If you’re planning a trip to New York City, you’re in for an amazing time. This vibrant and energetic city has something for everyone. But it can be tough to figure out how to make the most of your time there. That’s where this guide comes in! In this post, we’ll give you all the information you need to have an unforgettable visit to NYC. From tips on where to stay and what to see in NYC, to advice on how to get around, we’ve got you covered. So read on and start planning your dream vacation today!
Figure out your budget and what you want to see/do
When planning a trip to New York City, the first step is to figure out your budget. How much are you willing to spend on hotels, food, and activities? Once you have a budget in mind, you can start planning what you want to see and do.
If you’re looking for things to do on a budget, there are plenty of free options available. For example, you can explore Central Park, visit one of the many museums or art galleries, or take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
If you’re willing to spend a little more money, you can take a tour of the Statue of Liberty or go to the top of the Empire State Building. No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in New York City. Want to know how much you’ll need to spend per day in NYC? Check out this post on The Savvy Backpacker.
Create a loose itinerary – but be prepared to change it as you go!
New York City is one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the world, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history, culture, or nightlife, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
However, with so much on offer, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why it’s always a good idea to create a loose itinerary before you arrive.
By doing some research and planning ahead, you’ll ensure that you make the most of your time in NYC. However, it’s also important to be flexible and go with the flow. After all, one of the best things about NYC is that there’s always something new to discover. So don’t be afraid to change your plans as you go – you never know what might happen!
Here’s a great video to choose the things you want to do in NYC:
Use Google Maps or a physical map to plan your route and make sure you’re taking into account public transportation
When you’re planning a trip to New York City, one of the most important things to do is map out your route. Google Maps is a great resource for this, and you can even use it to plan your public transportation route.
But don’t forget about good old-fashioned physical maps, too! They can be really helpful when you’re trying to get your bearings in a new place. Plus, they’re just fun to look at. So make sure you take some time to plan your route before you head to NYC – it’ll make your trip that much more enjoyable.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your passport and visa (if needed)
There’s no place like New York City. From the bright lights of Times Square to the iconic Statue of Liberty, the city is full of excitement and adventure. If you’re planning a trip to NYC, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your passport and visa (if needed).
Once you have everything in order, it’s time to start exploring! Start by checking out some of the world-famous museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art. Then, head to Central Park for a leisurely stroll or take a ride on one of the city’s famous subway lines. Whatever you do, don’t forget to enjoy a slice (or two) of pizza – NYC is famous for its delicious pizza!
Download apps like Citymapper and Uber to help with navigation and getting around
New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. There is so much to see and do in the city that never sleeps! But with so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip to NYC.
Luckily, there are a few apps that can help make navigating the city a breeze. Citymapper is a great app for finding your way around NYC. Enter your destination and the app will give you step-by-step directions on how to get there, whether you’re taking public transportation or walking.
Uber is also a great option for getting around NYC. With just a few taps on your phone, you can order a ride and be on your way in no time. So whether you’re looking for directions or wanting to avoid hailing a taxi, be sure to download Citymapper and Uber before your next trip to NYC!
Pack light – there’s no need for a lot of luggage when traveling in NYC!
Anyone who has ever been to New York City knows that it is a bustling metropolis with endless things to see and do. From the shopping on Fifth Avenue to the art museums of the Upper East Side, there is something for everyone in NYC.
And one of the best things about visiting this vibrant city is that you don’t need to pack a lot! There are plenty of places to buy clothes, souvenirs, and other items, so there’s no need to lug around a big suitcase. Just pack light and enjoy your trip!
New York City is an amazing place to visit. There is so much to see and do, and the city has something for everyone. When planning a trip to NYC, be sure to use Google Maps or a physical map to plan your route. Make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your passport and visa (if needed). If you plan to stay longer in the city and want to have your car there with you, I suggest you find a good car shipping service. This will make it easier for you. And don’t forget to download Citymapper and Uber to help with navigation and getting around. Lastly, pack light – there’s no need for a lot of luggage when traveling in NYC! With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an amazing trip!
Alex is a computer geek, programmer, who loves traveling. Not the usual mix, but Alex is always with his laptop – no matter how high the mountain he’s hiking on. On every peak he reaches, he writes a story that captures it all.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram