Walking is the best way to explore the city. Above 14th Street, Manhattan is an easily navigable grid, with avenues running the island from north to south and streets crossing from east to west.
If you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind getting lost, head downtown where the city streets were built on an as-needed basis before 1811, when the grid was planned as the city grew. Look for the logic-defying intersection of W. 4th and W. 12th Streets to see just how badly the grid was needed.
The subway is New York City’s most common method of transportation to get from point A to point B for a single fare, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Manhattan, the majority of the system’s twenty-one lines are divided amongst several “corridors:” North-South (via Lexington, 6th, 7th and 8th Avenues); East-West (via 14th and 42nd St.); and along Broadway. Note that trains vary between express and local. A subway ride (complete with intra-station train-to- train transfers, as well as train-to-bus and bus- to-train transfers) costs $2.75.
More regular riders can purchase 7- day ($30) or 30-day ($112) unlimited swipes (every 15 minutes so sharing will not work!). Register your card online to prevent loss or theft.
Buses can be much slower than subways, but offer a view of the streets and travel where subways don’t, especially in outer boroughs. In Manhattan, buses are the best way to travel across town, since subway lines mainly run north to south. The $2.25 bus fare can be paid by Metrocard or in change (no cash!)
Taxis, the most expensive city transit option, will get you door-to-door to your destination. Hail a cab by standing on a corner, and extending your arm to the eyesight level of a driver. Taxi Drivers are required by law to take you to ANY borough, airport, or into Westchester. If a driver refuses to take you from one borough to another, remind them of their legal obligation to do so, and record the taxi’s ID number if they refuse and report them to the TLC. Drivers are also required to accept debit and credit cards. Sometimes, they say their machine is broken and will want you to go get cash. Remind them of the law. Ff your journey was safe and timely, remember to tip. Around 15% is a good bet.
There are so many ways to get around NYC! Rental bikes, cars, and ferries all exist to make your trip easy and fun!