21 Things You Must Know Before Traveling to NYC | ULTIMATE NYC TRIP PLANNING GUIDE

[@ulfeklof773]

Been to NYC march, late may, late August and early september. All was similar but one: march, departured nyc the day before st patricks. In march there was No lines in empire state building Wendt all the way up in a few minutes, No people at raging bull and NOONE on Brooklyn bridge

[@ScottVansel-qg8ik]

I'm visiting NYC for the first time in April..Spring.Cant wait😊😊

[@leanneneville2431]

Going to NYC next year for our daughters wedding, so this was very helpful. You have a lovely speaking manner and explain things so well, much appreciated. Cheers from Australia❤

[@legomanwiiable]

I'm visiting NYC from Sydney so I'm very pumped. Thank you so much for putting this video together

[@elltom88]

GREAT VIDEO! Very in depth and you come across really positive and happy 😊

[@ScottVansel-qg8ik]

I'm staying in a Hostel ..it's conveniently located by central Park upper Manhattan..For 5 nights it's only $240 total .Great for back packers

[@jensuferiufermedia8457]

Thanks for your great videos. I am from cologne/germany and i visit New York together with my 19 year old daughter later this week. You are a great help to get useful informations about New York. And you are a natural talent in front of a camera. I can judge that because i have been working as a freelance cameraman for tv for 30 years. Go on as you are. Best greeting from germany.

[@TheMeganDaily]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you are having an incredible trip!

[@jf0817bl]

April or October. Not too hot, not too cold. Beautiful foliage. Love these videos, and love love NYC.

[@steveclark4544]

2 things about the food section: 1: If you’re going to Junior’s , go to the original location in Brooklyn It’s a city landmark and only a short ride on the B,Q or R trains and right across the street from the station. 2. You can get a fantastic slice of pizza at pretty much any local pizzeria in the 5 boroughs. You can step out onto the street and trip over a great pizzeria. Also, any type of dessert treat is better from an NYC bakery. You have to mention the large black and white cookies, linzer tarts, chocolate drop cookies etc. Rarely will you find them outside of the greater New York area. (Maybe the microscopic ones in packs from BJs occasionally, but they never come even remotely close.

[@mjfoster8343]

Can we talk about Megan's Hair and Outfit! 10/10...she so nailed it! Love her channel moving to NYC in september and can't wait. Her videos so help....Keep up the awesome work Megan! FYI...I'm moving from Tampa..lol! 🗽🗽🗽

[@candyspringerblackman9878]

My favourite season in NYC is Christmas time, the lights, the Tree and I loved the Radio City Rockettes. Other than that surely love the summer.

[@lisadowner552]

Hi Megan I like all the months except Summer. I am one of the people who can’t deal with humidity. I have been the first week of September and it was still too hot for me. When I travel solo to the city I usually go in March April May October or November I love everything about NYC except heat. I have stayed many areas and really enjoy staying in a different area each time. Near the park, Times Square, Midtown, Flat Iron District, Hell’s Kitchen, Two Bridges & Wall Street are some of the areas I have stayed in.

[@ZooView01]

Thank you for this video, I was concerned I might encounter pickpockets or thieves in NYC, so I was very glad to hear that New Yorkers are very friendly people, it will go a long way to help me feel safe at night, and in the subway.

[@nadinyapitiroi8000]

This video is amazing. Thank you! Looking forward to coming to NYC next year. I won't forget my comfy shoes. 😃

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

I visited New York for the first time. I stayed the whole month of may and it was an awesome time. The weather changed from day to day and even from hour to hour but that’s what I’m used to since I live in the Netherlands. It was not too hot or too cold. There were a few rainy days but over all it was the perfect weather to explore.

[@Stunl3y]

Coming from the UK I think something worth mentioning is the fact that a lot of UK Mobile phone networks don't roam in the US and its very advisable to pick up a sim card with plenty of data when you arrive or get a roaming sim for the US before you come. Its also worth mentioning their are only two Mobile mobile carriers in the US unlike the UK and Europe where their are loads

[@juliannajm4383]

Thank you! I didn’t know that 😮

[@Hartchell]

@@juliannajm4383I did not know that. Thank you.

[@Tuppence1966]

Just use an eSIM like Airalo

[@Stunl3y]

@@Tuppence1966 Like I said pick up a sim but if you want phone coverage that's only ok if you make whats app phone calls, its not so easy to get a sim that covers network calls

[@yankee04]

A couple of more things: Some restaurants are cash only so cash is a must in some places. Broadway… sitting in the front row may not be the best anyway since some stages are quite high. People should also consider off Broadway which can be much more reasonable and some shows later transfer to Broadway. *Pay what you wish locations often only apply to NY residents.

[@danielaguevara6544]

This was such a well thought out overview video!!

[@blytheball1486]

Excellent content - really enjoyed hearing all your advice for visiting NYC.

[@panna825]

Thank you so much this is so useful we are going to NYC in October for the first time

[@Littleeggtravel]

I have been in the fall (mid October) it’s beautiful Love the weather 🍁🍂 and also I have been in the winter (for new years) and it’s magical Im planning to go in every season 🙏🏻

[@MRP3261]

Megan As a Brooklynite for me . I like the Summertime. Weather can get hot and be careful of severe weather. I like wearing shorts. Wintertime can get cold and snow. I wear a jacket, vest, jeans and comfortable boots. Along with my NY Rangers hat.

[@alvarodiaz4181]

I love your videos!! Listen to you I feel more confident to travel to NYC next September. Thanks !!

[@iwonap.7273]

Loved it!

[@margaretmckee6790]

1st we went to NYC was summer - did not like it, too hot and crowded. 2nd time was February- was amazing, really cold but magical with snow and crowds were not as bad. Next week we goi no again, can’t wait to see NYC in Autumn 🍂

[@yankee04]

@margaretmckee6790 Strongly agree about NOT going in the summer. If you want to walk around and enjoy things, you don’t want to go when it’s too hot and humid to want to be outside!

[@IrfanA7861]

LOL I am doing exactly what you said don't do it, going in March, going to stay at NJ (beside Hudson river) but I am going for one month, so may be I'll take my time sight seeing.

[@doughboyu20]

How was staying in that area? Did you use public transportation? How was the Time to get to Times Square? Time to get to other burrroughs? Planning to stay in that area next month

[@deweyhall712]

Thanks for the info. If i ever come to the BIG APPLE, you would be the girl i would want to show me around..😊😊😊😊😊

[@jimmyc9173]

Awesome information!!!

[@christianguevar4963]

You're great. Very concise, comprehensive and entertaining. Will let you know how the first trip goes. Visiting from Scottsdale, AZ!

[@emilybrown4779]

I plan on visiting after I turn 21. I live in a small city in Missouri so NYC is going to a whole different experience. This video was much needed

[@craneinfochanel]

Very helpful information Thanks

[@ridge181]

after 20 years in NY, for sure, June and September are the best months... October can see some rain storms

[@apollo9543]

What's end November/early December like? My gf and I are heading to NYC this year for the first time (we live in the UK)

[@ridge181]

@@apollo9543 hi, november/december are nice chilly months, the rain has gone leading to the fall autumn weather... not too cold and most likely no snow (hit or miss). it is very crowded due to the influx of travelers so get ready for big crowds in high tourist areas, like Rockefeller centre xmas tree, 5th avenue shops and window displays, etc. you might get the chilly rain day here and there, especially in early to mid November. short days so sunrise is around 730-8am, and setting by 4pm (ish)

[@ridge181]

@@apollo9543 by "cold" i mean like 40's low 50's which is like 4-10C; unless there is a cold snap, you wont get temps down in the 30s

[@maffyl822]

I agree with staying within Manhattan. We went just after Christmas and our hotel was at 45th street so it was walking distance from Times Square, Rockefeller, Macy’s, Saks and 5th ave. shopping district. We want to see all the christmas lights and decors before they take them down. We were able to go to all the places mentioned above within one evening by just walking while still being able to take breaks in between at our hotel if we felt too cold or too tired from walking. The subway station is also nearby so we were also able to go to chinatown in the morning of the same day.

[@usajcmv3399]

Great Tips from this video..

[@jamalhackett7528]

I am staying in Flatbush, Brookyln because Manhattan was very expensive. I would say you can still save lots of money staying in brookyln or queens by purchasing the weekly pass for only 33USD especially if you're staying at your recommended duration. Plus, there is a lot of nice spots to travel to in Brooklyn and queens.

[@jeremyroenick2202]

Manhattan is crap anyways, much nicer places in Brooklyn and Queens

[@jamalhackett7528]

@@jeremyroenick2202 literally going to NYC rn haha boarding

[@Spamboot3000]

I have been to New York during summer vacation with my. All in all New York is of course a stunning City. But when you go theyre as a tourist, what travel platforms dont tell you is that New York is far away from perfect. When i got theyre I was shocked. The street of our hotel is not one of the busiest ones and as soon as you get away from the main streets, you get to experiense the bad side of New York to. Every 100 meters or so you see people laying on the Street. Someone of them are begging others just "accept" theyre faith. From day one I felt so unconfortable. I mean it cant be true that this is suppost to be normal. What shocked me even more is that homeless people dont make up the higher amount of people in the city and still nobody even cares. People just ignore them. Everybody is busy theyre. But the homeless people are even present on the biggest streets with probaly thousands of people walking past them every day. And still not much people care. All the people around me had no eye for them and I felt like i am the only one who even cares. I felt like I had to do something. Even small things can make a change. For example we homeless people near our street holding the door of a seven eleven shop. One time we gave one of them a bit. On another day we gave a street artist at time square money.OneAnother time in central Park. At one day we had a especially hearth breaking moment. we had been in an imbiss and they gave us three kiwis for free. Me and my parents werent hungry anymore and we desided to give them to a homeless person together with a spoon and a knife. We ended up giving it to a mother with a child who had a sign that asked for food. I was happy to see how much she liked. On one evening. I literally had a breakdown and I cried because I just wasnt able to hold it back anymore. I really felt alone in this situation because I felt like i am the only one who cares around. What world are we living in where this is suppost to be completely normal. If this is suppost to be the city where dreams come true then i dont wanna know how the situation is in other really big citys around the world. So if you read this comment and you life or go to New York or another big city then be human and do something for people in need. If the politicians dont do something then we have to stand up and help those people. If everybody does small things like this examples we can change a lot.

[@tfptravel.food.peace.3788]

​​@jamalhackett7528 how was your trip😊?!

[@osnat057]

Very very good vlog! Almost all of your recommendation is something I thought how to solve. As if you clearly read my anxieties, before visiting New York for the first time... Thank you very much, I have subscribed and I wish you the best of luck with your excellent KZbin channel 👏

[@loischan8551]

wow! thanks Megan for all the useful tips and must-know information! I'm so glad I stumbled unto your channel today. Just booked a Statue of Liberty Crown Pass for February when my daughter and I will be there for 6D5N! Am so looking forward to New York ❤

[@nix_cosplay]

This is a great video, thanks

[@guest4635]

Re where to stay, if you think you're going to have a far-flung itinerary (say, you want to go to Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium, the kids want to go to the Bronx Zoo, you want to head to Coney Island one day), staying not just south of 72nd but literally within a short walk of Times Square and Grand Central really will save you a lot of time and mental/physical energy. Especially if you're going to be out late. Staying outside of that Manhattan Canal to 72nd Street sweet spot will only save you money if you aren't near convenient transportation and/or are going to be in a neighborhood that is not itself a cool place to be in. Staying around the Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn is great, but it's not gonna be that much cheaper for comparable accommodations in Manhattan. If you need to save money, having a flexible schedule and knowing what compromises you can live with are gonna be key. ETA: Another thing to keep in mind with location is how often you like to stop back at your hotel. If you're traveling with kids, maybe they need a little nap. If you like to freshen up between your daytime and nighttime activities and drop off some things, being as centrally located as possible will really help.

[@TheMeganDaily]

Absolutely.

[@guest4635]

@@TheMeganDaily It can be a real shock how long it can take to get around and how tiring it can be. Travelers should try to figure out a small number of things that are really important to them and then find other things to do nearby those things rather than run all over the place. Do a deep dive on one area of town instead of trying to hit two or three in a day and realize you wasted two hours on the subway.

[@TheMeganDaily]

@@guest4635 Yeah. My personal preference is to not overpack a day, but I find that everyone has a different goal for their trip. For some people, this is their only chance to ever visit NYC, and they want to see as many things as possible, where others really want to deep dive into a specific topic. That being said, unless your deep dive is in a specific neighborhood, I still argue midtown is best. (I also think NoMad/TriBeCa/Battery Park/The Village/SoHo will be fab as well.)

[@supermikelcoll]

I appreciate all these tips although I strongly disagree with the tipping inferno that ny is now. Thank you!

[@doughboyu20]

Right! All you’re doing is enabling the continued practice of employers not paying their employees a living wage.

[@flordeluna8796]

The first time I went was May 1st-11th, the weather was amazing. Not hot but now cold, didn’t feel the humidity. 2015 I’ve been there August 1st-5th SO HOT and humid! I couldn’t wear pants. 2016 November 28th- December 6th, the weather was lovely. Hope this helps. 2017 November 13th-18th and we almost froze, all days long. No break, the wind was horrid. 2022

[@joelfisher8959]

Would love input on May...you mention "summer" and "spring" but where does May (second week, specifically) fit in your review of "when to visit"?? Thanks!

[@damianwalsh879]

Love your video very good , I’m travelling to JFK and going to Manhattan booked transfers , is August very hot

[@angeliasmith5209]

It is super hot and humid!!

[@damianwalsh879]

@@angeliasmith5209 thanks so much staying only 3 mins from time square

[@jaimesanchez1121]

Other than your preference from cheesecake from Junior’s, I happen to agree with all of your recommendations. Thank you for sharing your recommendations!

[@doughboyu20]

What place for cheesecake do you recommend over Junior’s please

[@jaimesanchez1121]

My favorite cheesecake places in the city are 1. Eileen's Chessecakes and 2. Lady M's..Enjoy!!

[@doughboyu20]

@@jaimesanchez1121 thank you

[@yogithashetty2587]

Brilliant ! Tons of info! Thanks

[@ritavital8911]

Thank you❤

[@chrislopez816]

Thank you thank you thank you for going over tipping!!! I have gotten into discussions with other KZbinrs who do not believe in tipping. Like you said, it is a nice thing to do regardless and it makes the day of the worker.

[@davidcoleman2868]

We're planning a day trip to Philadelphia. Looks like it can be done for $49 return, and just over 1 hour on the train. Very achievable for a day trip.

[@IanMcShaneZA]

Hi Megan. Thank you for the great content. I have learned so much. My wife and I are visiting in January 2025. I was wondering how deep into January do you still get that festive Christmas feeling? Thanks!

[@gujjufoodieinsaudiarabia8114]

What if I visit in August? Thank you

[@janeseymour5226]

COULD NOT FIND CROWN TICKETS. AS SOON AS YOU MENTIONED ‘CRUISES’ I POUNCED AND BOUGHT THE LAST TWO TICKETS🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉GREETINGS FROM ENGLAND❤❤❤❤LOTS OF LOVE❤❤❤

[@yamsru197]

Christmas 🎄

[@tnadg9521]

Great suggestions! I will definitely watch this again when my trip is closer. Thank you!

[@anastasiapapagianni5472]

Hello. I am from Greece and I would like to visit New York. But let me ask something: because I am a smoker am I allowed to smoke in the city? And if so, where?

[@robyn8221]

I’m bringing my daughter in July as a sweet 16 birthday gift. We’d love a full day private tour.

[@NextLevelLiving-LG]

is it decorated for Christmas December 10th?

[@leslieannehill6880]

Thank you for the info. How safe is the subway lately?

[@rafiuddinjunejo7635]

Please share cheap hotels area in manhattan or near manhattan

[@veronicacervantes4033]

I love Christmas time in NY, it beautifully decorated and the weather isn't bad at all! I will be there in a couple of weeks!

[@mombot23]

Wish I hadn’t watched this right before my spring trip. 😔

[@maconrespess2085]

Going in 19 days with my 9yo son. Super nervous. Thanks!!!

[@TheMeganDaily]

No reason to be nervous! What are you nervous about?

[@taradc6037]

Don’t be nervous, we went with our daughter last summer when she was 4.5 and had the best time!!

[@blessedladyrobinson5674]

I have to say this was the BEST video, very very helpful 👍🏾One month I wanted to ask you is Sept. I didn’t hear it in video, but how is weather in Sept???

[@TheMeganDaily]

Perfect!:-) (It's generally warm with a slight tinge of cool air.) Our weather has been being whacky though so I wouldn't bet on anything.

[@AwesomeSauceRadio]

Thank you for your video. Can you be hired to give a personal tour with someone that is blind? Want to rediscover my love of New York. Could really use someone who is cited to help me tour it like it used to be able to when I had vision. Would you be up for that?

[@kariwilson5766]

Any advice for people who live the van life or RV life where can u camp that's budget friendly?

[@TheMeganDaily]

I have never been a van life person personally, but my guess is NYC would be a very ill-suited to van or RV life. There may be great places in NJ or Westchester/upstate. Try Liberty Harbor RV Park in NJ.

[@kariwilson5766]

@@TheMeganDaily how would you travel without vehicle from NJ or upstate?

[@miq_vc]

Should you also tip housekeeping at a hotel?

[@TheMeganDaily]

I was always told $2 a night, but have recently heard $3-$5 is more the norm now.

[@eprohoda]

amazing -

[@matthewelmakias3667]

Please do the cost between Tokyo japan and New York please also visit Tokyo Japan for the differences thanks food etc for KZbin

[@TheMeganDaily]

I would love to visit Tokyo! Any ideas on how to fund the trip?

[@Apollo_despair]

​@@TheMeganDaily😂😂

[@yankee04]

Summer in NYC is too hot! Fall is beautiful, but need to schedule around UNGA. Otherwise the hotels are booked by all the foreign delegates at the United Nations.

[@damianwalsh879]

Booked 6 nights

[@maczepa]

I heard to book your hotel, then just go and tour and jump on the double decker busses. Is this true?

[@dbmur001]

Hi Megan! My wife and I live in Bradenton (I’m originally from Connecticut) but we love to visit NY and we love your videos. 😀 This might sound weird, but I was curious: do you ever take people to any of the zoos and what’s your favorite ? (My wife and I love the Bronx Zoo but we’ve also been to Central Park and Prospect Park.) -Dan Murphy

[@TheMeganDaily]

I’ve had a few requests for zoo tours, and I’ve yet to find a guide comfortable with doing them, and I reached out to the zoo and have yet to offer them as well.

[@radc3365]

Any recommendations for food tour?

[@TheMeganDaily]

My company offers a Lower East Side Food tour. (It would be a private tour) and I am OBSESSED with Scott’s Pizza Tours.

[@radc3365]

@@TheMeganDaily we are currently stay at the Hyatt at midtown and wife wants to do a food tour.

[@TheMeganDaily]

Food tours are awesome! If you're interested in a tour with my company, email [e-mail]. If you want pizza, Scott's Pizza Tour is the best!:-) @@radc3365

[@danmartin89]

I don't agree with the idea that you'll save money or break even by staying in Manhattan over the other boroughs. I saved £500 for a one week stay by booking accommodation in Brooklyn. The unlimited subway card is $33 each for me and my wife. If there's quite a jump in the cost I'd recommend NOT staying in Manhattan

[@lisak8168]

Thank you for this 🙏🏿

[@dayejade6176]

Where did you stay? Hotel?

[@Hartchell]

For a solo traveller I think Manhattan is best!

[@cardboardbelt]

Great video! Some friends and I are going to be in NYC in November from the 9th to the 12th. Does this count as the "holidays"? How are the crowds then? Will there be Christmas decorations up?

[@guest4635]

That sounds early to me. It's more like Thanksgiving.

[@DrBeah]

No decorations that early, sorry. Dress warmly.

[@marcelop3897]

My partner and I are going to NYC in eartly November. We are wondering how is the weather over there and if we are still going to enjoy Central Park's foliage. We really don't want to experience dead trees for our first time there.

[@DrBeah]

It will probably be pretty cold. People forget Manhattan is 2 miles at its widest, and it's between 2 rivers. And sorry, there mostl likely won't be foliage left.

[@TheMeganDaily]

Last year we strangely never got one big burst of color. It definitely varies year to year but you might get some good foliage in early November.

[@TheMeganDaily]

Temperature wise can be a little wonky too. Last year was relatively warm until Christmas week. I’d say in general plan for the 40s and 50s.

[@terec1110]

I stayed in Long Island city, cheapier than Manhattan and only 15 minutos from Times square

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

I totally disagree about taking a taxi from JFK. I visited in may as a firsttimer and thought it would be convenient to take a taxi from JFK to my accommodation in Harlem. (Because of heavy luggage) When I saw the complete chaos at the taxi line at JFK and the hundreds of people crowding the Uber waiting place, I literally fled to the Air train. At Jamaica I took the LIRR train and at Penn I transferred to subway 2-3. It was way better than standing in a huge line for a taxi. (Especially as a foreigner who just stood in line for passport control for 90 minutes)

[@CCGem]

Visiting for 7 days with 11 yr old son.

[@ryantan341]

Where is Luis he was so entertaining and you too of course?

[@ahmadyahia]

I will go with $2,500 for 10 days. Is that enough?

[@damianwalsh879]

Is August hot

[@i-Love-CarlyShay]

Do a 7 world trade center tour

[@lifachandra8272]

❤

[@DavBou-c2s]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@markoljustina]

👍🏻

[@jonathan7700]

Lol, 20% tip for a trashy service in the dumpster New York

[@crankedup67]

STAY OUT OF NYC ITS VERY DANGEROUS.

[@ma.teresalammawinbautista9574]

🎉thank you