Planning a trip to New York City can be exciting—and a little overwhelming. NYC is huge, busy, and packed with things to see and do. A little planning before you arrive can save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are practical tips to help you make the most of your New York City trip.
Before You Leave for NYC
Check the Weather
New York weather can change quickly, and you’ll likely spend a lot of time walking outside.
Before leaving for the day, check the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Summer: Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water are helpful.
- Fall: Bring layers because mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Winter: Bring a warm coat, gloves, and comfortable shoes with good traction.
- Spring: Layers and a rain jacket or umbrella can be useful.
Don’t forget that comfortable shoes are important in every season.
Make Reservations Before Your Trip
Popular restaurants, Broadway shows, tours, observation decks, and attractions can sell out.
If there is something you know you definitely want to experience, reserve it ahead of time whenever possible.
It’s especially important to plan ahead during holidays, weekends, and other busy travel periods.
Download Important Information
Before leaving home, save your:
- Hotel address
- Hotel phone number
- Flight information
- Restaurant reservations
- Show and attraction tickets
- Tour information
- Transportation details
Taking screenshots of important reservations can also be helpful if you have limited cell service or Wi-Fi.
Getting Around New York City
Use Public Transportation
For many visitors, the subway is one of the easiest ways to get around NYC.
You can generally use OMNY to pay subway and bus fares with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or supported wearable device.
Before getting on a train:
- Check the train line.
- Check whether it is traveling uptown or downtown.
- Make sure you’re entering the correct station entrance.
- Give yourself extra time if you’re unfamiliar with the subway.
Don’t be afraid to use a navigation app to plan your route.
Give Yourself Extra Time
A trip that looks short on a map may take longer than expected.
Crowds, traffic, subway delays, construction, large events, and simply finding the correct entrance can add time.
If you have a reservation or show, leave earlier than you think you need to.
Walking Can Be Faster Than You Think
Manhattan is very walkable.
Sometimes walking several blocks is easier than waiting for transportation. If the weather is comfortable, walking can also be one of the best ways to experience the city.
Airport Transportation
New York has several major airports, including:
- JFK
- LaGuardia
- Newark Liberty International Airport
Before your trip, determine how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel.
Depending on your destination, options may include public transportation, taxis, rideshare services, airport shuttles, or private transportation.
Don’t automatically assume the closest-looking airport will be the easiest one for your hotel.
Where You Stay Matters
Your hotel location can have a major effect on your trip.
Staying closer to the attractions you plan to visit most often can save considerable travel time.
When comparing hotels, consider:
- Distance to a subway station
- Distance to restaurants and attractions
- Neighborhood
- Airport transportation
- Hotel fees
- Check-in and check-out times
A cheaper hotel that requires long transportation trips every day may not actually save you money or time.
Plan Your Days by Area
One of the easiest ways to waste time in NYC is traveling back and forth across the city.
Instead, group activities that are close together.
For example, you could combine nearby attractions, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment in the same area on a particular day.
This gives you more time to enjoy the city instead of spending your vacation traveling between locations.
Visiting Times Square
Times Square is worth seeing, especially if it’s your first trip to NYC.
But you don’t need to spend your entire day there.
Visit, take in the lights and atmosphere, take your photos, and then explore other parts of the city.
Times Square can also become extremely crowded, so keep your belongings secure and pay attention to your surroundings.
Broadway and Shows
If you’re planning to see a Broadway show, check the theater location and show time carefully.
Give yourself enough time to:
- Eat before the show
- Find the theater
- Pick up tickets if necessary
- Use the restroom
- Get seated before the performance begins
Don’t plan a complicated activity immediately before a show. Delays happen.
Eating in NYC
New York has restaurants at almost every price level.
Don’t assume that the most expensive restaurant will provide the best experience for you.
Look at the restaurant’s location, menu, reviews, hours, and reservation requirements.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, check the menu and contact the restaurant ahead of time when necessary.
Don’t Forget About Tipping
Tipping is common at many restaurants and for various service workers.
Before adding a tip, check your bill carefully to see whether a gratuity or service charge has already been included.
Keep Your Belongings Secure
NYC is a busy city with millions of visitors and residents moving around every day.
Use normal city precautions:
- Keep your phone and wallet secure.
- Don’t leave bags unattended.
- Keep valuables out of sight when possible.
- Be especially attentive in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.
- Keep important documents secure.
You don’t need to be paranoid—just pay attention.
Be Careful Around Traffic
NYC streets can be extremely busy.
When crossing a street:
- Look both ways.
- Pay attention to turning vehicles.
- Watch for bicycles and scooters.
- Don’t assume a vehicle has seen you.
Stay alert even when you have the pedestrian signal.
Don’t Fall for Tourist Traps
Be cautious about accepting unsolicited offers from people selling tickets, tours, transportation, photographs, or other services.
Before paying for anything, know the price and what you’re actually receiving.
For major attractions, tours, and shows, use reputable booking sources.
Be Aware of Extra Fees
When planning your budget, don’t look only at the advertised price.
Hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation, and other services may have additional taxes, fees, or service charges.
Check the final price before making a purchase or reservation.
Carry a Portable Phone Charger
Your phone can become your:
- Map
- Subway guide
- Camera
- Reservation system
- Ticket wallet
- Translation tool
- Communication device
That means a dead phone can be a real inconvenience.
A small portable battery can be one of the most useful things you bring with you.
Don’t Overpack Your Schedule
This is one of the biggest NYC planning mistakes.
It can be tempting to schedule breakfast, three attractions, lunch, shopping, a museum, dinner, and a Broadway show all in one day.
Leave some breathing room.
You need time to walk, eat, use the restroom, find entrances, wait in lines, and simply enjoy where you are.
A slightly less crowded itinerary is usually a much better vacation.
Use Your Hotel as a Home Base
You don’t have to carry everything with you all day.
If you’re staying in Manhattan or another convenient area, consider returning to your hotel between major activities when it makes sense.
You can drop off shopping bags, charge your phone, change clothes, or take a short break before going back out.
Keep an Eye on Your Reservations
Save the date, time, address, and cancellation policy for every reservation.
It’s easy to confuse similar locations in NYC, especially when several attractions or restaurants have similar names.
Double-check the address before leaving.
Expect Crowds
NYC is busy.
You may encounter crowds at subway stations, attractions, restaurants, sidewalks, and major intersections.
Don’t let that ruin the experience.
Give yourself extra time, stay patient, and remember that you’re visiting one of the busiest cities in the world.
Explore Beyond the Major Attractions
The Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, and other famous attractions are popular for a reason.
But NYC has much more to offer.
Consider exploring different neighborhoods, local restaurants, parks, markets, museums, and smaller attractions.
Sometimes the places you didn’t plan to visit become your favorite memories.
A Simple NYC Daily Checklist
Before leaving your hotel each morning, make sure you have:
- Your phone
- Wallet
- Identification
- Hotel information
- Reservations or tickets
- Comfortable shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Water
- Portable phone charger
- Any medications or personal necessities you need for the day
Then check your route and weather before heading out.
Most Important Tip: Don’t Try to See Everything
You can’t experience all of New York City in one trip—and that’s okay.
Choose the attractions, restaurants, neighborhoods, shows, and experiences that matter most to you.
Plan enough to avoid unnecessary problems, but leave enough room for the unexpected.
New York City is meant to be experienced, not conquered.
Ready to Plan Your NYC Trip?
Use our NYC planning resources to check the weather, explore attractions and entertainment, find places to eat, learn how to get around the city, and build your itinerary.