlem. However, it’s only one of the five boroughs of New York City, and if you don’t leave it, you’ll miss out on a lot of culture and fun. Make it a point to get off the island and explore places that may seem a little out of the ordinary.
   • Brooklyn has become notorious for its hipsters in the past ten years, but there’s much more to it than that. Visit for experimental theatre, the gorgeous botanic garden, and international food from Bajan flying fish to Polish pastries.
   • The Bronx is best known for its amazing Bronx Zoo, which focuses on wildlife conservation and protection, and Yankee Stadium. You can also explore Wave Hill, which has gorgeous old houses that will appeal to Edith Wharton and Downton Abbey fans.
   • Queens offers incredible restaurants and a range of museums, too. Stop by the Queens Museum of Art or the New York Hall of Science.
   • Staten Island is the most suburban-feeling of the boroughs, which makes it a nice stop for a relaxed afternoon. Take the free ferry from Manhattan, and visit Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, the Children’s Museum, or any number of tranquil gardens and parks.
5. Know how long you’ll be in New York. This will help you prioritize. If you’re going to be in the city for a week, you can plan to hit the spots you’re most excited about and throw some wild cards into your itinerary, too. If you’re only stopping by for a weekend, your options will be more limited (but you can still pack in a lot of fun).
   • Make sure you know how much time you can take off work, and if you’ll need to apply flex time, vacation days, or personal days to your trip.
   • Consider how far you are traveling when reflecting on your timing, as well. You may need to allow for travel time, as well as jet lag or exhaustion.

Locking Down Logistics

1. Know how to get there. Before you make any other reservations, make sure you know exactly how you plan to get to New York. After all, you can’t see Hamilton if you’re not in the city. There are plenty of ways to get to New York, so look around and choose based on your budget, distance, and comfort.
   • New York has three major airports, and it’s fairly easy to find cheap flights. If you travel with one particular airline often, it might be better to buy tickets through that one, instead of trying to find the absolutely cheapest deal.
   • If you’re traveling a short distance and staying a short time, you can consider driving. Make sure you have parking plans (as rates in New York City are famously steep) and be cautious when driving in busy areas.
   • If you don’t want to drive or fly, NYC is served by Amtrak and local train lines, as well as bus lines like Greyhound, Megabus, and Peter Pan.
2. Pick where you’ll stay. There is no shortage of lodging in New York City, so you can shop around until you find the perfect place. Try to stick close to the attractions you’re interested in, or select a location that’s served by a major subway line. Manhattan is central, so it’s a popular choice for hotels, but stay out of giant business districts like Midtown if you want quieter vibes.
   • Start researching hotels by perusing a recommended list, or search for recommendations in a particular neighborhood. Consider size, price, and amenities like breakfast or exercise equipment.
   • There are options for student housing and hostels as well, if you’re a young person planning a less-than-frilly trip.
   • In recent years, AirBNB and other room-sharing apps have become popular as well. Make sure to read reviews.
   • No matter where you want to stay, check the Bedbug Registry before you book! Bedbugs became a problem in New York several years ago, and they’re not yet completely under control.
3. Make major reservations. Once you have your travel and sleeping plans in place, you can start making concrete plans for the fun stuff. Look up the items on your must-see list, and see if any of them require advance purchases or reservations.
   • Theatre tickets are best to buy in advance. There are many discount options, both online and in the city (like the famous TKTS booth for Broadway shows.)
   • If you’re eager to see a bunch of museums and classic destinations like the Statue of Liberty, you can save time and money by acquiring a museum pass.
   • If there’s a particular restaurant you’re simply dying to eat at, contact them in advance, as well.
4. Schedule unscheduled time. There are so many things to do in New York that it’s tempting to stuff your itinerary to the gills. However, it’s actually better to give yourself some flexible, unstructured time as well. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and reflect, impulsively try a recommendation from a local, or simply linger over a delicious slice of dollar pizza.
   • If you’re having trouble breaking time down, think of it this way. There are three major zones of travel time: morning, afternoon, and evening. Plan to fill two of these, and chill during the other one. You might go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art before lunch and the Metropolitan Opera at night--nap or write postcards in between for best results.
5. Let your bank know you’ll be traveling. If you’re traveling from out of state or out of country, tell your bank before you leave so they don’t flag your account for fraudulent charges. They should be able to tell you if you’ll be able to withdraw from your checking account at an ATM at this time.
6. Record important info. The best laid plans will go awry if you don’t write them down. As you continue to confirm the details of your travel, write them down. A small notebook will work for this purpose, as will a notetaking app on your smartphone--just make sure you keep the information close to you.
   • Write down your hotel’s address and keep it somewhere safe. This should help you get back easily at the end of a busy day.
   • Make copies of travel documents. You may want to keep one copy on your person, and another in your hotel room.
   • Print and save reservations, and take them with you as well.

Packing Smart

1. Wear comfortable shoes. You may have heard that New Yorkers are famous for their sharp heels and oxfords, but if you’re trying to get a lot done in one day, comfort is key. You’ll fit in just as well in cute sneakers or sturdy, low-key walking shoes, and you’ll be grateful for them at the end of the day.
2. Dress for the weather. New York’s climate is modified by the whims of the Atlantic Ocean. It can play host to extreme temperatures and surprising weather patterns. Pack clothes that are appropriate for the time of year you’ll be visiting, and make sure to look at the forecast for your trip before you leave.
   • New York in the summer is hot, humid, and sunny. Pack skirts and dresses, light shorts and pants, a sweater or jacket for chilly air conditioning, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Light shoes are good, but avoid flip-flops--they won’t keep your feet safe on crowded or dirty sidewalks.
   • In the winter, stay warm. Wear a wool or down coat, and add sweaters, thick tights and pants, and sturdy boots. Layering is a classic element of New York winter style, and it’s practical in fluctuating temperatures.
3. Leave space in your suitcase. If you plan to shop for anything--souvenirs, presents, or vintage clothes--don’t stuff your bag when you pack to leave. Instead, designate some room for your purchases. You can also roll up a light duffel and tuck it in your luggage, then fill it with your new purchases.
4. Travel lightly during the day. Do not walk around with a huge bag full of unnecessary items. They will weigh you down in ever sense of the word. Pick a low-key, practical bag, and keep it close to you.
   • You may need a small wallet, your cell phone, a map, and a camera for the day-to-day.
   • Don’t forget recorded essential information (like the name of your hotel and any major planned activities).
   • Bring a phone charger with you. You may need to purchase a plug adaptor for it, if you're visiting from another country with outlets different from American standard ones.
5. Plan to fortify and hydrate. Chances are you will be trying to see as many places as possible and will be walking a lot. Don’t let yourself get too hungry or thirsty, or you could get burned out. There are usually plenty of carts and shops that can offer you a quick bite, but it’s smart to travel with food options, too.
   • If you have a refillable water bottle, bring it. NYC tap water is safe and drinkable.
   • Bring nonperishable snacks that don’t get squished easily. Try dried fruits, nuts, and energy bars. Remember that snacks are not a substitute for lunch, so don’t rely too heavily on them.
6. Download an NYC transit app. New York City trains can take you nearly anywhere you want to go, as long as you can figure out how to use them. You can navigate with a map, but there are many smartphone apps available that are user-friendly and offer information that maps can’t (for instance, if there is construction happening in a particular station).
   • Citymapper is reliable, and even tells you the best subway cars to ride in.
   • Transit works for many different American cities--you might be able to apply it to your own city, too.
   • Wheely helps if you have any mobility restrictions or needs.
7. Have access to cash. Cash is universally accepted by NYC’s famous yellow cabs. Also, vendors across the city have drinks and snacks available all day for cash purchase. If you’re looking for an ATM, you can ask at your hotel’s desk--they’re also a common feature in bodegas and greengrocers.

Tips

• Bring extra batteries.
• Make the most of your time. Do not sleep in too late because mornings are the best time to be out and about. If you are tired, take a nap later in the day before an evening of theater and eating.
• Put extra cash in your wallet, and keep it close to you.
• There is always a line at the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Try to go either very early or see it at night.

Warnings

• Use caution at all times. Use crosswalks, travel with someone, and be aware of your surroundings.
• People are not openly friendly, but will not be purposefully rude either. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

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