John, the OMNY thing that you have in your phone, is that an application?Trying to search it in my apps store, can't seem to find it. Or probably, it is only available in the US based phones? Thanks.
I love your channel and respect your perspective. What do you think about Forte lee NJ for living while working in Brooklyn? Any advice ( or video lol) would be appreciated 🤗
Your videos are really great, you know the city, this will be my first time to New York, I am from Scotland, I have been to Canada, but the only state I have ever visited is Michigan, mainly because my sister lives in Canada and the only trip to the USA is for shopping or for a little short trip, in February we are going to New York, this has been in my head since watching home alone 2 this Christmas past, so my question, as someone used to a wet and cold climate, can I expect similar weather for New York in February, so far I have found advice saying yes, take warm jackets, hats and scarfs, overall, we are planning to sit down and plan for as much as we can, as when we don't do this we end up wasting a lot of time, but including some free time to figure out where we want to go and what we want to do. Also I am really looking forward to the giant Pizza
That's the gospel truth. One Time I sat on a bus seat and noticed blood and vomit on the floor and of course, my face immediately started to itch like crazy. I immediately got off and ran into a restroom in a pharmacy. After I scrubbed my hands with hot soapy water, I bought a big bottle of hand sanitizer and put it on every part of my body that was possibly exposed.
I think cinema seats are awful…guess why.? goobers under the chair arms…brain dead people sit there in wonderment firking out goobers then realise that under the chair arms they adhere..and they can forget about their offload..and carry on watching the silver screen..what a treat when your fingers grip the seat arms and you think what’s this gritty stuff?
It's ironic that you came out with this video now. I just went to NYC recently and you basically covered every entire tip that we unknowingly did to make out trip efficient and enjoyable. All of this is so accurate.
My best advice to any who are traveling on the east coast is to use the Amtrak...might be longer, but more comfortable and the train leaves you right in Midtown.
@@HereBeBarr yes but a great start to a vacation. . Easy on and off. no waiting in lines to go thru TSA. sit back with a coffee or soda read a book or watch the scenery I will take a long train trip over flying any day of the week.
Plus we’re traveling from NYC to CT, so any other method of travel other than Amtrak makes no sense. Flying would require hours spent driving to the airport and waiting for the flight, then flying back to DC or somewhere first, then finally on to CT.
We just used Greyhound for day trips back in the day from southern NJ. Worked out fine for us, I just can't deal with all the stress and problems taking a car to any city really, such a nightmare.
If you happen to enter the subway station going the wrong direction (and there's no path to the other side), then another option (vs. exiting and re-entering that station) is to just take the next train to a bigger station, which will usually have a path to either direction. The stations marked with a white dot (where the express trains stop) usually have such paths. You also just ask a local person which stops will let you turn around.
Pro tip - Subways travel on the right side of the tracks like cars do on reads. This means if you are going uptown, then you get into one of the two stations on the east side of the street. If you are going downtown, then you get into the stations on the west side of the street. Similar for subways going east west. Just enter the station on the side of the street if it was a car driving there and you can't go wrong! I lived in NYC in the early 2000s and when I visited recently, I was surprised at how good GPS worked at telling you the best subway routes to take. I had been going the slow way for years without knowing it.
Excellent advice. We travel a lot and apply all these points. Having a siesta is essential!! Get up early, do some stuff, have lunch, have a siesta and then go out again. Your days will feel so much longer and eventful.
Have been to NYC numerous times since 2000 and always used the subway. Never felt unsafe...for me it was the best option to move across Manhattan. Single woman from Germany
Before I abandoned my plans for New York I had broken down the destinations by area like you suggested but I also sorted them by weather. Since it can rain I had places to see indoors when it rains like museums. So there was a rainy downtown and sunny downtown list. Same for midtown and uptown. Plus it had must dos and then extras. So I could have six lists but each day would change plans according to weather.
I used the hop on and off bus not to "hop on and off" but stay seated the entire route to check out the entire area of Manhattan and the main tourist sites from the top deck of the bus so I don't have to visit them individually. I really loved it.
Believe it or not, I'm a lifelong New Yorker who wants to one day do the hop-on bus thing, just to get a different perspective of my city and be tourist for a day too. Looks like fun every time I see one of them. Btw, if you have any questions about life here, feel free to ask 😊
@@lindazee You should definitely try all the courses. I don't see it as a tourist trap. For me, it was one of the most entertaining things I did during my stay!!
The OMNY tip is very good! Keep in mind that you have to be there Mon - Sun. If you arrive on a Thursday, the “pay 12, rest free“ period resets on Monday.
My first day in first visit to New York, 2018 my friend and I dropped our bags at the hotel and literally walked 12 miles that day from upper Manhattan to Brooklyn. It was the best decision we made and we did the same thing again the next day, walking eight more miles around New York City. We loved it!
The subway is honestly one of my favorite parts of NYC. It makes it so easy to get around Manhattan and its such a deal compared to ride sharing. A local friend taught me to use Google maps to figure out which trains would get me to my destination - easy peasy!
Only real New Yorkers can go out at night after a long day! About 4 years ago when I was living in Brooklyn, I used to work two jobs. My day started at 230am & was done at 1110pm M-F weekends off. On Friday night, I used go drinking with my co-workers! When I quit the evening job, I'd go to the gym after work, pick up my kids, have dinner with them, go food shopping at the shop rite in downtown BK, and then head home to queens on the LIRR.
My friend and I went to NYC earlier this year and stayed in the Wall Street area and took the subway all around the place even at night and never had any issues. Just be smart, stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings and where you’re going.
I made some errors and mistakenly took the worng subway and I have learned from my mistakes. Thankfully I have overcome my fears and as I first timer in US, NY being my destination I no longer have second thoughts of using public transportation. Thanks to your channel.
Just randomly went to NY and stayed in park slope.. avoided every chain restaurants and chain coffee shop as everyone should that visits new york. To be able to fly back home and think how la bicyclette barkery in brooklyn was delicious instead of thinking i had starbucks makes a difference. We visited Leroy's place ( amazing local art store). Feeling NY energy and vibes is not by going to time square , its by taking the subway from jackson heights, stopping at dominos park and eating at hidden gems like el sabroso then heading to park slops while enjoying a OH hot dog from fulton hot dog king.
Thank you for all you do Mr. Barr we are narrowing down the best family oriented convenient neighborhood from all your videos these last 3 years. Definitely seems williamsburg or parkslope is in the top.
I once jumped into a subway car that was empty without thinking about why it was the only car empty on a rush hour train, only to find someone had been making poop art in the car and the "artist" was sitting in the corner covered in their own poop. That was one of the few times that I took a dangerous jump from one car to the next since it was an express train and I would rather risk death than stay on the poop car.
Oh man. I've lived here 25 years and never seen that. Sorry!! But yes if a car is empty take a look around quickly before the doors closed and make sure there isn't a reason!
Food carts: Look for a Health Department inspection sticker. If it didn't get an "A" or doesn't have a sticker, keep walking. Subway: If you enter a station in the wrong direction, get on the train and ask another passenger (or the conductor) where you can change directions without paying an extra fare. Driving: DON'T. (From Manhattan, take a downtown B, D, N, Q train into Brooklyn for great views from the Manhattan Bridge, or take a #7 train to Queensboro Plaza for nice views of Midtown Manhattan.)
As a person who was born and raised in NYC, and worked as a paramedic in Brooklyn for many years, these are very good tips, especially about carrying cash. You might have wanted to add that many places are also starting to charge an extra fee just for using a credit card over cash. Good advice also on the Brooklyn promenade. I have been there more times than I can count, and have a fave falafel joint, Fatoosh, on Hicks St, not all that far from the promenade. I've been living upstate (yes, the real upstate, in Syracuse) for many years, so when I get back home for visits, I still like to hit some of my favorite places.
I had 3 days off from work and i decided to rent a car and take the 12 hour drive to NYC because i have never been there before. Very similar to Chicago but very overwhelming on the eyes. I parked in a mall in Staten Island for the day at the cost of $15 and walked to the ferry. I walked up on a lot of interesting things on accident like Alexander Hamilton's grave and places where George Washington drank beer. You need at least a week to really get a fill of this place.
The other downside to the OMNY is traveling with families. Fare Capping only works with a single card, so unless you have a unique account credit card for every single person in your group, fare capping does no good. A party of 4 is better off with 4 unlimited metro cards. You should do a pro and con video of the OMNY system. I think omny is fine for locals, but it kind of sucks for tourists.
Many thanks for confirming this. We were there in August and I suspected that would be the case so my family and I (4 in total) opted for the 7 day Metro cards. A downside to this was that I was only able to buy 2 per day using the same credit card (a security measure, apparently) - fortunately I had 2 credit cards with me. This obviously makes it difficult for families to buy their Metro cards. We may not have had the same problem if we'd bought them over the counter but we could only find machines.
Another problem we had was that we bought a 10 trip Skytrain card (as recommended by Jon) as there were 4 of us but it only worked for the first swipe. Also, none of the machines in the station would let me buy ANY Metro cards after I'd bought the Skytain card and the kiosk was shut. We'd have been stuck at Jamaica Station if not for an MTA staff member who let us through, effectively giving us a free ride to Midtown where we were staying. I think my credit card provider had put a block on my card automatically following my Skytrain card purchase due to suspected fraud - not helpful when you're stuck in Queens at 10.00pm!
I used to overdue my travel itineraries during my first 5 trips to NYC I'm my 20s but in my 30s I didn't overdue it on my 6-10th trips up there because I literally felt like I was rushing from point a to b ...so these are really good tips!thanks for sharing
I'm traveling in NYC, and I'm totally with you that a lot of the most memorable ones on this trip alone is unplanned. I initially planned to walk in Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan (City Hall area) in the dead morning. But I was so physically exhausted from the previous day that I decided to go just at my own pace and head to Dumbo Brooklyn first (arrived around 8:30am instead of 6am -- yikes) before crossing the bridge there. One of the best last-minute traveling decisions EVER.
@@stevegold2717 bullsh* lol. I live in Brownsville , arguebly the worst place to be in NYC, as long as you dont look for problems, there is a low chance to expirience problems. The biggest problems tourists may encounter are pickpockets.. lol
@@Raixsxsx crime is a problem everywhere, no matter where you go. Don’t make yourself a target and don’t look for trouble and you’ll be fine. I literally walked on Lexington 125th st at midnight to catch a train to white plains and nothing happened.
My wife and I survived our first trip to NYC this past weekend because of all your videos! Thanks for the awesome advice! Only mistakes we made were paying $30 for two hot dogs and taking the F train from midtown back to Queens when we should have gone towards Battery Park lol. Thanks for your awesome tips! Nos vemos en El Barrio!
I paid $15 for ONE spicy hot dog without toppings, I wanted to do it because it was on my bucket list but I am so non confrontational I just gave the man my money lol
Having cash is just good travel advice for the US in general. I was in Los Angeles earlier this year. A lot of food trucks and street vendors were cash only. Bakeries and coffee shops where totals would be under $10 often gave cash discounts.
I'm definitely gonna consider having a list of the food places you have mentioned because in my last trip to NYC, I was by myself, had vertigo which is not fun at all and ended up buying chipotle because I didn't know where to go to in the area that I was at.
6:45 Hard disagree if you're staying across a weekend. We're currently in the city, staying from Friday to Friday. The unlimited card means we we don't have to care about rides. OMNY would reset come Monday and we definitely would pay more.
We just got back from a 5-day stay in Manhattan. 95 minutes to get a cab from JFK T4 to Mid town on a sunday evening. 140 minutes (that’s right, 140 minutes) for the return taxi trip on a Friday afternoon. TOP TIP: Take the train. For your sanity.
@@HereBeBarr We feasted on Adele’s halal food, grabbed a New Yorker at “Hello Delli” on W 53rd, ate fried chicken at “Tada” in Chinatown plus so many more of your great tips. A heartfelt thanks John from 2 very happy brits 🇬🇧🇺🇸
@ Here Be Barr Congrats to your Wife and yourself on the on the birth of your Son! What a special time. Please be sure to slow down and enjoy the little things.
6:48 omny is a good option if you're local but if you're a tourist some international cards charge fees . get the regular plastic MetroCard until it's phased out hopefully the Omni system allows Unlimited similar options in the future
Great Advice. I did the subway mistake but luckily the transit employee in ticket booth let us use the emergency gate instead of waiting the 18 minutes
Yes, I came here to say that. If you make the mistake of swiping into the wrong direction and there isn’t a change over bridge, usually the booth attendant will let you in for free if you tell them what happened.
Last time I was in NY I took a taxi from my hotel to have diner, I paid the amount of the meter plus a tip in total 25$. Later that evening I took a taxi back and the taxi driver asked me 35$ for the same trip back but not using the taxi meter(it is illegal to do this and the driver can losses his taxi driver licence), if the driver want to earn some side money that is fine for me. I refused for 35$ and told him I would pay only 25$, tip included if he would drive without the meter on or otherwise he put his meter on, he choose for the 25$. If you are not familar with NY or you are the first time in NY do not do this (what I have done) and ask ALWAYS that the driver put his meter on.
Just came back from NYC. Absolutely loved it. We are there for the 2nd time and always used the subway. If you apply common sense you are perfectly fine. Europeans do indeed underestimate how big NYC is. We are used to walk anywhere and just by looking at the map it doesn't look all that bad, however you don't realize that alone walking down central park in it's length takes about an hour. Not even mentioning walking all the way down to battery park. And that is just Manhattan. Brooklyn alone is as big, or bigger than some European capital cities.
Chain restaurants might be a good first day option for people with moderate-to-high food restriction needs, if they need to eat and haven't yet figured out safe local spots.
Seeing the NYC skyline, including the Brooklyn Bridge, from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a best bet. Brooklyn Heights is a beautiful neighborhood with brownstone buildings and scenic streets especially in Fall.
One not mentioned in the video. If sourcing bud I'd sooner trust the randoms on the street than the trucks. While one guy will try to get you to pay $60 another will do $25. Also don't get pre rolls. Not only do you not know whats inside but you can't inspect the bud unless you break it open
Jon! 10:37 How was you're experience in Amsterdam??? Iam really curious because iam from the Netherlands and watch all you're videos :)) Really good video again btw
#1 Edited. Pack very light. I, of course shower every day, and re-wear shirts-slacks/pants. On my first trip over 20 years ago, I brought a full size suitcase. Then I transitioned to a carry-on suitcase. Now for a 3-day (my typical stay), I bring a good size backpack and a tote bag. The back pack is NOT a huge outdoor kitting backpack , but it's larger than the normal size. I got it at Target. Basically just a extra pair of lightweight Sketcher shoes (my storage space splurge), undies, minimal toiletries, small PJs. The backpack is not heavy and saves me from pulling a wheeled bag from Penn Station to the hotel. #2. Learn the routes of where you're going on the subway before you get there. I think I've gotten the letter and directions pretty well by now, but I am still struck with fear when I see "Express" because I don't know if they will go past my stops if I'm a little further out. LOL. Otherwise though, it makes for a much better experience. #3. Definitely make a plan, if not excessively detailed. I'm bad about frittering away my time, if I don't have a plan. #4. Make priority of what you want to visit. The last couple of trips, I just ran out of steam, even with rest breaks. I walk a lot, but at 20K steps, my legs just give out. (And I walk a lot normally, just not used that that many steps in one day. That's even with taking the subway, which includes a number of steps.) #4. If you come out of LaGuardia and don't have luggage -- and are not afraid of the subway, take the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt subway station. I did that last December, and it was great. #5. You can put the OMNY on your credit card. I did, and prefer it to having to grab and keep open my large-ish size iphone.
1. Buy beer from Trader Joe not from late night bodegas 2. Do not buy edibles from bodegas/bong shops if you are solo traveler not from USA. Trust me. 3. Visit museums. 4. Manhattan is cool but hit other neighborhoods. If you are not local, try to find your national sports, for example: I am from Lithuania so I found Lithuanian square, our poets cemetary in Brooklyn etc.. I stayed alone for 11 days. One of my best experences..
I have driven into Manhattan and through Manhattan to Brooklyn. Street parking can be "free" but you need to keep an eye on the signs. Really check the signs. When there is street cleaning you need to ensure you move your car. Far as what I normally do when I visit. I park in New Jersey at Metropark and pay less than 10 dollars a day to park an midsized SUV. This is a train station, so you walk out of the parking garage that is in a Business Park and the train is right there. Then take the train right to Penn Station. Then I can hop a 1 up to my hotel. If you must park in the city, look at your hotel. Sometimes there are deals with a parking garage close to the hotel. It's cheap and reserved (in some cases). I used to park on Station Island. It was 7 dollars a day, I would prepay for the time I would be there. Nobody bothered the car as it was a manned lot. This was before the outlet mall.. I am not sure if you can park for days at a time at the outlet and the cost. I would much rather park on Staten Island and take the Ferry. It's a nice introduction to the city. A cheap way to see the Statue of Liberty from the boat as you pass it.
Hop on hop off buses, we made the mistake of paying $110 (negotiated price) just to go from Times Square to Central Park. And it took about an hour because we didn’t realize the uptown bus (which only comes by every hour) had two more stops along the way, every stop lasting 15 minutes each. We spent most of our time waiting/sitting. We purchased our tickets around 1 in the afternoon. The last bus comes around at 4:00. We did not get a chance to utilize the tickets again. Hop on hop off tickets would have been more beneficial for exploring downtown area (we had went to the day before) in which case the bus comes by every 10 minutes.
I never book a Broadway show for my first day anymore. One time my original flight got cancelled and I had to rebook to White Plains, which was delayed over 4 hours. Literally did a trains (Metro North) , planes, and automobiles (taxi) to get to my very expensive show with 5 min to spare. Crazy
I would also like to add that the outer boroughs have an abundance of food at a lower cost than prices in Manhattan! Such as Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx! Which are only a subway ride away!
When it was my second time visiting from CT, never carried cash going anywhere. Learned the hard way haha. from that point forward I always brought cash. its a great tip in the video
I know you say New York City isn't going anywhere you can always come back but some people can't. For some people this is the only time they will ever get to visit New York. So you really have to prioritize what's important
the one thing putting me off using OmNY is that I arrive in NYC on a Friday.......I'm there a week so my swipes start again on the Monday. I think it will be better/less expensive for me to just get a 7 day card.
Hi Jon As a Subway fan. You were spot on when it comes to the Subway. I miss the word Token. Lol . I use an unlimited Metrocard every time for the Bus and Subway. Unlimited Metrocard does not work on Express Buses as well. Must use a regular Metrocard or OMNY . In the Train stations Always look for the striped bar. That is where the conductors cab is at. Or go to the front of the car . That is where the motorman is at. If something is "Wrong " with the car you are in. Go to another car. Take the subway car identification ( 4 numbers) down The Subway line down and tell any NYC MTA employee whether it's Station agent, Conductor, Motorman. I also tell the type of Subway car.
About chain restaurants - coming from a country which doesn't have Olive Garden or Wendy's, they are kind of a bucket list item. So I really want to try them when visiting, even though they aren't super "local". Still special for a tourist not from the US.
I enjoy watching your videos a lot , and you’re one of the best TH-camrs, when I watch your videos I feel like I’m walking in New York. And your videos are the best guide for these who travel to NYC, thank you so much for making these wonderful videos.
The Subway - we travelled around Christmas & New Year for 5 nights and used the subway many times in the morning/daytime/evening. Never once did we feel unsafe or unwelcome etc. I’d just advise to stand clear of the edge and near to the entrance/exit should you need to leave quickly. There was the occasional drunk homeless person but we just kept our distance and it’s nothing that we haven’t seen in Europe. With that being said there always seemed to be people around when we used the subway which made us feel safer.
Skip the expensive Circle Line - take the Staten Island Ferry - it passes right in front of the Statue of Liberty, it's free and runs every 15 minutes during the morning and afternoon rush hour, and every 20-30 minutes during non-rush hour.
My advice treat Manhattan in sections. Soho, world trade center Chinatown little italy. Etc...one year girls trip went to Ellis Island, tenement museum and Katz deli. Then next day work your way north Soho and Greenwich village. We had a yearly tradition for 11 years rented Airbnb apartments. Since covid never went back again. Not happy with crime situation. I am a native new Yorker live in the free state of fla. Girls trip this year Sicily
Native New Yorker here, it's so true about the vendors not listing their prices because some of them like to price gouge on unsuspecting people. I was shocked when an ice cream truck was near the Brooklyn Heights promenade and I got a regular vanilla cone for $3. Normally in Brooklyn Heights, you can expect prices to be in the premium high end. And that same vendor could go elsewhere and reduce their prices.
Grew up in Jersey and taught myself how to get around NYC. Worked there for a few years also. Great tips for people coming into the city for the first time. It can be overwhelming but there are apps that can help you navigate. Just be smart and enjoy.
Good advice on having cash ,the subways, and not trying to see everything in one day. I appreciate that your videos are not that long but filled with content.
Not taking cash is a really interesting one that would totally catch me out. I live in small town France and I hardly ever use cash here - even for a 1.50€ coffee. I would have expected New York to be more like that. I totally agree about the subway, but I have walked from midtown all the way to Battery Park and it was a really interesting walk, but you do have to allow for the time and energy that it takes to do that (and be strict about not going in to too many shops on the way) .
If there is no price with the vendors and they tell you afterward the price and if it's outrageous. DON'T PAY IT and WALKAWAY...This is from me a New Yorker telling you
It’s hard to tell if the prices are outrageous if you are a tourist from outside the US. All prices on food were outrageous to me in NY compared to home when I visited in Nov. 😂 But, still, a good reminder to walk away!
For visitors from the UK, the uptown/downtown thing is a bit confusing at first. In colloquial British English we say we're going 'up town' when we're going to the centre of London (or another major city). 😊
Just came back from a trip there and what helped me was getting a flex activity pass before I left so I had 10 days to do a bunch of stuff pre paid, and could do them whenever I wanted to fit them in. Worked out well for me. I did use the subway more than I thought I would though as it honestly isn't as scary as I thought it would be. Saved me loads of money I would have spent on taxis. Wouldn't have taken it at night though. Just morning and afternoon/late afternoon times.
the only huge issue I have with OMNY is that yes you do get unlimited rides after 12 rides but its Monday through Sunday. I'm someone who comes in on the weekend and leaves either tues or weds so the 7day pass metro card is still essential. I think OMNY should give the option of a 7 day pass regardless of what day you begin to use it
Hey Jon. We are in NYC for 5 days. I watch all your videos. I went to beast and butterflies yesterday! Thank u it was amazing!! Thanks for all the tips! Also founded our u proposed in St. Augustine!! That's where I live!! The World is a lot smaller than we think! Thanks again
John you make the absolute best videos talking about New York and I don’t think there’s no one that can describe New York in the best way possible absolutely no one else can defeat you crown is the TH-cam king of New York I hope you do well in the future and keep doing what you’re doing and never Give up makes New York the best New York ever is the best man well wishes to you
I agree that it's better to start your sightseeing day downtown first, then work your way north from there as the day goes by. Unless you have a specific thing to see in Chinatown, SoHo, etc., I think as a tourist you are better off ending up in Midtown in the evening after a day of sightseeing and going from there. Usually first time visitors tend to get a hotel in Midtown anyway....
Hello Barr! Good video. Now I'm not so much a touristy person as I am a foodie. I like going to family owned restaurants regardless of size and location to get my food on! When I am in New York my nephew does take his boat out at night so I can see the New York City lights 🤓
I have to say the taking the Subway is the #1 way to get around in NY for me. The first time I came to NY I would have been so left behind if it wasn’t for the subway.
We stayed midtown. Our first morning, we went to The Statue of Liberty. Decided to walk back to our hotel. It's all uphill. Over four miles of uphill. Which would have been fine if I didn't have this spine injury. Wanted to walk because I wanted to see everything!
If you're going to see museums and theater: broadway is no longer requiring masks and/or covid vaccines, but so far all the off broadway shows are. Also check with museums and other attractions about their rules, including vaccines for kids.
Very informative video, John. I remember, our 1st time there, 1st day we over do it, like literally went home at around nearly midnight. When your in NYC, all adrenalin powers are pump. There are so much things to do and see.
Just to add to number 9 (not having cash) - make sure you have smaller denominations of notes ($5, $10, $20). Your currency exchange at home will probably give you lots of $50 notes if you're exchanging a bigger sum of money. A lot of bodegas and small shops will refuse $50 bills. You'll also want $1s and $5s for tipping. If you've got a few $50s, try and break them as soon as possible!
I never do anything touristy. I know people say you have to see the famous sights etc, But whenever I go somewhere I want it to feel relaxed as if it's my home. Only thing I'd plan is one day midtown, next day manhattan etc. Just neighborhoods, stroll around and whatever happens happens.
AH, every word here brings me back to my beloved NYC (living in Fla. now). Barr gives excellent advice. Just stick to the subway and learn to read the subway map. ANYONE can go uptowns/downtown. Remember to have an open mind and stay alert. You will be wildly entertained. If you're walking, be careful crossing the Brooklyn B. some of those bike riders coming from the opposite direction can be real jerks. They don't care about pedestrians that cross onto their bike path. To them, those painted bike symbols gives them the right to run you down! Just found your channel couple of days ago and my wife and I are flying though your vids. I subscribed right away and I've been home sick ever since. It's too bad that I can only give you 1 thumb up. Great job!
Dude! I appreciate your video so much! I am going to New York City for my first time in April and your trip to take the LIRR to Penn Station was so smart. My only concern is I have to be back at JFK EARLY for a 6 am flight. I’m nervous to take the subway at 3am!
When i visited in 2018, me and my wife had an Itinerary, where we spent each day in a certain section of the city instead of going end to end, example.. dont do Central Park then after that get a sub to One World Observatory.. instead just do all the attractions around Central Park and the next day go to One World Observatory.
Do NOT respond to any stranger who approaches you. Ignore them. Don't worry about being rude. It's normal here. BTW... we call street food venders "roach coaches" wanna guess why? If you eat street food.... plan to be near a bathroom. Good luck if that bathroom is at Penn Station.
Yeah there’s loads of people trying to give u stuff and hand u things. I went last week and ignored them all. It’s a bit to much how they all try to talk to u.
It took me maybe 45 minutes to get from Newark to Penn station and then 30 to get to my hotel. it worked out for me. I picked a handful of destinations like flatiron building, Chelseahotel and WTC for my first days in NYC and it was the right thing to do.Next time, I will spend more time in NYC and pick more destinations, now that I have an idea how NYC is like.
My Goal is to clear, the 2025 SSC CGL exam with AIR 32 to get the post of Income Tax Inspector. oh! Wow! I have cleared SSC CGL 2025 Exam and became an Income tax Inspector. I am celebrating, I am dancing, I am very happy and feeling very satisfied and excited. Thank you so much, God. Thank you, Mummy, Papa, and Bhaisab for always supporting me. Thank you to all the living and non-living things for supporting and helping me.
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Good tips to take onboard as when I come to nyc these will be useful
John, the OMNY thing that you have in your phone, is that an application?Trying to search it in my apps store, can't seem to find it. Or probably, it is only available in the US based phones? Thanks.
I love your channel and respect your perspective. What do you think about Forte lee NJ for living while working in Brooklyn? Any advice ( or video lol) would be appreciated 🤗
Your videos are really great, you know the city, this will be my first time to New York, I am from Scotland, I have been to Canada, but the only state I have ever visited is Michigan, mainly because my sister lives in Canada and the only trip to the USA is for shopping or for a little short trip, in February we are going to New York, this has been in my head since watching home alone 2 this Christmas past, so my question, as someone used to a wet and cold climate, can I expect similar weather for New York in February, so far I have found advice saying yes, take warm jackets, hats and scarfs, overall, we are planning to sit down and plan for as much as we can, as when we don't do this we end up wasting a lot of time, but including some free time to figure out where we want to go and what we want to do. Also I am really looking forward to the giant Pizza
You didn’t mention that the Brooklyn Bridge is free to walk on and drive through.
From a native New Yawker: Look down at the bus and subway seat before you sit down. Might have water, urine or worse on the seat!
Thank you for that warning Dominic.
That's the gospel truth. One Time I sat on a bus seat and noticed blood and vomit on the floor and of course, my face immediately started to itch like crazy. I immediately got off and ran into a restroom in a pharmacy. After I scrubbed my hands with hot soapy water, I bought a big bottle of hand sanitizer and put it on every part of my body that was possibly exposed.
this is actually very useful tip!
🤢
I think cinema seats are awful…guess why.? goobers under the chair arms…brain dead people sit there in wonderment firking out goobers then realise that under the chair arms they adhere..and they can forget about their offload..and carry on watching the silver screen..what a treat when your fingers grip the seat arms and you think what’s this gritty stuff?
It's ironic that you came out with this video now. I just went to NYC recently and you basically covered every entire tip that we unknowingly did to make out trip efficient and enjoyable. All of this is so accurate.
My best advice to any who are traveling on the east coast is to use the Amtrak...might be longer, but more comfortable and the train leaves you right in Midtown.
From Philly it's 1:10!!
@@HereBeBarr yes but a great start to a vacation. . Easy on and off. no waiting in lines to go thru TSA. sit back with a coffee or soda read a book or watch the scenery I will take a long train trip over flying any day of the week.
Plus we’re traveling from NYC to CT, so any other method of travel other than Amtrak makes no sense. Flying would require hours spent driving to the airport and waiting for the flight, then flying back to DC or somewhere first, then finally on to CT.
@@Jsfrog depending on where you are going in Connecticut Metro North is a better choice then Amtrak, cheaper and more options
We just used Greyhound for day trips back in the day from southern NJ. Worked out fine for us, I just can't deal with all the stress and problems taking a car to any city really, such a nightmare.
If you happen to enter the subway station going the wrong direction (and there's no path to the other side), then another option (vs. exiting and re-entering that station) is to just take the next train to a bigger station, which will usually have a path to either direction. The stations marked with a white dot (where the express trains stop) usually have such paths. You also just ask a local person which stops will let you turn around.
Pro: You save 2.75 Con: You lose time, depending how far the next station is. If it's me i'd just bite the bullet and pay again.
Pro tip - Subways travel on the right side of the tracks like cars do on reads. This means if you are going uptown, then you get into one of the two stations on the east side of the street. If you are going downtown, then you get into the stations on the west side of the street. Similar for subways going east west. Just enter the station on the side of the street if it was a car driving there and you can't go wrong!
I lived in NYC in the early 2000s and when I visited recently, I was surprised at how good GPS worked at telling you the best subway routes to take. I had been going the slow way for years without knowing it.
Excellent advice. We travel a lot and apply all these points. Having a siesta is essential!! Get up early, do some stuff, have lunch, have a siesta and then go out again. Your days will feel so much longer and eventful.
Have been to NYC numerous times since 2000 and always used the subway. Never felt unsafe...for me it was the best option to move across Manhattan. Single woman from Germany
Time have changed.
NYC is even safer than it was back then!
I traveled to NY felt safe😊
Before I abandoned my plans for New York I had broken down the destinations by area like you suggested but I also sorted them by weather. Since it can rain I had places to see indoors when it rains like museums. So there was a rainy downtown and sunny downtown list. Same for midtown and uptown. Plus it had must dos and then extras. So I could have six lists but each day would change plans according to weather.
Good idea I'll have to remember that. Thank you
I used the hop on and off bus not to "hop on and off" but stay seated the entire route to check out the entire area of Manhattan and the main tourist sites from the top deck of the bus so I don't have to visit them individually. I really loved it.
Believe it or not, I'm a lifelong New Yorker who wants to one day do the hop-on bus thing, just to get a different perspective of my city and be tourist for a day too. Looks like fun every time I see one of them. Btw, if you have any questions about life here, feel free to ask 😊
@@lindazee You should definitely try all the courses. I don't see it as a tourist trap. For me, it was one of the most entertaining things I did during my stay!!
@lilyaux77 thanks for the great feedback. I think this will be in my plans for next May/June.
The OMNY tip is very good! Keep in mind that you have to be there Mon - Sun. If you arrive on a Thursday, the “pay 12, rest free“ period resets on Monday.
My first day in first visit to New York, 2018 my friend and I dropped our bags at the hotel and literally walked 12 miles that day from upper Manhattan to Brooklyn. It was the best decision we made and we did the same thing again the next day, walking eight more miles around New York City. We loved it!
The subway is honestly one of my favorite parts of NYC. It makes it so easy to get around Manhattan and its such a deal compared to ride sharing. A local friend taught me to use Google maps to figure out which trains would get me to my destination - easy peasy!
Only real New Yorkers can go out at night after a long day! About 4 years ago when I was living in Brooklyn, I used to work two jobs. My day started at 230am & was done at 1110pm M-F weekends off. On Friday night, I used go drinking with my co-workers! When I quit the evening job, I'd go to the gym after work, pick up my kids, have dinner with them, go food shopping at the shop rite in downtown BK, and then head home to queens on the LIRR.
Warrior!
My friend and I went to NYC earlier this year and stayed in the Wall Street area and took the subway all around the place even at night and never had any issues. Just be smart, stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings and where you’re going.
I made some errors and mistakenly took the worng subway and I have learned from my mistakes. Thankfully I have overcome my fears and as I first timer in US, NY being my destination I no longer have second thoughts of using public transportation. Thanks to your channel.
Just randomly went to NY and stayed in park slope.. avoided every chain restaurants and chain coffee shop as everyone should that visits new york. To be able to fly back home and think how la bicyclette barkery in brooklyn was delicious instead of thinking i had starbucks makes a difference. We visited Leroy's place ( amazing local art store). Feeling NY energy and vibes is not by going to time square , its by taking the subway from jackson heights, stopping at dominos park and eating at hidden gems like el sabroso then heading to park slops while enjoying a OH hot dog from fulton hot dog king.
Thank you for all you do Mr. Barr we are narrowing down the best family oriented convenient neighborhood from all your videos these last 3 years. Definitely seems williamsburg or parkslope is in the top.
Brilliant.. not enough reviews like this..
Honestly park Slop sounds gross
@@spacecadet2172 it's park slope! Not slop you're saying it wrong!🗽
I once jumped into a subway car that was empty without thinking about why it was the only car empty on a rush hour train, only to find someone had been making poop art in the car and the "artist" was sitting in the corner covered in their own poop. That was one of the few times that I took a dangerous jump from one car to the next since it was an express train and I would rather risk death than stay on the poop car.
Same law goes when you need a subway car with air conditioning.
holy hell lmao
Oh man. I've lived here 25 years and never seen that. Sorry!! But yes if a car is empty take a look around quickly before the doors closed and make sure there isn't a reason!
@@blondewriter99don’t even bother with that, as the train pulls up if you see an empty car just don’t even look, follow everyone else. always.
Hahahaha! That is so awesome! 😎
As a Floridian that visits NY...the subway is awesome. Public transportation in FL is terrible but it is such a great feature of NYC.
Hello, greetings to you. I'm Kevin by name from USA, hope all is well with you?
Food carts:
Look for a Health Department inspection sticker. If it didn't get an "A" or doesn't have a sticker, keep walking.
Subway:
If you enter a station in the wrong direction, get on the train and ask another passenger (or the conductor) where you can change directions without paying an extra fare.
Driving:
DON'T. (From Manhattan, take a downtown B, D, N, Q train into Brooklyn for great views from the Manhattan Bridge, or take a #7 train to Queensboro Plaza for nice views of Midtown Manhattan.)
As a person who was born and raised in NYC, and worked as a paramedic in Brooklyn for many years, these are very good tips, especially about carrying cash. You might have wanted to add that many places are also starting to charge an extra fee just for using a credit card over cash. Good advice also on the Brooklyn promenade. I have been there more times than I can count, and have a fave falafel joint, Fatoosh, on Hicks St, not all that far from the promenade.
I've been living upstate (yes, the real upstate, in Syracuse) for many years, so when I get back home for visits, I still like to hit some of my favorite places.
Solid amount of great travel tips in this 1 video!
Glad it was helpful!
I had 3 days off from work and i decided to rent a car and take the 12 hour drive to NYC because i have never been there before. Very similar to Chicago but very overwhelming on the eyes. I parked in a mall in Staten Island for the day at the cost of $15 and walked to the ferry. I walked up on a lot of interesting things on accident like Alexander Hamilton's grave and places where George Washington drank beer. You need at least a week to really get a fill of this place.
11:56 you can also watch him eat at the Olive Garden too and find that it's not the place to go to 🤣
hahaha
The other downside to the OMNY is traveling with families. Fare Capping only works with a single card, so unless you have a unique account credit card for every single person in your group, fare capping does no good. A party of 4 is better off with 4 unlimited metro cards. You should do a pro and con video of the OMNY system. I think omny is fine for locals, but it kind of sucks for tourists.
Many thanks for confirming this. We were there in August and I suspected that would be the case so my family and I (4 in total) opted for the 7 day Metro cards. A downside to this was that I was only able to buy 2 per day using the same credit card (a security measure, apparently) - fortunately I had 2 credit cards with me. This obviously makes it difficult for families to buy their Metro cards. We may not have had the same problem if we'd bought them over the counter but we could only find machines.
@@mattbishop9339 that's great information, thank you for telling us that
Another problem we had was that we bought a 10 trip Skytrain card (as recommended by Jon) as there were 4 of us but it only worked for the first swipe. Also, none of the machines in the station would let me buy ANY Metro cards after I'd bought the Skytain card and the kiosk was shut. We'd have been stuck at Jamaica Station if not for an MTA staff member who let us through, effectively giving us a free ride to Midtown where we were staying. I think my credit card provider had put a block on my card automatically following my Skytrain card purchase due to suspected fraud - not helpful when you're stuck in Queens at 10.00pm!
I used to overdue my travel itineraries during my first 5 trips to NYC I'm my 20s but in my 30s I didn't overdue it on my 6-10th trips up there because I literally felt like I was rushing from point a to b ...so these are really good tips!thanks for sharing
I'm traveling in NYC, and I'm totally with you that a lot of the most memorable ones on this trip alone is unplanned. I initially planned to walk in Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan (City Hall area) in the dead morning. But I was so physically exhausted from the previous day that I decided to go just at my own pace and head to Dumbo Brooklyn first (arrived around 8:30am instead of 6am -- yikes) before crossing the bridge there. One of the best last-minute traveling decisions EVER.
Do yourself a favor stay home, the crime is out of control
Lol I wore boots and I was tired as hell when I was done. Never again
@@stevegold2717 bullsh* lol. I live in Brownsville , arguebly the worst place to be in NYC, as long as you dont look for problems, there is a low chance to expirience problems. The biggest problems tourists may encounter are pickpockets.. lol
He’s not completely wrong though. Crime is a huge problem here in New York but there is also some safe areas.
@@Raixsxsx crime is a problem everywhere, no matter where you go. Don’t make yourself a target and don’t look for trouble and you’ll be fine. I literally walked on Lexington 125th st at midnight to catch a train to white plains and nothing happened.
My wife and I survived our first trip to NYC this past weekend because of all your videos! Thanks for the awesome advice! Only mistakes we made were paying $30 for two hot dogs and taking the F train from midtown back to Queens when we should have gone towards Battery Park lol. Thanks for your awesome tips! Nos vemos en El Barrio!
I paid $15 for ONE spicy hot dog without toppings, I wanted to do it because it was on my bucket list but I am so non confrontational I just gave the man my money lol
Having cash is just good travel advice for the US in general. I was in Los Angeles earlier this year. A lot of food trucks and street vendors were cash only. Bakeries and coffee shops where totals would be under $10 often gave cash discounts.
I'm definitely gonna consider having a list of the food places you have mentioned because in my last trip to NYC, I was by myself, had vertigo which is not fun at all and ended up buying chipotle because I didn't know where to go to in the area that I was at.
6:45
Hard disagree if you're staying across a weekend.
We're currently in the city, staying from Friday to Friday. The unlimited card means we we don't have to care about rides. OMNY would reset come Monday and we definitely would pay more.
We just got back from a 5-day stay in Manhattan. 95 minutes to get a cab from JFK T4 to Mid town on a sunday evening. 140 minutes (that’s right, 140 minutes) for the return taxi trip on a Friday afternoon.
TOP TIP: Take the train. For your sanity.
Ugh
@@HereBeBarr We feasted on Adele’s halal food, grabbed a New Yorker at “Hello Delli” on W 53rd, ate fried chicken at “Tada” in Chinatown plus so many more of your great tips. A heartfelt thanks John from 2 very happy brits 🇬🇧🇺🇸
@ Here Be Barr Congrats to your Wife and yourself on the on the birth of your Son! What a special time. Please be sure to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Thanks 👍
6:48 omny is a good option if you're local but if you're a tourist some international cards charge fees . get the regular plastic MetroCard until it's phased out hopefully the Omni system allows Unlimited similar options in the future
Great Advice. I did the subway mistake but luckily the transit employee in ticket booth let us use the emergency gate instead of waiting the 18 minutes
Yes, I came here to say that. If you make the mistake of swiping into the wrong direction and there isn’t a change over bridge, usually the booth attendant will let you in for free if you tell them what happened.
We tend to overdue ourselves because of friends and family pressure. "Do this!" "Do that!" "Why didn't you do this!!!!!!!!!" 🙂🙃
6:33 you don't need to leave the station to swipe again, just take the train to another station that lets you board the direction you're going.
Going to New York next week for the first time and these are great tips! Thanks so much!
Last time I was in NY I took a taxi from my hotel to have diner, I paid the amount of the meter plus a tip in total 25$.
Later that evening I took a taxi back and the taxi driver asked me 35$ for the same trip back but not using the taxi meter(it is illegal to do this and the driver can losses his taxi driver licence), if the driver want to earn some side money that is fine for me. I refused for 35$ and told him I would pay only 25$, tip included if he would drive without the meter on or otherwise he put his meter on, he choose for the 25$.
If you are not familar with NY or you are the first time in NY do not do this (what I have done) and ask ALWAYS that the driver put his meter on.
We've decided that we're doing New York in a few years & i am so glad i have come across your channel. I cannot wait to visit!! Hello from NZ! 🇳🇿
Jon even though my next visit to NYC will be my 5th visit ! This video is a good reminder of the do's and don't's in NYC.
Just came back from NYC. Absolutely loved it.
We are there for the 2nd time and always used the subway. If you apply common sense you are perfectly fine.
Europeans do indeed underestimate how big NYC is. We are used to walk anywhere and just by looking at the map it doesn't look all that bad, however you don't realize that alone walking down central park in it's length takes about an hour. Not even mentioning walking all the way down to battery park. And that is just Manhattan.
Brooklyn alone is as big, or bigger than some European capital cities.
Chain restaurants might be a good first day option for people with moderate-to-high food restriction needs, if they need to eat and haven't yet figured out safe local spots.
i just went for the first time (5 Nights) and i did get a lot of tips from your channel and i LOVE IT i need to go back thanks for all the info
Seeing the NYC skyline, including the Brooklyn Bridge, from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a best bet. Brooklyn Heights is a beautiful neighborhood with brownstone buildings and scenic streets especially in Fall.
One not mentioned in the video. If sourcing bud I'd sooner trust the randoms on the street than the trucks. While one guy will try to get you to pay $60 another will do $25. Also don't get pre rolls. Not only do you not know whats inside but you can't inspect the bud unless you break it open
Jon! 10:37 How was you're experience in Amsterdam??? Iam really curious because iam from the Netherlands and watch all you're videos :)) Really good video again btw
Loved Amsterdam
#1 Edited. Pack very light. I, of course shower every day, and re-wear shirts-slacks/pants. On my first trip over 20 years ago, I brought a full size suitcase. Then I transitioned to a carry-on suitcase. Now for a 3-day (my typical stay), I bring a good size backpack and a tote bag. The back pack is NOT a huge outdoor kitting backpack , but it's larger than the normal size. I got it at Target. Basically just a extra pair of lightweight Sketcher shoes (my storage space splurge), undies, minimal toiletries, small PJs. The backpack is not heavy and saves me from pulling a wheeled bag from Penn Station to the hotel. #2. Learn the routes of where you're going on the subway before you get there. I think I've gotten the letter and directions pretty well by now, but I am still struck with fear when I see "Express" because I don't know if they will go past my stops if I'm a little further out. LOL. Otherwise though, it makes for a much better experience. #3. Definitely make a plan, if not excessively detailed. I'm bad about frittering away my time, if I don't have a plan. #4. Make priority of what you want to visit. The last couple of trips, I just ran out of steam, even with rest breaks. I walk a lot, but at 20K steps, my legs just give out. (And I walk a lot normally, just not used that that many steps in one day. That's even with taking the subway, which includes a number of steps.) #4. If you come out of LaGuardia and don't have luggage -- and are not afraid of the subway, take the Q70-SBS bus to Roosevelt subway station. I did that last December, and it was great. #5. You can put the OMNY on your credit card. I did, and prefer it to having to grab and keep open my large-ish size iphone.
1. Buy beer from Trader Joe not from late night bodegas
2. Do not buy edibles from bodegas/bong shops if you are solo traveler not from USA. Trust me.
3. Visit museums.
4. Manhattan is cool but hit other neighborhoods. If you are not local, try to find your national sports, for example: I am from Lithuania so I found Lithuanian square, our poets cemetary in Brooklyn etc..
I stayed alone for 11 days. One of my best experences..
Watch out for the weed guys on Broadway by times sq
I have driven into Manhattan and through Manhattan to Brooklyn. Street parking can be "free" but you need to keep an eye on the signs. Really check the signs. When there is street cleaning you need to ensure you move your car. Far as what I normally do when I visit. I park in New Jersey at Metropark and pay less than 10 dollars a day to park an midsized SUV. This is a train station, so you walk out of the parking garage that is in a Business Park and the train is right there. Then take the train right to Penn Station. Then I can hop a 1 up to my hotel. If you must park in the city, look at your hotel. Sometimes there are deals with a parking garage close to the hotel. It's cheap and reserved (in some cases). I used to park on Station Island. It was 7 dollars a day, I would prepay for the time I would be there. Nobody bothered the car as it was a manned lot. This was before the outlet mall.. I am not sure if you can park for days at a time at the outlet and the cost. I would much rather park on Staten Island and take the Ferry. It's a nice introduction to the city. A cheap way to see the Statue of Liberty from the boat as you pass it.
Hop on hop off buses, we made the mistake of paying $110 (negotiated price) just to go from Times Square to Central Park. And it took about an hour because we didn’t realize the uptown bus (which only comes by every hour) had two more stops along the way, every stop lasting 15 minutes each. We spent most of our time waiting/sitting.
We purchased our tickets around 1 in the afternoon. The last bus comes around at 4:00. We did not get a chance to utilize the tickets again.
Hop on hop off tickets would have been more beneficial for exploring downtown area (we had went to the day before) in which case the bus comes by every 10 minutes.
I never book a Broadway show for my first day anymore. One time my original flight got cancelled and I had to rebook to White Plains, which was delayed over 4 hours. Literally did a trains (Metro North) , planes, and automobiles (taxi) to get to my very expensive show with 5 min to spare. Crazy
Owch! That's an interesting point actually. I should say day 1 be good to get a TKTS discounted show :)
4th time in NYC, 1st time taking the air train + metro= best decision ever! even with large bags.
My Go to Guy for NYC Guides! Can’t wait to move here next year, hope to meet you someday!
I would also like to add that the outer boroughs have an abundance of food at a lower cost than prices in Manhattan! Such as Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx! Which are only a subway ride away!
If you take the subway... stay very far away from the platform edge. People do get pushed onto the tracks.
When it was my second time visiting from CT, never carried cash going anywhere. Learned the hard way haha. from that point forward I always brought cash. its a great tip in the video
I know you say New York City isn't going anywhere you can always come back but some people can't. For some people this is the only time they will ever get to visit New York. So you really have to prioritize what's important
this video brings some very useful and down to earth recommendations, i'm glad to see this one before my NYC trip. thanks!!
the one thing putting me off using OmNY is that I arrive in NYC on a Friday.......I'm there a week so my swipes start again on the Monday. I think it will be better/less expensive for me to just get a 7 day card.
Hi Jon
As a Subway fan. You were spot on when it comes to the Subway. I miss the word Token. Lol . I use an unlimited Metrocard every time for the Bus and Subway. Unlimited Metrocard does not work on Express Buses as well. Must use a regular Metrocard or OMNY . In the Train stations Always look for the striped bar. That is where the conductors cab is at. Or go to the front of the car . That is where the motorman is at. If something is "Wrong " with the car you are in. Go to another car. Take the subway car identification ( 4 numbers) down The Subway line down and tell any NYC MTA employee whether it's Station agent, Conductor, Motorman.
I also tell the type of Subway car.
About chain restaurants - coming from a country which doesn't have Olive Garden or Wendy's, they are kind of a bucket list item. So I really want to try them when visiting, even though they aren't super "local". Still special for a tourist not from the US.
I know I know 😂😂
Bro, NO. Those places are trash. Absolutely nothing special about them
@@xxBrokenDreams666xx neither is there anything special about the Eiffel tower if you live in Paris. Yet it's special for visitors.
@@SupercoolNameYay i know what you mean but seriously, trust me here. It'll only add to your "bucket list of disappointments"
Unfortunately those places are not good here either. It would be best to try Five Guys or Shake Shack if you want fast food in NYC.
I enjoy watching your videos a lot , and you’re one of the best TH-camrs, when I watch your videos I feel like I’m walking in New York. And your videos are the best guide for these who travel to NYC, thank you so much for making these wonderful videos.
The subway crime is not over hyped. Since the lockdown it became dangerous & is worse than ever.
Can you give examples?
The Subway - we travelled around Christmas & New Year for 5 nights and used the subway many times in the morning/daytime/evening. Never once did we feel unsafe or unwelcome etc. I’d just advise to stand clear of the edge and near to the entrance/exit should you need to leave quickly. There was the occasional drunk homeless person but we just kept our distance and it’s nothing that we haven’t seen in Europe. With that being said there always seemed to be people around when we used the subway which made us feel safer.
Skip the expensive Circle Line - take the Staten Island Ferry - it passes right in front of the Statue of Liberty, it's free and runs every 15 minutes during the morning and afternoon rush hour, and every 20-30 minutes during non-rush hour.
My advice treat Manhattan in sections. Soho, world trade center Chinatown little italy. Etc...one year girls trip went to Ellis Island, tenement museum and Katz deli. Then next day work your way north Soho and Greenwich village. We had a yearly tradition for 11 years rented Airbnb apartments. Since covid never went back again. Not happy with crime situation. I am a native new Yorker live in the free state of fla. Girls trip this year Sicily
Amendment to #10 ("not taking enough breaks") would be: Not taking a bathroom break when one is convenient to use.
Use restroom at hotel before leaving
Native New Yorker here, it's so true about the vendors not listing their prices because some of them like to price gouge on unsuspecting people. I was shocked when an ice cream truck was near the Brooklyn Heights promenade and I got a regular vanilla cone for $3. Normally in Brooklyn Heights, you can expect prices to be in the premium high end. And that same vendor could go elsewhere and reduce their prices.
Happened to me in Midtown. Always ask.
Grew up in Jersey and taught myself how to get around NYC. Worked there for a few years also. Great tips for people coming into the city for the first time. It can be overwhelming but there are apps that can help you navigate. Just be smart and enjoy.
Good advice on having cash ,the subways, and not trying to see everything in one day. I appreciate that your videos are not that long but filled with content.
Not taking cash is a really interesting one that would totally catch me out. I live in small town France and I hardly ever use cash here - even for a 1.50€ coffee. I would have expected New York to be more like that.
I totally agree about the subway, but I have walked from midtown all the way to Battery Park and it was a really interesting walk, but you do have to allow for the time and energy that it takes to do that (and be strict about not going in to too many shops on the way) .
I live in the suburbs of NYC and never use cash but when I go into the city I take cash incase I want to go to a food truck.
If there is no price with the vendors and they tell you afterward the price and if it's outrageous. DON'T PAY IT and WALKAWAY...This is from me a New Yorker telling you
This 👆🏻
It’s hard to tell if the prices are outrageous if you are a tourist from outside the US. All prices on food were outrageous to me in NY compared to home when I visited in Nov. 😂
But, still, a good reminder to walk away!
For visitors from the UK, the uptown/downtown thing is a bit confusing at first. In colloquial British English we say we're going 'up town' when we're going to the centre of London (or another major city). 😊
Just came back from a trip there and what helped me was getting a flex activity pass before I left so I had 10 days to do a bunch of stuff pre paid, and could do them whenever I wanted to fit them in. Worked out well for me. I did use the subway more than I thought I would though as it honestly isn't as scary as I thought it would be. Saved me loads of money I would have spent on taxis. Wouldn't have taken it at night though. Just morning and afternoon/late afternoon times.
the only huge issue I have with OMNY is that yes you do get unlimited rides after 12 rides but its Monday through Sunday. I'm someone who comes in on the weekend and leaves either tues or weds so the 7day pass metro card is still essential. I think OMNY should give the option of a 7 day pass regardless of what day you begin to use it
Yes very annoying
Hey Jon. We are in NYC for 5 days. I watch all your videos. I went to beast and butterflies yesterday! Thank u it was amazing!! Thanks for all the tips! Also founded our u proposed in St. Augustine!! That's where I live!! The World is a lot smaller than we think! Thanks again
Yes, i need to go back to that lighthouse without being super anxious about dropping the ring next time.
John you make the absolute best videos talking about New York and I don’t think there’s no one that can describe New York in the best way possible absolutely no one else can defeat you crown is the TH-cam king of New York I hope you do well in the future and keep doing what you’re doing and never Give up makes New York the best New York ever is the best man well wishes to you
I agree that it's better to start your sightseeing day downtown first, then work your way north from there as the day goes by. Unless you have a specific thing to see in Chinatown, SoHo, etc., I think as a tourist you are better off ending up in Midtown in the evening after a day of sightseeing and going from there. Usually first time visitors tend to get a hotel in Midtown anyway....
Hello Barr!
Good video. Now I'm not so much a touristy person as I am a foodie. I like going to family owned restaurants regardless of size and location to get my food on! When I am in New York my nephew does take his boat out at night so I can see the New York City lights 🤓
I highly recommend Asia mall food court main st flushing at end of 7 train
I have to say the taking the Subway is the #1 way to get around in NY for me. The first time I came to NY I would have been so left behind if it wasn’t for the subway.
We stayed midtown. Our first morning, we went to The Statue of Liberty. Decided to walk back to our hotel. It's all uphill. Over four miles of uphill. Which would have been fine if I didn't have this spine injury. Wanted to walk because I wanted to see everything!
Also try buses
Also goto the station agent and tell them, they will verify your mistake and let you in. You don’t have to wait 18 minutes 😮 true story 😅
I really enjoy your videos. Gives me peace of mind ! And you explain everything so well ! Is my dream to come to New York ! Love from Belgium
A few things.
1. Is it okay to Airbnb in New York?
2. Driving around New York. Taxi, Uber or Lyft or that Tesla blue cab?
Thank you.
If you're going to see museums and theater: broadway is no longer requiring masks and/or covid vaccines, but so far all the off broadway shows are. Also check with museums and other attractions about their rules, including vaccines for kids.
Very informative video, John. I remember, our 1st time there, 1st day we over do it, like literally went home at around nearly midnight. When your in NYC, all adrenalin powers are pump. There are so much things to do and see.
Just to add to number 9 (not having cash) - make sure you have smaller denominations of notes ($5, $10, $20). Your currency exchange at home will probably give you lots of $50 notes if you're exchanging a bigger sum of money. A lot of bodegas and small shops will refuse $50 bills. You'll also want $1s and $5s for tipping.
If you've got a few $50s, try and break them as soon as possible!
I never do anything touristy. I know people say you have to see the famous sights etc, But whenever I go somewhere I want it to feel relaxed as if it's my home. Only thing I'd plan is one day midtown, next day manhattan etc. Just neighborhoods, stroll around and whatever happens happens.
Can I also add, do not be afraid to ask for help. I did that in the subway station and the people were very helpful and super nice.
AH, every word here brings me back to my beloved NYC (living in Fla. now). Barr gives excellent advice.
Just stick to the subway and learn to read the subway map. ANYONE can go uptowns/downtown. Remember to have an open mind and stay alert. You will be wildly entertained.
If you're walking, be careful crossing the Brooklyn B. some of those bike riders coming from the opposite direction can be real jerks. They don't care about pedestrians that cross onto their bike path. To them, those painted bike symbols gives them the right to run you down!
Just found your channel couple of days ago and my wife and I are flying though your vids. I subscribed right away and I've been home sick ever since. It's too bad that I can only give you 1 thumb up. Great job!
Dude! I appreciate your video so much! I am going to New York City for my first time in April and your trip to take the LIRR to Penn Station was so smart. My only concern is I have to be back at JFK EARLY for a 6 am flight. I’m nervous to take the subway at 3am!
When i visited in 2018, me and my wife had an Itinerary, where we spent each day in a certain section of the city instead of going end to end, example.. dont do Central Park then after that get a sub to One World Observatory.. instead just do all the attractions around Central Park and the next day go to One World Observatory.
Thank you i enjoyed this i know it is an older one but good. Congrats on your new son enjoy 🙏❤😊
I'm off to New York for the first time next month! Very useful video. Thank you
I’m going to staying for 6 days in about a week and your video is super helpful bro!
Do NOT respond to any stranger who approaches you. Ignore them. Don't worry about being rude. It's normal here. BTW... we call street food venders "roach coaches" wanna guess why? If you eat street food.... plan to be near a bathroom. Good luck if that bathroom is at Penn Station.
Yeah there’s loads of people trying to give u stuff and hand u things. I went last week and ignored them all. It’s a bit to much how they all try to talk to u.
Always eating street food, all over the world and I've never got sick. Even in india😂 The last week in nyc didn't make an exception.
@@janakatri Where are you from?
It took me maybe 45 minutes to get from Newark to Penn station and then 30 to get to my hotel. it worked out for me. I picked a handful of destinations like flatiron building, Chelseahotel and WTC for my first days in NYC and it was the right thing to do.Next time, I will spend more time in NYC and pick more destinations, now that I have an idea how NYC is like.
My Goal is to clear, the 2025 SSC CGL exam with AIR 32 to get the post of Income Tax Inspector.
oh! Wow! I have cleared SSC CGL 2025 Exam and became an Income tax Inspector.
I am celebrating, I am dancing, I am very happy and feeling very satisfied and excited.
Thank you so much, God.
Thank you, Mummy, Papa, and Bhaisab for always supporting me.
Thank you to all the living and non-living things for supporting and helping me.
If you have jet lag use it for some sunrise photography. It will be quieter and a different softer light.