20 things that will surprise first-time visitors to New York City

New skyscraper viewing experiences keep being built, including The Edge at Hudson Yards. (Yes, those are people climbing along the edge.)Credit: Edge NYC

Most people say it’s the irresistible energy that gets them hooked on New York City. There’s always something exciting happening, an adventure to be had in the city that’s been described as the greatest in the world. From world-class museums and galleries to a truly multicultural food scene and unparalleled nightlife, the beat goes on 24/7. With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to fit it all in on a first visit. Give it your best shot, then sleep on the plane.

1. There’s more to New York than Manhattan

Most first-time visitors happily spend their time on the island of Manhattan, hanging out in Central Park and Times Square, then museum-hopping from the Met to MoMA. There’s plenty to see and do there, but on return visits follow the locals and discover the diversity of NYC’s other four boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island.

2. It’s named twice for a reason

Niagara Falls: also in New York state.Credit: iStock

New York, New York, a city so nice they named it twice. That’s because the city is located within the great state of New York. Geographically, it forms a small part of the state, though it has an enormous cultural and financial footprint. If you have time, see more of ‘upstate’ New York, including the Catskills (the setting for Dirty Dancing), the Adirondack Mountains, Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes wine region.

3. There are three NYC-area airports (one of them in a different state)

LaGuardia Airport is one of three major international airports servicing New York City.Credit: iStock

When searching online for airfares, be aware there are three airports servicing the city: JFK, LGA and EWR. John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the busiest, with the most direct international flights. It’s in Queens, as is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), with easy public transport connections to Manhattan. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is in New Jersey and a good choice if you’re staying on the west side of Manhattan.

4. It can be overwhelming

The sights, sounds and smells of New York City can be overwhelming, especially for a first-timer. Everything is happening all at once, with more than eight million amped-up residents on the move. There are pockets of peace to be found. Take a moment to breathe under a shady tree in Central Park, up at the Cloisters in Washington Heights, or in the majestic Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library.

5. You won't see it all in one visit (or five)

The iconic Times Square.Credit: iStock

How many days do you need to see NYC? Well, how many have you got? Live in the city for a year and you still won’t see it all. There are more than 25,000 restaurants and scores of museums, just for starters. That’s what makes it so exciting. Plan out a few must-sees but don’t be too rigid. Some of the best things fall into place last-minute in this fast-paced city.

6. Airbnb isn’t really a thing

New York City law makes it illegal to rent apartments for fewer than 30 days in most buildings, so Airbnb is forbidden unless the host is present during the stay. The law is now strictly enforced, with hefty fines imposed, often because neighbours report violations to authorities. Don’t even think about it. Hotels and hostels are the way to go.

7. Hotels are really expensive

The Ace Hotel is a hip favourite in Manhattan’s Flatiron district. Credit: Ace Hotels

Most Aussies are shocked by the high cost of New York hotels, especially when the exchange rate isn’t favourable. Add in city and state taxes, and a multi-night stay will almost certainly cost four figures. Look for last-minute deals on Booking.com and comparable websites, consider staying outside Manhattan, or visit in the off-season to save dollars.

8. Many things are free

The city is filled with terrific free and low-cost things to do if you know where to look. Entry to some cultural institutions, like the Bronx Museum of Art, is always free, while others offer weekly opportunities to enter free or pay what you wish. For example, it’s free to enter MoMA from 4pm to 8pm on the first Friday of the month.

9. Bicyclists don’t have to wear helmets (but you should)

With Citi Bike stations all over the city, pedal power is a fun and affordable way to get around, but there is the hectic traffic to contend with. If you’re renting a bike you won’t be required to wear a helmet, unless aged 12 or under. Put safety first and bring a helmet with you or rent one at a local bike shop.

10. The subway is the fastest way to get around

You can now tap on and off with your credit card on New York’s subway system.Credit: iStock

In most cases, the subway will get you there faster than an Uber or taxi. No need to buy a ticket from the vending machine; simply swipe a credit card at the turnstile. Rides are a flat-rate $US2.75, no matter the distance. Use Google Maps for route planning.

11. Foodies will be in heaven

You can eat much better fare than dirty-water dogs from a Central Park hot dog vendor. For a memorable splurge, reserve in advance at upscale restaurants Masa, Per Se or Le Bernardin. Delicious meals can be enjoyed at all price points throughout the city, influenced by global culinary traditions.

12. Some of the best meals come from street vendors

If a feast for six bucks sounds too good to be true, you haven’t dined from a food truck. Glorious Mexican birria tacos, tasty Tibetan momos and big, juicy gyro plates from the Halal Guys are just some of the popular street foods dotted throughout the city. Eat from dozens of vendors in one place at Smorgasburg, a weekly open-air food market.

13. Don’t order a Cosmopolitan

Consider the Cosmo. (Or don’t.)Credit: iStock

Just kidding, order whatever you want, but don’t be surprised if the bartender gives you attitude. There’s a sophisticated cocktail culture in NYC and none of it is inspired by Sex and the City. At raved-about bars including Katana Kitten and Dante, expect the crowd to order variations of the espresso martini, Old-Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails.

14. Happy hour is a big deal

Many bars and restaurants in the city offer tempting happy hour deals, like 2-for-1 cocktails, one-dollar oysters and half-price wines. For travellers on a tight budget, it can be the most affordable way to imbibe and socialise. Boozy bottomless brunch is also very popular on weekends, though don’t expect it to kick off before 1pm.

15. Tipping takes some getting used to

Tipping is required for all services – from restaurants to nail salons – in New York, where hourly wages are much lower than in Australia.Credit: iStock

Don’t skip the tip, unless service was truly abysmal. Even then, get ready to be challenged. As a general guide, tip at least 20 per cent in restaurants and cafes, and 25 per cent for massages or nail services. If paying in cash at the bar, leave a dollar extra for each drink. Cabbies expect to receive 10 to 20 per cent, while Uber tips are optional.

16. Broadway doesn’t have to be expensive

One of the great joys of visiting NYC is the abundance of world-class plays and musicals to see. There are some insider hacks to save on ticket prices, which can be sky-high for popular shows. Download the Today Tix app for discount offers and check out Playbill online for a running list of rush, lottery and standing room only ticket policies.

17. There are so many observation decks

The Edge NYC. There are plenty of different observation deck options for visitors these days.Credit: Getty

The Empire State Building is the oldest observation deck in the city, a classic landmark immortalised in movies like You’ve Got Mail, but it’s certainly not the only place to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. New skyscraper viewing experiences keep being built, including The Edge at Hudson Yards, Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory.

18. Each season has something to offer

Central Park in autumn is truly spectacular.Credit: iStock

Visit any time of year: winter means Christmas markets and chestnuts roasting on open fires (yes, they really do that); summer is all about parades and the US Open; cherry blossoms herald the beginning of spring; while the colours of changing foliage are stunning in autumn. There are unique seasonal experiences to have any time of year.

19. New Yorkers are obsessed with sports

The hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.Credit: iStock

New Yorkers are crazy about their home teams and will often ride the subway to matches in team colours. Join in the fun at Yankee Stadium (baseball), Barclays Center (basketball) and Madison Square Garden (ice hockey). To watch the Giants, New York’s football home team, you’ll have to travel to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

20. New Yorkers really love Aussies

Punters queue at Bourke Street Bakery in NoMad. The Aussie bakery now has four outposts in Manhattan.Credit: Gary He / Eater.com

The fondness many Aussies have for NYC is reciprocated and then some by New Yorkers, in one of the great mutual love affairs of the world. Expect a warm welcome and more than a few references to Hugh Jackman, the Hemsworths and Vegemite (they don’t like the latter). There are also plenty of Aussie-operated and inspired cafes, restaurants and bakeries throughout the city.