The pace of life in the Big Apple is frenetic, which means that one only needs to blink to miss out on an unforgettable New York moment. Your time in the city is precious, doubly so when you consider the fact that you're shelling out to stay in a city with some of the highest hotel prices on the planet. That being the case, you'll want to ensure your stay in NYC is as efficient as possible so that no time is wasted and that you make the most of every single NY Minute. Here are some top-notch traveller tips for maximizing your time in the Capital of the World.
1. Do Your Research
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This one really cannot be stressed enough. Yes, every street in Manhattan is bursting at the seams with experiences and attractions, but if you don't have a solid itinerary before you arrive then you WILL spend half of your trip aimlessly wandering around.
Most importantly, all of the big attractions, such as the Met, Guggenheim, Coney Island, and MoMA, often have lines of up to three hours' wait. Avoid those by booking reservations in advance for your cultural hotspots, or visiting them at a quiet time, such as a weekday morning.
2. Never Get a Cab
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Yes, those iconic yellow taxis really do feel like a fairytale when you're stepping into one on the corner of Park and 59th, but the magic will quickly wear off after two hours in traffic. New York is notorious for gridlocked streets, and traffic wait times are only getting worse.
The single worst thing a visitor can do is rent a car, as you'll also spend an extra hour trying to find parking. Save time by taking the subway. It's fast, efficient, cheap, and always quicker than a cab.
3. Eat Smart
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One thing that can take up a surprising amount of time in NYC is eating. We don't just mean the time spent having to choose a restaurant out of the close to 100,000 currently operating in the city. Wait times at most restaurants are very, very long, especially on weekends, even if you have made a reservation.
You can swerve this inconvenience by doing as the busy locals do and ordering meal delivery kits straight to your hotel or apartment. There are tons of different providers to choose from, which offer every cuisine imaginable. Simply order on your phone and get all of the ingredients for a fresh meal sent straight to your door. It sure beats a three-hour wait for a table at Roberto's.
4. Know Your Distances
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This is a simple tip which far too many visitors to this fair city don't take on board. Manhattan and Brooklyn may look compact in the movies, but it sure doesn't feel like that for those who are living here. Say you want to grab lunch on the Upper East Side in true SATC fashion, then head downtown to kick back in Battery Park. You're looking at an hour of traveling time.
Similarly, dinner in midtown followed by cocktails in Flatbush will mean most of your evening will be spent changing trains. Research your distances when putting together your itinerary, so that everything you do in a day is in a logical order.
If you follow these simple tips, you'll be able to say you made the most of your time in New York City. Just remember to stop occasionally and take in the magic of the city, before rushing to your next destination in true local fashion.
