Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

New York City hotels, while expensive, often are much smaller and simpler than travelers expect. While you won't spend much time in your hotel, it's important to understand what your room and hotel experience will entail in NYC.In this episode, we'll cover:Average hotel pricesTaxes & fees to be aware ofRoom size & what to expect for (the lack of) amenitiesThe Airbnb situationPro tips to maximize your NYC hotel experience1. The Price of a Bed in NYCAverage Range: $250–$400 depending on neighborhood (Times Square = highest)Budget [think hostel-style] ($115 +) vs. mid-range ($225+) vs. luxury ($500+++)Weekdays (cheaper) vs. weekends, and seasonal swings matter (Jan & Feb are often the cheapest time)2. Taxes & Fees: The Hidden CostBase rate is never what you pay — 14.75% in combined state/city taxes + $3.50/night flat feesReal-world example: one traveler's fees came to 29% of their room costEven the fees get taxed on top of each otherPro tip: always check the total before booking, not just the nightly rateSome hotels add in resort fees, mandatory daily fees for food/drink, etc.3. Room Size & What to ExpectNYC rooms average ~300 sq ft — and that includes the bathroom and closetsMicro-hotels can go as small as 60 sq ftElevator overload is real — older buildings, high occupancy, long waitsWhat you won't find: microwaves, pools, hot tubs (rare exceptions exist), very small mini fridges (or none at all)4. The Airbnb SituationLocal Law 18 (Sept 2023) essentially banned short-term rentals — listings dropped from 22,000 to under 7,000 overnightSide effect: hotel prices went up ~6–7% as a resultVisitors coming from other cities expecting Airbnb as a budget option will be caught off guard5. Tips for Doing It RightBag storage: hotels will hold your luggage for free, tip the porterSkip hotel breakfast — go get a bagel or hit a dinerPools and hot tubs exist but are the exception, not the ruleBook at least a month out for better pricingYou'll Have to Check It Out - Pig and KhaoAt Pig and Khao on the Upper West Side, their head chef Leah Cohen pays homage to her Filipino upbringing with a variety of Southeast Asian dishes and flavors.The portions, as part of their family-style meal, are MASSIVE. And the vibes are laid-back, perfect. 👌Don’t skip the crab fried rice!Check out Pig & Khao here. PS- It's part of Chase Sapphire's dining credit program. Learn more & sign up here.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

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.🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists (including all of these views in one list): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠1- 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 NightTimes 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 RoomTheir 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.

The Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn is a vibrant, albeit crowded and touristy, spot to take in views of Manhattan, explore the waterfront, and enjoy some delicious food. Where is Dumbo? It encompasses two sections: one situated between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, which connect Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River, and another extending eastward from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area. Why Is It Called Dumbo? Dumbo stands for "Down under Manhattan Bridge overpass" and was said to be coined in the '90s by locals to make the neighborhood sound less desirable to developers. 1- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge It's crowded but worth it; try to go at off-times. You can walk in from the Manhattan side across the Brooklyn Bridge into Dumbo! 2- Timeout Market Spread across 24,000 square feet, the curated dining destination packs multiple eateries, three bars, a fifth-floor rooftop, and art installations into one space that encompasses the best food, drinks, and culture that New York has to offer. 3- Evil Twin Brewing Their flagship brewery is in Ridgewood in Brooklyn, but their Dumbo location boasts almost 20 local beers on tap. This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Bargemusic Since 1977, Bargemusic has presented chamber music in an unlikely and startlingly beautiful venue—a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. Both established and emerging musicians perform at Bargemusic on a small stage with the dramatic backdrop of the East River and lower Manhattan skyline. Mark Peskanov, Bargemusic Artistic Director, has performed for decades with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, and many other world-famous artists. 4- Grimaldi's Pizzeria Multi-level Brooklyn staple serving pies for over 100 years. 5- Brooklyn Bridge Park - Views, Free Events, Near the Water If you go to brooklynbridgepark.org, they have a full calendar of free activities, including workout classes, live music, movie showings, and other fun activities. Sign up for our weekly NYC newsletter here: https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! 🙏

Chelsea Market is a bustling market in New York City with dozens of shops, local art, and delicious food spots. In this article, we'll review the best shops and places to eat in Chelsea Market! Brief History of Chelsea Market Originally constructed in the 1890s Was the home of the National Biscuit Company, aka Nabisco, from the late 1890s until 1956 The Oreo cookie was invented and first produced here Redeveloped in the 1990s and is now owned by Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google Also includes office spaces on upper levels for companies like Oxygen Network, MLB.com, Google, YouTube, and the Food Network Best Shops at Chelsea Market Artists & Fleas Posman Books Anthropologie Pearl River Mart Heatonist Saxelby Cheesemongers Sarabeth's Bakery Varying pop-up shops and market areas Best Places to Eat at Chelsea Market Los Tacos No. 1 Doughnuttery A Taste of Economy Candy Berlin Currywurst Creamline American Classics The Lobster Place Seafood Hall Takumi Taco La Devozione Sign up for our newsletter; we email once a week with must-see NYC travel tips and articles! https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

Odds are, you'll have a rainy spell while in New York City. This episode breaks down all the best rainy day activities in NYC! It rains roughly 35% of the days each year, historically and the rainiest month on average is June! So, pack water-resistant shoes, a rain jacket, and an umbrella. Best Rainy Day Activities in NYC Finding cheap Broadway tickets, matinees are a great daytime activity Bar hopping Museums Movie theater Covered rooftop Bowling is too expensive and not worth it Markets & food halls like Chelsea Market or Pier 57 Grand Central Terminal New York Public Library Sporting events Concerts Karaoke Shopping Happy exploring, and stay dry!

New York City is a rich city with unique experiences and a rich history. Jane's Walk NYC gives you the opportunity to dive deeper into different cultural, historical, and unique aspects of the city, all for free! This year, NYC's Jane's Walk will take place from Friday, May 3rd, through Sunday, May 5th. While availability lasts, you can register for free walking tours through the hosting group's website, the Municipal Art Society of New York. Keep reading below to learn about some of the unique tours available, more about Jane Jacobs, and why you won't want to miss this once-a-year event! 👇 Jane’s Walk is a movement of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs, a writer, urbanist, and activist who championed a community-based approach to city-building. Jane lived in Greenwich Village until 1968 and was influential in helping to preserve a community-centric approach to city planning and fought against and helped derail the expansion of expressways and roads. The event started in 2006 in Toronto, where Jane Jacobs lived for most of her life. It has now expanded to over 500 cities worldwide! Jane's Walk takes place annually around the first weekend of May, close to Jane's birthday. ane's Walk NYC is put on by the Municipal Art Society of New York, and was one of the first cities outside of Toronto to host Jane's Walk. Some highlights and interesting tours include: Medieval Manhattan! covering Medieval architecture references in Hamilton Heights Unpacking the Historic Meat Packing District Downtown Dames: Historic Women Celebrated in Public Spaces in Lower Manhattan Pest Propaganda: An Ode to the Rat & the Pigeon Radical History of The Village Proving Ground: Fighting Fires in the City of New York An Anti-Connoisseur’s Guide to the Parking Lots of Astoria The City Speaks: Language. Place. Identity. These are only a few highlights; be sure to check the entire website with 175+ options and register for a walk! This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Up Thai on UES Up Thai is a slightly upscale Thai spot serving unique dishes, delicious duck options, and phenomenal cocktails. Check out Up Thai on 2nd Ave, near 74th Street, here. From the Jane's Walk website: Jane’s Walks are a way for neighbours to meet neighbours, and for neighbourhoods to build community. Jane’s Walk strives to include a wide array of voices and ideas in discussions about cities, neighbourhoods and community engagement. Jane’s Walk is different from other initiatives because the community and its buildings, parks, and broader environment are also active players in the walks. They inspire, frustrate, inform, and direct participation in the conversations.

Choosing the best observation deck in NYC doesn't have to be complicated. In this simple guide, we'll provide some guiding factors on how to choose the best observation deck and some pros and cons of each of the five most popular decks. And, of course, we'll provide our choice for the best overall observation deck in New York City! One World Trade Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons Pros Most unique viewpoint since the rest of them are in Midtown Best views of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Cons Indoors means less quality pictures and being indoors takes away from the feeling of being "outside" that high up No views of Central Park and uptown areas Get tickets via Viator here. Or, via Get Your Guide here. One Vanderbilt Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons We haven't been here yet... Good Instagrammable parts, but not much better views than other more iconic options! Get tickets via Viator here. Or, via Get Your Guide here. Top of the Rock Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons Pros: Very central location with immersive views on all sides of the heart of the city Unique view of Empire State Building and One Vanderbilt There is lots to do right around it: ice skating, lots of shops, being close to Times Square, 5th Ave shopping, etc. Cons: Smaller view platform than some of the others and feels more crowded Get tickets via Viator here. Or, via Get Your Guide here. Empire State Building Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons Pros: Cool educational experience about the building of the Empire State (built in 410 days), at one time the tallest building in the world Iconic, original lookout spot with lots of history Cons: The views and pictures are diminished because of the grating and metal around the edge The area doesn't have as much right near it to do and isn't the best place to visit at night, Herald Square Get tickets via Viator here. Or, via Get Your Guide here. The Edge Observation Deck with Glass Floor Review: The Best Option Pros: The glass floor is a completely unique experience Our favorite panoramic views of all directions from a central location: downtown, Central Park, New Jersey/Hudson, uptown. Especially with the glass walls you get views of the city, park, and water of NYC all in one spot Interesting educational experience about Hudson Yards as you go into the experience The tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere Cons: It can be confusing to find since it's inside of a mall It can be extremely crowded depending on the time of year, with lines for the best picture spots Food and drink options are extremely expensive, even for NYC standards Get tickets via Viator here. Or, via Get Your Guide here.