October 15, 2024

First Time in NYC? Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

29 minutes

If it's your first time (or even 3rd or 4th) visiting NYC, you should be aware of some common mistakes to avoid!

Thinking you have to stay in Times Square. You don't need to stay in Times Square, but you should stay in Manhattan and you should stay within 5-10 minutes of a subway station.

You can take public transit from every single airport. You don't have to take an Uber or Lyft! Download our free transportation guide here.

You don't have to engage with people who are trying to talk to you on the street (pedi cabs, CD people, breakdancers, characters in Times Square, comedy shows, Staten Island Ferry). Most of them are trying to take advantage of you.

Avoid eating at (most) food carts unless you know it's reputable. Unless you can look up reviews about it online, don't eat there.

You do NOT need to buy a subway card. There is no benefit to buying the week-long pass because the discount gets applied automatically when you use Omny, the tap to pay service. You can always tap a credit card that has a tap to pay or use Apple Pay on your phone.

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment: Terra Blues

Terra Blues Jazz Club ($20 cover on the weekends). You are paying to get in, and once you are in, you can stay as long as you want. First come, first served seating, but some reservations are available (until around 8pm) if you plan ahead. Terra Blues has talented artists, great cocktails, and a huge whiskey list.

Bonus Mistake: Don't walk slow on sidewalks and especially don't take up the entire sidewalk! See our full sidewalk guide here.

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By Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together Here

2626 ratings