NEW YORK CITY Travel Guide
The local and touristy New York City Guide
Hello gals,
I know it has been a hot minute since I've written on my blog, but as a quick recap, I moved out of NYC after living 7 years in the big apple due to the COVID-19 situation. To be honest, this was already in my plan from the beginning of the year when I debuted as a freelancer content creator/manager. Once I moved back to Puerto Rico, I realized I never indeed blogged about how to move around NYC from the perspective of an outsider visiting and wanting to have the local-ish experience. And that my 7 years of NY experience that I could/will drop the tee for you. So here are my tips for you.
Traveling to NYC:
When it comes to the airport, it all depends on the deal and the location you will be staying at in the big apple. For example, I lived in downtown New York (Financial District), and I will always fly to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR airport) because it was a shorter and cheaper ride to my home. The car ride is a 30minute to 1-hour drive from the airport depending on which one and traffic. JFK international airport is the most popular one, which means longer lines and a $65 flat fee yellow taxi.
Getting to the City:
Pre- COVID-19 I will always use to get a shared UBER / LIFT (download both apps) for a cheaper ride, and most likely, you ended up not sharing at all. Traveling recently because of COVID, I did get a private UBER ride, and I usually budget around $60 per ride and $90 during rush hour (8-9am or 5-7pm).
There's the Air-train option, but this will take you around 1 to 2 hours depending on how well you know to get around. And frankly, if there's a NY Rule everyone should know, SAVING TIME IN NY IS EVERYTHING.
Where to stay:
Let me start by saying AIRBNB is prohibited in the city, you will find apartments in the app, but I DO NOT recommend this option for two reasons:
You can get scam or get thrown out for not following the law.
Most Airbnb is shared, and there's a lot of weirdos in the city.
I suggest going for a cute little hotel or knowing someone well; that's a cheaper option. (always read the reviews and make sure it has more positives than negatives)
For hotel selection and locations: It all comes to your budget and where you will hang out more (I suggest hotel.com or Expedia and a free cancelation policy hotel). Location wise I recommend Upper Manhattan for those who love museums and greenery Central Park and downtown for the shoppers and foodies. Times Square hotels are trendy, but they do not provide the local experience. TIP – choose a hotel that is nearby a subway stop.
Moving around the City:
To be honest, I will suggest 100% to get the MTA metro card (the 7 days unlimited pass – cost $32) and hop on and off as many times you need. I know the NYC subway map seems overwhelming at first, but I promise you it is the BEST experience you should live while staying in New York City. Look at the locals how they operate, the artist that you'll see, and the crazy things that you will make you laugh (for a little peek, check out @subwaycreaturesnyc on Instagram)
If I could give one drop of knowledge, the NYC metro has 4 significant lines (blue, red, yellow, green), and they can only vertical (go up or down) around the city. Some lines cross in the same stops, and you can change the subway to get to your nearest location. Use your iPhone map for direction and read the signage on the metro platforms to understand if you are going uptown or downtown. And don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from a cop or someone who looks nice if you feel it is too tricky to understand.
As a woman on late nights, I will always get an uber to ensure my safety and get home faster. Before the pandemic, I felt safer, but you know, drinks and late nights call for a get home quicker to eat pizza and go to bed.
Maximize your time:
Make a list of all the places you want to visit and divide your list by their neighborhoods. Something like this:
Day 1: Downton NYC
Breakfast: Wall in the Hole
- City Hall
- Freedom Tower / World Trade Center
Lunch: Sweetgreens
- The Oculus Mall
- Lady M - cakes
- 911 Memorial
Dinner- Augustine at The Beekman Hotel
- Walk by the South Seaport area
- Pier 17
Day 2 Brooklyn
Breakfast Starbucks
- Brooklyn Museum
- Dumbo - coffee
- Jane's Carousel
- Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Museum
Late Lunch: PF Chang To-Go
*Here is a list of things you can see or do around the city:
Sight Seeing:
Downtown NYC
Union Square
Washington Square - NYU campus
Meatpacking District / Rooftop view The Standard Hotel
West Village - apartment watching/shopping
Soho - shopping
Little Italy
China town
Brooklyn bridge
City Hall
South Seaport
Pier 17
Midtown
The Museum of Modern Art
Radio City Hall
5th Ave / Saks / Rockefeller Center
Saint Patricks Cathedral
Empire State Building - Top of the rock
Grand Central Station
Time Square / Broadway Show / MM Store
Bryant Park
Herald Square / MACY's
Madison Square Garden
Flatiron Building
The High Line / Vessel
Uptown NYC
Central Park
MET Museum
American Museum of Natural Historic Museum
The Plaza Hotel
Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Museum
Dumbo
Jane's Carrousel
Brooklyn Bridge/city view
Where to eat:
If you like food, NYC is the perfect place for you! There are all kinds of cuisines with exquisite flavors and experiences. NYC is mostly known for customer services and customer experience. There's live music or great music, shows, ambiance, decoration while you enjoy your meals. New York has it all. I do not consider myself a foodie person, but here is a list of my top selections on a budget. Stay tuned for another post with a list of restaurants that can take you months to finish it.
Easy food
Sweetgeeens
Dig Inn
Bagel from deli
Deli food
Joe's pizza
Restaurant
Brunch:
Whole in the Wall - Fi-Di
Sisters - Bk
When we were young - West Village.
Barbounia Mediterranean - Union Sq.
Old Rose at Jane Hotel- West village
Pardon My French - East Village
Rosa Mexicano - Soho
Sadelles - Soho
Lunch / Dinner
Spice - Thai - (5 around the city)
Farm to Table - Thai. Fi-Di
L'Express - french - Union Sq
Augustine - french - Union sq
Piccola Cuccina – Lower East Side
Tony's Di Napoli - family-style Italian cuisine - Time sq or Upper East
Drinks:
Azul/ Hotel Hugo – West Village
La Esquina - Soho
Agave
Explore the city:
The city has many perks and hidden gems; that is the fun part as a local to keep discovering the tiny hole in the wall places. If you know people who have lived there, asked them their top 5 spots. If you are an art lover, there are literally art installations every week (follow IG @fomofeed) or street art to discover. For more cool pop-ups or places scouting, follow @nybucketlist.
Moreover places I recommend :
Museums
Momma
Guggenheim Museum
Metropolitan Museum
Whitney Museum
The American of Natural History Museum
For my fellow fashionistas:
If you like fashion like myself, here is a little must-visit shop list, mostly around Soho area, but make sure to visit 5th Ave for the luxury stores.
Sezáne
Aritzia
Madewell
Glossier
Frankie Shop
& Other Stories
Reformation
Real Real
Saks 5th Ave
Bloomingdale
CB2 – Soho – home decor
HM Home - 34th st.
This all for me; let me know if this NY City Guide was helpful. And if you have any questions, please send me a comment, and I will quickly get to you. If you are interested in watching more, I recently traveled to NYC to record this city guide COVID-19 edition (Spanish Guide). Where I go around and talk and show about my experience and tips around NYC. Click here
Sending my love
Xx,