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New York City Travel Resources

New York City Travel Resources

New York City New York, USA Travel Guide

Essential Apps

Navigation & Transport

  • Citymapper / Google Maps:

    Required for navigation and real-time public transport information.

  • MTA app:

    Official subway and bus information, including service alerts.

  • Uber / Lyft:

    Useful for ride-sharing services.

  • OMNY app:

    For managing OMNY payments and tracking rides.

  • VPN:

    A VPN like NordVPN for secure public Wi-Fi access.

Dining & Entertainment

  • OpenTable / Yelp:

    Helps with restaurant reservations and reviews.

  • TodayTix:

    Finds discounts for Broadway shows.

  • Resy / Tock:

    For reservations at popular fine dining spots.

  • Eventbrite:

    Discover local events, concerts, and workshops.

  • Language Learning:

    Babbel or Duolingo for a few basic phrases.

Useful Websites

Official Tourism

NYC & Company (nycgo.com): The official tourism website for New York City, a source of comprehensive information.

Visit NYC & Company

Events & Dining

Time Out New York (timeout.com/newyork): Listings for events, dining, and nightlife.

Explore Time Out

Food & Transit

Eater NY (ny.eater.com) for food news. MTA website (mta.info) for public transport.

Check Eater NY View MTA

Social Media & Podcasts

Social Media Accounts

  • @nycgo for updates and inspiration.
  • @mta for transport alerts.
  • @timeoutnewyork for happenings.
  • @eater_ny for food news.

Podcasts and Digital Content

  • "The Bowery Boys": a popular podcast focused on NYC history.
  • "The Daily" (from The New York Times): often covers local issues.
  • Local news podcasts for current events and community stories.
  • Audio guides for museums and historical sites.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Lonely Planet New York City.
  • Fodor's The Big Apple.
  • Rough Guides New York.
  • Official NYC Subway Map (available at stations).

Books About the Destination

  • "Here is New York" by E.B. White.
  • "The Colossus of New York" by Colson Whitehead.
  • "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith.
  • "The Power Broker" by Robert Caro.

Local Publications

  • The New York Times (specifically the Friday "Weekend" section).
  • The New Yorker (culture, arts, politics).
  • Village Voice (alternative culture, mainly online now).
  • Free weekly publications for events in the area.

Emergency and Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

Immediate Assistance

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical): 911.
  • Non-Emergency City Services: 311.
  • Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.

Hospital Locations

  • NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
  • NYU Langone Health.
  • Mount Sinai Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital.
  • Many walk-in urgent care centers are available.

Embassy and Consulate

  • Locate your country's consulate in NYC for assistance.
  • For lost passports, emergencies, or other traveler support.
  • Typically in Midtown or the Upper East Side.
  • Check specific addresses and contact information online.

Lost Document Procedures

Passports & Credit Cards

  • Lost/Stolen Passport: report it to local police (311 for non-emergency report) and your country's consulate immediately.
  • Lost/Stolen Credit Cards: contact your bank immediately to cancel them.
  • Keep digital and physical copies of important documents separate from originals.

Important Documents

  • Carry a secondary form of ID, separate from your passport.
  • Have copies of travel insurance documents and reservation confirmations.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers both digitally and written down.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Severe Weather Guidance

  • In case of severe weather, follow instructions from local authorities (NYC Emergency Management).
  • Tune into local news (radio/TV) for updates and guidance.
  • Sign up for NYC Emergency Management alerts via text.

Safety Measures

  • Stay informed about flood zones and evacuation routes.
  • Keep electronic devices charged.
  • Remain indoors if advised by authorities.

Further Reading and Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. "New York" (Ken Burns documentary series): a comprehensive historical overview.
  2. "Manhattan," "Annie Hall" (Woody Allen films): classic cinematic portrayals of the city.
  3. "West Side Story," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "When Harry Met Sally": other iconic films set in NYC.
  4. "Taxi Driver," "Goodfellas," "Do the Right Thing": films reflecting diverse city aspects.
  5. "Gangs of New York": historical drama set in the 19th century.

Music and Art

  1. Explore jazz standards, Broadway show tunes, and hip-hop artists from NYC.
  2. Explore online collections of The Met and MoMA to familiarize yourself with their holdings.
  3. Discover the street art scene, especially in Brooklyn.
  4. Seek out local live music venues beyond the mainstream.
  5. Visit smaller galleries in Chelsea or the Lower East Side.

Online Communities and Language Learning

Reddit Communities

Reddit (r/nyc, r/asknyc, r/NYCFood) for active communities and local advice.

TripAdvisor Forums

Connect with other travelers for tips and suggestions.

Language Learning

Apps like Babbel or Duolingo can be useful for other languages.

Emergency Reminder

Always dial 911 for Police, Fire, or Medical emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 311.

Cultural & Digital Exploration

Cultural Deep Dive

Music & Art Exploration

  • Jazz & Broadway:

    Explore jazz standards and Broadway show tunes.

  • Hip-Hop History:

    Discover the influential hip-hop artists from NYC.

  • Museum Collections:

    Browse online collections of The Met and MoMA.

Cinematic NYC

  • Woody Allen Classics:

    "Manhattan," "Annie Hall" offer classic city portrayals.

  • Iconic Settings:

    "West Side Story," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" for famous scenes.

  • Romantic Comedies:

    "When Harry Met Sally" for quintessential NYC romance.

Online Engagement

Reddit Communities

R/nyc, r/asknyc, r/NYCFood for local advice and discussions.

Explore Reddit

TripAdvisor Forums

Connect with other travelers for tips and shared experiences.

Join Forums

Language Learning

Utilize platforms like Babbel or Duolingo for basic phrases or more.

Start Learning

Educational Content

Historical Podcasts

  • "The Bowery Boys" for engaging NYC history stories.
  • "The Daily" (New York Times) for local issues and broader context.
  • Explore podcasts that focus on specific neighborhoods or historical events.
  • "Stuff You Missed in History Class" for international history, sometimes featuring NYC topics.

Film & Literature

  • "New York" (Ken Burns documentary): a comprehensive historical overview.
  • "Here is New York" by E.B. White for a classic essay on the city's spirit.
  • "The Colossus of New York" by Colson Whitehead for a modern reflection.
  • Dive into novels set in NYC for a narrative of its character.

Practical Digital Tools

Travel Planning Apps

  • Citymapper / Google Maps for route planning and public transport.
  • MTA app for real-time service warnings and schedules.
  • OpenTable / Yelp for making dining reservations and checking reviews.
  • TodayTix for finding discounted Broadway show tickets.

On-Demand Services

  • Uber / Lyft for convenient ride-sharing options.
  • OMNY app for contactless subway and bus fare payments.
  • Instacart or FreshDirect for grocery deliveries to your accommodation.
  • DoorDash or Seamless for delivered meals from local restaurants.

Your Digital Companion

Use these digital resources for seamless navigation, quick local information, and enhanced trip enjoyment.

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