NYC TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 40+ Must-Knows Before Visiting New York

We'll share the Top New York City Travel Hacks + Tips to save you money and time on your first or next trip to the Big Apple!
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New York City Travel Hack Chapter List:
00:00- Intro
00:16- 1) Take The NYC Ferry
00:54- 2) Take A Free Walking Tour With A Big Apple Greeter
01:34- 3) Walk New York's Hidden Streets
02:12- 4) Meal + Best Rooftop View in One!
02:53- 5) JFK Airport to Midtown Train Hack
03:39- 6) Use OMNY Pay/Contactless Payment For The Subway
04:33- 7) BYOB Restaurants
05:08- 8) Underrated Photo Spots Of New York
05:35- 9) NYC's Community Gardens/Hidden Parks
06:07- 10) Explore Lesser Known Museums
06:44- 11) Free Museum Days
LINK: www.timeout.com/newyork/museu...
07:21- 12) Explore Central Park's Lesser Known Areas
07:52- 13) Speakeasy Bars Are Very Cool
08:30- 14) Broadway Tickets For Cheap
09:12- 15) Visitng Roosevelt Island Via The Aerial Tramway
09:55- 16) NYC's Most Underrated Attraction
10:33- 17) Observation Deck Hack
11:11- 18) Free Kayaking
11:52- 19) Saving Money On NYC Hotels
12:37- 20) Beating The Crowds
13:14- 21) Saving Money On Sporting Events
13:57- 22) Public Bathroom Tips
14:35- 23) Last Minute Trip Savings
15:12- 24) Trying NYC's Most Famous Street Food
15:51- 25) Century 21 For Shopping
16:36- 26) Get Cash Back At NYC Restaurants (Seated App)
Use Code Jon28 On Seated for $10 Extra Off Your First Meal
17:12- 27) Explore New York's Public Art Scene
List here: www.nycgovparks.org/art-and-a...
17:44- 28) Sitting In The Conductors Car On The Subway
18:15- 29) Saving Money At A Deli
18:53- 30) NY Public Library Polonsky Exhibition
19:21- 31) Best Free Rooftop View
19:51- 32) Best Way To Get Data On Your Phone
20:22- 33) Cheap Breakfast Hack
20:52- 34) Finding Events Like A Local
21:33- 35) Cash Is King
21:58- 36) Walking Shoes
22:23- 37) Jaywalk City
22:55- 38) The Most Iconic Food
23:36- 39) Bring Your Own Bag
23:56- 40) It's Okay To Be A Tourist
20:31- 41) Skip The Lines
25:05- 42) Save Money On Take Away (Too Good To Go App)
25:51- 43) Do Not Sleep On Washington Square Park
26:15- 44) Citymapper App
27:38- 45) Try Old And New School Pizza
27:11- 46) Traveling With Small Kids
27:57- 47) Dress Up For Summer
28:28- 48) Friendly Reminder About Crime
29:01- 49) Atlas Obscura
29:28- 50) The No Plan, Plan
"More About Here Be Barr"
I'm Jon Barr, an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger. If you're looking for waste no-time ,incredibly informative videos loaded with useful travel tips, you've come to the right place! My vlogs are made for the savvy traveler. Subscribe to learn all of my travel tips, tricks, and secrets that have helped me visit 33 countries. Based out of NYC but always on the go.
Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this video are from companies which Jon Barr will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Jon Barr is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some offers may no longer be available or expired from the date of the published video. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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[@HereBeBarr]

Watch This Next: I Ranked Every NYC Attraction From Worst To Best: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inSppJtmoKZmoKs& and The Biggest Lies About NYC People Keep Believing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4HSlmZ8l859npI&

[@lb9029]

Just visited NYC last week from Europe, and while the heat made it somewhat difficult to plan all too many things, I've gratefully used many of your tips for Lower East Side and others! Your channel is a gem for anyone visiting NYC!

[@alexisaubry3801]

Hi Jon, Alex from Belgium, 4 times in NYC. Love your channel, love what you choose to show, how you make it. Let me say that this is in my opinion one of the most interesting vids you’ve made. This a bit “off” perspective, this kind of simple insider hacks, it just gives me a mighty will to quickly come back to NYC and enjoy this unique place a bit more. Thanks for your great work ! We always wait for the next vid.

[@HereBeBarr]

Awesome, thank you!

[@user-wj5kh9qb2g]

We went for coffee at Beast and Butterfly (on your recommendation) for coffee and even though they were busy with breakfast the staff were so welcoming and helpful. Coffee was well priced and very good with free refills

[@JoseFlores-kl6jm]

Jon even though I have traveled to NYC five times I'm still not finished with my visits.

[@samuraikaoss1455]

I was up there last week. I stayed in Corona Plaza. There were food trucks open at 3am! I always have a great time in NYC.

[@BangPhoto]

Another amazing video. I’ve been watching you for some time now and something that people don’t realize is the amount of work that you put in to create these videos with all the scenes that you shot and all the narration plus the research ahead of time. You are a master!

[@Lyons_T-BAG]

Excellent Jon, me & my partner are planning a two week trip to NYC. I'll try to remember all these tips!

[@HereBeBarr]

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@suefitz2498]

Thanks Jon, you never fail to inspire us to visit NYC with all your wonderful suggestions and recommendations. I feel like I’m right there with you when you’re talking ❤❤❤

[@user-xo1lg3nj8m]

I jusr want to Thank you for all your content! I was there from June 1-5 and i had the best time! From the ferry ride to the cheap eats, we had an amazing experience and cannot wait to go back to NYC! Thank you!!!❤❤

[@dreamsinthree]

Crushing it again, Jon! Bittersweetly, my wife and I just left the city (me, after 18 years) for greener pastures. Already missing the pizza and bagels.

[@wk9195]

For someone who lived my hole life in nyc, follow these tips and youll have life on the easy lane ... kinda 1. If you're staying for more than 3 days, buy the unlimited train card for $35. 2. Midtown Manhattan, especially Times Square, often smells like you're walking behind a garbage truck on a 125-degree day. 3. The subway can be complicated, at least for me. Always check with the customer service booth. 4. Enter the subway 1 or 2 minutes before the train arrives. It's too hot and humid down there, and the air quality is terrible. It is literally carcinogenic. 5. If you see an empty train car, avoid it-it usually means the air conditioning isn't working, or it smells bad. 6. You'll encounter people talking to themselves on the train. Keep your distance just in case; they likely won't bother you, but it's better to be cautious. 7. Some people play music on their phones without headphones. I call them subway donkeys. 8. In Times Square, avoid people dressed as Disney characters, monks, or anyone handing out items-they'll ask for tips. 9. Police are everywhere; you'll see officers every 100 feet. 10. Penn Station is a major hub and if you stay next to it, you'll be using it a lot. 11. Other secondary stations can be sketchy late at night. 12. New Yorkers are helpful, contrary to what you might hear. If you ask, they'll help. 13. Food from food trucks is delicious. 14. Always ask about prices before buying from a food truck. 15. When paying by credit card in restaurants, you'll see tip options of 25%, 20%, and 15%. There's also a custom option and a no-tip button-use these if you prefer to tip less or not at all. 16. Contrary to popular belief, waitstaff or tour guides won't harass you for tips. They rely on tips and appreciate it, but they'll give you space. 17. When booking a hotel, expect to pay an extra $50 to $100 per night for miscellaneous fees. 18. If the hotel receptionist offers to move you to a quieter floor, or a room with a larger bed, be aware this might be considered an upgrade, and you could be charged for it. 19. Times Square is especially crowded on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Visit early in the morning if possible. 20. If you have kids in Times Square, hold their hands tightly. It's easy to lose them in the crowd. 21. Everything is 3 to 5 times more expensive here than elsewhere. 22. It's getting warm, so always carry a bottle of water. Wear a cap. 23. Use the restroom before leaving restaurants, landmarks, or museums. 24. Sometimes, Uber is your best option. 25. Prepare to walk distances.

[@MitchellBPYao]

On.y if you're are not afraid

[@ArjunApproach]

What an excellent video! Watched the whole thing and saved it for when I move to NYC later this year. Great job Jon!

[@HereBeBarr]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mitchellkaufman4307]

Hi!!! I don't know who you are but I stumbled on to this video of NYC and it was outstanding. As a lifelong NYer and Brooklynite, I want to try all 50 places and things mentioned here. I always wanted to spend a weekend in the city and play tourist and you've given me the insight of places to go and things to see. I've taken for granted living here and haven't seen so many of things highlighted. Thank you. Life is short. Time to see the city so nice they named it twice: New York, New York!

[@robertbl7500]

Hi Jon, I used to live in NYC (Jackson Heights, Queens) and your videos are like chicken soup; good for the body and soul!! ✌️😊

[@suecampbell4811]

Tysm for including Greenwood Cemetery. I represented a business that served the cemetery and remember a lot about the property. In the turn of the century, rich families would picnic there, especially because it has two levels and small ponds. There is a statue of a bride in her gown - she died on her honeymoon and her father commissioned the statue. Several statues have their fingers pointed up - as a sign of where their souls are going. When I was there, there were small gardens behind the workhouses of the ground crews and the superintendent of the cemetery lived onsite with his two boys. Lots of history - look into who is buried there, more than Steinway!

[@welcome_Moscow_walks]

Thanks for wonderful tour about NY 😊

[@JamesOrlowski]

Thanks for using so many of my stock shots in your videos. I'm headed back for a few days soon to get more shots. What city areas do you feel are underrepresented in stock footage?

[@HereBeBarr]

Hmm most of the major tourist sites are covered :) Maybe more Brownstone Brooklyn shots?

[@giancarlocarlo1407]

Excellent video.

[@BedmanYT]

Thx John. This is one of your best videos. We visited last year and using the ferry on Eastriver was breathtaking. I can‘t wait to visit again and try your other hacks.

[@simplydeLIZiousbaking]

This is great info. Thanks so much.

[@nicchick36]

So much info - thank you! You have a great voice as well making your videos even more enjoyable ❤

[@Pinupred21]

Your videos are so helpful

[@Keuneollie]

Hey man, I am going to NY for the first time next week. I have watched a lot of your video's and I must say it made me feel a little bit more confident considering I am from a very small European town 😅. Anyway, thanks a lot for the video's!

[@miguelsuarez1511]

Great tips! You really have a good channel here. I saw a few the previous ones, a month ago, before visiting new york, and they were really helpful. Thanks! Keep it up!

[@wrldtrvlr4vr]

Great video!

[@honorrolls5415]

Great video. N what a smart guy you are that was a cool clip show. Well done

[@borisdethloff6504]

Great video, Merci ! It must not always be just about food 😅

[@erickjerland1281]

When ever I come to NY. I do a lot of walking in dowtown Chicago to get used to the walking in NY.

[@janelleslayss]

I only recommend ferry’s when it’s a nice sunny day cause when it’s rainy the seats are wet at the top. 😅 if you want the best pictures and views stand at the back deck a lot of people tend to crowd the front of the ferry or go upstairs but the best spot is in the back outside.

[@user-tt5wt4ng6m]

Great tips! My youngest son is over there I shared

[@erickjerland1281]

I ate at Bleecker Street Pizza with my nephew. My landlord a week later ate at Bleecker st Pizza. I saw a video of you there. My Nephew works in NY. On the subway I used my debt card the whole time, JUst tap it and it says go.

[@emilyboller7588]

My husband and I visited about 7 years ago and were on a very tight budget. We took the subway everywhere (or walked when it was close), used Free Tours by Foot to take 5 different walking tours all over the city (tip at the end), rode the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty (we did this 3 times, both day and night), used a Groupon for one of the hop on/hop off tours, rode the East River (though we both got seasick) and visited Times Square during day and night to get a different experience. We chose to do a few select "touristy" things we really wanted to do and skipped the others to save time and money. We went to Top of the Rock right before sunset and stayed to see all the city lights come on, and we visited the Intrepid Museum. We're from a mid-sized Midwest town so just visiting the city, experiencing the lights and noise, and riding the subway was plenty of excitement for us. We found a couple restaurants we enjoyed and visited each a couple times. Primarily, we chose to save as much as we could where we could so we could spend on staying in a midtown hotel and eating in restaurants.

[@HereBeBarr]

Smart

[@MRP3261]

Jon Cool Video. Even though you didn't post about Coney Island I like Coney Island during the Summertime. Aquarium. Cyclone Roller Coaster. Luna Park Denos. Nathan's and Brooklyn Cyclones and the Beach.

[@mitchellkaufman4307]

I grew up a very short distance from Coney Island and if you like people-watching, Nathan's is the place to go. Wanna save on a hotdog, fries and drink? Secret: GET A KIDS MEAL for the price of one hotdog!! No kidding. Not publicized but it's the only thing we get there! Even if you buy the meal and an extra dog, it's still a bargain. BUT there is the BOARDWALK right off the beach that offers views like no other. In Brighton Beach, be sure to try some local Russian restaurants along the boardwalk and their authentic Russian dishes. Along Brighton Beach Avenue, underneath the elevated train track where the Q & B lines run is Little Odessa with the largest population of Russians outside of Moscow. Nestled on some of the side streets between the tracks and the boardwalk you can find small Russian restaurants that are hidden gems! They could be crowded during the summer but most have outdoor seating. Spend a day on the boardwalk and you won't be sorry. You might want to bring a blanket to sit on the beach. There are benches on the boardwalk. Any way you choose, it's an experience like no other on Coney Island. Easy to get to from most subway lines. Have a good time!

[@user-of8yf7re9s]

Visiting new york in this July, hows the 4th of July Parade there in New York?

[@alexzamora4454]

I just got back from a 5 day NYC trip, thanks to this channel I learned how to move around the entire city using the subway. If you’re going to the 9/11 memorial please don’t sit on top of names engraved on the fountains, you look disrespectful.

[@FirstClassJunk]

Love the videos man and I love the city! Just wondering what happened with your audio quality? I'm guessing you can't access your normal mic. Also you don't have to have the flashy transitions and sound effects, your videos are good enough on their own. No hate, just showing my thoughts!

[@youcancallmegus3195]

Molto interessante 🎉

[@cindee1794]

Some great places to visit the next time I make it up there, especially Greenwood Cemetery and the subway museum! Any thoughts on The Cloisters? You did a video a while back that included the haunted factor of the Jane St. Hotel. I visited their website afterward and found it to be a very affordable hotel in Manhattan. I do plan to stay there next time, even though I love the Holiday Inn in Hell's Kitchen.

[@HereBeBarr]

Cloisters is beautiful

[@scoutandscooter]

Had the ferry been running from 91st to Wall Street years ago I would have arrived at work with such a better attitude. The Lexington line from 86th to Wall Street it brutal.

[@patricksanders858]

Fyi, sensitivity to cold air could be a symptom of a thyroid condition.

[@luisalva714]

Wut should I do I’m going from Friday thru Tuesday. Do I use the Omni pass way? It’s for2 people

[@yanwell79]

so as far as the subway , you pay per ride with your credit card?

[@KenJanzen-xq2iz]

27:13 pause

[@AshleyOliviaDaCosta]

6.5 ave blew my mind. I lived at 58th between sixth and seventh for three years and didn’t know what existed until I visited over a decade later.

[@HereBeBarr]

😂😂😂💪🏻

[@AshleyOliviaDaCosta]

@@HereBeBarr I just read about it and it was built after I lived there lol. I’m so relieved somehow.😂🥂

[@stevenmorris4492]

Would anyone recommend travelling to New York alone? (I'm, thinking of going)

[@ginab6142]

For the contactless card payment/ free rides after $34, doesn't the "week" start on Monday? So if I arrive in NYC on Sunday, all of my metro rides on Sunday would not count because it all starts over on Monday? (Also, how does it work if I'm traveling with my niece so I'm trying to pay my fare and hers?)

[@supernova8962]

Kayak...Now this is amazing !!! Bring extra clothes

[@OvenfreshDeth]

You get a new microphone, Jon?

[@Denzbrujah]

I’m a local, and even I learned I thing or two from this …

[@MFamilyOnTheMove]

Is Beast & Butterflies part of the M Social Hotel?

[@HereBeBarr]

yes

[@storres1368]

🙏🙏❤️

[@rockstar6790]

As someone who have not visited New York, are Queens and Brooklyn more of a suburban town?

[@HereBeBarr]

Both are more city than suburban although the deeper you go into each you can find suburban elements

[@daviedukes1226]

24:23 ActionKid?

[@nenequesadilla]

Great video as always. Was that Alec Baldwin in front of the Tick Tock?!

[@saulgoodman2018]

The link to the park is broken.

[@HereBeBarr]

Fixed

[@LucaLuca-cn1bgh]

What type of channel?

[@GCLU]

FYI some unfortunate news. The chef behind Sagsa/Overstory/Crown Shy James Kent died recently.

[@HereBeBarr]

Didn't know, very sad.

[@supernova8962]

Ellis Island..nice...never been there...

[@supernova8962]

MTA takes extra money from your card ..LOL ... PS: I work for the MTA ...spell backward ..TY for your .ATM

[@erickjerland1281]

NY'S downtown area is safer than Chicago's downtown area.

[@supernova8962]

Century 21... Amazing Shopping....If you like shopping...DONT GO !!

[@supernova8962]

we have a lot of delivery services now since we have 500,000 migrants now

[@homerb3368]

@supernova8962 It’s not migrants, it’s asylum seekers 😅😊

[@supernova8962]

ok..Chinatown is good...make sure you get there before 8PM

[@supernova8962]

NYC Ferry make sure you check the time schedule....I GOT FOCKED !!! NO WAY HOME !!!!

[@supernova8962]

KATZ...uhm...yeah...buy one

[@supernova8962]

AHHH the museum..........DONATE !!! OR GET OUT !!!

[@FirstClassJunk]

Also that's not what Halal means

[@supernova8962]

Rooftop bars ...$20 a drink

[@supernova8962]

Community garden, your lucky if they are open.... and even then...they will yell at you if you arent following there rules...and they dont care..Trust me...I seen it few times...Im glad I belong to that community...lol

[@supernova8962]

Get pickpocket at these Stadiums.... Go with a friend ...they know how to handle them

[@supernova8962]

Bathrooms... Good Luck ... I used Whole Food

[@supernova8962]

Basically...find a friend in NYC.. Just be careful....

[@supernova8962]

Central Park....bringing back the 80's ... Its creepy at night..KZbin crime in Central Park

[@supernova8962]

There arent nothing to do at Roosevelt Island. Nothing to do there... But there is a Starbucks..definitely different from NYC

[@supernova8962]

Library ... They hate tourist ... SHHHHH !!!

[@supernova8962]

Speakeasy Bars .....hmmm...sound like a perfect kidnapping location

[@westie430]

Oh my word dude, will you shut up already, you've left like 50 ridiculous, unnecessary comments🙄🤦🏻‍♀️ Also, tell me you've never been to a speakeasy bar without telling me😑🙄

[@supernova8962]

Diner are better away from the City..goto queens or brooklyn Manhattan sucks except by World Financial Center.

[@supernova8962]

JAMAICA....HOMELESS AND THIEVES tour !!!lol

[@supernova8962]

goto SAGA and BE SADder cause your broke !!!..LOL

[@supernova8962]

Greenwood... Tough Neighborhood... be warned

[@supernova8962]

SRO.... your data is now compromised..

[@supernova8962]

Uhm ... Hotels are all expensive in NYC ...Stay with a friend

[@supernova8962]

SUBWAY... Crimes is low.... SIKE !!!

[@supernova8962]

Civil War never actually happened in NYC

[@supernova8962]

shoe string budget ...you shouldnt be in NYC, San Diego Hawaii etc

[@orcas800]

I second bringing cash with you because you never know. I went to Juniors after seeing Water for Elephants the other day and their POS system was down so we could only pay with Cash. I also live in The Bronx and my favorite food street vendors also are cash only. I also pay cash at some bodegas, so it is just always good to have. In the Spring and Fall there is a deal for off-bway shows called 20at20 where you can pay $20 cash 20 minutes before curtain and see a show. They don't accept cards for this. I would also like to mention free concerts, movies, and other events at all of the parks! I love the free Broadway concerts for Pride, Broadway in the Boroughs, Earth Day, Bryant Park, Curtains Up Broadway Celebration in the Fall, and just the random pop-ups. There is just always something to do! I will agree that the walking city and not super accessible, especially on the subway. I broke my leg and it was a real struggle until it healed. I also agree with bags as I always travel with a backpack. You just never know when you wanna pick something up! Just make sure to not be that person and put it at your feet on the subway. City mapper is more accurate for bus times for me, so better to tell me when the bus will come since they don't always run on time. I will also say that Union Square Park is near The Strand and Barnes and Noble. Great vibe for your brand new book as a place to chill. I also bring a light sweatshirt everywhere I go since some of these places I agree are always cold. I also love your last tip of just seeing what you stumble on. I always love just walking around the city and seeing all sorts of random stuff.

[@Marvel-Rogue]

You hit a whole lot on locations in NYC it's bad right now, but they're still madd plenty of stuff to do . 😊 @HereBeBarr