10 Must-Know Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to NYC

Landing in New York City for the first time feels like walking into the middle of a film you’ve seen a hundred times - but now you’re part of it. The yellow taxis, the steam rising from the streets, someone arguing with a pigeon in Central Park. It’s loud, fast, slightly overwhelming, and brilliant all at once.

But for every wide-eyed moment of wonder, there’s usually a moment where you think, “Should I have Googled how the subway works” or “why is the queue for this bagel shop so big?”.

If you’re heading to NYC for the first time, these 10 tips will help you find your feet faster, skip the common mistakes, and enjoy more of what the city does best. No fluff, no tourist traps - just the stuff you wish someone had told you earlier.

1. Download the Subway App Before You Arrive

Don’t try to wing it with the subway map at the station unless you enjoy minor panic and strong smells. Apps like Citymapper or the official MTA app are lifesavers for working out which train goes where and when. The NYC subway runs 24/7, but services can catch you out - especially on weekends.

And yes, Uptown and Downtown are actual directions. Don’t ask someone. Just check the app.

2. Get an OMNY Card - or just Tap Your Contactless

Gone are the days of buying a MetroCard with exact change and a confused face. Now, you can tap in and out of the subway and buses with a contactless credit or debit card using OMNY. It’s fast, easy, and saves time fumbling at the turnstile during rush hour.

3. Comfortable Shoes Aren’t Optional

NYC looks like a grid, which makes it feel walkable. But five blocks can feel like five miles in the wrong shoes. Bring proper walking trainers and break them in before the trip. Trust us - your feet will thank you by day three.

4. Plan Just Enough (And Be Flexible)

It's tempting to cram in every must-see attraction, but NYC has a way of distracting you. You’ll head out for coffee and end up at a pop-up jazz show in a park. Leave space in your schedule for unplanned discoveries. Sometimes, the best memories come from not sticking to the plan.

5. Eat Outside the Obvious

You’ll hear a lot about pizza slices and $1 bagels - and yes, they’re great. But some of NYC’s best food lives in side streets, food trucks, and neighborhood joints. Skip Times Square for meals. 

Head downtown into the East Village for ramen shops that are just as authentic as those in downtown Tokyo. Or try Queens, where street vendors and family-run restaurants serve dishes from every corner of the world. Don’t overlook food trucks and carts either - Midtown's quick street food options can be surprisingly good, affordable, and memorable. Eating like a local is one of the easiest and best ways to truly experience NYC.

6. Keep Your Day Bag Light - Or Store It

Dragging a suitcase or heavy backpack around the city is a recipe for misery. Many places (museums, shops, cafes) don’t allow large bags. If you’re on the move or arriving before check-in, use luggage storage in NYC to drop your bags so you can explore more easily.

Some coworking spaces like BELONG NYC even offer locker rentals NYC so you can safely store items while working or sightseeing.

7. Use a Coworking Space If You Need to Work or Reset

If you need Wi-Fi and coffee that isn’t from a wobbly cafe table, NYC has plenty of on-demand workspaces for freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads. Belong NYC in SoHo offers a flexible workspace NYC that visitors can use for a few hours or a whole day.

They’ve even got nap pods NYC style, perfect if you have to leave your hotel early at 10 am, but your flight isn’t until the evening, but you need to get some work done.

8. Don’t Just Stick to Manhattan

Yes, Manhattan is full of iconic spots, but theres more to the city than skyscrapers and yellow cabs. Brooklyn has great food, parks, and views. Queens is full of fantastic food. The Bronx has art and culture that's often missed.

Jump on the subway, pick a random stop that's a few stops before yours, and wander. You might find your favorite NYC memory somewhere unexpected.

9. Tipping isn’t Optional - But It Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Tipping in New York isn’t just polite - it's expected. If you’re from a place where tipping isn’t customary, it might initially feel confusing. Here’s a quick breakdown: restaurants usually expect a 20% tip, bartenders typically get $1-$2 per drink, and hotel or luggage staff should receive at least a dollar or two per bag.

The good news is that most places make tipping stress-free by listing suggested tip amounts directly on your receipt.

10. Don’t Rely on Google Maps Alone

Google maps is helpful - but it doesn’t always understand New York. It might send you to the back entrance of a building, across a park that's closed, or into a permanent state of rerouting. Street numbers can be confusing, and many places have the same name in different boroughs.

Double-check addresses, especially for events or restaurants. Look up the entrance on street view if needed. Don’t be afraid to ask someone local - they’ll usually give better directions than your phone ever could.

Final Thoughts

Visiting NYC for the first time combines adrenaline, confusion, and unexpected joy. You’ll probably get lost, eat something amazing, see something weird, and wonder how you walked 25,000 steps in one day.

These tips won’t stop every bump in the road, but they’ll definitely help you enjoy more of the good bits. And if you ever need a quiet moment, a desk, a shower, or a place to stash your bags while you grab some last-minute pizza, Belong NYC is ready when you are.