Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together Here
  • 5.0 (32)
  • 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. 14 Romantic Activities in NYC: Perfect for Valentine’s Day

    2D AGO

    14 Romantic Activities in NYC: Perfect for Valentine’s Day

    New York City is a surprisingly romantic city, no matter your budget. There are many enjoyable activities for a romantic evening with a date. While some on this list can be more of a splurge, we’ve also included plenty of free romantic things to do in NYC. Here are 14 of our favorite romantic things to do in New York City: Walk the High LineRestaurant hop for a three-course mealDo a cooking or cocktail-making classVisit a rooftop barArt classesPicnic in Central Park (or any NYC park)Date Night at The MetWatch a sunset at Pier 57Explore a new museumConservatory Garden in Central ParkA couple’s photoshootFree art galleries in ChelseaDay spa or massage for a relaxing vibeAn evening of jazz See our full write-up with links to everything we covered. 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 You'll Have to Check It Out: Patent Pending

    22 min
  2. Where to Stay in NYC? (Hint: You’re Thinking About It Wrong)

    JAN 27

    Where to Stay in NYC? (Hint: You’re Thinking About It Wrong)

    Deciding where to stay in New York City can feel overwhelming given the number of options. In this article, we’re gonna break down the simplest questions to answer before you decide which part of the city to stay in. Because the most important factor when choosing where to stay in NYC isn't just price. Here's what we'll cover: Before you look at locations, answer thisThe #1 factor for a good stay, no matter the neighborhoodA note about Airbnb and short-term, non-hotel rentalsOur 3 recommendations for the best places stay in New York CityTips for finding the best hotel rates (and comparing reviews) Note: See the full article with specific hotel recommendations here: https://rebrand.ly/where-stay-nyc What Do You Care More About, Saving Money or Proximity to the NYC Experience? When you’re trying to figure out where to stay when visiting NYC, you must ask yourself a this-or-that question. Odds are you can’t have both, so you’ll have to decide. The Question: What do you care more about, saving money or proximity to the NYC experience? You often, or almost never, can have both. New York City is expensive, and when you prioritize affordability, you will often trade that for distance from common NYC experiences. The same goes for the inverse. Is Saving Money the Most Important to You? You will spend very little time in your hotel during your visit to New York City. This is probably the strongest argument for prioritizing a cheaper hotel, even if it means a longer commute. So, if the cheapest lodging is your highest priority, look at places like: Hoboken, New JerseyLong Island City in QueensCertain pockets of boroughs, like Queens or BrooklynEven with that being said, I would never, ever, ever stay in the far reaches of Jersey, or distant parts in Queens or Brooklyn as a traveler. Nothing against those areas, it’s just not where you’re going to likely want to spend your time while visiting! New York City is a destination, and there is something to be said about staying in your destination, not near it. Is Proximity to the NYC Experience the Most Important to You? You will walk a LOT in New York City, part of why comfortable walking shoes are the #1 priority on our NYC packing list, and you will likely finish each day exhausted. Do you want to be dealing with a lengthy, challenging commute at the end of a long, tiring day? Being close to the action is not only fun, but it’s practical. This is especially true for a short, weekend trip to NYC. So, if being close to the NYC experiences is your highest priority, look at places like: Upper MidtownChelseaFinancial District 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

    23 min
  3. Chelsea Neighborhood Guide: Bars, Restaurants & Things to Do In This Iconic NYC Neighborhood

    JAN 13

    Chelsea Neighborhood Guide: Bars, Restaurants & Things to Do In This Iconic NYC Neighborhood

    Chelsea is a Manhattan neighborhood with a rich collection of bars, restaurants, and things to do. While it's known for art galleries, there is much more to see and do for visitors of all ages. In this Chelsea Neighborhood Guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about exploring this famous section of Manhattan. Here’s what we will cover: Where is Chelsea in NYC?Why is it called Chelsea?Chelsea barsChelsea restaurantsChelsea coffee shopsThings to do in Chelsea For an in-depth article about Chelsea and to get access to a Google Maps list with ALL the places we mention in this episode, head here: https://rebrand.ly/chelsea-nyc We highly recommend you take the time to explore Chelsea when you visit New York City! Hopefully this episode gives you some ideas for the best restaurants, bars, and things to do in Chelsea. You'll Have to Check It Out - SAPPEISAN in Chelsea (part of the Chase Sapphire Reserve's restaurant credit) 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

    26 min
  4. NYC's Five Boroughs (and Basic Terminology) Explained

    12/30/2025

    NYC's Five Boroughs (and Basic Terminology) Explained

    While many travelers to New York City envision Manhattan's popular landmarks, NYC is composed of five unique and culture-rich boroughs. We'll give a brief overview of each borough and dive into some important NY terminology to help you have a smoother exploration of the city. The five boroughs of New York City are: ManhattanQueensBrooklynThe BronxStaten IslandEach of the five boroughs in New York City has unique offerings, cultures, and history. But first, let's define 'borough'. What is a Borough? In 1898, the term borough was adopted to describe a form of governmental administration for each of the five fundamental constituent parts of the newly consolidated city. So while each borough has some of its own governance, its power is inferior to the authority of the government of the City of New York. Before 1898, each borough (mostly) was seen more as a county and did not fall within the city of New York. Interestingly, each borough is also its own county. The boroughs aren't autonomous cities within a city, but rather administrative divisions of a single municipal government. It explains why, for example, the Mayor of NYC has authority over all five boroughs, and why there's one unified city budget, police department (NYPD), etc., even though each borough has its own Borough President and some local administrative functions. In today's terms, a borough is one of the five distinct geographic regions of New York City including: ManhattanQueensBrooklynThe BronxStaten IslandEach borough has multiple neighborhoods with distinct cultures and histories. We took to social media to get insights from borough residents, so you'll see their recommendations sprinkled throughout. See our full write-up on our website for links to places we mentioned (sorry, we can't fit it all in a podcast description). You'll Have to Check It Out - La Grande Boucherie in Midtown 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

    23 min
  5. American Museum of Natural History NYC: What to See, Costs & Tours

    12/02/2025

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

    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 Out Phenomenal 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

    21 min
  6. Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Everything You MUST Know + Free Options, Too 🗽

    11/18/2025

    Visiting the Statue of Liberty: Everything You MUST Know + Free Options, Too 🗽

    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 Liberty Let’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 here PS- 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 Rabbit The 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 Island The 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 Scammers As 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 Liberty Here 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

    24 min
  7. The Met NYC Guide: What to See, Costs, Tours & Insights with Museum Aficionado Kylie Brooks

    11/04/2025

    The Met NYC Guide: What to See, Costs, Tours & Insights with Museum Aficionado Kylie Brooks

    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 here Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletter⁠ What 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 weekend Check out this episode's You'll Have to Check It Out - Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir here.

    27 min
  8. NYC Marathon Spectator Guide: Where to Watch, Stay & More

    10/21/2025

    NYC Marathon Spectator Guide: Where to Watch, Stay & More

    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 Weekend The 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-newsletter⁠ Where to Stay for Runners Lower ManhattanMidtown/Hell's KitchenUpper West Side (options are limited)Anywhere in close proximity to the 1, 4, 5, or R lines Where to Stay for General Travelers If 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 Marathon The 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 Day Be 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 - Gurumé Gurumé 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 ribs Fried chicken wings (perfectly crisp) Any of the desserts Plus, 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

    21 min
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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
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ashley and Devin Stagg from Better Together Here
  • Show Website
    Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

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