NYC Pre-Trip Checklist: 7 Things to Do Before You Arrive

<p>Once you&#39;ve booked your trip to New York City, there are important things you can do before you come to help make your trip run more smoothly and be more enjoyable.</p><p>So if you&#39;ve already booked your flights and are getting excited to come to NYC, let&#39;s dive into seven things you should do right now before landing in New York City.</p><p><em><strong>1- Set Up a Transit Card in Digital Wallet</strong></em></p><p>In 2026, every subway turnstile in New York City accepts tap-to-pay through the OMNY system. While you can just use a tap-to-pay-enabled credit or debit card, it is often easier and faster to use your phone.</p><p>Whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, there is also a way to set up a rapid transit card. The directions vary for each device. Essentially, you go into the settings, find your digital wallet, choose the transit or rapid transit option, and set your default card.</p><p><strong>When you do this, you can tap your phone up to the tap-to-pay reader at the subway turnstile without opening your wallet or using your face or Touch ID. This is a much more efficient way to get through the subway turnstile.</strong></p><p><em><strong>2- Read the Transportation Guide</strong></em></p><p>New York City is a massive metropolis with <a href="https://bettertogetherhere.com/nyc-five-boroughs-explained/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">five boroughs</a> and loads of different neighborhoods and attractions. Getting around NYC can feel overwhelming, especially if you&#39;re new to big cities.</p><p>Our Ultimate NYC Transportation Guide covers everything you need to know, including:</p><ul><li>Getting to and from the major airports</li><li>Riding the subway</li><li>Hailing taxis</li><li>Walking around the city</li><li>Biking</li><li>So much more</li></ul><p>It is 100% free. <a href="https://bettertogetherhere.com/nyc-navigation-transportation-guide/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Head here to get this must-have guide</a>, and then, of course, read it before you come to New York City.</p><p><em><strong>3- Activities You Should Book in Advance</strong></em></p><p>While there&#39;s a seemingly endless supply of things to do in New York City, some of the more popular attractions can sell out or book up well in advance. <strong>Here are some activities you should book in advance to ensure you can go:</strong></p><ul><li>Broadway shows</li><li>Restaurants</li><li>Comedy shows</li><li>Jazz club</li><li>Guided tours</li></ul><p><em><strong>4- Buy and Break in Comfortable Walking Shoes</strong></em></p><p>Arguably, the most important item on the <a href="https://bettertogetherhere.com/nyc-packing-list/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">NYC packing list</a> is the shoes you will wear every day. You will likely walk anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day or more.</p><p><strong>While many people anticipate walking around to different locations, many attractions, like museums, also involve a lot of walking.</strong></p><p>Prioritize comfortable shoes and make sure that whatever shoes you choose and bring are already broken in and comfortable for miles of walking each day.</p><p><em><strong>5- Download Helpful Apps</strong></em></p><p>In the digital age, apps are a must-have for travel experiences. Many apps will hold tickets for the events you&#39;ll be attending, provide information vital to your day-to-day travels in New York City, and even help you get around.</p><p>Our full list of the <a href="https://bettertogetherhere.com/useful-apps-nyc-travel/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">best apps for NYC travel</a> is a must-read.</p><p><em><strong>6- Figure Out a Phone Plan</strong></em></p><p>For international travelers, your phone plan from your home country may not work well in the United States. While Wi-Fi is Available in many places, it&#39;s a good idea to have a reliable phone connection. eSIMs are one of the best ways to do this.</p><p>I personally u