Street Smarts

You'll look and feel less conspicuous if you replace paper maps with apps. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download a subway map app from the MTA's website to help you plan your trip (by fastest route or fewest train changes), find nearby stations, and stay up-to-date on service disruptions. Most attractions have their own apps to help you make the most of your time. Even better, download just the Fodor's NYC app for attraction overviews and suggestions of what's nearby.

New York City is safe, but it's still a city, so keep flashy jewelry out of sight on the street, and keep your extra cash and credit cards in your hotel safe.

Expect to have yourself and your possessions inspected thoroughly at museums, sports stadiums, and major attractions. There's airport-like security at tourist hot spots like the ferry for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Police officers have the right to check your bags before you pass through a subway turnstile.

We suggest politely ignoring panhandlers, people who offer to hail you a cab, and limousine and private-cab drivers who (illegally) offer rides.