The hustle and bustle of New York City can feel daunting at times. Especially when the sidewalks, subways, and streets are busy. Which happens a lot!

In this episode, we're gonna break down the #1 NYC sidewalk rule to never break.

And let's be clear, this is the main reason New Yorkers are often viewed as mean or cranky.

Let's do it. 👇

The #1 NYC sidewalk rule... Do NOT stop in the middle of the sidewalk. If you need to look at directions, tie your shoes, or take a picture, move to the side of the sidewalk.

Just like you would in a car!

And the same goes for stopping at the tops or bottoms of stairs, just don't do it!

Most in New York are trying to commute, and stopping in these spots is the equivalent of stopping in the middle of a 1-lane road while driving a car.

Ultimately, we're all trying to get places as safely and quickly as possible, so respect the rules of the sidewalk and everyone wins. 😀

When it comes to exploring the vibrant streets of New York City, safety should be your top priority. These 5 NYC safety tips will help you feel confident and safe!

The city offers a unique and dynamic environment, but it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, keep these five essential NYC safety tips in mind to navigate with confidence:

And I do want to note, I’ve lived in NYC for a few years and I’ve had only a couple of genuinely serious safety situations. While the incidences are few, each one was a bit nerve-wracking.

All that to say, NYC is generally safe. Just follow the tips below. 👇

When using the subway system in New York City, choosing the middle cars of the train is a smart safety move. These cars tend to be more crowded and well-lit, providing a safer environment compared to the front or back cars.

PLUS, the conductor (not the driver) is usually in the middle train. If something bad were to happen, the conductor can actually provide some assistance or at least call out for some help!

By boarding the middle train, you increase your visibility and reduce the chances of encountering any untoward incidents.

While it may be tempting to immerse yourself in your favorite music or podcasts, avoid using noise-canceling headphones while walking, biking, or riding the subway in NYC. This holds true for exploring Central Park, Times Square, or the Upper West Side!

Maintaining awareness of your surroundings is crucial for your safety in New York.

By keeping your hearing unobstructed, you can hear approaching vehicles, emergency sirens, or potential warnings, minimizing any potential risks.

I won’t dive into the details but we have a good friend whose life was probably saved on the subway by being able to hear the person next to him!

As the night falls, it’s wise to exercise caution and avoid solo travel, particularly after midnight. Stick to well-populated areas and consider traveling with a companion or utilizing reputable transportation options like taxis or ride-sharing services.

By reducing your exposure to isolated situations, you enhance your personal safety and reduce the likelihood of encountering any unforeseen incidents.

Carrying a self-defense tool such as pepper spray or a basic weapon can provide an added sense of security. While it’s essential to prioritize de-escalation for your safety, having a non-lethal option can help you feel more confident in potentially threatening situations.

Pepper spray is great for that! It should be on your NYC packing list!

I will never forget watching a girl pepper-spraying an unruly man who wouldn’t leave her alone on the subway platform… IYKYK.

In a bustling city like New York, pedestrian safety is paramount. Always remember to look both ways before crossing streets, regardless of traffic signals.

Some drivers (more so the bicyclists) may not strictly adhere to traffic rules, so it’s essential to remain cautious and aware. Just LOOK both ways! Seriously. 👀

By adopting this simple habit, you minimize the risk of accidents and ensure your safe passage as a pedestrian.

Remember, prioritizing your safety is key to having a memorable and enjoyable experience in the city that never sleeps.

By following these five essential NYC safety tips, you can navigate the streets of New York City confidently and securely.

Looking for a confidence boost while navigating NYC? Check out our tips for getting around NYC as a tourist!

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Hell's Kitchen is a top destination in New York City for many reasons!

There's a vast array of bars, restaurants, and things to do in this bustling neighborhood.

In this Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about exploring this famous section of Manhattan.

Here's what we will cover:

Hell's Kitchen ranges from 8th Ave on the East to the Hudson River on the West, all the way from 58th Street to roughly 34th Street.

Hell's Kitchen Bars

Hell's Kitchen Restaurants

Hell's Kitchen Coffee Shops

Things to Do in Hell's Kitchen

Don't miss out on exploring the amazing neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen! Be sure to check out our website for a full write-up of this episode!

And, subscribe to our newsletter to get all the updates! https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

We'll be publishing episodes diving into all things New York City. Where to eat, activities worth doing, bars to check out, and of course, some travel and local tips along the way. Be sure you're subscribed to catch all the episodes and sign up for our email newsletter here!

While many visitors flock to Central Park, only a handful truly delve into the rich past and hidden gems of the 840-acre park!

Whether you have half an hour or an entire day to spare, the park’s sheer expanse offers something for everyone.

But how do you learn about these landmarks as you explore?!

Enter the Central Park Audio Guides which provide interesting audio readings of 40+ places in Central Park.

In this episode, we’ll dive into how to use the free audio guides, where to find them, and even give you a preview of what the audio guides sound like.

While you can certainly book guided tours of Central Park, those cost money & require you to be there at a certain time and for a certain amount of time.

If you’re more of a DIY explorer and like to go at your own pace, the Central Park Audio Guides are for you!

These guides offer historical information, fun facts, and little-known tidbits of info about 40+ landmarks. Each audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, and ASL.

For most locations, the audio snippets range anywhere from 90 seconds up to about 4 1/2 minutes.

Here are the 2 ways you can use the Central Park Audio Guides. ⏬

Option 1: Phone Call

If you want to save it in your contacts, here’s the Central Park Audio Guide phone number: 646-862-0997

The main disadvantage of the phone call route is that you have to find the extension on the sign in the park.

Option 2: Bloomberg Connects App

Option 2 is to download the Bloomberg Connects app and find the Central Park Audio Guide there.

The advantage of the app is that you can search for locations/landmarks without being right next to them. That makes it easy to learn about sections of the park before (or after) you check them out.

Alright, here are all of the locations available on the free Central Park Audio Guide & each corresponding extension number (if there’s a hyperlink, it’s for an article we’ve written about that specific landmark):

In this episode, we’ll show you 3 notorious tourist traps in NYC.

By shedding light on these deceitful practices, we aim to arm tourists with knowledge and awareness, empowering them to navigate the city with confidence and avoid falling victim to these cunning schemes.

Here are 3 common tourist traps in NYC:

Alright, let’s look at each tourist trap below. 👇

Statue of Liberty Ticket Scam

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

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

So know that if it’s not Statue Cruises, it’s probably a scam… Just book it online ahead of time to be sure and make sure you verify that the boat actually stops at Ellis Island & Liberty Island.

I highly recommend going through a service like this for often discounted fares.

If you want to just see the Statue of Liberty, take the Staten Island Ferry for free and it runs 365 days a year.

View the full schedule here. The ride takes about 25 minutes each way.

Pedicabs & Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Alright, we know this can be a somewhat divisive topic… but it shouldn’t be.

We’ll just say it, the pedicabs throughout NYC are a nuisance, safety hazard, and tourist trap.

Nuisance: They take up the entire bike lane, constantly blast annoying music, and get in your way at SO many places (Central Park, leaving Broadway shows, etc.)!

Safety Hazard: We bike in the city on a daily basis. The vast majority of our almost-crashes have been because of the pedicabs. They drive recklessly and make everyone else pay the price, including their passengers.

Tourist Trap: We’ve seen pedicab drivers charge upwards of $100+ to go a few blocks. If that isn’t a scam, then I don’t know what is!

Deceitful pricing/advertising before riders get on followed by MUCH higher prices when passengers arrive at their destination. 🙄

We understand the allure of a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Truly we do!

But zoom out for a moment and ask if horses should really be living and working in the crowded streets of New York City?!

The answer is no.

By taking one of these rides you are supporting inhumane treatment of animals. Don’t believe me?

Just Google ‘horses injured nyc’ or ‘dead horse nyc’.

We personally witness the often harsh treatment of horses and aloof coachmen/women of these horse-drawn carriages on a daily basis.

If you’re just using a pedicab to get around, then consider walking, taking a Lyft/Uber, riding the subway, or riding a bike. Any of these options will be much cheaper, safer, and more reliable!

If you’re wanting the horse-drawn carriage (or pedicab) ride for the tour of Central Park aspect, consider a guided bike tour!

Break Dancers in Central Park, Times Square, etc.

Of all the tourist traps in NYC, the break dancers in the parks, near Times Square, and other tourist destinations just might be #1.

While we LOVE street performers and artists, there is a fine line between performing for some tips and all but forcing people to give you money for being “part of the show”.

You can find stories online of tourists having money all but pulled out of their wallets by these performers as “part of the show”.

That’s all we’ll say about this!

Just keep walking. 😀

And instead, explore and go find a live musician in Central Park! You can often find live music performances near Strawberry Fields, The Mall & Literary Walk, and Bethesda Fountain (links open Google Maps listings).

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant allure of Times Square, there’s more to discover than just the captivating lights, pulsating energy, and general crowds. 😉

This iconic New York City neighborhood also has some fantastic food options.

While Times Square boasts a multitude of restaurants, we’ve narrowed down the list to five places you won’t want to miss… and are actually worth your money.

From savoring authentic Cuban cuisine at Margon to a mouthwatering slice at Joe’s Pizza, these are 5 places you’ll want to try in Times Square:

Let’s look at each one below. 👇

1- Margon

Margon is a great place to quickly snag a meal in Times Square.

It’s authentic counter-style Cuban cuisine served in a small spot with friendly staff! Plus, prices & portions are pretty fair.

What to Eat at Margon

The go-to at Margon is their Cubano. While I haven’t had very many of these, this Cubano is my favorite.

Be sure to add rice & beans + plantains to your order.

Margon Address: 136 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036.

2- Yard House – Good for Sports & Drinks in Times Square

It’s tough to put a non-New York City exclusive restaurant on this list, but we’ve genuinely enjoyed Yard House. And that’s especially true if you want to get tasty food, choose from 100+ beers, AND have a place to watch sports.

What to Eat at Yard House in Times Square

First, have at least one beer. They have over 100 beers on tap… Seriously, the menu for it looks like a Cheesecake Factory menu!

We also enjoyed the poke nachos and wings. Their menu is full of slightly expensive & upscale bar food!

Yard House Times Square Address: 575 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018.

3- Los Tacos No. 1

Los Tacos No. 1 is possibly the most popular taco spot in New York City. They have locations throughout the city, and even one conveniently located in Times Square.

What to Eat at Los Tacos No. 1

Without a doubt, get their tacos… We’ve tried all of them and they’re delicious!

Other items are great, but tacos are their staple. As a note, the quesadillas are just an open-face taco with cheese, it’s not what you might be expecting!

Their horchata is also delicious and you can always get a Mexican coke.

Los Tacos No 1. Times Square Address: 229 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036.

4- Joe’s Pizza – Arguably the Most Popular Food Spot in Times Square

Joe’s Pizza was originally opened in 1975 by Joe Pozzuoli, who was originally from Naples, Italy.

I’ve always been pleased with Joe’s. The crust is probably the most controversial part, but the sauce and ingredients are always good!

If you’re in New York, get a slice (or two) from Joe’s in Times Square. You’ll be happy you did!

Pro Tip: Order ahead if you’re getting a full pie, it’ll save you 20+ minutes. Do it from their website here!

What to Eat at Joe’s Pizza

Everything is good, all comes down to preferences. I’ve never had a bad slice at Joe’s, but my go-to is usually pepperoni.

You can hop over to the CVS across the street for cheaper and more options for drinks, even a beer if you’d like!

Joe’s Pizza Times Square Address: 1435 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

5- Junior’s Restaurant – Quality Dessert in Times Square

Junior’s Restaurant can have some mixed reviews. I’ll say upfront that the dessert is really good, and the food is usually just good.

What to Eat at Junior’s Restaurant

As for food, their most popular item is the Rueben. We’ve tried other items but haven’t been overly impressed by anything, it’s all just a “good” option.

Really, most people go to Junior’s for cheesecake and other desserts. Their milkshakes are also fantastic!

Junior’s Restaurant Times Square Address: 1515 Broadway @, W 45th St, New York, NY 10036.

Bonus #6- Do NOT Go to Ray’s Pizza

We had a random guy on the street in Times Square once try to convince us to go to Ray’s Pizza… Eventually, we did and regretted it.

It’s not good, just choose another spot.