Is it safe to walk around at night?

Manhattan is generally safe in tourist areas like Times Square, Midtown, and the Village. Stick to well-lit streets with foot traffic. Trust your instincts and take cabs late at night if you feel uncomfortable.

How much should I tip?

Restaurants: 18-22% on the pre-tax total. Taxis: $2-3 or 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per day. Bartenders: $1-2 per drink. Always tip in cash when possible.

Can I see everything in a weekend?

No. A weekend gives you time for 2-3 major attractions max. You'll spend a lot of time walking and waiting. Plan 4-6 days minimum to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

Do I need to rent a car?

Absolutely not. Parking costs $40+ per day, traffic is awful, and the subway gets you everywhere faster. Walking and public transit are your best options in NYC.

How to Plan Your First Trip to New York City

Plan 4-6 days minimum for NYC. Book accommodations in Manhattan or Brooklyn 2-3 months ahead. Budget $150-300 per day including lodging, and buy a 7-day MetroCard for $33 to get around easily.

Choose your neighborhood. Stay in Midtown for Times Square access, Upper West Side for Central Park proximity, or Williamsburg Brooklyn for cheaper options with Manhattan views. Avoid anything south of Houston Street for your first visit unless you specifically want the downtown vibe.
Book flights and hotels early. Book 2-3 months ahead. Hotels fill up fast and prices jump. Use Google Flights for airfare, check Hotel Tonight for last-minute deals. Expect $200-400/night for decent Manhattan hotels.
Get your MetroCard immediately. Buy a 7-day unlimited MetroCard for $33 at any subway station machine. This covers subway and buses. Download Citymapper app for navigation. Taxis and Ubers get stuck in traffic.
Plan 3-4 major activities per day. Book timed tickets online for Empire State Building ($42), Top of the Rock ($39), or One World Observatory ($47). Reserve Broadway shows in advance through official box offices. Walk the High Line, visit Central Park, see the 9/11 Memorial.
Map out your days by neighborhood. Group activities geographically. Day 1: Midtown (Times Square, Broadway, Empire State). Day 2: Central Park and Upper East Side museums. Day 3: Lower Manhattan (9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge). Don't zigzag across the city.
Download essential apps. Get Citymapper for transit, OpenTable for restaurant reservations, TodayTix for discounted Broadway shows. Have offline maps ready - cell service can be spotty underground.

Is it safe to walk around at night?: Manhattan is generally safe in tourist areas like Times Square, Midtown, and the Village. Stick to well-lit streets with foot traffic. Trust your instincts and take cabs late at night if you feel uncomfortable.
How much should I tip?: Restaurants: 18-22% on the pre-tax total. Taxis: $2-3 or 15-20%. Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 per day. Bartenders: $1-2 per drink. Always tip in cash when possible.
Can I see everything in a weekend?: No. A weekend gives you time for 2-3 major attractions max. You'll spend a lot of time walking and waiting. Plan 4-6 days minimum to see the main sights without feeling rushed.
Do I need to rent a car?: Absolutely not. Parking costs $40+ per day, traffic is awful, and the subway gets you everywhere faster. Walking and public transit are your best options in NYC.