Planning a trip to New York City can be quite overwhelming. I’ve been traveling to “The City” for twenty years, and I still have a never-ending list of things I want to do. The energy, the people, the design…it’s an endless source of inspiration. Are you headed to NYC soon? If not, you should be! Here are my five tips on planning a trip to “the city that never sleeps.”
One: Define your trip objective. Is it your first time in New York City? Is it your hundredth? What do you see yourself doing the most? Do you want to shop? Do you want to eat? Do you want see a show? As in any big city, New York City neighborhoods are clearly defined. To save time, I recommend making reservations ahead of time at a hot restaurant or research which shows you want to see once in the city. Dining Traveler Tip: Contact the hotel concierge in advance for restaurant or theater bookings.
Two: Where to stay. By defining your objective, it will be easier to figure out where to stay. If you are headed to NYC for the first time, you will want to take in Times Square, Broadway, and of course shopping. If you are traveling for a short period of time, it’s better to be in the middle of everything. A great pick is The London NYC Hotel: an all-suite hotel, perfect for travel with a family or a small group of friends.
Three: What to pack. With baggage fees on the rise, you want to be more conscientious on what you pack. There is plenty of walking in NYC. If your agenda is hard-core sightseeing, I recommend comfy shoes such as stylish flats (my pick: Tod’s) or sneakers (but not running sneakers! Can you say “tourist?”). Look at the weather. NYC can be extremely hot in the summer. Pack loose, comfortable pieces.
Four: What to eat. Eating in NYC is an experience of its own! Step away from chain restaurants. More than likely you can find the Olive Garden at home. Head to Chinatown for dim sum, noodles, and delicious pork buns. Are you a carnivore? Try a Korean BBQ in Koreatown. Take a trip around the world with affordable eats at The Gansevoort Market. With Colombian arepas to Thai Food stalls, there are plenty of indulgent choices. My favorite part of NYC for great eats is Downtown. I enjoyed staying at Dream Downtown last fall with a plethora of choices surrounding the hotel, from Chelsea Market to the beautiful The Park NYC restaurant.
Five: See the boroughs! Many visitors see NYC as just Manhattan, however, there is plenty to see in the other four boroughs. Catch a Yankees game in the Bronx or a Mets game in Queens. If you can catch a “subway series” (Mets vs. Yankees!), it’s an added bonus. You will see New Yorkers in their full element. Go for a stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for impressive views of Manhattan. Want to stay off the beaten path? Book a stay at The Ravel Hotel in Long Island City. I stayed there seven years ago and still dream of the epic view of the New York City skyline from its rooftop!
Although I am a frequent traveler to New York City, I still have a long list of places to discover and places to eat. On my list: One World Trade Center, The Plaza Hotel Food Hall, and a Brooklyn Nets game. Are you planning a trip to New York City? What are you looking forward to see or do or eat the most?
I enjoyed sharing my favorite New York City tips as part of the #HipmunkCityLove Project.
I am SO with you on setting an objective. When I think about traveling to a place as wonderfully diverse as New York, it can be incredibly overwhelming!
Right? I’ve been there hundreds of times and still get overwhelmed!
Great thoughts! I am going to New York in a few weeks. I’ll definitely have to take you up on your dining advice!
Thanks! Have a great trip to NYC! If you need any tips, let me know!
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