New York City Travel Tips

Planning your first visit to "the Big Apple" from London? Much like navigating our beloved city, getting the most out of New York City requires a bit of insider knowledge and planning. With its world-famous landmarks and diverse boroughs, NYC offers experiences for every traveller—but understanding its nuances can make your trip even more rewarding.  

For a Londoner, the boroughs of NYC might remind you of the distinct neighbourhoods of London. While Manhattan gets the limelight, exploring Brooklyn’s creative scene or Queens’ global cuisines could be likened to venturing beyond Zone 1 to uncover London's hidden gems. Understanding the city’s transportation system is just as crucial as figuring out the Tube map. The subway is fast and reliable, but don’t underestimate how far a good walk can take you, just as it would on a Thames stroll.  

Additionally, prepare for differences in customs—tipping, for instance, is a non-negotiable in NYC, unlike the more discretionary tipping culture back home. And when it comes to weather, think of New York’s seasons as London’s with more extremes. Whether you're marvelling at fall foliage in Central Park or ice-skating under the Rockefeller Center tree, pack accordingly and keep your itinerary flexible.  

With a little preparation, you'll find the Big Apple just as thrilling as our own cosmopolitan London, offering new adventures and perspectives at every turn.

If you're travelling to "the Big Apple" for the first time, it can understandably be overwhelming. There are a lot of activities to do in the city but perhaps not enough time. Whether it's strolling through Central Park or you're seeking to explore the culinary scene, you have several decisions to make about the places you can visit. It would also be good to keep yourself updated about the laws and regulations of getting around New York City.

There are ways you can make your tour of the city seamless and more fun. In this article, you will learn a few reliable tips to help you find your way around "the Big Apple." You might not be able to enjoy all the experiences the city offers in one trip, but with these tips, you can get a good sampling of NYC excitement.

There Is More to NYC Than Manhattan

The mainstream media and film industry like to shine the spotlight on Manhattan. But the city consists of four other boroughs: Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Visit the other boroughs to enjoy a broader view and experience of New York City. Brooklyn and Queens are larger compared to Manhattan.

Research Your Transportation Options

NYC is accessible by three major airports: John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Airport in nearby New Jersey. Consider all three airports because it will affect your transport costs on arrival to NYC. Make sure to match up your destination routes. Also, check the convenience of public and private transportation to and from the airport before making a flight choice to help save on costs. Keep in mind that in 2021, 33 million tourists visited New York City. This means that transport decisions are essential when travelling within the city.

Pay Attention to Laws and Regulations

Sticking to the traffic rules is vital. If you plan on biking, you need to comply with vehicle regulations. You shouldn't ride your bike on sidewalks and should be keen on obeying traffic lights. Failure to stick to traffic rules can end up costing you hundreds of dollars in fines. Meanwhile, despite rumours and hearsay, NYC citywide crime statistics show that crime is trending down, so you can rest assured that your visit to New York City will be pretty safe. Your only worry is where you'll find your next pizza slice or when you'll get to grab dim sum at a Chinatown restaurant.

Keep an Eye Out for Weather Fluctuations

New York's proximity to the ocean makes it vulnerable to flash floods. So keep all your devices charged in case the power goes out. Flash flood warnings will be pinged to your phone. You must find a safe place to wait out the storm. You can schedule your trip between October and November to experience the incredible fall foliage in Central Park. And if you're thinking of a winter holiday trip to NYC (Christmas in the Big Apple can be exciting too), know that blizzard season in the city runs from December to March.

Offer Tips and Pay Tax

Every time you sit down to enjoy a service in NYC, you'll be expected to pay tax and offer tips. This city's standard service tax rate is 8.875%. The tip rate ranges from 10% to 20%. You can expect to pay tips for things like restaurants and technical services.