There is no shortage of things to do and see in New York City. The trouble is, it’s a huge city, and seeing and doing it all can be difficult when you find yourself on one side of the city with tickets to a show or an event on the other side of the city.
Renting a car isn’t the best way to get around a congested place like NYC. Not to mention, it can be a nightmare to try and navigate the city when you don’t really know where you’re going. There are better, safer ways for you to get around while you’re traveling in New York City.
Rent a bike
The bad news is that traffic injuries in the city have steadily climbed since 2014, with over a dozen cyclist fatalities in 2019. That may make you think that biking in the city is unsafe, but that’s not necessarily the case.
NYC is working hard to reduce fatalities by implementing initiatives for decreasing traffic-related deaths. Not to mention, there are many things you can do to ensure you’re safe while you’re coasting around the city on a bike. They include:
- Stay visible by wearing bright colors, using lights, and reflective accessories.
- Communicate your actions using hand signals.
- Wear a well-fitting helmet.
- Use bike lanes, when available.
- Ride as if you were part of traffic, which means heeding stop lights and signs.
Take the subway
If riding makes you nervous, or you have quite a distance to traverse, you may want to consider taking the NYC subway.
The subway system will connect you with every area of the city, even if it means you have to walk a few blocks to get to your final destination. Grab a map and plan out your route, or use Google Maps to plan out your entire route.
A few other tips for making your subway experience go more smoothly include loading a metro card for your entire stay, not just for the day. It’s also important to know if you’re going uptown or downtown, and you’ll need to make sure you’re looking at the night map if you plan on returning to your hotel late.
Take a ferry
If you’re looking for a unique way to get around, consider taking a ferry! There are multiple ferries that run through the waterways near NYC that can take you to many wonderful places. With a little planning, you can even use a ferry to drop you off near your destination so you can finish the trip on foot when you land.
Just a few destinations that are only a ferry ride away include:
- Governor’s Island
- Astoria
- The Rockaways
- Hoboken, New Jersey
- Staten Island
- Sandy Hook Beach, New Jersey
Hail a Taxi
No other method of transportation in New York City is more iconic than the taxi cab. They are still easy to hail, as long as you know what you’re doing.
They are undoubtedly the most convenient way to get around the city, because they are available when you are, and they can take you directly to your destination. They are also considered a safe way to get around the city. Cab drivers who drive for a company have to be vetted and properly insured in order to drive. Their professionalism can provide you with peace of mind if you’re traveling at night.
A taxi is also the best way to get to your destination on time, because drivers are familiar with the city, and they can avoid the busiest roads.
Be Cautious Using Rideshare Apps
Rideshare apps, like Uber, are wildly popular. They are a great way for city dwellers with vehicles to make a little extra money, and they are a quick and easy way for others to get around the city. Unfortunately, they aren’t necessarily known for being the safest way to get around.
You can still use rideshare apps, but you should follow some tips to make sure you’re safe when that Uber driver pulls up to the curb. They include:
- Make sure you’re getting in the right car by double checking the license plate number.
- Ask the driver to confirm your name and your destination when you get in the car.
- Never get into a car if the driver suggests you sit in the front seat.
- Choose pickup and drop off locations that are in a safe spot.
Safety and convenience are important considerations when getting around NYC. With these tips, you’ll be traveling throughout the city like a local in no time.