Preparing to visit NYC: Tips & What to Expect (FIRST TIMERS MUST WATCH)

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If you're thinking of coming to New York City, then you'll need to prepare for a lot! In this video, we're going to share tips, tricks, and advice on what to expect when you arrive in NYC. We'll cover topics like where to stay, what to do, and where to eat. We hope this video helps you make the most of your trip to one of the world's most iconic cities!
Links mentioned in the video:
Budgeting Guide: • How much does it cost ...
My NYC tours: funkyexperiences.com/
Airport to city center route: • How to Get From NYC AI...
Vacation Planning: sarahfunky.com/nyc-vacation-p...
Good shoes: bit.ly/3VNIO28
Scams: • I pretended to be an N...
20 Tips for Visiting: • Everything YOU NEED to...
SAVE MONEY ON TRANSPORTATION:
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[@SarahFunky]

Join my in-person tours: funkyexperiences.com/ Get tickets to NYC's best attractions: gyg.me/1uX4VZRq Get the FREE 3-day guide: invite.bublup.com/-Tof5joJelG1

[@sweendog2769]

If you come to n.y.c. you will get raped robbed or stabbed or thrown onto subway tracks or murdered.. Just sayin

[@sun_rose123]

How does Holafly work if you buy data from them, and your phone is sat on data, how do you know if your phone is not roming and using your own home country data, but using data from Holafly? I'm going to New York in November, so it will mean a lot if someone can help with my question 🙏😊

[@paulw7647]

If you plan on eating in Chinatown, bring cash.

[@yellowsheeeep]

this is such a clutch pro-new yorker tip!!! 👍🏽🗽🥡💸✨

[@SarahFunky]

Very true!

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

Take some antibiotics too😅😅😂😂

[@Recoverywithtamye]

@@user-or6yn8pm3c 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@alexanderstyrlander7991]

Its that expensive huuh?

[@platypusperry9778]

I'm from central/eastern Europe where average middle class wage is around 1200€/month. We love to travel so I'm in charge of budgeting our trips. I went in 2019 to NYC with my mom for two weeks. The whole trip (including airbnb in Jersey, fly tickets, 10 days NY pass, food, public transport, ubers, NFL game and little cash) cost us about 2500€ for both. I love low budget travelling! Next time we would definitely pay more and stay in Manhattan but besides that it was great!!!

[@a.p1971]

Was the airbnb too far from central NY?

[@robertewalt7789]

Staying in NJ is a good idea - cheaper, but there is mass transit to NYC.

[@Ceol1986]

I'm coming from Ireland for 10 days in Sept, can't wait! Got an amazing deal on a room in NYC in airbnb & got flights for under 400 by just checking every possible date I could go.😂

[@JoseFlores-kl6jm]

As always Sarah thank you for making these videos. As someone who has traveled to NYC four times these videos are a good reminder of the do's and don't's in NYC.

[@billionaire9432]

I went to NY two weeks ago and your channel help me so much.. my tips I learn 1) bring a portable battery charger because you most like be out all day and taking pics video… *Bonus tip clear storage space for videos/pics 2) try budget in at least one of two rides share instead subway that way you see the city while you get your location.. Revel was very good because they have Tesla and you can see buildings threw the rooftop of car 3. Use restrooms when you can especially if it’s place you paid for a item.. Not a lot clean public restrooms in city 4. Leave room to walk & explore. I found so many cool places because I decided to walk 5.. Go to NY with a postive mindset that “everyone is kind and nice to me everywhere I go” often we hear bad things about places and we go in with that mindset” I felt safe and everyone was so helpful and nice.. Yes you might get ignored and you have factor in some people might night understand your language because they only speaks theirs..

[@raaindrrop]

I went to NYC in 2014 with my graduating class and I remember being surprised at just how much walking we did. I wore relatively comfy shoes but my feet were definetly killing me at the end of every single day. The bottoms of shoes were worn entirely by the end of the trip (they were cheap shoes) and to this day I don't think I have done that much walking since! 😅

[@MikeJ2023]

I went to NYC this morning when I woke up and walked out of my apartment building.

[@ramencurry6672]

Congratulations on your graduation. May your future be bright

[@beppo2814]

5:27 the line for legitimate yellow cabs at LaGuardia is not at all obvious when you exit the airport. You have to go all the way to the forward end of the Arrivals section and then cross the street and go behind a wall. Anybody looking to ride a yellow cab from LGA, you have to follow the signs and go across the road. If you can't find the taxi line, ask a uniformed airport employee.

[@jaynewilliams1682]

Another great video Sarah. Coming back to NYC again in September with my husband, can’t wait xx

[@worldtraveler3044]

Grew up in the NE, but It’s been 30 years so I’m binging your videos before we bring our crew. Thank you!

[@suefitz2498]

Great to have an update on the practicalities of a trip to NYC, especially for international travellers. I do think you need cash for some old style eateries. Didn’t know about the phone deal or the app for the Metro, it makes it just so much easier. Keep up the great work ❤

[@LuisYanes88]

All great tips! Just had someone ask where to stay in midtown so I'm glad you mentioned the other areas! 😊

[@davidellis5141]

Sarah always has the best 👌 & most educational tips 😊 for a great experience in The Big Apple 🍎 !

[@mjmonkey8618]

Love your videos. I've only been to New York twice and I still can't stop thinking about it, I can't wait to go again. X

[@MRP3261]

Sarah As a person who likes trains and takes the Subway to work as well as Rangers games. At a Subway station on the platform go to the middle of the platform and look for a striped bar and cameras. That is where the conductor is or go to the front of the station that is where the motor man is . They have 2 way radios to contact dispatchers who can notify NYPD or FDNY or other MTA issues. Summer weather is coming. Wear shorts or light clothes. Be careful for Severe weather. In NYC the weather changes fast.The National Weather Service sends out watches and warnings via the cell phone.

[@stevedavenport1202]

I always find it cool when a local guide opines about their home town because it takes some effort to step out of the "meh, its just my hometown" and see what is truly cool about it.

[@gosyainlondon]

Thank you so much for such a great content!Loved it. Travelling to NYC tomorrow so excited!!!

[@elenavasiliu]

Must save video for your next trip to NYC! Top of the rock is also my favorite observation deck!🤩

[@MadeleineManuel-vg7wd]

Great informational video! Thanks!

[@user-iu3gs6by2n]

u are so kind, because you tell us how to prevent things from being stolen in the video.😍

[@forawhale2475]

This is soooooooo handy for a first trip to New York, thank you!!

[@Mike-xi6ff]

I need more video like this. It's very helpful.

[@genevieverodriguez5144]

Im gonna visit NYC next week and i feel really lucky to find your videos, thanks for all the tips & advices, appreciate it so much

[@SarahFunky]

Hope your NYC visit was great! Appreciate you watching! 😊

[@daveyp0033]

I am visiting NYC for my third time next month, this is such a helpful video, especially things such as the subway and travel.

[@noelreyes4436]

Fellow New Yorker here and i just wanted to say you did a great job! keep it up :)

[@lesliegraham8478]

Another fantastic video. Thanks Sarah🤗

[@SarahFunky]

You're too kind! Thank you for watching! 😊

[@johantattoos4595]

I will be visiting New York soon for the first time and everything you shared is really appreciated, I already took notes of all that valuable information. Amazing Video , Thank Youuu !

[@elyp2492]

I’m going to New York this spring break and these advices are very helpful. Thank you. It’s going to be my first time going to New York

[@purdeen]

Very helpful! I can’t wait to visit in September and booked the food tour 😊

[@SarahFunky]

Thanks for watching! Can't wait to have you join one! 😊

[@user-gg6oe1nb4e]

Thanks for sharing these useful tips. For the person heads to NYC for the first time, the video helps a lot.♥

[@declanmulraney1363]

Sarah, your channel is superb 👍👍

[@PeytonBourree]

This helps so much! Thank you

[@collectivismkills]

I adore this KZbinr. Sincere, charming, and helpful. I don’t expect that people like her will be the norm when I visit NYC, though. 😩

[@xoxoChloeGirl]

Tysm! I’m going to nyc in 20 days! This should help.

[@HappyPhantom668]

I’m currently researching and preparing for my first trip to NYC in November. It’ll be my first time in the US and I’m sooo excited. Been waiting for this for years!! Love your content so far, will definitely keep your tips in mind when putting together an itinerary!

[@C--A]

I'm visiting NYC in September 😁🗽

[@HappyPhantom668]

@@C--A wohoo!!

[@a.p1971]

Same for me in November!! Enjoy you all! 🎉

[@C--A]

@@a.p1971 Have a good one 🙌🏾🗽

[@w.iraheta3769]

Enjoy and be safe. There’s so much to do.

[@user-kg3br4nu6w]

OMG Becky! The best clip ever 😱😱😱

[@carolinaprexl3874]

JUST WHAT I WAS ASKING FOR.. BOOKED.. BLESSINGS :)))

[@vickyhayes9398]

I’m coming in June for the first time thanks really helps xxx

[@MandsU28]

Visiting NYC for the first time in the fall for our anniversary :-) looking into your Sunday food tour!

[@SarahFunky]

So exciting! It will definitely be a memorable anniversary. We'd love to have you join a tour!

[@charlenengai3448]

This is so helpful because I might come to new York any time ⏲️ soon .oh yeah i loooooooooove your videos.❤❤

[@wil5396]

Fantastic videò...visiting NY soon and this was helpful ❤

[@SarahFunky]

So glad it helped! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@Castorp-wn7dh]

I'm visiting NYC in August 2024. Thank you very much for the tips! They are loud and clear!

[@PabloLopez-mh6qp]

I used Revel and also your code. Definitely helped 👍🏻

[@birminghamcloseup]

Wonderful video as usual Sarah full of invaluable information, you are the best out there. I know it takes a lot of time and expertise to make these videos which is why they are the best. One point I would like to make is those earrings are amazing but they look very heavy, I must admire you for staying balanced during the filming with those heavy earrings on and not falling over. 😂

[@helliot666]

Thanks for sharing the holafly tip, I can use my data plan all across north America (Canada, Mexico and the US) but looks like the best solution when traveling across Europe!

[@SJ_5678]

Is no one talking about her earrings!? Absolutely fabulous Sarah! 🤩

[@jesseschuberg1878]

I'm going to get out of Quebec for the first time in my life in 1 month (when I'll be 18) alone for about 5 days. This video was extremely helpful, mainly for the way to get around with subways and the internet (I hadn't even thought about that) This will be a little test trip for when I actually go to other countries like Japan, England etc. Thank you ^^

[@ReymundoAguilarJr1968]

Great tips! I went to New York City in 1985 with my beloved uncle and we had fun hanging out for the day. I’ll definitely keep your tips in mind for the next time I visit NYC.

[@SarahFunky]

Thanks Rey! I’m glad you have such great memories of the city with your uncle. That’s so special! Thanks for all your support of the channel too!

[@arunaramkissoon7372]

So helpful

[@urf4vvbrun3tt3s]

I like how u travel around the world ur the best

[@damianwalsh879]

I’m from london England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 flying to New York on the 17 August till the 23 , best videoI’ve seen so far ❤

[@fairyyoung]

I wish I've watched your video before my trip so I'd stay somewhere outside of Manhattan midtown 😅 thanks for all the tips, Sarah!

[@surlespasdondine]

We have been travelling a lot with our kids but we reserve New York for in a few years when they can stay up later and we can see a Broadway show together. ❤

[@yorukkizigeziyor]

Very beautiful video ☺👍

[@emilioreed8765]

Thanks for the advice were having our family trip July 7th. What's the best seafood restaurants. Will be staying in Times Square

[@Zenniverse]

I walked over 20 miles in NY in high top Vans. I was limping by the end of my trip, it was so painful. Wish I brought hiking boots or something with comfortable insoles.

[@Mel-888]

I'm planning to go NYC for a whole week in September, I've been traveling solo since 2015 but NYC scares the hell of me ( I've been hearing lot of stories about subway and how it could be dangerous in NYC )

[@laceyr_8322]

There are other ways to commute around the city besides the subway. You can take the bus or ferry and you'll likely be doing a lot of walking too

[@ckcbmrice]

I went to NYC last fall with my wife and 3 kids. We never felt unsafe at any time. My 17 yr old son felt sick before our Broadway show and walked from Times Sq to MSG by himself. Me and my boys went to a Knicks game and my 5'2 wife and 14 yr old daughter were walking the city by themselves. Just be aware and stay where the people are.

[@AustenSamuel]

Driving in a car on an average day is more dangerous than riding the subway

[@blyve]

Even the worst areas by subway aren't that bad. You'll be fine.

[@alltheboost8016]

Great video. Do you have one that recommends several hotel accommodations?

[@gump5ter01]

Sat here in my hotel just a few hours after I arrived !! I tried to watch these but I forgot half the things so gonna watch them when I get in to hotel each night and make plans from there. My ee phone bill gave me free roaming so I can use my internet and call the people I’m in nyc with without any additional cost to my plan. Great thing. Dont call home tho as it will charge (uk for me) but data is free so WhatsApp and FaceTime ect.

[@WalkWithMeTim]

great tips for a first timer like me ;-)

[@osnguyen83]

Thank Sarah

[@johanneswallin8246]

I used Holafly last time in New York, but car service apps like Revel and Curb could not be registered (requires text SMS). Probably since Holafly only gives you data, (my phone number was still foreign). Next time I will probably buy a prepaid SIM card, which is also good if you want to make cheap calls within the US.

[@swanson684]

Having 2 pairs of shoes is great advice. I was in new york in april and brought 1 pair of shoes and my feet did not feel to hot.

[@michysantana6417]

Where is that rooftop cocktails ? Or whats the name? Thank u! Love ur videos ❤

[@adventureswithcarl123]

Very good tips! Can you do a vlog of the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship in Brooklyn!? Thanks for sharing beautiful lady😘😘😘 xox

[@roblox_kidyt5039]

I’d recommend staying in Battery Park in Downtown. It is a very safe part of NYC and won’t take long to get to Midtown by subway.

[@IraBurchuhanova]

I will be in NY in one week. Still cant believe in it.

[@SarahFunky]

Hope you have an amazing time!!

[@anjelicahernandez3180]

Thanks for the tips. We are first timers in December this year. How and what do we take to go to ground zero from Times Square? I heard the ferry is free ti see the Statue of Liberty but what direction do we go from Times Square to that free ferry?

[@mercyperna]

I know the line to the Empire is long but l still think it's 🪣 list to visit. I plan on only visiting the lobby area and taking pics inside.

[@nguyen4158]

I wanna go to NY this summer. Can you give me your link for planner.

[@BigGuyBoleslaw]

If you're used to driving everywhere, NYC can be exhausting for you walking everywhere. Wear sneakers or shoes that give you plenty of support. Subways and buses are safe most all the time. Taking the subway in the middle of the night and walking through parks in the middle of the night is NOT safe. Simple things that will make you much more comfortable in NYC are carrying and using ear plugs to protect your hearing and carrying a washcloth to wash your face whenever you can. If you're going to live shows and into museums, carry a sweater and a scarf, just in case the AC makes you feel much too cold.

[@C--A]

It is very strange no CCTV cameras in any of the NYC subway carriages 🚉 though they are planning cameras in every subway carriage in the next few years. I'll still be using the subway at night after 12am in NYC when I visit in September. I'm from Glasgow Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 a lot rougher at night than NYC, so won't be scared!

[@robins4158]

Nice video...i am coming with my wife, kid and in laws and they ar super excited but am worried they will have difficult time walking around the city and then to and fro from the hotel. I havent yet got a place to stay yet.

[@feelfresh77]

How do i Pay for Bus rides to New Jersey? Since its a different state and how much does it cost? Is it clever to buy the 7day unlimited and the New Jersey Version for the Bus rides theough Lincoln Tunnel (if they habe such a System too) Great Video again, keep it up :)

[@debzola4232]

Omg i kinda get scared for the taxi situation I didn’t know that there’s a lot of scam taxi. Thank u for ur help I will be in new york next year now I have to be careful !!

[@hekra6784]

Thanks for alI that information. I am not a first timer however I was not sure about holafly since it is only 4G which I though might be slow especially in major cities. I prefer to stay at a hotel located in midtown Manhattan since I don't want to carry my daughters shopping bags all day. 😉

[@miq_vc]

Very helpful information Sarah 👍. I am planning to visit NYC in in late September or October. Do you know when fall usually begins in Central Park? I would love to see those colors. And how cold is it during that time of the year?

[@johnnyboycassidy749]

September a little too early if you want the colors. Mid October would be better. Not terribly cold (obviously you never know, weather is unpredictable) typical autumn day around that time most likely brisk in the 50s

[@sethjustice4908]

We are going to New York next month and are planning on doing Top of the Rock, but do you recommend doing an inside observation deck when it’s cold or would you stick with Top of the Rock?

[@melissaferrer7372]

Hello Sarah. June will be my fisrt New York Trip. Which App you would recomend for Taxi rides?

[@peterpickguitar]

Not used to arriving at a Hotel and usung valet parking. Will be going to the Hilton Times square hotel. Since it's New York I 'm a little nervous and was wondering how one arrives in front of hotels in New York. Do I simply stop in front of their door and a valet will come over ?

[@Shady350_]

Im going to NY for the first time on May 31!!

[@SarahFunky]

So exciting! Have a great time!

[@LMiraculous]

I’ll be visiting nyc for the fourth time in December my second home

[@connieclave9803]

Sarah, what is your opinion on Viator tours?

[@gump5ter01]

Oh feet. I am so glad I bought Vapor Max to travel. I was not expecting to wear them other than to travel. I got her 7 hours ago and head right out with my vans on and holy smoke I will not be wearing anythhh but my Vapor max from now on and will be getting another pair when I’m out shopping. I have timberland boots incase weather is bad at any point but I’m praying I don’t need them

[@Justusson]

Can you connect your metro unlimited card to your phone instead? Not needing to have the card itself?

[@aalbaloushi1227]

Every thing i want to know in one video, thank you so much 🥹🥹!! You are so lovely

[@rodolfohernandez-de1du]

I would like to know what do I need to do to join your tour

[@keyshapereira1632]

Which are the rush hours for the subway ??? Goin soon 😁

[@willcorker763]

For a much cheaper less pretentious roof top bar I recommend Night of Joy in Brooklyn

[@gump5ter01]

When I was walking out of Newark a dude asked me if I wanted to go to manhattan. I asked him to just prove he’s a real Uber driver and he showed me his app, his license and his car sticker. He agreed 50 bucks and I gave him 70 as that was my budget for travel from airport to hotel. Dude was super nice and had no issue whatsoever with proving who he was to put me at ease so I’d say don’t be afraid to ask for proof and negotiate. His fort offer was £80. I told him I was quoted 50 and he was totally cool with that. Like I said i gave him 70. My guy just dropped people off and didn’t wanna head back to city empty.

[@user-xc4eh4kp9n]

WHATS open on Sundays? Perhaps you might have a video for what's open on December25?

[@permagnushaig5937]

You're the best Sarah 🙏

[@SarahFunky]

No, you're the best! 😊

[@Kiwi-Ahh-Nah]

The one thing that shocked me on my visit to NYC is the smell walking around the streets. I don't smoke weed nor do I want to but the stench of it is EVERYWHERE!

[@DAVID1239354]

legoland water park or Aquatica kids water park for young 7 years old? I meant the ones in orlando. Thanks

[@Tink_209]

Hello, I am from California and I have a plan trip to new york next weekend for my birthday I was wondering how is the weather there? Is it still okay to travel there next weekend becuase I had saw on news that it was flooded? Thank you.

[@Bakerboy1958]

We stayed downtown in the doubletree and while the room was ok, the elevator was not. Only had 2 and one never worked. The last day it took 45 minutes to get out of the hotel

[@kariwilson5766]

Is there a safe budget friendly rv camping close by or in New York City?

[@Avgeek1564]

I'm flying into JFK in December, can I use Omny to exit the Airtrain instead of having to buy a Metrocard?

[@ginab6142]

Although cash is generally not "needed" - I did notice on my last trip to NYC (2023) that a number of restaurants have started adding a fee (an additional percentage) if you pay with a credit card.

[@grahamjonesministries]

where is the rooftop view at the beginning of your video? thanks

[@alguien1234]

What about a hostel for backpackers in Upper West Side? Is that bad?