New York City

Your insider guide to Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights by a native New Yorker

January 14, 2020 by Steve 7 Comments

Brooklyn is on the rise and a lot of you have asked about Brooklyn although I’ve decided to focus this post on two of the most popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn for tourists: Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn. I’ve decided to ask my dad, who was born in Brooklyn and remembers the move of the Brooklyn Dodgers.

After 25 years working in downtown Brooklyn, my dad is here to dish about two neighborhoods of Brooklyn that he knows best. Keep reading for insider tips on the best things to do in Downtown Brooklyn and the best food in Downtown Brooklyn.

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Tipping in the USA: Tipping etiquette in the United States by an American

January 3, 2020 by Karen 51 Comments

As someone who has worked in the service industry, I believe that tipping in the United States is important. The United States does not have universal high wages. Although your perceptions of the United States may be different, if you’re traveling in the United States, you generally need to tip. Keep reading for tipping etiquette in the United States!

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Insider Tips for NYC during the Holidays by a New Yorker

January 1, 2020 by Karen 33 Comments

The holidays in NYC are the best time to visit New York City. As a New Yorker born and raised, I’ve written tips for the holidays in NYC, the best things to do in New York at Christmas, tips for the Christmas windows in NYC, tips for the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, and how to survive Times Square New Year’s Eve. Keep reading for insider tips for New York during Christmas!

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First Time Guide to New York City 5 Day Itinerary by a native New Yorker

January 7, 2020 by Karen 79 Comments

I’m so proud to be a native New Yorker and I love to help first timers plan their first trip to New York City. I’ve made a five day itinerary for NYC with advice on what to see and eat mostly in Manhattan for all budgets.

This is a local guide, so although I cover the famous sites, I encourage you to see the smaller neighborhoods/places that make New York special. The Big Apple has so much to offer year-round, so most of these tips can be also used over the holidays. There’s a FREE downloadable map with all the best places to see in New York City in 5 days.

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Secret New York: 30+ off the beaten path spots in New York City to love

November 28, 2019 by Karen 3 Comments

New York City is full of the weird and the wonderful. As a native New Yorker, I’ve given up on seeing every corner of this city as it’s impossible. However, you don’t need to look that hard for off the beaten path spots in New York city if your eyes are open and your Metrocard is topped up. Together with Moeima Makeba, we’re here to show you 30+ secret spots in New York City that you’ll be hopefully fascinated with.

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30+ Free and fun things to do in New York by a native New Yorker

December 30, 2019 by Karen 4 Comments

New York can be quite expensive. In trying to help friends enjoy the best of New York City on a low budget, I’ve pulled together the best things to do in New York City on a budget. I grew up in New York City and although New York can kill you with its costs, there are definitely things you’ll love that don’t cost a cent. Save your money for great food–and enjoy New York!

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Your insider guide to New York’s Chinatown by a native New Yorker

December 18, 2019 by Annie Tan 2 Comments

When friends and acquaintances find out that I was born and raised in Manhattan’s Chinatown and that I still live here, they always ask, “What would you recommend in Chinatown?” (First, always, to not block the sidewalk, as Chinatown streets are busy and narrow!) As a local, I waver on giving my actual recommendation, for fear of people packing my favorite hole-in-the-wall. But there are too many good things in Chinatown for me to keep my favorite places a secret. This guide to NYC’s Chinatown includes insider tips for visiting Chinatown, must-knows, and my favorite places to eat in Chinatown.

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20 Things Nobody Tells You About Visiting New York by a native New Yorker

November 4, 2019 by Karen 119 Comments

I’m a proud New Yorker who was born and raised in New York City. When someone asks me what they should know when visiting New York for the first time, I don’t always know where to start as there’s so many things to do in New York. I’ve decided to take a different approach here with some NYC local secrets to help you navigate your trip better.

Expect some humorous tips for first time visitors to New York (although those on their fifth trip to NYC might find this travel advice helpful). I sincerely hope that these New York travel tips come in handy and help you avoid some of the mistakes that people make on their first trip to New York. 20 Insider tips for New York under the cut.

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50 unusual things to do in New York City by a native New Yorker

August 23, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

New York is full of hidden gems. This insider guide to New York City written by a native New Yorker will show you best unusual things to do in New York City that are alternative, kooky, fascinating, and just weird. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride as New York has so much to offer that you might not expect. I’ve grouped these activities by borough and location.

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17 best places to shop in New York on a budget by a New Yorker

October 28, 2019 by Karen 4 Comments

Shopping in New York is truly a classic activity. As someone who is pretty budget-conscious, but who loves a nice statement piece, I went big when I visited my parents recently. I went to a lot of my favorite places to shop in New York as well as some new places that I hadn’t yet been to.

I’ve tried to only discuss limit this post about the best budget shopping in New York City to places that have quality items for a reasonable price, e.g. designer clothes/shoes for 50-70% off retail and stores that simply carry good quality without charging you insane amounts. I also include secondhand shopping, which is a passion of mine. I also include some money-saving tips!

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