The NYC Subway: Tips for Beginners

By Go City Expert

The New York City subway system is the largest of its kind in the entire world. With 472 operational stations, the underground trains provided nearly two billion rides in 2017 alone. So suffice it to say: the subways can get pretty complicated. Cabs are expensive and usually slower due to traffic, so whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll likely have to traipse down the concrete subway stairs at some point. But before you descend into the bowels of America's largest city, here are some tips for beginners.

Finding your station.

There are a total of 36 different subway lines shuttling passengers across Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. As the name suggests, most subways operate below ground. However, there are a few lines which travel above. Nonetheless, odds are you will be going underground. The key is to look at the signs above each station, indicating which subway lines it services and the direction each train is headed.

Note: subway lines are either numbers or letters.

Usually, there are two entrances on either side of the same street. Each entrance puts you on a different track. It's important to know which direction you want to go and to enter that entrance accordingly, because not every station allows passengers to which sides of the tracks without incurring additional fees.

If you do board a train headed in the opposite direction , don't freak out. Get off at the next stop, walk up to street level, cross the street, and switch routes. It happens to the best of us.

How much does it cost?

As of Fall 2019, one ride costs $2.75 USD. Every time you enter a subway station you have to swipe your ticket (MetroCard) to access the train tracks. You can purchase a ticket at the automated vendors or by talking with the teller at a booth. MetroCards hold either a finite amount of credit or you can buy an unlimited week/month pass. Every rider needs their own individual MetroCard. (Babies do not require a separate MetroCard.)

If this is your first time visiting NYC, I suggest getting a 7-day unlimited MetroCard. It only costs $32 USD and allows you room to make directional errors without incurring additional costs. Plus you will find yourself using the subway several times a day, and at $2.75 per ride, that will add up to the cost of an unlimited MetroCard quickly. Cut your losses!

Note: Unlimited MetroCards can only be swiped every 15 minutes. Don't think you can buy one and use it for your entire family. Good idea, but the Metropolitan Transit Authority already thought of that. Sorry!

How do I know when to get off?

Newer subways will have light-up graphics indicate which stop along the route you're on. However, older trains will not. Don't worry, the conductor will always announce which stop you're arriving at and which stop is next. If you don't understand them or miss the announcement, you can look out the window and see signs for which station the train has just pulled into. There will be several. Additionally, there are maps of the entire subway system in each train car.

Does the subway stop running?

The NYC subways and busses operate 24 hours. However, early in the AM, they do run less frequently.

Is it safe?

Yes. The New York City subway system is relatively safe. A good thing about "the city that never sleeps" is that, at almost any given time, there will be other passengers riding with you.

Note: homeless men and women often sleep on the subways late at night. They usually shouldn't bother you, but if you see a train car that has just one person in it -- it's best to get onto another car.

Are there bathrooms?

There are no bathrooms on subway trains or in the station. Be sure you've gone before you embark on your journey.

Are pets allowed?

According to the MTA website, small pets are allowed, but must be in a bag or carrier. However, Service dogs are allowed to ride with passengers.

How timely are the trains?

Different subway lines run at different rates of frequency. Delays and reroutes are common, unfortunately. Add an extra twenty minutes to your travel time to account for any public transit mishaps.

Additional rider tips:

  • When you are about to enter a subway car, like an elevator, let the people who are already on the train get off before you enter.
  • On station staircases, bear right.
  • It's not uncommon to see subway performers, both on the platform and train itself. If you hear someone shout, "Showtime, showtime!" It's an indicator they're about to perform, and you should step to the side of the subway car.
  • The trains move very fast, and while you think you don't have to hold onto a poll -- do it. Nothing is more frustrating to New Yorkers than a tourist who falls on top of them.
  • Subway seating is limited, therefore be sure you're not spreading your legs and taking up more room than necessary. Don't place your bag beside you on a seat, put it between your legs on the floor.
  • The local rule of thumb is, if you see an elderly person or pregnant woman, you offer them your seat.
  • The trains get very crowded during rush hour. Backpacks take up a lot of standing room, so be sure to take them off and hold them between your legs.
  • New Yorkers can be very brusk, if someone is rude to you or shouts, it's best to let it go. No need to ruin you and your fellow passengers' commute by getting into a fight.

Wondering where you should take the subway to? Check out some must-see NYC sites here.

Continue reading

Blog

Five New York Museums You Mustn't Miss

New York has no shortage of museums, so how do you even know where to start? Below, we’ve done some of the work for you—we’ve picked the five New York museums you must not miss. (You still need to do the walking around yourself –but hey, that’s the fun part.) The Metropolitan Museum of Art Why visit the Met? The Met (not to be confused with the opera) is one of the world’s great museums for a reason—it has two million works of art and 17 curatorial departments; the works range from ancient times all the way up the present day. The building will wow you from the moment you see it from the Fifth Avenue—with its Beaux-Arts façade and sweeping Great Hall, you could easily spend quite a while just gaping at the entrance. But there’s so much more to see! How do you choose where to start? Start off with the not-to-be-missed galleries—take a right when you enter, and wander through the Egyptian Galleries, making sure to see the centerpiece--the Temple of Dendur, which was given as a gift to the United States. (The galleries are arranged chronologically, which makes it easier.) Check out some of the small, out-of-the-way study galleries too. When you leave those galleries, you’ll be right near the Arms and Armor Court. Start off in the center gallery, in which the cavalry armor is displayed, and don’t mis the non-western armor, like that worn by Samurai warriors. When you leave, be sure to visit the American Wing Courtyard with its glass widows facing Central Park. And highlights? Everyone wants to see the Impressionist works of art, so swing by the second floor--while you’re up here, check out the recently renovated musical instruments galleries. You won’t be able to see everything in one visit (or 20) so leave some time to simply wander. Maybe the vast Asian art galleries? The masks in the African galleries? Don’t forget the Treasury full of gold pieces in the Ancient Americas galleries, or the beautiful period rooms. If you need some peace and quiet, the Astor court with its calming koi pond is the place to go. [caption id="attachment_3001" align="alignnone" width="800"] Put The Metropolitan Museum on your list of the five New York museums you must not miss[/caption] Museum of Modern Art Wasn’t MoMa recently renovated? How do I explore it? Yes. With its expanded gallery spaces, completely reinstalled collections, and new spaces for live and experimental programs, it’s pretty much like a completely new museum. Drop into their new Creativity Lab to ask questions, participate in conversations, and even make some art. Check out the new store and dining options (an art lover’s gotta eat). And that’s a good question that doesn’t have a right answer. You probably won’t want to miss the section that showcases works of art from the 1880s-1940s (yes, Starry Night is there) and the one that will undoubtably prove to be among the most popular--the space that showcases works from the 1970s-1970s. Some permanent installations will be switched every six months (so they’re not really permanent.) Different kinds of art are now displayed in the same gallery, as are works of art from different periods of time; there’s more of sense of connection among different works. You’ll want to visit several times--and that’s kind of the point. [caption id="attachment_2978" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Installation view of Architecture Systems (gallery 417), The Museum of Modern Art, New York. © 2019 The Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Robert Gerhardt[/caption] The New Museum So, it must be asked. What’s new about the New Museum? The New Museum was founded in 1977, so it’s new-ish. When it was first founded, it was the first museum dedicated to contemporary art in New York since World War 2. The museum encompasses art forms ranging from sculpture to photography, from artists around the world. It’s the place to go to see cutting-edge works; it’s focused on new art and new ideas, and is also focused on under-represented and emerging artists. Think of as the anti-art-museum art museum. It’s also got a cool building that’s worth checking out in and of itself---it looks like a stack of rectilinear boxes that are somewhat off-center. Interestingly, it's a non-collecting museum, which keeps its focus on the new. It’s also the place to check out what’s happening globally and in the art world in general; make sure you have a lot of battery power, because no matter what’s happening there, it’s great for photos. The Frick Hasn’t the Frick been around like, forever? If by “forever,” you mean, “since the early 1930s,” then yes, it has. The museum is kind of like one of those grand dames you see having a pot of tea and some crumpets at an elegant but faded tearoom—a little incongruous, but somehow reassuring and necessary. Housed in an elegant mansion on Fifth Avenue, the building is home to the collection of Henry Clay Frick. It includes works by eminent European artists including Fragonard and Vermeer, as well as gorgous porcelain and furniture. Just strolling through the galleries is like stepping into another era, and because it’s small, you can cover pretty much everything in one visit. It’s also incredibly calming just to walk around. Fun Fact: The Frick is the model for the Avengers Mansion in the Marvel Comics. [caption id="attachment_3003" align="alignnone" width="6000"] The Frick, on Fifth Avenue, is one of our picks for the five New York museums you must not miss[/caption] The Brooklyn Museum [caption id="attachment_3008" align="alignnone" width="800"] Across the Brooklyn Bridge you’ll find the world-class Brooklyn Museum[/caption] Is it worth going to Brooklyn to visit the museum? Yes, absolutely. Did you know that the Brooklyn Museum has 1.5 million works of art? Or that it has one of the finest collections of Egyptian art in the world? Even if you didn’t (well, now you do) it’s worth a visit—or several. They also have a fine American art collection (Rothko, Hopper, Rockwell, and Homer, to name a few of the artists), as well as a Memorial Sculpture Garden, featuring salvaged architectural pieces from around the city. They’re also known for great special exhibits and public programs. Looking to up your cool factor after you've explored some museums? Check out the way hipsters inhabit Brooklyn
Go City Expert
Blog

Attraction of the Week - Highlights of Midtown Architectural Tour

[caption id="attachment_1095" align="alignright" width="6155"] Midtown Manhattan Skyline[/caption] [spacer height="20px"] Get acquainted with some of the landmarks that are synonymous with New York City, such as Grand Central Terminal or the Chrysler building with the Highlights of Midtown Architectural Tour. This walking tour takes participants through Midtown Manhattan and allows them to view some of the remarkable and iconic structures that were built here in the 20th century. These are some of the sights highlighted in the Midtown tour: Times Square When you come to New York, you're probably expecting everything to be like Times Square. This area has been a tourist favorite forever and why wouldn't it be? There's always something happening and the lights are always bright. Grand Central Terminal Easily one of the most famous train terminals in the world. People around the globe know of New York's busy midtown travel hub. Once home to art galleries and musical performances, Grand Central is still as busy as ever as New Yorkers and visitors commute through, visit the Grand Central Market or simply come to admire the beautiful architecture and the mesmerizing Astronomical Ceiling on the main concourse. United Nations Headquarters The elegant Midtown East complex designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer is home to the organization known as the UN. Needless to say, some very important discussions take place in the UN building and its right here in New York! New York Public Library This historic structure came to be in 1895 and still today is the second largest public library in the entire country. The New York Public Library is a staple in the city's literature, education and technology. New York's Theater District Home to the vibrant scene of Broadway shows and theater performances in New York. The Theater district extends from West 40th to West 54th street and is usually jam packed for new showings with the biggest stars. Chrysler Building Towering over midtown, the 1928 structure of the Chrysler Building is just waiting to be captured in your photos. For 11 months before the construction of the Empire State Building, this iconinc art deco skyscraper was the tallest building in the world. Daily News Building Another 1920's landmark is the skyscraper located at 220 East 42nd street. The name comes from the Daily News TV broadcast that was once hosted inside of the building. Along the Highlights of Midtown Architectural Tour, you will learn about these landmarks and a whole lot more. Midtown Manhattan is the area most densely populated with landmarks and tourist attractions, ranging from historical buildings to modern attractions in Times Square. Check out some of the other walking tours available in the New York Pass.
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

  • Thick check Icon