Better Together Here: Exploring NYC – Details, episodes & analysis

An iconic piece of traveling in New York City is hailing a classic yellow taxi cab.

While sometimes it can be cheaper to take Lyft/Uber, hailing a taxi can be cheaper and easier if you get one right away.

Main Tip: Know the Cross Streets, Not Just an Address

The most important note for getting in a cab is to know the cross streets of your destination. If you’re going to a major landmark (Empire State Building, the Met, etc.) you may be fine just saying the name of the place, but for anything else, you will want the cross streets.

Here are some more general tips for taxis in New York City:

• If the light on top of the cab is on, the cab is available)
• If coming out of a busy area like a museum or Broadway show, consider going an avenue over where you’ll be competing with fewer people for a ride Walk against traffic, even if away from your destination, to get “above” other people trying to hail cabs if you don’t want to walk to a new avenue
• Visibility is everything when trying to hail a cab. If the cab can’t see you, he won’t stop. If you put yourself in a position where the cab can see you ahead of time and has enough space to pull over and pick you up, that increases your odds of getting a ride quickly. The easier you make it on the driver, the easier it will be to get rides.
• The vast majority of taxis take card or cash, and most take apply pay, etc. but it’s always good to ask as you get in.
• Make sure the cab driver starts the meter when you get in. There will always be an initial charge when the ride starts so don’t worry about that. Just make sure you see a meter that’s in use. If the meter is not being used, it’s not a legal taxi. They should also have their taxi license number visible to you as a passenger.
• Go to main avenues (6th Ave, Madison Ave, etc.) and go on the side of the street where the taxi can stop, you’re less likely to get as many cabs passing on cross streets (48th St, etc.)

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Jasper's Taphouse & Kitchen

Jasper's is a phenomenal bar and restaurant in Hell's Kitchen with an extensive happy hour, friendly staff, and delicious bar-style entrees and appetizers.

They also have beer towers! Roughly 88oz of beer for only $30 during happy hour!

Plus, the music isn't too loud and there's sports on the TVs. What more can you ask for?

Check out Jasper's Taphouse & Kitchen here.

Rideshare Hacks

Prices for Lyft/Uber fluctuate highly depending on the weather (rain drives up prices), time of day (rush hour drives up prices), and your location.

Here are some general tips for using Lyft/Uber in NYC:

It’s a good idea to check both apps against each other to compare prices. Your experience will vary, but one is almost always a significant amount cheaper than the other.
Always confirm the license plate of the car you’re getting into, again it’s about safety

It’s often best to set your pickup location at a main avenue if possible, but it’s not completely necessary
Wait & save can save you 5-15%, so use that if you’re flexible on getting to your next destination. Most of the time, the wait ends up being slightly shorter than what the app will say

If you plan on using rideshare apps frequently while in New York City, it can be worth signing up for Lyft Pink or Uber One. The monthly cost can be offset with 3-5 rides.

We’ve loved our experience with Lyft Pink and have found it to be cheaper than Uber in most cases. Lyft Pink is $9.99/month or $99/year. So if you plan on using Lyft more than 3-4 times on your trip, the cost is likely worth it.

Lyft Pink also includes extra perks like:

• Free Priority Pickup upgrades Member-exclusive pricing
• 12 free bike or scooter unlocks a year
• Relaxed ride cancellations and lost & found fees Free Grubhub+ for a year

Never used Lyft before? Sign up via our referral link to get ride credits.

Show Notes:

Taxi Medallion Deep Dive

Whether you're a vegetarian or trying to consume less meat, we've got 7 delicious vegetarian restaurants in NYC!

Plus, we'll give two bonus ideas for finding the best vegetarian options in the city.

1. Beyond Sushi
2. The Butcher's Daughter
3. Farmer's Friend
4. Spicy Moon
5. Mamoun's Falafel
6. Empanada Mama
7. Westville

1- Beyond Sushi - Vegan Sushi NYC

Beyond Sushi is both Vegan and Certified Kosher, offering a variety of Sushi rolls in Midtown Manhattan. All ingredients are 100% plant-based.

2- The Butcher's Daughter Review

100% vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

The Butcher's Daughter is a popular, delicious Vegetarian option with locations in Los Angeles and New York City.

3- Friend of a Farmer Review

Loved the avocado tartare, charred eggplant dip, and the vegan pot pie.

4- Spicy Moon

Cozy spot with electic decor serving plant based Chinese dishes. One review said "This place might turn me into a vegan".

Bengal Tiger - This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment

Bengal Tiger has phenomenal appetizers, entrees, and drink options at a fair price. It's conveniently located in Midtown West, close to the MoMA and Broadway shows!

They were located on 56th near 6th Avenue, closer to the Museum of Modern Art, but recently moved a few blocks west on 56th between Broadway and 8th Ave.

5- Mamoun's Falafel Review

Their original Greenwich Village spot is a true hole in the wall, but the food and service are top-notch. It may be the best falafel we've ever personally tried!

6- Empanada Mama

30+ empanada options with dozens of vegetarian options in a bustling spot; what else needs to be said?

7- Westville NYC Review

Westville has multiple locations in NYC, including the UWS, Hell's Kitchen, Williamsburg, Dumbo, and more.

They offer a wide variety of vegetable plates and locally-sourced dishes.

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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:

1. American Museum of Natural History
2. Museum of Modern Art - MoMA
3. Metropolitan Museum of Art - The MET
4. 9/11 Museum
5. 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.

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. 

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!

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.

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:

1. Conservatory Garden
2. Getting Lost in The Ramble
3. 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.

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Trying to decide the best time to visit NYC is tough because it's subjective! You could ask 100 travelers or New Yorkers when they think the best time is, and you'll get dozens of different answers.

In this episode, we'll break down three questions to ask so that you can decide what time is best for your specific situation and desires.

Plus, we'll give some pros and cons to each season, our opinion for the best time to visit New York, and, importantly, the worst time to visit NYC!

Choosing the best time to visit New York City comes down to your preferences, travel style, and how much you care about avoiding crowds.

So, to help you make that decision, there are three questions you must ask yourself before deciding on a season, month, or holiday to visit the Big Apple.

Here are three questions to ask to know when to visit NYC:

1. What activities do you care about most (sports, holiday events, etc.)?
2. How much is weather a factor for your style of travel/vacationing?
3. How much do crowds bother you?

Rankings the best seasons to visit NYC from best to worst, based on overall experience, including events, holidays, crowds, and weather:

1. Fall/Autumn
2. Summer
3. Spring
4. Winter

Read the full recap on our website here; just search 'best time to visit'!

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And please leave a review and follow us wherever you're listening. Thanks, and enjoy!

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)

Located in the East Village, Giano is a cozy spot serving delicious homemade pasta dishes.

The staff is very friendly, the food is fresh, and they boast a solid wine list.

Be sure to check out Gaino (Google Maps listing here) and listen to the full review!

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment 'Burp Castle'

Near 7th Street and 2nd Ave, it's a beer bar that requires quiet talking.

You will be shushed.

Mostly Belgian beers but rotating taps with a wide variety including sweeter fruit beers, classic ales, and stouts.

The murals are amazing. Their website says "Temple of beer worship. Operated by the Brewist Monks since 1022 a.d." Back in the 90's the bartenders actually wore monk robes, but no longer unfortunately...