What
you need to know about New York city
What’s New
Stonewall National Monument
In 2016 outgoing
President Barack Obama designated 7.7 acres of the West Village as a US
National Monument, the first such designation in American history to honor
the LGBT civil rights movement.
NYC by Ferry
New York is once
again embracing ferries, with routes linking Manhattan, Brooklyn and
Queens. There’s even a new route between Lower Manhattan and Rockaway – a
scenic sail to the beach for the same price as a subway ride.
Eating Green
The hunger for
vegetarian and vegan dining only continues to grow. You’ll find meat-free
restaurants all across the city, including hot spots like the Seasoned Vegan
in Harlem and Michelin-starred Nix in Greenwich Village.
New Met Museum
In 2016, the Met
Breuer took over the space of the former Whitney Museum on the Upper East
Side. Dedicated to works by modern and contemporary artists, it has earned top
reviews from critics.
Sounds of Harlem
Harlem has become
one of the best places to hear eclectic global sounds thanks to several live
music spots that have opened in recent years. The Israeli-African–owned Silvana
and Shrine host a stellar lineup of bands and singers every night of the
week.
Uncommons
New York now has
its own board-game cafe. Down in the West Village, you can stay up late
playing board games while sipping craft brews and munching on mozzarepas.
Chefs Club
At this new
space in Nolita, celebrated chefs from around the globe take over the
kitchen for tenures ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Second Avenue Subway
After 10 years of
construction and nearly $4.5 billion in costs, the Second Ave subway line has
opened. The new extension of the Q train now has stops at 72nd, 86th and 96th
Sts, providing handy access to the Upper East Side.
Food, Glorious Food
The casual dining
scene just keeps getting better, with the addition of new food halls around the
city. DeKalb Market Hall has dozens of tempting culinary stalls, and
rides on the success of legendary establishments like Chelsea Market.
Cultural Upgrade
The MoMA
is undergoing a major redesign that will add 50,000 sq ft of new gallery space.
The museum will stay open during construction, which is due for completion in
2019.
First Time New
York City
Checklist
Ensure your
passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date.
Check you meet
all ESTA visa requirements for travel to the US.
Check airline
baggage restrictions.
Arrange for
appropriate travel insurance.
Inform your
credit-/debit-card company of your travels.
Book popular
restaurants, shows and accommodations well in advance.
What
to Pack
Good walking
shoes – New York City is best seen on foot, so make sure your shoes are super
comfy.
Dress shoes and a
stylish outfit for smart restaurants and bars.
If traveling with
medications, ensure you bring enough for your trip.
US electrical
adapter.
Top Tips for Your Trip
MetroCards are
valid on subways, buses, ferries and the tramway to Roosevelt Island. If
staying a while, buy a 7-Day Unlimited Pass.
Subway lines run
both local and express trains.
If the number on
a taxi’s top light is lit, it’s available.
When giving an
address, always include the nearest cross street/s (eg 700 Sixth Ave at
22nd St).
The TKTS Booth
in Times Square sells half-price, same-day tickets to selected shows and
musicals. The South Street Seaport and Downtown Brooklyn branches
also sell next-day matinee tickets.
What to Wear
If visiting
during New York’s hot, humid summer, pack light garments. Fashionable shorts,
T-shirts, summer dresses and skirts are all acceptable daywear, though
higher-end restaurants and bars often call for more stylish attire, so bring at
least one evening dress or long-sleeved shirt, pair of pants and dress shoes.
Fluctuating temperatures in spring and fall call for layers: long pants, jeans
or warmer dresses, mixed with T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, a smart
blazer for men and a jacket for women. New York winters can be brutally cold,
requiring gloves, scarf, hat, insulated, waterproof jacket and waterproof
boots. In the evenings, ‘dress to impress’ remains the rule at many
restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Be Forewarned
New York City is
one of the safest cities in the USA – in 2017 homicides fell to a record low of
fewer than 300 and overall violent crime statistics declined for the 27th
straight year. Still, it’s best to take a common-sense approach to the city.
Don’t walk around
alone at night in sparsely populated areas.
Carry your daily
walking-around money inside your clothing or in a front pocket rather than in a
handbag or a back pocket.
Be aware of
pickpockets, particularly in busy areas.
While it’s
generally safe to ride the subway after midnight, you may want to take a taxi
instead, especially if traveling alone.
Money
ATMs widely
available; credit cards accepted at most hotels, stores and restaurants.
Farmers markets, food trucks and some restaurants and bars are cash-only.
Taxes & Refunds
Restaurants and
retailers never include the sales tax – 8.875% – in their prices, so beware of
ordering the $4.99 lunch special when you only have $5 to your name. Several
categories of so-called luxury items, including rental cars and dry-cleaning,
carry an additional city surcharge of 5%, so you wind up paying an extra
13.875% in total for these services. Clothing and footwear purchases under $110
are tax free. Hotel rooms in New York City are subject to a 14.75% tax, plus a
flat $3.50 occupancy tax per night. Since the US has no nationwide value-added
tax (VAT), there is no opportunity for foreign visitors to make ‘tax-free’
purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is not
optional; only withhold tips in cases of outrageously bad service.
Restaurant servers 18–20%, unless a gratuity is already charged on the
bill.
Bartenders 15–20% per round, per drink $1 for standard drinks,
and $2 per specialty cocktail.
Taxi drivers 10–15%, rounded up to the next dollar.
Airport & hotel porters $2 per bag,
minimum per cart $5.
Hotel maids $2–4 per night, left in envelope or under the card
provided
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