7 reasons not to be afraid of traveling to New York

Since I started this blog in 1999, I’ve received countless messages from people worried about visiting New York for the first time. It’s a natural feeling when you’re about to explore a city of over 8 million people on the other side of the Atlantic. The questions I hear most often: Are US customs officers really as intimidating as people say? Is it easy to get around? What if you don’t speak English in such a huge city? What happens if you forget something? Here’s everything you need to feel confident and head to New York with peace of mind! 🙂

1/ Immigration is straightforward

• First, let’s clear up the biggest worry: arrival. Forget the horror stories you’ve heard—the reality is that every tourist who lands in New York sleeps in their hotel that night! 🙂 US immigration’s goal is to stop terrorists and drug traffickers, not to jam the airport with blocked tourists. If you have your ESTA travel authorization and nothing to hide, immigration is just a routine process. 🙂
• Besides, the United States—and New York especially—welcomes you warmly. Tourists mean dollars flowing into the American economy. 😉
• To feel completely reassured before you go, read my articles on travel requirements for New York. You’ll find guidance on passing through US immigration if you don’t speak English.

2/ You’ll find everything in New York

• Remember: you’re heading to one of the world’s largest cities. New York has 8.5 million people, plus surrounding areas in New Jersey. You’re not going to the Sahara or the Amazon! 🙂 You’ll find absolutely everything you need during your stay. Forgot your razor, phone charger, pajamas, windbreaker, sneakers, or camera? No problem replacing any of it here.
• Same goes for medical needs. If you get sick in New York, you have everything available. The city has plenty of pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, operating rooms, and surgeons. It’s not the Gobi Desert!
• New York is a city like Paris or London—you won’t lack for anything. Actually, it’s better than Paris or London because many shops and restaurants here are open 24/7. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in New York, it probably doesn’t exist. 😉

3/ A city that’s surprisingly manageable

• If you’ve never been to New York, the sheer size of this sprawling metropolis can feel overwhelming. But after a few days, you’ll realize that New York’s main attractions are concentrated on Manhattan and everything is well organized and easy to navigate. Plus, for Europeans, the grid layout with numbered streets makes it simple to find your way around. 🙂
• The subway and bus system is also very practical, and you’ll have no trouble getting around—much easier than, say, navigating Rome’s historic center where you walk for hours and can’t figure out the bus routes. And unlike Paris, the New York subway runs 24/7!

4/ New Yorkers are genuinely helpful to visitors

• Worried about getting lost or not being understood? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by New Yorkers. If you stand on the sidewalk with a map looking confused, it won’t be long before someone offers to help. Don’t worry about the language barrier—just point to where you want to go, and some New Yorkers will actually walk you there. It’s true! Try that in Paris.
• The same goes for shops and restaurants: New York’s international character means foreign visitors are always welcomed. You’ll regularly meet French-speaking staff. New York is the international city par excellence!
• Here’s something else to know: New York police officers are especially trained to help tourists. If you have a problem or questions, don’t hesitate to approach them. They’ll do everything they can to help, true to their motto: “Courtesy, Professionalism, Respect.”
• One more thing in your favor: while Europeans dream of America, Americans dream of old Europe and France in particular. You’ll see their eyes light up at the mere mention of Paris or the French Riviera… 😉
• Don’t listen to all those stories about politics in Washington. New York is a world apart in the United States! It’s one of the most international cities in the world, and New Yorkers have a much broader view of the world than some leaders in Washington.

5/ New York is safe for tourists

• Since I mentioned the police, I want to emphasize that New York is safe. This is a concern I hear often, and it’s legitimate, especially with all those gangster movies and the history of neighborhoods like Harlem and the Bronx.
• First, know that New York has changed dramatically and today has good safety statistics.
• In terms of crime, New York is just like Paris, Lyon, or Brussels: there’s drug trafficking and gang activity, but it happens far from where tourists walk. Like Paris, Lyon, or Brussels, you need to stay alert and not tempt pickpockets—the only real risk for tourists here. Follow basic precautions and you’ll be completely safe. Since 1999, I haven’t seen a single report on the New York Forum of a tourist being attacked or robbed.
• Having traveled to many countries, I can’t say the same about Nairobi, certain neighborhoods in Lima, or Cape Town. When I was in South Africa, my hotel manager wouldn’t let me leave after 10 pm, and the streets of Cape Town’s center were completely empty. Nothing like that in New York!

6/ You won’t be alone in New York

• Beyond helpful New Yorkers, you won’t be alone: in 2019, over 66 million international visitors came to New York. And not all of them spoke perfect English, far from it! People come from everywhere to see New York, and everyone manages just fine! 🙂
• Before you leave, consider reaching out to Camille, who offers valuable travel planning services for New York. Depending on how long you’re staying, Camille can help you optimize your itinerary and organize the practical aspects of your trip.
• You won’t be alone either because you can stay connected throughout your visit via our CNEWYORK site and contact us anytime. Post a message on the forum “live from New York”. Join the Destination New York Facebook group to share your photos.
• If something goes wrong, you can email us through the contact form. I and the team will read it, and if there’s a serious problem, we’ll do everything we can to help. This support has helped travelers during major snowstorms and other emergencies. You’re not going to New York alone like an explorer on an Antarctic ice sheet—the CNEWYORK team and New York fans are there for you! 🙂

7/ Everyone comes back thrilled

• Finally, if you’re nervous about your trip, remember this: everyone who’s been to New York comes back delighted. In the 25 years I’ve run this site, I’ve never seen a single report from someone who regretted their visit. On the New York forum and Destination New York Facebook group, you can chat with Big Apple enthusiasts. The only risk you run on your first trip to New York is wanting to go back for a second one! 🙂
• Think of all the people who’d love to be in your shoes when you set foot in New York! 🙂 Make the most of your trip by opening yourself to the city and its people! Explore the top attractions in New York, the museums, the parks. You’re going to be blown away! Enjoy shopping in New York and the restaurants. Whatever your interests, budget, and preferences, you’ll find something perfect for you! So forget your worries and MAKE THE MOST OF IT! 🙂 You’ll create unforgettable memories in New York!
• And if you have any doubts or questions, feel free to contact me via the contact form or the New York forum! 🙂