New York, New York and New York!
The sentiments behind the words “I love New York” are the ones you’re sure to feel the moment you step off the plane and see for yourself what the Big Apple has in store for you. With a population of over eight million people, thousands of high-rise buildings dominating the scene, and twinkling lights everywhere, it’s sometimes hard not to feel overwhelmed when you first see the city that never sleeps.
Although many people believe that New York is one of those big, bad cities with crime rates that would make your heart flutter with fear, official reports actually state that New York is one of the safest places to be these days, with crime rates reaching an all-time low since the 1960s.
Here are some tips to make your visit to New York safer, cheaper, and more memorable.
Where to stay: If you don’t have friends with pads you can sleep on for a night or two, there are a wide range of hotels to choose from. Most hotels are concentrated in Manhattan, but if you’re traveling for business, you may want to stay somewhere near Wall Street. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something quirky and fun, perhaps Chelsea and the Green are good places to start.
Where to eat: the food is a fusion of a bit of everything, from the four corners of the world. If you want lasagna, Italian restaurants are just around the corner. If you want a good old-fashioned beef stew and yangchow rice, there are plenty of Chinese delis that are willing to deliver food to your doorstep. From ultra-stylish and exorbitantly expensive first-class restaurants to bohemian dining and fixed-fare all-you-can-eat buffets, New York will have no trouble indulging your foodie inclinations.
Where to go: New York has many points of interest to boast about and the list keeps getting longer. Do you remember the animated film, Madagascar? Well, that’s Central Park in drawing, but wait until you see the real thing and the eight hundred acres. And then there’s Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum. They say a visit to New York isn’t complete until you take a look at the real “creatures” in that particular museum. And who can forget the Empire State Building, once the tallest among all high-rise buildings? And, of course, there is the Statue of Liberty, the very symbol of American welcome. Then there’s Rockefeller Center, with its famous Christmas tree right in the middle of all the action.
How to stay safe: Although New York is considered “safe,” it wouldn’t hurt to take the necessary precautions and avoid the attention of pickpockets on the lookout for outsiders. Don’t make a fuss when you go to the ATM and always go out in a group.
How Not to Miss: New York is a very busy city, so the bustling city can end up overwhelming first-time visitors. Therefore, it is recommended that you always carry your map and cell phone with you. If you are not sure of the destination, do not just take the metro, but spend extra money on a taxi.
Lastly, enjoy your tour!