There is just so much we want to do and explore when we come to New York, right? Check out these 10 lifesaving hacks to travel around NYC!
These 10 lifesaving hacks to travel around NYC will help you better navigate the city and make your visit memorable!
Check them out below and keep them in mind when you get here!
#1 Drop your luggage off, so you can focus on having fun
For only $6/day you can drop off your bags at over 50+ locations in the city so you can free your arms and not worry about dragging your luggage around during the day.
Book here for a 10% discount or use code “BEHINDTHESCENES”.
#2 Screenshot the subway map before you get onto the subway
Some subway cars aren’t yet updated to show the next upcoming stops/transfers so use your phone to navigate where to get off.
You can catch a cellphone signal in between some stops, but play it safe with having it already on your phone. This way, you don’t get lost or have to hover over someone to check the subway car map.
And still, if you’re more into tech-hacks, just download an APP called “New York Subway MTA MAP”. It’s works with no wifi too!
#3 Bring a selfie stick
It may seem like such a tourist thing to do, but if you don’t want to bother a busy New Yorker to take your picture, then this is the best way to snap a quick pic!
Which one we recommend? Try the one from DJI, named Osmo Mobile 2.
Also, for inspiration, follow Fomofeed to find all the cool free NYC instagram-worthy shots.
#4 Pack comfortable walking shoes
With so many great walking spots in NYC, you will need a good pair of shoes that won’t hurt your feet after a few miles.
Some favorite (and free) walking spots include Fort Tyron Park, FDR Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, and the gorgeous pink Williamsburg Bridge, that has been featured in countless movies!
If you’re into adventure, you might want to explore the beauty of an upstate New York day trip or our NYC’s Maritime History Tour. So scary and curious!
#5 Use travel APPs to make your life easier and save some cash
Here’s a list that may come in handy when traveling around NYC.
- Check out Yelp for check in discounts to restaurants around the city and Open Table to make a quick reservation.
- Use Lyft or Uber to share rides and get around the city, or the Citibike APP if you prefer biking around.
- Download Splitwise to make it easier to track and split expenses amongst your travel party.
- Check out the HotelTonight APP for exclusive hotel deals.
#6 Carry a portable phone charger
This is crucial, especially because with pictures and social media, your battery will drain in no time. You’ll be out and about all day in New York, so be sure you buy a phone charger so you stay plugged in all day – most will be under $30 and well worth it!
But we love the Mophie products, even though they are a bit more expensive. They have a (RED) Collection where “a portion of the proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED™ purchase will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa”.
#7 Beware of street food
NYC is well-known for their delicious hot dog stands and roasted peanuts, but be careful with where you choose to eat! You might have a bad time during your trip if you pick the wrong one!
Find a food cart that has a long line or keep an eye out for the most trusted food cart, like the traditional “The Halal Guys”. We love them, and so does every other New Yorker in town.
You can find them at West 53rd Street corner with 6th Avenue, and a few other spots in the city!
#8 Save money on Broadway tickets
If you have time to spare, you can find steeply discounted Broadway show tickets the day of at the big red TKTS booth in Times Square, South Street Seaport, Lincoln Center and Downtown Brooklyn. Check their website for queue hours.
Want another secret to the currently most coveted show on Broadway: Hamilton!? They have an APP called “Hamilton – The Official App” where, twice a day, they have a lottery giving out tickets for $10/each and you can buy up to 2! Note: Tickets for the show starts at $199, and skyrocket to over $800 for the premium seats.
Oh! And if you want the true “behind the scenes experience”, you might want to have dinner with 2 cast members from Hamilton before the show, watch the show from the best seats, then go back stage to meet the entire cast! How? Contact us!
Not a fan of Hamilton? Don’t worry! We have this experience for all Broadway show!
#9 – Don’t fall for street scammers/hustlers
NYC will always have people hustling outside on the streets so beware of the scam! You may wind up with fake tickets, blank DVDS or something else counterfeit that you just paid for.
Just go straight to the official website or authorized resellers to purchase and be safe.
#10 Research pay what you wish museum days
Some of the major museums in NYC have donation based nights that can save you some serious cash!
The 9/11 Museum, Bronx Zoo, New Museum, and the Frick Collection all have weekly donation based entrance fee hours to name a few.
Plus, many have specific days/hours with FREE entrance.
The list can go on, but these are probably the top 10 lifesaving hacks to travel around NYC!
If you are looking for any type of help during your travel, let us help you out. But, if you’re a company looking for assistance for your team or your valuable clients, contact our experts.
Have fun and welcome to our Behind the Scenes NYC world!
Text Credit: In collaboration with UseBounce
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Joan Marcus, © flickr user Gorbould. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, Pexels, Joshua Newton, Chris Barbalis and Matteo Catanese.
*Last Update on March/2020.*