One important thing to know when visiting New York bring a good pair of walking shoes! The city is filled with skyscrapers, diverse cultures, and endless things to see, so you’ll be on your feet a lot.

Indulge your soul and stomach with New York pizza while looking at the iconic skyline or better yet, watching the city’s famous street rats fight over a crust. Yes, in New York, you truly have it all!

When I landed in the city, I was blown away by how much there was to explore. From Newark to Jersey, the options are endless. A lot of people stick to the tourist spots like Times Square and Central Park, but New York has so much more to offer if you’re willing to explore.

Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots

My biggest advice? Walk! It’s the best way to really experience the city. While wandering around, I stumbled upon an amazing hidden gem Untermyer Gardens (Find location here).

This place makes you feel like you’re not even in New York. It’s crazy to believe something this beautiful was hidden away. Walking through it, you’d think you were in Italy, with its unique garden structures and architecture.

The gardens span about 43 acres, so there’s plenty to see. Don’t forget to go to the top you can take some stunning pictures with a breathtaking view of the Hudson River. I highly recommend visiting during sunset to take in the view at its best. This place is a hidden gem that I always visit when I’m in New York, and the best part? It’s free! Just make sure to go during spring or summer for the best experience.

Pizza, Skyscrapers, and Street Rats—The True NYC Experience

Would it really be a trip to New York without trying their legendary pizza? As a pizza lover, I literally live for pizza, so here are two must-visit spots you need to check out:

• Mama’s Too (West Village)   The moment you try this pizza, you’ll never want to eat anything else! The flavors, the crust everything is perfect.
• Scarr’s (Lower East Side)  Another absolute banger! This place is a must-try when visiting New York.

And while you’re eating that slice, don’t be surprised if you see two rats fighting over a pizza crust it’s just part of the authentic New York experience!

Important Things to Note

While public transport in New York is good, I highly recommend walking or renting a bike it’s a much better way to explore the city. You get to see more, and I found a lot of cool spots just by walking around trendy shops, amazing food spots, and rooftop terraces that I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.

Another important thing to know is to be prepared when landing, especially if you’re taking a taxi. Traffic can be crazy, so expect to get stuck for a bit. Also, always check Uber prices first before getting into a taxi it might save you money. And most importantly, never take a taxi from a random person at the airport.

And don’t forget tipping is expected in New York, so always keep that in mind when dining out or taking a cab!

Final Thoughts

New York is a city that never gets boring. Whether you’re walking through hidden gardens, discovering the best pizza spots, or watching the chaos of the streets unfold, there’s always something happening.

It’s a place where cultures mix, skyscrapers shine, and even the rats put on a show. So, if you’re planning a trip, my advice is simple: walk, explore, and eat because New York is full of surprises!