NYC Tipping Culture: A No-Judgment Explainer

SoHo is a vibrant New York City neighborhood with loads of shopping and a great collection of bars and restaurants. Plus, it's the world's greatest collection of surviving cast-iron buildings.Where is SoHo?SoHo is bordered by Houston Street to the north and Canal Street to the south. The west and east boundaries are disputed, but most agree the west boundary is 6th Avenue and the east boundary is Crosby Street, though some say Lafayette. We're gonna include the extended Lafayette boundary for our recommendations of places to go.What Does SoHo Stand For?SoHo stands for South of Houston Street!Brief SoHo History & Interesting FactsWould have been largely eliminated if Robert Moses had his way; luckily, the Lower Manhattan Expressway didn't happen1st passenger elevator in the world at the Haughwout Building on BroadwayWith a heavy industrial history, many lofts existedInitially, artists lived in those lofts "illegally" since they weren't zoned for residential useIn the 70s, loft living was legalized and heavily marketed, and even zoned/prioritized, to artists By the 90s, commercial development drastically changed the makeup and most galleries and artists were priced outWorld's greatest surviving collection of cast-iron architecture, and is sometimes referred to as the Cast-Iron Historic DistrictNow considered a high-end, luxury, and consumerism-focused neighborhood (shopping!)SoHo NYC Restaurants, Bars & DessertDominique AnselBoqueriaSugarfishSullivan TaqueriaSoHo RoomRaoul's (French, higher end)Jack's Wife FredaHamburger AmericaSign up for our newsletter to get these in handy Google Maps lists.Things to Do in SoHo NYCThe Drawing CenterEataly SoHoBanksy MuseumShopping!NikeMoMA Design StoreLululemonUniqloCrocsZaraMujiAppleChanelArtiziaSephoraMiniso (asian household goods store)You'll Have to Check It Out - Caffe ReggioOriginally opened in 1927, Caffè Reggio has become a true Greenwich Village staple. Plus, you’ve possibly already seen it on the big screen, being a scene spot for movies like The Godfather Part II, The Kremlin Letter, and In Good Company.Stop in, grab a quick bite and an espresso, and enjoy the unique decor, historic vibes, and a tiny slice of Italian cafe culture. ☕You just might see me there grabbing another double espresso for less than $4, a very fair price for NYC standards.Check out Caffè Reggio on Macdougal Street 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

Once you've booked your trip to New York City, there are important things you can do before you come to help make your trip run more smoothly and be more enjoyable.So if you've already booked your flights and are getting excited to come to NYC, let's dive into seven things you should do right now before landing in New York City.1- Set Up a Transit Card in Digital WalletIn 2026, every subway turnstile in New York City accepts tap-to-pay through the OMNY system. While you can just use a tap-to-pay-enabled credit or debit card, it is often easier and faster to use your phone.Whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, there is also a way to set up a rapid transit card. The directions vary for each device. Essentially, you go into the settings, find your digital wallet, choose the transit or rapid transit option, and set your default card.When you do this, you can tap your phone up to the tap-to-pay reader at the subway turnstile without opening your wallet or using your face or Touch ID. This is a much more efficient way to get through the subway turnstile.2- Read the Transportation GuideNew York City is a massive metropolis with five boroughs and loads of different neighborhoods and attractions. Getting around NYC can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to big cities.Our Ultimate NYC Transportation Guide covers everything you need to know, including:Getting to and from the major airportsRiding the subwayHailing taxisWalking around the cityBikingSo much moreIt is 100% free. Head here to get this must-have guide, and then, of course, read it before you come to New York City.3- Activities You Should Book in AdvanceWhile there's a seemingly endless supply of things to do in New York City, some of the more popular attractions can sell out or book up well in advance. Here are some activities you should book in advance to ensure you can go:Broadway showsRestaurantsComedy showsJazz clubGuided tours4- Buy and Break in Comfortable Walking ShoesArguably, the most important item on the NYC packing list is the shoes you will wear every day. You will likely walk anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 steps per day or more.While many people anticipate walking around to different locations, many attractions, like museums, also involve a lot of walking.Prioritize comfortable shoes and make sure that whatever shoes you choose and bring are already broken in and comfortable for miles of walking each day.5- Download Helpful AppsIn the digital age, apps are a must-have for travel experiences. Many apps will hold tickets for the events you'll be attending, provide information vital to your day-to-day travels in New York City, and even help you get around.Our full list of the best apps for NYC travel is a must-read.6- Figure Out a Phone PlanFor international travelers, your phone plan from your home country may not work well in the United States. While Wi-Fi is Available in many places, it's a good idea to have a reliable phone connection. eSIMs are one of the best ways to do this.I personally used Saily on a recent trip to France and had a wonderful experience overall. Use my code DEVINL9611 at checkout to get US$5.00 off a regular plan or US$10.00 off an Ultra plan. 7- Determine If You’ll Get a City PassOur full NYC pass comparison article is an extremely helpful tool, as you did, for deciding whether you need an attraction pass. The article has a comparison table, pros and cons of each popular pass, and even an interactive quiz to help you choose the right one.You'll Have to Check It Out - O'Hara'sWant 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

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, QueensFlushing is a neighborhood in the borough of Queens and is most easily accessible via the furthest stop on the 7 train.Flushing's DemographicsToday, 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 FlushingWhile we most often go to Flushing for the food experience, there are some unique historical homes and museums in the neighborhood.Lewis Latimer House MuseumLewis 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 MuseumBowne 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 PicksBeyond 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 - MalaparteHigh-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 deliciousCheck out Malaparte in the West Village.

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 summerThe NYC Heat & Subway ExperienceWhile 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 TempsOne 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 SummerWhile 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 umbrellaActivities & Things to DoNYC 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 parksBeachesFerriesHot Day? Get Ice CreamSome of our favorite ice cream spots in NYC include:Mr Softee, classicSalt & StrawCafe PannaVan LeeuwenItalian IceA Note on Summer Travel to/from NYCAlmost 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 CafePier 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

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 NYCAverage 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 CostBase 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 ExpectNYC 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 SituationLocal 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 RightBag 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 KhaoAt 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

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 BillA 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 CityWhile 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 NYCWhile 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 CafePhenomenal 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 explorationsWant 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 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 viewingSee our full write-up with relevant links and information here. 👈You’ll Have to Check It Out - White BearWhite 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

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 ParkThe 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 MuseumOnce 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)LunchAfter 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 ActivityFor your afternoon activity, we recommend choosing one of the following options:Observation deckAnother museumA Broadway matinee ShoppingDinnerYou 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 ActivityWhile 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 MealArguably, 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

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 MarketApril 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 preferredWant 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

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 QuizThere 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-quizYou'll Have to Check It Out - KaiaSouth 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