The most fascinating city in the world is definitely New York City. Because no matter how many defects it may have and how little it compares with other older places, there is something that still attracts. And always will. Whoever has been there wants to come back. You say “New York” and you already see glittering skyscrapers, lights, artists, crowded subways and monuments… truly monumental! For Americans, it is one of the oldest and most historic cities of the nation, in fact it existed long before the birth of the United States themselves. For tourists, it is the summary of the American Dream. If New York is your next destination, here are some useful tips for a perfect stay!
When to go
One would say, with no doubt at all, that New York is always beautiful. Every season is perfect for a vacation in the “Big Apple”. However, some times of the year can be particularly hostile. For example, between November and February, snowstorms and frosts that block the metropolis for days are not uncommon. And although New Year’s Eve in New York is everyone’s dream, we recommend you to book your stay in this city between April and October.
Travel documents
The latest anti-covid restrictions have been recently dropped, and therefore to enter the United States from abroad all you need to do is show a valid passport and an ESTA visa (i.e. the mandatory electronic tourist stay permit that you fill in and obtain online) . You can add travel medical insurance to these basic documents. It is not mandatory but highly recommended, because in America health care is very expensive and you have to cover the costs in anticipation. If all these documents are in order, you will only have to wait for your papers to get stamped at the airport (in New York there are three international ones: JFK, LaGuardia and Newark) … and then off to the American adventure!
What to pack for your trip to New York
The recommended time to go visit New York is between spring and autumn. Summer usually has very mild temperatures, so light cotton or linen clothes will be enough to face the city without problems. Jackets are still recommended because sometimes in the evening the breeze is really cold. If you travel in spring or autumn, however, you will have to expect sudden drops in temperature and even snow, sometimes! So you better also bring warm clothes with you, to protect yourself on those occasions.
Important thing to remember! You will need to bring a universal adapter for electrical outlets in your suitcase, because American ones have elongated holes – not round like European ones – and also the voltage varies compared to Europe. Never forget this device! As for cell phones, obviously, in America they will have to work with local operators. Foreign tourists can buy prepaid and adaptable telephone cards that will allow them to communicate by hooking up to American lines.
How to get to New York
New York is served by at least five airports, although the most famous and important for international traffic are three: John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR). All these airports are well served by land and rail connections and there is no shortage of taxi, shuttle, taxi-with-chauffeur and group bus services. Trains are also very efficient in New York, as for both national lines (the main stations are Grand Central and Penn) and the famous subway. Several highways connect New York to major nearby cities, such as Boston (Route I-90), Washington and Baltimore (I-95), Philadelphia (I-95 and I-78). Greyhound bus services connect the city to every state in the nation.
How to move through New York
Tradition has it that in New York you can move easily with public and private transport. The city buses, the many municipal or private taxis, but above all the subway allow you to reach any corner of the city at any time. You can buy a special ticket, the Metrocard, which allows you to use both subway and bus for one week! Some famous districts of New York, such as Manhattan, Little Italy, Soho can easily be explored on foot as if you were in a European city. Distances between the various monuments, in fact, are really short. There is no shortage of cycle paths and ferry-boats. Ferries, especially, allow you to easily reach the districts scattered between the islands and the inlets of the urban area. No road traffic stress!
What to see
In recent past times, the absolute symbols of New York were three: the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Twin Towers. If the first two remain universal and obligatory destinations, today the bittersweet pilgrimage to Ground Zero – where the two famous towers once stood – has been added to the tour. Among the skyscrapers to admire, from below or even from the top where possible, there are the Chrysler and the Empire State Building.
If you can do it, choose to go for a walk in the most iconic neighbourhoods of the city: Manhattan, especially in the blocks of the rich lords of finance; Soho, the artists’ quarter; Little Italy, with its bright colours; the mythical and gloomy Bronx. Strolling in Central Park is an experience not to be missed, even though the vastness of this immense urban garden would literally take days to do!
Around New York, the towns of Jersey City, Hartford and the Hamptons are worth a visit. In particular the latter (two cities with similar names, South Hampton and East Hampton) are the most beautiful beaches on the north east coast.
What to do and NOT to do in New York
Of course, New York must be explored! And we suggest you to use public transport, which you can do at all times thanks to the tourist cards. By purchasing one, you can get on all the vehicles for a week or a fortnight, depending on the rate you pay. This will allow you to get around the city without wasting time and in absolute comfort.
Some neighbourhoods of New York, once famous for being crime hotbeds, have now been re-evaluated and are open to tourists. Districts such as Bronx and Harlem, for example, but also Brooklyn are now nice places to see. Although it is normal to walk quietly through these streets, it is always advisable to be careful with bags, suitcases or precious objects. And you better avoid going into the alleys or strolling through these neighbourhoods at night. If you really have to, move in groups, never alone or in pairs.
If you travel by taxi, avoid getting into any car displaying the word “taxi” or “cab”. In New York, the official companies have yellow or green coloured cars only. And very precise wordings that you can learn perhaps by asking information at your hotel. Also avoid street artists who are too “engaging” with the people around, because they often distract you for to steal.
Also enjoy yourself a bit of the “surroundings” of New York. New Jersey is certainly worth a visit, and so are the romantic towns on the coast (the Hamptons) and those in the neighbouring state.