Episodes

  • American Museum of Natural History NYC: What to See, Costs & Tours

    American Museum of Natural History NYC: What to See, Costs & Tours
    Dec 2 2025
    The American Museum of Natural History in NYC is an iconic museum that explores the wonders of the world we live in. While not an “art” museum, it focuses on the sciences and the world around us, including animals, plants, insects, geodes, minerals, dinosaurs, and so much more.Before you go, listen to this episode covering some of the most famous exhibitions, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your visit to New York’s Museum of Natural History.Quick Links:Buy your ticket in advance to beat the linesAccess the Museum of Natural History + Empire State & 3 other activities for 41% offView the free Highlights Online Guide for the museumFounded in 1869, the museum has been on a mission to facilitate discovery and share knowledge about humanity, the world around us, and the universe as a whole. It’s quite an undertaking, but one they excel at!The Museum of Natural History is nestled into the heart of the Upper West Side of Manhattan.It starts on Central Park West and spans 77th to 81st streets, filling the entirety of those blocks between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.The museum is right near Central Park, making it the perfect complement to park explorations.What are the Popular Things to See at the Natural History Museum?Here are some that are included in the ‘Highlights’ tour offered by the Museum of Natural History:Most of floor 4, including the Megalodon, Mammoth, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus RexA Hardosaur footprint made by a dinosaur over 72 million years ago (floor 3)Komodo dragon (floor 3)Moai Statue (floor 3)African elephants (floor 2)Gorilla (floor 2)Barosaurus and Allosaurus (floor 2)King penguin (floor 2)Climate wall, highlighting our changing climate and its effects (floor 1)Blue whale (floor 1)Giant Sequoia (floor 1)Lucy, a cast of the 3.18-million-year-old fossil of one of the first upright ancestors of humans (floor 1)Giant geodes (floor 1)Star of India, the largest-known gem-quality star sapphire at over 563 carats and about 2 billion years old (floor 1)Our personal favorites are the Hall of Gems and Minerals and the Insectarium.How Much are Museum of Natural History Tickets?The museum offers ticket options for adults, children, students, and seniors. Here are the costs for tickets to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC:Adults – $30Children (age 3-12) – $18Students (with valid ID) – $24Senior (ages 60+) – $24This price is quite standard for New York City museums, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours at the AMNH. I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the museum.If you plan to visit the American Museum of Natural History during your trip and also want to go to an observation deck like the Empire State Building, the CityPass will likely save you money. The pass gives you access to:American Museum of Natural HistoryEmpire State Building Observatory with AM/PM accessPlus, any 3 from the following list:As long as you use your admission within 9 days, you can get a LOT of value from this pass. On average, it saves you about 40% compared to buying 5 attractions individually. Get the New York CityPass here.Does AMNH Offer Tours?Tours are only through the official American Museum of Natural History. No 3rd-party tours are allowed inside the museum. Anyone who claims otherwise is trying to scam you.Luckily, the museum offers many tours. We recommend checking their website to verify there will be a tour on the day you plan to attend. Tara Mor - You'll Have to Check It OutPhenomenal Irish bar near MSG with amazing food. Check it out here.Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & moreWeekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tipsGet started here: ⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    21 mins
  • Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Everything You MUST Know + Free Options, Too 🗽

    Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Everything You MUST Know + Free Options, Too 🗽
    Nov 18 2025
    Visiting the Statue of Liberty is often at the top of NYC visitors’ lists of things to do, and with good reason. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are two deeply important historical monuments that encapsulate a significant portion of New York City’s history.But is it worth visiting the actual Statue of Liberty when you come to NYC?We’re gonna answer that question and so much more in this article.Here’s what we’ll cover:Brief History of the Statue of LibertyVisiting the Statue of Liberty – Island Access vs Pedestal vs CrownEllis Island Overview + Hard Hat Tour ReviewCommon Statue of Liberty ScamsCheapest Ways to See the Statue of LibertyLet’s look at them all below. 👇Quick Links:Buy a general Statue of Liberty + Ellis Island ticket hereSee if Pedestal Access Tickets are available hereSee if Crown Access Tickets are available hereBook a Hard Hat Tour of Ellis Island herePS- See our full Statue of Liberty article with photos and extra info here.A gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States, “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World” is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. It was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland on October 28, 1886.Any ferry ticket that provides access to Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is located, also provides access to Ellis Island and the associated museum.Before riding the ferry, you must pass through security similar to airport security measures, and plan on waiting in line for security screening and boarding the ferry. Typically, you can factor in 15-30 minutes to get through security and onto a boat.The full Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island experience will take at least 3 hours, but can be as long as 5-6 hours depending on crowds, lines, and how fast you go through the museum.One of the most important things to know about purchasing ferry tickets for the Statue of Liberty is that Statue City Cruises is the only official, sanctioned provider. While they offer their tickets through places like Get Your Guide, you must verify that the provider is Statue City Cruises, like this option.You'll Have to Check It Out - The Dead RabbitThe Dead Rabbit was voted the World’s Best Bar in 2016!It strikes the delicate balance of well-crafted, unique cocktails in a no-frills, unpretentious setting.. Think Irish pub meets cocktail lounge.Check out The Dead Rabbit here.Ellis IslandThe main attraction at Ellis Island is the historical museum, which features many artifacts, informational displays, and slices of immigrant history.We’ve found the documentary shown in the museum, “Island of Hope, Island of Tears,” to be one of the best parts. This short movie shows every half hour.We’ve visited the Liberty & Ellis Islands multiple times, and by far our favorite experience has been the hard hat tour of the abandoned Ellis Island complex.Statue of Liberty ScammersAs you walk around Battery Park, you’ll often be approached by scammers trying to sell you Statue of Liberty tickets. They often target people trying to board the Staten Island Ferry (more on that later).The scam is that the tickets they sell don’t actually stop at Ellis Island & Liberty Island (where the statue resides). Instead, you end up on a boat that goes by the Statue of Liberty.Free Ways to See the Statue of LibertyHere are the cheapest ways to see the Statue of Liberty:Staten Island FerryFrom Governor’s IslandFrom Lower ManhattanFerry-Only Ticket – Under $30One World Observatory – $40+Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & moreWeekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tipsGet started here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide
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    24 mins
  • The Met NYC Guide: What to See, Costs, Tours & Expert Insights with Kylie Brooks

    The Met NYC Guide: What to See, Costs, Tours & Expert Insights with Kylie Brooks
    Nov 4 2025
    The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met, in New York City, is one of the most worthwhile museums to visit while in the city. With 5+ floors and hundreds of thousands of pieces, including paintings, sculptures, historical artifacts, and more, spanning over 5,000 years of art from around the world.Before you go, read this article covering some of the most famous art, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your museum visit.Here’s what we’ll cover:What is the Metropolitan Museum of Art?Where is the MET?What famous art is at the MET?How much are MET tickets?Does the MET offer tours?What to know before visiting the MET in NYCQuick Links:Get your tickets to The Met ahead of time hereBook a guided tour of The Met hereJoin the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠What is the Metropolitan Museum of Art?Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world.Today, tens of thousands of objects are on display at the museum’s two-million-square-foot building. The Met spans four full blocks and features over five floors of exhibitions, making it the largest art museum in the Americas and the third-largest in the world.Where is the MET in NYC?The Met is located on 5th Avenue from 80th Street to 84th Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It’s the heart of what’s commonly referred to as Museum Mile, the most diverse art-viewing stretch of mile in the country.What Famous Art is at the MET Museum?With over 1.5 million total works in The Met’s archive, of which tens of thousands are currently on display, there is much to see at this renowned museum.There are certainly experts with much more museum and art knowledge than we possess, but we want to highlight some of our personal favorite collections and works of art at The Met:Temple of DendurCloudy Mountains by Fang CongyiRough Waves by Ogata KōrinThe Horse Fair by Rosa BonheurTapestry Room from Croome Court and any of the exhibitions with tapestries and rugs on displayAutumn Rhythm by Jackson PollockSelf-Portrait with a Straw Hat by Vincent van GoghBridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude MonetWashington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel LeutzeBouquet of Sunflowers by Claude MonetWheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent van GoghIrises by Vincent van GoghEgyptian Jewelry found in the Egyptian Art areaArms and armor collectionAutumn Landscape by Tiffany Studios, and any of the Tiffany stained glass piecesMusical instrumentsRecommendations by this episode’s guest and museum expert, Kylie Brooks:Temple of DendurThe entire American WingMadame X and all of John Singer Sargent’s worksCostume InstituteHow Much are MET Museum Tickets?Here is the full price breakdown:$30 for adults$22 for seniors$17 for studentsKids 12 and under are freePay as you wish for residents of NY, NJ, and CTDoes the MET Offer Tours?If financially viable, taking a tour will provide you with the best possible experience at The Met.See our full selection of tour options here.Here are some things to know before visiting The Met in New York City:Either come at the very beginning of the day or near the end for fewer crowdsWear comfortable shoesEat before going – See our Afternoon on the Upper East Side mini guideMost visitors will stay for 1-2 hours, but you could spend countless hours hereIdeally, save a museum day for poor weather, although many others will also have that ideaThe Met store has some fantastic gift and souvenir optionsDownload the Bloomberg Connects app and bring headphones to listen to the associated audio guideDo NOT try to see the whole museum in one day, it’s not possible 😁If possible, go to The Met on a weekday and not a weekendCheck out this episode's You'll Have to Check It Out - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir here.
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    27 mins
  • NYC Marathon Spectator Guide: Where to Watch, Stay & More

    NYC Marathon Spectator Guide: Where to Watch, Stay & More
    Oct 21 2025
    The NYC marathon takes place on the first Sunday of November and features over 60,000 runners snaking 26.2 miles through all five NYC boroughs.Over 1,000,000 spectators fill the streets each year to watch this city-wide event, and we're gonna give you all the insider tips for watching the NYC marathon.Where to Stay on Marathon WeekendThe best place to stay on marathon weekend depends on whether you're traveling with a runner and where you plan to spectate. Generally speaking, you can stay anywhere in New York City on marathon weekend and have a good shot at watching the runners.The subway will get you where you need to ! Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠Where to Stay for RunnersLower ManhattanMidtown/Hell's KitchenUpper West Side (options are limited)Anywhere in close proximity to the 1, 4, 5, or R linesWhere to Stay for General TravelersIf your travel group doesn't include any runners, it doesn't really matter where you stay in New York City during the marathon weekend. With one caveat...You do NOT want to stay near Columbus Circle. The handful of blocks around that area are largely closed, become an absolute madhouse on race day, and will probably frustrate your experience.As long as you are more downtown than 55th street or more uptown than 65th street, you should be fine.If you want to avoid the marathon-specific crowds, stay somewhere away from the course.Best Places to Watch the MarathonThe best place to watch the NYC marathon will also depend on where you're staying. The beauty of this race is that you can go to any point of the race route and cheer people on.Out of the 26.2 miles, there are crowds throughout about 20 miles of the race. With that being said, here are some of the most fun and energetic places to watch the NYC marathon runners:Central ParkCentral Park South5th Ave in the lower 100s or upper 90s1st Avenue Bedford AvenueAtlantic Terminal/Barclays Center59th Street near the Queensboro BridgeThis map shows the full course, including which subway lines stop near major spectating points.I've run the race multiple times and spectated multiple times as well. Our favorite is to:Watch along 1st Avenue in the 80-100s range, usually runners are still alive and thriving at this point, and the energy along 1st Avenue is usually top-notch notchFrom there, walk to either 5th Avenue to see them around mile 22/23, OR head deeper into Central Park and catch them closer to the Obelisk, roughly between mile 24 & 25Extra Tips for Marathon DayBe LOUD - This is one of the few times in your life where screaming, cheering, and making as much noise as possible will boost the morale of participants, in this case, runnersIf you want to be helpful, have things to give runners. Some amazing on-course items I've seen handed out include fruit, Kleenex, small water bottles, candy, etc.Be courteous to runners & the course - Your desire to cross the race course should never interfere with people who have trained for months and don't want to be weaving between spectatorsYou'll Have to Check It Out - GuruméGurumé brings the world of Korean food into the Spanish tapas tradition, conveniently located near Broadway shows (see location here).Dishes you must try include:Crispy corn & cheese (our top choice)Baby back ribsFried chicken wings (perfectly crisp)Any of the dessertsPlus, they have an unbelievable happy hour every day with cocktails, beer, and wine (Tue-Thurs 5-7 pm & Sunday 3-5 pm).Learn more about Gurumé and check out their full menu here.🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter
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    21 mins
  • MoMA Quick Guide: Listen Before Going to the Museum of Modern Art in NYC

    MoMA Quick Guide: Listen Before Going to the Museum of Modern Art in NYC
    Oct 7 2025
    The Museum of Modern Art, also known as the MoMA, in New York City, is one of the most worthwhile museums to visit while in the city. With 5+ floors and hundreds of thousands of pieces, including works by Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Cézanne, there is something for everyone at this world-class museum.Before you go, listen to this episode covering some of the most famous art, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your museum visit. 👇Quick Links:Get your MoMA tickets ahead of time hereBook a MoMA tour hereWhat is the Museum of Modern Art?The MoMA, in Midtown Manhattan on 53rd Street, is a modern art museum featuring thousands of works spanning from 1880 to the present day. Originally opened in 1929 and expanded multiple times before opening at their current location in Midtown in 1939The museum's collection originally consisted of eight prints and one drawing, and now boasts over 200,000 worksThe Museum’s Library and Archives contain the leading concentration of research material on modern art in the worldOver 2.5 million visitors per year, putting it at the 6th-most visited museum in America and 20th in the worldWhat Famous Art is at the MoMA?Jackson Pollock - multiple large pieces (mostly on the 4th floor)Robert Rauschenberg - Carnegie Hall dumpster eagle in “Canyon” (mostly on the 4th floor)Campbell's Soup Cans by Andy Warhol - 32 cans (mostly on the 4th floor)Ester Hernandez - Sun Mad (mostly on the 4th floor)James Rosenquist - F-111, 86 foot long (mostly on the 4th floor)Claude Monet's Water Lilies (5th)Multiple Georgia O’Keeffe pieces, mostly on the 5th floorMultiple Henri Matisse pieces, Mosley on the 5th floorMultiple Pablo Picasso pieces, mostly on the 5th floorMultiple Henri Rousseau piecesMultiple Georges-Pierre SeuratPaul CézanneGenerally speaking, the bulk of the more famous pieces are located on the 5th floor, with many well-known collections also on the 4th floor. Our advice is to start on the 5th floor and work your way down.They also offer itineraries on their website to help you plan ahead, as well as an audio guide and maps at the museum. For kids, they offer an Activity Guide.How Much Are MoMA Tickets?Ticket prices vary depending on age and are as follows:Adults - $30Seniors - $22Students - $17Children 16 and Under - FreeEvery Friday, free for New York residents, but you must reserve a ticket in advanceDoes the MoMA Offer Tours?Yes, the MoMA offers tours. For most tour options, a group of at least 10 people is required, with a cost of $55 per person.There are options through tour operators like Get Your Guide that allow you to book for smaller groups, but spots are extremely limited and only available on Saturdays and Sundays.What to Know Before Visiting the Museum of Modern Art in NYCEither come at the very beginning of the day or near the end for fewer crowdsWear comfortable shoesEat before going - See our top nearby food options hereMost visitors will stay for 1-3 hoursIdeally, save a museum day for poor weather, although many others will also have that ideaThe main store is in the basement of the museum, and the MoMA design store is across the street, with additional optionsOutdoor area on the main floor is open year-round - upper terrace is seasonal and often only accessible if you eat at the cafeYou'll Have to Check It Out - Culinary BackstreetsWe first participated in the "Asia in Queens" tour here in NYC and recently took part in their "Made in Catalonia" tour in Barcelona.Smaller groups, so you can ask questions Focused on the culture, history, and people of the areas, not just the cuisineYou get to try around 10 dishes on averageLearn more about Culinary Backstreet's tours and trip options here.🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter
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    26 mins
  • Madison Square Garden Guide: Best Seats, Close Bars & Food, Brief History

    Madison Square Garden Guide: Best Seats, Close Bars & Food, Brief History
    Sep 23 2025
    Madison Square Garden in NYC is one of the world's most iconic venues, and should be on your NYC bucket list.But before you go, read this guide to make sure you have the best experience possible!What we'll cover:Brief history of Madison Square GardenGetting to the arenaBest pre-game bars and restaurantsBest food and drink options inside MSGBest seatsExtra tips & things to knowLet's do it. 👇🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists (including spots near MSG): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletterBrief History of Madison Square GardenMany would argue that Madison Square Garden is one of the most iconic venues in America, and possibly the world. Originally opened in 1879, it has been home to a plethora of famous concerts, sporting events, and cultural events. Memorable events at MSG include:Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier's boxing match in 1971Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy in 1962Multiple benefit concerts following events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and moreLive performances by the likes of Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and many, many moreWhile MSG is currently located on 31st and 33rd Street from Seventh to Eighth Avenue, it is actually the fourth iteration of the iconic venue.Getting to the ArenaAs mentioned in the previous section, getting to and from Madison Square Garden is straightforward due to its being built on top of a major transit hub.Penn Station funnels travelers right below MSG, with the NJ Transit, Amtrak, and Long Island Rail Road systems offering train service in and out of this area. There are also multiple subway lines that run straight into Penn Station, including the 123, ACE. Additionally, the NQRW and BDFM trains have stops nearby at 34th St. Herald Square.Best MSG Pre-Game Bars & RestaurantsBe aware that before Knicks and Rangers games, the surrounding bars can be extremely crowded and hectic. Don't let that stop you, though. Just soak in the atmosphere and know it may take longer to get your food or drink.Here are some of our favorite bars to eat and drink at near MSG:StoutFèilePennsylvania 6Jack Doyle'sMustang Harry'sPioneers Bar NYCLegendsFinnerty'sThe Liberty NYCTemakase Hand Roll Bar (10 min walk from there to MSG)KazuNori Hand Roll Bar (10 min walk from there to MSG)Seeyamañana (Mexican food)Ayza Wine and Chocolate BarKeens Steakhouse (higher-end steak house)Best Food & Drink Options Inside MSGInside Madison Square Garden, expect to pay higher-than-average prices for both food and drink. Here are the average prices for food and drinks at MSG:Hamburgers - $17Chicken fingers and fries - $21Mixed drinks - $25Tall boy beer cans - $18Draft beer - $18Best Seats at MSGMost seating options at Madison Square Garden are great. But this is quite dependent on the type of event.The best seats for basketball may not be the best for concerts, for example. While looking for tickets, we highly recommend checking aviewfrommyseat.com and seeing if there are example photos for the specific type of event you're attending.Of all the events, your seats for a basketball game are probably the least important compared to hockey or concerts.For hockey, we usually try to prioritize better seats than when attending basketball games. Sitting in the upper rows of the 400s at MSG for hockey isn't the best experience due to the puck's size and the gameplay.Concerts at MSG have multiple different setups. We have absolutely loved sitting on the side of the stage. This allows you a much closer view without missing much, especially since there is usually a large video board on each side of the stage.You'll Have to Check It Out - Chick ChickThe best Korean fried chicken in the city! https://maps.app.goo.gl/1hXAqLTquhXf3Vqi9See the full article with video views & photos of different seats here.
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    27 mins
  • Best Italian Restaurants in NYC: Our 10 Favorites

    Best Italian Restaurants in NYC: Our 10 Favorites
    Sep 9 2025
    New York City has endless cuisine options, but possibly the strongest represented category is Italian restaurants. In this episode, we'll cover the 10 best Italian restaurants in NYC, at least according to us. 😉You cannot have New York City without Italian culture, food, and its people. Over 2.5 million Italian-Americans live in the greater New York Metro area, making them the single largest demographic group.Our top 10 Italian restaurants include (not quite in order):GianoBriciolaLa Pecora BiancaPiccola CucinaDon AngieLavagnaQuality ItalianGiardino 54San MarzanoPazza Notte🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists (including our top Italian spots): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GianoIn the heart of the East Village, Giano is a cozy Italian spot serving delicious homemade pasta.Giano is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in NYC! And we don’t say that lightly…Our favorite dishes are the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese and the Rigatoni con Salsiccia.Read our full Giano review here.BriciolaBriciola is an intimate Italian spot with a wide selection of wines and small bites. Certainly worth a try!The Maccheroni al Tartufo will change your life. We also love the truffle gnocchi.Check out Briciola here.La Pecora BiancaThe meatball appetizer is one of our faves. All pastas are made in-house.Check out La Pecora Bianca here.Piccola Cucina UptownSuper cozy and authentic spot. Make sure to get a reservation or do an early dinner because the space is small. Don't skip the tiramisu. Check out Piccola Cucina Uptown here.You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Alwyn Court HouseThe Alwyn Court was built between 1907 and 1909 and was designed by Harde & Short in the French Renaissance style.The Alwyn Court was made a New York City designated landmark in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.The decorative terracotta details on the facade include quattrocento-style pilasters, baldachin-like canopies, and crowned salamanders representing Francis I, in addition to fleurs-de-lis, cameos, and escutcheons.See it on your way to or from Central Park! It's located on the corner of 58th Street and 7th Avenue.Don AngieAwarded a Michelin star in 2021. Lost it in 2023. Get the Chrysanthemum Salad and Our Lasagna for Two.Check out Don Angie here.LavagnaCozy and cute spot with great options all around. Really cool ceiling and decor. Check out Lavagna here.Quality ItalianThe Lobster alla vodka and whipped ricotta are phenomenal, and you must try the homemade sambuca.Check out Quality Italian here.Giardino 54Cozy, bright spot with pastas, salads, and wine on tapCheck out Giardino 54 here.San MarzanoGreat on a budget. Well-priced Italian dishes in a no-frills setting. Cheap drinks too! All bottles of wine are under $30, which is unheard of in NYC. Pastas are $14. Check out San Marzano here.Pazza NottePazza Notte is a phenomenal restaurant in the heart of Midtown that's conveniently located near the MoMA. They're famous for their 2-for-1 martinis, massive salads, and delicious pastas. Great option for before a Broadway show. Check out Pazza Notte here.Highly-Rated Restaurants in Little Italy, NYCOsteria BaroccaCasa D'AngeloZia MariaGelso & GrandL'Amore RestaurantWant to see our top 10 plus other favorites in a handy Google Maps list?Just sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:Dozens of Google Maps lists, including Italian restaurantsNYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & moreWeekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tipsGet started below. 👇🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    27 mins
  • US Open Tennis Experience, In-Person Tips & What to Bring

    US Open Tennis Experience, In-Person Tips & What to Bring
    Aug 26 2025
    The US Open tennis tournament, the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, takes place every year in New York City. This multi-week event is an amazing live sports experience, all accessible via public transit in NYC.This quick guide is perfect if you're going to the US Open in person and want to ensure you have the best experience possible!We will cover:How the ticket types workTips for buying ticketsGetting to & from the US Open groundsFood & drink optionsGeneral tennis etiquetteUS Open packing guide - What to bring🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How the US Open Ticket Types WorkOne often confusing part of going to the US Open is knowing what type of ticket to buy. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is held, has 22 courts and each ticket type gets you access to different aspects of the grounds.You can think of it as a hierarchy, with Arthur Ashe, the world's largest tennis stadium which seats over 23,000 people, as the "main" stage of the US Open tournament.Here are the ticket types, with #1 being the "highest" in the hierarchy.Arthur AsheLouis ArmstrongGrandstandGrounds Pass (only until the round of 16)Buying US Open TicketsThis past year, tickets went on sale at the end of May. They had an Amex Presale a few days before the general sale where you just need to check out with any Amex card. Regular sale has good options too and we've had success with both. Just sign up for the text alerts on the US Open Website to get alerted before tickets go on sale.Note: We've always had great experiences with Vivid Seats, and you can earn free tickets through their loyalty program. 🙌Getting To & From the US OpenWe usually do the day session and arrive 30 minutes before the first game starts. The closer you arrive to match start times, the busier it gets.Getting from Midtown Manhattan to the grounds & through security takes roughly 1 hourYou can take the subway (7 train to the Mets-Willets Point stop) or the LIRRFood & Drink OptionsYou can bring food in!! No backpacks are allowed, but tote bags are ok. We recommend getting a bodega sandwich or Lenwich before you head to Queens and bringing that inFood is VERY expensive even by NYC standards, chicken tenders are the best valueYes, the honey deuce is worth it, even though it's $23General EtiquetteYou need to wait to go to your seat or leave your seat until between points. Do not block people's view by standing in aisles or stairwells, even to get pictures.Do NOT make noise during play, wait for applause until after the point is finished.There is no strict dress code at the US Open, but generally, you should dress nicer than you would for another sporting event. Consider the weather (it's usually extremely hot in late August/Early September) so pack something that is light and breathable.US Open Packing List - Our Recommended Items to BringSandwiches, snacksSuncreenSunglassesHatLightweight clothingReusable water bottlePortable phone chargerSmall handheld fan or collapsible fanSweat towel or small towelAdditional Helpful Resources for the US Openhttps://www.usopen.org/en_US/tickets/tickets_faq.html (General FAQ)https://www.usopen.org/en_US/tickets/individual_tickets.html (Ticket-specific questions on what your ticket gets you, etc)https://www.roadto45tennis.com/a-serious-tennis-fans-tips-for-the-us-open-tickets-more (this guy's website has a ton of info and under FAQ#4, he talks about shaded seats)You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Revival Bar RestaurantRevival Bar in Hell's Kitchen is an Argentinian soccer-themed bar with massive frozen drinks, amazing happy hour (daily until 7pm and all day Sun-Wed), and bar bites with an Argentinian twist. Check out Revival Bar Restaurant in Hell's Kitchen here.
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    22 mins