You’ve heard the song, right? So you already know that it’s the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, and that there’s nothing you can’t do? Grammatically correct or otherwise, it’s a fine introduction to the place…
Yep, we’re talking about New York City, the Big Apple…
We see it in the movies and hear about it in the news, and we all want to take a bite out of it. It’s the home to artists, movie stars, dancers, wannabes, dreamers and more, and it’s one of the busiest and most thrilling places on earth.
Whether you are in awe of the giant buildings or the intricate, modern architecture, the vast greenery of Central Park or the sheer variety of shopping options and restaurants, New York City is ripe for the eating. If this is your first time in the city, then this one’s for you; here are 10 things first timers should know before visiting the Big Apple.
ENTRY REQUIRES A VISA OR ESTA
With flights from London taking around 7 and a half hours, the Big Apple is an incredibly exciting, surprisingly accessible place to enjoy a long weekend away. That said, you can’t just book a last minute flight and swan in to the city at short notice – you’re going to need to arrange either a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) first.
An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows people to travel to the United States without necessarily requesting the traditional non-immigrant visitor visa.
An ESTA allows individuals from specific countries (including the UK) to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa, via the country’s Visa Waiver Program.
Should you be travelling for more than 90 days or the purpose of your visit is not for business or short term tourism, you will need a visa rather than an ESTA.
It should also be noted that, right now, some states in the US require a period of quarantine on arrival into the country. You may well have to do the same when returning to the UK, though this looks likely to change in the coming weeks to allow double-vaccinated UK citizens entry back into the country without having to isolate. Check the latest government guidelines at the time of travel for the most up-to-date information on this.
YOU’RE GOING TO NEED MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK
Yep, we realise we just suggested you could enjoy a long weekend here, and you definitely could, but it’s still important to know that New York City is a heaving, hectic city and getting around takes time.
Have you planned to be in the city for a couple of days? Double it! A 20 minute cab journey, as predicted by Google Maps, may well take you double that time – so give yourself plenty of it if you’re keen to arrive to that dinner reservation or Broadway show on time.
NEVER GET ON AN EMPTY SUBWAY CAR
Seasoned city dwellers will pack themselves like sardines into the subway to get where they need to be…
But if you think you’ve hit the space jackpot with an empty subway car, you’d be wrong. Natives to New York know that the only time a subway car is empty is if there is a problem, perhaps with the air-conditioning being broken or a particularly offensive mess festering within. Though it might be counterintuitive, it’s better to avoid these empty subway cars in favour of those a little more populated.
WALK – AND DON’T STOP
In urban centres the world over, residents move fast and with purpose, and New York City is no exception. Tourists in the city are instantly recognisable as being those who stand on the pavement staring at all the sights, and it’s the locals and business natives who are hustling and bustling to get where they need to be. Cities across the globe ebb and flow most effortlessly when people understand the unwritten rules of movement – as in, keep going no matter what. Do the same to fit in.
LEARN THE TIPPING ETIQUETTE
If you’re visiting from England, chances are you won’t be au fait with tipping etiquette in the Big Apple. Here in the US, doing so is part and parcel of daily life. The general rule of thumb is that 15-20% is normal for tipping restaurants, cabs, bellhops and anyone else who has provided a service – because they’re not paid a minimum wage. Always account for tipping when you are working out your holiday budget.
Read: Local lingo: 8 tips for Brits moving to New York
GET ON THE EAST RIVER FERRY AT LEAST ONCE
You cannot go to NYC without riding the East River ferry and seeing New York City from a very different angle. Tickets are just $2.75, with the Staten Island ferry completely free – take it to enjoy an incredible vantage point for seeing the Statue of Liberty with Manhattan as a backdrop. Lovely stuff.
OTHER FREE THINGS TO DO
New York City is expensive, sure, but keeping costs low can be done. From the passes that allow you to skip the wait to the donation-based museums, you can get a lot seen and done without too much money being spent.
Speaking of fantastic Big Apple entertainment that you don’t have to pay for, The Museum of Modern Art (MOMO), one of the best of its kind in the world, offers free entry on Friday evenings (4pm to 8pm).
Strolling the High Line also won’t cost you a dime, and gives amazing views of the city, the opportunity for some stargazing and people watching. Great stuff. And of course, a stroll around Central Park or across Brooklyn Bridge needs no ticket and gets you well and truly acquainted with some of the most famous landmarks in the city.
LEARN HOW TO HAIL A CAB
We feel like we’ve mentioned cabs a lot, but they’re an essential part of the New York City experience; as such, you need to learn how to hail one. It’s not like you see in the movies. If a cab doesn’t have their light on, it’s not available. If it does, it’s fair game for you step out and hail one a la SJP in Sex in the City.
DON’T GET HUNG UP ON TIMES SQUARE
Yes, the lights are pretty spectacular, but you don’t have to spend all your time in Times Square. Times Square is going to be a bucket list item for many, sure, but there is so much more to the City and your trip shouldn’t centre solely on there.
LOOK FAR BEYOND MANHATTAN
Manhattan is never going to lose its magnificence and history, but there is so much more to New York than Manhattan. In fact, New York City comprises five distinct boroughs; the big M we already mentioned, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Each has something very different and exciting to offer, and you’d be narrowing your experience not to visit each on your first taste of the Big Apple.
We hope you have a great time and do send us some photos!