Some of you may know if you have visited my little corner of the internet before that I am completely and head over heels in love with New York. I went as a young girl with family when I was growing up and over the years, I have visited numerous times with my husband. For me, it is a place that completely sets me on fire and makes me feel inspired. However, I think that there are some things that you should know about the magical city and that is what I’m going to share with you in my post today.

 

 

It can be overwhelmingly busy.

As you would expect for one of the most densely populated cities in the world, New York naturally has its moments where it’s incredibly busy. And to somebody like me, that is rather introverted, there are moments where it feels overwhelming. Especially if I am in a busy shopping area, tourist hotspot etc. For me, I try to look at when the peak times are and avoid those. However, I have friends that love a busy bustling city and would rather be there during those periods. It is simply each to their own.

 

Times Square is sketchy.

Times Square is without a doubt an iconic place. When we were hot off the plane the first time we went there, I was desperate to get to Times Square and see the billboard for myself. However, out of everywhere that I have been in the city and the different boroughs that I have visited, Times Square is the only one that made me feel really uncomfortable. I don’t know whether it was because of the sheer number of people, the gangs or the overwhelming smell of drugs. Regardless, it wasn’t a place for me. Just be careful if you head there and keep your possessions close. Pickpocketing is rife.

 

There are cheap and expensive places.

Before my husband and I went to NYC for the first time, everybody told us that it was the most expensive place that they have ever visited. It scared us at the time because back then we didn’t have much money. However, I have to disagree with that statement. Just like everywhere in the world there cheap and expensive places. Just make sure before going somewhere for food, snacks or drinks that you are looking at them online. There is a budget friendly way of doing NYC, it just takes a little more consideration.

 

Walk whenever you can.

Even though the island seems small, it is actually huge. Because of this there are amazing connection links throughout. Whether it be bus, cab or the subway. But one thing that I have to advocate for is walking wherever you can. Put on your comfortable shoes and hit the pavement. There is so much to see in the city and you can easily miss it by zipping past it too quickly. Just plan your routes carefully and consider where you are heading. I for one would get a cab to my furthest out point and when walk back.

 

Tipping is important.

Here in the UK, I try to tip when we go out for a meal. However, it certainly isn’t a given. In the UK, our serving staff are paid a standard wage and don’t depend on tips (even though they are always appreciative). But in the States, that isn’t the case. People’s livelihood depends on tips, and they need them in order to go home with a good wage. 20% is the standard, but I would strongly advise you think about the service and if you would put it at a higher rate of tip.

 

Try local hotspots.

When you visit the city, there are so many different places to try and visit. However, I would highly recommend trying to speak to the locals and see where they are going. They are the kind of places that probably wouldn’t be on Trip Advisor, but they are the hidden gems of the city. It is how I found a small Mexican place next to the Empire State Building that was without a doubt, some of the best food that I have ever eaten.

 

The villages are completely different.

When I went back to New York as an adult, I quickly realised that the villages of city were very different and had very different vibes. I can confidently say that as much as I wish I had the budget to be park side in either the Upper West or East Side, I think the place that I love most is Greenwich Village. I love that it is much more laid back from the hustle and bustle. Plus, the restaurants and bars around that area are my favourite on the entire island.

 

Don’t be offended by the lack of manners.

Us Brits are overly polite. There I said it. We use our manners even when they aren’t required. So, when you put us in the US, especially NYC where people aren’t quite as polite as us Brits, it can seem like their rude. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. They are polite, just when it is actually required. Don’t expect to be walking down the street and have people saying sorry to you for accidently bumping your shoulder. Its fast paced and there is simply no time for pleasantries.

 

Use yellow cabs.

Just like we lobbied here in the UK a couple years back to safe the black cab, the same premise permits in NYC for yellow cab drivers. They have constantly been threatened by the likes of Uber taking over and it is killing their livelihood. Every time I have been, I get in as many yellow cabs as I can the conversation that I have shared with the drivers have been amazing. Nobody knows the city more than them. They are the guys you want driving you around!

 

As always, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post and learning more about the wonderful city, New York. It really has captured my heart and in many ways I long for a day that I no longer work a standard 9-5 and I can spend a prolonged amount of time there to help my creativity. The things that I have listed in this post are just a few things that I noted about the city, but I would love to hear from you guys in the comments below. What are some things that you think people should know before visiting the Big Apple?