Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together Here
  • 5.0 (36)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Your starting point for the perfect NYC trip or exploration—neighborhood guides, things to do, restaurant and bar reviews, and tips on getting around the city! Every two weeks, we explore a topic to help you learn something new about life and travel in New York City. Join us as we help make your next NYC trip unforgettable! 🗽

  1. 8h ago

    Flushing Queens Food Scene: Exploring NYC's Biggest Chinatown

    New York City is a food mecca, and the neighborhood of Flushing in Queens has become a hot spot for Asian cuisine. With the largest concentration of Chinese-born people in America, Flushing is home to hundreds of authentic and delicious Asian restaurants. This quick guide will cover: Where Flushing is located & how to get thereInteresting history in FlushingOur favorite restaurants in Flushing, Queens Flushing is a neighborhood in the borough of Queens and is most easily accessible via the furthest stop on the 7 train. Flushing's Demographics Today, there are over 70,000 Chinese residents in Flushing, of whom more than 30,000 were born in China. New York City has the largest population of Chinese people outside of China, and Flushing is seen as the epicenter of NYC's Chinese culture. Flushing has the highest population of Chinese-born people outside of China in the entire world, and roughly 70% of Flushing's population is Asian. History & Museums in Flushing While we most often go to Flushing for the food experience, there are some unique historical homes and museums in the neighborhood. Lewis Latimer House Museum Lewis Latimer was an African American inventor who made improvements to the lightbulb, air conditioner, bathrooms on trains, and many other inventions and patents. His historical home has been turned into a museum, free for self-guided visits or guided tours for $15 (as of July 2026). Bowne Museum Bowne House is a family's historical home built in 1661 in Flushing. The Bowne family fought for religious freedom in early America, abolition, and participated in the Underground Railroad. The museum offers tours for $10 (as of July 2026). The Flushing Queens Food Scene, Top Picks Beyond the area's history lies a bustling food scene with hundreds of options covering numerous Asian cuisines. Many restaurants on our favorites list are cash only, so plan accordingly. While there are hundreds of food options, here are some of our favorite restaurants in Flushing: Nan Xian Soup DumplingsWhite Bear Peking Duck Sandwich StallHappy Lamb Hot Pot Xing Fu TangChung MooNew World MallYou can find all of these, with notes, in our handy Ramen, Sushi & Asian Food Google Maps list. Access this and dozens more curated lists for loads of cuisines and locations in NYC when you sign up for our newsletter. You'll Have to Check It Out - Malaparte High-quality dishes in a no-frills, non-pretentious setting in the West Village• Large selection of outdoor seating• Watermelon salad, great bread with high-quality olive oil, cappellacci were all delicious Check out Malaparte in the West Village.

    Flushing Queens Food Scene: Exploring NYC's Biggest Chinatown

  2. Jul 14

    Surviving NYC's Summer Heat: Activities, Tips & Packing List

    New York City can be very hot, humid, and sticky during the summer months. Additionally, June is one of the wettest months in New York City. This makes for an interesting and unique experience when traveling to New York in the summer. In this article, we're going to help you prepare for NYC's summer heat with tips on: Understanding the challenge of the subwaysPacking for the heatThings to doThe best food and drink options for hot summer days in New York CityA common travel challenge in the summer The NYC Heat & Subway Experience While you may think you're used to hot weather, there is a big difference between dry heat and wet heat. New York City often has humidity at 80% or higher, and when coupled with 90+° temperatures, it makes for a very sticky situation. Being in New York City in the summer is like being in a wet hair dryer. The second you step outside, you will feel slightly damp and be a little bit sweaty. That's just the way it goes. Subway Temps One of the stranger experiences is the intense heat inside subway stations. There is no AC in New York City subway stations, and while you think it would be cooler underground, the energy from the subways makes it extremely hot. Subway stations are frequently 10-15° hotter than the outside temperature. An analysis conducted in July of 2015 found that the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall 456 platform hit 106.6°F, despite the outdoor temperature hovering around 90°F. NYC Packing List for Summer While we have a general NYC packing list, we'll cover some essentials for the hot summer months. Here are items you should bring to NYC during the summer: Travel sunscreenSunglassesPortable fanHatLightweight, breathable clothingElectrolytesReusable water bottleCompact umbrella Activities & Things to Do NYC has no shortage of fun activities, and that's true even in the summer. Let's look at some things to do when it's hot outside, and you need a place to cool down in New York. MuseumsPublic library, specifically the flagship 5th Ave locationBroadwayCity parksBeachesFerries Hot Day? Get Ice Cream Some of our favorite ice cream spots in NYC include: Mr Softee, classicSalt & StrawCafe PannaVan LeeuwenItalian Ice A Note on Summer Travel to/from NYC Almost every summer we have traveled to or from New York City, we've experienced delays at some point during air travel. While New York City is very hot, it often gets many lightning strikes and thunderstorms in the summer months. Those storms often lead to ground stops, delays, and travel issues when flying in and out of New York City. If you are able to, base your travel plans on baking in a little bit of extra time just in case you hit delays; it's worth trying to do that. You'll Have to Check It Out - Pier i Cafe Pier i Cafe is both a phenomenal spot to eat on the Upper West Side AND something fun to do! It's open from May to mid-October. But when open, it's an amazing spot to grab some delicious food and take in beautiful NYC days with a view of the water. They offer local beers, fresh salads, really tasty fish and chips, and so much more. The cafe is right near a pier and offers plenty of outdoor seating. We love coming here with our dogs! 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

    Surviving NYC's Summer Heat: Activities, Tips & Packing List

  3. Jun 23

    NYC Hotels: Realistic Expectations, Prices, and (Lack Of) Amenities

    New York City hotels, while expensive, often are much smaller and simpler than travelers expect. While you won't spend much time in your hotel, it's important to understand what your room and hotel experience will entail in NYC. In this episode, we'll cover: Average hotel pricesTaxes & fees to be aware ofRoom size & what to expect for (the lack of) amenitiesThe Airbnb situationPro tips to maximize your NYC hotel experience1. The Price of a Bed in NYC Average Range: $250–$400 depending on neighborhood (Times Square = highest)Budget [think hostel-style] ($115 +) vs. mid-range ($225+) vs. luxury ($500+++)Weekdays (cheaper) vs. weekends, and seasonal swings matter (Jan & Feb are often the cheapest time)2. Taxes & Fees: The Hidden Cost Base rate is never what you pay — 14.75% in combined state/city taxes + $3.50/night flat feesReal-world example: one traveler's fees came to 29% of their room costEven the fees get taxed on top of each otherPro tip: always check the total before booking, not just the nightly rateSome hotels add in resort fees, mandatory daily fees for food/drink, etc.3. Room Size & What to Expect NYC rooms average ~300 sq ft — and that includes the bathroom and closetsMicro-hotels can go as small as 60 sq ftElevator overload is real — older buildings, high occupancy, long waitsWhat you won't find: microwaves, pools, hot tubs (rare exceptions exist), very small mini fridges (or none at all)4. The Airbnb Situation Local Law 18 (Sept 2023) essentially banned short-term rentals — listings dropped from 22,000 to under 7,000 overnightSide effect: hotel prices went up ~6–7% as a resultVisitors coming from other cities expecting Airbnb as a budget option will be caught off guard5. Tips for Doing It Right Bag storage: hotels will hold your luggage for free, tip the porterSkip hotel breakfast — go get a bagel or hit a dinerPools and hot tubs exist but are the exception, not the ruleBook at least a month out for better pricingYou'll Have to Check It Out - Pig and Khao At Pig and Khao on the Upper West Side, their head chef Leah Cohen pays homage to her Filipino upbringing with a variety of Southeast Asian dishes and flavors. The portions, as part of their family-style meal, are MASSIVE. And the vibes are laid-back, perfect. 👌 Don’t skip the crab fried rice! Check out Pig & Khao here. PS- It's part of Chase Sapphire's dining credit program. Learn more & sign up 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

    NYC Hotels: Realistic Expectations, Prices, and (Lack Of) Amenities

  4. Jun 2

    The Real Cost of Eating & Drinking in NYC

    While New York City is home to some of the best restaurants and cuisine in the world, the price of eating out can come as a shock to many visitors. In this episode, we're going to explore the real cost of eating and drinking in New York City and give you some tips to save money and budget effectively for your meals while visiting New York City. Let's do it. 👇 The $19 -> $30 Pasta Bill A very common experience is walking past a restaurant in New York City and seeing something like fettuccine Alfredo for $19. You may think to yourself, "Wow, that's actually pretty fairly priced." After eating your pasta and possibly adding on an iced tea, you go to pay, and that $19 pasta has suddenly turned into $30... For many travelers, the sticker shock of eating out in New York City can come as a real surprise. And this becomes especially true when eating at sit-down restaurants where the "true cost" never equals what you actually see on the menu. The longer we live in New York City, the less we are shocked by food prices, but that is only a sign of our own succumbing to the sadness that is restaurant prices in America's most diverse food city. Average Prices at Restaurants in New York City While the true costs can vary widely, we're going to give you a breakdown of common price ranges to expect at sit-down restaurants in New York City. Here's what you'll often find for food prices in NYC: 10-$25 per appetizer$20-35 per entrée$8-15 per dessertAnd here are average alcohol costs at restaurants in NYC: $9-12 per beer$12-16 per glass of wine$15-25 per cocktailThe biggest factor that can make what seems like a cheap meal very expensive is the hidden costs of eating out in the city. ⤵️ Hidden Costs of Restaurant Dining in NYC While a $20 pasta can feel somewhat fair, the challenge is that the price you see on the menu is never what you'll actually pay. There are two reasons why bills at New York City restaurants always end up inflating beyond what you were expecting: TaxTippingAt all New York City dining establishments, you will pay an 8.875% tax on your bill. There is no bargaining with that; that is just how it works. Unlike many other countries and large cities across the world, restaurants in New York City do not bake tax into the cost you see on the menu. Additionally, New York City tipping culture, and America as a whole, has a direct expectation that you will tip when dining at a sit-down restaurant. What Should You Budget for Eating Out in New York City? 🥯 Breakfast will, on average, cost $10 to $30. The $10 range is for something like a bagel, whereas the $30 range is more for a sit-down breakfast restaurant or a diner. 🥗 Lunch will, on average, cost $15 to $30. The $15 range is for something like a bowl or salad at a fast-casual place, and $30 is more if you opt for a sit-down restaurant. 🍽️ Dinner will likely be your most expensive meal of the day. Dinner will, on average, cost $30 to $60. The $30 range is for meals where you might just get one entree, and the $60 range is for meals that include appetizers and/or dessert. Of course, it is very easy to go well above any of these ranges, but these are realistic numbers for you to expect when eating out in New York City. Overall, you should plan to budget around $50 to $125 per person per day for eating out in New York City. You'll Have to Check It Out - Brooklyn Bread Cafe Phenomenal bacon, egg & cheese that always has crispy baconTasty sweet options like chocolate or french toast bagelPerfect for before 9/11 Museum, the Statue of Liberty, or FiDi explorations 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

    The Real Cost of Eating & Drinking in NYC

  5. May 19

    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 festivalWhat to bring/wear to Governors BallGetting to & from the festivalExpert tips for safety, experience, and the best viewing See our full write-up with relevant links and information here. 👈 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. 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

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

  6. May 5

    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. There are loads of great bagel spots, but we recommend Liberty Bagels near 5th Avenue. 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: American Museum of Natural HistoryThe Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)The Museum of Modern Art (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. Afternoon Activity For your afternoon activity, we recommend choosing one of the following options: Observation deckAnother museumA Broadway matinee ShoppingDinner 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 showsComedy showsJazz clubsConcertSporting events (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 drinksDaily specials include $14 pitchers of beer, $1 hot dogs, and $20 buckets of beerSports on, always! Audio for certain games, like when New York teams are in the playoffsLive music downstairs in the speakeasy some nights; other nights, karaoke, DJs, etc.Check out the Gin Mill here. 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, but our top recommendation for a late-night slice is at $1.50 Fresh Pizza 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 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

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

  7. Apr 21

    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 covering tipping culture in America. You'll Have to Check It Out - Queens Night Market April 18 - August 22 & September 19 - October 31 (break for US Open)Saturdays from 4 pm to midnightOver 100 independent food merchants, artists, and performersMax 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 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

    NYC Tipping Culture: A No-Judgment Explainer

  8. Apr 7

    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 PassNYC pass comparisonAre NYC passes worth it?Which NYC pass saves the most money?Interactive quiz to help you decide the best passLet’s do it.  Quick Links: NYC CityPassGo City Explorer PassNew York Pass (Go City All-Inclusive)Interactive 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 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 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 $9Friendly staff with a cozy feelOutdoor seating is available during warm weatherCheck out Kaia 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

    Best NYC Pass in 2026? We Did the Math
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About

Your starting point for the perfect NYC trip or exploration—neighborhood guides, things to do, restaurant and bar reviews, and tips on getting around the city! Every two weeks, we explore a topic to help you learn something new about life and travel in New York City. Join us as we help make your next NYC trip unforgettable! 🗽

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together Here
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together Here
  • Show Website
    Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

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