New York City is easily one of the greatest cities on the face of the planet, and you aren't going to find all too many people that would disagree with such a theory. Even so, though, you can't just go there expecting to have the time of your life just because it's your first time visiting.
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There are certain things you need to prepare yourself for, and while some of the items on this list aren't considered to be particularly 'extreme', they definitely need to be on your radar. Either way, though, we're pretty confident in saying you'll have a good time.
10 Difficult Subway
You may love New York City with all of your heart, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is an incredibly difficult place to navigate if you’re trying to use the subway. With the poor sign instructions and difficult conditions, you’ll be lucky to get from point A to point B.
Plus (and this can’t be understated), the facilities just aren’t that great. It smells on the subway, the trains aren’t that up to date, and it’s far too crowded and uncomfortable.
9 Unbelievably Tall Buildings
If you’ve never been to a MAJOR city before, then you won’t really know what it’s like to look up and feel like an ant amongst giants. When you go to New York City for the first time, you start to get a better idea of how things work in the business world.
Everything --and we mean everything-- is larger than life, and it’s kind of crazy that it can all fit onto such a small island. You may not be a fan of a beautiful skyline, but even if that’s the case, you have to appreciate the sheer size of it all.
8 Central Park Magic
It’s one of the most breathtaking parks on the face of the planet, and we actually think that the fact it is surrounded by a concrete jungle helps that.
There’s something so magical about walking through the middle of Central Park, and the best part is that it really doesn’t matter what time of year you go there. Whether it’s the middle of summer or the tail-end of winter, you’re going to be able to feel like you’re the only person in the city – despite being surrounded by over eight million strangers.
7 An Epiphany
A lot of people might not be into this kind of thing, but trust us, it happens more than you’d expect. Perhaps you’re just walking along the street, or maybe you’re at the Top of the Rock looking out over Manhattan. Wherever you may be, we’re confident in saying that you will have some kind of epiphany during your first stay in NYC.
It doesn’t have to be big or particularly ground-breaking, but it does tend to happen more than people realize. There’s something about the city that resonates with every kind of traveler, both young and old.
6 Pizza Everywhere
From north to south and west to east – you aren’t going to be able to walk too many blocks in New York City without finding a really good pizza place. Or, alternatively, you’ll find a really bad pizza place. Either way, this delicacy will be staring you right in the face.
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Alongside Chicago, it just feels as if these are the two destinations in the country that really take pizza to a whole new level. Sure, it’s a fantastic meal to have wherever you may be, but New Yorkers really have perfected the recipe.
5 Overwhelming Times Square
Times Square can get way too busy sometimes to the point where it’s actually a little bit nauseating, but even with that being the case, it’s hard not to be completely and utterly overwhelmed by the sheer sight of it. Honestly, it really is that special.
Times Square has the most magnificent lights, displays, and sounds that you could possibly think of, to the point where it kind of doesn’t seem real. It’s as if we’re looking at an optical illusion more so than anything else when in reality, it’s just an unbelievably beautiful destination.
4 Average Airports
Whether you fly into JFK, Newark or another local airport, we have to warn you that there is a very good chance you won’t be bowled over by your overall experience at the airport in the Big Apple.
They’re just kind of dull, not really that inspiring, and don’t tend to give you that sense of joy or hype that you should get when you’re hitting the ground in New York City for the very first time. It's a little impersonal, as you'd expect of such busy transport hubs.
3 Expensive Bars
Specific figures don’t need to be detailed here, because while there are some cheap spots for you to scout out when you head to NYC, there are also way, way more boozers that will charge you ridiculous fees for their drinks. Also, they may even charge you above the regular price if they know you aren’t a local – which seems very, very wrong, and that’s because it is.
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Just try and find a quieter bar down some of the more random streets as opposed to going too 'tourist.' Although, you should probably watch yourself in doing so.
2 People Trying To Sell Things
Whether it be cupcakes or their brand new CD, heading through the streets of New York City can often feel like you’re going down the Ayia Napa strip due to just how many people are trying to sell you things.
They will quite literally just get in your face and interrupt your conversation, all in the name of trying to sell their goods. It is a really tiring process even at the best of times, and it can be really easy to lose your temper with these people if you aren’t in the mood to tango.
1 So Much Creativity
It’s one of the art capitals of the world in the eyes of many, and it’s the place where so much creativity is born and resides. New York City is packed to the rafters with people that love to showcase what they can do, whether it be as an actor, a singer or through some other type of craft.
You could even be riding the subway back to your hotel, and then moments later, someone comes onto the train and starts breakdancing their way up and down the carriage. No, we aren’t making that up.