New York City is the concrete jungle where dreams are made of (please forgive me for quoting a cliche), and international visitors are constantly coming to the Big Apple to revel in all that this world famous city has to offer. Since there’s a lot of nuance when it comes to travel, we are here with a comprehensive list for tourists who are hoping to embrace the city lifestyle and live like a New Yorker. Here are our top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City.
1. Shop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets:
One of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City is to schedule a remarkable shopping spree at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. The Commons has the best shopping, and it’s in Central Valley, right outside of New York City. Over 250 designer outlet shops can be found at Woodbury Commons that feature incredible deals and savings galore. Michael Kors, Tumi, Coach, Gucci, and Steve Madden are just a few of Woodbury’s highly esteemed designers.
If you’re wondering how to go to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets from Manhattan, Woodbury Bus, the best bus to Woodbury Commons, just so happens to be conveniently located in the heart of Midtown, on the corner of West 51st. St. and Broadway. Woodbury Bus is guaranteed to be an exclusively comfortable and stress-free travel experience with reserved seating and daily morning departures and afternoon return trips. All you have to do is book your shopping trip with our Woodbury Common Shuttle, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route along the way.
2. Eat Like a New Yorker:
Yes, it’s true that New Yorkers are pizza snobs, but we just understand a good thing when we see it, you know? Eating like a New Yorker is one of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City, and it’s recommended to go all in. Whether it’s pizza, bagels, pastrami sandwiches, or hot dogs from the street vendors (there’s honestly something so satisfying about a dirty water dog), this glorious city has you covered. (Just don’t eat pizza with a fork — that may raise some eyebrows.) New York City is also renowned for unique global cuisines that span the boroughs; there’s Sri Lankan food in Staten Island, Colombian and Bhutanese food in Queens, Haitian, Trinidadian, and Pakistani food in Brooklyn, and Jamaican and Dominican food in the Bronx. Manhattan is known for some of the best soul food in the country, and it’s suffice to say that if you have a hankering for anything in particular, Manhattan’s got you.
3. Always Carry Cash:
One of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City is to always have cash on hand. While most businesses accept credit cards, some smaller boutiques and vendors only take cash, and why not indulge in a little impromptu treat here and there? Plus, if you are in the market for a legit, relaxing massage, Chinatown massage parlors are cash-only, but luckily, they are very affordable.
4. Wear Stylish-But Comfortable-Shoes:
Stylish-but-comfortable shoes will be your city best friend, making this one of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City. New York City is definitely going to keep you on your toes, literally, which is a great way to save money on transportation; however, all that walking does require the right pair of kicks. When you take your Woodbury Common trip, you will be able to find stylish sneakers that will be your saving grace for any occasion. The Emporia Silver Sneakers from Steve Madden are low-top sneakers that definitely make a trendy statement while maximizing comfort.
5. Know the Best Ways to Get Around:
Knowing the best ways to get around is one of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City, and when it comes to transportation, it’s all about practicality and what works for you. The subway is the most cost-effective way to travel to various neighborhoods in the city, and there’s always 24/7 train coverage to take you where you need to go; the trains are usually running on time.
6. Travel with a Backpack:
One of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City is to travel with a backpack. It’s very common to see a New Yorker with a backpack since backpacks are quite versatile, and this is certainly wonderful news for a tourist as well since a multi-functional bag is pretty efficient. When you go to Woodbury from New York, you can shop at Tumi and find their Voyageur Montana Backpack — a spacious choice with side-zip expansion and many compartments for all of your essentials. (It’s also cute!)
7. Remember That New York City is More Than Just Manhattan:
New York City is much more than just Manhattan; one of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City is a tip that sounds so simple, but it’s something that so many of us tend to forget. While Manhattan has gems like Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Queens is known for some of the best food in the city, the Bronx has the New York Botanical Garden, which is perfect for spring, Staten Island has a free ferry with views of the beloved Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn has gorgeous waterfront parks.
8. Rent a Bike:
Renting a bike is one of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City, and it’s a super fun way to explore the waterfronts on really nice day. Bikes rentals are always available, and you can ride along the Hudson River Greenway and the Brooklyn waterfront to take in all the spectacular views.
9. Learn the Lingo:
New Yorkers love their slang, particularly when it comes to food. Learning the lingo is one of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City, and you will get it in no time. The classic New York breakfast sandwich can simply be referred to as a “BEC” (bacon, egg, and cheese), and pizza is a “slice,” a “Grandma’s slice,” for a square, or a “pie.” Sandwiches are not “hoagies” but “heroes” that can either be hot or cold. (We do love our food, ya know?)
10. See the Iconic Sights:
One of the top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City is to see the iconic sights, and this city has an abundance of attractions. There’s the shimmering lights and larger-than-life billboards in Times Square. (This is also where Woodbury Bus drops you off after a day of shopping, too!) Greenwich Village is filled with New York charm, jazz venues, eclectic shops, and restaurants. Governor’s Island is located in the New York Harbor just south of Manhattan and is home to outdoor concerts, festivals, and art installations. Brooklyn’s Coney Island is famous for its amusement park, boardwalk, and Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. The Bronx Zoo has been one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the U.S. since 1899. Wherever you decide to go, one thing’s for sure — the possibilities in New York City are truly endless.
People all over the world come to New York City to see what life is really like in the Big Apple, and there’s plenty of ground to cover. Our top 10 travel tips for visiting New York City highlight where to shop, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets via Woodbury Bus, what to eat, what to wear, what to have on hand, how to get around, what to know, and what iconic sights to see. No matter how you spend your time, you’re going to love the city that never sleeps!
