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Visiting New York City

Many people know that New York City is famous for popular attractions such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park, but famous buildings and parks don't even begin to cover what NYC really has to offer. There are many places tourists should try to include in their itinerary, and many are within walking distance or just a subway ride away.

NYC Accommodations

If there's one thing NYC is known for, it's major hotels. If tourists want to opt for a taste of high-class NYC life, hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, Tribeca Grand, Waldorf-Astoria, Hotel Chelsea, Grand Hyatt, and the St Regis are all some of the most famous hotels in the city, and all scream regal. However, if you'd rather spend your money on attractions, the city also offers more affordable hotels that won't charge you for the mint on your pillow. It's the best of both worlds when it comes to accommodating tourists.

Weather

Weather in NYC changes according to the season, experiencing sweltering conditions, cool breezes, warm and sunny days, and snow-filled streets. The best seasons to visit the city during are the fall months of September and October, and the springtime month of May. But regardless of the weather, NYC always has something going on for everyone.

Neighborhoods

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx. Every borough has its own history dating back to its founding and rich era of immigration, commerice, and industrial revolution. Manhatten offers Central Park, Union Square Park, Washington Square Park, trendy Greenwich Villiage, the upper and lower East sides--where all of your shopping needs are fulfilled, the MET, and the Museum of Modern Art. Brooklyn brings to you, of course, the Brooklyn bridge, which is a rewarding and amazing experience after you get to the other side, Prospect Park, and Coney Island--which is should be on everyone's travel list. Oh, and of course, pizza. The Bronx is mostly known for the Bronx Zoo and the ever-so-famous Yankee Stadium. Staten Island and Queens offer the Staten Island Zoo and some incredible bike tours, parks, and local culture and art.

NYC Sports

The NY Yankees, Mets, and Rangers all call NYC their home. And the best advice to tourist is to try and snag tickets for any one of these venues--Yankee Stadium, City Field, or Madison Square Garden--and have the time of your life cheering on some of NYC's favorites.

Parking

Parking is dicey in the city, and any time tourists can, they should choose walking over driving. With parking prices reaching $20+, walking and taking the taxi or subway are the best choices. Subways can be accessed with metro cards, available at most subway stations. When taking a taxi, tipping 15%-20% is average.

Tipping and Pricing in NYC

While taxi fares may scare some tourists, the average fare for a 60-block drive in NYC averages out to about $10.00. It may not sound like a lot of money at first, but one thing visitors should keep in mind is that $10.00 is only one-way. It is much cheaper to walk, however if you do need to travel 60 blocks, a taxi is a sensible option, however there is always the subway. Metro cards will run tourists about $2.50 for a single ride, and $29.00 for a 7-day fare--which is much cheaper than taking a taxi every day.

As for tipping if you do take a taxi, it is not mandatory that you leave a tip, but as long as you reached your destination safely, it is always courtesy to tip and a custom of NYC. The tip percentage is up to the discretion of the passenger, but ranges anywhere from 10%-20%.

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Visiting New York City