4 Essentials You Need for a Fun and Stress-Free NYC Food Tour
There’s no better way to get to know a new city than by scoping out the local food scene. This is true for most places, but with a city like New York, known for being a melting pot of cultures and home to some of the best restaurants in the world, a food tour is almost a given. From fine dining options like Le Bernardin to casual eateries like Gramercy Tavern and the ever-popular Joe’s Pizza, a food tour through NYC is sure to tickle even the most refined tastebuds. But before you head out on a gastronomic adventure, there are some essentials that you’ll need to ensure a fun and stress-free experience. So, without further ado, here are four items you’ll need for a food tour in the Big Apple.
Comfortable walking shoes
Here’s a fun fact – according to a study by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the average New Yorker walks between 6,000 and 10,000 steps per day. For tourists planning on a full day of walking around sightseeing and stopping by iconic eateries, such as South Asian food trucks in Queens and authentic dumplings in Flushing, the number of steps you’ll take is probably around the same or higher. To ensure that your feet don’t give in before your stomach does, wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Travel + Leisure recommends going for the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes, which feature a super soft sole and breathable outer fabric that makes walking a breeze.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen
Sunscreen may seem like an unconventional addition to a food tour around NYC, but its importance cannot be overstated. When wandering around the concrete jungle, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces, including buildings and sidewalks, increasing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. To avoid this, dermatologists recommend a minimum broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. If you’re planning on an NYC food tour in the summer, pack non-greasy sunscreens such as the Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30, which has a mineral formulation that’s shine-free and weightless.
UV-blocking sunglasses
As you make your way through the busy streets of New York, you’ll encounter a myriad of outdoor dining spots, sidewalk cafes, and open-air markets like the Union Square Greenmarket, where exposure to sunlight is inevitable. Without adequate eye protection, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to eye health issues, such as sunburn of the eye, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Fortunately, these can all be prevented by simply wearing sunglasses. Just make sure that the sunglasses you purchase are UV400 certified. Otherwise, they’ll likely do more harm than good. On Eyebuydirect, you’ll find an array of affordable and stylish sunglasses equipped with UV protection. You can even customize the lenses to be polarized to reduce extra bright glares or add your prescription if you’re a glasses-wearer!
An Insulated water bottle
NYC’s bustling streets and crowded eateries can be taxing on your body, particularly during warmer months or when indulging in spicy or salty foods. This is a recipe for dehydration! By carrying a water bottle, you have easy access to hydration whenever you need it, helping to prevent fatigue as you eat your way through the outer boroughs. Moreover, staying hydrated is essential for optimizing digestion and maintaining energy levels throughout the day. For this, make sure you bring along an insulated water bottle. The LARQ PureVis bottle is a good option as it’s lightweight and has a self-cleaning feature that uses UVC light to get rid of 99% of bio-contaminants.
Want to keep the conversation going? Let’s connect via our social links below.
4 Essentials You Need for a Fun and Stress-Free NYC Food Tour
These simple yet indispensable items offer protection and comfort throughout your foodie adventure, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience as you sample NYC’s diverse flavors and culinary delights!
All pictures were shot with my Sony RX100 VI compact digital camera. If you’d like to support this site at no additional cost, you can do your Amazon shopping via our link.
Planning to join an NYC food tour? Any essentials we missed? Feel free to leave a comment below!
