While most NYC travel tips focus on where to eat, what to pack, and attractions to see, those neglect three unglamorous details that can ruin your trip. Needing to pee in the middle of Times Square? Rough. Your phone battery dying when you're next up at the ticket scanner for a Broadway show? Yikes. Blisters on your feet after day one of your trip? Bummer. This article is gonna save you headaches, stress, and an uncomfortable trip to New York City. 1- The Bathroom Situation If the status of public restrooms in New York City were an Olympic downhill skiing race, this city would be accidentally going uphill, backwards on planks of plywood. The cleanliness, availability, and proximity of places to go pee in NYC are all awful. NYC Bathroom Advice #1 - Go Before You Leave If you are at a restaurant, bar, museum, etc., and are about to leave, use the restroom before you do. NYC Bathroom Advice #2 - Know Your Options Familiarize yourself with places that are likely to have bathrooms, including but not limited to: Hotel lobbiesNew York Public LibrariesSome parks (not all, mind you)Whole FoodsMany coffee shops (not all, again)And, do yourself the favor and follow this amazing Google Maps list from Got2GoNYC! It shows hundreds of available bathrooms throughout the city. 2- Staying Charged & Connected The present reality is that you need your phone to explore New York City. You will use it for Google Maps to navigate to your next destination, it will have your tickets for Broadway shows, and it will, of course, serve as your camera for documenting your travels. You cannot afford for your phone to die. Phone Charging Advice #1 - Charging Around A better option is to charge somewhere that gets you a place to rest, a break from the elements, and a spot to charge your devices. Here are a few reliable places you can charge your phone (and often get free WiFi, too) in New York City: Many fast-food-style restaurants, such as McDonald's and Shake Shack.Many coffee shopsPublic librariesFood-eating areas of bodegas, grocery stores, or delisPhone Charging Advice #2 - Portable Charger Better than relying on a plug that may or may not exist, invest in a portable charger. I have used this Luxtude charger for years, even buying the larger version for travel. I love that it's compact, can give about 1.25 charges, and has the built-in cord. 3- Taking 20k Steps When visiting New York City, plan on taking around 20,000 steps each day. That equates to roughly 8 to 10 miles (13 to 16 km) every day! Walking Tip #1 - Prioritize Quality Shoes While you can reserve your best heels for a night out, during most of your day, you will want to wear comfortable, walking-friendly shoes. As a bonus point, waterproof or water-resistant shoes are huge! NYC has its rainiest spells in the summer, so be prepared even in the summer. Walking Tip #2 - Find the Better Side The skyscrapers and plethora of buildings create interesting temperature swings. You can use that to your advantage! In the hot summer months, find the shady side of the sidewalk to walk on. In the cold winter months, find the sunny side of the sidewalk to walk on. Walking Tip #3 - Know Your Distances In Manhattan, in the grid system areas, 20 blocks is roughly a mile. For average walking speed, that's 15-25 minutes of walking. Walking Tip #4 - Anti-Chafe It only takes one bad chafing experience to actively avoid it in the future! This anti-chafe stick from Body Glide will be $10 well spent. 🫡 You'll Have to Check It Out - Smithfield Hall Great sports bar with loads of TVs, good bar food, and a soccer-centric vibe. Check it out here. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & moreWeekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tipsGet started here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
