Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

Governors Ball NYC Guide: Expert Tips, What to Bring & Transportation

Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City is a phenomenal three-day music, food, and art experience. While it's smaller-scale than some major festivals, it boasts an amazing location, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, simple transportation options, and a strong lineup every single year. In this no-nonsense guide, we'll cover the vital topics for a successful Gov Ball experience, including: * Brief history of the music festival * What to bring/wear to Governors Ball * Getting to & from the festival * Expert tips for safety, experience, and the best viewing See our full write-up with relevant links and information here [https://bettertogetherhere.com/governors-ball-nyc-guide/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=govballguide]. 👈 You’ll Have to Check It Out - White Bear White Bear is the textbook definition of a hole-in-the-wall, family-run delicious food joint in Queens. It's located in Flushing, which is home to one of the largest Chinese populations outside China. Most people recommend getting the #6, which is pork wontons, with hot sauce/chili oil, and it is delicious. Know that there's nowhere to eat or sit at the restaurant, so it's something you can take and walk out with. It's a perfect pre-Governors Ball spot, as it's only one stop away from Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Cash is their only accepted form of payment. Check out White Bear in Flushing here [https://maps.app.goo.gl/b8XsbHZjm7yPgyrg6]. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

Only Have 24 Hours in NYC? Here's What to Do

While 24 hours in New York City isn't very long, you can still pack in numerous activities and meals. When you're in a time crunch, it's even more important to plan efficiently to make the most of your time. In this episode, we'll break down the best way to spend one day in NYC. Breakfast + Central Park The best way to start your day in New York City is with a bagel and a stroll through Central Park [https://bettertogetherhere.com/tag/central-park/]. There are loads of great bagel spots, but we recommend Liberty Bagels near 5th Avenue [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ScRCVmntr4Zh5BVq8]. They have a sandwich called The Works, which is basically a bacon, egg, and cheese meets a McMuffin. Delicious and super filling! Pro Tip: Order ahead on their website and skip the long lines. 🙌 Morning Activity - Choose a Museum Once you've had your breakfast, choose one of the three following museums to explore: 1. American Museum of Natural History [https://bettertogetherhere.com/museum-natural-history-nyc/] 2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art [https://bettertogetherhere.com/met-nyc-guide/] (The Met) 3. The Museum of Modern Art [https://bettertogetherhere.com/moma-nyc-guide/] (MoMA) Lunch After exploring one of these world-famous museums, you will be ready for lunch! Our recommendation? Pick a cuisine, then find it in our collection of Google Maps lists, where we highlight our favorite options by category. You can get 100% free access (seriously) by signing up for our newsletter here [https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth]. Afternoon Activity For your afternoon activity, we recommend choosing one of the following options: * Observation deck [https://bettertogetherhere.com/best-observations-decks-nyc/] * Another museum * A Broadway [https://bettertogetherhere.com/nyc-broadway-tips/] matinee * Shopping Dinner You may see a theme here, but the best way to spend a day in New York City is to eat your way through it. So, pick a dinner spot, again check our Google Maps lists, and extra points if you opt for one with a happy hour for drinks and food. Nighttime Activity While our top recommendation for a nighttime activity on a one-day NYC itinerary is a Broadway show, there are a few other options. Some great nighttime activities in NYC include: * Broadway shows [https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/6kg1Aq] * Comedy shows * Jazz clubs * Concert [https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/ZVyzXX] * Sporting events [https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/WOGz4A] (loads of professional teams in the city) After Show Drinks (This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out) After you've experienced any of the live entertainment NYC has to offer, you can head to Gin Mill for some after-activity drinks. Gin Mill is a sports bar through and through, and the drink prices are unbeatable. Here are some reasons we love the Gin Mill: * M-F happy hour until 8 pm with $5 beer & well drinks, $7 top shelf drinks * Daily specials include $14 pitchers of beer, $1 hot dogs, and $20 buckets of beer * Sports on, always! Audio for certain games, like when New York teams are in the playoffs * Live music downstairs in the speakeasy some nights; other nights, karaoke, DJs, etc. Check out the Gin Mill here [https://maps.app.goo.gl/rPDpMdPwZJ1C7t9V8]. Late-Night Meal Arguably, the most important part of your 24 hours in New York City is to finish your night with a slice of pizza. 🍕 There are loads of great pizza spots in NYC [https://bettertogetherhere.com/best-nyc-pizza/], but our top recommendation for a late-night slice is at $1.50 Fresh Pizza [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2sDWZgar3AXuLzSM8] on Broadway near 55th street (there are other locations, too). Many pizza places are open til 11 pm, but some, like $1.50 Fresh Pizza, are open until as late as 4 am. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

NYC Tipping Culture: A No-Judgment Explainer

Tipping culture in New York City, especially for those traveling from outside the United States, can be overwhelming. In this simple guide, we'll answer common questions like: * Why is tipping common in NYC? * Where do you need to tip? * What tip percentage is expected at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments? Plus, we'll cover a full-day scenario exploring NYC and how and when to tip at each part of your day. John Oliver's video [https://youtu.be/89R9ZxKaIOw?si=gfH2N898Ta4XNlT9] covering tipping culture in America. You'll Have to Check It Out - Queens Night Market [https://queensnightmarket.com/] * April 18 - August 22 & September 19 - October 31 (break for US Open) * Saturdays from 4 pm to midnight * Over 100 independent food merchants, artists, and performers * Max price per item of $6, cash is highly preferred Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

Best NYC Pass in 2026? We Did the Math

With hundreds of popular attractions to see, NYC attraction passes can help you maximize your experience and save money in the process. There are multiple NYC passes available, and we’ll help you choose the one that’s exactly right for your trip duration, travel style, and must-see attractions. Here’s what we will cover about NYC attraction passes: * Overview of the top 3 pass options: NYC CityPASS, Go City Explorer Pass, New York Pass * NYC pass comparison * Are NYC passes worth it? * Which NYC pass saves the most money? * Interactive quiz to help you decide the best pass Let’s do it.  Quick Links: * NYC CityPass [https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-citypassr-save-up-to-41-at-5-top-attractions-t18597/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-bestnycpass&deeplink_id=1b2c2da6-b0d1-56cc-a276-96c7ccfc7d50&page_id=2b6dfbc0-5c59-5dd5-b672-9be43b37f938] * Go City Explorer Pass [https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-explorer-pass-top-attractions-including-edge-t5721/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-bestnycpass&deeplink_id=cbaf17ba-1f9e-539a-b8ca-009484a626c5&page_id=2b6dfbc0-5c59-5dd5-b672-9be43b37f938] * New York Pass (Go City All-Inclusive) [https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-passr-100-attractions-including-edge-nyc-t22518/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-bestnycpass&deeplink_id=72c13065-455a-588b-a3ca-a7a2e3a4fea0&page_id=2b6dfbc0-5c59-5dd5-b672-9be43b37f938] * Interactive Quiz [https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz] There are three main NYC passes worth exploring. While others exist, they aren’t the best value, have poor reviews, and don’t warrant your attention. Two notes for ALL of these passes. #1- You must still book time slots in advance for certain popular attractions, such as observation decks. So, plan ahead! #2- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is NOT included on any of these passes. See the full article [https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz] with a comparison table, full pros & cons list and a 5-question quiz to help you choose the right pass! https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz [https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz] You'll Have to Check It Out - Kaia * South African farmhouse restaurant & wine bar (the rosè is phenomenal) * Happy hour from 4-6 pm with dishes, wine & martinis for $9 * Friendly staff with a cozy feel * Outdoor seating is available during warm weather Check out Kaia here [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y83SnmhAdYYGTWae7]. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

3 Unglamorous (But Must-Know) NYC Travel Tips

While most NYC travel tips focus on where to eat, what to pack, and attractions to see, those neglect three unglamorous details that can ruin your trip. Needing to pee in the middle of Times Square? Rough. Your phone battery dying when you're next up at the ticket scanner for a Broadway show? Yikes. Blisters on your feet after day one of your trip? Bummer. This article is gonna save you headaches, stress, and an uncomfortable trip to New York City. 1- The Bathroom Situation If the status of public restrooms in New York City were an Olympic downhill skiing race, this city would be accidentally going uphill, backwards on planks of plywood. The cleanliness, availability, and proximity of places to go pee in NYC are all awful. NYC Bathroom Advice #1 - Go Before You Leave If you are at a restaurant, bar, museum, etc., and are about to leave, use the restroom before you do. NYC Bathroom Advice #2 - Know Your Options Familiarize yourself with places that are likely to have bathrooms, including but not limited to: * Hotel lobbies * New York Public Libraries * Some parks (not all, mind you) * Whole Foods * Many coffee shops (not all, again) And, do yourself the favor and follow this amazing Google Maps list from Got2GoNYC [https://www.got2gonyc.com/about]! It shows hundreds of available bathrooms throughout the city. 2- Staying Charged & Connected The present reality is that you need your phone to explore New York City. You will use it for Google Maps [https://bettertogetherhere.com/google-maps-hacks-navigating-nyc/] to navigate to your next destination, it will have your tickets for Broadway shows [https://bettertogetherhere.com/nyc-broadway-tips/], and it will, of course, serve as your camera for documenting your travels. You cannot afford for your phone to die. Phone Charging Advice #1 - Charging Around A better option is to charge somewhere that gets you a place to rest, a break from the elements, and a spot to charge your devices. Here are a few reliable places you can charge your phone (and often get free WiFi, too) in New York City: * Many fast-food-style restaurants, such as McDonald's and Shake Shack. * Many coffee shops * Public libraries * Food-eating areas of bodegas, grocery stores, or delis Phone Charging Advice #2 - Portable Charger Better than relying on a plug that may or may not exist, invest in a portable charger. I have used this Luxtude charger [https://www.amazon.com/Luxtude-PowerEasy-Portable-Certified-Lightning/dp/B071FJ2FBX?crid=IZBR5TRP7CXW&keywords=portable%2Bcharger%2Bluxtude&qid=1670280272&sprefix=portable%2Bcharger%2Bluxtude%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-4&th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=bettertogetherhere-20&linkId=bfee6e27424b7595ca5ef4ffae0f3198&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] for years, even buying the larger version for travel. I love that it's compact, can give about 1.25 charges, and has the built-in cord. 3- Taking 20k Steps When visiting New York City, plan on taking around 20,000 steps each day. That equates to roughly 8 to 10 miles (13 to 16 km) every day! Walking Tip #1 - Prioritize Quality Shoes While you can reserve your best heels for a night out, during most of your day, you will want to wear comfortable, walking-friendly shoes. As a bonus point, waterproof or water-resistant shoes [https://amzn.to/3qy5PL1] are huge! NYC has its rainiest spells in the summer, so be prepared even in the summer. Walking Tip #2 - Find the Better Side The skyscrapers and plethora of buildings create interesting temperature swings. You can use that to your advantage! In the hot summer months, find the shady side of the sidewalk to walk on. In the cold winter months, find the sunny side of the sidewalk to walk on. Walking Tip #3 - Know Your Distances In Manhattan, in the grid system areas, 20 blocks is roughly a mile. For average walking speed, that's 15-25 minutes of walking. Walking Tip #4 - Anti-Chafe It only takes one bad chafing experience to actively avoid it in the future! This anti-chafe stick from Body Glide [https://www.amazon.com/Original-Chafing-Prevent-Irritation-Protection/dp/B00288L2N6?crid=2NYD7V58483OR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.48oRKxbAaA0yJtDBHhB04aMpT7DKhbgHmUg8Ei_q9dH0gspFaJ15cP1KD6ozzVin8e2iGebwiS-Dd_UqN0o3L4euiPjG4K196kl2aRpRI6_bJ8md3-udk2Mn9aYVogWeO3FuodG-hbQn3O9Is8w4uZ2GKwZ34Xb6GmzxKaEKeh5cl3STtLHfvMKsUHNLisQFiBxZ4Of9M5T-R8g-RpaLyKsLjQrey-aR-9ondxTne9kn9sjyqtSrdcljPJi_hawYUvcpKm7AoDoI_StTjSS0csT_5bWkdpziSePTsz2JptI.PLLerKGjh7Xtys_yxujAR1Clgkj3pq5afcNqLeqhDLQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=body%2Bglide%2Btravel&qid=1773930840&sprefix=body%2Bglide%2Btrave%2Caps%2C425&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&linkCode=ll2&tag=bettertogetherhere-20&linkId=4028a548c1ed36c4916aee88df214f31&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] will be $10 well spent. 🫡 You'll Have to Check It Out - Smithfield Hall Great sports bar with loads of TVs, good bar food, and a soccer-centric vibe. Check it out here [https://smithfieldnyc.com/]. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]