New York City
We've got the best local New York City recommendations, from tips for what to do in New York City for first timers, to alternative things to do in NYC whether you live here, or if you're a visitor. Our NYC bucket list is a bit off-the-beaten-path!
Then, see our tips for finding an apartment or moving to NYC, and of course, the essentials for living in New York City. You'll love a peek into our real New York City lifestyle through our honest lists and guides.
- Photo Experiences
Photos of Manhattanhenge, NYC’s Annual Sunset Phenomenon
Manhattanhenge is my photography dream. The sun setting perfectly aligned with the NYC street grid on a summer night. See our photos of this incredible and unique event that happens twice a year.
- Photo Experiences
Photos of a Sunny Day Walking in NYC Neighborhoods
Walking across NYC on a sunny day is one of my favorite things to do. Here, I’m sharing photos of Chelsea, the West Village, Greenwich Village, NoLiTa and SoHo, on a warm weekday afternoon.
- Travel Guides
27 Laptop-Friendly Cafes in Manhattan with WiFi in 2025
Where can you work from home, but in a laptop-friendly cafe in Manhattan? See this list of the best Manhattan coffee shops with WiFi where remote working is welcome.
- Photo Experiences
NYC Street Photography of Manhattan’s Best Neighborhoods
Photos don’t do all of Manhattan’s neighborhoods justice, but for visuals of the street scenes, apartment buildings and pictures of what it’s like to live in NYC, see our Manhattan cityscape photo gallery!
- Travel Guides
The Best Time of Year to Visit NYC
Wondering when the best time to visit New York City is, and the worst time for a trip, too? Here, we’ll explain when the most expensive time to visit NYC is, and the cheapest.
- Travel Guides
Is NYC Safe? Everything You Need to Know
Is it safe to travel to New York right now? Is NYC dangerous with crime, and at night, and if you’re alone or solo? Here’s how to stay safe in New York City and avoid crime.
- Travel Guides
Where to Live in NYC: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
You need tips for how to pick the best NYC neighborhood before you move to New York City! Decide where to live in NYC with our New York neighborhood breakdown guide.
- Travel Guides
33 Best Things to Know Before Traveling to NYC (Tips from a Local)
Are you thinking, “What do I need to know before traveling to New York?” Check out these New York City tips for first-timers, and the best tips for traveling to and visiting NYC.
- Travel Guides
31 Ways How to Live in New York City on a Budget
What’s the cheapest way to live in New York City? To find out how to save money in NYC, and how to live frugally in NYC, use these best NYC lifestyle tips and hacks.
- Travel Guides
Best Unique & Fun Ideas for Day Trips from NYC
Looking for the best easy day trips from NYC by car, bus or by train? These fun day trip ideas are the most fun and unique places to visit outside New York City.
- Travel Guides
36 of the Best Free Things to Do in NYC
What are the best free things to do in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens? Check out free New York City parks, beaches, landmarks, historic sites and walking ideas for a trip this year.
- Photo Experiences
Photos of Sunrise at the Empire State Building Observation Deck
Peek into our photos of the sunrise experience tour at the Empire State Building Observation Deck in this gallery review of one of the best things to do in NYC.
- Travel Guides
22+ Best Running Spots in New York City
Where are the best places to run in NYC? Here’s a list of running routes and parks to run in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Hoboken-Jersey City.
- Travel Guides
49 Best Photo Spots for Instagram in Brooklyn
The best places to take pictures in NYC are actually among the most picturesque and scenic places in Brooklyn. See the list of these secret non-touristy places to take pictures in Brooklyn, New York.
- Travel Guides
2025 Guide to Renting an Apartment in New York City
How do you rent an apartment in NYC? Here, I'll discuss how to find the best NYC apartment for renting, with tips on what to ask when renting an apartment in NYC.
- Photo Experiences
Photos of Peak NYC Fall Foliage in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Where and when is the best fall foliage in New York City? Let us take you through one of the best places for seeing peak fall foliage in NYC, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
- Photo Experiences
Where to Take the Best Pictures on the Coney Island Boardwalk
Visiting Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk? See where to take the best street photography photos at the famous Coney Island amusement park rides in Brooklyn.
- Photo Experiences
Photos of a Visit to the New York Botanical Garden
What should you see at the New York Botanical Garden? See photos of this NYC landmark’s gorgeous views, incredible plants and flowers and art installations.
- Photo Experiences
Photos from the Top of the Empire State Building at Sunset
Check out photos of the view from the top of the Empire State Building at the 86th floor observation deck at sunset and at night, during a tour of this essential NYC landmark.
- Travel Advice
JFK, LGA or EWR: Which NYC Airport Is Best? (Local Tips)
Which NYC airport should you choose? Is there a best airport to use in New York? We detail the pros and cons of all the international airports in NYC: LGA vs. JFK vs. EWR.
- Blog
Couples Coffee Brewing Class at Coffee Project NY
We tried a unique date idea: a coffee education and coffee brewing class for couples at the Academy at Coffee Project NY in Long Island City, Queens. See why this is a fun thing to do for couples who love coffee.
- Blog
NYC Travel Influencers and Bloggers to Follow
Looking for new travel bloggers and influencers who call NYC home? These NYC-based professionals are talented, and will give you inspiration to travel, in addition to exploring NYC.
- Travel Guides
37 Laptop-Friendly Cafes for Getting Work Done in Brooklyn
Here's a list of the best laptop friendly cafes in Brooklyn. These places have free wi-fi, outlets and delicious coffee!
- Travel Guides
The Local NY Review: Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in NYC
Where should digital nomads and remote workers hostel in NYC? The Local NY is a young and hip hostel in Queens, great for working remotely while traveling in New York.
- Travel Guides
The Best Spots to Visit in Brooklyn Heights (NYC Local Secrets)
We lived in Brooklyn Heights, which is arguably one of the most beautiful and charming NYC neighborhoods. We're going to tell you a few local secrets in Brooklyn Heights.
- Photo Experiences
10 Manhattan Bridge Photos in New York City
Walking on the Manhattan Bridge is one of those non-touristy alternatives to a larger tourist attraction, the Brooklyn Bridge. We like the Manhattan Bridge because it's a real commute and it's a place from where you can get real sights of pretty real streets.
- Photo Experiences
19 Times Square Photos in New York City
If you're ready to take on New York City, head to Times Square. This is a place you go to so that you can be among thousands of people, admiring the lights, the commercialism, the skyscrapers, the people dressed up like cartoon characters or the Statue of Liberty, and wonder how everything got this way.