Ten New York City Travel Tips & Tricks
Here are some interesting tidbits of information I've picked up on my last few trips to New York City. Trip planning can be overwhelming so I've always looked for any "insider" info that I can find before I go.
- Never let anyone touch your Metro card - Nana was "helped" by what we thought was a nice man while she tried to get her Metro card to work. In reality he was a thief who palmed her unlimited ride card & traded it for a one ride card. We didn't realize it until we went to ride the subway the next time.
- You can save serious coin by buying your Broadway tickets on the day of the show at the TKTS booth - We saved 50% when buying 2 tickets (~$130 for one show and ~$180 on the other show...these are totals for both tickets).
- If you decide to go the TKTS route, buy tickets to the more popular shows on earlier days - The variety of shows available to us on Thursday was much greater than on Saturday.
- Just realize that the super new and/or popular shows will most likely not be available at the TKTS office. If you have your heart set on those shows, buy them in advance.
- If you want to buy something at Tiffany's on a budget hit floor 3 for beautiful sterling silver jewelry. - It's still not cheap but you can find something pretty for under $200.
- The Quicksilver store on Times Square has super cute, well made T-shirts that say New York for men, women and children. They are stylish and won't fall apart after one wash like the ones hawked on street corners.
- If you have Broadway tickets on Friday or Saturday night you NEED reservations for dinner. Everyone & their dog are trying to eat dinner before 8pm. If you don't have reservations you will end up eating at somewhere subpar. Ask me how I know. 🙂
- The best way to really see New York is a walking tour. There is a lot you can see from a bus tour but you will have issues with traffic & you can't see things up close.
- If you eat at Carnegie Deli, share a sandwich. I would recommend the hot pastrami with a side of coleslaw. This is the perfect meal for two ravenous people for lunch. Really....I'm not kidding....don't try to eat this alone, it is just too big.
- Last but not least....I can not stress this enough....wear comfortable shoes!!!!!
I would love to hear any of your tips. I'm hoping that I will be going back soon so I'm always looking for more tips.
Yes. Wear comfortable shoes!!
I've never eaten at the Carnegie Deli. I don't know if I'll have the time for this upcoming trip but I'll try.
I always love travel tips.
Oh, so fun! I want to go to NY! Thanks for your tips---that first one about your metro card is crazy!!
take the subway everywhere! it's the best way to get around.
if you are a sex in the city fan, you have to go to magnolia bakery. the cupcakes are to die for.
little delis are the best places for lunch. yummy fresh made sandwiches that you can eat anywhere. with a drink it usually comes under $10.
21st century store down in the financial district. you need a good half a day to sort through this place. it's like winners, but 50 times bigger and better!
man, i want to go back!
Julie - we ate at a deli in Greenwich Village that was amazing. Best lunch we had & it was around $15 for both of us. I missed out on Century 21. My mother in law isn't much of a shopper & the day we were down that way we had already walked FOREVER so shopping wasn't high on our priority list.
Thank you for the tips! I don't know when I can ever get to NY, but when I do I will be sure that I follow your advice!
That is one great list of tips!
I blogged about my favourite New York experiences - http://www.thisbirdsday.com/experiences-new-york-city/. Good warning about the Metro card - I wouldn't have thought of that!
NYC is on my bucket list....might be a while before we get there! Great tips.
I loved your tips. I also love going to NYC. My big tip: Don't go in August... it is too damn hot. I thought I would melt. Pick spring or fall. Way cooler... and trust me, those subways smell way worse in the heat.
That is a great tip Margarita! It is very hot in August and stinky!
Love your tips. No plans to go to New York anytime soon so I'll tuck this one away for when that day comes. A girl can dream 🙂
Fingers crossed that you get to go soon!
THAT Tiffanys tips is golden! Thanks!! We had this conversation recently - my neighbour went to Chicago and there was a Tiffanys and she was dying to go in BUT she was dressed in shorts and not very Chi Chi if you know what I mean. So she felt inappropriate and left the store without browsing at all even though it was a dream for her. So now I will tell her just go to New York and hit the third floor where there are sales.