The hustle and bustle combined with the fabulous magic of New York make it a dream come true for many. However, once you touch the Big Apple, all the bright lights and busy people can be overwhelming than expected.
Don’t worry – navigating any city for the first time can be daunting. Just make sure you are prepared enough before you get to know your new environment. So, to make you feel ready to tackle this city, here are some tips on how to survive in New York. ????
1. Be vigilant when walking the streets
As the stereotype says, New Yorkers are always in a rush, because time is money . They are too busy (and too used to the crowd) to notice tourists or other people around. This is why it is so important to respect street rules. Never walk on the left side of the road or stop in the middle of the sidewalk. New Yorkers don’t like it when people block their way to the map or when they take selfies in the middle of the sidewalks.
Many people in New York also ride bicycles to get around the city, so make sure you don’t walk on the bike path. People won’t be nice – especially on the Brooklyn Bridge!
2. Buy a MetroCard
Even if walking is one of the best ways to explore many of New York’s attractions, sometimes a quicker tactic is to navigate the city via the Metro . The regular MetroCard has a real dollar value that decreases every time you take the subway. You can top up your card whenever you run out of balance. The purchase fee for the card itself is $ 1.
With this card, the metro fare is $ 2.75 per trip. You can buy a MetroCard at any metro station, either from the ticket office or from the MetroCard vending machine located inside the metro station.
3. Download Google Maps
With so many streets, subway stations and busy corners looking the same, it’s not hard to get a little disoriented in New York. If you’re worried about looking like a tourist, just use Google Maps. Even if it sounds like a cliché, Google Maps can be very useful, especially when it comes to subways.
Metro in New -Yorke can be scary at first, but once you know whether to go to the uptown ( uptown ), to the lower part ( downtown ) or to the city center, it’s easier simple! If you prefer to avoid technology and go the old fashioned way, New Yorkers are very used to tourists. So if you ever get lost, don’t hesitate to ask for directions. ????
4. Create your own timetable
When visiting New York for the first time, it is important to get close to the city with a timetable. Exploring a city of this size takes time and energy, so it is helpful to plan ahead of time what you would like to visit each day. Trust me, the timetable you need to follow will help you relax and truly enjoy your time in New York to the fullest.
5. Always check the weather before leaving
Be sure to consider the weather when planning your trip to New York and upon arrival. Always check the daily weather forecast before leaving when wandering around town. This can be unpredictable in summer and winter . This can be especially difficult in the summer, when hotels and malls are air conditioned to combat the heat – don’t forget to bring a sweater or scarf!