How Foreigners Can Prepare for New York Site Seeing
New York City is the United States’ biggest city with over eight million inhabitants. Preparing adequately for your New York site seeing adventure is a smart thing to do, especially if you are not from the United States or not familiar with U.S. culture and customs. Here are a couple of tips on how foreigners can prepare for New York site seeing.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
New York site seeing is fun, but as in any large city, it is important to protect yourself and your property. You never know what may happen. If you are going to use any services for your New York site seeing trip, make sure to use reputable and licensed businesses. Never accept offers from people who don’t have a legitimate business tag, such as unlicensed vehicles or rentals. Once you get to your hotel, make sure to ask the concierge or manager what services they recommend. Ask them about the various NYC neighborhoods and activities so that you know where you can start your New York site seeing experience.
Public Transportation
New York City has one of the most extensive and complex public transportation networks in the world. Therefore, you will definitely have to learn a little bit about it before starting your New York site seeing trip. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operates all year long. It includes commuter trains, buses, and the subway. The stations are all over the city. The routes can connect you to all the different places in New York City and its surroundings. It is important to keep a few things in mind though when taking public transportation. First of all, always be careful in subway stations, and stay behind the yellow line when on the platform. Always buy MetroCards, the tickets used for the MTA, from approved vendors or MetroCards kiosks. You can find them at every station as well as at the airport. Never hold the subway door open. Also, make sure you are fully inside the train when it closes.
Walking and Biking
If you want to go New York site seeing, walking and biking are some of the best ways to do it. The city is extremely walking and bike-friendly. It includes a variety of walkways, such as the Highline and bike paths. You can take a bike tour or rent a bike and bike around the famous Central Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world.