8 Most Asked Questions about New York City

[@JF-vw9lv]

The one piece of advice i would add is to batch your activities together by location if possible. If there is 2 -3 activities/events that are within walking distance of other I would group them together to save time and money using public transportation.

[@TheMeganDaily]

That’s great advice!

[@BubblyViolin11]

Not from NYC, but I’m an LA local, and that’s the same advice I would give to people visiting here. Travel time will eat up your day.

[@TripHacksDC]

I love this collab! 😀 Megan has such good advice.

[@johnnici1573]

I'm a lifetime New Yorker. This advice is spot on.

[@woltersworld]

That is the best compliment we could ask for! Thank you!

[@BradRossJr]

@@woltersworld I’m from KC and will follow this tips when I go 🫡 also GO CHIEFS

[@yaowsers77]

she is correct. also, the cold months, the garbage and bad smells aren't bad. and a one day trip - i feel like it depends on what you are looking to achieve. food? touristy stuff? museums? broadway show? i'm going to be going 3 times in the next three months. a food trip, a broadway show trip, and i think i'm exploring the seaport area.

[@thomasreiser]

Things may have changed for airport access with the open of Grand Central Madison which provides a 2 seat ride to JFK transferring at Jamaica from the LIRR to air train

[@paulkoza8652]

I have to go there in February for a week to cat sit. Not exactly thrilled about NY in Feb. However, I try to take in the non tourist sites. Plus I have the advantage of using my daughter's car which allows me access to sites in the greater NY metro area.

[@yaowsers77]

@@paulkoza8652 you're a lot braver them I am to drive in the city! I stick with walking or mass transit. The first half of February equals restaurant weeks and Broadway weeks (discounted tickets). I hope you enjoy your time in the city! Oh, alternate side parking is a thing where they clean the streets so you have to be careful where you park.

[@paulkoza8652]

@@yaowsers77 It's my daughter's car, not mine. She lives in Brooklyn. By the way, I've driven a Penske moving truck on 3 different occasions in Manhattan moving her around. It was not too bad. You just have to watch out for cyclists.

[@LeoFtravels]

Amazing tips. Thanks again Mark

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Leo

[@roberthasan6231]

I visited New York City for the first time in July 2021 from Dallas, & plan on going again this Summer. One advice I can give is to also explore the other boroughs. I love Manhattan, but it's way too touristy & most don't ever explore Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens or Staten Island. Definitely explore Brooklyn & Queens. Maybe catch a Yankees game in the Bronx & visit the NYC Zoo there too. To me, it's the "real, authentic New York" are the boroughs outside of Manhattan. As always, great content & a loyal watcher of your videos, Mark!

[@PostcardCathy]

Everyone forgets to mention the views from the promenade in Brooklyn HEIGHTS YOU CAM SEE THE south Street Seaport, BMW bridges, Lower Manhattan amd from what I remember, you can see the Statue of Liberty.

[@UBrittesEnglish]

Awesome video

[@JeffinBville]

How did she not mention the very best free thing in NYC: The Staten Island Ferry? Sunset, Sunrise, Anytime. And, it's the best free view of the Statue of Liberty.

[@woltersworld]

She has it in other videos we did and sometimes we forget to mention every single item

[@TheMeganDaily]

I also have an entire video on my channel about the Staten Island ferry!:-) It is a fabulous free view of the Statue! Never gets old!:-)

[@JeffinBville]

Gotcha! BTW, the alligators. No one ever talks about them anymore.

[@anamunoz7803]

Great questions. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about NYC. 🙌

[@pelanconglansia2000]

Watching this video is extremely awesome! Thank’s for sharing. Best regards!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@sultanfahad]

One World Observatory is awesome. A must go.

[@timmmahhhh]

As an architect my favorite airport is JFK: TWA terminal classic Eero Saarinen design and now an awesome hotel, 'nuff said. As a Chicagoan one of the shocks of New York is that neither of the airports is served by a subway. Where in Chicago you can take the orange line to Midway and the blue line to O'Hare. I understand New York is going to eventually change this but for now that's still not available. Cool I didn't know the rock had an observation deck. I learned that for its tallness the Chrysler building does not have one, but the lobby is worth a look. Thanks for the great video guys!

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. The lack of subways direct to the airports boggles my mind

[@paulkoza8652]

@@woltersworld I think a subway extension to LGA has been kicked around for years but there is a cost barrier and in my opinion, they need to upgrade the existing system first.

[@blindpanthervlogs]

Jfk’s air train has connections to the subway at jamaika and howard beach.

[@martensjd]

JFK has good train service that connects to the subways.

[@MbisonBalrog]

You can take Air Train to airports, and get to Air Train via A train.

[@tedneanderthal7373]

Unless you are going to a Broadway show or a favorite restaurant in Times Square (Sardi's, Carmine's, Restaurant Row), it's a must to avoid. Every tourist trap is there as are crowds.

[@woltersworld]

Good spot for multiple subway lines too... stay positive 😀

[@paulkoza8652]

New Yorkers hate TS. But every tourist wants to go there. I took my cousin there this past fall when she first visited NY and she thought the place was fabulous. We were lucky to go early in the morning before it was over run with tourists and scammers.

[@Snowshowslow]

I don't understand why people want to visit it. When I visited NYC I planned to skip it, but the people showing me around insisted on showing it to me. Well, I saw it. But it's a pretty miserable place to me :[] Everything is trying to draw your attention and nothing actually seems worth your attention. Luckily, most of the rest of the city was so much nicer :)

[@tmn8547]

Yeah I agree. It would be great to convince tourists to explore other boroughs because they often think only Manhattan is NYC. The other boroughs offer so much and such a variety of foods and cultures plus it’s often cheaper to find a hotel there than in Manhattan.

[@TheMeganDaily]

I Just feel if you come to NYC and DON’T go to Times Square, even if it’s just to say how stupid it is, you’re doing it wrong. But I’d also argue that taking a tour will show you so many wonderful secrets and treasures there. Times Square is also where almost every Broadway show is located, there are some amazing eats, and really fun attractions, not to mention a very rich history. And if you go earlier rather than later, it tends to be more empty.

[@colormedubious4747]

Don't plan to eat at specific restaurants! The best dining in NYC is unplanned dining. All the food is decent there, because crappy restaurants don't survive for long. On my last visit, some of the best food I ever had in my entire life included: a fully loaded hot dog from a random street vendor near the WTC, a thinly-sliced-meatball pizza from a random diner in Long Island City, and a club sandwich from a random deli in Coney Island. The next time I'm up there, I plan to make a pilgrimage to Gray's Papaya, but only because I've had some of their food shipped to me and want to try it freshly prepared.

[@Jackosaurus117]

I spent only three days in New York back in October as part of a trip to multiple cities on the East Coast. I went to Liberty Island and went up to the crown, and it’s absolutely worth it. One of the most incredible experiences of my life

[@jonathankinnear8431]

I hit a few of these places. Absolutely love the pizza in NYC. Nothing against Chicago but NYC is where it's at for a slice. 🍕

[@ericdudley4169]

Wow!!! Wolters World and Meagan together talking about my hometown and greatest city in the world!!! Holy cow!!! What a great thing! Thank you!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Eric!

[@tomf.2327]

Great video! If people head down to NYU area we used to eat at La Lanterna and Lupa pretty frequently. Great places!

[@woltersworld]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@matthewbaker5741]

Oh yes! La Lanterna is great!

[@tobiojo6469]

I have been to New York multiple times and it’s a great place to visit.

[@woltersworld]

I love NYC

[@LazoDPT]

Not bad advice but as a native new yorker I would change her 1 day in NYC activity. BK bridge at SUNRISE is so much better especially for photography as the light will be great and it wont be horribly crowded (unless its cold then you'll be miserable). Times square is a tourist trap but its free and iconic so check it out but do it at NIGHT the lights will be way more impressive than if you go during the day.

[@davestrasburg408]

lnteresting video. As to the observation decks, as she implies, all are worthwhile; she favors One World Trade Center, but my favorite is The Edge, where 33rd Street ends at the Hudson River, which also has super-friendly, helpful personnel. Regarding the airports, even though l have never flown into or out of Newark, l believe what she said about that airport.

[@Moonflowers11]

The Air Train doesn't go to Manhattan, It goes to Howard Beach and the A train connects to the city. Or take the Air Train in the other direction to Jamaica and then take the LIRR to the city and catch a subway from there. The second option is slower and more expensive but safer. Yellow cabs are rate regulated from JFK to the city for about $75.

[@paulkoza8652]

My daughter has lived in NYC for eight years and I go up there pretty often. I think Megan had pretty good advice. Only two things I'd disagree with is that the High Line is a general waste of time if you have very limited time in NY. It is over hyped. Also, I avoid LaGuardia like the plague unless you have excellent priced tickets to get into NY. There is no public transit from LGA to NYC unless you take the bus to the north side of Manhattan (I've done it when my daughter lived on the upper west side), and there is not a flat cab rate into NY from LGA, unlike JFK. I do think her advice on hiring a tour guide is not a bad idea, especially if one has limited time. A full or half day with a guide will not only take you to the high spots but also take you to hidden gems along the way if they are worth their salt. And these are the sites you will come back to NY to see. One question that was not directly asked was about lodging. This is the most expensive part of a trip and deserves a follow up.

[@TheMeganDaily]

I like LGA because I live in Harlem. Public transportation from JFK or Newark to Harlem is tricky. LGA there’s a really easy bus if I want to use public transportation, and it’s generally a quick taxi ride. (I’m known for overpacking, so that’s usually significantly easier for me than public transit with suitcases.) if you’re staying near Penn Station or Grand Central, and want to use public transit, JFK or Newark could be easier. In terms of where to stay, I’d recommend Manhattan below 59th streets just because lots of trains run there so you’ll be able to get where you want to go fairly easily. Price is such a personal thing. I’ve been reviewing hotels and recently stayed at the Library Hotel (41 and Madison) and Civilian (48th and 8th) and both were under $300 night which is pretty good for a nice hotel in Manhattan. You can find cheaper as well, these were “accessible luxury.” Hope that helps some!

[@paulkoza8652]

@@TheMeganDaily Good tip on lodging. One other thing I forgot to mention earlier is to avoid the hop-on/hop-off bus tours. Although they cover a lot of area, you do not have sufficient time to take it all in. And, if the weather is not cooperating, sitting on the upper deck of a bus in wet or cold weather is not enjoyable. Better to take one of the circle line cruises either around the island or the one that just cruises around lower Manhattan. I understand that there is also an architectural cruise which I'd like to take in when the weather is warm. I've also sailed on the sloop Clearwater when it docks on the Hudson and you get a great view of Manhattan and New Jersey for that matter.

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

If you have one day in NYC, go to Washington Square Park and then walk east on 8th Street/St Marks Place.

[@arejayseeottawa]

I have been to NYC more times than I can remember, & I feel that any time of the year is good for visiting that city! There's always lots to do over there!

[@markwrabel2941]

Thanks!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Mark!

[@jorgeluisalrey3061]

Lo mejor programa 🎉🎉🎉

[@anettemurgalla5607]

Thanks for the tip question :-) ... and especially tourist from Europe should know ;-)

[@kevinw143]

She's great. Thanks for incorporating her!

[@woltersworld]

Yes! Megan is awesome!

[@HarleyQuinn-nl7zv]

Ever since I played GTA IV and saw Ghostbusters I've always wanted to go there. I think the thing I would do first is since I'm big fan of McDonald's is eat at the McDonald's in Star junction, go see the Statue of Happiness and Coney island!

[@laurie6123]

I'd determine my focus based on whether I ever expect to be able to return.

[@amyjrp]

Welcome (back) to New York! If I could recommend one restaurant, it would be Max Brenner! Wonderful vibe and food and of course…all the chocolate! 🍫❤

[@Harry_16710]

Thanks Megan!👏 👏

[@milankamalinic6625]

the best advice I have ever heard about NYC

[@StanHasselback]

For budget travelers The Staten Island Ferry is free and runs 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Excellent views of the city and of Liberty island. The museums in NYC are some of the best in the world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best Museums in the world. If you are in the upper West side stop at Zabars and pick up a knish along with many other items. Ess-a-Bagel is very good, line out the door on the weekend. Absolute bagel upper side 110th? also very good. She's spot on with most of her recommendations. I like the Empire State building the best you don't need to pay to go to the very top just the main observation deck. For the love of god don't clear customs at JFK.

[@blindpanthervlogs]

The streets of the entire city are a tourist attraction.

[@robertewalt7789]

It is possible to take mass transit from Newark airport (EWR) to midtown NYC. More or less the same as from Kennedy.

[@janieparker2374]

I learned that the subway is NOT 24 hours but you CAN make it from Brooklyn to Manhattan(to get your things) to Queens after your concert that you left at 2am after getting a text from the airline that they rescheduled your flight from 9am to 6am

[@chanelmone4721]

The summer is the worst time to visit bad advice because of heat and how we don't just get in our car and drive to a place and go straight to that location you will be feeling the heat by walking and before you get into a subway car it has been described as a sauna. The best time to vist is Spring or Winter if you can handle the cold.

[@MrSloika]

August is horrible in NYC. Temps can get in the 90s with very high humidity. Likewise mid January to the end of February is not a good time. Temps can get very cold and blizzards are not unheard of that time of year.

[@matmat-d3y]

As an engineer going to the statue of liberty and being inside to see all the structure we amazing.

[@jonathankinnear8431]

Also, I do not think the city pass is that worth it. If you are thinking of anything pass related for NYC I highly recommend the explorer pass. You can cherry pick exactly what you want to see from the list and exactly how many tourist things you want to see. Your tour guide looks awesome. I'll definitely check her out next time I'm in town and recommend her to friends of mine as well. I also strongly agree with her choice of airport. I have landed and taken off from all 3 and LaGuardia if you have the chance to fly into there is the best.

[@martensjd]

An alternative I prefer to the airports and airlines is Amtrak and New York Penn Station.

[@davidpalmer9014]

For a first-timer, I'd ask what their focus is. Is it food? Is it Broadway? Is it museums? Is it parks? I mean, if you love art, you can spend an entire day in The Met, for example. The key to enjoying yourself in NYC is having somewhat of a plan. Just wandering around can feel frustrating, especially if you aren't used to crowds. My choice for a starting point would be Grand Central. Grab a bagel or a black and white cookie, and a coffee, and take in the architecture.

[@matthewbaker5741]

With that in mind, one great addendum to the "What's a good time for my budget?" question is that most museums have a free night or a pay-what-you-wish night. Like the Museum of Modern Art is free after 4pm on Fridays. Of course, for that reason, they're also more crowded at that time. So it's up to you to decide which is more important. But you have choices.

[@thebigphilbowski]

If a visitor wants te see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty without committing an entire day to going I would take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It's free, you can sit outside and get spectacular views and take great pictures of Lower Manhattan on your way back and the round trip is only an hour.

[@FireHax0rd]

Had no idea about the LGA tax, but it makes sense based on the routes I've seen. Thank you for the info

[@counterfit5]

If you don't tip at McSorley's, they swing a hockey stick at your head

[@johanbouwer9138]

One world Obs don't have a glass floor! it has a video screen floor!

[@MercenaryTX]

One day tour without Statue of Liberty. Egad. Do the real tour on island and follow up Ellis island. Don’t skimp on Staten Island ferry. John’s pizza on Times Square the best.

[@TheMeganDaily]

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tours are amazing!

[@cooldoberman2024]

liberty city

[@martinsenoner8186]

Ive been to Elis Iland and many other places in two weeks New York City

[@Tramptraveller]

👏👏👏❤👏👏👏

[@andycohn5768]

Do people get paid more since everything is so expensive

[@MbisonBalrog]

I cant find McSorley's Pub on Yelp. I found McSorley's Ale House, but does have a menu. Do they even serve food?

[@MbisonBalrog]

I tip 18% but I use CC.

[@toddhoward1111]

6:27 , do some research. And thats all the advice you need.

[@woltersworld]

Hence why they should watchvmlre of our videos to get ready for their visit 😉 right?

[@toddhoward1111]

@Wolters World I watch all of Wolters World content. Your a legend

[@chrissiewilliams8526]

I’m travelling to Memphis in November to do everything Elvis! This is the first time I’ve flown on my own, I have to get a flight from London to Chicago to Memphis, I’m not sure what I need to do when getting off the plane in Chicago, do I go and find my connecting flight or something else? My travel agents have said my baggage will go straight through to Memphis, I’m just not sure how everything works

[@paulkoza8652]

Please allow yourself sufficient layover time in Chicago. This is true for any airport in the US. The aviation system here can take a dive at any given moment and you don't want to find yourself stranded. Anything less than 90 minutes is foolish.

[@martensjd]

If at Heathrow you check your baggage to Memphis, it should go there. The advice about sufficient layover is smart. Mostly when arriving in Chicago, you'd go straight to your departing gate; even if it seems you have plenty of time, you want to know where it is. An option would be to schedule a one or more day layover in Chicago; it's a great city and is worth seeing.

[@chrissiewilliams8526]

@@paulkoza8652 I’ve got just over 3 hours thank you though!

[@martensjd]

One thing is that sometimes you need to collect your bags at your port of entry (O'hare), clear customs, and then re-check your bags to your final destination. Your airline will know.

[@chrissiewilliams8526]

@@martensjd yeah my travel agent said it would go straight over, I’m just wondering if I’d have to go through customs or security again once I get to Chicago or do I just go and find my connecting flight? And unfortunately I don’t have an extra day to spend the day in Chicago! But I’ll definitely add it to the list of my places to visit

[@timardner5277]

If you are within driving distance of NYC, DON'T DRIVE TO NYC! Take a train instead (such as Amtrak or NJ Transit) and you will have a MUCH easier time arriving and departing the city and arrive and leave at Penn Station. Plus the parking is extremely expensive in NYC!

[@GillesTanguay]

20% tipping is insane !!! Please pay your employees a living wage instead 😮

[@jamesclick8223]

Fan of him but not the guest. He had her on before,hope not going to be a regular thing.

[@TheMeganDaily]

I’m sorry you don’t like me.

[@jamesclick8223]

@@TheMeganDaily Being a New Yorker sure that you won't lose sleep over it,lol. I like Mark's presentation and don't like the format being changed. I'm sure you are good at what you do.

[@annedon776]

Please stay away from subways! Living in NYC as a grad student and below ground is not safe IMO. Great video! Thank you!

[@woltersworld]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great weekend.

[@paulkoza8652]

I get your point but if you need to cover ground fast, it is the best and cheapest way to do it. And if you travel during the day, they are safe. You just have to be prepared to put up with the random crazies that can and do show up.

[@matthewbaker5741]

I've taken the subway every day for 30 years and never had a problem.

[@TheMeganDaily]

I am a female who travels alone on the subway a lot, alone, and often quite late at night. I’m still here to tell the tale.

[@gregmcclement6423]

hey fello traveler i am swtiching to r**mble can you start posting over there as well

[@QuantumCount2717]

Beautiful New York! Love from the republic of Pakistan! 🇵🇰❤️🇺🇸

[@wasted3secondsreadingmyuse30]

As someone who just went to NY, I think the day passes aren’t worth it since the attractions are generally so huge and massive that they take up the whole day to begin with. Plus if you are like me and get so distracted by the side streets. You dedicate less time to city attractions to make the pass worth it

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@matthewbaker5741]

I am also a NYC tour guide and Megan has been one of my dearest friends for over a decade. And I'm a Wolters World fan so I was tickled pink to see this collaboration! The two questions I get from my tourists the most often are "What would an apartment in this neighborhood cost me?" and "Where were you on 9/11?" But, of course, those don't contain actual travel advice so I totally respect why they wouldn't be in this video. Thank you for highlighting one of the true stars of our city and our industry!

[@TheMeganDaily]

Mark, I feel you and Matt would be BFFs!

[@woltersworld]

This is actually me and not the spam bots. Thank yo ufor the kind words and yes, Megan is awesome! Oh, and i have seen so many videos lately on rents in NYC itis crazy. Hope you all are well

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

NYC resident here. Great advice. She’s fabulous.

[@woltersworld]

Megan is awesome!

[@hittingtax2670]

native or transplant?

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

@@hittingtax2670 are you talking about Megan? she gives good advice.

[@hittingtax2670]

@@esmereldapinchon1422 Esmerelda

[@esmereldapinchon1422]

@@hittingtax2670 If I was a native, would have said so. Transplant of many years.

[@mikelennox559]

Great video! She gives great advice and I’m sure she’s an awesome tour guide

[@blankface_]

You will never see it all in a few days, and Brooklyn is where it’s at if you want a real local vibe

[@hulme187]

You speak fast Megan. Just watched the movie Megan, speak like that hahaha. Joking, Good advice

[@TheDevilsJoker49]

yea wont visit a place that violates peoples rights