Can you suggest...in NYC?

Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry

New York City is my favorite city in the world. Nothing will give you more culture, more inspiration, or more personality than this city. It’s smelly, crowded, dirty, and everything goes at 110mph almost all the time, but it’s where my heart is. I love it.

Because my friends know how much I love it and how frequently I've visited, they often come to me for advice on what to do, where to go, how to get around, where to stay, etc. Each time, I write up a message with a handful of suggestions, but inevitably I forget something and have to send them more messages as I remember. I am hoping this post will alleviate those messages.

Here are my suggestions for visiting NYC, based on my OWN experiences. Keep in mind, my experiences aren't yours or even a precursor to what yours will be. It's just what I've learned on my travels there.

Sights to see

Empire State Building, Top of the Rock/Rockefeller Plaza, Statue of Liberty, High Line, Stonewall Inn, Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square, Grand Central Station, World Trade Center/Ground Zero, Battery Park...and so many others!

Empire State Building

Rockefeller Center/Top of the Rock

You have two options for Empire State Building. One is to visit the building itself, OR...you can view it from Top of the Rock. Both buildings cost about the same for the tour, but I personally enjoyed the Rock better than ESB because I could actually see the ESB when I was at the Rock. Got great pictures there, too. The key to both is to visit at times that aren't busy. I've visited both of them around 10pm or later. I'm pretty sure they both have options to do a double-trip - one in the morning, one at night so you can see daytime and nighttime views, but check the websites to find out for sure. It’s SUPER windy at the top, so make sure you hang onto scarves and loose clothing. Top of the Rock is right on top of Rockefeller Plaza – shops, restaurants and people watching. There are also tours of Radio City Music Hall nearby, NBC studios (incl Saturday Night Live, Jimmy Fallon, etc.).

http://www.esbnyc.com/

https://www.topoftherocknyc.com/

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park

Central Park is a given sight to see, but be cautious. Most of it is safe, but there are parts that aren't as you get a little further north in the park. I've kept close to the south end of the park and I've also visited Strawberry Fields, which is on the west end by 72nd, which isn’t far from the Dakota (John & Yoko Lennon’s residence). It’s also near legendary Tavern on the Green I personally prefer 72nd and then walk east and south from there to see the carousel, the pond, the lake, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and some of the other familiar sights you’ve seen in TV and movies. Belvedere Castle is further north (up near 79th). I haven’t been there, but it’s a popular spot, too. You can also get a good view of the nearby skylines from the lake/Bow Bridge. Near the SE corner of the park is the Plaza Hotel. It’s between 58th & 59th just off 5th Ave. and You won't be far from Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Bergdorf’s and a few other choice shopping areas. 5th Avenue Shopping has its attraction, but if you really want something authentically New York, boutique shops are the best option. There are independent designers and shop owners who find unique, inventive things and there’s literally a shop for anything you could possibly want. Google is your friend. Oh, one last thing about Central Park: I think they still give horse & carriage rides (SE corner of the park across from the Plaza). It can be pricey, though, as are the pedicabs. And Central Park is absolutely ENORMOUS, so unless you spend the whole trip just at the park, you probably won't get to see more than a small portion of it. Personally, I enjoy a walk through the park, but it's my least favorite part of the city. I'd rather be on the streets or at a cafe or something.

Times Square (TSQ) is also beautiful, but INSANELY crowded most of the time. Lots of street peddlers there, too - either they're trying to give you comedy show tickets, their demo cd, selling pictures with Muppets or super heroes or some other shit. I can't stand any of it, but until you really experience TSQ, it's hard to stay away. This is where you'll find trusty chain restaurants like Olive Garden, TGIFridays, Sbarro, etc. My advice is to go later in the evening after the shows start. The streets are less crowded after 8 or 9. There can be some really cool street art vendors if you're into that sort of thing. And there are a lot of cops around, so it tends to be pretty safe, but I'd still recommend keeping your stuff in a crossover bag under a jacket, tucked close to you.

The view of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Esplanade

I have been to NYC 7 times and still haven't been ON the Brooklyn Bridge or visited the Statue of Liberty, but the best way to see both from a distance is by taking the Staten Island Ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan over to SI and back. The ferry is free and I'm 99% sure it runs 24/7, but double check if you're planning on going late at night. You can see the bridge and the statue both from a distance, which was enough for me. I'll eventually visit both at some point, but the ferry is a nice way to get both seen in a short time. You can also get a really nice view of the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn itself. We take the 2/3 subway to Brooklyn Heights (Clark St. station), then walk the three or four blocks west to the Esplanade. You can see the whole downtown Skyline from the esplanade, as well as the Bridge, Governor's Island and a smaller glimpse of the S of Liberty. Great way to knock several sights off your list without a great deal of time or expense.

Grand Central Station, Main Concourse

Grand Central Station is an experience all in itself. There are shops, restaurants, coffee shops, all kinds of beautiful art, etc. at GCS. It can be confusing, though. If you take a subway into Grand Central, sometimes (depending on which subway line you take) can be 3 to 4 stories below ground. Lots of steps. There are elevators, of course, but they’re pretty nasty. Honestly, I'd rather walk or take a cab there and stay above ground, BUT, if you do want to keep it cheaper, there's an express train that goes back and forth from Grand Central to Times Square. It's the 7 train and only runs for five stops. Three of them are in Times Square, one is near the NYC Public Libary (Also a great sight to see, next to Bryant Park), and the final stop at GCS. The Chrysler Building is just a couple blocks east of GCS, and the United Nations is just a few more blocks east from there if that interests you.

Battery Park (South edge of Manhattan) is a beautiful area and offers some great views of Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. It's also a very brief walk from Ground Zero/World Trade Center.

The North fountain in Memorial Park, World Trade Center

The 9-11 Museum and the surrounding areas are incredible. The museum itself can be pretty overwhelming emotionally, though. Nate and I visited it 3 years ago, but I don't care to go again. It was too much for me. The memorial fountains are gorgeous, as are nearby landmarks like Trinity Church. Be advised, there are a lot of vendors here, too, selling books and memorabilia for and about 9-11.

Some folks will tell you to visit Penn Station/Port Authority. Those folks have never f*cking been to Penn Station. It is a NIGHTMARE. If you've ever witnessed the frenzy of a koi pond when you throw food into the water and the fish literally eat at each other to get to it, then you've witnessed almost everything that Penn Station can show you. It's a main hub for commuters and 3 of the major subways in NYC. It's also right next to Madison Square Garden, which makes it a pretty popular travel destination for NYers, too. I despise it. It's a major stop for the 1, 2 and 3 trains along the west side of Manhattan. If you have to go anywhere around that area, I would honestly get off at the 1-train stop just south of there and walk back to wherever you need to go. Or, you can avoid it altogether and take the A, C or E train that runs just one block west of there. Sorry for sounding dismal, but Penn is truly the worst thing that NYC has to offer the world, in my opinion. The musicians photographed above are the only exception.

Stonewall Inn is in the heart of Greenwich Village and is a national landmark. It's the site of the birth of the Pride movement for the LGBT community. It's surrounded by wonderful shops, bars and cafes, but the community itself is what I love most about the area. Catch a drag or burlesque show, get a drink and take in the culture.

I've never been to Coney Island, but from what I understand, the area can be a little rough, so just be alert. Cab or car service will probably be your easiest option to get there, but they're expensive, probably $50+ each way. The subway is DEFINITELY cheaper, but can be a little tricky with transfers and schedules. Worst case scenario, if you get turned around, you can always go to ground level and hail a cab. Here's a link if you want to try it. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/coney-island-subway-11833.html

I’ve also never been to any of the museums, but obviously, they’re remarkable. For me, I just don’t want to spend 3-4 hours at a museum when there’s still so many other incredible things to do in NYC. I love art & science, but it’s unlikely I’d go unless I had light plans for the trip and could spend my time perusing. If this is your thing, though, there are often discount/free/pay what you wish days or times to visit. https://www.nyc-arts.org/collections/35/free-museum-days-or-pay-what-you-wish

Another thing I've missed so far is the High Line trail. The High Line, running along the western edge of Chelsea, was once a train line, but has since been turned into a park walkway above the sidewalk hustle and bustle. There are tours you can take, or just stroll it yourself. Beautiful boardwalks with natural plant life is a wonderful reprieve from the steel and concrete that covers so much of Manhattan.

Transportation

My biggest trip for traveling in NYC is to skip the cabs and utilize the trains as much as possible. For the areas you want to travel, they're safe, even later at night, but obviously, stay alert and aware of where you are. I have a laminated map of streets & train lines that I bought for my first trip and I have packed it for every trip since then. You'll want the most updated version of the map as sometimes stations close or relocate and when you're underground, it's tough sometimes to navigate directions. It's called "Streetwise Manhattan" and you should be able to buy one at streetwisemaps.com for a few bucks. Make sure it's the laminated one, though. It folds up easily and tucks inside a purse or bag easily. It has the train stops as well as a majority of street names. It helps you keep your station stops straight if you take a train from one end of town to the other.

When it comes to the major stops on the North/South routes, uptown trains will be on the east side of the street, downtown trains will be on the west. And pay attention to the train you need. The 1/2/3 line all ride on the same track, but the 1 is the ONLY train that stops at every stop. The 2 and 3 usually just stop at the major stations. This will be more clear once you get the map I mentioned. It can be tricky, but totally manageable even for a first timer. You can pay per trip, but I would suggest getting a 7-day Metro Card. This covers all subways, transfers, and buses throughout the city and the boroughs. 7-day tickets are $32 each, whereas each ride if you buy individually is $2.75 each way. Then, I kinda pay karma forward when I'm done with my trip and give the card to someone on the train when I'm ready to leave town. I let them know I've got X number of days left on the card and they can use it. You don't have to, obviously, but I try to give as much back to New Yorkers as I can when I'm there. It's not an easy city to live in and every free train ride means a lot to them.

If I can't take a train, I call a car service for longer trips (say from the airport into the city.). They tend to be cheaper than cabs - they'll take your CC over the phone, then all you have to do is cash tip. This makes up for time spent stuck in traffic whereas a cab meter is running that whole time. They'll meet you at the airport baggage claim with your name on a little sign, they'll grab your bags off the belt, and carry them for you, as well. After a long flight, this is a welcome service. I've typically stayed in Harlem and there's a service that does a lot of business that either starts or stops in that area. http://www.newharlemcarservice.com/ Since most tourists don’t make Harlem a destination, I'd recommend the "Dial 7" service. https://www.dial7.com/ You can get quotes ahead of time. Car services are almost always ready within minutes to pick you up, so make sure when you order the car, you're ready to go. Busier times can be delayed, of course, but you'll want to be ready before you call. I *think* you can ask for a car service to pick you up at a specific time, too, but it's been a while since I've used them so I can't remember. Obviously Uber and Lyft are options here, too, but I’ve never used those services and don’t know what they cost in NY.

If you want to take taxi cabs, keep in mind, they can be expensive, especially in busy traffic. To save money, you can keep a few tricks in mind. You will want to pay attention to the direction of the one-way streets (and they're almost all one way). If you want to go uptown (north), get on a north-bound street. If you’re going downtown (south), get on a south-bound street. Walking the extra block can save you a few bucks and with several rides, that adds up. Cabs tend to try and rack up fares by taking the busier routes and that one block walk can turn into a four-block turnaround in a cab which equals higher fares. Also, if you take a cab, DO NOT PAY by Credit/Debit card. Thousands of people use cabs every day without issue, but I've had my cards hacked EVERY single time I've been in NYC and this is the only thing consistent with every trip I take. One ride I took cost me over $100 because the swipe strip "didn't work" on the credit card machine and came back with errors twice, so the cabbie took me to an ATM (like six blocks away, AND then back to my destination -- meter running the whole time, of course) to get cash. Well, the ride started out about $20, but by the time the swipes (that were actually working the whole time) went through, the extra time to go to the ATM and the cash I paid (as well as the fee I incurred at the ATM), it was a fortune. The MTA did reimburse me for the swipes, but it took me almost two weeks to straighten it out. Also, make sure you get a receipt for every trip, just in case. Even if you pay cash and the ride was fine, you may forget something in the cab and you'll want to make sure you've got the information to try and track it down later. You can get an estimate of a cab ride here: https://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=NY . Keep in mind if you cross a bridge or go through a tunnel, there are toll costs. Same goes for most of the interstates. They're not super high (maybe $4-5?), but they can add up.

Also, refer to your map before you flag down a cab so you know exactly where you're going. If you sound like a New Yorker, they'll treat you like one. If you sound like a tourist, they'll treat you like one of those. One of those is about $10-20 cheaper than the other. lol For instance, don't give a specific address for a location. Most things in NY can be referred to by their cross streets and you can walk the half-block to a block to where they are. Let's say you want to visit Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. The address is 234 W 42nd Street. The cross streets for this address would be on 42nd between 7th & 8th. Give the cabbie the cross streets and you’ll be let off at the corner and walk the half-block to the museum. I know this probably sounds confusing and if you don't want to dick with the hassle of knowing which side of which block to get to, then just tell them the approximate address. Most cabbies know where things are. Don't forget to tip them.

When you fly into NY (LaGuardia is my airport of choice - it's closer to Manhattan and is a cheaper cab/car ride and it's MUCH less hectic than JFK or Newark, in my opinion), ALWAYS always ALWAYS take a registered cab from a cab stand. They're the only "legal" cabs and your fares are regulated by the NYC MTA. Gypsy cabs (the random dudes hanging around by baggage claim asking if you need a ride) can charge whatever they want and they're not regulated by anyone. Danger, Will Robinson! (These are different from the car services who will usually be waiting at baggage claim holding a sign with a name on it. lol The cab stands are easy to find. Just look for ground transportation signs and look for the cab porters. Can't miss the giant lines. Give yourself at least 45 mins to get out of the airport because the lines move quickly, but they're always long.

I love NYC, but my biggest issue with the city is how much time it takes to get places. Cabs are the absolute fastest way, but they're also the most expensive - by a LONG shot. Also, the number of people at these landmarks can be overwhelming so lines are usually long. If you have anxiety, keep that in mind when you visit. I've typically skipped any guided tours, but that's your choice. Obviously, it'll take longer to do things that way, but I'm sure there are numerous things you'd learn about the sights by doing the tours. If you want a more personalized experience, residents of NYC give free, private tour experiences. It’s called Big Apple Greeters and it’s done entirely by resident volunteers: https://bigapplegreeter.org/ I haven’t used the service, but I think it would’ve been incredibly helpful for me the first time or two I went.

Must-have websites:

https://www.nycgo.com/ - this is THE best NYC travel site. They've got hordes of tips, sights, suggestions, etc.

http://www.mta.info/ - subway, train, taxi, and bus info

https://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=NY – estimating cab fare from anywhere to anywhere

Restaurants/Food

One thing to remember is most refills aren't free in NYC, also? EVERYTHING is expensive, even McDonald's.

Sticky Wings at Dallas BBQ

Dallas BBQ - several locations. Times Square is where we usually go. Plenty of seating, almost never a wait, good food, decent staff, clean bathrooms, and great (huge!) drinks. We always get the sticky wings and cole slaw, but then again, I love buffalo wings more than most people, hence the reason this is a must-stop for me. People watching here is the best you’ll ever find. We witnessed a domestic assault one time! Crazy stuff.

3 Decker - Yorkville (91st and 2nd) Some of THE best food I've ever eaten anywhere, much less NYC. It's got a lot of Greek fare, but serves just about everything you can imagine. They have specials each day, as well as soups of the day. We went on a day where stroganoff was the special and chicken noodle was the soup. Both were fantastic. If you're looking for comfort food, this is the place to go. They're an UES landmark.

Churchwarden Pipes on display at Keens

Keen's Steakhouse – Herald Square. One of the oldest steak houses in NYC. The food here is absolutely exquisite. Lamb chops are divine. Prime rib is enormous. Ambiance is incomparable to anything else you'll find in NYC. keens.com for more history, but suffice it to say, you'll never have a better dining experience in NYC. I strongly recommend the raw oysters. This place is also at the TOP end of most folks’ budgets, or not even in the budget at all. Be prepared for the sticker shock.

Ellen's Stardust Diner (TSQ) - food is overpriced and pretty lousy, but the experience is a must-do in my book. It's always crowded, especially at "normal" meal times, but the wait staff sings and performs throughout the meal. Most of them perform in theatrical productions and work here to pay the bills, so you're getting pretty awesome talent even if the food isn't so great.

Cafe Lalo - UWS W 83rd & Amsterdam - This is the cafe from the "Pride and Prejudice" scene in "You've Got Mail". They've got a good brunch, bright atmosphere (although quite crowded, as most things in NYC are), and great pastries, drinks & coffees. From what I understand, they also have live music pretty often.

Ropa Vieja at Havana Central

Havana Central (midtown)- fantastic Cuban food and one of Nate's must-go's. Great atmosphere and sometimes they have live music, too.

Arriba Arriba - several locations, I prefer 9th & W 51st. - FANTASTIC Mexican food! I usually order something with shrimp - al ajillo? parrilla? I can't remember exactly, but it's a creamy shrimp thing in a tortilla and smothered in creamy sauce or cheese or both. Ask the server. It's fantastic. Their chips and salsa are great, too. I don't do tequila, but friends of mine say the margaritas are to die for and well worth the price.

Cupcake and obligatory glass of milk at Magnolia's

Magnolia Bakery - several locations, I prefer 69th & Columbus on the UWS. Best bakery anywhere I've found. Cupcakes are huge and worth the money. The place is always busy, but they're super friendly. Nothing beats a cupcake and a cold glass of milk when you just want to sit and relax for a few.

John's Pizzeria - several locations. We do TSQ. Fantastic pizza (some of the best in the city), great pasta and really good cocktails. It is usually incredibly busy, though, probably due to location.

Last, but not least, Playwright Tavern. Also in TSQ. Always busy. Always crowded. But FREAKING DELICIOUS! Pricey, of course, as most of NYC is, but really, really good food and a pretty cool atmosphere.

Other recommendations: Carmine's (Italian family style, TSQ), Buceo 95 (tapas, UWS), Pies n' Thighs (soul food, Brooklyn), Galaxy Diner (killer fried chicken & diner food, 9th & 46th), @Nine (Thai, 9th btwn W42nd & 43rd), and New Ivoire (African, Spanish Harlem). I haven't been, but I've heard fantastic things about Alice's Tea Room (there are a few locations). I'm not a big deli person, but word has it from locals that nothing beats Katz' Delicatessen (of When Harry Met Sally fame). Don't be afraid to give food trucks & carts a chance. You can't beat a pretzel in Central Park, or a hot dog or knish from a cart in TSQ. They are quick, relatively cheap (in comparison to everything else) and like with most things NYC: an experience to behold. :)

Where to stay

I have been fortunate enough to stay with friends most of the time, but if you don't have that option, my next choice would be AirBNB https://www.airbnb.com or Vacation Rental by owners: https://www.vrbo.com. Technically, these services are illegal in New York, but that doesn't stop residents from renting out rooms or their entire apartment. I've had incredible experiences with AirBNB and while I know that's often the exception, it's still worth checking out. Make sure to read reviews before booking, though. If there are a lack of reviews, that can be a tip that they're either getting poor reviews that get deleted or they're new to the home rental game and they haven't had many guests. I like this option because it automatically introduces you to a real NY resident who knows the ins and outs of the area regarding good food, safety, and transportation. They won't lead you astray. I've met some great people through this option.

If you must stay in a hotel, stay somewhere close and central to where you'll be spending most of your time. https://www.hotels.com/ can give you accurate reviews as well as candid photos by people who have stayed there, so you'll get a real picture of what the place is like. That's important. Look for Groupon deals or online booking codes to save some money. Hotels can be a little pricey.

Other random tips:

If you want to try and find where celebs are filming TV and movies:

https://www.onlocationvacations.com/ Locations are updated daily. Who knows, maybe you can play a walk-on part!

Always check the hotel beds for bed bugs. It’s more prominent in NYC than any other place. I’ve been fortunate not to have issues, but friends haven’t been as lucky.

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2016/01/28/best-way-to-search-hotel-room-for-bed-bugs.html

Wash your hands CONSTANTLY and/or carry hand sanitizer. Had we done this, Nate wouldn't have had an ER visit with an ebola scare in 2014. No kidding. Haz mat suits and everything. Even then, you'll still probably get sick. NYC is a dirty city, especially where transportation is concerned: vehicles, trains, railings, etc. Baby wipes in the purse couldn't hurt when it comes to wiping down a seat somewhere.

Almost nowhere has a public bathroom, so be prepared to use bathrooms where you eat or shop. Don't ever use a subway bathroom. No matter how bad you have to pee, nothing is worth suffering those. SOooooo gross. NYC streets smell like trash, urine and exhaust (especially in the summer) to begin with, the last thing you want is tangible proof of where those smells come from. lol

You will not have cell phone service if you're in the subways. Steel and concrete are non-penetrable when it comes to cell towers, so you'll want to pay attention to the stops on the train. If you realize that you're going in the wrong direction, get off at the next stop, go above ground and get your surroundings, then ask someone who looks like they know where they're going. Despite rumors, most NYers are happy to help lost tourists. It may be beneficial to get a portable phone charger (or two). Just like there are no public bathrooms, there are no public electrical outlets either and if you're on the go all day, you'll wear through a battery pretty quickly. Charge everything completely every night so you're fully juiced. Nothing is worse than not having GPS in NYC.

And while we’re talking about steel and concrete, let me tell you, that shit gets HOT in the summer. Make sure you’re staying hydrated. Your best bet is to carry a bottle of water with you, but regardless, make sure you’re getting fluids. Between flying, walking, and all the rich food, your ankles will puff up like elephants. I speak from experience.

DO NOT JAYWALK! YOU WILL BE TICKETED!! You can cross at an intersection against a red light (although it's at your own risk. NYers are crazy drivers), but don't cross a street mid-way unless there's a crosswalk (sometimes they'll have them in busy areas).

You will most likely encounter homeless beggars. Don't even make eye contact. They're relentless. Just ignore and keep walking. Let them harass somebody else. I've been in some rough parts of NYC but I've never been scared for my safety. I just mind my own business and keep walking.

No matter what they tell you, nothing you buy on the street is authentic brand name, but they can be pretty convincing knock-offs. The exception is Canal street, although the safety in that area (Chinatown & Little Italy) can be tricky. Personally, it's not worth it to my safety to get a cheap knockoff for me to visit those areas. But, there are some fantastic restaurants in that area, so use your best judgment.

And really, that's the case no matter what you're doing. If it feels off, don't go there. Just be sensible, alert, and aware of your surroundings. Again, I’ve never NOT felt safe in NYC, but I’m also very cautious of my surroundings.

You can haggle prices at souvenir shops sometimes. I bought a suitcase about $20 less than its marked price, but would have never known to ask if I hadn't heard somebody else do it before me. (Also? LEAVE ROOM FOR SOUVENIRS so you don't have to spend money on more luggage at a tourist trap. lol)

You can sometimes get half-price tickets to Broadway shows at the TKTS booth behind the big red steps in TSQ. https://www.tdf.org/nyc/7/TKTS-Overview for more info about the hours, etc.

Waiting in line for the NKOTB Summer Concert Series
(the night before)

Good Morning America and the Today Show are both fun ways to get on TV if you want that experience. You can also check the talk shows and see if there are available tickets. The Today Show also has a summer concert series every Friday, all summer long. If it's a popular artist you really want to see, go early (like 10pm the night before, for instance) to get in line. Again, I speak from experience.

You can see a lot of great celeb comics, along with amateurs, of course, at places like Gotham Club. Many famous comics will do comedy shows during the week to try out new material or promote a show. Sometimes there’s no cover charge but a minimum drink order. I probably have connections for comedy shows, too.

The Love sculpture at 55th & 6th

Take lots of pictures – of important things and of non-important things. Subway signs, the front of a train, the side of a bus, the roof of a taxi, and the random neon everywhere can really give you memorable thoughts of the city when you get home and you’ve forgotten half of what you see. Take pictures of the restaurants you visit and the food you eat, or at the least, write down where you go so you can go there again next time. Be an artist and an explorer, but try to take in everything you’re doing. It goes so quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to take your picture. Contrary to what you see in movies, not everyone will run off with your camera.

Don’t let New York City run you ragged. Everyone in that city is racing to get where they’re going. They can seem rude, but the fact is, they just don’t have time to talk. I always say please and thank you and I always tip well. They may not say anything about it, but I know it’s appreciated. If you are taking your time, though, make sure you stay out of the main part of the sidewalks or walkways.

Enjoy the city, its eclectic people, and incredible architecture. It’s a city like no other. Appreciate New York for being New York. It will love you back.

I ♥
NY