10 things you should know before visiting New York City

16.09.2023 - 16:01 / lonelyplanet.com

New York City’s world-class cultural institutions, incredible diversity and everything-goes kind of vibe make it a one-of-a-kind destination to visit.

Having moved here over 18 years ago, I think it’s fair to say that I’m now officially a New Yorker. And as an official New Yorker, I’ve found myself playing tour guide for dozens of friends and family over the years.

In my experience, most visitors arrive full of excitement and clutching a list of places to go and restaurants to try. While these lists usually include some great New York City sites and bites, they often miss the information that will really help you fit in, feel like a local and make your trip easier and more fun. So, here are ten things I want you to know before your trip to New York City.

Don’t get me wrong, Manhattan is great. After all, it’s home to beautiful Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, both of which are must-see stops in NYC. However, Manhattan is only one of five boroughs, and you’re missing out if you don't go beyond it. Queens is the largest and most diverse borough in the city, and as a non-Queens resident, I’ll admit that they have some of the best food in the city.

Not only can you find Bhutanese, Mexican, Ecuadorian, and Thai food within a few blocks but the Queen’s Night Market offers a huge concentration of vendors in the summer. The Bronx is known for its gritty past and being the birthplace of hip-hop, but it also has the New York Botanical Garden, which is also near Arthur Avenue, the city’s real Little Italy (the one in Manhattan has become more of a stage set).

Brooklyn has become the coolest kid on the block with amazing waterfront parks (that offer the best views of Manhattan), world-class exhibits at the Brooklyn Museum, and a happening nightlife scene to keep you going until the wee hours. Staten Island might be called “the forgotten borough,” but New York City wouldn’t be New York City without it – take the (free!) Staten Island Ferry not just to catch views of the Statue of Liberty but to visit the Chinese Scholar’s Garden in a secluded corner of Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Here, a team of 40 Chinese artisans used Ming-dynasty methods and handcrafted the lattice screens, pagoda-style roofs, pavilions, and bridges.

New York City Transit’s five-borough subway and bus network is famous for its 24/7 coverage and (relative) reliability. Locals like to complain about train delays and malfunctions (which are absolutely a thing, especially on the weekends), but overall it’s pretty impressive.

NYC yellow cabs are iconic and ride-hailing apps are popular and convenient, but in addition to fuel-filled vehicles being bad for the environment, traffic is horrendous in New York City, and the subway is usually