VISITORS' TIPS: NYC

1.) Take the Metro. Trust me. It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but taking the subway is an essential part of your New York experience.

2.) Book a hotel room with a view. Request a room on a high floor. A great way to see the New York skyline is to stay in a room with a great view. 

3.) Hit up Times Square at night. Marvel at the life of the city that never sleeps. 

4.) Street food is good and cheap, and deserves a try. 

5.) Factor in time for travel to any location. If you haven't gotten used to the subway yet, you might get lost.

6.) SEE A SHOW. It is one of the experiences not to miss — even if you don't appreciate theater. You can get cheap tickets in Times Square.  

7.) Don't act like a bumpkin. There are so many people in NYC from so many different backgrounds that you don't have to be mistaken for a tourist if you're subtle. 

8.) New York is a walking city. Don't wear high heels. You'll be miserable. If you need heels, try wearing flats to your destination and changing shoes once you get there. 

9.) You might see weird things on the subway. That's okay. Since you're in public, you're fairly safe.  

10.) I've never had a problem with pickpockets, but I also don't carry much on me. Why? BECAUSE ALL OF THAT WALKING YOU'LL DO. Stuff is heavy!

11.) Plan some details of your trip in advance. New York isn't Waco, which you could conceivably see in a day. NYC is full of fun possibilities. Know which possibilities you want to explore, or you might get overwhelmed. Have their tentative locations mapped out beforehand so you don't have to waste precious New York minutes Googling the Bowery Ballroom on your phone.  

12.) Navigating traffic in NYC is an aggressive art. I would not drive there. I wouldn't rent a car. 

13.) Airport taxis are expensive. Look into alternative options to get the best deal. On my first trip there, it was cheaper — and more pleasant — to rent a limo to ferry our group from the Newark airport to our hotel in Manhattan. 

14.) Buy the tacky souvenirs. You'll be proud of this trip later and wish you had bought the Big Apple fridge magnet so your guests can see that you've seen this incredible city without you having to point it out. Again: Subtlety.