Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

The NYC marathon takes place on the first Sunday of November and features over 60,000 runners snaking 26.2 miles through all five NYC boroughs.

Over 1,000,000 spectators fill the streets each year to watch this city-wide event, and we're gonna give you all the insider tips for watching the NYC marathon.

Where to Stay on Marathon Weekend

The best place to stay on marathon weekend depends on whether you're traveling with a runner and where you plan to spectate. Generally speaking, you can stay anywhere in New York City on marathon weekend and have a good shot at watching the runners.

The subway will get you where you need to ! Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠

Where to Stay for Runners

• Lower Manhattan
• Midtown/Hell's Kitchen
• Upper West Side (options are limited)
• Anywhere in close proximity to the 1, 4, 5, or R lines

Where to Stay for General Travelers

If your travel group doesn't include any runners, it doesn't really matter where you stay in New York City during the marathon weekend. With one caveat...

You do NOT want to stay near Columbus Circle. The handful of blocks around that area are largely closed, become an absolute madhouse on race day, and will probably frustrate your experience.

As long as you are more downtown than 55th street or more uptown than 65th street, you should be fine.

If you want to avoid the marathon-specific crowds, stay somewhere away from the course.

Best Places to Watch the Marathon

The best place to watch the NYC marathon will also depend on where you're staying. The beauty of this race is that you can go to any point of the race route and cheer people on.

Out of the 26.2 miles, there are crowds throughout about 20 miles of the race. With that being said, here are some of the most fun and energetic places to watch the NYC marathon runners:

• Central Park
• Central Park South
• 5th Ave in the lower 100s or upper 90s
• 1st Avenue
• Bedford Avenue
• Atlantic Terminal/Barclays Center
• 59th Street near the Queensboro Bridge

This map shows the full course, including which subway lines stop near major spectating points.

I've run the race multiple times and spectated multiple times as well. Our favorite is to:

• Watch along 1st Avenue in the 80-100s range, usually runners are still alive and thriving at this point, and the energy along 1st Avenue is usually top-notch notch
• From there, walk to either 5th Avenue to see them around mile 22/23, OR head deeper into Central Park and catch them closer to the Obelisk, roughly between mile 24 & 25

Extra Tips for Marathon Day

• Be LOUD - This is one of the few times in your life where screaming, cheering, and making as much noise as possible will boost the morale of participants, in this case, runners
• If you want to be helpful, have things to give runners. Some amazing on-course items I've seen handed out include fruit, Kleenex, small water bottles, candy, etc.
• Be courteous to runners & the course - Your desire to cross the race course should never interfere with people who have trained for months and don't want to be weaving between spectators

You'll Have to Check It Out - Gurumé

Gurumé brings the world of Korean food into the Spanish tapas tradition, conveniently located near Broadway shows (see location here).

Dishes you must try include:

• Crispy corn & cheese (our top choice)

• Baby back ribs

• Fried chicken wings (perfectly crisp)

• Any of the desserts

Plus, they have an unbelievable happy hour every day with cocktails, beer, and wine (Tue-Thurs 5-7 pm & Sunday 3-5 pm).

Learn more about Gurumé and check out their full menu here.

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The Museum of Modern Art, also known as the MoMA, 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 works by Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Cézanne, there is something for everyone at this world-class museum.

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

Quick Links:

• Get your MoMA tickets ahead of time here
• Book a MoMA tour here

What is the Museum of Modern Art?

The MoMA, in Midtown Manhattan on 53rd Street, is a modern art museum featuring thousands of works spanning from 1880 to the present day.

• Originally opened in 1929 and expanded multiple times before opening at their current location in Midtown in 1939
• The museum's collection originally consisted of eight prints and one drawing, and now boasts over 200,000 works
• The Museum’s Library and Archives contain the leading concentration of research material on modern art in the world
• Over 2.5 million visitors per year, putting it at the 6th-most visited museum in America and 20th in the world

What Famous Art is at the MoMA?

• Jackson Pollock - multiple large pieces (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Robert Rauschenberg - Carnegie Hall dumpster eagle in “Canyon” (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Campbell's Soup Cans by Andy Warhol - 32 cans (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Ester Hernandez - Sun Mad (mostly on the 4th floor)
• James Rosenquist - F-111, 86 foot long (mostly on the 4th floor)
• Claude Monet's Water Lilies (5th)
• Multiple Georgia O’Keeffe pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
• Multiple Henri Matisse pieces, Mosley on the 5th floor
• Multiple Pablo Picasso pieces, mostly on the 5th floor
• Multiple Henri Rousseau pieces
• Multiple Georges-Pierre Seurat
• Paul Cézanne

Generally speaking, the bulk of the more famous pieces are located on the 5th floor, with many well-known collections also on the 4th floor. Our advice is to start on the 5th floor and work your way down.

They also offer itineraries on their website to help you plan ahead, as well as an audio guide and maps at the museum. For kids, they offer an Activity Guide.

How Much Are MoMA Tickets?

Ticket prices vary depending on age and are as follows:

• Adults - $30
• Seniors - $22
• Students - $17
• Children 16 and Under - Free
• Every Friday, free for New York residents, but you must reserve a ticket in advance

Does the MoMA Offer Tours?

Yes, the MoMA offers tours. For most tour options, a group of at least 10 people is required, with a cost of $55 per person.

There are options through tour operators like Get Your Guide that allow you to book for smaller groups, but spots are extremely limited and only available on Saturdays and Sundays.

What to Know Before Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in NYC

• Either come at the very beginning of the day or near the end for fewer crowds
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Eat before going - See our top nearby food options here

• Most visitors will stay for 1-3 hours
• Ideally, save a museum day for poor weather, although many others will also have that idea
• The main store is in the basement of the museum, and the MoMA design store is across the street, with additional options

• Outdoor area on the main floor is open year-round - upper terrace is seasonal and often only accessible if you eat at the cafe

You'll Have to Check It Out - Culinary Backstreets

We first participated in the "Asia in Queens" tour here in NYC and recently took part in their "Made in Catalonia" tour in Barcelona.

• Smaller groups, so you can ask questions
• Focused on the culture, history, and people of the areas, not just the cuisine
• You get to try around 10 dishes on average

Learn more about Culinary Backstreet's tours and trip options here.

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Madison Square Garden in NYC is one of the world's most iconic venues, and should be on your NYC bucket list.

But before you go, read this guide to make sure you have the best experience possible!

What we'll cover:

• Brief history of Madison Square Garden
• Getting to the arena
• Best pre-game bars and restaurants

• Best food and drink options inside MSG
• Best seats
• Extra tips & things to know

Let's do it. 👇

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Brief History of Madison Square Garden

Many would argue that Madison Square Garden is one of the most iconic venues in America, and possibly the world. Originally opened in 1879, it has been home to a plethora of famous concerts, sporting events, and cultural events.

Memorable events at MSG include:

• Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier's boxing match in 1971
• Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy in 1962
• Multiple benefit concerts following events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and more
• Live performances by the likes of Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and many, many more

While MSG is currently located on 31st and 33rd Street from Seventh to Eighth Avenue, it is actually the fourth iteration of the iconic venue.

Getting to the Arena

As mentioned in the previous section, getting to and from Madison Square Garden is straightforward due to its being built on top of a major transit hub.

Penn Station funnels travelers right below MSG, with the NJ Transit, Amtrak, and Long Island Rail Road systems offering train service in and out of this area.

There are also multiple subway lines that run straight into Penn Station, including the 123, ACE. Additionally, the NQRW and BDFM trains have stops nearby at 34th St. Herald Square.

Best MSG Pre-Game Bars & Restaurants

Be aware that before Knicks and Rangers games, the surrounding bars can be extremely crowded and hectic. Don't let that stop you, though. Just soak in the atmosphere and know it may take longer to get your food or drink.

Here are some of our favorite bars to eat and drink at near MSG:

• Stout
• Fèile
• Pennsylvania 6
• Jack Doyle's
• Mustang Harry's
• Pioneers Bar NYC
• Legends
• Finnerty's
• The Liberty NYC
• Temakase Hand Roll Bar (10 min walk from there to MSG)
• KazuNori Hand Roll Bar (10 min walk from there to MSG)
• Seeyamañana (Mexican food)
• Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar
• Keens Steakhouse (higher-end steak house)

Best Food & Drink Options Inside MSG

Inside Madison Square Garden, expect to pay higher-than-average prices for both food and drink.

Here are the average prices for food and drinks at MSG:

• Hamburgers - $17
• Chicken fingers and fries - $21
• Mixed drinks - $25
• Tall boy beer cans - $18
• Draft beer - $18

Best Seats at MSG

Most seating options at Madison Square Garden are great. But this is quite dependent on the type of event.

The best seats for basketball may not be the best for concerts, for example. While looking for tickets, we highly recommend checking aviewfrommyseat.com and seeing if there are example photos for the specific type of event you're attending.

Of all the events, your seats for a basketball game are probably the least important compared to hockey or concerts.

For hockey, we usually try to prioritize better seats than when attending basketball games. Sitting in the upper rows of the 400s at MSG for hockey isn't the best experience due to the puck's size and the gameplay.

Concerts at MSG have multiple different setups. We have absolutely loved sitting on the side of the stage. This allows you a much closer view without missing much, especially since there is usually a large video board on each side of the stage.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Chick Chick

The best Korean fried chicken in the city! https://maps.app.goo.gl/1hXAqLTquhXf3Vqi9

See the full article with video views & photos of different seats here.

New York City has endless cuisine options, but possibly the strongest represented category is Italian restaurants. In this episode, we'll cover the 10 best Italian restaurants in NYC, at least according to us. 😉

You cannot have New York City without Italian culture, food, and its people. Over 2.5 million Italian-Americans live in the greater New York Metro area, making them the single largest demographic group.

Our top 10 Italian restaurants include (not quite in order):

1. Giano
2. Briciola
3. La Pecora Bianca
4. Piccola Cucina
5. Don Angie
6. Lavagna
7. Quality Italian
8. Giardino 54
9. San Marzano
10. Pazza Notte

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Giano

In the heart of the East Village, Giano is a cozy Italian spot serving delicious homemade pasta.

Giano is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in NYC! And we don’t say that lightly…

Our favorite dishes are the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese and the Rigatoni con Salsiccia.

Read our full Giano review here.

Briciola

Briciola is an intimate Italian spot with a wide selection of wines and small bites. Certainly worth a try!

The Maccheroni al Tartufo will change your life. We also love the truffle gnocchi.

Check out Briciola here.

La Pecora Bianca

The meatball appetizer is one of our faves. All pastas are made in-house.

Check out La Pecora Bianca here.

Piccola Cucina Uptown

Super cozy and authentic spot. Make sure to get a reservation or do an early dinner because the space is small. Don't skip the tiramisu.

Check out Piccola Cucina Uptown here.

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Alwyn Court House

The Alwyn Court was built between 1907 and 1909 and was designed by Harde & Short in the French Renaissance style.

The Alwyn Court was made a New York City designated landmark in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The decorative terracotta details on the facade include quattrocento-style pilasters, baldachin-like canopies, and crowned salamanders representing Francis I, in addition to fleurs-de-lis, cameos, and escutcheons.

See it on your way to or from Central Park! It's located on the corner of 58th Street and 7th Avenue.

Don Angie

Awarded a Michelin star in 2021. Lost it in 2023.

Get the Chrysanthemum Salad and Our Lasagna for Two.

Check out Don Angie here.

Lavagna

Cozy and cute spot with great options all around. Really cool ceiling and decor.

Check out Lavagna here.

Quality Italian

The Lobster alla vodka and whipped ricotta are phenomenal, and you must try the homemade sambuca.

Check out Quality Italian here.

Giardino 54

Cozy, bright spot with pastas, salads, and wine on tap

Check out Giardino 54 here.

San Marzano

Great on a budget. Well-priced Italian dishes in a no-frills setting. Cheap drinks too! All bottles of wine are under $30, which is unheard of in NYC. Pastas are $14.

Check out San Marzano here.

Pazza Notte

Pazza Notte is a phenomenal restaurant in the heart of Midtown that's conveniently located near the MoMA. They're famous for their 2-for-1 martinis, massive salads, and delicious pastas. Great option for before a Broadway show.

Check out Pazza Notte here.

Highly-Rated Restaurants in Little Italy, NYC

1. Osteria Barocca
2. Casa D'Angelo
3. Zia Maria
4. Gelso & Grand
5. L'Amore Restaurant

Want to see our top 10 plus other favorites in a handy Google Maps list?

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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

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

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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