Your starting point for the perfect NYC trip or exploration—neighborhood guides, things to do, restaurant and bar reviews, and tips on getting around the city!
Every two weeks, we explore a topic to help you learn something new about life and travel in New York City. Join us as we help make your next NYC trip unforgettable! 🗽
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NYC Pre-Trip Checklist: 7 Things to Do Before You Arrive
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • Duration 19:25
Once you've booked your trip to New York City, there are important things you can do before you come to help make your trip run more smoothly and be more enjoyable.
So if you've already booked your flights and are getting excited to come to NYC, let's dive into seven things you should do right now before landing in New York City.
1- Set Up a Transit Card in Digital Wallet
In 2026, every subway turnstile in New York City accepts tap-to-pay through the OMNY system. While you can just use a tap-to-pay-enabled credit or debit card, it is often easier and faster to use your phone.
Whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, there is also a way to set up a rapid transit card. The directions vary for each device. Essentially, you go into the settings, find your digital wallet, choose the transit or rapid transit option, and set your default card.
When you do this, you can tap your phone up to the tap-to-pay reader at the subway turnstile without opening your wallet or using your face or Touch ID. This is a much more efficient way to get through the subway turnstile.
2- Read the Transportation Guide
New York City is a massive metropolis with five boroughs and loads of different neighborhoods and attractions. Getting around NYC can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to big cities.
Our Ultimate NYC Transportation Guide covers everything you need to know, including:
While there's a seemingly endless supply of things to do in New York City, some of the more popular attractions can sell out or book up well in advance. Here are some activities you should book in advance to ensure you can go:
Broadway shows
Restaurants
Comedy shows
Jazz club
Guided tours
4- Buy and Break in Comfortable Walking Shoes
Arguably, the most important item on the NYC packing list is the shoes you will wear every day. You will likely walk anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day or more.
While many people anticipate walking around to different locations, many attractions, like museums, also involve a lot of walking.
Prioritize comfortable shoes and make sure that whatever shoes you choose and bring are already broken in and comfortable for miles of walking each day.
5- Download Helpful Apps
In the digital age, apps are a must-have for travel experiences. Many apps will hold tickets for the events you'll be attending, provide information vital to your day-to-day travels in New York City, and even help you get around.
For international travelers, your phone plan from your home country may not work well in the United States. While Wi-Fi is Available in many places, it's a good idea to have a reliable phone connection. eSIMs are one of the best ways to do this.
I personally used Saily on a recent trip to France and had a wonderful experience overall. Use my code DEVINL9611 at checkout to get US$5.00 off a regular plan or US$10.00 off an Ultra plan.
7- Determine If You’ll Get a City Pass
Our full NYC pass comparison article is an extremely helpful tool, as you did, for deciding whether you need an attraction pass. The article has a comparison table, pros and cons of each popular pass, and even an interactive quiz to help you choose the right one.
New York City is a food mecca, and the neighborhood of Flushing in Queens has become a hot spot for Asian cuisine. With the largest concentration of Chinese-born people in America, Flushing is home to hundreds of authentic and delicious Asian restaurants.
This quick guide will cover:
Where Flushing is located & how to get there
Interesting history in Flushing
Our favorite restaurants in Flushing, Queens
Flushing is a neighborhood in the borough of Queens and is most easily accessible via the furthest stop on the 7 train.
Flushing's Demographics
Today, there are over 70,000 Chinese residents in Flushing, of whom more than 30,000 were born in China.
New York City has the largest population of Chinese people outside of China, and Flushing is seen as the epicenter of NYC's Chinese culture.
Flushing has the highest population of Chinese-born people outside of China in the entire world, and roughly 70% of Flushing's population is Asian.
History & Museums in Flushing
While we most often go to Flushing for the food experience, there are some unique historical homes and museums in the neighborhood.
Lewis Latimer House Museum
Lewis Latimer was an African American inventor who made improvements to the lightbulb, air conditioner, bathrooms on trains, and many other inventions and patents. His historical home has been turned into a museum, free for self-guided visits or guided tours for $15 (as of July 2026).
Bowne Museum
Bowne House is a family's historical home built in 1661 in Flushing. The Bowne family fought for religious freedom in early America, abolition, and participated in the Underground Railroad.
Surviving NYC's Summer Heat: Activities, Tips & Packing List
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 19:30
New York City can be very hot, humid, and sticky during the summer months. Additionally, June is one of the wettest months in New York City. This makes for an interesting and unique experience when traveling to New York in the summer.
In this article, we're going to help you prepare for NYC's summer heat with tips on:
Understanding the challenge of the subways
Packing for the heat
Things to do
The best food and drink options for hot summer days in New York City
A common travel challenge in the summer
The NYC Heat & Subway Experience
While you may think you're used to hot weather, there is a big difference between dry heat and wet heat. New York City often has humidity at 80% or higher, and when coupled with 90+° temperatures, it makes for a very sticky situation.
Being in New York City in the summer is like being in a wet hair dryer. The second you step outside, you will feel slightly damp and be a little bit sweaty. That's just the way it goes.
Subway Temps
One of the stranger experiences is the intense heat inside subway stations. There is no AC in New York City subway stations, and while you think it would be cooler underground, the energy from the subways makes it extremely hot.
Subway stations are frequently 10-15° hotter than the outside temperature. An analysis conducted in July of 2015 found that the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall 456 platform hit 106.6°F, despite the outdoor temperature hovering around 90°F.
NYC Packing List for Summer
While we have a general NYC packing list, we'll cover some essentials for the hot summer months.
NYC Hotels: Realistic Expectations, Prices, and (Lack Of) Amenities
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 15:44
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 prices
Taxes & fees to be aware of
Room size & what to expect for (the lack of) amenities
The Airbnb situation
Pro tips to maximize your NYC hotel experience
1. The Price of a Bed in NYC
Average 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 Cost
Base rate is never what you pay — 14.75% in combined state/city taxes + $3.50/night flat fees
Real-world example: one traveler's fees came to 29% of their room cost
Even the fees get taxed on top of each other
Pro tip: always check the total before booking, not just the nightly rate
Some hotels add in resort fees, mandatory daily fees for food/drink, etc.
3. Room Size & What to Expect
NYC rooms average ~300 sq ft — and that includes the bathroom and closets
Micro-hotels can go as small as 60 sq ft
Elevator overload is real — older buildings, high occupancy, long waits
What you won't find: microwaves, pools, hot tubs (rare exceptions exist), very small mini fridges (or none at all)
4. The Airbnb Situation
Local Law 18 (Sept 2023) essentially banned short-term rentals — listings dropped from 22,000 to under 7,000 overnight
Side effect: hotel prices went up ~6–7% as a result
Visitors coming from other cities expecting Airbnb as a budget option will be caught off guard
The Real Cost of Eating & Drinking in NYC
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 • Duration 11:52
While New York City is home to some of the best restaurants and cuisine in the world, the price of eating out can come as a shock to many visitors.
In this episode, we're going to explore the real cost of eating and drinking in New York City and give you some tips to save money and budget effectively for your meals while visiting New York City.
Let's do it. 👇
The $19 -> $30 Pasta Bill
A very common experience is walking past a restaurant in New York City and seeing something like fettuccine Alfredo for $19. You may think to yourself, "Wow, that's actually pretty fairly priced."
After eating your pasta and possibly adding on an iced tea, you go to pay, and that $19 pasta has suddenly turned into $30...
For many travelers, the sticker shock of eating out in New York City can come as a real surprise. And this becomes especially true when eating at sit-down restaurants where the "true cost" never equals what you actually see on the menu.
The longer we live in New York City, the less we are shocked by food prices, but that is only a sign of our own succumbing to the sadness that is restaurant prices in America's most diverse food city.
Average Prices at Restaurants in New York City
While the true costs can vary widely, we're going to give you a breakdown of common price ranges to expect at sit-down restaurants in New York City. Here's what you'll often find for food prices in NYC:
10-$25 per appetizer
$20-35 per entrée
$8-15 per dessert
And here are average alcohol costs at restaurants in NYC:
$9-12 per beer
$12-16 per glass of wine
$15-25 per cocktail
The biggest factor that can make what seems like a cheap meal very expensive is the hidden costs of eating out in the city. ⤵️
Governors Ball NYC Guide: Expert Tips, What to Bring & Transportation
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 13:27
Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City is a phenomenal three-day music, food, and art experience. While it's smaller-scale than some major festivals, it boasts an amazing location, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, simple transportation options, and a strong lineup every single year.
In this no-nonsense guide, we'll cover the vital topics for a successful Gov Ball experience, including:
Brief history of the music festival
What to bring/wear to Governors Ball
Getting to & from the festival
Expert tips for safety, experience, and the best viewing
White Bear is the textbook definition of a hole-in-the-wall, family-run delicious food joint in Queens. It's located in Flushing, which is home to one of the largest Chinese populations outside China.
Most people recommend getting the #6, which is pork wontons, with hot sauce/chili oil, and it is delicious.
Know that there's nowhere to eat or sit at the restaurant, so it's something you can take and walk out with. It's a perfect pre-Governors Ball spot, as it's only one stop away from Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:
Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
Only Have 24 Hours in NYC? Here's What to Do
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 09:33
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 Park
The 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 Museum
Once you've had your breakfast, choose one of the three following museums to explore:
After 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.
NYC Tipping Culture: A No-Judgment Explainer
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 18:55
Tipping culture in New York City, especially for those traveling from outside the United States, can be overwhelming.
In this simple guide, we'll answer common questions like:
Why is tipping common in NYC?
Where do you need to tip?
What tip percentage is expected at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments?
Plus, we'll cover a full-day scenario exploring NYC and how and when to tip at each part of your day.
With hundreds of popular attractions to see, NYC attraction passes can help you maximize your experience and save money in the process.
There are multiple NYC passes available, and we’ll help you choose the one that’s exactly right for your trip duration, travel style, and must-see attractions.
Here’s what we will cover about NYC attraction passes:
Overview of the top 3 pass options: NYC CityPASS, Go City Explorer Pass, New York Pass
There are three main NYC passes worth exploring. While others exist, they aren’t the best value, have poor reviews, and don’t warrant your attention.
Two notes for ALL of these passes.
You must still book time slots in advance for certain popular attractions, such as observation decks. So, plan ahead!
3 Unglamorous (But Must-Know) NYC Travel Tips
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • Duration 18:47
While most NYC travel tips focus on where to eat, what to pack, and attractions to see, those neglect three unglamorous details that can ruin your trip.
Needing to pee in the middle of Times Square? Rough.
Your phone battery dying when you're next up at the ticket scanner for a Broadway show? Yikes.
Blisters on your feet after day one of your trip? Bummer.
This article is gonna save you headaches, stress, and an uncomfortable trip to New York City.
1- The Bathroom Situation
If the status of public restrooms in New York City were an Olympic downhill skiing race, this city would be accidentally going uphill, backwards on planks of plywood.
The cleanliness, availability, and proximity of places to go pee in NYC are all awful.
NYC Bathroom Advice #1 - Go Before You Leave
If you are at a restaurant, bar, museum, etc., and are about to leave, use the restroom before you do.
NYC Bathroom Advice #2 - Know Your Options
Familiarize yourself with places that are likely to have bathrooms, including but not limited to:
The present reality is that you need your phone to explore New York City. You will use it for Google Maps to navigate to your next destination, it will have your tickets for , and it will, of course, serve as your camera for documenting your travels.
Beyond the area's history lies a bustling food scene with hundreds of options covering numerous Asian cuisines. Many restaurants on our favorites list are cash only, so plan accordingly.
While there are hundreds of food options, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Flushing:
Nan Xian Soup Dumplings
White Bear
Peking Duck Sandwich Stall
Happy Lamb Hot Pot
Xing Fu Tang
Chung Moo
New World Mall
You can find all of these, with notes, in our handy Ramen, Sushi & Asian Food Google Maps list. Access this and dozens more curated lists for loads of cuisines and locations in NYC when you sign up for our newsletter.
You'll Have to Check It Out - Malaparte
High-quality dishes in a no-frills, non-pretentious setting in the West Village • Large selection of outdoor seating • Watermelon salad, great bread with high-quality olive oil, cappellacci were all delicious
NYC has no shortage of fun activities, and that's true even in the summer. Let's look at some things to do when it's hot outside, and you need a place to cool down in New York.
Museums
Public library, specifically the flagship 5th Ave location
Broadway
City parks
Beaches
Ferries
Hot Day? Get Ice Cream
Some of our favorite ice cream spots in NYC include:
Mr Softee, classic
Salt & Straw
Cafe Panna
Van Leeuwen
Italian Ice
A Note on Summer Travel to/from NYC
Almost every summer we have traveled to or from New York City, we've experienced delays at some point during air travel. While New York City is very hot, it often gets many lightning strikes and thunderstorms in the summer months. Those storms often lead to ground stops, delays, and travel issues when flying in and out of New York City.
If you are able to, base your travel plans on baking in a little bit of extra time just in case you hit delays; it's worth trying to do that.
You'll Have to Check It Out - Pier i Cafe
Pier i Cafe is both a phenomenal spot to eat on the Upper West Side AND something fun to do!
It's open from May to mid-October. But when open, it's an amazing spot to grab some delicious food and take in beautiful NYC days with a view of the water.
They offer local beers, fresh salads, really tasty fish and chips, and so much more.
Bag storage: hotels will hold your luggage for free, tip the porter
Skip hotel breakfast — go get a bagel or hit a diner
Pools and hot tubs exist but are the exception, not the rule
Book at least a month out for better pricing
You'll Have to Check It Out - Pig and Khao
At 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. 👌
While a $20 pasta can feel somewhat fair, the challenge is that the price you see on the menu is never what you'll actually pay.
There are two reasons why bills at New York City restaurants always end up inflating beyond what you were expecting:
Tax
Tipping
At all New York City dining establishments, you will pay an 8.875% tax on your bill. There is no bargaining with that; that is just how it works. Unlike many other countries and large cities across the world, restaurants in New York City do not bake tax into the cost you see on the menu.
Additionally, New York City tipping culture, and America as a whole, has a direct expectation that you will tip when dining at a sit-down restaurant.
What Should You Budget for Eating Out in New York City?
🥯 Breakfast will, on average, cost $10 to $30. The $10 range is for something like a bagel, whereas the $30 range is more for a sit-down breakfast restaurant or a diner.
🥗 Lunch will, on average, cost $15 to $30. The $15 range is for something like a bowl or salad at a fast-casual place, and $30 is more if you opt for a sit-down restaurant.
🍽️ Dinner will likely be your most expensive meal of the day. Dinner will, on average, cost $30 to $60. The $30 range is for meals where you might just get one entree, and the $60 range is for meals that include appetizers and/or dessert.
Of course, it is very easy to go well above any of these ranges, but these are realistic numbers for you to expect when eating out in New York City.
Overall, you should plan to budget around $50 to $125 per person per day for eating out in New York City.
You'll Have to Check It Out - Brooklyn Bread Cafe
Phenomenal bacon, egg & cheese that always has crispy bacon
Tasty sweet options like chocolate or french toast bagel
Perfect for before 9/11 Museum, the Statue of Liberty, or FiDi explorations
Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:
Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips
Arguably, 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 location
50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips
A better option is to charge somewhere that gets you a place to rest, a break from the elements, and a spot to charge your devices. Here are a few reliable places you can charge your phone (and often get free WiFi, too) in New York City:
Many fast-food-style restaurants, such as McDonald's and Shake Shack.
Many coffee shops
Public libraries
Food-eating areas of bodegas, grocery stores, or delis
Phone Charging Advice #2 - Portable Charger
Better than relying on a plug that may or may not exist, invest in a portable charger.
I have used this Luxtude charger for years, even buying the larger version for travel. I love that it's compact, can give about 1.25 charges, and has the built-in cord.
3- Taking 20k Steps
When visiting New York City, plan on taking around 20,000 steps each day. That equates to roughly 8 to 10 miles (13 to 16 km) every day!
Walking Tip #1 - Prioritize Quality Shoes
While you can reserve your best heels for a night out, during most of your day, you will want to wear comfortable, walking-friendly shoes.
As a bonus point, waterproof or water-resistant shoes are huge! NYC has its rainiest spells in the summer, so be prepared even in the summer.
Walking Tip #2 - Find the Better Side
The skyscrapers and plethora of buildings create interesting temperature swings. You can use that to your advantage!
In the hot summer months, find the shady side of the sidewalk to walk on. In the cold winter months, find the sunny side of the sidewalk to walk on.
Walking Tip #3 - Know Your Distances
In Manhattan, in the grid system areas, 20 blocks is roughly a mile. For average walking speed, that's 15-25 minutes of walking.
Walking Tip #4 - Anti-Chafe
It only takes one bad chafing experience to actively avoid it in the future!
