NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
New York is the center of the universe—according to New Yorkers, and honestly, they’re not entirely wrong. This is 8.3 million people speaking 800 languages, yellow cabs honking at 3am, pizza by the slice for breakfast, Broadway theaters lit up like Christmas, and an energy that literally never stops. The World Cup Final will be played across the Hudson River in New Jersey, but you’ll spend your time in Manhattan—the most famous island on Earth.
July Weather: 75-85°F and HUMID. Occasional thunderstorms. The subway stations feel like saunas. Streets smell like garbage and roasted nuts simultaneously. Bring deodorant.
Fan-Friendly Spots
Times Square is unavoidable. Yes, it’s a tourist trap. Yes, it’s overwhelming. But you have to see it—the lights, the energy, the chaos. Go once, take your photos, then leave. For actual fun, head to the East Village or Lower East Side. These neighborhoods have dive bars, beer gardens, street food, and a younger crowd. McSorley’s Old Ale House (opened 1854) only serves two drinks: light beer or dark beer. That’s it. Order both.
Brooklyn is where locals hang out. Williamsburg has rooftop bars, vintage shops, and street art. DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) offers iconic views of the Manhattan skyline. Take the L train across.
What to Actually Do
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge (1.3 miles, stunning views, FREE). Start in Manhattan, walk to Brooklyn, then explore Brooklyn Bridge Park. Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) > Empire State Building. Better views, shorter lines, and you can see the Empire State Building in your photos. Go at sunset.
Where Fans Eat & Drink
PIZZA. Thin, foldable slices for $3-5. Joe’s Pizza (multiple locations), Prince Street Pizza (pepperoni square), Scarr’s Pizza (Lower East Side). Fold it in half, eat while walking. Boiled bagels are baked with a crispy outside, chewy inside. Get one with schmear (cream cheese) and lox (salmon). Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel. Halal carts (yellow food trucks): $8-10 for chicken or lamb over rice with white sauce and hot sauce. The Halal Guys started this trend. Lines are worth it.
Where NOT to Go
M&M’s World—it’s four floors of overpriced candy. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum—a waste of $35. Chinatown knock-off shops—quality is terrible. Avoid 42nd Street west of 8th Ave (sketchy).
Getting around NYC
The subway is the only way. There are 472 stations, 24/7 service, and the train goes EVERYWHERE. $2.90 per ride, $34 weekly unlimited. Use an OMNY card or tap your contactless credit card. Download the MYmta app for real-time arrivals and service changes. Trains run 24/7 but less frequently after midnight.
How It Works:
Uptown = North, Downtown = South
Express trains skip stops; Local trains stop everywhere
Check the letter/number on the front of the train before boarding
Stand on RIGHT side of the escalators, walk on LEFT
DO NOT RENT A CAR. Seriously. Parking is $50+ per day, traffic is hellish, and driving is aggressive. You don’t need it. Yellow cabs are iconic, but Uber is easier. $3 base + $0.70 per minute. Only take official yellow cabs (medallion number on hood).
Safety
The good news is that NYC is one of the safest big cities in the US. Violent crime is low. You’ll be fine. Watch out for subways. Keep valuables in front pockets, don’t doze off. At Times Square, costumed characters demand tips aggressively (just say no and walk away). Scams like 3-card monte (card games), fake tickets, and guys selling “free” CDs then demanding $20. Also pickpockets. They are often in crowded trains and tourist areas.
General Rules: Walk with purpose (even if you’re lost). Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Ignore people trying to hand you things. Keep bags in front of you on subways
Subway Etiquette: Let people OFF before you get ON. Don’t lean on poles. Move to the center of the car. Don’t make eye contact with crazy people.
Sidewalk Rules: Walk on the RIGHT. Don’t stop suddenly. Move to the side if you need to check your phone. Tourists who break these rules get yelled at.