Avoid These 3 Tourist Traps in NYC + Alternatives to Enjoy 😍

Hi, 👋

Welcome to week 2 of our updated newsletter format - We’re all ears to feedback, ideas, and opinions on this revised format.

We’re just an email reply away. 🫡

In this week’s newsletter:

• 3 Tourist Traps to Avoid + Alternatives

• Governor Hochul’s Subway Safety Plans

• Events We Love This Week (January 22-29, 2025)

• Timeout’s Top 50 Cities - Where NYC Lands

• This Week’s You’ll Have to Check It Out

Here we go. 👇

Note: As always, this email was written by an actual human who lives in NYC, not artificial intelligence. 🥸

3 Tourist Traps to Avoid .. At ALL Costs 😬

Trap (noun): something by which one is caught or stopped unawares. Also: a position or situation from which it is difficult or impossible to escape.

New York City is full of travelers and visitors, and unfortunately, scam artists know this is a prime opportunity to take advantage of.

From street vendors and performers to the worst method of transportation in the city, you need to be aware of these three common tourist traps.

Oh, and don’t fret; we’ll also give you MUCH better alternatives to each of these common money pits.

Governor Hochul’s Subway Safety Plans

The New York City subway system is generally safe. With over 1 billion (with a b) riders each year, it is arguably the most cost-effective and efficient way to get around the city.

And despite alarming news stories, crime rates on the subway are DOWN in 2024.

(We aren’t downplaying the seriousness of crimes on the subway; we are just trying to remind us all that news outlets generally thrive on sensationalism. Clicks = ad money 💰)

Overall, major crime -- including incidents of murder, felony assault, robbery, and burglary -- decreased 5.4% last year (2024) in the transit system compared to 2023 and is 12.7% below pre-pandemic crime levels, according to NYPD data.

With all that being said, added security and safety measures are welcomed. Recently, Governor Hochul announced some upcoming improvements for subway safety in 2025. $77 million+ worth of improvements, to be exact.

Here’s a look at the plans:

While we can’t say if these efforts will lead to immediate changes, it’s encouraging to see such efforts being made.

To more positive things.. ⬇️

Events We Love This Week (January 22-29, 2025)

In the city this week? Here are some fun events we’re keeping an eye on.

AKC Meet the Breeds

We love dogs. 🐶

Small dogs. Big dogs. Fluffy dogs. Sassy dogs. And especially dogs that look like their owners..

If your dream afternoon involves meeting dozens of dogs, you’ll be in pup heaven at the AKC Meet the Breeds on January 25-26 at the Javits Center.

Get more info and tickets here.

Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal

If model trains are more your thing, check out the Holiday Train Show in Grand Central Terminal.

It’s a city within a city… City-ception. 🏙️

It’s free and open weekdays from 10 am to 7:30 pm and weekends from 10 am to 6 pm.

Looking for a behind-the-scenes tour & learn secrets about Grand Central Terminal? Snag a ticket here.

New York Knicks at MSG

If you haven’t experienced Madison Square Garden, now is as great a time as ever. The Knicks are playing well and putting on a show damn near every time they step onto the court at MSG. 🏀

This week, they play host to the Kings (Jan 25 at 7:30 pm), Grizzlies (Jan 27 at 7:30 pm), and Nuggets (Jan 29 at 7:30 pm).

Check out ticket prices here. (Our recommendation is to wait to buy until about 30-45 minutes before tipoff 👍)

Timeout’s Top 50 Cities Worldwide - Where NYC Lands

Timeout surveys thousands of city residents each year on different aspects of living in their city. Nightlife, restaurants, prices, and so much more.

Their 2025 list came out, and you’ll be happy to know NYC landed at #3. 🥉

And that included a chart-topping 78% of New Yorkers saying it was an exciting place to live. Agreed!

See the complete list here, including a somewhat surprising #1 (at least to us).

This Week’s You’ll Have to Check It Out - Burp Castle

Burp Castle is arguably our favorite beer bar in the city. You will not find another bar like it…

Burp Castle requires quiet talking. You cannot speak louder than your library voice.

You will be shushed. 🤫 When things get loud, the bartender (and most of the patrons) will shush you.

Burp Castle also boasts some of the most unique and delicious beers ever. It’s primarily Belgian beers, with rotating taps and a wide variety, including sweeter fruit beers, classic ales, and stouts.

Oh, and the murals alone are worth the visit.. 👇

Check out Burp Castle in the East Village here.

See ya,

Ashley & Devin from Better Together Here 😶

PS- Have a friend who loves NYC? Forward them this email 💪