First, the subway is very affordable; for less than $3, you can ride far and wide. I often opt for taking the subway out and walking back, resulting in some 15-20 km / 9-12 miles on a good day – which depends on how central you live. For the last few years, I have been staying in Carroll Gardens, in Brooklyn, often taking the subway to somewhere in Manhattan and walking over Brooklyn Bridge home.

As of 2024, the MTA will phase out the yellow subway cards. For me, they are already obsolete! No need to go to a machine and add money to it and have no idea about the amount left. Instead, at the same price, you just tap your credit card or smart-device and are good to go. Only, at JFK, it is still necessary to get one of the yellow cards if you have used the airport train; but they too must have a solution for 2024 - hopefully transitioning fully to the same tap method. If you plan to go daily, looking into an OMNY card might be for you for reduced fares.

Taking the subway can also bring some memorable experiences. I have by now seen it all (pretty much…), with perhaps the exceptions of famous people, which might as well be a result of my lack of knowledge of popular culture and wouldn’t recognize most even if I walked right into them! But people play the violin, sing, dance, or beg for money, while others sell candy or gadgets. Various mental health stages will determine some of these encounters, as some people are suffering and would benefit from some serious TLC! Once a woman came in and sat next to me and slowly started to undress. She began by removing her shoes, which was like, hmm, sure. If that makes you feel comfortable. But shortly after followed socks, jacket, and shirt (no bra underneath 🙈), before the pants. When I got off the subway a few stops later, she was still wearing nothing but her underpants. I hope, for her sake, that she dressed shortly after. I tried to tell her that maybe she should keep on her clothes, but she did not seem to register my presence. I am not trying to discourage you from taking the subway; just telling you, as with any large city, to keep your wits around you and be ready for anything.

Also, the subway stations have several degrees of artistic displays, and it can be worthwhile looking up and around. Particularly the Oculus station is outstanding and designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is meant to look like a hand releasing a dove – although it reminds me more of a giant Euoplocephalus! It cost no less than 4 billion dollars to build, and besides the many train routes, including PATH (for NJ), it also functions as a huge mall. It is the third largest station in Manhattan after Grand Central and Penn Station. Check here for some other subway ideas: https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/artwork. And I recommend following https://instagram.com/chanese?igshid=NDk5N2NlZjQ= on Instagram. An excellent performer I saw once on 14th Street waiting for the F line.

Staten Island Ferry is free and is one of the best ways to get a good view of the Statue of Liberty. Then you can always visit the outlet mall just by the ferry on Staten Island or walk around a bit (watch out -it is hilly…). I have yet to make a real trip to Ellis Island (see Wishlist entry).

If not on a budget, there are the Tour Busses (but these are not cheap…) – what can I say – it is a matter of preference whether you find these a nice way to see the city. You cannot miss these as people are trying to sell you tickets at any of the most common tourist attraction locations, particularly around Times Square. Besides being crowded, you will have to endure listening to a guy who thinks he is a comedian. However, it does offer a pretty nifty overview of the city, from the furthest south and all the way to Harlem and the famous Apollo theatre (https://www.apollotheater.org/about/history/); the venue where the earliest stars of American music played since it opened in 1914. The bus is also a hop-on-and-off opportunity, and in 24 hours, you can see most of Manhattan; even a short boat ride is included in one of the tickets (again – the free Staten Island ferry is a good alternative…).

Finally, just a brief comment on the three major airports. Personally, I prefer JFK, as it is super simple to get there on the subway. There is an extra fee for the Airport Tram, but it is around $10 and takes about the same time as a taxi – or faster – depending on rush hour, but for less than $15! La Guardia requires a bus but is more or less accessible, and Newark is in NJ and is obnoxious to get to, and I always opt to take a taxi even though it costs around $100!