New York City can feel overwhelming if you have never been here before. It is loud, fast, crowded, and full of options. But it is also incredibly navigable once you understand a few basics. These are not secret hacks or tourist shortcuts. These are the things we wish every visitor knew before arriving, especially if this is your first trip or you are visiting in the summer.

There is a strange quiet that happens at the end of a long trip. Not the quiet of a peaceful place. Not the quiet of mountains or empty streets. But the quiet that settles in when you realize the journey is almost over.

After saying goodbye to the Matterhorn in Zermatt, we boarded the train for the final stop of our Swiss adventure. Zurich. Compared to the quiet alpine villages we had been visiting, Zurich immediately felt more energetic. Busy streets, historic architecture, craft beer, incredible cocktails, and a full day exploring some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes made it the perfect place to end the trip.