Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

While 24 hours in New York City isn't very long, you can still pack in numerous activities and meals. When you're in a time crunch, it's even more important to plan efficiently to make the most of your time.In this episode, we'll break down the best way to spend one day in NYC.Breakfast + Central ParkThe best way to start your day in New York City is with a bagel and a stroll through Central Park. There are loads of great bagel spots, but we recommend Liberty Bagels near 5th Avenue.They have a sandwich called The Works, which is basically a bacon, egg, and cheese meets a McMuffin. Delicious and super filling!Pro Tip: Order ahead on their website and skip the long lines. 🙌Morning Activity - Choose a MuseumOnce you've had your breakfast, choose one of the three following museums to explore:American Museum of Natural HistoryThe Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)LunchAfter exploring one of these world-famous museums, you will be ready for lunch! Our recommendation?Pick a cuisine, then find it in our collection of Google Maps lists, where we highlight our favorite options by category. You can get 100% free access (seriously) by signing up for our newsletter here.Afternoon ActivityFor your afternoon activity, we recommend choosing one of the following options:Observation deckAnother museumA Broadway matinee ShoppingDinnerYou may see a theme here, but the best way to spend a day in New York City is to eat your way through it.So, pick a dinner spot, again check our Google Maps lists, and extra points if you opt for one with a happy hour for drinks and food.Nighttime ActivityWhile our top recommendation for a nighttime activity on a one-day NYC itinerary is a Broadway show, there are a few other options.Some great nighttime activities in NYC include:Broadway showsComedy showsJazz clubsConcertSporting events (loads of professional teams in the city)After Show Drinks (This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out)After you've experienced any of the live entertainment NYC has to offer, you can head to Gin Mill for some after-activity drinks.Gin Mill is a sports bar through and through, and the drink prices are unbeatable. Here are some reasons we love the Gin Mill:M-F happy hour until 8 pm with $5 beer & well drinks, $7 top shelf drinksDaily specials include $14 pitchers of beer, $1 hot dogs, and $20 buckets of beerSports on, always! Audio for certain games, like when New York teams are in the playoffsLive music downstairs in the speakeasy some nights; other nights, karaoke, DJs, etc.Check out the Gin Mill here.Late-Night MealArguably, the most important part of your 24 hours in New York City is to finish your night with a slice of pizza. 🍕There are loads of great pizza spots in NYC, but our top recommendation for a late-night slice is at $1.50 Fresh Pizza on Broadway near 55th street (there are other locations, too).Many pizza places are open til 11 pm, but some, like $1.50 Fresh Pizza, are open until as late as 4 am.Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & moreWeekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tipsGet started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

In this episode we break down, with stats and opinions, the best airport to fly into New York City. We'll discuss the pros and cons of LGA, JFK, and Newark Airports. Flying Into Newark Airport to Go to NYC Located in New Jersey, across the Hudson from NYC Public Transportation cost into Manhattan: usually about $16 for the train from the airport to Penn Station in NYC, then (depending on final location) another $2.90 for a subway swipe Stats about Newark Airport Delays From April 2019 to April 2024, Newark Airport had a 73.1% on-time rate for flights (worst of the three). It also had a 3.96% cancellation rate (highest of the three) Pros of Newark Airport It's usually the lowest-cost option for flights alone Cons of Newark Airport Has the longest average security wait time of the 3 airports at 23 minutes, compared to 16 for JFK and 17 for LGA It is a trek to get there, and if you don't hit the train at the right time, you can end up waiting for an extended amount of time for the next train Finding the AirTrain can be confusing; it's not very well-marked If you take an Uber or Lyft or any type of driving, it's the most challenging and confusing airport I've ever driven to/from You have to go to New Jersey 😜 Flying Into JFK Airport JFK is the largest of the 3 NYC airports, with 128 gates It also has the highest number of destinations globally out of the 3 options Public Transportation cost into Manhattan: $11.40, one subway swipe + AirTrain ride Stats about JFK Airport Delays From April 2019 to April 2024, JFK Airport had a 76.45% on-time rate for flights. It also had a 2.75% cancellation rate. Pros of JFK Arguably, the easiest to get into NYC via public transportation, the most straightforward navigation Often, it is the cheaper option overall, depending on where you're coming from Due to the size, there are a plethora of lounges, food options, and shops Cons of JFK Currently, there is a major reconstruction project that won't be complete until 2028 Much further away from Manhattan than you think, and quite risky that you'll hit traffic Flying Into La Guardia Airport Many of the terminals have been recently renovated Geographically, it is closest to Midtown Manhattan out of the 3 options. Half the distance of the other two options Public Transportation cost into Manhattan: $2.90, one subway swipe Stats about LGA Airport Delays From April 2019 to April 2024, LGA Airport had a 76.62% on-time rate for flights. It also had a 3.69% cancellation rate. Pros of LGA The views when you take off and land are the best New Chase Sapphire Lounge and a fantastic Centurion Lounge Quality shopping options for last-minute souvenirs Many of their food options are popular local NYC chains If you Uber or Lyft, it is the cheapest and fastest airport by car Public transportation into NYC is the cheapest of the 3 airports Cons of LGA The public transportation route can be confusing; the bus stops aren't super clearly marked We seem to do more walking to our gate from security than other airports Usually more expensive to fly into Our Pick for Best Airport to Fly Into New York & Recap La Guardia! Be sure to download our Ultimate Transportation Guide to learn exactly how to get to and from each airport. https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

Visiting NYC with kids can be overwhelming, but we'll provide some tips and advice to make it enjoyable! General Tips & Advice for Visiting NYC with Kids A fold up stroller is worth bringing, even if just for storing and holding things Adjust expectations for how much you can fit into one day If it feels intimidating, remember that if people can live in NYC with kids, you can visit with them! Build in playground breaks for kids to truly get their wiggles out Set aside afternoon chill time back at the hotel to decompress Best Activities for Kids NYC For museums: make sure everyone is fed before going curb your expectations. Plan for 1 hour/1.5 hours for a museum. some museums have kids activity booklets Sister in law recommended each kid picking a "must see" section. There is simply too much to see so that can be a good way to focus your time. Good museum options: Intrepid Museum AMNH The MET (weapons) Children's museum of the arts, NY aquarium Spyscape Musuem MoMa Other Activities Broadway show (Play that Goes Wrong, Aladdin, Lion King) Central Park Any of the parks-- searching free activities for kids Shopping (depending on the kid). Fun Shopping Color Factory Central Park Zoo Yankees or Mets game (day game) The high line NY Public Library Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge Hudson River Park in general (playgrounds) Food Spots with Kids Food halls work best so they can have multiple options and more space Find types of food that you and your kids won't be able to try back at home, let it be an exploration Opt for "off times" when the restaurants are less crowded Getting Around NYC with Kids Only some stations have elevators or escalators Uber has an option for car seats Take extra care on the subway with kids. Be sure to download the free NYC navigation guide today: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

Preparing for an unforgettable trip to New York City? To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s crucial to pack wisely. This concise NYC packing list highlights seven essential items that will enhance your visit From comfortable footwear for exploring the city streets to weather-appropriate clothing, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the must-have items for your NYC adventure! Here are the 7 items you’ll need (link opens in Amazon for our best recommendations). Comfortable Footwear Weather-Appropriate Clothing Bag, Fanny Pack, or Backpack Pepper Spray Electronics and Portable Charger Portable Water Bottle Compact Umbrella While those items above should be on your NYC packing list, the following items should NOT! Pets Expensive Jewelry Large Amounts of Cash With this NYC packing list, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps!

New York City is home to dozens and dozens of world-class museums. While you could spend weeks going to them all, we've compiled our list of the five best museums to check out when visiting or exploring NYC! Each museum on the list is a unique experience covering a wide variety of art styles, experiences, and locations. Here are our 5 must-visit museums in NYC: American Museum of Natural History Museum of Modern Art - MoMA Metropolitan Museum of Art - The MET 9/11 Museum Whitney Museum American Museum of Natural History A wide variety of explorations of the history of earth, animals, and the natural world around us. Roughly $28 for an adult ticket. Museum of Modern Art - MoMA An extensive collection of some of the world's most influential and famous modern art. Roughly $28 for an adult ticket. Metropolitan Museum of Art - The MET The MET features the widest variety of art installations including ancient weapons, impressionism, statues, Egyptian burial sites, and so much more. Roughly $30 for an adult ticket. 9/11 Museum The 9/11 Museum documents and chronicles the world-changing events of September 11, 2001. Truly an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience. Roughly $33 for an adult ticket. The Whitney Museum The Whitney Museum features American art from across the ages and boasts beautiful city views as well. Roughly $30 for an adult ticket. This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Rudy's Bar and Grill Rudy's is a historic dive bar in NYC that has been open since 1933. You can score $3 drafts and free hot dogs with any purchase! Check it out here.

Exploring Central Park should be on your NYC bucket list. In this article, we're gonna simplify the best ways to get around Central Park so you can see all the sights efficiently. Pedicabs/Horse-Drawn Carriage On Central Park's website: pedicab tours are $150/hr and this is the discounted price. Usually cost $3-7 per minute. I've seen as high as $10/min. This is so expensive and no one on these tours ever looks like they are actually enjoying it. You'll miss most of the most famous spots just because the pedicabs can't go to the best places. Horse-drawn carriage on Central Park's website-$120 for a 30 min ride. $160 for 45 min ride. This does not include tip! Walk up prices will be much more expensive. Bike/Scooter Rental Bike rentals as low as $11/hr/person. Scooter rental is around $20-25/hr/person. Citi Bike: Day pass for $19/day. Free unlocks + 30 minute of free riding on a standard bike or $0.30/minute on an eBike Normal unlock: $4.79 for 30 minutes on a standard bike or $0.30/minute on an eBike Rollerblading or Skateboarding Rollerblade rental- $25 for 24-hour rental. Comes with helmet and pads. Would not recommend this option unless you are a very good rollerblader. The central park roads are sometimes uneven and the loop can get crowded. Would be fun if you are good but could easily be miserable if you are a novice. Skateboarding-- Same deal. You should be good at this. Probably best if you already live here and have one. This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Turnstyle Underground Market Located in the Columbus Circle subway station, right under the Shops at Columbus Circle. This market has a wide variety of food spots, shops, and dessert/drink places. Some include: Doughnuttery - Small, unique donuts Criollas - Empanadas Down Under Coffee - Coffee shops Lisa's Dumplings - Dumplings Panda Bubble Tea - Bubble teas and drinks Dog shop, barbershop, clothing boutiques Bike/Scooter Tours Bike tour, around $50/person for 2 hour tour. Scooter Tour, around $95/person for 2 hour tour. Walking Can use the free central park audio guide and choose your own adventure. Check out our Central Park Audio Guide Podcast Episode! Price: Free Subway + Walking On West side of the park: B/C subway runs along Central Park West. 72nd street stop drops you off by The Lake, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields, The Ramble. 10 min walk to Bethesda Terrace. 81st St Museum of Natural History B/C drops you off by Belvedere Castle, the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, The Ramble. Price: Subway costs $2.90/swipe. Enjoy Central Park!

We are lucky enough to spend more time in Central Park than 99% of New Yorkers, meaning we know the ins and outs of this sprawling oasis in Manhattan. With so many different activities, attractions, and sites in Central Park, it can be hard to know where to spend your time. Luckily, we've got three unique places that will make you fall in love with Central Park! Here are our 3 favorite Central Park Hidden Gems: Conservatory Garden Getting Lost in The Ramble Hallett Nature Sanctuary Hidden Gem #1 - Conservatory Garden We are so disappointed that it took us over a year of living in NYC to go to the Conservatory Garden. It is PHENOMENAL. It boasts three different style areas. The center Italianate Garden, the French-style North Garden, and the English-style South Garden. You’ll find massive fountains, squirrel-shaped shrubbery, a wide variety of flowers and plants, and, of course, public bathrooms (this matters). Hidden Gem #2 - Getting Lost in The Ramble The Ramble is one of the most underrated portions, and truly a hidden gem of Central Park. One of our favorite things to do in Central Park is to get lost in The Ramble. There are SO many paths you can explore, and it’s one of the most peaceful and quiet places in Manhattan. The Ramble is also home to some of the best bird-watching in New York City. With over 200 species of birds frequenting Central Park each year, this wooded area is the perfect place to spot a new bird. PS- If you haven't downloaded it already, the Merlin Bird ID app is top-notch and free. Even if you aren't a bird enthusiast, it's a great app for learning about and identifying thousands of different birds. Get it here! Hidden Gem #3 - Hallett Nature Sanctuary One of three wooded areas, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary was originally called "The Promontory" by the park's original designers. It is now a beautiful spot free of the hustle and bustle of most parts of Central Park, the mark of a true hidden gem. This rocky, hilled area was later turned into a bird sanctuary in the 1930s and, in 1986, was renamed after George Hervey Hallett, Jr., a nature enthusiast and birder. For years, until a 2016 restoration, this area was minimally cared for and became overrun with feral cats and invasive plants. The restoration helped bring in healthy, native plants and create a beautiful walking path to explore this wooded area. There is also a phenomenal scenic overlook and benches for enjoying this small oasis just steps from Midtown Manhattan! This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Liberty Bagels Liberty Bagels is a phenomenal bagel spot near Central Park with unique bagels like rainbow, "liberty" colors, and french toast. Plus, their birthday cake cream cheese is a whole vibe! They move through long lines quickly and have a friendly staff! The Works sandwich just might be our favorite breakfast bagel in the city! Pro Tip: Order ahead for pickup on their website, especially on the weekend! Check out Liberty Bagels 5th Ave here. Please leave a review, follow the podcast, and subscribe to our newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

Quick History Prior to 1929, outdoor seating for restaurants wasn’t technically legal although it still existed and dates back to the mid 19th century Louis Sherry claimed to have set up the first sidewalk café in this country, outside his Fifth Avenue restaurant in 1900. He wasn’t actually the first. In 1891 women out shopping in Manhattan liked to “eat al fresco under the vineclad, bush-shaded bower” in front of the Vienna Café. Before the pandemic, only a limited number of areas allowed for any type of outdoor seating and approval process often took over 400 days When the pandemic hit, a temporary outdoor dining measure was passed and implemented around June of 2020 to allow restaurants to increase their capacity to stay afloat Over 14,000 restaurants applied for the temporary program It was a bit of madness with all but new restaurants being build on sidewalks and in the streets near the actual restaurants There were community hearings and advocacy groups gunning for the removal of all roadway cafes In summer of 2023, Eric Adams signs the Outdoor Dining Bill, making the sidewalk and roadway cafe expansion permanent, leading to the rollout in March of 2023. Will be the nation’s largest outdoor dining program! You’ll Have to Check It Out – Peculiar Pub Check out Peculiar Pub here. New Rules New rules, called Dining Out NYC, go into effect March 1, 2024. Restaurants under the current temporary program have until August 3, 2024 to submit an application and continue with their current setup until 30 days after approval Sidewalk Cafes Intended to look and feel like a traditional sidewalk cafe Can have basic overhangs but cannot be fully enclosed Must have a perimeter fence/barrier to demarcate the seating area from the sidewalk (no more walking through tables… in theory haha) Year-round sidewalk cafes Reduced fees compared to previous Sidewalk Cafe program Roadway Cafes Accessible, lighter, open-air cafes that extend the restaurant’s look and feel out to the street Can no longer be fully enclosed, for example they can have a “vertical divider” but only on the street side and it must maintain clear visibility They can have basic overhangs like a pergola or umbrella and can include lighting Seating must be easily movable Cafes will be easy to move, clean, set up, and break down Allowed April 1 to November 29 (eight-month season)