NYC Travel Mistakes: What NOT to Do in New York City

[@HereBeBarr]

Scroll back up and smash that like button if you enjoyed this video! 🛒 SHOP our NEW NYC Guides For Your Next Trip: www.thatch.co/@herebebarr (Use Code: BARR20 For 20% Off Your Purchase!)

[@cheeseparis1]

Scrolled back and realized I already smashed the LIKE button

[@Mishalex]

I don't know if you drink or not, but regardless, please do a video on the best NYC speakeasies at some point! I find that, for the most part, these are overrated and overpriced, but I find it hilarious when other locals get upset about their favorite "underground" gin joint being "exposed." This isn't the 1920s, and if it can be found with a simple search on Google maps, it's not really underground. Yet some people are so touchy. It's hilarious. So please... for my sake... I implore you to do a video on these sorts of locales at some point.

[@zaahidessop6097]

I’ve being watching your videos for months now as NYC is my dream holiday. Your videos have helped me build a perfect itinerary to NYC but I think there’s so much more tourist would to like to know when travelling to NYC that no one on KZbin has covered and I think you’d get great response from a few of my suggestions, such as: 1) Best Airport to land 2) Famous movie locations in NYC from the Lotte palace(Gossip girl) to the ghost busters station to home alone scenes to Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the friend’s apartment 3) Wollman ice rink during winter and summer 4) Famous celebrity’s restaurant and bakeries like Carlos Bakery from Cake boss 5)Fun activities to do like go karts or mini golf 6)For some reason no one speak about Woodbury commons yet everyone I speak to back in South Africa tells me it’s one of the best shopping places to get good deal(Would be nice to see a guide on it) 7) Best hotels to stay ranging for different budgets 8) Simple trick in NYC, like how to get a SIM card and how to book a Broadway show etc I would love to see a video with some of these suggestions, keep up the great work

[@VickyBantaChrist]

I'm Christian catholic single from Pakistan Karachi my parents are no longer I'm living with my bro's child's here's

[@VickyBantaChrist]

I'm not rich business person and recently I resigned from KFC job

[@infinite_vortex]

I consider myself a local (10 min drive from NYC in Hudson County) and totally agree about doing things in the early morning, ESPECIALLY Sunday mornings. I drive over early on Sunday mornings (free street parking on Sundays! ) and park in midtown - and walk everywhere from there - Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Central Park, Times Square. If I want, I'll catch a Broadway matinee show after getting tickets from the TKTS booth. It's beautiful to walk on quiet Sunday mornings without the crowds and you really feel like you have those areas to yourself. Started doing that during the pandemic in 2020 and haven't stopped since!

[@aparticularuser]

That sounds wonderful!

[@tp-iu2nh]

so ur not a local 😭

[@Jesse615]

@@tp-iu2nh Hudson Co. IS local. Hoboken is only a few minutes, by PATH, from the West Village, for instance. I lived there for a few years before going to Park Slope, and subsequently know my way around the wacky West Village streets way better than my Brooklyn neighbors!

[@sertyuhg]

In NYC some dogs also dont clean after their owners, we are approaching SF peak weirdness and decay

[@Spamboot3000]

I have been to New York during summer vacation with my. All in all New York is of course a stunning City. But when you go theyre as a tourist, what travel platforms dont tell you is that New York is far away from perfect. When i got theyre I was shocked. The street of our hotel is not one of the busiest ones and as soon as you get away from the main streets, you get to experiense the bad side of New York to. Every 100 meters or so you see people laying on the Street. Someone of them are begging others just "accept" theyre faith. From day one I felt so unconfortable. I mean it cant be true that this is suppost to be normal. What shocked me even more is that homeless people dont make up the higher amount of people in the city and still nobody even cares. People just ignore them. Everybody is busy theyre. But the homeless people are even present on the biggest streets with probaly thousands of people walking past them every day. And still not much people care. All the people around me had no eye for them and I felt like i am the only one who even cares. I felt like I had to do something. Even small things can make a change. For example we homeless people near our street holding the door of a seven eleven shop. One time we gave one of them a bit. On another day we gave a street artist at time square money.OneAnother time in central Park. At one day we had a especially hearth breaking moment. we had been in an imbiss and they gave us three kiwis for free. Me and my parents werent hungry anymore and we desided to give them to a homeless person together with a spoon and a knife. We ended up giving it to a mother with a child who had a sign that asked for food. I was happy to see how much she liked. On one evening. I literally had a breakdown and I cried because I just wasnt able to hold it back anymore. I really felt alone in this situation because I felt like i am the only one who cares around. What world are we living in where this is suppost to be completely normal. If this is suppost to be the city where dreams come true then i dont wanna know how the situation is in other really big citys around the world. So if you read this comment and you life or go to New York or another big city then be human and do something for people in need. If the politicians dont do something then we have to stand up and help those people. If everybody does small things like this examples we can change a lot.

[@emilyboller7588]

Downloading an offline map in Google Maps is key! We visited about 5 years ago and had a terrible time getting our GPS to work in Midtown and the Financial District due to all the tall buildings. Thankfully my husband had downloaded an offline map (he does this out of habit before we leave on any trip) that fixed the issue for us.

[@katherinewilkinson228]

I saw Back to the Future last Saturday while visiting from California. It was a true spectacle! Definitely not the best show we’ve seen, but it’s something fun to see once. We rushed six shows in four days and saved tons.

[@Spamboot3000]

I have been to New York during summer vacation with my. All in all New York is of course a stunning City. But when you go theyre as a tourist, what travel platforms dont tell you is that New York is far away from perfect. When i got theyre I was shocked. The street of our hotel is not one of the busiest ones and as soon as you get away from the main streets, you get to experiense the bad side of New York to. Every 100 meters or so you see people laying on the Street. Someone of them are begging others just "accept" theyre faith. From day one I felt so unconfortable. I mean it cant be true that this is suppost to be normal. What shocked me even more is that homeless people dont make up the higher amount of people in the city and still nobody even cares. People just ignore them. Everybody is busy theyre. But the homeless people are even present on the biggest streets with probaly thousands of people walking past them every day. And still not much people care. All the people around me had no eye for them and I felt like i am the only one who even cares. I felt like I had to do something. Even small things can make a change. For example we homeless people near our street holding the door of a seven eleven shop. One time we gave one of them a bit. On another day we gave a street artist at time square money.OneAnother time in central Park. At one day we had a especially hearth breaking moment. we had been in an imbiss and they gave us three kiwis for free. Me and my parents werent hungry anymore and we desided to give them to a homeless person together with a spoon and a knife. We ended up giving it to a mother with a child who had a sign that asked for food. I was happy to see how much she liked. On one evening. I literally had a breakdown and I cried because I just wasnt able to hold it back anymore. I really felt alone in this situation because I felt like i am the only one who cares around. What world are we living in where this is suppost to be completely normal. If this is suppost to be the city where dreams come true then i dont wanna know how the situation is in other really big citys around the world. So if you read this comment and you life or go to New York or another big city then be human and do something for people in need. If the politicians dont do something then we have to stand up and help those people. If everybody does small things like this examples we can change a lot.

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

The Google Maps tip is clutch. I've done that in remote areas too (Ireland, Utah). Worst moment ever is not knowing where you need to go.

[@ActionKid]

The MTA High Entrance Turnstile trick is a good one and has gotten me more than once when I was in a rush! Another one to look out for now is with OMNY : Make sure to use the same card or device in order to qualify for the unlimited rides. I've heard of several people use their Apple Watch and then switching to their iPhone and wondering why they didn't get unlimited rides for the week once they paid 12 times.

[@HereBeBarr]

Thanks for the tip on that one!!

[@luciemedici]

I thought if it was linked to the same credit card it doesn’t matter, good to know

[@CuteCatsofIstanbul]

Whenever in the US or on a US website and I'm asked for a zip code, I'm grateful I'm a 90's kids because of the tv show Beverly Hills 90210 ... a series of number etched in our brains all around the world! Thank you Brenda, Brandon, Kelly, Dylan, Donna, Steve, David and Andrea!

[@vangrails]

With that postal code we could listen to Pandora internet radio but later on they closed that loophole.😢

[@greg6924]

Never, under any circumstances take anything from a stranger be it a bracelet or a CD. Never try to play an illegal street game like three card monte. You are the mark and you will lose. This is true in Vegas as well.

[@teflontravels]

The cd scam is very common 🤣

[@JayJay-zu4jt]

Bonjour merci pour votre aide car en tant que français nous n'avons pas forcément les mêmes arnaques c'est quoi l'arnaque du C.D ? Je viens a New York avec ma famille et je ne veux pas de problème .merci

[@rachelhazelton8544]

thank you

[@isaacsarabia5675]

Went in March '24. Never bought a Metro Card. Just used my phone, apple pay, for every entrance into the subway, super easy.

[@BradMarcus]

Great tip of hitting 9th Avenue for food. It's one of the great food stretches in the city. In addition to the places you mention, Mom's is consistently terrific! And for cheap eats, Empanada Mama.

[@HereBeBarr]

I Second empanada mamá

[@mikiqex]

IDK if you mentioned it elsewhere, but similarly to the subway turnstile - always check if you're entering the subway for the correct direction. Some stations don't have the option to go to the other track without leaving the paid area, so you either have to go to in the wrong direction to a station that do, or you exit the station and pay again.

[@Qiubenjamin]

Watching this made me realize how much knowledge is needed to survive in the city, def taking everything i know for granted, great vid as usual!

[@HereBeBarr]

lol too much

[@screwgoogle4993]

Not really. The criminals have it written all over their skin. Too much? You don't think this is complicated. You are afraid of criminals. Why? They have the same hardware you do. You can be mean too. You can be dangerous too.

[@cheeseparis1]

Yes! let's turn this comment section into a "Wow I loved Back to the Future" tribute! Saw it in London and I freaking loved it. The theater lobby was decorated, the room was decorated, the staging was awesome and the story was there. Worth every pound I spent there!

[@HereBeBarr]

I'm an 80s fanatic, haha. I think i'm sold already.

[@richardschindler8822]

As someone that’s lived in NYC all my life, there is another way into the city from JFK. Take the AirTran to Howard beach then the A train into Brooklyn or Manhattan. I’ve done it many times over the years, and never had a problem. See people with suitcases on it all the time.

[@zaahidessop6097]

I’ve being watching your videos for months now as NYC is my dream holiday. Your videos have helped me build a perfect itinerary to NYC but I think there’s so much more tourist would to like to know when travelling to NYC that no one on KZbin has covered and I think you’d get great response from a few of my suggestions, such as: 1) Best Airport to land 2) Famous movie locations in NYC from the Lotte palace(Gossip girl) to the ghost busters station to home alone scenes to Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the friend’s apartment 3) Wollman ice rink during winter and summer 4) Famous celebrity’s restaurant and bakeries like Carlos Bakery from Cake boss 5)Fun activities to do like go karts or mini golf 6)For some reason no one speak about Woodbury commons yet everyone I speak to back in South Africa tells me it’s one of the best shopping places to get good deal(Would be nice to see a guide on it) 7) Best hotels to stay ranging for different budgets 8) Simple trick in NYC, like how to get a SIM card and how to book a Broadway show etc I would love to see a video with some of these suggestions, keep up the great work

[@zaahidessop6097]

Some of these suggestions are because us who have never being to America don’t really know anything about it and how to get around

[@bebrothertonla11]

I’m coming to NYC on Thurs-Mon and I’ve watched a lot of your videos recently and you’ve really helped me planning this trip thanks a lot for your help.

[@santiagoossa3722]

I went to NYC 1 week ago let me tell you guys it was a whole experience! The best trip ever! Waiting to go back next summer! NYC capital of the world love this City

[@2Ensta]

I didn't know about downloading those offline maps with Google Maps thanks for that. I will have to test that on the subways next time.

[@JPatelLive]

its worth it - do it too - for any need emergency etc if ur phone has no data/low signal/battery etc - TOP TIP: Enlarge the size of the area to download, NOT just the specific area u wanna travel to/in :) Let me know how u get on?:)

[@g.t.richardson6311]

I don’t go anywhere now I can’t carry (2) Been to nyc many times but long ago. Even did the Times Square New Year’s Eve thing Glad I did it in the 80s, won’t ever go back New Jersey and Maryland are on that list as well I take my vacation dollars South

[@screwgoogle4993]

Smart. Just.... be careful. ((They with the small hats)) control all of the mainstream "conservatives" as well. Abbott is not your friend, neither is DeSantis, neither is Trump. Use them, but don't be sucked into believing in these traitors. They'll swear allegiance to a foreign government before ever spitting up a drop of support for the founding demographics of a nation (I had to be very coy about this, remember the platform we're on)

[@scottallan1668]

Hey John I'm not long back from my 1st trip to NYC. I was in NYC for 5 days and had an amazing time. Ate so much pizza, seen so many amazing sights all thanks to watching your videos for years. Can't wait to come back for another trip really soon 🙌

[@HereBeBarr]

Glad to hear!!

[@JaMadatMe]

Same here! I was in New York this past week for four days and had a ball visiting for the first time. I can’t wait to plan another trip soon!😄

[@Spamboot3000]

I have been to New York during summer vacation with my. All in all New York is of course a stunning City. But when you go theyre as a tourist, what travel platforms dont tell you is that New York is far away from perfect. When i got theyre I was shocked. The street of our hotel is not one of the busiest ones and as soon as you get away from the main streets, you get to experiense the bad side of New York to. Every 100 meters or so you see people laying on the Street. Someone of them are begging others just "accept" theyre faith. From day one I felt so unconfortable. I mean it cant be true that this is suppost to be normal. What shocked me even more is that homeless people dont make up the higher amount of people in the city and still nobody even cares. People just ignore them. Everybody is busy theyre. But the homeless people are even present on the biggest streets with probaly thousands of people walking past them every day. And still not much people care. All the people around me had no eye for them and I felt like i am the only one who even cares. I felt like I had to do something. Even small things can make a change. For example we homeless people near our street holding the door of a seven eleven shop. One time we gave one of them a bit. On another day we gave a street artist at time square money.OneAnother time in central Park. At one day we had a especially hearth breaking moment. we had been in an imbiss and they gave us three kiwis for free. Me and my parents werent hungry anymore and we desided to give them to a homeless person together with a spoon and a knife. We ended up giving it to a mother with a child who had a sign that asked for food. I was happy to see how much she liked. On one evening. I literally had a breakdown and I cried because I just wasnt able to hold it back anymore. I really felt alone in this situation because I felt like i am the only one who cares around. What world are we living in where this is suppost to be completely normal. If this is suppost to be the city where dreams come true then i dont wanna know how the situation is in other really big citys around the world. So if you read this comment and you life or go to New York or another big city then be human and do something for people in need. If the politicians dont do something then we have to stand up and help those people. If everybody does small things like this examples we can change a lot.

[@WARNING-1gv7ej2j]

Good for you but nyc pizza Taste like trash

[@LovedByYou]

@@Spamboot3000thanks for sharing. I’m the same way

[@MultiPsycopat]

thanks for helping me make up my mind. im staying home far away from this place

[@screwgoogle4993]

The only logical comment here. Stay away. The bright lights are a scam. Democracy was a lie.

[@Jesse615]

Pro tip: It's really not worth taking a bus (or cab) cross-town from 23rd to 59th -- the exception being 14th St., because, no public cars -- unless the weather is too unpleasant for you. In Mid-Town, walking or biking is going to be the faster option.

[@HereBeBarr]

What other NYC Travel Mistakes did you make on your first trip?

[@ramencurry6672]

Finding bathrooms can be a challenge

[@cheeseparis1]

I wasn't the one making the mistake, but the plane pilot didn't park right in front of the bridge, it took then 50 minutes to adjust it...

[@cheeseparis1]

the cable car in Roosevelt Island doesn't accept OMNY (as of May 2023). If you go there, be sure you are using a Travelcard ... or take the ferry to Pier 51 (south of Manhattan, Wall Street), $4 instead of the $3 you would have to pay for the cable car, well worth it!

[@HereBeBarr]

@@cheeseparis1 Well i'd say take the cable car at least 1 way!

[@cheeseparis1]

@@HereBeBarr Yes, thanks, I took it the previous time I visited New York and I loved it. How was Back to the Future? ;-)

[@AndyWarholsWig]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the advice on the horse drawn carriages. It's hard to believe cities are even still doing this. Your advice was correct. If anyone is interested in taking a horse drawn carriage in any city, please do research on this. I promise you, you aren't missing anything by skipping these!

[@andrewburgemeister6684]

In my city they’re banned in the CBD because of animal welfare.

[@Tanyah-]

We took the pedicab and had such a fun time! I thought it was cruel to make the horses constantly traipse round the park

[@Adventure_Andrew]

A tip if you’re driving to NYC for a day trip. Park in Jersey City at the Journal Square PATH station. Or park at the North Bergen NJ Transit Park N Ride it’s only $10 for 24 hours and includes a round trip bus ticket. They are both a lot cheaper than trying to find a place to park in the city.

[@TheBingBuzz]

Love watching these videos, always need to stay up to date!

[@HereBeBarr]

Glad you like them!

[@michaelchin3550]

You guys are not too shabby yourself!

[@Sullys-GamingYT]

Don't split up from ur group. Don't give people money. Don't be out at night people will follow you if you take a wrong turn.

[@BungieStudios]

Why will they follow you?

[@princejavv3314]

​@@BungieStudios to hurt you

[@michaelchin3550]

I cannot tell you how amazingly wonderful your videos are!! You da best! Thanks for all you do to highlight all the great stuff in NYC.

[@HereBeBarr]

You are so welcome!

[@erickjerland1281]

I was in NYC last week. I celebrated Ringo Stars birthday outside the Ed Sullivan theater and Strawberry fields. It was humid. I don’t mind the heat. I really like Bleecker Street Pizza. New York is a lot of fun.

[@jett2605]

i don't know if you've mentioned this in any of your other videos, but the very first mistake i made when i first got off of the plane was to get in a cab that didn't have a fare box. i ended up paying way more than i probably should have because someone in the cab in the front seat(not the driver) told me the fare would be almost ninety dollars - just as they were dropping me off somewhere i didn't want to go. when i got in the cab i told them where i wanted to go and they convinced me they knew a better place to stay. they pretended to talk to someone on the phone and told them to expect my arrival. when i got out of the cab - without my ninety dollars - there was nothing like what he said it would be. i felt completely lost since it was my first time - and last time in NYC. and that was just the beginning of my long horror story. i came back home three days before i'd planned. i had to get out of there. i said i would never go back and i haven't. so whenever i talk to people who go to New York, i tell them be sure the taxi has a fare box before you get in. actually, first i advise them to not go at all.

[@giao2380]

Yep. People are rude and sounds like you got taken because you were a tourist.

[@ClipZone111]

u should go back. One bad experience doesnt define it whole city. I was there a few months back and its the best experience ive ever had

[@MsStarryEyed]

Anything offline or under the table is just not a good idea; it’s not NY specific, and not even cab specific. Sometimes ride share drivers will ask to be paid cash so they “get more money” and it’s completely unsafe. Women typically take more caution than men in every day life situations, but anyone should be advised. For what it’s worth, I think you should go back to NY and rewrite your experience.

[@screwgoogle4993]

@@ClipZone111 No, but some of us have been living here our whole lives and we can confirm that life here is one long bad experience. The crime alone. The scammers. The disloyal, non-Americans who see this place as a pool of suckers to be taken advantage of. I like to spill blood, but if you want to have a family, get out. There is nothing but violence here. Oh what, you met a quirky bum? That's not a good trade when the price is "kiss black ass or else they'll try to murder you, fail, then lie to the government to try to 'get you' again" - What, is that offensive? I find it offensive to have knives thrust at my face and then be defamed for not just letting myself die. And for the record, I'm only being "this nice" about it because of algorithmic censorship.

[@analis4000]

Thanks for standing up for the horses! so sympathetic !!!

[@anlasbry]

Always buy your ticket to the Statue of Liberty from Castle Clinton and not from unauthorized sellers.

[@Pinupred21]

These are so helpful. The first time I only used Uber. Big mistake!

[@squiggleworks9]

‘00000’ works too for the metro card zip code for overseas tourists. I’ve helped tourists with this when I worked in midtown east.

[@camilaalbi]

thank you for discouraging the horse drawn, glad to hear that, I totally agree with you.

[@yeseniasplace]

Here is my tip from a born and raised New Yorker…..Book the Summit one Vanderbilt one hour or 45 prior to Sunset so you can see the city at day and watch the night skies change color until sunset. You would have experience the best of both views of our lovely NEW YORK CITY🎉🎉🎉

[@HereBeBarr]

Great tip!

[@manchesterisblue1023]

that google maps download thing is a LIFESAVER i wish i knew this 10 years ago

[@stevenwilson4324]

Saw Back To The Future in previews last week. It's unlike anything else you will see on Broadway. The audience erupted in applause at the opening notes of the overture and a wild and wonderful ride ensued from there. It did not disappoint! The special effects with the DeLorean are worth the price of admission alone and if Roger Bart doesn't win a Tony as Doc Brown it will be shocking.

[@marylai3555]

Great information on the Google Map tip! This will come in handy. Appreciate your videos John.

[@nataliaromanova6535]

We're visiting for the first time in late November - and will be there at Thanksgiving. I am hoping to catch some Christmas-time action.

[@sopdox]

Just wanted to say, even though Thanksgiving is a huge family holiday, don’t expect restaurants to be empty on that Thursday. Some do close for the holiday but most cater to families and large groups that don’t want the aggravation of cooking, cleaning, etc. If you’re planning to eat out on Thanksgiving Day, make your reservations well in advance and ask if they are offering a full menu or only a special holiday menu (not everyone may want turkey and stuffing). This includes lunch reservations.

[@TaishonMatar-oy2kj]

Adding onto the food options I cannot overstate how fantastic the service at the Landmark Tavern at 626 11th Ave which is open to midnight.

[@kingbradentucky]

You know what train does take you into the city center? You can get dropped off in the heart of Manhattan. Answer, Amtrak and it also has a top notch first class lounge for sleeper car passengers.

[@debbiesloane740]

I really appreciate your videos. My husband and I will be in NY in a couple weeks and I’m gleaning from several of your videos. We’ve been to NY a couple of times and did most of the touristy stuff but as you know NY is a big city and there’s more to do. Anyway, thanks for the great content! Looking forward to our trip!

[@JohnHausser]

7:25 I’m not a vegan/PETA guy but I’m also against it. Cheers from San Diego California

[@britishgray4952]

Good Friday Morning My Friend IAM Hoping That You Are Having A Fantastic Day We Appreciate You For Sharing This Information With All Of Us Because IAM From Brooklyn New York I Always Tell People To Plan Ahead❤ Much Blessings And Love Always Ms British Gray From Tampa Florida

[@HereBeBarr]

Thank you! You too!

[@britishgray4952]

@@HereBeBarr Pleasure Is All Mines Remain Bless And Safe Until We Chat Again :)

[@njo1982]

GO WATCH BACK TO THE FUTURE!! Saw it in London, was brilliant! A very fun, enjoyable show! Slightly different story so it can be shown on stage, but worth every penny!

[@bendigeidfran3771]

Having just got back, I'd like to expand on the travel from the airport tip. If you've indulged in too much food and drink in the lounge and on your flight, getting in the back of a cab when you suffer from motion sickness is a bad idea. Having to ask the driver to pull over in NYC so you can throw up isn't ideal 🙃

[@kamsanimb]

Saving this video for later! Going to NYC in August-Sept. Can't wait!

[@gamingbigfats3934]

You are going to be really disappointed. This is an old video.

[@MitchEdsExcellentAdventure]

My wife and I saw BTTF (we are now back home in Australia) on July 6th and even got to meet Bob Gale, the co-creator of the movie and wrote the book of the show. It was fantastic! A combo of the movie, Grease and Hairspray and is great fun. The leads are all great (especially George McFly) and the effects are spectacular. Well worth a ticket especially if you sit centre orchestra.

[@maximvalois2545]

i go to nyc tommorow for 5 days! hope to see you

[@dianadelahaye7660]

Love the great tips. So smart.

[@AM-gk1cz]

Visited NYC in October, 2022 with your advice, I wouldn't have know a bunch of things if not for you! I am deciding to go again, this time as a solo female trip. Thanks for the great and concise advice!

[@robatsea2009]

Laughing about the due vigilance involved to avoid big city turd bombs - it reminds me of being in Nice several years back, and walking the city sidewalks was like a high-risk game in dodging doggy plops. Anyone not focused is in for the brownshoe experience.

[@screwgoogle4993]

You should worry more about the brownskin experience if you're not focused

[@linusoppenheimer9248]

I’m born and raised in nyc and have lived there my whole life. Here’s my thoughts: 1) ik the trains are harder to figure out if you’re not from here, so if you don’t want to pay for a cab that’s true. That said it’s pretty easy to get a cab or uber, just expensive 2) correct 3) these are pretty easy. Just don’t go towards the side that has bars that aren’t part of the turnstile 4) correct 5) the subway steps thing is lowkey important, especially if it’s cold 6) the Google maps advice is good if you’re not trying to use data, though connection is generally good throughout most of nyc. 7) idk anything about seated tbh 8) the ferry is cool but kinda inconvenient/limited, buses can be a good option, citibikes are good but kinda hard to ride and pricy-ish 9) god I fucking hate Times Square. I get why people want to go but imo go there once and stay somewhere else. 9th ave has some good spots (also there’s a better Dominican place, seguidilla empanadas right up the block zoralie is on) 10) don’t take horse drawn carriages. They cause the park to smell bad, are bad for the horses, and aren’t that pleasant. I’d just walk around Central Park - that’s the best way to see it. Also, in wood/the cloisters, riverside, prospect park, and van cortlandt are also really nice 11 and 12 I don’t know too much about, but I’d assume he’s right about the observation decks and the tickets also seem correct

[@stephenbacks3100]

Don’t forget Newark airport. The Air train goes directly to Penn Station. No matter where you stay in the city, you can take the subway from there. Last time, I stayed at 59th, and just walked it. Great way to take in the city upon arrival.

[@Jaysee2164]

thank you for cautioning people on citi bikes. As a fellow new yorker who cycles fixed gear you should definitely have some prior riding experience

[@humansomewhat2167]

Something I'd like to say about downloading offline google maps: it saves it at the level of zoom. You can't zoom in more. So say you screenshot a large area to save, but you have to zoom in more and more to see smaller individual streets as well as business/building names: you can't. At least this was my experience in 2019, and I found myself lost out of town because of it & I i anticipated being able to zoom in on the offline map when I was in a remote area without service. Maybe they have changed it since. But I would recommend screenshotting the step directions to a predetermined place too just in case. I'm not sure if it works this way in NYC because I am from the southern US, but I know that here, if you walk into any business or see a mailman, police officer, or even delivery driver, more often than not, most would be willing to help you out by looking on their maps if you were a lost tourist. Maybe the guy at taco bell doesn't want to help you or understand the severity of the situation? The next business owner would surely have someone willing to. Go to the gas station and ask if they have maps, or write directions down from their phone at least. Maybe people in NYC might be less willing to let a stranger see or be close to their phone though, but surely someone could find a way to get help somehow. I guess this has me curious, how common is it to not have service all over the broad area that outsiders see as NYC? Which includes the whole stretch of the island way past what locals consider "the city". . I assumed that the whole area would have great coverage because of the dense population?

[@sammarkham2980]

Hey John I just got back from NYC and just wanted to say your videos were of huge help. From finding the best food spots to avoiding scams I had such an amazing trip! Thanks for everything and looking forward to coming back! Sam

[@MitchellBPYao]

Rather go back to Los Angeles soon but there for the skyscraper I wish they ditch those lines and checkpoints

[@abhimanyutyagi9676]

Went for back to the future a couple of days back. It was great!! The experience of seeing that on a Broadway show was just great!!

[@fizb-nh1hn]

This is the first time I've been to the United States and therefore to New York, so thank you for all the information. I'm coming at the end of the year. 😀

[@staceyx2]

Love your channel! Every time we come to NY you are my go to! Watching now! Praying for Ben🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@staceyx2]

Thank you!

[@leetherees]

Saw Back to Future musical in London a few years ago, was amazing !

[@sophiaisabelle027]

We appreciate your videos. They're helpful.

[@BradMarcus]

One issue I have with Seated is that many of the restaurants up their prices before the discounts. For example, Rosa Mexicali near Lincoln Center is a rather expensive Mexican place that's on Seated. You can get better for less at other places.

[@jameshicks6435]

I too have been disappointed with Seated. The discounts are often quite small (7%), and you're tied to the choices that are listed on the app, which often are either over-priced to begin with or aren't of the best quality.

[@luciemedici]

As a NYer I had to stay overnight at a hotel, I stayed at Pod51, really nice 😀 in the summer is still pricey

[@Arnhemunited1]

I just came back from NYC and I took the LIRR and I was surprised how empty it was. It was my first time alone traveling and I never visited New York. I have never been more relaxed going from and to the airport. 😂 Took me under 2 hours to get from my hotel to the gate at JFK.

[@MitchellBPYao]

Dont like the people there maybe it's the air but learned so much

[@screwgoogle4993]

@@MitchellBPYao No it's the skin

[@raspberrypiploy771]

Also be aware of all the scam shops selling iPhones and when you buy food make sure you can see where its cooked (there are a lot of hygiene issues). Oh and get yourself some very good ear plugs, people in the US don't talk they shout its constant noise all the time. Tip for this tip for that its tip tip tip and can really wear you and your pocket down its expected irrespective of whether you get good or bad service. The best part about NY is leaving and getting home for some peace and quiet

[@BentleyandJaxon]

True. Enjoyed myself but was so glad to get home.

[@brap242818]

Man I have zero desire to go to NYC but , I love your videos. You tell the little details that one will not know unless you live there day to day. Great videos man!! JP Dallas TX

[@Chrisy2breeze]

Don’t skip the horse carriage !! It’s definitely worth wild and just gives a different vibe😊

[@yugioht42]

wear non slip shoes honestly as that's what i did the entire time. the bottoms are coated with a substance that makes you not slip. also try to find a decent pair of boots for winter or work boots in general. that actually helps a lot.

[@jaycheung123]

Thanks for your tips they’re so helpful! Saw back to the future in London it’s pretty good 👍🏻

[@TheAgnesina4]

Actually from La Guardia there's a super easy to catch bus (Q70) to the the E-F-M metro lines or the M60 taking you to the N-W. All of these lines go to midtown if I am not mistaking...

[@TC-cj2lu]

That LaGuardia link to Jackson heights clutch

[@B3Band]

Forget about clockwise and counter clockwise. The clock would be on the ceiling anyway, you're only confusing yourself. You enter the turnstile on the right. Always. The cars drive on the right, and you walk on the right. Easy.

[@chrisromanous8924]

Hey Jon! Just seen BTTF last week and it was really good. Definitely recommend you and others to check it out!

[@yipmabaruya1148]

Good afternoon from Papua New Guinea. I enjoyed watching your contents.

[@Kal-el23]

I saw the third back to the future show on opening weekend when Bob Gale and Alan Silvestri were there and I saw it again the other day as well and it’s effing awesome.❤

[@jaredR207]

Those subway gates: there is big sign and arrow above the gate and the side where you swipe the metro card is the same side of the gate you go through, all you have to do is keep walking straight, people have to make a left turn then a right turn then push the gate backwards to get locked out but they still manage to do that.

[@josephdelgado413]

I'm in NYC right now, I have General Ocks BEC next to me on the bench, thanks for all the advice John

[@JoseFlores-kl6jm]

Thank you for the reminders Jon !

[@marslmontgomeryproductions7890]

thank you for all these tips Jon, we came in April, and it helped us a lot, and in particular the "city mapper" application, good luck and looking forward to meeting you in the city that never sleeps! take care of your beautiful little family!

[@Zoumouss]

Very useful one. Didn't know about the zipcode one, I usually put the zipcode of where my hotel is located :)

[@soominjeu]

great video as always jon this is so useful for me because I've never heard of most of these things

[@emmabtvs]

Saw Back to the Future when it premiered in Manchester England. Definitely go, one of the best stagings I've seen

[@scoutandscooter]

Thank you for mentioning the carriage horses. As bad as the heat can be, their "commute" to and from the westside on city streets is a year round danger. I think the EV option floated a few years ago is silly too, but time to eliminate this "tradition"

[@danhardhat2]

Horses are non-native, domesticated animals that need jobs or they don't exist. 100 years ago there were 25 million horses in the US, now there are only 7 million. There's only so many rich kid's pet jobs, which will cover the $15,000+ per year (+ barn and land) to keep a horse. Horses need to earn, whether that's racing every 4 weeks, dressage, cattle ranching, or pulling carts thru the city, they have to pay their own rent - but that doesn't excuse anyone that abuses them. The key is to make sure that they have enough time off and are well cared for. There are many regulations these operators must follow: 5 weeks vacation, max 9 hour workday, minimum and max age, minimum stable size - but in NYC, they've already banned horses, starting June 2024, because of a few incidents with one-sided reporting. 99% of people who work with horses love horses. Horseman work is not very profitable. Horses need jobs - Don't try to eliminate these horses' livelihoods so you can feel smug and pretentious.

[@scoutandscooter]

@@danhardhat2 Interesting thoughts, but I disagree. In fact, next weekend I'll be going to an event where we sponsor young people to to foster neglected horses for a year. Both the kids and horses end up great. There is no reason to have a horse in Manhattan. Perhaps you have never heard of the "Irish Mafia".

[@danhardhat2]

@@scoutandscooter Horses have been in crowded cities for thousands of years and I don't know anything about the Irish Mafia...but I know there's a real mafia that's eyeing redevelopment of the horse stables.

[@paulgarrison6185]

Yes to 9th Ave restaurants! Just stayed with a friend that lives in that area and had so many good meals. Eating at a chain restaurant in NYC is unfathomable to me.

[@annamitchell9875]

I’m so glad you mentioned not riding on the horse drawn carriages. They should be abolished.

[@graemechicken6362]

Back to the Future is brilliant, I've seen the London production 13 times and heading to the Broadway In

[@1979Pochocho]

Thank you for looking out for the horses 👍🏽

[@hasanhang3474]

Great video! Going back to New York with family in 2 weeks, gonna take some of your advices :) And for the horse drawn carriage, it is banned in Montreal for a few years now which is a good thing!

[@markg.9981]

thanks for the video...another great NYC App to suggest is Curb..which allows for fixed rate taxi cabs vs. meter. great for airport trips as well, etc. - highly recommend. also, tkts booth at lincoln center is not as crowded as one in times square!

[@MyCometogether]

We saw Back To The Future in London . It was superb !

[@fraserhamilton8149]

Great video. A mistake we made was using the hop on/hop off bus as our main method of transport. It was great for seeing the main tourist spots, but you missed out on the 'real' parts of the city inbetween. Would definitely explore a bit more next time around and skip the sightseeing bus!

[@carole2403xqv1]

Use MTA buses instead.

[@d1on]

The BigBusTours are also closing really early in some seasons so you have to watch out not to buy the day pass too late or it might be a waste of money.

[@d1on]

What most guides are missing, is that by far the best and most flexible way to use the subway are the contactless tap options with Apple/Google Pay or a credit card. There is a weekly limit of 12 rides you have to pay (afterwards all rides with the same card are free!) and transfers are free, so it can‘t get any more expensive than the weekly pass but you don‘t have to pay for anything you might not use. If you have an iPhone or Apple Watch you can even enable the express transit option so you can just hold your watch or phone at the gate and don’t even have to double press for Apple Pay!

[@d1on]

Due to the free transfers you don’t have to worry about entering the wrong side either and you can completely get off at a station and enter a close-by one

[@80skid83]

I went ny solo from uk , yeah i did plan a bit but found the whole experience very easy . It is as hard as you make it

[@janabromell3696]

Great video/advice - thank you 😊

[@Norbert-Fall-asleep]

You provide interesting information. Will be usefull. Thank you.

[@heenakauser1753]

First timer in NYC , this is what I needed thanks ❤

[@OvenfreshDeth]

My first time to New York, I got a Lyft. My phone died and I didn’t know what level the driver was on at LGA, so I kept going to the upper level to see if I could see the dude. Luckily I was able to charge my phone and find the driver lol.

[@guest4635]

Rush tickets and lottery tickets are both something of a crapshoot. Some you can enter in advance, but some are a scramble morning of and you won’t know until a few hours later and have to buy them immediately, so you have to watch your phone. It’s not a great way to go if you really want to see a particular show, if you’re fussy about seats or aren’t prepared to get shut out altogether on your trip. If you want to see something specific and/or want to have some say over your seats and/or don’t want to have to wait until every afternoon to know if you’re seeing a show that night, you can keep an eye out for discounts or try respectable resellers, but you may just have to pay the price. If you don’t need to see Broadway but just want to see some theatre, definitely consider looking outside of that narrow list of shows. You might be able to find something a lot cheaper or at least more adventurous.

[@clowchan]

Even as a seasoned NYC traveller I always watch these videos cause I learn something new like the turnstile tip. Had no idea those could lock up if you accidentally go the wrong way :O Also there are some subway stops that only have those tall ones to enter and yeah not fun trying to enter those with luggage Playbill's website also has a breakdown on what shows (both Broadway and Off-Broadway) on specific shows' rush and lottery policies. The only issue with digital rush is more popular shows sell out ASAP (like &Juliet) I personally like shows with in-person where you can get there early and stand around. Also certain companies have discounts if you are under 40 or 35 or if you are a student. Wicked is the only show I can recall that does military and veteran discounted tickets. Go to the TKTS booth up near Lincoln Center. Less crowded and it's indoors