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3 minute expert

New York City Tips

Navigate the city like a local

New York City is a perennial favorite city. With an endless roster of activities, restaurants, and landmarks, it's a place travelers dream about and revisit time and time again. The size and scope of the city also mean it's easy to make travel mistakes, like falling for disappointing tourist traps or relying too heavily on expensive taxis. When planning an NYC itinerary, it's best to tap a local expert for insider tips and tricks.

To help you get the most out of your next trip to the Big Apple, we reached out to Marc Samuels, owner of PhotoTrek ToursOpens in a new window, a wildly popular activity for Expedia users just like you. The company offers private walking tours around New York with a personal photographer to capture you in your best light. Check out some of his expert suggestions for navigating NYC, plus a few photography tips to help you nab that perfect Instagram shot.

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  • What are some true gems visitors must see in New York City?
    “I love to either show my guests some hidden gems or advise them on where to go on their own,” Samuels shared. “My favorite off-the-beaten-path area is the West Village and walking down West 4th, Commerce, Barrow, and Grove,” he added on where to grab the best photos. “Guests love it.”
  • What are your favorite tips and tricks to seeing a city like a local?
    According to Samuels, it’s all about deleting ride-sharing apps and seeing the city the old-fashioned way.
    “I always advise my guests to get comfortable using the NYC subway,” he said. “We do so on the tour, and I give them a quick tutorial on how it all works. This saves them time and money, as it is a great value at $2.75 per person.”
  • What's one tip you'd give to someone seeing New York for the first time?
    Samuels is clear on this point: Move away from the main attractions.
    “Get out of Midtown and Times Square. New York has so much more to offer,” he said. “Leave time in your itinerary to be spontaneous. Don’t plan every day and every hour of your trip prior to arriving. That is a mistake."
  • Any quick tips for taking better vacation photos?
    Take pictures in the shade, if possible, as the lighting is better.
  • Anything else Expedia travelers should know about New York?
    For Samuels, the love for New York runs deep. But, according to him, just because you’re visiting one of the most populous places on Earth doesn’t mean you need to shell out an arm and leg on your visit.
    “New York City is a wonderful city. There are many ways to see New York either for free (Staten Island Ferry) or inexpensively, just by walking around,” he shared. “Go off the beaten path. Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge is a must—go all the way over and see Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Brooklyn Bridge Park as well. Be smart, be safe, and take tons of photos!”

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