The US Open tennis tournament, the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, takes place every year in New York City. This multi-week event is an amazing live sports experience, all accessible via public transit in NYC.

This quick guide is perfect if you're going to the US Open in person and want to ensure you have the best experience possible!

We will cover:

• How the ticket types work
• Tips for buying tickets
• Getting to & from the US Open grounds
• Food & drink options
• General tennis etiquette
• US Open packing guide - What to bring

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How the US Open Ticket Types Work

One often confusing part of going to the US Open is knowing what type of ticket to buy. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held, has 22 courts and each ticket type gets you access to different aspects of the grounds.

You can think of it as a hierarchy, with Arthur Ashe, the world's largest tennis stadium which seats over 23,000 people, as the "main" stage of the US Open tournament.

Here are the ticket types, with #1 being the "highest" in the hierarchy.

1. Arthur Ashe
2. Louis Armstrong
3. Grandstand
4. Grounds Pass (only until the round of 16)

Buying US Open Tickets

This past year, tickets went on sale at the end of May. They had an Amex Presale a few days before the general sale where you just need to check out with any Amex card.

Regular sale has good options too and we've had success with both. Just sign up for the text alerts on the US Open Website to get alerted before tickets go on sale.

Note: We've always had great experiences with Vivid Seats, and you can earn free tickets through their loyalty program. 🙌

Getting To & From the US Open

• We usually do the day session and arrive 30 minutes before the first game starts. The closer you arrive to match start times, the busier it gets.
• Getting from Midtown Manhattan to the grounds & through security takes roughly 1 hour
• You can take the subway (7 train to the Mets-Willets Point stop) or the LIRR

Food & Drink Options

• You can bring food in!! No backpacks are allowed, but tote bags are ok. We recommend getting a bodega sandwich or Lenwich before you head to Queens and bringing that in

• Food is VERY expensive even by NYC standards, chicken tenders are the best value
• Yes, the honey deuce is worth it, even though it's $23

General Etiquette

You need to wait to go to your seat or leave your seat until between points. Do not block people's view by standing in aisles or stairwells, even to get pictures.

Do NOT make noise during play, wait for applause until after the point is finished.

There is no strict dress code at the US Open, but generally, you should dress nicer than you would for another sporting event. Consider the weather (it's usually extremely hot in late August/Early September) so pack something that is light and breathable.

US Open Packing List - Our Recommended Items to Bring

• Sandwiches, snacks
• Suncreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Lightweight clothing
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable phone charger
• Small handheld fan or collapsible fan
• Sweat towel or small towel

Additional Helpful Resources for the US Open

• https://www.usopen.org/en_US/tickets/tickets_faq.html (General FAQ)
• https://www.usopen.org/en_US/tickets/individual_tickets.html (Ticket-specific questions on what your ticket gets you, etc)
• https://www.roadto45tennis.com/a-serious-tennis-fans-tips-for-the-us-open-tickets-more (this guy's website has a ton of info and under FAQ#4, he talks about shaded seats)

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Revival Bar Restaurant

Revival Bar in Hell's Kitchen is an Argentinian soccer-themed bar with massive frozen drinks, amazing happy hour (daily until 7pm and all day Sun-Wed), and bar bites with an Argentinian twist.

Check out Revival Bar Restaurant in Hell's Kitchen here.

Some of the most breathtaking and best views in NYC aren't from the top of an observation deck.

While those views are epic, there are some amazing views that aren't only free, but give you a unique slice of all that New York City has to offer.

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1- The Great Lawn (Free)

The Great Lawn offers views of the Midtown skyline that are unbeatable. You get completely unobstructed views of the iconic mega skyscrapers!

2- MET Cloisters Garden (Paid)

The MET Cloisters has unbelievable gardens and life-changing views of the Hudson River and surrounding area.

3- Top of Forest Hills Stadium (Paid)

Forest Hills Stadium is an old tennis stadium now converted into a phenomenal music venue. If you go to the very top of the stadium seating, you get unreal views of the Manhattan skyline in the distance, coupled with the lights, vibes, and music down on the stage.

4- Edge Observation Deck or Any Observation Deck (Paid)

Observation decks are arguably the best way to get sweeping views of NYC. We recommend the Edge, but check out our breakdown of the best observation decks in NYC here.

5- Governor's Island (Free)

It is a beautiful spot that offers amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan's lower skyline. Even the views from the ferry are iconic!

6- Brooklyn Bridge Park & Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Free)

Near the water in Dumbo is the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park boasts phenomenal views of downtown Manhattan!

7- Newport Green Park (Free)

It isn't in NYC, but right across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Newport Green Park provides stunning views of downtown Manhattan & Midtown skyline.

8- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Paid)

NYC's best views aren't just skyscrapers and expansive cityscapes. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre space featuring cherry blossoms, rose gardens, Japanese gardens, & much more.

9- Times Square at Night

Times Square is one of the most iconic landmarks in NYC, and for good reason. The first time you step out of the Times Square subway at night and into the flood of bright lights, screens, & energy, it can be awe-inspiring.

10- Flying In & Out of LGA (Paid, Duh)

While we believe La Guardia is the best airport in New York City for many reasons, one of those reasons is the epic views you get at takeoff and landing.

11- Beaches (Free)

Rarely do travelers think of lying on the beach when planning their NYC adventures, but the city has some top-notch beachfront areas in the summer.

The best part? Most of the best NYC beaches are accessible via public transportation. Explore great beach options in NYC here.

12- Biking or Walking Down the Hudson River Parkway (Free-ish)

The Hudson River Parkway is one of our favorite spots in all of NYC. On the far west side of Manhattan, along the water, is a picturesque walkway and bike path with unbeatable views of the Hudson River & the surrounding city.

13- Little Island & Top of Pier 57 (Free)

Little Island provides beautiful views of downtown Manhattan, and you're literally on top of the Hudson River. Right next door, you'll find Pier 57 with its food hall and rooftop park.

14- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir (Free)

While similar-ish to the Great Lawn mentioned in this article, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park has unobstructed views of ALL sides of the surrounding skyline.

What I love most about the reservoir is that it is typically pretty quiet and serene.

15- Any Ferry - Sound View, Staten Island, Rockaway Beach (Paid & Free)

One of the easiest ways to get amazing views of NYC is to get out on the water near the city via the NYC Ferry system.

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Russian Vodka Room

Their daily happy hour from 4-7 pm includes their vast array of flavored vodkas for only $7. Check out the Russian Vodka Room in Midtown here.

While New York City boasts thousands of high-end restaurants, that doesn't mean you can't find cheap eats, too! Luckily, we're going to show you 10 spots that are not only affordable, but also delicious and filling.

These 10 spots we'll cover offer food for $10 or less that can serve as a full meal or a quick snack between meals. Because you should eat your way through NYC! 😋

1. Dollar slice & a single slice at most pizza spots
2. Vanessa’s dumplings
3. Grays papaya
4. Halal guys
5. Souvlaki GR
6. Mamoun’s Falafel
7. 7th Street Burger
8. Crif dogs
9. Empanada Mama
10. Bacon, Egg & Cheese (BEC)

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1- Pizza Slices

NY pizza is a must-have for all travelers, but especially if you're trying to explore the city on a budget.

Most spots that offer by-the-slice pizza will have slices for anywhere from about $3-$7.

Explore all our NY pizza favorites here.

2- Vanessa's Dumplings

You can get eight pan-fried dumplings for $10 or less.

You can also get homemade noodles for $10 or less.

Bring cash! Check out all the Vanessa's locations here.

3- Gray's Papaya

There aren't many other places more famous for cheap food in New York than Gray's Papaya.

You can get:

1. Breakfast sandwich $3
2. 2 franks & drink for $7.50
3. Single hotdog $3.25

Get all the info on Gray's Papaya here.

4- Halal Guys

You can get:

1. Sandwich (9-$10)
2. Small plate ($10-$11)

Make sure you go to the legit Halal Guys here.

5- Souvlaki GR

Souvlaki GR is a sit-down restaurant, but you can easily order some of their delicious pitas to go!

1. Chicken or Pork for $8.75
2. Greek sausage or burger pita $9.75

Learn more about Souvlaki GR here.

6- Mamoun's Falafel

This spot is delicious, fresh, and affordable.

You can get:

1. Vegetarian sandwiches and plates under $10
2. Meat sandwiches under $10 (plates are more)

Learn more about Mamoun's Falafel here.

7- Crif Dogs

All hot dog options under $10, even specialty options.

You can also get a burger for $9.95.

Check out Crif Dogs here.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Xanadu

Most events on the calendar range from $15-$30, and skate rentals are $7.

Most nights have some type of open skate, concert (no skating), or club where the rink is a "dance floor" while skating.

Learn more and see the calendar of events here.

8- 7th Street Burger

7th Street's smash-style burgers are tasty, affordable, and orders come out quickly!

You can get a cheeseburger for $6.50 or even a double for $9.50.

Check out 7th Street Burger here.

9- Empanada Mama

All empanadas are under $5, and they boast a plethora of options.

Their to-go ordering, at least at their Hell's Kitchen location, is seamless.

Learn more about Empanada Mama here.

10- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel (BEC)

Most bagel spots offer a BEC for less than $10. For even cheaper options, try a bodega or deli!

See our favorite bagel spots in NYC here.

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New York City boasts top-quality restaurants from a variety of culinary types and countries of origin. If you're coming to NYC for the first (or fifth) time, there are five cuisines you must try as part of your explorations!

Here are the five must-have cuisines when visiting New York City:

1. Pizza
2. Bagels
3. Sandwiches
4. Italian
5. Desserts

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#1- NY Pizza

1. Prince Street Pizza
2. Joe's Pizza
3. L'Industrie

See our full guide to NY pizza here.

#2- NYC Bagels, the World's Best

1. Liberty Bagels
2. Pick-A-Bagel 
3. Pop Up Bagels

Listen to our full NYC bagels episode here.

#3- Sandwiches

1. All’antico Vinaio 
2. Katz's Delicatessen
3. Pisillo Italian Panini

#4- Top-Notch Italian in NYC

1. Giano
2. Don Angie
3. Piccola Cucina

#5- Desserts

1. Dominique Ansel Bakery
2. Caffè Panna
3. Grace Street Coffee & Desserts

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Cabaret

Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in New York City is a lively, must-see show. The dancing, singing, and story are all phenomenal.

We recommend splurging for table seats, the experience is worth it. If you're gonna do that, the TKTS booth is your best bet.

For all other tickets, we typically recommend TodayTix or Vivid Seats. See our guide for getting cheap Broadway tickets here.

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Attending a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium is a phenomenal experience for locals and tourists alike.

With its deep history, cheap ticket prices (generally), and a fun atmosphere, it's an activity we highly recommend!

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Best Seats at Yankee Stadium

There is no bad seat at Yankee Stadium. We've sat in the nosebleeds, lower section, and outfield and had a great viewing experience each time!

We often have the best luck with ⁠ticket prices on Vivid Seats⁠ (plus you earn rewards for free tickets).

Getting Into Yankee Stadium Pro Tip

Often, when entering Yankee Stadium, the main entry points, located on the corner of 161st Street and River Avenue, are incredibly crowded.

If you walk to the left (or West) around the stadium and find Gate 2, you will usually find a much shorter line. It can feel far away and that you're missing an entrance, but the shorter line often equates to a faster entry.

Where to Eat/Drink Before a Yankees Game

• Billy's Sports Bar (massive, multi-level, almost club feel with outdoor area during nice weather)
• Stan's Sports Bar
• Flavas International Grill (Jamaican food)
• Check the scene/bars on River Ave right near the stadium
• Cheap fast food options nearby, including Taco Bell, McDonald's (if you're on a budget)
• Plenty of bodegas for a sandwich and a bodega beer

Best Food Options at Yankee Stadium

From their website: Guests are permitted to bring food into Yankee Stadium for individual consumption. Items such as apples and oranges must be sliced or sectioned. Empty, reusable, non-glass water bottles that do not exceed 24 oz in size, and clear factory-sealed plastic bottles of water 1 liter in size or smaller are also permitted.

This means you could get a bodega sandwich and bring it into the stadium!

Yankee Stadium has been voted as one of the best stadiums for great stadium food and the overall best baseball stadium by USA Today.

2025
Runner-up: Best Baseball Stadium Food
Runner-up: Best MLB Stadium
2024
Runner-up: Best MLB Stadium
Runner-up: Best Baseball Stadium Food
2023
Runner-up: Best Stadium Food

Some solid options for food inside Yankee Stadium:

• Lobel’s Steak Sandwich
• Judge burger
• Fuku chicken tenders
• Chicken and Fries Value Bucket (around $22 but it's a LOT of food, we split it between 3-4 people and everyone had enough) - Pay with a Mastercard and get free soda
• Halal guys
• Ice cream in the souvenir hat

⁠See the complete Yankee Stadium dining guide here.⁠

Brief History of Yankee Stadium

Founded in 1903 (originally as the Baltimore Orioles, then the New York Highlanders), they've won 27 World Series championships, more than any other MLB team. The Yankees are known for their pinstripe uniforms, their "NY" logo, and legendary players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter.

The current Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, built directly across the street from the original "House that Ruth Built," which operated from 1923 to 2008. Located in the Bronx, the new stadium was designed to honor the legacy of the original while incorporating modern amenities. It has a capacity of about 47,400 and features the same dimensions as the old stadium, including the famous short right field porch that's just 314 feet down the line.

The new Yankee Stadium includes Monument Park, which relocated the plaques and monuments honoring Yankees legends from the original stadium. The Great Hall serves as the main entrance, featuring historical exhibits and artifacts.

Again, updated and modern but with a rich history.

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Attending a New York Mets game at Citi Field is a phenomenal experience for locals and tourists alike.

With its proximity to some excellent Asian food in Flushing, cheap ticket prices (generally), and a fun atmosphere, it's an activity we highly recommend!

Brief History of Citi Field and the Mets

Founded in 1962, they're based in Queens, New York, and have won two World Series championships (1969 and 1986). The team colors are blue and orange.

Citi Field has been the Mets' home stadium since 2009, replacing the iconic Shea Stadium. Located in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, the ballpark was designed as a tribute to Brooklyn's old Ebbets Field, featuring classic brick architecture. The stadium has a capacity of about 41,900 and is known for its distinctive exterior rotunda, excellent sight lines, and the Home Run Apple that rises when a Met hits a home run.

It's genuinely a beautiful stadium that feels both updated and modern, yet retains its charm. I love watching planes take off and land at nearby LaGuardia Airport as the game progresses.

Best Seats at Citi Field

There are NO bad seats at Citi Field. We often scour various ticket sites for last-minute cheap tickets, then float around the stadium throughout the game.

We often have the best luck on ticket prices on Vivid Seats (plus you earn rewards for free tickets).

Where to Eat/Drink Before a Mets Game

There is little to nothing right next to Citi Field, so most people either eat or drink wherever they're coming from, or go to Flushing or Corona.

Corona is known for Latin food, Flushing (Main St. stop on the 7) is one of the best spots in the world for Asian, and specifically Chinese food (besides China, of course).

Spots in Flushing (one stop on the subway or a 20-minute walk):

• Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings
• Food court in the basement of the New World Mall
• Peking Duck Sandwich Stall
• Chung Moo, try the homemade kimchi
• White Bear

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - White Bear

Cash-only and very little seating (maybe none at all post-COVID.. We aren't 100% sure).

Get the wontons in chili oil (the #6).

A small, single-family operation for decades, where a few people handle all aspects, from taking your order to preparing the food, etc.

Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Check out White Bear here.

Best Food Options at Citi Field

From their website: Guests may bring in one soft, plastic, factory-sealed water bottle of 20 ounces or less. While it doesn't mention food, many people mention it's not an issue. We've def brought in candy and the like.

Citi Field was voted Best Stadium Food in 2023 and Best Baseball Stadium Food in 2024 AND 2025 on USA Today.

2025
#1 Best Baseball Stadium Food

2024
#1 Best Baseball Stadium Food
Runner-up: Best MLB Stadium

2023
#1 Best Stadium Food

Here are some popular food options in Citi Field:

• Checked out Hudson Club food hall.
• Souvenir helmets for ice cream $10. Great for kids.
• $5 (per item) hot dogs, 12oz beer, pretzels on Tuesdays
• The Hot Pastrami
• Goya Nachos
• Fuku: Spicy Chicken Sandwich
• Seoul: Korean Fried Chicken
• Pat LaFrieda's: Surf & Turf sandwich

See the complete Citi Field dining guide here.

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Bagels are one of the most famous NYC foods and a MUST-have during your time here. Many people argue that New York is the capital of the world for bagels.

Why are the bagels so good in NYC?

Many people claim that the bagels in NYC are so amazing because the tap water here is considered some of the best in the world. NYC has "soft" water from the Catskill Mountains, meaning it has lower concentrations of calcium and magnesium. The mineral content in water affects the gluten in the dough. Extra hard water strengthens the gluten, which can cause tougher baked goods, meaning softer water yields softer baked goods.

Some bagel experts claim the bagels are so good in NYC because of the refined bagel techniques, including longer proofing time and boiling techniques before baking. Either way, the bagels in New York City are truly second to none.

Liberty Bagels

4 locations in NYC. 5th Ave by the Plaza Hotel/Central Park. Midtown location by Herald Square. Fidi location. Queens location.

They offer fun-flavored cream cheeses and always have rainbow bagels (plain flavor with fun colors). It also features seasonal colors, which are a fun addition. We love the BEC, works bagel, and blueberry bagel. Try the cream cheese before you commit to an entire bagel's worth of it.

We recommend ordering ahead of time on weekends and holidays. Otherwise, the line takes about 30 minutes on a busy weekend morning.

PopUp Bagels

6 locations in NYC (some in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Long Island, NY).

Ashley's new favorite bagel spot in the city!!

They sell the bagels in increments of 3. For example, the smallest order is 3 bagels and 1 schmear, which is great for 2 people and costs $12.

The menu is simple and they only have 5 bagel flavors (Plain, Sesame, Everything, Salt, Poppyseed). Then they have plain cream cheese, scallion, seasonal cream cheese, butter, and vegan schmear options.

It's the softest and freshest bagels I've ever had, and also the best scallion cream cheese I've ever had.

Pick-A-Bagel

Pick a bagel is a solid option, and they have a few locations around the city. We like their bagels with cream cheese and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on everything.

The ordering process can be a little chaotic, so be prepared for that.

Russ & Daughters

Since 1914, this landmark NYC institution has been continuously owned and operated by four generations of the Russ family. A classic bagel establishment serving a variety of bagels, lox, pickles, and desserts. It's been open for more than a century and has 2 locations on the Lower East Side, one in Hudson Yards, and one in Brooklyn.

Getting a platter can be fun if you want to sit down and have a true experience with a variety of spreads, breads, and smoked fish.

If you want a bagel with lox, plan on it costing around $20. This place has a wide variety of options. You can get a regular bagel and cream cheese or you could buy caviar. I sampled the pastrami-cured smoked salmon, and it was the best of my entire life.

Apollo Bagels

We haven't been here, but it is a very popular spot. Every photo, video, and review I've seen looks amazing. Only 3 bagel options (plain, everything, sesame). From what I've heard and seen online, plan on waiting in line for 30 min.

General Bagel Tips

-Each bagel shop has a different ordering process. Follow what others are doing and you should be fine.

-Bagel shops are usually a good place to try a black and white cookie.

-If you go to a deli or bodega, you can get a cheaper BEC option that will still be delicious, but it won't be made on a good bagel.

-Bagel shop coffee is usually mediocre. It's fine and will do the job, but if you are a coffee connoisseur, be warned.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Sugarfish

Fairly priced, delicious omakase sushi. Check it out here.

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Sprawling, beautiful Central Park must be part of your New York City explorations. When checking out Gapstow Bridge or the Balto Statue and an I've-been-walking-all-day hunger strikes, know there are some GREAT food options right in the park.

Let's check out the best restaurants in Central Park! We'll dive into some cheap(er) options, a couple of fancy places, and even a great sandwich spot to bring into the park for a picnic.

Let's do it. 👇

Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien has two locations physically in Central Park and several others around the city. One location by Sheep Meadow. Another location is by the Conservatory Water (closer to the Met if you want to come for breakfast/lunch before the Met).

Both have grab and go options as well as a sit down area with table service. Very dog friendly patios and Scout loves to eat here. Everything we have had here is great and so fresh.

Recommend: The coffee. Breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lentil soup (comes with fresh baked bread). Also sells wine and beer, and is a nice spot for a drink in the warmer weather.

The Ballfields Cafe (The Migrant Kitchen)

On the North side of the Heckscher Ballfields off of 65th Street.

Opens every weekend in April and is open 7 days a week starting in May.

The Migrant Kitchen also has a location on the UWS. Portions of every meal purchased go towards providing meals to New Yorkers in need. They have served nearly 4 million meals to food-insecure communities across NYC.

Regular menu has hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, popcorn, ice cream. They sell beer, wine, and margaritas.

Recommend: Crispy chicken wrap and harvest lemonade. Harvest lemonade has cardamom and ginger in it.

Central Park Boathouse

Located right between Bethesda Terrace and The Ramble. It's basically in the middle of Central Park so plan on a long walk to get there if coming from midtown. No cars go there. 20 min walk from 7th ave and 59th St. But from 5th Ave and 72nd entrance it's a 5 min walk.

Most romantic and expensive option. Featured in tons of movies and shows. Sex and the City, 27 Dresses, When Harry Met Sally.

$20 starters, $30-60 entrees. $19-22 cocktails.

Highly recommend for a splurge meal. Quintessential NYC establishment. Overlooks the lake and you can watch people rowing in the boats. Ducks swimming by... very cute!

Central Park Boathouse Cafe

Casual walk-up counter outside the Boathouse. They have breakfast sandwiches and pastries. For lunch, they have sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Great place to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee in the morning.

Highly recommend grabbing something to eat and then going and getting lost in The Ramble. The entrance is just straight up the sidewalk from the Boathouse Cafe.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Lenwich

4 across Manhattan, the closest to the park is 55th and 8th

Get the Italian sandwich or Caesar Wrap and take into the park for a picnic.

Melba's Cafe by Woolman Rink

Mostly mediocre and overpriced food, would recommend mostly for dessert, coffee, or beer/wine.

Tavern on the Green

Located on 67th Street & Central Park West. Can get dropped off in a car right by the entrance.

Originally built in 1870 to house the sheep that grazed in Central Park's Sheep Meadow. Transformed into a restaurant in 1934.

$20ish appetizers and $30-60 entrees. Participates in "NYC Restaurant Week" twice a year (usually January/February and July/August). Happy Hour food menu & discounted cocktails, wine, and beer available at the bar counter & the lounges only.

Tavern To Go

Anna is a true gem of a barista and gives all the dogs little treats and places them on top of the coffee. Great drip coffee, latte, cappuccino. They also have some pre-made baked goods and sell wine & beer in the afternoons.

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Visiting New York City is memorable, but often more expensive than anticipated. Unfortunately, many tourists waste money on easily avoidable mistakes!

In this episode, we'll help you avoid those how-the-hell-is-this-so-expensive moments during your travels to New York.

You'll learn the hack to not pay full price for Broadway shows, where to get the best souvenirs, and how to avoid a common ordering mistake at bars that led to the saddest we've EVER seen our friend Harvey..

#1- Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill

• Check for auto gratuity, especially with larger groups
• If they don't give you an itemized receipt, ask for one
• A tip of 18-20% is standard, don't feel pressured to tip higher than that

#2- Full-Price Broadway Tickets

• Use TKTS booth for day of tickets or Today Tix if you plan in advance
• Enter the lotteries and/or rush tickets

#3- Buying Bottled Water at Restaurants or On the Go

• NYC tap water is delicious, safe, and FREE
• Refill your bottle throughout the city
• When the restaurants ask "sparkling or still?" say tap

#4- Staying in Times Square

• You don't need to stay near Times Square, but prioritize being close to a subway station
• Base your stay on proximity to the majority of your plans, but 30 minutes or less to your plans is great

#5- Pedicabs (Anywhere) & Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park

• They're extremely overpriced; we've seen pedicabs charge $100 to go 10 blocks (that would cost about $10 in a taxi)
• Horses in Central Park aren't treated well and are overpriced

#6- Ordering Too Much Food

• You won’t want leftovers since you likely won’t have a microwave (or fridge), so share, share, share!
• If you end up with too much, give to someone in need vs just leaving it on your plate 

#7- Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs

• Instead of souvenirs in Midtown area, go to Chinatown (if you really want the cheap, I ❤️ NY stuff)
• Or, go to unique thrift stores or shops like Artists and Fleas in Chelsea Market
• Gift shops at museums

#8- Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat

• Staten Island Ferry is free
• Make sure you really want to do it... Our nephews were stoked to do it, but then said it was the most boring day ever.
• The full experience takes at least 4 hours

#9- Buying Shots of Alcohol

• They will be way more expensive than you think, unless there is a special
• Instead, go buy a shooter from a liquor store OR
• Get a well drink

#10- Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

• Especially cabs in and out of Times Square.. you pay for time or mileage, it is set to make sure THEY make money 

• It may not look crowded on the street you’re on, but it probably is 
• Go to 9th ave or 5th ave for taxis when between 30th street & 50th street

You'll Have to Check It Out - The Strand Bookstore

• Opened in 1927, family-run since its founding
• Today the Strand carries over 2.5 million new and rare books covering topics as far ranging as philosophy to finance and even an entire children's section
• Wide array of literary and New York-esque gifts and trinkets
• Also has a little coffee shop and a public bathroom!
• Host events like book signings and literary lectures

Check out the Strand Bookstore here.

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In this episode, we'll explore unique NYC museums including George Washington's favorite tavern, massive Unicorn tapestries dating back to the 1400s, and even what it was like to live in the cramped tenement buildings as an immigrant in New York in the 1860s.

1. Museum of the Dog
2. Fraunces Tavern Museum
3. Museum at Eldridge Street 
4. Museum of Jewish Heritage 
5. New York Transit Museum 
6. The Met Cloisters
7. Tenement Museum

1- Museum of the Dog

• Founded in 1982, originally part of the AKC headquarters (American Kennel Club)
• The museum offers rotating exhibits featuring objects from its 1,700-piece collection and 4,000-volume library
• Limited-time exhibits have included:

Price: Around $15. Get tickets here. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

2- Fraunces Tavern

• Oldest bar and restaurant in NYC - 1762

• On December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil, George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern to bid them farewell.
• In early 1785, Fraunces agreed to lease the Tavern to the Confederation Congress for use as office space for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of War

• Currently has multiple restaurants and bars within it

Price: Around $10, with some free admission options on weekends. Tickets are only available at the museum, but information is available here.

3- Museum at Eldridge Street

• The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue. Built in 1887, it is an architectural marvel, and a symbol of immigrant aspirations realized. The Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first synagogue in America purpose-built by immigrants from Eastern Europe and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996

• Unbelievably beautiful architecture, including ornate stained glass
• Extremely knowledgeable guides, usually small-ish groups

Price: Around $15 and we recommend the docent-led discovery tour vs self-guided (same price). Get tickets here.

4- Museum of Jewish Heritage

• As a place of memory, the Museum enables Holocaust survivors to speak through recorded testimony and draws on rich collections to illuminate Jewish history and experience. As a public history institution, it offers intellectually rigorous and engaging exhibitions, programs, and educational resources.
• If you go on a weekday, expect students on field trips
• The Rescue in Denmark exhibit is one of our favorites

Price: Around $18. Get tickets here. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays.

5- New York Transit Museum

• Housed underground in an authentic 1936 subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, is home to a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907.
• Visitors can board the vintage cars, sit at the wheel of a city bus, step through a time tunnel of turnstiles, and explore changing exhibits that highlight the cultural, social and technological history – and future – of mass transit.

Price: Around $10. Get tickets here. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

NYT Episode about the subway.

6- The Met Cloisters

• The Cloisters, a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is America's only museum dedicated exclusively to the art of the Middle Ages.
• Features multiple ornate gardens with a wide variety of plants, herbs, and trees
• See The Unicorn Tapestries, made in the late 1400's

Price: Around $30. Get tickets here. Closed on Wednesdays.

7- Tenement Museum

• Explore stories of tenement dwellers through guided tours of two historic buildings, 97 and 103 Orchard Street, and their Lower East Side neighborhood.
• Also, offer walking tours of the surrounding area

Price: Around $30. Get tickets here.

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Blue Haven South

Lively sports bar with great drinks, tasty food, and friendly staff. Check it out.

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