NYC Hacks: Tips for Making the Most of NYC

Whether it is your first time in New York City or you have been here since what feels like the beginning of time, we have all been at that point where we don’t know what to do. As a college freshman, I often found myself confused with everything going on around me. So, here is a list of essential NYC hacks that will help make your stay here a bit more comfortable and enjoyable: 

1. Public transportation is the key

While taking an Uber sounds easy and hassle-free, you have no idea what you are missing out on until you take your very first subway ride. Being affordable is one of the many reasons why you should use public transportation. Subways are the heartline of New York City; not only do they drop you anywhere that you want, but they also help you experience NYC in its rawest form. 

1. Explore the non-touristy locations

You may have heard a lot about the Empire State, the Oculus, or the Vessel, but to make your experience even richer try avoiding the tourist places. They are too crowded and mainstream. Instead, try getting lost in midtown Manhattan (of course, keep your safety in mind and preferably with Google Maps on your phone) or walking into a random cute little coffee shop every once in a while. 

1. …….but don’t forget about the tourist spots either

Sometimes, it feels good to get lost in large crowds, and I enjoy crowded and loud places because they are so much more fun. If you are like me, you will enjoy the well-known tourist spots too. Go to famous museums, walk the High Line, and shop at some of the most refreshing outlets in the whole world because you never know where the next adventure awaits you.

1. Walk fast, if not walk on the side

There is nothing more annoying to New Yorkers than people who walk slowly. While everyone has their speeds, it is always a good idea to walk on one side rather than on the center of the side-walk if you think you might not be the fastest walker out there. 

1. Safety and Navigation Apps are a must

I cannot stress this enough. No matter how long you have lived in the city, it is always best to be on the safe side. Apps such as Google Maps, MYmta, Citizen, SafeNYU (for NYU students), etc., can be easily downloaded on your phone and are highly recommended. 

1. Ask for help 

New Yorkers are often perceived as being rude. For newcomers, this makes it very intimidating to approach someone and ask for help. Speaking from personal experience, people, in general, are not mind readers, so ask for help if and when you need it. I promise they won’t bite. 

1. Fall in love

NYC is one of the best places to fall in love, not necessarily with someone else, but with yourself or with a hobby, or with the city itself. There is so much around here that you can never run out of things that you like and something or the other will always keep you occupied. Ever wondered what they meant by the empire state of mind? 

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