Times Square Overflowing with Light and Energy
by tanaK3
Apr 2, 2025
Like it 😎 New York is a city with everything: sights, food, shopping, art!
Here are 10 must-know New York travel tips for your trip! 👇
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🗽 1. Transportation Tips
• Subway (MetroCard / OMNY)
The subway is the most convenient way to get around New York.
• MetroCard: Rechargeable card (can be purchased at machines)
• OMNY: Accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay (this is usually the solution these days!)
👉 There's also a **1-week unlimited pass ($34)**. Highly recommended if you plan on riding a lot!
• Subway route apps: Recommended: Citymapper, Google Maps, and Moovit
• Uber/Lyft are often cheaper than taxis.
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🍕 2. Food Tips
• Local Favorites
• Bagels: Ess-a-Bagel, Russ & Daughters
• Pizza: Joe's Pizza, Prince Street Pizza
• Burgers: Shake Shack, Five Guys
• Desserts: Levain Bakery Cookies
• Tips are usually 15-20%!
Suggested tip amounts are often listed at the bottom of the bill.
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🏙️ 3. Efficient Routes to Major Attractions
• Plan your route from south to north in Manhattan.
Example:
① Statue of Liberty → ② Wall Street → ③ 9/11 Memorial →
④ Brooklyn Bridge → ⑤ Times Square → ⑥ Central Park
• Go City Pass / New York CityPASS
You can bundle multiple attractions and get discounted admission.
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📸 4. Best Photo Spots
• Brooklyn Bridge (view toward Manhattan)
• Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center
• Bridge view from Washington Street in DUMBO
• Bow Bridge in Central Park
• Times Square at night
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💸 5. Currency Exchange & Payment
• Most cards are accepted, so cash is rarely needed.
• Just bring $1-$5 in small bills for tips!
• It's best to exchange money in Korea in advance.
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🎭 6. How to Get Cheap Broadway Tickets
• TodayTix App: Up to 50% off
• TKTS Booth (Times Square): Discounts on same-day tickets
• Advance reservations are essential for popular shows (Hamilton, Lion King)!
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🛍️ 7. Shopping Tips
• Best sales days are Black Friday (November) and Holiday Sales (December).
• Popular shopping spots:
• Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (1 hour by bus)
• SoHo, Fifth Avenue, Macy's Herald Square
• Tax is 8.875% in New York City! (Only clothing under $110 is duty-free.)
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🕐 8. Tipping Culture & Services
• Tipping is required in most restaurants, taxis, room service, hair salons, etc.
• Example amounts
• Restaurants: 18-20%
• Taxi: 10-15%
• Hotel housekeeping: $1-2 per night
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🌤️ 9. Seasonal Clothing
• Spring (March-May): Warm during the day, chilly mornings and evenings → Light outerwear is essential
• Summer (June-August): Hot and humid → Short-sleeved shirts and sunscreen are essential
• Fall (September-November): Perfect for traveling, jackets or cardigans
• Winter (December-February): Snow, sub-zero temperatures → Padded jackets, scarves, and gloves are essential
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🚨 10. Safety Tips
• Avoid crowded subway sections at night
• Keep your belongings in a front or cross-body bag
• “Can I help you?” Anyone who approaches you with this phrase could be a tourist scammer.
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