First-time visitors to the Big Apple can perhaps be forgiven for thinking it a little confusing, but amid all the hustle and bustle it’s surprisingly easy to get around. Travelling from famous landmarks to iconic attractions is often an overly complicated process in locations such as Rome and Madrid, but in New York it’s nowhere near as laborious.
One of the reasons for the simplicity is that the lion’s share of the regular tourist haunts are located on the island of Manhattan. There are some which are not, of course, such as the Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium and Coney Island, but in the main the visitor can remain on Manhattan for the duration of the trip.
Unlike most major cities in the world, the street plan is Manhattan is user-friendly. Based on a familiar grid pattern, the streets run west to east and the avenues from north to south. Therefore, plotting your way around for a daily itinerary is far simpler than when you have to consider the dead end roads and meandering alleyways of London or Paris.
A sightseeing schedule is an excellent idea for anyone who wants to make the most of their Big Apple experience. Many of the most famous landmarks are clustered together, so it makes sense to plan ahead. With a little research, it’s possible to draw up a loose timetable that will ensure you see all the delights this wonderful city has to offer.
Mass transit options
There is an extensive public transport system in New York City that is readily available, easy to understand and inexpensive to use. The subway network is generally the fastest option, if only because it avoids the roads that can become congested during the peak hours. Wherever you are in Manhattan, you won’t be far away from a subway station.
If you prefer to live your life above ground, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of buses which will take you to anywhere you need to go. In order to avoid the occasional delays caused by frantic searching for loose change, a MetroCard is a wise purchase. It can be used on subways and buses, and is ideal for tourists.
Finally, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without taking a ride in one of the world-famous yellow cabs. Even if you don’t have to travel too far you should indulge yourself in the experience at least one. On Manhattan, these beautiful and distinctive symbols of one of the planet’s finest cities are everywhere, so just hold out your hand and hail a slice of Americana.
David Showell has been an Englishman in New York on several occasions. He works for a car hire website.
Getting From A To B In NYC
