JULIAN MACIAS
New York City is a fascinating place to visit, and even the locals can make a list of things they have yet to see and do. The sights and activities don’t begin and end in Manhattan. The longer you stay in New York, the more you will get to see. Make your trip to NYC more enjoyable with an extended stay. If you plan to visit for a while in the city, here are some tips to help make the most of your trip.
Getting Around the City
One of the first questions asked by those planning a visit to NYC is: “Should I take my car?” The answer is no. Parking will cost you a fortune. If you absolutely must drive to the city, consider parking at the airport and taking public transit to and around the city.
New York City has one of the most extensive and inexpensive mass transit systems in the world. The buses, commuter trains, and subways operate every day of the year. Confine your walking to one neighborhood and hop on a train to the next one. New Yorkers will tell you to only purchase MetroCards from approved vendors. You can find out everything you need to know at mta.info.
If you have visions of NYC streets filled with honking taxi cabs, you’re right. The city has over 13,000 cabs in its famous yellow fleet. They are available 24/7 every day of the year, and they accept cash or credit cards. Look for illuminated lights on the top. That means the taxi is available. Keep your receipt with the taxi’s medallion number to retrieve any forgotten items. Never accept rides from an unlicensed vehicle especially at the airports. Find out what you need to know at nyc.gov.
NYC is famous as a walking city, and there is much to see on foot. One of a New Yorker’s biggest pet peeves are people stopping on the sidewalks. Resist the urge to stop and stare up at the skyscrapers. Bike lanes have recently been added to some city streets, and you can rent bikes. Guided walking tours are a great way to see the city. Check to see if the tour is legit at the Guides Association of New York.
Avoiding Tourist Traps
Do research ahead of time to get the best deals on museums to visit, where to stay, and other plans for your trip. Make sure all the services you use are licensed and reputable. Sources to use include your hotel concierge, Official NYC Information Centers, and the 3-1-1 official information hotline. When in Times Square, beware of Disney and superhero characters. They may be hustling for tips. Keep valuables in the hotel room safe, and always get cash at well-lit, well-populated ATMs.
Off-Beat Attractions
For the best 360-degree view of Lower Manhattan including the NYC Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn and Jersey City beyond, visit Governor’s Island, the birthplace of the city. The former military base has a 10-acre park that includes Outlook Hill.
Locals know that you can actually see waterfalls in Central Park. Look for them in the Ravine at the stream valley section of the North Woods.
You can find several great sandy beaches a short metro or car journey away from the city. These include Coney Island, Rockaway Beach, and Long Beach.