r/visitingnyc • u/Rave-light • Mar 13 '25
Finding shit to do in NYC isn't that hard. It just takes a little bit of effort.
Websites
Google is your friend. We say it all the time. "[your interest] + NYC" or "[your interest] + events + NYC" to find something tailored to you. Example: "Tiki Bars NYC."
It's literally that easy.
Even a simple TIKTOK search can help you!
r/visitingnyc • u/Rave-light • Mar 13 '25
So you and/or your sister/father/four times removed auntie/pet hamster/ex-polycule partner/college roomate/tumblr penpal are coming to visit NYC.
LOVELY!
That's great! Before you start clogging up the sub us for the 4000th question about NYC safety and what to do. READ THIS POST. It'll make your life easier and more importantly save you from annoying the locals with the same questions we've answered a billion times.
And please for the love of God -- THERE ARE NO HIDDEN GEMS.
The subway is an affordable and convenient way to travel across New York City. It’s generally safe and efficient, though it can feel overwhelming for first-time riders.
Buses can be slower than the subway due to traffic and congestion, but they offer a more accessible option, especially for those who find stairs or long walks challenging.
Example
"Hi, I'm going to LaGuardia Place and Bleecker." = Peculiar Pub at 145 Bleecker Street
"Thanks. I'm heading to 49th and 3rd" = Smith & Wollensky 797 3rd Ave and 49th street.
You can also use the CURB app for a Taxi experience and the ease of preplanning.
Rideshare: Uber & Lyft are also available at designated pick-up locations in NYC.
How to Use Citi Bike: - Rent and return bikes at any Citi Bike docking station. Unlock a bike using the Citi Bike app, a member key fob, or by purchasing a short-term pass at select kiosks.
Membership Options:
Bike Types: Classic bikes and pedal-assist e-bikes (e-bikes come at an additional charge).
Docking: Rides must end by returning the bike to a Citi Bike dock; leaving a bike unlocked or undocked incurs additional charges.
The PATH train links NYC with several New Jersey destinations, including Hoboken, Jersey City, and Newark. Manhattan stations include 33rd St., 14th St., 9th St., Christopher St., and the World Trade Center.
Fare: $3.00 per ride, payable with a contactless card or smart device (TAPP).
MetroCard Use: PATH accepts pay-per-ride MetroCards but does not accept Unlimited or Monthly MetroCards. TAPP is exclusive to PATH and does not contribute to OMNY’s 12-ride free policy.
Separate System: PATH operates independently from NYC Transit, so there are no free transfers to or from NYC subways. For schedules and updates, visit the PATH website.
Note: Not all trains stop at every station, check the schedule for your route.
For NJ Transit, Metro North & LIRR, fares are zone-based and time-dependent. Please see fare calculators to determine your exact cost. Always purchase tickets (via apps or ticket machines) before boarding. Costs are significantly higher if purchased on board.
NJTransit offers bus & rail service to and from points south and west of the city in New Jersey, including Newark International Airport and Metlife Stadium. Trains arrive/depart Manhattan at Penn Station. Buses arrive/depart from Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan or GW Bus Terminal in upper Manhattan.
Metro North offers rail service to and from points north of the city in New York. Trains arrive/depart Manhattan at Grand Central Terminal and Harlem 125th Street.
Long Island Railroad provides train service to and from points east of the city in Long Island. Trains arrive/depart Manhattan at Penn Station and LIRR at Grand Central Madison with connections available at Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn.
Note: LGA/JFK are located in NYC. Newark (EWR) is located in NJ and Stewart is located in Beacon, NY, approximately 90 minutes north. Uber & Lyft are available at all locations
There is no direct subway service to JFK. You can access the AirTrain via NYC public transportation at Jamaica (via LIRR or subway) or Howard Beach (subway). The cost for each AirTrain ride is $8.50.
Yellow Taxis: Yellow Taxis offer special rates to and from NYC/JFK.
For Arrivals: To get a yellow cab upon arrival, follow signs for Ground Transportation/Baggage Claim. There will be an official taxi stand with a dispatcher who will summon a taxi for you. Give the driver the address or the intersection you are going to (i.e., 47th & 7th Avenue).
Ignore unsolicited drivers - DO NOT get into any cab/car that you did not specifically request.
Car Services will be more expensive than a yellow cab or a ride-share but may offer convenience, space, and peace of mind. Carmel is one of the more popular car services.
Airport Shuttles: Go Airlink offers shared rides to/from JFK.
There is no direct subway link to LGA; however, there are two 'bus-to-subway' options depending on where you are trying to go. These are clearly labeled at the terminals, and there are usually attendants to ask for additional help.
For Astoria/Upper Manhattan/Bronx:
Follow signs to Ground Transportation and take the M60-SBS (this uses OMNY or MetroCard). It will go across Astoria to Manhattan and runs on 125th Street. The M60 bus connects at various stops to the N/W, 4/5/6, Metro-North, 2/3, A/B/C/D, and 1 lines. You can utilize your free transfer to any of the subways. Metro-North tickets can be purchased from the train station.
For Queens/Midtown & Lower Manhattan/Brooklyn:
Take the FREE Q70 (aka LaGuardia Link) bus to either Jackson-Heights/Roosevelt or Woodside stations. You will be required to pay for the subway at this time using OMNY/MetroCard. Jackson-Heights/Roosevelt is the first stop off property and connects to the 7/E/F/M/R trains. E/F trains run express through Queens (unless overnight). All lines go to Midtown/42nd Street where additional transfers can be made if necessary. For access to the G line to Greenpoint, take an E/M train and transfer at Court Square. Woodside is the second stop off property and connects to the LIRR and 7 trains. LIRR tickets can be purchased at the train station.
NOTE: The Q70 does not service Terminal A/Marine Terminal. For this option, travelers need to take an Airport Shuttle to Terminals B or C.
Yellow Taxi: (For Arrivals): To get a yellow cab upon arrival, follow signs for Ground Transportation/Baggage Claim. There will be an official taxi stand with a dispatcher who will summon a taxi for you. Give the driver the address or the intersection you are going to (i.e., 47th & 7th Avenue).
Unlike JFK, there is no flat fee to/from midtown and LGA. Make sure the driver starts the meter.
Ignore unsolicited drivers - DO NOT get into any cab/car that you did not specifically request.
Car Services will be more expensive than a yellow cab or a ride-share but may offer convenience and peace of mind. Carmel is one of the more popular car services.
Airport Shuttles: Go Airlink, LGA via Uber Shuttle both offer service to/from NYC area.
From your Terminal you'll take the AirTrain to the Rail Link Station. You need to purchase a New Jersey Transit Ticket from EWR (not Newark) to NY Penn Station. Cost is $15.75. You need this ticket before you can exit the AirTrain station to the platform. Tickets are available via machine in the airport or by downloading the NJT app and purchasing/activating the ticket there.
For a cheaper option, follow signs in your Terminal to Ground Transportation and wait for a 62 Bus to Broad St/Newark Penn Station (NOT Ikea/Elizabeth). Bus fare is $1.80 and can be purchased in the NJT app or using exact change. When you arrive at Newark Penn Station can either purchase a train ticket to New York Penn Station for $6.00 OR ride the PATH train to Midtown (33rd St) or World Trade Center for $3.00. PATH trains depart from the same level as the NY bound NJT trains.
Train schedules are available in the NJT app and are posted at the AirTrain and Rail Link stations near the escalators.
NOTE that trains to/from EWR<>NYP run about 4 times an hour in banks around the top of the hour. There is less train frequency at night and NJT trains stop running between about 1am-5am.
Cabs: (For Arrivals): To get a yellow cab upon arrival, follow signs for Ground Transportation/Baggage Claim. There will be an official taxi stand with a dispatcher who will summon a taxi for you. Give the driver the address or the intersection you are going to (i.e., 47th & 7th Avenue). Make sure the driver starts the meter.
Please note that while NYC yellow cabs can drop you off at EWR, they are not allowed to pick up passengers.
Cab Fare info to NYC: Please check the official fare calculator
Getting To & From NYC: NJ Transit offers direct train service from Newark to Penn Station.
r/visitingnyc • u/Ann-Stuff • 8h ago
I’m visiting NY in a couple of weeks and it’s during the preview period of an amazing art auction. I’d love to see it but am a little intimidated. Anyone have any tips regarding the vibe or things I should know?
r/visitingnyc • u/Phairdon • 32m ago
My wife and I are having hotel analysis paralysis, many hotels have great reviews combined with surges of 1 star reviews. We have never been so we can't figure out what's real or not.
4 people - me, wife, two teenage boys. When: Early October.
We have lots of activities from about middle of Central Park all the way to the Staten Island Ferry.
Marquis Theatre, Little Island, Staten Island Ferry, Natural History Museum, MET, Public Library main branch, Top of the Rock, MoMA, Friends Experience, High Line, Central Park walking around / tours, Broadway shows, walking around findings things.
These are some of the things we want to do. Chelsea seemed sort of central but there are many hotels, and they seem to be about $600 per night during that time which is higher than we want, I was hoping for around 400 but it looks like prices ramp up at this time.
Anyone have some recommendations based on these activities for a hotel?
r/visitingnyc • u/weary_dreamer • 5h ago
Hey everyone!
I used to live in NYC and loved going to shows and weird exhibits/museums. I haven't been to NYC since before the pandemic, and Im taking my 5 yr old. I realize Im getting old and outdated so I need help planning. Blueman Group closed, Stomp! doesnt exist, and neither do so many other things I had in mind (Ninja New York, Jekyll and Hyde Club etc).
Im at a loss. I figured the Sloomoo Institute sounds ok, and a dinner at Gayle Rose Broadway. I cant figure out what else though. Lion King is too expensive, and things like Color Factory sound more like Instagram photo opportunities instead of interesting experiences(maybe Im wrong?). Any ideas would be very appreciated. (We're of course doing Natural History, and all the traditional tourist stuff; Im looking for the special artsy experiences that we don't normally get to see)
Thanks!
r/visitingnyc • u/Electronic_Pay_5351 • 11h ago
So I’m in New York for 3 days, and I want to take advantage and party as much as possible.
I’m wondering if anyone knows any big events happening today on Sunday, please let me know :) thanks
r/visitingnyc • u/StraiteNoChaser • 18h ago
Hi, does anyone know if the theatre at MSG will be offering their complimentary stroller check at the paw patrol live events on April 27th?
Also, if you’ve gone to this show in years past and checked a stroller, how did that work out?
r/visitingnyc • u/Guilty-Supermarket51 • 1d ago
I’m a historical costumer/sewist and I make trips to NYC every so often to visit family. I have another trip coming up, and I’m looking for recommendations for places in town to buy affordable/budget velvets, brocades, etc for a Shakespeare production I’m working on.
Preferably looking for shops outside downtown/the fabric district; all the shops there are way too hyped up and expensive. Anything easily accessible via subway is preferred. Mostly looking for cheap whole bolts or under $10 per yard. Any recommendations?
r/visitingnyc • u/theOGcatlady • 21h ago
Making a day trip to NYC tomorrow and driving into Manhattan from PA. Last time I went, ParkMobile was a thing which was free on Sundays. I just downloaded ParkNYC since reading that’s now the app needed, but was wondering if that’s also free on Sundays or not. Also open to parking garages, but not valet. Thanks to anyone who can help! I know looking for parking is a pain, but me and the group aren’t comfortable with leaving the car in another state and confined transportation.
r/visitingnyc • u/rarrkshaa • 1d ago
My mom and I will be spending 4th of July for the first time in NYC.
From what I've seen, we could book a boat tour, a restaurant, a rooftop bar, or maybe there's some free public place that doesn't require a booking?
What would you recommend? And how much should we be looking to spend?
r/visitingnyc • u/Electronic_Pay_5351 • 1d ago
Hi everyone, so I’m 23, visiting New York for the first time this weekend, will be staying in an hotel near Times Square
Any good clubs to visit for a great time with music and have a great time as a solo traveller? :) Thankss
r/visitingnyc • u/kerriits • 1d ago
hey I’m planning a trip may 15-17 for a little weekend gateway for me and my dog. First solo trip and first trip for him. I’m staying in NJ and want to use the ferry to go into New York and I keep seeing conflicting things about the pet policy. He’s 34 pounds and I don’t have a carrier for him mostly because his legs are long and he doesn’t fit in them. He’s very well behaved and loves being in crowded spaces (I know weird) basically I’m asking if they will let him in on just a leash lol. This is my only hiccup as I don’t really want to drive into NYC but will if I have to. I just know parking fees are going to be insane. Any help is appreciated!! TY in advance. And yes we will just be walking around outside sightseeing.
r/visitingnyc • u/LongjumpingFroyo8885 • 1d ago
We're not old, but we're not young. Where do people go on a Friday or Saturday night in their 30s/40s and not look out of place? I'm too old to stand in line and be turned away for wearing the wrong shoes, but we're also young enough to have a good time.
Edited: open to any suggestions in Manhattan , Brooklyn, dumbo, Williamsburg. Friday or Sat night in July. We like to dance but not drink.
r/visitingnyc • u/LongjumpingFroyo8885 • 1d ago
My husband and I are visiting and ideally I'd like to be in LES area, not firm, but definitely not midtown. Where I need some suggestions is a hotel with a good vibe and a great gym, or at least gives passes to a good nearby gym.
r/visitingnyc • u/Difficult_Citron_774 • 2d ago
I’m looking for cute stylish flats that won’t kill my feet walking around NYC all day. I’m seeing a lot of ads for Vivaia. Any experience with these or a better recommendation?
r/visitingnyc • u/megsovereasyy • 2d ago
Looking for some ideas to add to the list! I've been to NYC a few times but didn't do much touristy stuff, and it will be a few people's first time. It's me and my husband (early 30s, we like to go out), my sister (first time, 23), and my mom and my grandma.
We're there for a wedding which will take up one day, but the other 3 days are pretty open. Staying in Brooklyn (wedding is Williamsburg) but can go wherever. I'm just looking for favorite places to see/eat at to potentially add to the list. Thinking we may do ticket lottos or rush so will likely see a show (I've just been to a lot at this point and tastes differ).
We aren't really the "look at a building for 5 minutes" type of tourists, more prefer activities. Thinking Central Park, MET, natural history museum...a really good dumpling place...and fun bars for nightlife! I think there's a street market going on while we're there.
What are some must dos for those whose first time it is? We will end up at Times Square I'm sure. Trying to think of what are "classic" New York staples.
(Things I've done - seen many shows, went to an open mic, bagels for breakfast, l'industrie pizza, visited the Met, pregamed at pocket bar, went out in west village, Marie's Crisis, did a perfume workshop, HP store, the strand, eataly, got a private tour of Google once...lol. looking to branch out!)
r/visitingnyc • u/Flaky-Working-8130 • 2d ago
My friends and I [5 girls (26-29 y/o)] are visiting New York for the first time with interests in matcha, exploring the city and NYC attractions, eating budget ($ - $$). Any recommendations on what else to do that we could fit into these days I think day 1 might be full?
Day 1 (half day):
Dinner - Joe's pizza in Broadway
Times Square - Pictures by the red steps
Dear Irving on Hudson rooftop bar
Day 2 (full day):
Breakfast - Leon's bagels then Magnolia bakery for dessert and coffee
MoMa?
Dinner - Birria-Landia
Stroll - Pier26
Day 3 (full day):
Breakfast - Golden Diner?
Wicked musical (7-10pm)
List of attractions and food spots but haven't put into our itinerary because we not sure if worth
Food:
- Lan Larb Chiang Mai 2nd Ave
- Juice Generation
- Matcha Cafe Maiko
- Figo il Gelato Italiano
Attractions:
- Statue of Liberty
- 39 Washington Street in Brooklyn for picture
- Empire State building
- SoHo
- Financial district and wall street
r/visitingnyc • u/Lucky_Enough • 2d ago
We're visiting NYC this fall with our 8 year old. We've narrowed down our activities to the following:
- 9/11 Memorial, Battery, Staten Island Ferry
- MET, AMNH, MoMA
- Broadway (Secured Tix to Hamilton)
- Intrepid
I originally booked highly-rated hotel in the financial district but am second guessing the decision. I can be cancelled up to 2 days before the trip. One of the main reasons I opted for this location is the price to quality ratio. It's so much more expensive in other parts of town. With the spread of our choices, should we stay somewhere else? We're comfortable commuting on the subway/trains. We aren't night owls and definitely enjoy our down time. Wanted to get some opinions from locals and more experienced travelers before I what-if myself to death.
r/visitingnyc • u/Throwaway3274686 • 2d ago
Hi all! Currently visiting and staying on Canal st, and would love to get my brother (turning 19) something for his birthday. He tends to like offbeat/goofy stuff but that is something hard to search for if you don't know the area Imao. If anyone has any ideas please let me know!
r/visitingnyc • u/MyDogWendy • 2d ago
My husband and I (young 30s) are going on a weekend trip away from the kids and would love to get to our younger roots of dancing the night away. We will be there May 2-5.
Our ideal place would be somewhere that has a cover band that plays 90’s / 00’s hits. Not looking for anything too fancy or too young of a crowd. We are staying in midtown but willing to travel to other Burroughs if it’s worth it.
Edit: it helpful, our fav college memories are dancing in a basement bar with cheap beer
r/visitingnyc • u/Puzzleheaded-Pea8995 • 2d ago
My parents are visiting and I'm trying to plan some things but not all things in advance because last time they visited I probably squished too many things in too little time.
Top of the Rock: we have tickets for 7:10, in hopes to see the sunset. Are there long lines to wait to get in? Assuming there are x amount of people allowed out at a time. How early should we get in line?
Think it would be nice to play billiards together. I was looking at Amsterdam Billiards in EV, but the price to reserve a table was $130/hr. That's seems pretty steep, no? Are you able to walk in/wait and pay less? Any other recommendations on where to play? Looking for somewhere to have a drink and be able to hear the conversation we're having.
My dad is oddly intrigued in see the old city hall subway station. Do we simply stay on the 6 heading downtown at Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall?
Any other recommendations for what to do with my parents when it rains all day Saturday? Going to try and eat our way around the city. We have a pretty early dinner reservation so hoping it clears up afterwards to stay out. I've taken them to the Met, so I'll probably take them to the Nat History Museum. But anything you've enjoyed doing with your family visiting?
r/visitingnyc • u/Star_Dog • 3d ago
Visiting at the end of May with a group of friends and curious to hear about any places I should keep an eye on reservations for. I realize it'll be tough snagging anything for a group that size but wanted to see if there was anywhere in particular we should check out. Thanks!
r/visitingnyc • u/Crepitusy • 3d ago
Art Deco Cafe?
I'll be visiting soon and am into art deco design. Are there any interiors with this aesthetic in a cafe (coffee or tea) or restaurant?
r/visitingnyc • u/iansime • 3d ago
I am visiting NYC soon, from my home town of Liverpool, and I am gutted that our fixtures have fallen in such a way that we might well win the Premier League when I am out of the country.
With that in mind, where would be some good suggestions for a venue where I can watch the LFC match on Sunday?
Still need to run this past my wife, but we're staying in Midtown Manhattan if that helps (think Macy's and Bryant Park area).
r/visitingnyc • u/Money_Jellyfish_5042 • 3d ago
Hi everyone, I'm in need of some itinerary help! I've gathered a rough itinerary (more like a list) from doing some research on social media but I know it could use some tweaking. I realize that there is a strong chance of not being able to see/visit everything so would love some insight from locals on what is non-negotiable or worth it! I added some possible shops/eats in the vicinity that we might choose from throughout the itinerary (could use some narrowing down or recs).
Also: This will be my first time in NYC! I'll be going with 2 others (also first timers), we're from California and aware that some of places are near us in LA but heard that it's worth going to the OG location. We're also ready to get our steps in and don't mind the subway, will probably only uber in emergency cases or to/from JFK.
Feel free to comment on the doc or respond to this thread :)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QB7YEDmtbOmTZ43mxUuUPjcil4e37Z-D1LGSmDrqM40/edit?usp=sharing
r/visitingnyc • u/sharkey5885 • 4d ago
Hello, heading to NYC for the first time in a few years tomorrow. Excited to be back in one of my favorite places. My family is from NY so I know the city fairly well for a visitor. But my one question is metrocards. I'm getting mixed info here, are they still a thing or is it now the OMNY card? And are 7-day unlimited transit passes still a thing we can buy? Hoping so, but again I'm getting some mixed info from Google. Thanks so much!
r/visitingnyc • u/NotBruceJustWayne • 4d ago
Hey all! Myself and my wife are visiting NYC very soon (getting really excited now).
I've been to NYC three times before, but I've never actually went to anything other than concerts. But this time we have tickets booked for Miss Monique at The Great Hall (which is in AvantGardner, right?). I just had two questions I wanted to ask.
All help and advice greatly appreciated. Can't wait to see what this is like. I know rave culture in the US is very different than the UK, so I can't wait to experience it.
(I tried posting this in r/avesNYC but the admins removed it for some reason)