The bustling Big Apple, Manhattan, the epicentre of the American Dream, and famed setting of F.R.I.E.N.D.S — it’s New York, New York. If you’re thinking about giving this Concrete Jungle a shot, here’s everything you need to know about travelling to the City of Dreams this summer.
New York City is synonymous with yellow taxis, Broadway musicals, the blinding lights at Times Square, and so-cliché-it’s-good I LOVE NY logos plastered on kitschy souvenirs. As over-hyped and touristy as you might think it is, the city still charms over 66 million visitors a year. In this guide, we’ll be exploring why. From galleries in SoHo to a conserved railway station all the way up in the mountains of Catskills, there definitely is something for everyone in New York City. So New York City first-timers, rest assured. Here’s all you need to know before stepping into one of your best adventures yet!
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The Complete Guide For New York City First-Timers
1. Cost of Flights
2. Local & US Data Plans
3. Getting Around The City
4. Best Locations in NYC To Stay At
5. Best Weekend Trips From The City
🇺🇸 1. Flight Costs For New York City First-Timers
Disclaimer: We used the dates from the first to the end of April to help gauge the costs of flights.
| Flight to NYC | |
| Turkish Airlines | From S$1,102 |
| Nippon Airways (ANA) | From S$1,237 |
| Qatar Airways | From S$1,365 |
| Singapore Airlines | From S$1,827 |
🇺🇸 2. Best Data Plans For New York City First-Timers
Let’s be real, we all need our phones to survive in this day and age — here are some of the best data plans to help you stay comfortably contactable.
| Includes | Perks | Cost | |
| New York Data Providers | |||
| Reach | ✅ Unlimited Talk Time & Text ✅ Unlimited Data | 👉🏻 5G network available in selected areas with compatible devices 👉🏻 Commitment-free 👉🏻 Mobile hotspot included 👉🏻 24/7 live customer support | US$35/month (~S$47.50) |
| Visible | ✅ Unlimited Talk Time & Text ✅ Unlimited Data | 👉🏻 5G network available nationwide with compatible devices 👉🏻 Mobile hotspot included | US$40/month (~S$54.30) |
| Tello | ✅ Unlimited Talk Time & Text ✅ Unlimited Data | 👉🏻 International call to over 60 countries included 👉🏻 Mobile hotspot included | US$39/month (~S$52.90) |
| US Mobile | ✅ Unlimited Talk Time & Text ✅ Unlimited Data | 👉🏻 5G network available nationwide with compatible devices 👉🏻 24/7 Customer Service | US$40/month (~S$54.30) |
| Ting | ✅ Unlimited Talk Time & Text ✅ Unlimited Data 🎉 PLUS: 22GB high-speed LTE/5G data | 👉🏻 5G network available nationwide with compatible devices 👉🏻 Commitment-free | US$45/month (~S$61.10) |
| Singapore Data Providers — Roaming | |||
| Circles.Life (GoRoam) | ✅ Data: 1, 2 or 5GB | 👉🏻 Add anytime via the Circles.Life app | 1GB for S$10 2GB for S$20 5GB for S$50 👉🏻 Valid for 7 days |
| Giga (GigaRoamROTW) | ✅ Data: 1GB | 👉🏻 Activates automatically upon arrival at the destination | S$15/ 15 days |
| Singtel (ReadyRoam) | ✅ Data: 3GB | 👉🏻 Add anytime via the Singtel app 👉🏻 Automatic top-up when data runs out | S$40/30 days |
| M1 (Data Passport) | ✅ Data: 10GB (if you exceed 10GB, it’ll cost S$11.99/GB) | 👉🏻 Network lock applicable to prevent bill shock | S$30/month |
🇺🇸 3. Getting around New York City For First-Timers
Image Credits: Wikipedia
Run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York’s rail and bus system is better known as the MTA NYC Transit. It is an affordable way of getting around and most New Yorkers commute via the Subway.
| Cost of Transport: At A Glance | |
| Bus | MetroCard: 👉🏻 Minimum value US$5.50 (~S$7.50) 👉🏻 Unlimited for: – 7 days for US$33 (~S$44.80) – 30 days for US$127 (~S$172.40) Pay-Per-Ride: 👉🏻 One way: from US$2.75 (~S$3.70) 👉🏻 Express one way: US$6.75 (~S$9.20) |
| Subway | MetroCard: 👉🏻 Minimum value US$5.50 (~S$7.50) 👉🏻 Unlimited for: – 7 days for US$33 (~S$44.80) – 30 days for US$127 (~S$172.40) Pay-Per-Ride: 👉🏻 One way: from US$2.75 (~S$3.70) |
A. Bus
If you’re not a fan of the underground, buses are a great alternative. Here are some tips:
👉🏻 All city buses utilise the MetroCard and/or an exact coin change payment
👉🏻 With a single fare, you’ll be able to travel any distance till the end of the allocated route
👉🏻 All buses run at a 5 to 15 minutes interval
🚨 PLUS: From 10 pm to 5 am, local and express buses will stop wherever you ask them to!
B. Subway
New York’s subway has made quite a name for itself with its iconic typography that is recognisable even from afar. Here are some tips:
👉🏻 Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
👉🏻 Single rides allow you to use the subway citywide, and transfer to any other line as many times as you like — as long as you do not exit the gantry
👉🏻 Transferring from the subway to a local bus or vice versa within a two-hour time limit using the pay-per-ride MetroCard is possible as well!
🇺🇸 4. Best Places To Stay For New York City First-Timers
Image Credits: NYTimes
You will first need to pick one of the five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Midtown
Located just a stone’s throw away from New York City’s gems (i.e. Central Park, the Empire State Building, MOMA, and Times Square) is Midtown Manhatten. Expect a bustling nightlife on 9th Avenue, and a ton of food trucks at your disposal, at any time of the day, on 6th Avenue.
Don’t miss out: Morgan Library & Museum
Harlem, Upper Manhattan
One of the most affordable districts in flashy Manhattan, Harlem is known for its amazing culture and heritage that is heavily influenced by African American History. If you’re a seeker of culture, or perhaps an old soul in the mood for some good ol’ hearty jazz — Harlem is your destination.
Don’t miss out: The world-famous Apollo Theater
SoHo
Did you know SoHo is short for South of Houston Street? Once known for factories and industries, the district earned itself the nickname “Hell’s Hundred Acres.” Fast forward to today, Soho is home to one of the richest art scenes in the world. You’ll adore the vibrant street art hidden at every corner, and the wide selection of museums and renowned loft-style galleries.
Don’t miss out: The antique diner, Fanelli Café
🇺🇸 5. Best Weekend Getaways For New York City First-Timers
Since we’ve got a month here, why not take one weekend off to explore the surrounding attractions that this city has to offer? Scroll down for some weekend getaway inspo.
Washington, D.C (4-hour drive)
Washington is a playground for history students and junkies alike — there’s the Smithsonian museum, US Capitol, plus loads of other monuments and memorials that will take you back to America’s founding days. However, don’t miss out on the city’s vibrant arts and nightlife scene. Think farmers’ markets, modern day exhibits, and, of course, a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. If you’re visiting in the month of April, you’ll get treated to cherry blossoms season along the Tidal Basin. Perfect!
Beacon, New York (2-hour drive)
Image Credits: NYTimes
Flee the hustle and bustle of the city with a days’ trip to Beacon, located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Following the conversion of the former Nabisco box-printing factory to a contemporary art museum back in 2003, came a wave of galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, movie theatres, one-of-a-kind flea markets, and gems run by small businesses. Be sure to set some time aside for Beacon’s breathtaking parks and hiking trails.
Catskills, New York (2-hour drive)
Image Credits: Lonely Planet
About a hundred miles from NYC, west of the Hudson River, you’ll find yourself in the picture-perfect town of Catskills. While being absolutely free of any unnecessary manmade bells and whistles, the town instead finds its worth in the hills, rivers, and a 700,000-acre forest preserve. For rest days in town, visit the handful of museums such as the Empire State Railway Museum for reminiscent memories of train whistles echoing through the mountainscape.
En Route, New York City!
Now that you’re all caught up, conquering New York will definitely be a piece of cake! What’s more, you can maximise your savings by using your YouTrip card to enjoy Wholesale Exchange Rates with zero bank fees when you’re out and about shopping or sightseeing.
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Bon voyage and stay safe!
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All currency exchanges are accurate as of 3 pm on 31 March 2022. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
