I love New York
and I want everyone who visits to love it too. Unfortunately, lots of things can disrupt that goal. For example the noise, the crowds, the prices, the confusion with the trains, the general fear of the unknown, etc. etc. etc. While working as a cross-country tour guide (yep I did that), I learned the most important thing you can do in any situation but especially when traveling, is manage your expectations. So if you arrive on this beautiful island mentally prepared for any or all of those factors listed above, you’re already a step ahead.
What many visitors don’t realize however, is most of that terrible stuff is all crammed into one neighborhood: Midtown. On a day-to-day basis, I avoid Midtown at all cost. I understand that’s likely where you’re staying and its a good central location to seeing the sights, just please do me a favor and leave that area as often as you can. Take the subway! It’s great! Cabs are good too or any rideshare service. The best thing to do in Midtown is to leave.
Where to Go
So where to if not in the tourism mecca? Generally lower Manhattan is where you’ll find cool stuff, chill coffee shops and yummy restaurants at a wide range of prices. More specifically, anywhere between Canal and 23rd. Brooklyn is easy to get to on the train and I highly recommend Dumbo, Williamsburg, Park Slope and Prospect Park. The Staten Island Ferry is free and offers some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty. (Tip: you can BYOB) Central Park is lovely and massive, I like the northern side best. The Upper East Side has some really beautiful homes that are worth the wander.
What to Eat
One misconception about New York is that you need to bend over backwards to find that one burger place your neighbor recommended while you’re here cause they said it was good. By all means, heed the suggestion but also its likely you can get an equally delicious burger on the street you’re standing on right now. There are over 10,000 restaurants in Manhattan alone. The competition here is fierce and we all benefit. Almost every meal I’ve had here was somewhere between good and incredible. A particular strength is regional fare thanks to our amazingly diverse population. If you’d like a little more guidance do as the locals do–use Yelp!
What to Wear
This deserves an entire post but to be brief, just check the weather, layer wisely, choose comfortable pieces and opt for black. You’ll laugh at us–we laugh at us–for how much black everyone wears especially between October and April. Its useful though cause it doesn’t dirty as quickly, goes with everything and doesn’t show as much wear. Unless it is the dead of summer or the dead of winter, you need a jacket of some kind (hoodie, jean jacket, utility jacket, bomber, etc). Comfortable shoes are a must. I recommend half the number of days:pairs of shoes. For example if you’re staying for 7 days, 3 - 4 pairs of shoes. You’ll be walking way more than usual (probably) and your feet will feel it. Swapping shoes can help keep blisters at bay.