Know Before You Go: New York City
The laws, local rules, safety tips, and cultural things I’d want to know before landing
New York is easy to visit, but it is also a city where small mistakes can waste a lot of time and money.
You do not need a car. You do need to understand the subway. You need to know which airport you are flying into. You need to know that a 20-block walk is not the same thing as “right around the corner.” And you absolutely need to understand sidewalk etiquette because New Yorkers will let you know lol.
The Subway Is Usually Your Best Friend
The subway is still one of the easiest ways to move around the city.
As of 2026, OMNY has replaced the MetroCard systemwide. You can tap a contactless card, phone, wearable, or OMNY card to enter the subway and buses. The base subway/local bus fare is $3, and the weekly fare cap is $35 when using the same payment method.
💡 SHANE’S TIP
Use the same card or device every time you tap. If you switch between your phone and physical card, OMNY may treat them as different payment methods.
Do Not Rent a Car for a Typical NYC Trip
Unless you are leaving the city, I would not rent a car.
Between parking, traffic, tolls, and the subway, a rental car usually creates more problems than it solves.
Walk, use the subway, take a taxi or rideshare when needed, and save the car for a day trip outside the city.
Your Airport Matters More Than People Think
JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark are not interchangeable.
Look at where you are staying before automatically choosing the cheapest flight.
JFK is in Queens and has AirTrain connections. LaGuardia is also in Queens and can be convenient for Manhattan depending on traffic and transit. Newark is in New Jersey, which is not a problem, but you need to account for the extra transfer and travel time.
Learn the Neighborhoods Before You Book
“New York City” is huge.
Where you stay can completely change the trip.
If most of your plans are downtown, staying far uptown may save you money but cost you time every single day. The same goes for staying in Brooklyn or Queens.
I would choose a hotel based on what I actually plan to do, not just the lowest nightly rate.
Sidewalk Etiquette Is Real
This sounds small until you are standing in the middle of a Manhattan sidewalk trying to figure out where you are.
Do not stop in the middle of the flow.
Step to the side.
And if you are on an escalator, the general rule is stand to the right and let people pass on the left.
Cannabis/Weed Is Legal, But Not Everywhere
Adults 21 and older can legally possess and use cannabis in New York, but that does not mean you can smoke anywhere you want.
Cannabis cannot be consumed in places where tobacco smoking is prohibited, including restaurants and many public spaces, and it cannot be used in vehicles or on federal property. Hotels and property owners can also prohibit smoking on their premises.
If you buy cannabis, use a licensed dispensary. New York’s Office of Cannabis Management maintains a list of legal retailers.
Do Not Take Cannabis/Weed Across State Lines
Even though cannabis is legal in New York, taking it across state lines remains illegal.
That includes bringing it home after your trip.
Watch for Tourist Scams
Like any major tourist city, NYC has people who know exactly where visitors are.
Be cautious with unofficial ticket sellers, aggressive street solicitations, pedicabs, and unlicensed transportation.
A 2026 NYC Council investigation specifically flagged deceptive practices involving unlicensed taxis, pedicabs, and unauthorized ticket vendors in high-traffic tourist areas.
Keep Your Stuff Close
You do not need to walk around terrified, but use normal big-city awareness.
Keep your phone and wallet secure, especially in crowded subway cars, stations, tourist areas, and nightlife districts.
Restaurants Can Require Planning
If there is somewhere you really want to eat, reserve it.
New York has more food than you could ever get through, but the restaurants everyone has seen online can book quickly.
I would rather lock in one or two meals I really care about and leave the rest flexible.
You Will Walk More Than You Think
Bring shoes you can actually walk in.
Not shoes that are technically comfortable.
Shoes you can wear for 15,000+ steps without regretting your life choices.
The Weather Can Completely Change the Trip
NYC has real seasons.
Summer can be hot and humid. Winter can be cold, windy, and messy. Spring and fall can swing between warm and chilly in the same day.
Check the forecast right before you pack.
The Bottom Line
New York is one of the easiest cities in the world to explore once you understand how it moves.
Learn the subway.
Pick the right neighborhood.
Walk with purpose.
And please move to the side before checking Google Maps lol.