New York Tips

 NEW YORK POST SCRIPT –

If you need a doctor in New York call Dr Ronald Primas, (212) 737 1212, 952 He’s on Fifth Ave (btwn 76^th & 77^th).  Not cheap (approx. $250 for first visit but you should be able to claim that on travel insurance) but he is both thorough and available and will come to your hotel if required.  There is no charge for the follow-up visit, if one is needed.

There is a Duane Reade on just about every corner.  These are pharmacies but they also sell everything - groceries, wine, hairdryers …you name it!  They are generally open 24 – 7 and some also have a doctor on hand.

Go to a show on Broadway but make sure you book your tickets in advance to ensure you not only get a good seat but also a better price.  This is easily done on-line.  You are spoilt for choices featuring many actors you will immediately recognize.  It’s all great theatre!  There is a place you can go to line up for ‘cheap’ seats but if your time is limited in New York, you don’t want to be wasting it to save a few dollars.

If you are intending to see a particular art exhibition, make sure you book your ‘timed’ ticket or you could have a long wait in line. 

Don’t bother asking anybody on the streets for directions – they are all tourists! 

If you want to shop, make sure you go early when the stores are opening.  As the day rolls on the crowds become overwhelming.   Try some of the less obvious stores, such as Century 21 … you will find great bargains especially downstairs.

There are so many restaurants and cafes etc in New York that you could eat at a different one for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year and still not get through them!  Of course there are the acclaimed restaurants such as Daniel’s or Per Se, to which I’ve been to both and yes, they are great, but they come at a price.  (One of my most memorable dining experiences ever was lunch at Per Se, but with the exchange rate, we were up for well over $1,000!)  So if you want to splurge, go for it, just remember it comes at a price!   There are plenty of other restaurants to choose from on every block.  Generally, by the time they add tax, you buy wine and then tip (for two people) you will get little change from $200 every time you eat out.

Tipping – 10% for any service, good or bad, 15% for good service, 18% (or above) for great service.  Often restaurants will add the 18% gratuity (along with the tax) already, so make sure you check.  The ‘wait’ staff are paid minimal wages so they really rely on their tips and it guarantees you great service no matter where you go.

Taxis are cheap and plentiful and you would ‘round-up’ to the whole dollar – ie; $13 would equate to a $15 cab fare.  Coat checks usually have a jar you can drop in a dollar or two.

New York is easy to walk around so make sure you have comfortable shoes.  Central Park, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge (great views of Manhattan), downtown, midtown, uptown, go up 5^th passed Central Park for some sensational shopping …. with the street numbering system, you really can’t get lost.  Depending on the area, more often than not, you will walk faster than the cabs will drive you!

Make a list of your “must-dos” but be flexible, New York is such an amazing place that you will stumble upon any number of new and interesting things to do and places to see …… and finally…..just enjoy!