When you're exploring New York City, you will be quite reliant on your phone for navigating, finding restaurants, and buying tickets for attractions and events.
Make sure you download some essential apps to avoid long lines, save money, and make the most of your time in the city.
1. Citymapper
Citymapper is a fan favorite for effectively getting around New York City.
Many users highlight its feature of calling out exactly which car to ride in for transfers and fastest exits.
2. Google Maps
Google Maps is our personal go-to app for getting around NYC. I love having all my saved spots (access all our Google Maps lists for free here), transit options, and reviews in one spot.
3. MyMTA and/or TrainTime
MyMTA is great for the subway. TrainTime is vital when using Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. You can even buy and activate/use train tickets within the app!
4. Curb
Curb makes it easy to pair and pay for taxi rides. You can also hail taxis from within the Curb app, though we don't do it often.
5. Uber & Lyft (for bikes, too)
Uber & Lyft are great apps for New York City. Most people are familiar with the concept, but it allows you to hail rides from any location at any time.
If you're new to Uber, you can get 50% off your first two rides here! 👈
If you're new to Lyft, you can get 50% off your first ride here! 👈
If you're new to Citi Bike, you can get a free bike unlock here! 👈
6. Resy
Resy is an app for making reservations at certain restaurants in New York City. It can be a tool for finding new restaurants, but that's not its main feature.
7. OpenTable
OpenTable is an app for making reservations at select bars and restaurants in New York City.
The best part about OpenTable is that you can earn rewards when making reservations. The rewards can be used on:
- Prepaid experiences at restaurants
- Dining credits at restaurants
- Amazon gift cards and more
8. TooGoodtoGo
TooGoodtoGo is an app that connects you to lower-cost meals from select restaurants and grocers throughout New York City (and other cities).
Essentially, participating restaurants, cafes, grocers, etc. will set aside a certain number of meals that would otherwise go to waste, which you can order for pickup.
It's a GREAT way to try out new spots for a fraction of the normal price. Most of the meals are around $5-$9.
9. TodayTix
TodayTix is one of the best ways to get cheap Broadway tickets. While it's best if you plan ahead, you can often find good options for upcoming shows.
Another huge perk of TodayTix is the ability to earn rewards, including discounts on future shows, ticket protection, lottery multipliers, and more.
10. TKTS
The TKTS app shows you which Broadway shows are available at the TKTS booths (yes, there is more than one) for discounted prices.
Most of the time, you can snag tickets for up to 50% off the normal price for day-of performances and next-day matinees.
11. VividSeats & SeatGeek
VividSeats & SeatGeek are great options for tickets to sporting events, concerts, Broadway shows, and other events in New York City. While we personally use VividSeats most often, we've also found great prices on SeatGeek from time to time.
12. Viator
Viator is an app that offers tickets, sometimes discounted, to events and attractions in New York City.
13. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is another app that aggregates tours, attractions, and other events in New York City.
14. See Saw
See Saw is a free app (iOS only) that showcases public art galleries to visit in New York City. It shows information about the artist, hours, and locations.
15. Bloomberg Connects
Bloomberg Connects is a free app that provides audio tours and information about a variety of NYC museums, parks, and attractions.
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