Visiting New York for the first time: Avoid These Mistakes
Mistake #1: Not pre-planning airport arrivals.
Imagine, you’ve flown into New York City and you haven’t planned exactly how you’re going to get to your hotel. This is actually a lot more common than you might think and I always advise my clients to consider taking a transfer to their hotel to make this first part of their holiday hassle-free. Why? Because the New York City airports are not like Amsterdam where’s one train that takes you to the city centre (although you can find the Long Island Railroad city pass from JFK…a major travel hack that a lot of people don’t know about). When you come to New York’s airports make sure you’ve already planned out how you’re getting to your hotel, whether you decide to pre-book a transfer, take a taxi (for a flat fee + 15-20% tip from JFK), an Uber, revel or lyft. From La Guardia, the options are a little more limited and that’s why I always urge people to plan ahead.
Mistake #2: The MetroCard Machine
If you need to buy a metro card in NYC and you’re not from the United States and you’re paying by credit card, you’re going to be asked for a ZIP code (or post code as we call it in the UK). This is one thing that I’ve heard really throws visitors off in the moment, but if you put in 99999 you can bypass this formality and be good to complete the transaction.
Mistake #3: The Clockwise Subway Turnstile
When you go underground to use the Subway and you see those metal, high entrance moving gates, if you swipe and go in the wrong way, the turnstile will lock you out and you’ll lose the credit. This is confusing because you actually have to go into the turnstile counterclockwise, and don’t even get me started about trying to get a piece of luggage through them. If the option is there, use a regular subway entrance to avoid any confusion or watch other people going through them first if you can’t remember which direction to go.
Mistake #4: Underestimating Portion Sizes
I’ll admit, I’ve fallen into this trap too, but underestimating US portion sizes is a classic mistake! You’ll often order a meal in a restaurant and come to the realization that you’ve got way more food than you can handle—leading to overspending and throwing away what you can’t finish (so not very sustainable). On my last NYC trip, we ordered a large pizza to share, thinking we were starving... but it was way too much. The portions all over the US are no joke! Pro tip: always ask your server, "Is this a good size for sharing?" or "How big is the portion likely to be?" They’ll always be honest with you and if it’s not enough, you can always order more!
Mistake #5: Wearing Flip-flops in Manhattan
Don’t make the rookie mistake of not watching where you’re walking in Manhattan! If you're used to pristine streets, NYC might surprise you. Some dog owners skip the cleanup, and unseen litter can trip you up on the sidewalks. Trust me, if you’re strolling around in flip-flops without keeping an eye on the pavement, you’re asking for trouble! My top tip is to pack comfy shoes for your NYC trip—no matter the season—because you’ll be doing a lot of walking, and you definitely don’t want to step into anything... unexpected!
Mistake #6: Broadway Ticket Rip-Offs
This is something that I’ve heard is prevalent in New York City, so I have to touch on this one. If you want to see a Broadway show, what you need to do is plan in advance and book your tickets through your personal travel agent but if you do leave to spontaneity and get your tickets when you’re already away, always go directly to the show’s website so you don’t end up paying a reseller over the odds. You also have the option to g o to the tkts booth is you want to get discounted tickets for same day shows, but for really popular shows or really busy times of year, I always recommend pre-booking for your preferred show.
Mistake #7: Buying a Ticket for the Staten Island Ferry
Did you know the Staten Island Ferry is not only free, but it also offers an awesome view of the Statue of Liberty? Here’s a quick heads-up though: keep your eyes peeled for "ticket sellers" hanging around the terminal. They may try to lure you into buying ferry tickets, unofficial Statue of Liberty tours or boat cruise tickets. Stay savvy! If you’re planning to visit Lady Liberty up close, it’s always best to pre-book but if you don’t pre-book before you travel, make sure you grab your official tickets from Castle Clinton or head to statuecruises.com. That’s the way to go for a genuine experience!
Mistake #8: Being Unprepared for the cold!
“How do you pack for Christmas in New York?” I get asked this a lot, so here's my advice: check the weather a few days before your trip for a basic idea of what the weather’s been doing but usually, in December you can expect highs of around 4°C and lows of -1 to -2°C. Snow is in fact rare—it's been 22 years since it actually snowed on Christmas Day—but you never know...you could get lucky. I’d recommend packing a hat, gloves and some scarves for warmth. Equally as important as bundling up are your shoes—wear comfortable, broken-in shoes because you will certainly get your steps in and walk a lot in New York.
Mistake #9: Falling for Christmas Tourist Traps
If you’re in New York for the festive season, listen up: the pedicabs around Rockefeller Center and Radio City can be a total scam. They’ll try to lure you in with festive lights and music, but those rides are $7–$10 a minute! Always, always agree on a price before hopping on. Also, beware of those quirky Santas and other costumed characters you’ll spot around the city (yes, even in Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights). If you want a pic with one, expect to pay for it—and sometimes more than you bargained for!
Ready to conquer New York City like a pro? By avoiding these 8 common mistakes, you’ll be all set for an unforgettable adventure in the Big Apple. So, pack your comfy shoes, stay sharp, and dive into the magic of NYC without missing a beat!
If you're looking for even more insider secrets to make your NYC adventure unforgettable, browse through my other blog posts or do get in touch—I'm always here to help you craft the ultimate New York experience!
