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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:
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:
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.
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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.
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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:
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
Check out Gagopa Karaoke here.
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:
See our full write-up with links to everything we covered.
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Get started here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
You'll Have to Check It Out: Patent Pending
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:
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:
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:
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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:
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)
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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:
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:
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
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
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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:
Let’s look at them all below. 👇
Quick Links:
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:
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Get started here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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:
Quick Links:
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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:
Recommendations by this episode’s guest and museum expert, Kylie Brooks:
How Much are MET Museum Tickets?
Here is the full price breakdown:
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:
Check out this episode's You'll Have to Check It Out - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir here.
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