New York City is among the world’s most visited cities. As is in many big cities, driving and doing other daily activities in New York City can be very difficult and stressful. If you’re planning to travel to NYC soon, then this blog post is for you! You’ll need a few tips and tricks on what to do while you’re there. Even if it’s not your first time traveling in the city, we guarantee that some of this may be new information for you. Read on!
1. You Might Need a VPN to Access Internet Services
New York City has more than 24,000 cameras installed all over. Some of these include license plate recognition systems that catalog every car entering the area! It’s no surprise why New York City also happens to be one of those countries with internet censorship.
To bypass these restrictions, you might want to use a VPN service while within the city limits. As highlighted on these overviews of the top five VPNs for New York City, a VPN will ensure your privacy, anonymity, and security when browsing the web. A VPN can also help you access blocked content in NYC, including Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Now/Go, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Spotify Premium, SoundCloud & more!
2. Do Not Eat at Chain Restaurants
In New York City, you can find many local restaurants that offer gourmet food for low prices. They’re known as the Mom and Pop joints in NYC, if you may! There are more than 100 top-rated mom & pop shops within Manhattan alone.
The best part is that these are the restaurants that are worth your money. So, you better stay away from those chain restaurants, or else you’ll be wasting a lot of cash on subpar food. Chain restaurants are just everywhere in the city, so they’re convenient. But convenience doesn’t equate to quality food!
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3. NYC is a Great Place for Shopping
New York City is also known as one of the best places to shop around. There are so many shops and brands that you can check out whenever you have to time off from your sightseeing tours. From the high-end brands like Armani and Prada to the mid-end stores like H&M, Forever 21 & Gap; you name it!
New York City’s got them all. And if you’re looking for more affordable options, there are plenty of those as well, such as Macy’s (the biggest department store in the world), Century 21, and Century 16, and much more. So, be sure to bring your wallet and ample luggage space before you go on a shopping spree!
4. Keep an Eye Out for Pickpockets and Scammers
This is not to scare you away! While traveling to NYC can be exciting, it’s also important not to let your guard down while exploring the city. As mentioned on the New York Police Department’s official website, NYC has been ranked as one of those countries with a high rate of tourist-targeted thefts and scams.
Some of these include pickpocketing (unfortunately quite common), con artists posing as cops or other officials to gain your trust, getting overcharged for things, and more. Be sure to avoid places that are crowded with a lot of people, especially if you’re alone or in an unfamiliar place.
5. Don’t Take Photos Unless You Ask First
While it is perfectly okay to take photos of NYC’s iconic buildings like the Empire State Building, don’t forget about asking for permission first before snapping away. Some buildings have specific policies on what you can and cannot do with photos.
In general, it’s always best to ask the people in charge before taking a photo of their establishment or property, no matter how beautiful they may look from afar. You don’t want your visit getting cut short because someone was upset at you for doing something you had no idea was a big deal!
6. Use Public Transportation as Much as Possible
New York City is one of those countries with world-class public transportation systems. Not only are they cheap, but the subway system and other forms of transport can also take you from Point A to Point B in record time.
So why opt for cabs and other forms of paid transport when you can save money and get to your destination faster? Of course, it’s always best to look at the map first before deciding on which route is ideal for you. But if there’s any doubt in your mind, trust us: NYC has got one great public transportation system.
In conclusion, there are a lot of things you should know about when traveling to NYC. From the best places to eat and shop to what’s legal or not in taking photos with your camera/phone, it is essential that you’re aware of these tips before going on a tour around this city. We hope you will have a successful and safe trip!
