Episodios

  • Best NYC Pass in 2026? We Did the Math

    Best NYC Pass in 2026? We Did the Math
    Apr 7 2026

    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
    • NYC pass comparison
    • Are NYC passes worth it?
    • Which NYC pass saves the most money?
    • Interactive quiz to help you decide the best pass

    Let’s do it.

    Quick Links:

    • NYC CityPass
    • Go City Explorer Pass
    • New York Pass (Go City All-Inclusive)
    • Interactive Quiz


    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.

    #1- You must still book time slots in advance for certain popular attractions, such as observation decks. So, plan ahead!

    #2- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is NOT included on any of these passes.


    See the full article with a comparison table, full pros & cons list and a 5-question quiz to help you choose the right pass! https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz

    You'll Have to Check It Out - Kaia

    • South African farmhouse restaurant & wine bar (the rosè is phenomenal)
    • Happy hour from 4-6 pm with dishes, wine & martinis for $9
    • Friendly staff with a cozy feel
    • Outdoor seating is available during warm weather

    Check out Kaia here.

    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

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    17 m
  • 3 Unglamorous (But Must-Know) NYC Travel Tips

    3 Unglamorous (But Must-Know) NYC Travel Tips
    Mar 24 2026
    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 SituationIf 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 LeaveIf 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 OptionsFamiliarize yourself with places that are likely to have bathrooms, including but not limited to:Hotel lobbiesNew York Public LibrariesSome parks (not all, mind you)Whole FoodsMany coffee shops (not all, again)And, do yourself the favor and follow this amazing Google Maps list from Got2GoNYC! It shows hundreds of available bathrooms throughout the city.2- Staying Charged & ConnectedThe 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 Broadway shows, and it will, of course, serve as your camera for documenting your travels.You cannot afford for your phone to die.Phone Charging Advice #1 - Charging AroundA 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 shopsPublic librariesFood-eating areas of bodegas, grocery stores, or delisPhone Charging Advice #2 - Portable ChargerBetter 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 StepsWhen 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 ShoesWhile 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 SideThe 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 DistancesIn 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-ChafeIt only takes one bad chafing experience to actively avoid it in the future!This anti-chafe stick from Body Glide will be $10 well spent. 🫡You'll Have to Check It Out - Smithfield HallGreat sports bar with loads of TVs, good bar food, and a soccer-centric vibe. Check it out 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
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    19 m
  • 5 Overrated NYC Tourist Attractions + Better Alternatives

    5 Overrated NYC Tourist Attractions + Better Alternatives
    Mar 10 2026

    New York City offers nearly unlimited activities, restaurants, and unique landmarks to explore. Wasting your time on overhyped or overpriced attractions can eat away at your valuable time in the city.

    In this article, we’re gonna help you avoid wasted time and money by calling out five overrated NYC attractions you can keep OFF your itinerary.

    Plus, we’ll provide alternatives to each of these common tourist traps.

    1- Serendipity 3

    The crowds are hectic, the ambiance is overstimulating, and none of the food or desserts we tried were very good.

    Instead, go to Caffè Panna or Grace Street.

    2- Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

    We've covered this in full detail previously, but this experience is too long, too crowded, and too much waiting in line to be worth your time. Instead, take the free Staten Island Ferry or simply view the Statue of Liberty from Lower Manhattan.

    3- The Charging Bull in FiDi

    The crowds around this statue overstate what you'll actually get out of the experience. While passing by is great, we wouldn't go out of our way to view this statue. Instead, go to the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

    4- Central Park Zoo

    The Central Park Zoo is actually quite small, with not very many animals. If you want a zoo experience, go to the Bronx Zoo. It has 265 acres and SO many exhibitions.

    5- Museum of Ice Cream/Color/Illusions

    If social media didn't exist, neither would these "museums". Instead of spending the $30 or so for one of these money grabs, go to any of the iconic museums like the MoMA, The MET, or the Museum of Natural History.


    You'll Have to Check It Out - Swift Hibernian Lounge

    Probably the coziest Irish pub you'll find, with an unbelievable pour of Guinness. We also loved the communal table in the back section! Check out Swift here.


    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

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    13 m
  • 15 Useful Apps for NYC Travel & Exploration

    15 Useful Apps for NYC Travel & Exploration
    Feb 24 2026
    When you're exploring New York City, you will be quite reliant on your phone for navigating, finding restaurants, and buying tickets for attractions and events.Make sure you download some essential apps to avoid long lines, save money, and make the most of your time in the city.1. CitymapperCitymapper is a fan favorite for effectively getting around New York City. Many users highlight its feature of calling out exactly which car to ride in for transfers and fastest exits. 2. Google MapsGoogle Maps is our personal go-to app for getting around NYC. I love having all my saved spots (access all our Google Maps lists for free here), transit options, and reviews in one spot.3. MyMTA and/or TrainTimeMyMTA is great for the subway. TrainTime is vital when using Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. You can even buy and activate/use train tickets within the app!4. CurbCurb makes it easy to pair and pay for taxi rides. You can also hail taxis from within the Curb app, though we don't do it often.5. Uber & Lyft (for bikes, too)Uber & Lyft are great apps for New York City. Most people are familiar with the concept, but it allows you to hail rides from any location at any time. If you're new to Uber, you can get 50% off your first two rides here! 👈If you're new to Lyft, you can get 50% off your first ride here! 👈If you're new to Citi Bike, you can get a free bike unlock here! 👈6. ResyResy is an app for making reservations at certain restaurants in New York City. It can be a tool for finding new restaurants, but that's not its main feature.7. OpenTableOpenTable is an app for making reservations at select bars and restaurants in New York City.The best part about OpenTable is that you can earn rewards when making reservations. The rewards can be used on:Prepaid experiences at restaurantsDining credits at restaurantsAmazon gift cards and more8. TooGoodtoGoTooGoodtoGo is an app that connects you to lower-cost meals from select restaurants and grocers throughout New York City (and other cities). Essentially, participating restaurants, cafes, grocers, etc. will set aside a certain number of meals that would otherwise go to waste, which you can order for pickup.It's a GREAT way to try out new spots for a fraction of the normal price. Most of the meals are around $5-$9.9. TodayTixTodayTix is one of the best ways to get cheap Broadway tickets. While it's best if you plan ahead, you can often find good options for upcoming shows.Another huge perk of TodayTix is the ability to earn rewards, including discounts on future shows, ticket protection, lottery multipliers, and more. 10. TKTSThe TKTS app shows you which Broadway shows are available at the TKTS booths (yes, there is more than one) for discounted prices.Most of the time, you can snag tickets for up to 50% off the normal price for day-of performances and next-day matinees.11. VividSeats & SeatGeekVividSeats & SeatGeek are great options for tickets to sporting events, concerts, Broadway shows, and other events in New York City. While we personally use VividSeats most often, we've also found great prices on SeatGeek from time to time.12. ViatorViator is an app that offers tickets, sometimes discounted, to events and attractions in New York City.13. GetYourGuideGetYourGuide is another app that aggregates tours, attractions, and other events in New York City.14. See SawSee Saw is a free app (iOS only) that showcases public art galleries to visit in New York City. It shows information about the artist, hours, and locations.15. Bloomberg ConnectsBloomberg Connects is a free app that provides audio tours and information about a variety of NYC museums, parks, and attractions.You'll Have to Check It Out - Gagopa Karaoke$36/hour for 1-4 people-sized rooms or $9 per person/hour for more than 5 peopleBYOB & foodCheck out Gagopa Karaoke here.
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    Aún no se conoce
  • 14 Romantic Activities in NYC: Perfect for Valentine’s Day

    14 Romantic Activities in NYC: Perfect for Valentine’s Day
    Feb 10 2026

    New York City is a surprisingly romantic city, no matter your budget. There are many enjoyable activities for a romantic evening with a date.

    While some on this list can be more of a splurge, we’ve also included plenty of free romantic things to do in NYC.

    Here are 14 of our favorite romantic things to do in New York City:

    1. Walk the High Line
    2. Restaurant hop for a three-course meal
    3. Do a cooking or cocktail-making class
    4. Visit a rooftop bar
    5. Art classes
    6. Picnic in Central Park (or any NYC park)
    7. Date Night at The Met
    8. Watch a sunset at Pier 57
    9. Explore a new museum
    10. Conservatory Garden in Central Park
    11. A couple’s photoshoot
    12. Free art galleries in Chelsea
    13. Day spa or massage for a relaxing vibe
    14. An evening of jazz


    See our full write-up with links to everything we covered.


    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

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide


    You'll Have to Check It Out: Patent Pending
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    22 m
  • Where to Stay in NYC? (Hint: You’re Thinking About It Wrong)

    Where to Stay in NYC? (Hint: You’re Thinking About It Wrong)
    Jan 27 2026

    Deciding where to stay in New York City can feel overwhelming given the number of options. In this article, we’re gonna break down the simplest questions to answer before you decide which part of the city to stay in.

    Because the most important factor when choosing where to stay in NYC isn't just price.

    Here's what we'll cover:

    • Before you look at locations, answer this
    • The #1 factor for a good stay, no matter the neighborhood
    • A note about Airbnb and short-term, non-hotel rentals
    • Our 3 recommendations for the best places stay in New York City
    • Tips for finding the best hotel rates (and comparing reviews)


    Note: See the full article with specific hotel recommendations here: https://rebrand.ly/where-stay-nyc


    What Do You Care More About, Saving Money or Proximity to the NYC Experience?

    When you’re trying to figure out where to stay when visiting NYC, you must ask yourself a this-or-that question. Odds are you can’t have both, so you’ll have to decide.

    The Question: What do you care more about, saving money or proximity to the NYC experience?

    You often, or almost never, can have both. New York City is expensive, and when you prioritize affordability, you will often trade that for distance from common NYC experiences. The same goes for the inverse.

    Is Saving Money the Most Important to You?

    You will spend very little time in your hotel during your visit to New York City. This is probably the strongest argument for prioritizing a cheaper hotel, even if it means a longer commute.

    So, if the cheapest lodging is your highest priority, look at places like:

    • Hoboken, New Jersey
    • Long Island City in Queens
    • Certain pockets of boroughs, like Queens or Brooklyn

    Even with that being said, I would never, ever, ever stay in the far reaches of Jersey, or distant parts in Queens or Brooklyn as a traveler. Nothing against those areas, it’s just not where you’re going to likely want to spend your time while visiting!

    New York City is a destination, and there is something to be said about staying in your destination, not near it.

    Is Proximity to the NYC Experience the Most Important to You?

    You will walk a LOT in New York City, part of why comfortable walking shoes are the #1 priority on our NYC packing list, and you will likely finish each day exhausted. Do you want to be dealing with a lengthy, challenging commute at the end of a long, tiring day?

    Being close to the action is not only fun, but it’s practical. This is especially true for a short, weekend trip to NYC.

    So, if being close to the NYC experiences is your highest priority, look at places like:

    • Upper Midtown
    • Chelsea
    • Financial District


    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

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    23 m
  • Chelsea Neighborhood Guide: Bars, Restaurants & Things to Do In This Iconic NYC Neighborhood

    Chelsea Neighborhood Guide: Bars, Restaurants & Things to Do In This Iconic NYC Neighborhood
    Jan 13 2026

    Chelsea is a Manhattan neighborhood with a rich collection of bars, restaurants, and things to do. While it's known for art galleries, there is much more to see and do for visitors of all ages.

    In this Chelsea Neighborhood Guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about exploring this famous section of Manhattan.

    Here’s what we will cover:

    • Where is Chelsea in NYC?
    • Why is it called Chelsea?
    • Chelsea bars
    • Chelsea restaurants
    • Chelsea coffee shops
    • Things to do in Chelsea


    For an in-depth article about Chelsea and to get access to a Google Maps list with ALL the places we mention in this episode, head here: https://rebrand.ly/chelsea-nyc


    We highly recommend you take the time to explore Chelsea when you visit New York City! Hopefully this episode gives you some ideas for the best restaurants, bars, and things to do in Chelsea.


    You'll Have to Check It Out - SAPPEISAN in Chelsea (part of the Chase Sapphire Reserve's restaurant credit)


    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

    Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    26 m
  • NYC's Five Boroughs (and Basic Terminology) Explained

    NYC's Five Boroughs (and Basic Terminology) Explained
    Dec 30 2025

    While many travelers to New York City envision Manhattan's popular landmarks, NYC is composed of five unique and culture-rich boroughs.

    We'll give a brief overview of each borough and dive into some important NY terminology to help you have a smoother exploration of the city.

    The five boroughs of New York City are:

    1. Manhattan
    2. Queens
    3. Brooklyn
    4. The Bronx
    5. Staten Island

    Each of the five boroughs in New York City has unique offerings, cultures, and history. But first, let's define 'borough'.

    What is a Borough?

    In 1898, the term borough was adopted to describe a form of governmental administration for each of the five fundamental constituent parts of the newly consolidated city. So while each borough has some of its own governance, its power is inferior to the authority of the government of the City of New York.

    Before 1898, each borough (mostly) was seen more as a county and did not fall within the city of New York. Interestingly, each borough is also its own county.

    The boroughs aren't autonomous cities within a city, but rather administrative divisions of a single municipal government. It explains why, for example, the Mayor of NYC has authority over all five boroughs, and why there's one unified city budget, police department (NYPD), etc., even though each borough has its own Borough President and some local administrative functions.

    In today's terms, a borough is one of the five distinct geographic regions of New York City including:

    • Manhattan
    • Queens
    • Brooklyn
    • The Bronx
    • Staten Island

    Each borough has multiple neighborhoods with distinct cultures and histories. We took to social media to get insights from borough residents, so you'll see their recommendations sprinkled throughout.


    See our full write-up on our website for links to places we mentioned (sorry, we can't fit it all in a podcast description).


    You'll Have to Check It Out - La Grande Boucherie in Midtown


    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

    Get started here: ⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    23 m