8 big mistakes we made in New York (that you can learn from)

By Selina Whitby
Published: December 18, 2025
New York

One minute we’re bossing the Big Apple. The next, we’re trapped on the wrong subway platform with an overpriced, underwhelming pizza slice wondering where it all went wrong. 

Well, at least you can learn from our mistakes! These are the biggest blunders we made and what to watch out for on your own trip...  

1. Walking too much. Especially on the first day 

Fitbit engaged, comfy shoes on – we were ready to pound the pavements (sorry, sidewalks). Everyone knows you walk a lot in New York, right? But, as over-excited tourists hopping from one place to the next, the steps add up fast. After clocking up 30k on the first day and hobbling back to the hotel with all sorts of aches, we decided to take it a little easier for the rest of the trip. It’s a vacation, not a marathon, after all.  

Walking NYC

A red carpet was laid, but the steps were still unforgiving.

2. Thinking the subway is scary 

Going back to point one, there was no need to avoid the subway at all costs. It wasn’t nearly as sketchy as we’d anticipated (aside from the carriages no-one's getting into – there’s a reason for that). It’s also a very affordable way to get around. The subway map isn’t one for the faint hearted, so CityMapper is your friend. And you’ll find the nearest subway stations to the attractions you’re visiting in our app – we're good like that.   

3. Assuming the subway entrance is the one we need 

Okay one thing you need to know about the subway is, some stations have separate entrances for Uptown and Downtown trains, and once you’re in, you may not be able to swap sides without exiting (and paying again, sigh). 

Double-check the signs before descending into the depths! 

4. Falling for trendy TikTok food spots 

And, embarrassingly, we don’t even have TikTok.  

Don’t be tempted to wait in line for a viral pizza slice and waste precious sightseeing time, kids. There’s plenty of just about every kind of food in New York on every corner. As you can imagine, the popular places are busy and come with a cost. $25 dollars for a bagel? They saw us coming. 

Bagel

Nice? Sure. Worth 25 bucks? Hmm.

5. Not carrying a portable power bank 

Your apps, your maps, your CityMapper, the photos you’ll take, the videos! Without some backup that phone battery’s going to let you down faster than your ex. Pack that power bank and make sure it’s fully charged.  

6. Not paying attention to the hourly forecast 

Of course we checked the general weather. But it can change rapidly throughout the day, particularly when it comes to cloud cover. If we’d waited just an hour longer for the morning mist to clear at Top of the Rock, we may have got a better Empire State Building shot than this one... 

Empire State Building

ESB, but not in all her glory

7. Forgetting about that little thing called jet lag 

“We’ll just stay up a little later and then magically adjust”. Well, it turned out to be a little harder than that, but nothing a strong coffee couldn’t fix. Just be aware that with your mealtimes off kilter, you might not be hungry for that big fancy dinner you arranged on the first night.    

8. Trying to ‘complete’ New York 

3 days. 15 attractions. 4 viral food spots. Almost every mode of transport. And we only just scratched the surface of one borough. It’s impossible to tick off NYC in one trip, but at least you’ll have an excuse to visit again. And again.  

NYC

Not small. At all.

And the things we got right... 

Having a New York Pass. Well duh – an absolute no brainer for saving loads on entry prices.  

Asking as many locals as possible for their top tips, like these guys. 

Visiting some lesser-known experiences like RiseNY and the Museum of Broadway. 

Experiencing New York from every vantage point – street level to soaring observation decks, and all the way around Manhattan by cruise. 

Taking it all in while going from A to B. Rather than being laser-focussed on getting to the next spot, we made sure we took in our surroundings on the way.  

Getting all the photos. Yes, you might feel silly posing, but you’ll regret not having them if you don’t. Yes, even the souvenir ones.  

King Kong

How could we leave New York without this gem?

Enjoyed our biggest New York slip-ups?  

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Selina Whitby
Content Lead

Selina is a copywriter and seasoned backpacker who has visited over 50 countries if you count Vatican City, which she does. Her most memorable travel experiences include tubing in Vang Vieng, doing New Zealand’s Nevis Bungee with a fear of heights, and taking a nine-hour flight with a toddler. On her bucket list is Rio Carnival in Brazil, walking the Camino de Santiago, and flying First Class (when she wins the EuroMillions).

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Blog

Snap-Happy in NYC: Where to Capture the City’s Best Views

Planning your trip to New York City? Get your camera ready—this city was made for memory-making snaps. From world-famous skylines and glittering nighttime views to charming neighborhoods and larger-than-life street art, we’ve scoped out the most photo-worthy spots across NYC. Whether you’re chasing a legendary selfie, want a dramatic sunset background, or just want to make friends swoon with your social feeds, we’ve got you covered. New York delivers something dazzling every time you step outside—let’s hunt down those legendary shots together!  Our favorite NYC photo opportunities include:  Empire State Building  Top of the Rock Observation Deck  DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge  Central Park  The Edge at Hudson Yards  Times Square  The High Line  Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island  One World Observatory  MoMA & NYC Street Art  Empire State Building  Does it get more legendary than the Empire State Building? Head up to the open-air 86th-floor observation deck for a sweeping view of Manhattan’s endless city sprawl and the Hudson River slicing through the skyline. Snap a selfie with the spire above you or aim your camera toward Central Park or downtown for that classic city grid perspective.  The vibe is electric—visitors from all over the globe, excitement in the air, the hum of New York below. Evening visits reward you with shimmering city lights, but early mornings shine for fewer crowds and dreamy golden-hour glow. Looking for detail shots? Don’t miss the glittering Art Deco lobby on your way in—it’s a slice of Old New York glam.  Capturing New York from the Empire State Building puts you quite literally above it all. If you’re hoping for a backdrop that oozes New York magic, this is your spot.  Top of the Rock Observation Deck  If you want to catch the Empire State Building in your photo, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is your must-visit. The panoramic deck gives you a front-row seat to both uptown and downtown views—Central Park stretches to the north, and the Empire State Building looks fantastic to the south.  We think magic happens just before sunset, when the city’s glass towers blush with the sun’s last kiss. The vibe? Chic and energetic, with photographers jockeying for the prime angle but always happy to swap stories or share a tip. Don’t forget to wander Rockefeller Plaza, especially during holiday season, when festive displays add even more sparkle to your shots.  Top of the Rock is where you get the postcard-perfect New York—skyscrapers, city lights, and a pop of nature thanks to Central Park.  Central Park  Need a break from city skyscrapers? Central Park feels made for dreamy photos: twisty tree-lined paths, sparkling ponds, bridges straight out of a romance novel, and skyline peeks around every corner. Climb the rocks near the south end for sprawling city-meets-nature shots, or find Bow Bridge for perfect reflection photos.  In spring, cherry blossoms add a candy-pink glow. In fall, fiery leaves light up every frame. Rent a bike or stroll to Bethesda Terrace, where carved stone staircases and rowboats drifting by the fountain feel positively cinematic.  Central Park offers a different mood every season, and the people-watching photo opportunities simply can’t be beat.  The Edge at Hudson Yards  Ready for a little thrill? The Edge at Hudson Yards boasts the city’s highest outdoor sky deck—with glass walls, angled floors, and an open-air “sky steps” area. Ninety stories up, you’ll shoot dramatic cityscapes, all the way to the Statue of Liberty on a clear day.  We love the bird’s-eye view of Midtown’s skyscrapers, plus the jazzy glow of city lights after dark. Brave the glass floor section for an epic "floating above Manhattan" shot—it’s half adrenaline, half Instagram gold.  The Edge is equal parts modern, luxurious, and exhilarating. Your followers will be asking: “How’d you get that shot?!”  Times Square  No photo tour of NYC is complete without the pulse-pounding energy of Times Square. Day or night, this crossroads of the world serves up neon colors, soaring billboards, and a jumble of street performers, costumed characters, and fellow tourists—all adding to the sense you’ve stepped into a Technicolor dream.  Pose beneath the famous red bleachers, snap street-level photos with the ever-changing lights reflecting off puddles, or climb nearby steps for a wide shot of the crowds and chaos. It’s pure sensory overload in the best way.  Times Square doesn’t just say “I’m in New York”—it shouts it from every glowing sign.  Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island  If it’s grand scenery you’re after, hop on a ferry for up-close views of Lady Liberty herself. Shoot her silhouette at sunrise from Battery Park, or circle the statue for photos with blue skies or dramatic city backgrounds.  We especially love ferry shots, wind in your hair, with Lower Manhattan’s skyline behind you. Walk the grounds at Ellis Island for architectural details and emotional storytelling—plus more killer angles toward downtown.  The boat trip adds an element of adventure, and you’ll come away with timeless New York symbols for your scrapbook.  One World Observatory  Looking for a modern twist on city panoramas? One World Observatory, perched atop the city's tallest building, doubles down on wow-factor. The glass walls mean you get jaw-dropping 360-degree views—see the bridges, both rivers, and, when the weather cooperates, even New Jersey!  Inside, interactive displays and stunning design add to the appeal. A tip: stick around for sunset, when golden rays slice between skyscrapers, melting into a sea of lights. The vibes are sophisticated, but the feeling when you look out over the entire city? Sheer wonder.  From up here, you’ll capture the spirit of NYC—reflective, resilient, and innovative.  MoMA & NYC Street Art  Want something more creative than cityscapes? Head indoors to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where masterpieces and design details beg to be photographed—think Picasso, Warhol, and more. Low-lit galleries and dramatic angles give you an artsy edge.  But don’t stop there. NYC’s streets double as open-air galleries. Hunt for colorful murals in Bushwick, Lower East Side, or around the High Line. Buildings wear their creativity with pride, from massive portraits to playful cartoons and statement quotes.  Whether you’re after classic art or alleyway masterpieces, New York’s creative scene puts unforgettable inspiration in every photo.    From sky-high decks to cobblestone streets, New York offers endless opportunities for stunning photos at every turn. These top spots help you frame the city’s energy, creativity, and classic beauty—one unforgettable shot at a time. Just charge your battery, free up some memory, and start exploring—NYC’s best photo backdrops are waiting!    Enjoyed this? Check out NYC’s best hidden gems, and our complete guide to Pride in the city.   Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
woman walking through crowd in NYC
Blog

The Best Spots to People Watch in NYC

If you think New York’s only attractions are its skyscrapers and pizza joints, think again. The real show in NYC is the constant parade of locals, visitors, artists, and dreamers weaving through its parks, plazas, and sidewalks. A cup of coffee in hand, an open park bench, and a front row seat to the city’s never-ending theatre—that’s our idea of sightseeing done right. We’re sharing our favorite spots to settle in and soak up real New York moments, offering not just a view but a vibe you won’t want to miss. Wondering where to start? Let’s go people-watch at these unforgettable locations.  Our favorite NYC people-watching spots include:  Central Park (especially Bethesda Terrace)  Washington Square Park  The High Line  Union Square  Times Square  Bryant Park  DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park  Grand Central Terminal  Chelsea Market  Tompkins Square Park  Central Park (Bethesda Terrace & Mall)  It’s impossible to pick just one great spot in Central Park, but if you’re up for premium people-watching, Bethesda Terrace and the nearby Mall (the park’s promenade) deliver every time. On weekends, musicians fill the air with jazz and show tunes, street performers set up shop, and rollerbladers in rainbow outfits slalom among strollers and dog walkers. This stretch is also prime for admiring New Yorkers in their natural habitat: marathon runners, nannies airing out babies, artists sketching horse carriages, and children racing remote control boats on the pond.  Why do we love it? The sheer variety of characters means you’re never bored. Some visitors are twirling in wedding dresses for photos, while others pose with busking cellists or simply zone out on the steps. Grab a coffee and join the crowd—you might even get drawn into a spontaneous dance or chess match. The mix of tourists, locals, and performers creates a classic NYC buzz that will leave you energized.  Washington Square Park  Looking for classic New York energy? Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is the place. Actors, chess hustlers, dog walkers, fashion students, and jazz quartets all share this historic square every day. The vibe shifts throughout the day: mornings bring dog playdates, afternoons fill the benches with guitar strummers and NYU students, and evenings are made for spontaneous dance parties or soap bubble artists by the fountain.  There’s always a conversation to overhear, a dance-off to witness, or a comedian auditioning for laughs. Picnic, people-watch, or just prop yourself on the fountain—Washington Square is where NYC feels both lively and laid-back at once.  Union Square  Crowds here pulse with New York’s trademark energy. The year-round greenmarket draws foodies, the chess area brings strategy lovers, and the open plaza fills with dancers, skateboarders, political rallies, and spontaneous performances. On any given day, you’ll catch a cross-section of NYC life: activists, artists, tech bros from nearby offices, buskers on guitar, and plenty of curious visitors.  Bring a snack from the market and let the parade unfold. Union Square’s constant motion guarantees you’ll never spot the same characters twice, making it our pick for urban energy at its best.  Times Square  Is it touristy? Absolutely. But for pure sensory overload, Times Square delivers. Stand on the red steps above the TKTS booth at dusk and you’ll feel like you’re inside a living postcard. Billboards flash, street performers in superhero costumes pose for photos, office workers rush to the subway, and wide-eyed visitors take it all in.  It’s a mashup of every city stereotype in one place—cosplayers, bucket drummers, theatergoers in sparkles, and families scanning for the M&Ms store. Grab a jumbo pretzel or a hot dog from a street vendor and settle in for a show that never stops.  Bryant Park  Central Midtown can be hectic, but Bryant Park brings a breath of fresh air—and all kinds of people—to its sunny lawn. In summer, lunchtime becomes a runway for fashionistas and business suits on break, while outdoor yoga classes stretch across the grass nearby. Winter brings the holiday market and ice skaters, making people-watching just as fun but with extra scarves.  The café tables are perfect for sipping a La Colombe latte while admiring elegant chess players, rollerbladers breezing by, or New Yorkers flipping through novels under plane trees. Plus, free events—like summer movie nights—mean the crowd is always in a good mood.  Grand Central Terminal  It’s rush hour, but in Grand Central, chaos comes with beauty. Look up at the famous celestial ceiling, but then watch the commuters—some racing for a train, others gliding with coffee and confidence, and travelers wheeling suitcases past snack kiosks. The whispering gallery beneath the archways is a hotspot for acoustic surprises (try it!). Pop into the Grand Central Market and observe city dwellers debating cheese.  The constant motion here proves why New Yorkers never miss a beat, making it a must-stop even if you’re not riding the subway.  Chelsea Market  This indoor food hall serves up winner people-watching alongside dumplings, tacos, and coffee. Wander the stalls to spot foodies sampling new cuisines, chefs teasing passersby with samples, and local office workers on lunch breaks. The industrial décor and communal tables encourage strangers to chat—making for prime eavesdropping opportunities.  Grab a lobster roll from Lobster Place or one of Fat Witch Bakery’s brownies and tuck in at a table. From local families to tourists awed by the neon-lit taco stands, the Chelsea Market scene is always evolving.  Tompkins Square Park  Nestled in the East Village, Tompkins Square Park is where NYU students, punk rockers, dog walkers, and street musicians all mix it up. The atmosphere here leans creative and a little rebellious—just what you’d expect in this neighborhood. Stroll by the colorful playground, pick a shady bench near the dog run, or wander the walking paths where artists and musicians hang out.  Pigeon feeders hold conversations with joggers, basketball players compete at the courts, and the nearby café Scene Tea offers great coffee for your bench-side spectating. Come for the counter-culture, stay for the inspiring cast of locals.    NYC’s greatest treasures are its people, and the best way to feel the city’s pulse is to claim a spot and watch the story unfold. From the sunny benches of Bryant Park to the bustling corners of Washington Square and the sky-high strolls along the High Line, every neighborhood gives you a new snapshot of life in the city. So pack a snack, pick a perch and get ready to experience the “real” New York—one fascinating character at a time.    Enjoyed this? Check out Brooklyn’s best bits, and get from the airport to the city in style.   Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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President's Day in New York often means special events are going on at the city's best museums, art galleries, and more. Check out our guide and make a plan for the holiday.
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