Summary of Visiting NYC in 2024/2025? You need to watch this! PART 1

Key Takeaways

In this YouTube video about visiting New York City in 2024/2025, the speaker shares essential insider tips and hacks to help travelers navigate the city like locals.

Lifestyle Tips

Avoid Overpriced Tourist Areas: Limit time spent in Times Square; it's filled with overpriced shops and scams.
Public Bathrooms: There are few good public restroom options. Use bathrooms in restaurants or hotels before leaving.
- Recommended tactics include confidently walking into hotel lobbies or bars to find restrooms.
Safety Precautions: Keep phones in front pockets and use bags with zippers to avoid theft.

Travel Highlights

Unique Experiences: Try SPY Games, an immersive experience where participants engage in spy-themed activities.
Walking Tours: Take a walking tour on the first or second day to familiarize yourself with the city. Options include:
- Musty Manhattan Tour: Covers classic sites like Grand Central and Broadway.
- Food Tour: Sample iconic dishes from various eateries.
- Musty Downtown Tour: Explore areas like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Accommodation Advice

Avoid Midtown: Staying in Midtown (Times Square area) is a common tourist mistake due to scams and high hotel prices. Instead, consider:
- Long Island City, Queens: A more affordable option with easy access to Manhattan.

Dining Recommendations

Eat Local: Avoid chain restaurants like Olive Garden; instead, explore boutique and Michelin-starred restaurants. A guide to local dining is available for reference.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping around 20% is customary in restaurants. Be aware that servers rely heavily on tips for their income.

Attractions

Broadway Shows: Use the TKTS booth for discounted same-day tickets, or explore other discount options like broadwaybox.com and standing room tickets.
Cruises: Consider a classic harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, especially during sunset.

Additional Tips

Book in Advance: Make reservations for restaurants, hotels, and attractions to avoid disappointment.
Discount Codes: Use codes like "spy gam Sarah" for discounts on experiences.

Notable Locations and Products

SPY Games: An immersive spy experience.
Classic Harbor Line: Offers various scenic cruises.
Musty Manhattan and Downtown Tours: Customized walking tours designed by the speaker.

The video encourages viewers to subscribe for more tips and to watch part two for additional insights.

Notable Quotes

— 13:30 — « Do not come here and go to chain restaurants like Olive Garden. There's no reason for you to come to New York City and have Olive Garden. »

— 14:16 — « Please, whatever you do, make sure you see New York City from the water. It's one of my favorite ways to see it because it's so beautiful. »

— 15:16 — « It's customary to tip about 20% when you're dining at a restaurant. If you tip under 15%, it's actually considered very offensive to people. »