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Every city has its faux pas. Here are a few things to keep in mind to blend in with the locals.
You’re going to New York. The subway is your friend. Really, it is. Keep these tips in mind before you go through the turnstiles.
Sure, the map is intimidating at first glance, but this app’s worth really resides in the transit planner. Plug in where you need to go, and it will give you directions on how to get there.
Once you fill your MetroCard, you’ll find the initial higher cost worth it—you can skip waiting in line to buy single rides and slide from the subway to the bus on a free transfer. Keep your MetroCard, too, even when you leave New York! They’re good for about a year.
This is crucial: Uptown=North, Downtown=South. So, if you’re at a higher street (say, 44th) and need to head toward a lower street (28th), you would take a downtown train. Also, know if the express train makes your stop. If it does, hop on board. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to wait for the local train.
Getting through the turnstile takes a certain level of touch. It’s not as obvious as it looks, and if you’re in a hurry, it may take a few extra swipes to pass. Be mindful of those around you if your first attempt is denied. Should a line build, politely let others through before you return.
This is perhaps the most crucial bit of advice. Trains alone are loud, and the subway speakers aren’t exactly Bose. Needless to say, it’s best to know not just where you’re going, but how many stops you need to pass to get there. Also, commit to memory the two stops before yours. That way when you hear the Peanuts adult voice, you will know whether or not you’re in the right place.
No matter what your musical preferences are, you’ll likely find a genre-defining artist from New York, from the Ramones and Talking Heads to Jay Z and Nas. Hit play on Spotify and let these acts soundtrack your trip.
Traveling and working out can go together. It just takes a little more effort and dedication. You’ll be rewarded if you follow these suggestions.
There are several “seven-minute” workout apps. Most offer fairly comprehensive free versions, so you can find one that works for you. But you can’t go wrong with the Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout App. It features 22 preset workouts, ranging from easy to advanced, and videos to guide you along. You can turn your hotel room into your personal fitness center, or, better yet, find some green space in Central Park to mix in some exercise.
Regardless of whether you use Planet Fitness as your preferred gym, there are Planet Fitnesses everywhere: 11 in Manhattan alone. The Black Card grants you access to Planet Fitnesses nationwide while enjoying perks at each gym.
This is admittedly a bit narrow, but if you want to get in a gruelling workout that’s unique to New York, head to Pier 40 for its free community rowing. You don’t need to be a crew veteran either. Beginners are welcome! The service is offered April through October.
With 12.9 miles of paved trail, the Hudson River Greenway gives runners views of the Manhattan skyline as well as some historical markers along the way. The famous Little Red Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, provides a juxtaposition between the modern, bustling New York and its quieter past.
This is one of those “only in New York” things. You can combine a Manhattan shopping spree, should you get free for a few hours, with a workout at two of the leading athletic-wear retailers. Both Athleta and LuLuLemon offer free events like yoga, dance classes, and more.
What exactly is bleisure travel? Many business travelers are adding an extra day to their itineraries for leisure: business + leisure = bleisure. This provides them with a balance of work and play while they’re on the road. If you have an opportunity to take a bleisure day in New York, here are some things to consider doing.
With nonstop bustling all around, just being in New York can be tiring. Coffee, therefore, is a must, and while there may be better cups of joe in Manhattan, Shakespeare & Co. offers a unique atmosphere. Enjoy your preferred morning beverage while exploring the bookstore’s collection. Have a title in mind but can’t find it? Shakespeare & Co.’s Espresso Book Machine technology produces books on-site (from a catalog of 7,000,000) in minutes.
After you’ve stimulated your mind with literature and caffeine, mosey over to Central Park. And while there’s lots to do in perhaps the most iconic city park in the country, doing nothing is just fine, too. Find your own bench or spot in the grass and relax. Or, better yet, pack a picnic and people watch.
Need to get away from Manhattan? Of course you do! Governor’s Island, located between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, is something like a large adult playground with plenty of activities: biking trails, kayaking, mini golf, and walking tours. There’s also a hammock park to catch a few Zzzs. Ferries run all week starting at 10 a.m. from Manhattan and the island is open May to October. If you’d rather escape in the other direction, though, head to the next location...
If you’ve never walked through an Italian market, this is for you. Head to the Arthur Avenue Retail Market in the Bronx’s Little Italy neighborhood where you’ll find an American bazaar—food of all kinds, bakeries, cafes, and a wine shop. After you get your culinary fix, travel just over a mile to the Bronx Zoo, home to more than 650 species of animals.
Once you’ve enjoyed your adventures outside of midtown Manhattan, secure a table at Keens and travel in time—sort of. The famous steakhouse opened its doors in 1885 and much of its decor represents that history. Still, this is more than a tourist stop: It’s a staple of the ever-growing New York restaurant scene for a reason.
The simple setting—dimly-lit room, red brick background—highlights the beauty of the place: The comedians are there to crack jokes, and you’re there to laugh. Unwind in a true New York setting, and who knows? Maybe a famous guest will grab the mic, or you’ll catch an up-and-comer before they hit it big.
Well, there are a lot of these in a city that erupts from a small island. Each rooftop bar promises great drinks and even better views.
Inspired by the Miami original, Broken Shaker is part nightclub, part restaurant, all good time. On most nights, you’ll wait in a few lines, but the payoff is worth it, with reasonably priced food and cocktails that come from a wide variety of influences. TripAdvisor
If you’ve dreamed of enjoying a cocktail on top of one of the most famous museums on Earth, here’s your chance. You can access the Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar on the fifth floor of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, aka The Met. The space is open April to October, weather-permitting. Check out the sunset happy hour to catch views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline in the gloaming. TripAdvisor
Step onto the Monarch’s outdoor terrace, and you’ll be greeted by a familiar face: the Empire State Building. Monarch is an upscale, trendy rooftop bar with the added advantage of having a glass-ceiling indoor lounge—it’s open year-round, even on rainy or snowy days. The Monarch takes reservations and hosts events, so there may be no better place to wow your clients. TripAdvisor | Open Table
Classically chic with an indoor and outdoor setting in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Top of the Standard refers to the hotel underneath, but it also symbolizes the bar’s place among establishments. It is literally above standard. The 18th-floor restaurant and lounge features leather couches and fireplaces, while the rooftop offers views of the skyline on one side and the Hudson River on the other. TripAdvisor
What’s the point in traveling to New York if you aren’t going to explore Brooklyn? The Rooftop at Time Out Market, in the Dumbo neighborhood, features a menu curated by award-winning chefs and a mix of cocktails and local craft brews. Oh, and the Brooklyn Bridge makes for a spectacular backdrop. TripAdvisor
