MUST-KNOW NYC TIPS FROM TWO FORMER NEW YORKERS
There is no greater city in the US than New York City. The city that never sleeps but it will drain your wallet and your feet if you’re not prepared.
There’s nothing like New York City. The first time I visited, I was about 12. I was wide-eyed and sweaty, completely enchanted and entirely overwhelmed. And then, I lived there, memories and experiences I am forever grateful for. It’s unlike anywhere else. It’s full of so much life and hustle, and as a tourist it can be easily overwhelming. So I want to help you navigate NYC, because behind every postcard moment is a secret shortcut, a subway hack, or a free activity waiting to be discovered… if you know where to look.
Between the two of us, we’ve lived, worked, played, cried, and danced in the city — and now we’re spilling our must-know tips to help you avoid rookie mistakes and get the most out of your NYC trip. Especially if you’re somewhere between budget backpacker and full-blown bougie (hi, hello, it’s us).
Here’s what we wish we knew before falling in love with the concrete jungle.
🚇 1. Public Transportation Is Your Bestie (Once You Learn Her Mood Swings)
Forget what you’ve heard!!! The NYC subway is not that scary. In fact, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to get around the city.
You’ve got two options:
MetroCard: The old-school yellow card you swipe at the turnstile. Still totally works, but requires going to a machine and reloading it.
OMNY: Our personal favorite. It’s NYC’s contactless tap system. Just use your phone or credit card to tap and go at the turnstile. No lines. No fuss. Just boop and you’re in! Add your card to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay before your trip. It works even if your phone is locked. No app needed, and no confusing setup — just tap, wait for the green GO, and walk through like a local.
Plus, if you use OMNY consistently, you’re automatically eligible for fare capping — ride the subway or bus 12 times in a week and the rest of your rides are free until Sunday. It’s like a weekly unlimited pass without the upfront cost.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on Google Maps. Use the CityMapper or Transit app, and ALWAYS check for weekend delays. Trust us, it’s the worst when you’re stuck underground with zero cell service and only a granola bar to your name.
Also… avoid empty subway cars. If you know, you know…
👟 2. Your Feet Will Cry, So Dress Accordingly
You will walk. A lot. Like, half-marathon-before-lunch level walking.
But honestly? It’s the best way to see the city. Skip the traffic and wander through neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, SoHo, FiDi, or Hell’s Kitchen- each neighborhood has its own energy and hidden gems.
Wear shoes you’d trust in a zombie apocalypse. Fashion is fun, but nothing kills a day in NYC faster than a blister.
💵 3. Yes, You Have to Tip. No, It’s Not Optional.
We get it — tipping culture in the U.S. is confusing and kinda annoying, especially when you’re traveling.
But in NYC, tipping is expected. New York is a tough city and the people are hustling. I’ve worked in the service industry before, and it can you a thankless job, so remember how many people are there just trying to make ends meet.
Here’s the cheat sheet:
Restaurants: 15–20% minimum
Cabs: 10–20%, or just round up generously
Hotel staff: $5–10, especially if they go out of their way to help
If someone helps you carry your bags through a snowstorm or hail you a cab in the rain — that’s a tip moment. Always tip. Always kindness.
🍕 4. Food Is a Love Language — Budget for It
You could eat a different cuisine every night in NYC for a year and still not scratch the surface.
Whether you’re splurging at Carbone or grabbing $1 pizza at 2 a.m. in the East Village, there is delicious food everywhere! Just don’t just eat near Times Square. Go where the locals are.
🍽️ Make some reservations ahead of time (OpenTable and Resy are your friends).
And if you want something iconic but low-key? Try a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel, dumplings in Chinatown, or a classic diner breakfast that’ll fuel your whole day.
🤑 5. NYC Will Test Your Budget — But There’s Magic in the Free Stuff
Let’s not sugarcoat it. New York is expensive. Hotels are pricey, cocktails are practically rent, and suddenly you’ve spent $45 on a bagel and an oat milk latte.
BUT. There’s still magic for free:
Museums like the Met and MoMA have pay-what-you-wish days
Central Park concerts and movie nights in the summer
Staten Island Ferry = free views of the Statue of Liberty
Walk the High Line, visit Bryant Park, or roam the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
NYC will give you unforgettable memories, you just have to meet her halfway.
Traveling to NYC can feel like entering a fast-paced movie with no script. But with these simple tips, we hope you feel a little more like the main character: confident, curious, and caffeinated (because you're going to need coffee… lots of it).
See you on the subway.
— From two former New Yorkers who still miss the bagels 💛
