Travelling to New York?
Are you planning on traveling to New York for work? Get to know the most populous city of the United States better in this comprehensive guide for business travelers.
Ask anyone in the street to think of a city, and it’s likely the famous New York skyline is the image that forms in their mind. It should come as no surprise. New York has outstripped its status as a city of the world to become a cultural icon. Its yellow cabs, the “I ❤️ NY” brand, its role as “the city” in countless, multi-million dollar Hollywood movies—the character of the lovingly called NYC is as fully-fledged as any global celebrity.
Yet scratch beneath New York’s glossy veneer of fame, and you’ll find a city that is serious about trade and commerce. It’s home to the two largest stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, and is reinforced by Wall Street in Manhatten’s Financial District, which is the axis around which thousands of financial and fintech companies orbit.
For business travelers, New York is a city with almost endless opportunities. Besides its world-class infrastructure and cache as the “place to be”, there is a huge market for those looking to make money. Not only is the city home to the highest number of billionaires, with a gross metropolitan product of over $2.16 trillion (£1.66 trillion)* it would boast the tenth largest economy in the world if it were its own country.
In this comprehensive guide to New York for business travellers, we delve deeper into navigating the city’s unique corporate landscape, offer our top tips for getting around, and pick out our top 3 things to see or do to make your trip unforgettable.
New York Fact File
New York City has had a seal since 1654, when the city was the Dutch settlement known as New Amsterdam. This is why the seal includes a windmill in the centre.
Languages
English
Currency
US Dollar ($)
Avg. Temperatures
Spring (Mar-May) = 12.5°C (54.5°F)
Summer (Jun-Aug) = 23.8°C (74.9°F)
Autumn (Sep-Nov) = 16°C (60.8°F)
Winter (Dec-Feb) = -0.7°C (31°F)
Getting To New York
By Air
Three major airports service New York. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest airport and one of the busiest in the world. It is located 32km southeast of Manhatten. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), 26km south in New Jersey, or LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in the district of Queens which is primarily used for domestic flights within the US.
By Road
Several major highways lead into the city, including the New York State Thruway (Interstate 87) from the north and west, and the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) from the south. Once you reach the city outskirts, you’ll encounter several tunnels and bridges connecting New Jersey and New York. The Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge are popular options for crossing the Hudson River. If you plan to drive into the city, be prepared for tolls on bridges and tunnels, and potential congestion fees during peak hours.
By Rail
Amtrak, the national passenger railroad service, provides numerous routes connecting major cities across the United States to New York Penn Station. Major routes include Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Chicago nearly 800 miles to the west. Once you arrive at Penn Station, you’ll be in the heart of Manhattan, with easy access to the city’s subway system and other transportation options. Consider purchasing your Amtrak tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred departure time and potentially save on fares.
Business Culture & Etiquette
As a global financial hub, New York is renowned for its fast-paced and competitive business culture. New Yorkers are well known for their direct and efficient way of communicating, both personally and in business. Don’t take it personally if someone seems abrupt. They value time and expect meetings to be productive and focused. Small talk, while appreciated, is often kept brief, and business discussions are typically straightforward.
The stereotype of New Yorkers always being busy in the “city that never sleeps” has a basis in reality. Work in the city is dynamic and fast-moving and finding the time to meet and form professional relationships can be difficult. However, networking events and industry conferences are popular and business travelers are likely to stumble upon opportunities to meet and greet in the city if they look hard enough.
While there’s a growing emphasis on work-life balance, the demanding nature of many roles in New York can make it challenging to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Long hours and weekend work are common, especially in industries like finance and law.
Here are a few other business etiquette tips:
- If heading out for a business lunch, remember that Tipping is customary. A standard tip is 18-20% for good service.
- Make sure to walk on the right side of the sidewalk to avoid obstructing others. At a crosswalk, wait for the pedestrian signal before crossing the street, even if there’s no traffic.
Crime & Safety
Crime in New York is currently on a downward trend. According to statistics from the New York Police Department (NYPD), between 01 January 2023 and 28 April 2024, reported crimes dropped from ~39,000 to ~37,800 when compared to the same period between 2022-2023 – a 3% decrease. However, it should be noted that New York has one of the highest crime rates in the US when compared to communities of all sizes. Much of this is property crime, including burglary and motor theft, with a 3.03% chance of someone in New York being a victim.
Like any major city, New York City also has its share of petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Travelers should be vigilant in crowded areas like Times Square and Grand Central Station. While many neighborhoods are safe, it’s best to avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas, especially late at night. If using taxis, make sure that it is an official Yellow Cab with a medallion number on the side or one of the green Boro Taxis that operate on the outskirts of the city.
Here are a few of our other top safety tips:
- In New York, the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services is 911.
- When taking the New York Subway, always be aware of the gap between the train and the platform. Avoid crossing the yellow line and wait for the train to come to a complete stop before stepping onto or off the train.
Getting Around New York
Yellow Cabs
New York City’s iconic yellow cabs are a convenient way to get around the city. The reason why yellow was adopted as the official colour is not definitively known. However, the shade has been associated with US taxis since the early 20th Century when John Hertz, a pioneer of the industry, popularised it in Chicago. To hail a cab, check that the light on the roof is on and then raise your hand to signal you want a ride. Make sure to check the taxi’s medallion number before entering. The metered fare is calculated on the distance travelled and the time spent in the cab, though tipping 15-20% of the fare is customary.
New York City Subway
The New York City Subway is a complex network of underground trains that connect the various districts. The subway system is divided into lines, each identified by a colour and letter, with the terms Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn-bound, and Manhattan-bound indicating the direction of the train. The primary way to pay for a subway ride is by purchasing a MetroCard at a station or shop. Alternatively, travellers can pay with their card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay by using the OMNY contactless payment system. The subway can get extremely busy. If possible, avoid travelling during rush hour (approximately 8am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm) to avoid crowds.
On Foot
One of the best ways to travel around New York is on foot. Not only is it a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s bustling and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a surefire way to beat the rush hour traffic and commuter gridlock. Be aware that New Yorkers are fast-paced and that there are a few unwritten rules of the sidewalk. Make sure to keep right and pass left and match the pace of those in front and behind you. Don’t stop abruptly. If you need to pause, move to the side to let others pass. If you accidentally bump into someone, a quick “excuse me” is appreciated.
Top 3 Things To See Or Do In New York
If you find yourself with a bit of free time on your business trip, New York is a city with a rich history and offers plenty to see and do. Here are our top 3 recommendations…
1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
A global symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbour. A gift from the people of France to the United States, the statue was dedicated in 1886. The statue itself depicts Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, holding a torch and a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence. Her crown features seven spikes, symbolising the seven seas and seven continents. Visitors can explore a museum in the base of the statue which talks about its history and significance in the US.
In the shadow of the statue is Ellis Island, the gateway to America for millions of immigrants from 1892 to 1954. Today, it’s a poignant reminder of the hopes and dreams of those who sought a new life in the United States. The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers a fascinating look into the immigrant experience, with exhibits, artefacts, and family history research resources.
2. Central Park
Central Park, a masterpiece of urban landscape design, is a beloved oasis in the heart of New York City. Spread across 843 acres, the park is divided into several different areas: the Great Lawn, a vast expanse of green perfect for picnics; the Reservoir, a lake and popular haunt for walkers and joggers; and The Ramble, a wooded area with winding paths, perfect for birdwatching and nature lovers.
But Central Park offers far more than scenic views and an escape from the city. At the park’s heart is the famous outdoor Delacorte Theater, a 1,800-seater venue which hosts free Shakespearean performances in the summer months. Animal lovers can also visit the Central Park Zoo, home to polar bears, sea lions, red pandas, and more, For the definitive Central Park experience, visitors can hop on one of the horse-drawn carriages for a tour of the area,
3. Broadway
Broadway, the beating heart of New York City’s theatre scene, is renowned worldwide for its dazzling musicals and captivating plays. Located in the bustling Theater District, Broadway boasts 41 professional theatres, each with a minimum seating capacity of 500.
Broadway productions are known for their exceptional quality, with top-notch performances, elaborate sets, and stunning costumes. From classic musicals like “The Lion King” and “Wicked” to contemporary hits like “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” the energy of a Broadway show are unmatched. To get tickets, check out official vendors online such as Broadway.com or visit the TKTS booth located in Times Square. Keep an eye out for ticket lotteries as many shows hold daily draws for discounted tickets.
New York is a Bustling City Rich in Business Opportunities.
New York, the beating heart of the American Dream, is more than just a city; it’s a cultural phenomenon. The iconic skyline is a fitting metaphor for the lofty ambitions of the city’s entrepreneurial movers and shakers and the busting streets are the perfect playground for the modern business traveler.
Those looking to make a splash in the local business scene will find plenty of opportunities to negotiate and collaborate, whether that be in the boardrooms of Wall Street or the tech hubs in Silicon Alley. Where or when you do your deals doesn’t matter in a city that never sleeps.
Yet while business opportunities are ripe for the picking, no trip to New York City is complete unless it is experienced as a whole. Make sure to take the time to explore the bright lights of Broadway and take in a show, visit one of the world-class museums, or wander through Central Park and watch city life pass you by through the branches of trees.
Whatever you plan to do in New York City, take the time to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, connect with industry leaders, and experience the thrill of doing business on the world stage amid the hustle and bustle of arguably the world’s most famous metropolis.
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