Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

By Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together HereSociety & CulturePlaces & Travel
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Better Together Here: Exploring NYC episodes

  • 3 Unglamorous (But Must-Know) NYC Travel Tips

    While most NYC travel tips focus on where to eat, what to pack, and attractions to see, those neglect three unglamorous details that can ruin your trip.

    Needing to pee in the middle of Times Square? Rough.

    Your phone battery dying when you're next up at the ticket scanner for a Broadway show? Yikes.

    Blisters on your feet after day one of your trip? Bummer.

    This article is gonna save you headaches, stress, and an uncomfortable trip to New York City.

    1- The Bathroom Situation

    If the status of public restrooms in New York City were an Olympic downhill skiing race, this city would be accidentally going uphill, backwards on planks of plywood.

    The cleanliness, availability, and proximity of places to go pee in NYC are all awful.

    NYC Bathroom Advice #1 - Go Before You Leave

    If you are at a restaurant, bar, museum, etc., and are about to leave, use the restroom before you do.

    NYC Bathroom Advice #2 - Know Your Options

    Familiarize yourself with places that are likely to have bathrooms, including but not limited to:

    • Hotel lobbies
    • New York Public Libraries
    • Some parks (not all, mind you)
    • Whole Foods
    • Many coffee shops (not all, again)

    And, do yourself the favor and follow this amazing Google Maps list from Got2GoNYC! It shows hundreds of available bathrooms throughout the city.

    2- Staying Charged & Connected

    The present reality is that you need your phone to explore New York City. You will use it for Google Maps to navigate to your next destination, it will have your tickets for Broadway shows, and it will, of course, serve as your camera for documenting your travels.

    You cannot afford for your phone to die.

    Phone Charging Advice #1 - Charging Around

    A better option is to charge somewhere that gets you a place to rest, a break from the elements, and a spot to charge your devices. Here are a few reliable places you can charge your phone (and often get free WiFi, too) in New York City:

    • Many fast-food-style restaurants, such as McDonald's and Shake Shack.
    • Many coffee shops
    • Public libraries
    • Food-eating areas of bodegas, grocery stores, or delis

    Phone Charging Advice #2 - Portable Charger

    Better than relying on a plug that may or may not exist, invest in a portable charger.

    I have used this Luxtude charger for years, even buying the larger version for travel. I love that it's compact, can give about 1.25 charges, and has the built-in cord.

    3- Taking 20k Steps

    When visiting New York City, plan on taking around 20,000 steps each day. That equates to roughly 8 to 10 miles (13 to 16 km) every day!

    Walking Tip #1 - Prioritize Quality Shoes

    While you can reserve your best heels for a night out, during most of your day, you will want to wear comfortable, walking-friendly shoes.

    As a bonus point, waterproof or water-resistant shoes are huge! NYC has its rainiest spells in the summer, so be prepared even in the summer.

    Walking Tip #2 - Find the Better Side

    The skyscrapers and plethora of buildings create interesting temperature swings. You can use that to your advantage!

    In the hot summer months, find the shady side of the sidewalk to walk on. In the cold winter months, find the sunny side of the sidewalk to walk on.

    Walking Tip #3 - Know Your Distances

    In Manhattan, in the grid system areas, 20 blocks is roughly a mile. For average walking speed, that's 15-25 minutes of walking.

    Walking Tip #4 - Anti-Chafe

    It only takes one bad chafing experience to actively avoid it in the future!

    This anti-chafe stick from Body Glide will be $10 well spent. 🫡


    You'll Have to Check It Out - Smithfield Hall

    Great sports bar with loads of TVs, good bar food, and a soccer-centric vibe. Check it out here.


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    19 min
  • 5 Overrated NYC Tourist Attractions + Better Alternatives

    New York City offers nearly unlimited activities, restaurants, and unique landmarks to explore. Wasting your time on overhyped or overpriced attractions can eat away at your valuable time in the city.

    In this article, we’re gonna help you avoid wasted time and money by calling out five overrated NYC attractions you can keep OFF your itinerary.

    Plus, we’ll provide alternatives to each of these common tourist traps.

    1- Serendipity 3

    The crowds are hectic, the ambiance is overstimulating, and none of the food or desserts we tried were very good.

    Instead, go to Caffè Panna or Grace Street.

    2- Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

    We've covered this in full detail previously, but this experience is too long, too crowded, and too much waiting in line to be worth your time. Instead, take the free Staten Island Ferry or simply view the Statue of Liberty from Lower Manhattan.

    3- The Charging Bull in FiDi

    The crowds around this statue overstate what you'll actually get out of the experience. While passing by is great, we wouldn't go out of our way to view this statue. Instead, go to the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

    4- Central Park Zoo

    The Central Park Zoo is actually quite small, with not very many animals. If you want a zoo experience, go to the Bronx Zoo. It has 265 acres and SO many exhibitions.

    5- Museum of Ice Cream/Color/Illusions

    If social media didn't exist, neither would these "museums". Instead of spending the $30 or so for one of these money grabs, go to any of the iconic museums like the MoMA, The MET, or the Museum of Natural History.


    You'll Have to Check It Out - Swift Hibernian Lounge

    Probably the coziest Irish pub you'll find, with an unbelievable pour of Guinness. We also loved the communal table in the back section! Check out Swift here.


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    14 min
  • 15 Useful Apps for NYC Travel & Exploration

    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.

    You'll Have to Check It Out - Gagopa Karaoke

    • $36/hour for 1-4 people-sized rooms or $9 per person/hour for more than 5 people
    • BYOB & food

    Check out Gagopa Karaoke here.

    24 min
  • 14 Romantic Activities in NYC: Perfect for Valentine’s Day

    New York City is a surprisingly romantic city, no matter your budget. There are many enjoyable activities for a romantic evening with a date.

    While some on this list can be more of a splurge, we’ve also included plenty of free romantic things to do in NYC.

    Here are 14 of our favorite romantic things to do in New York City:

    1. Walk the High Line
    2. Restaurant hop for a three-course meal
    3. Do a cooking or cocktail-making class
    4. Visit a rooftop bar
    5. Art classes
    6. Picnic in Central Park (or any NYC park)
    7. Date Night at The Met
    8. Watch a sunset at Pier 57
    9. Explore a new museum
    10. Conservatory Garden in Central Park
    11. A couple’s photoshoot
    12. Free art galleries in Chelsea
    13. Day spa or massage for a relaxing vibe
    14. An evening of jazz


    See our full write-up with links to everything we covered.


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide


    You'll Have to Check It Out: Patent Pending

    23 min
  • Where to Stay in NYC? (Hint: You’re Thinking About It Wrong)

    Deciding where to stay in New York City can feel overwhelming given the number of options. In this article, we’re gonna break down the simplest questions to answer before you decide which part of the city to stay in.

    Because the most important factor when choosing where to stay in NYC isn't just price.

    Here's what we'll cover:

    • Before you look at locations, answer this
    • The #1 factor for a good stay, no matter the neighborhood
    • A note about Airbnb and short-term, non-hotel rentals
    • Our 3 recommendations for the best places stay in New York City
    • Tips for finding the best hotel rates (and comparing reviews)


    Note: See the full article with specific hotel recommendations here: https://rebrand.ly/where-stay-nyc


    What Do You Care More About, Saving Money or Proximity to the NYC Experience?

    When you’re trying to figure out where to stay when visiting NYC, you must ask yourself a this-or-that question. Odds are you can’t have both, so you’ll have to decide.

    The Question: What do you care more about, saving money or proximity to the NYC experience?

    You often, or almost never, can have both. New York City is expensive, and when you prioritize affordability, you will often trade that for distance from common NYC experiences. The same goes for the inverse.

    Is Saving Money the Most Important to You?

    You will spend very little time in your hotel during your visit to New York City. This is probably the strongest argument for prioritizing a cheaper hotel, even if it means a longer commute.

    So, if the cheapest lodging is your highest priority, look at places like:

    • Hoboken, New Jersey
    • Long Island City in Queens
    • Certain pockets of boroughs, like Queens or Brooklyn

    Even with that being said, I would never, ever, ever stay in the far reaches of Jersey, or distant parts in Queens or Brooklyn as a traveler. Nothing against those areas, it’s just not where you’re going to likely want to spend your time while visiting!

    New York City is a destination, and there is something to be said about staying in your destination, not near it.

    Is Proximity to the NYC Experience the Most Important to You?

    You will walk a LOT in New York City, part of why comfortable walking shoes are the #1 priority on our NYC packing list, and you will likely finish each day exhausted. Do you want to be dealing with a lengthy, challenging commute at the end of a long, tiring day?

    Being close to the action is not only fun, but it’s practical. This is especially true for a short, weekend trip to NYC.

    So, if being close to the NYC experiences is your highest priority, look at places like:

    • Upper Midtown
    • Chelsea
    • Financial District


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    23 min
  • Chelsea Neighborhood Guide: Bars, Restaurants & Things to Do In This Iconic NYC Neighborhood

    Chelsea is a Manhattan neighborhood with a rich collection of bars, restaurants, and things to do. While it's known for art galleries, there is much more to see and do for visitors of all ages.

    In this Chelsea Neighborhood Guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about exploring this famous section of Manhattan.

    Here’s what we will cover:

    • Where is Chelsea in NYC?
    • Why is it called Chelsea?
    • Chelsea bars
    • Chelsea restaurants
    • Chelsea coffee shops
    • Things to do in Chelsea


    For an in-depth article about Chelsea and to get access to a Google Maps list with ALL the places we mention in this episode, head here: https://rebrand.ly/chelsea-nyc


    We highly recommend you take the time to explore Chelsea when you visit New York City! Hopefully this episode gives you some ideas for the best restaurants, bars, and things to do in Chelsea.


    You'll Have to Check It Out - SAPPEISAN in Chelsea (part of the Chase Sapphire Reserve's restaurant credit)


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    27 min
  • NYC's Five Boroughs (and Basic Terminology) Explained

    While many travelers to New York City envision Manhattan's popular landmarks, NYC is composed of five unique and culture-rich boroughs.

    We'll give a brief overview of each borough and dive into some important NY terminology to help you have a smoother exploration of the city.

    The five boroughs of New York City are:

    1. Manhattan
    2. Queens
    3. Brooklyn
    4. The Bronx
    5. Staten Island

    Each of the five boroughs in New York City has unique offerings, cultures, and history. But first, let's define 'borough'.

    What is a Borough?

    In 1898, the term borough was adopted to describe a form of governmental administration for each of the five fundamental constituent parts of the newly consolidated city. So while each borough has some of its own governance, its power is inferior to the authority of the government of the City of New York.

    Before 1898, each borough (mostly) was seen more as a county and did not fall within the city of New York. Interestingly, each borough is also its own county.

    The boroughs aren't autonomous cities within a city, but rather administrative divisions of a single municipal government. It explains why, for example, the Mayor of NYC has authority over all five boroughs, and why there's one unified city budget, police department (NYPD), etc., even though each borough has its own Borough President and some local administrative functions.

    In today's terms, a borough is one of the five distinct geographic regions of New York City including:

    • Manhattan
    • Queens
    • Brooklyn
    • The Bronx
    • Staten Island

    Each borough has multiple neighborhoods with distinct cultures and histories. We took to social media to get insights from borough residents, so you'll see their recommendations sprinkled throughout.


    See our full write-up on our website for links to places we mentioned (sorry, we can't fit it all in a podcast description).


    You'll Have to Check It Out - La Grande Boucherie in Midtown


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    24 min
  • American Museum of Natural History NYC: What to See, Costs & Tours

    The American Museum of Natural History in NYC is an iconic museum that explores the wonders of the world we live in. While not an “art” museum, it focuses on the sciences and the world around us, including animals, plants, insects, geodes, minerals, dinosaurs, and so much more.

    Before you go, listen to this episode covering some of the most famous exhibitions, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your visit to New York’s Museum of Natural History.

    Quick Links:

    • Buy your ticket in advance to beat the lines
    • Access the Museum of Natural History + Empire State & 3 other activities for 41% off
    • View the free Highlights Online Guide for the museum

    Founded in 1869, the museum has been on a mission to facilitate discovery and share knowledge about humanity, the world around us, and the universe as a whole. It’s quite an undertaking, but one they excel at!

    The Museum of Natural History is nestled into the heart of the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

    It starts on Central Park West and spans 77th to 81st streets, filling the entirety of those blocks between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

    The museum is right near Central Park, making it the perfect complement to park explorations.

    What are the Popular Things to See at the Natural History Museum?

    Here are some that are included in the ‘Highlights’ tour offered by the Museum of Natural History:

    • Most of floor 4, including the Megalodon, Mammoth, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus Rex
    • A Hardosaur footprint made by a dinosaur over 72 million years ago (floor 3)
    • Komodo dragon (floor 3)
    • Moai Statue (floor 3)
    • African elephants (floor 2)
    • Gorilla (floor 2)
    • Barosaurus and Allosaurus (floor 2)
    • King penguin (floor 2)
    • Climate wall, highlighting our changing climate and its effects (floor 1)
    • Blue whale (floor 1)
    • Giant Sequoia (floor 1)
    • Lucy, a cast of the 3.18-million-year-old fossil of one of the first upright ancestors of humans (floor 1)
    • Giant geodes (floor 1)
    • Star of India, the largest-known gem-quality star sapphire at over 563 carats and about 2 billion years old (floor 1)

    Our personal favorites are the Hall of Gems and Minerals and the Insectarium.

    How Much are Museum of Natural History Tickets?
    The museum offers ticket options for adults, children, students, and seniors. Here are the costs for tickets to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC:

    • Adults – $30
    • Children (age 3-12) – $18
    • Students (with valid ID) – $24
    • Senior (ages 60+) – $24

    This price is quite standard for New York City museums, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours at the AMNH. I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the museum.

    If you plan to visit the American Museum of Natural History during your trip and also want to go to an observation deck like the Empire State Building, the CityPass will likely save you money. The pass gives you access to:

    1. American Museum of Natural History
    2. Empire State Building Observatory with AM/PM access
    3. Plus, any 3 from the following list:

    As long as you use your admission within 9 days, you can get a LOT of value from this pass. On average, it saves you about 40% compared to buying 5 attractions individually. Get the New York CityPass here.

    Does AMNH Offer Tours?

    Tours are only through the official American Museum of Natural History. No 3rd-party tours are allowed inside the museum. Anyone who claims otherwise is trying to scam you.

    Luckily, the museum offers many tours. We recommend checking their website to verify there will be a tour on the day you plan to attend. 

    Tara Mor - You'll Have to Check It Out

    Phenomenal Irish bar near MSG with amazing food. Check it out here.

    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: ⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    22 min
  • Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Everything You MUST Know + Free Options, Too 🗽

    Visiting the Statue of Liberty is often at the top of NYC visitors’ lists of things to do, and with good reason. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two deeply important historical monuments that encapsulate a significant portion of New York City’s history.


    But is it worth visiting the actual Statue of Liberty when you come to NYC?


    We’re gonna answer that question and so much more in this article.

    Here’s what we’ll cover:

    • Brief History of the Statue of Liberty
    • Visiting the Statue of Liberty – Island Access vs Pedestal vs Crown
    • Ellis Island Overview + Hard Hat Tour Review
    • Common Statue of Liberty Scams
    • Cheapest Ways to See the Statue of Liberty


    Let’s look at them all below. 👇

    Quick Links:

    • Buy a general Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island ticket here
    • See if Pedestal Access Tickets are available here
    • See if Crown Access Tickets are available here
    • Book a Hard Hat Tour of Ellis Island here


    PS- See our full Statue of Liberty article with photos and extra info here.


    A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States, “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.

    Any ferry ticket that provides access to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located, also provides access to Ellis Island and the associated museum.

    Before riding the ferry, you must pass through security similar to airport security measures, and plan on waiting in line for security screening and boarding the ferry. Typically, you can factor in 15-30 minutes to get through security and onto a boat.

    The full Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island experience will take at least 3 hours, but can be as long as 5-6 hours depending on crowds, lines, and how fast you go through the museum.

    One of the most important things to know about purchasing ferry tickets for the Statue of Liberty is that Statue City Cruises is the only official, sanctioned provider. While they offer their tickets through places like Get Your Guide, you must verify that the provider is Statue City Cruises, like this option.

    You'll Have to Check It Out - The Dead Rabbit

    The Dead Rabbit was voted the World’s Best Bar in 2016!

    It strikes the delicate balance of well-crafted, unique cocktails in a no-frills, unpretentious setting.. Think Irish pub meets cocktail lounge.

    Check out The Dead Rabbit here.

    Ellis Island

    The main attraction at Ellis Island is the historical museum, which features many artifacts, informational displays, and slices of immigrant history.

    We’ve found the documentary shown in the museum, “Island of Hope, Island of Tears,” to be one of the best parts. This short movie shows every half hour.

    We’ve visited the Liberty & Ellis Islands multiple times, and by far our favorite experience has been the hard hat tour of the abandoned Ellis Island complex.

    Statue of Liberty Scammers

    As you walk around Battery Park, you’ll often be approached by scammers trying to sell you Statue of Liberty tickets. They often target people trying to board the Staten Island Ferry (more on that later).

    The scam is that the tickets they sell don’t actually stop at Ellis Island & Liberty Island (where the statue resides). Instead, you end up on a boat that goes by the Statue of Liberty.

    Free Ways to See the Statue of Liberty

    Here are the cheapest ways to see the Statue of Liberty:

    • Staten Island Ferry
    • From Governor’s Island
    • From Lower Manhattan
    • Ferry-Only Ticket – Under $30
    • One World Observatory – $40+


    Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

    • Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
    • 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
    • Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

    Get started here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

    25 min
  • The Met NYC Guide: What to See, Costs, Tours & Insights with Museum Aficionado Kylie Brooks

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met, in New York City, is one of the most worthwhile museums to visit while in the city. With 5+ floors and hundreds of thousands of pieces, including paintings, sculptures, historical artifacts, and more, spanning over 5,000 years of art from around the world.

    Before you go, read this article covering some of the most famous art, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your museum visit.

    Here’s what we’ll cover:

    • What is the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
    • Where is the MET?
    • What famous art is at the MET?
    • How much are MET tickets?
    • Does the MET offer tours?
    • What to know before visiting the MET in NYC

    Quick Links:

    • Get your tickets to The Met ahead of time here
    • Book a guided tour of The Met here


    Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠


    What is the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

    Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world.

    Today, tens of thousands of objects are on display at the museum’s two-million-square-foot building. The Met spans four full blocks and features over five floors of exhibitions, making it the largest art museum in the Americas and the third-largest in the world.

    Where is the MET in NYC?

    The Met is located on 5th Avenue from 80th Street to 84th Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It’s the heart of what’s commonly referred to as Museum Mile, the most diverse art-viewing stretch of mile in the country.

    What Famous Art is at the MET Museum?

    With over 1.5 million total works in The Met’s archive, of which tens of thousands are currently on display, there is much to see at this renowned museum.

    There are certainly experts with much more museum and art knowledge than we possess, but we want to highlight some of our personal favorite collections and works of art at The Met:

    • Temple of Dendur
    • Cloudy Mountains by Fang Congyi
    • Rough Waves by Ogata Kōrin
    • The Horse Fair by Rosa Bonheur
    • Tapestry Room from Croome Court and any of the exhibitions with tapestries and rugs on display
    • Autumn Rhythm by Jackson Pollock
    • Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat by Vincent van Gogh
    • Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet
    • Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze
    • Bouquet of Sunflowers by Claude Monet
    • Wheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent van Gogh
    • Irises by Vincent van Gogh
    • Egyptian Jewelry found in the Egyptian Art area
    • Arms and armor collection
    • Autumn Landscape by Tiffany Studios, and any of the Tiffany stained glass pieces
    • Musical instruments

    Recommendations by this episode’s guest and museum expert, Kylie Brooks:

    • Temple of Dendur
    • The entire American Wing
    • Madame X and all of John Singer Sargent’s works
    • Costume Institute

    How Much are MET Museum Tickets?

    Here is the full price breakdown:

    • $30 for adults
    • $22 for seniors
    • $17 for students
    • Kids 12 and under are free
    • Pay as you wish for residents of NY, NJ, and CT

    Does the MET Offer Tours?

    If financially viable, taking a tour will provide you with the best possible experience at The Met.

    See our full selection of tour options here.

    Here are some things to know before visiting The Met in New York City:

    • Either come at the very beginning of the day or near the end for fewer crowds
    • Wear comfortable shoes
    • Eat before going – See our Afternoon on the Upper East Side mini guide
    • Most visitors will stay for 1-2 hours, but you could spend countless hours here
    • Ideally, save a museum day for poor weather, although many others will also have that idea
    • The Met store has some fantastic gift and souvenir options
    • Download the Bloomberg Connects app and bring headphones to listen to the associated audio guide
    • Do NOT try to see the whole museum in one day, it’s not possible 😁
    • If possible, go to The Met on a weekday and not a weekend


    Check out this episode's You'll Have to Check It Out - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir here.

    28 min

About Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

From the publisher's feed

Your starting point for the perfect NYC trip or exploration—neighborhood guides, things to do, restaurant and bar reviews, and tips on getting around the city!

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