When vacationing, it’s often hard to get a sincere experience of the culture. In NYC, this is especially true. Times Square is lined with chain restaurants, tourists and overpriced hotels. If that’s what your dream NYC experience is, then by all means, partake in those staples of American life.
For travelers interested in pretending to be New Yorkers for a few days, I have compiled a list of tips:
- If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, take the Staten Island Ferry.
- The ferry gives you great views of the Statue of Liberty and the city. It’s also free, if you take the metro to the ferry.
- Also, while you are waiting for the ferry, you have the option to purchase beer and drink it on the ride! How fun is that?
- Buy a week/month long metro pass.
- Sure it is more expensive upfront, but you will quickly learn that constantly refilling your metro card is both timely and costly.
- Always carry cash.
- You would think that in a modern city like NYC, credit cards would be king. Not exactly. Many restaurants have credit card minimums or simply only take cash. For instance, if you want to go to Tom’s Restaurant, the Seinfeld hotspot, you better bring cash or “no soup for you.”
- Avoid Times Square.
- This is unless, of course, you’re in the market for some overpriced “I heart NYC” boxers.
- For a more relaxing time, try the Highline and the nearby Chelsea Market.
- Walk quickly.
- Keep up or risk getting run over. Walk the same block a few times if you want to marvel at its beauty. After all, you’re on vacation; you have time.