Tips to surviving your trip to New York City

Big Apple Hiking

I was born in Manhattan and spent 35 years discovering its secrets. So, if you are planning a trip to NYC I have a few travel tips that may make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. 

You can research what to do all you want on-line. The best information will come from New Yorkers themselves. So, if you have any friends or relatives living in NY, contacting them for general advice will be helpful.

First, New York City is not the New York City it was 25 years ago. No more “scary” neighborhoods. Gentrification and economics have changed that, along with Rudy Guiliani who received most credit for turning 42^nd street from a hellish environment to a Family friendly place to be. 

Tourism is NYC’s #1 industry. You will not be alone as an outsider. You will hear 15 different languages spoken on a 30 minute stroll down Madison Avenue if you keep your ears attentive.

So lucky you, you are on your way to NYC, a safe place, a wild place, a tourist destination for the entire world. Your first stop, either Kenndy or LaGuardia Airport will be bustling with movement and activity. Don’t let it change your style, take it all in, take time to smell the roses.

I recommend that first time visitors stay in the Times Square vicinity. This way you will feel like you are in the center of the universe and you will only be a short walk to Theaters, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Radio City, Rockefeller Center, shopping and restaurants galore!

Once situated at your hotel, take a walk to the nearest Deli and get a coffee and the Village Voice, a free newspaper with pages and pages of local stories and events about town.

If you do not already have one, obtain a subway map of the city. Manhattan is one of the easiest places to figure out. Streets are numbered and run East and West. Avenues are numbered (and named) and run North and South. All laid out, for the most part, in a perfect grid. 33^rd and 3^rd, means 33^rd Street and 3^rd Avenue.

Now that you are ready to take on Manhattan I have a few suggestions for things not to miss out on. Here are my favorites: The observation deck of the Empire State Building on 34^th street.

Don’t miss the 9/11 Memorial in lower Manhattan, you WILL be moved. After your visit there, walk East, past the Stock Exchange and to The South Street Seaport, a shopping dining and entertainment extravaganza on the pier over the East River.

Weather will not be a factor. If it is too hot or you are too cold, open any door, just a few feet away at any given time there is bound to be an indoor shopping opportunity that will be the perfect temperature.

I would not worry too much about food and places to eat. There are way too many terrific choices; however, I would recommend getting breakfast at a Deli. You will pay about $6 for eggs and bacon on a kaiser roll, orange juice and coffee. If you prefer a $20 breakfast, well, they are abundant. 

For all pizza aficionados, try one of John’s BrickOven Pizza locations, simply the best! 

Known to be the best bakery in Manhattan, Veniero’s Italian Bakery on 11^th Street will have you drooling upon entry. There you can get pastry, cakes, pie, cookies and all sorts of delectable items to choose from.

When it comes to eating in NY, I might only suggest, try something new, there are boundless opportunities to excite your palate.

My final point, and perhaps the most important, is the fact that you will be walking great distances. No doubt your hiking around Manhattan will be eventful as eye candy is bountiful. You may not even realize it but at the end of the day you may have clocked 4 to 6 miles strolling the sidewalks of the big apple. Select your footwear accordingly. I would suggest your most comfortable walking shoe or sneaker. Remember, when you awake on your 2^nd day, you will be hiking all over again. To help avoid tired legs I recommend the following two items that will ensure happier feet and legs throughout your time in the city, compression socks and a custom fit insole made from an impression of each of your feet. Compression socks help by increasing blood and oxygen flow to your muscles and you will appreciate the difference they will make.

Custom fabricated insoles will assist in stabilizing your foot and will give you the highest level of comfort for your feet.

I mention these two items because after countless times hosting friends and relatives, touring the Big Apple, I know the value of being comfortable on your feet. Do not let your biggest memory of your time in NYC be tired legs and feet. New York is a get up and go town. New York City is a Walkers town.

There you have it. Now go venture forth and have a great and memorable time in Manhattan!