48 Hours in New York City
A Digital Nomad's Guide to the Big Apple
New York City, the city that never sleeps, beckons digital nomads with its unparalleled energy, endless opportunities, and a vibrant blend of cultures. As the iconic backdrop for countless movies, New York is a living testament to ambition and innovation, making it a magnetic hub for those who thrive in the world of remote work. With its bustling co-working spaces, unparalleled networking potential, and an ever-evolving urban landscape, this 24-hour travel guide is designed to empower digital nomads to harness the city’s unique spirit. Whether you seek inspiration from the city’s iconic skyline, a diverse culinary scene, or the artistic pulse of its neighborhoods, New York City is the ultimate destination to combine work and exploration in a way that will leave you forever inspired.
Accommodations in New York City
Luxury & Boutique Hotels:
- The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park: A luxurious option with stunning views of Central Park.
- The St. Regis New York: Known for its opulent style and exceptional service.
- Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown: Offers modern elegance in Lower Manhattan.
- The NoMad Hotel: A chic boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant.
- The Greenwich Hotel: A stylish Tribeca hotel with a spa and an intimate atmosphere.
- The Ludlow Hotel: Located in the Lower East Side, known for its trendy vibe.
Coliving Spaces:
- Outsite: Provides co-living and co-working spaces in NYC for digital nomads and remote workers.
- Common: Offers co-living spaces with shared amenities, creating a sense of community.
- The Local NY: A trendy hostel in Long Island City with a communal atmosphere.
- Sonder: Modern spaces that redefine hospitality through short roundtrips or extended stays!
Living in New York City can be expensive, but the cost of living can vary significantly depending on your lifestyle and housing choice. For those looking forward to an extended stay in the concrete jungle (yes, where dreams are made of), we’ve provided an approximate breakdown on a monthly cost of living:
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Accommodations $2,800-$6,500 per month
1-Bedroom Apartments within NYC's city center: $2,800 - $4,500+ ; 1-Bedroom Apartment outside city center: $2,200 - $3,800+ ; 2-Bedroom Apartment within city center: $3,800 - $6,500+ ; 2-Bedroom Apartment outside city center: $2,800 - $5,000+
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Utilities $150-$250
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Groceries/Dining Out $200-$500
Dining Out: $200 - $500+ (depending on frequency and type of restaurants) Groceries: $300 - $500 (will vary based on dietary preferences and cooking habits)
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Transportation $100-$150
Monthly MetroCard (unlimited subway and bus rides) cost: $34 (7-day) or $132 (30-day). You have unlimited swipes on the subway and local buses for either 7 or 30 days Average monthly expense on gas can vary depending on the time of year if you plan to drive a self owned car, but for advanced budgeting purposes, plan to spend roughly $100 per month on gas fill-ups.
Monthly Cost Roundup (rough estimates):
- On the lower end: $4,000
- On the higher end: $7,500
Things to Do in New York City:
New York City offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors! A shopping haven and home to some iconic bookstores and historical sites, here’s an expanded list of things to do, during your NYC trip:
Parks & Historical Sites:
- Explore Greenwich Village: Wander through the historic streets of Greenwich Village, known for its charming atmosphere, unique shops, and vibrant arts scene. Don’t miss Washington Square Park, a hub for street performances and people-watching.
- Explore Central Park: Spend time in this iconic urban park, enjoying activities like biking, picnicking, boating, or simply strolling through the beautiful landscapes.
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Take a ferry to these historic landmarks, which symbolize freedom and the immigrant experience in the United States.
- Visit Times Square: Experience the bright lights and bustling atmosphere of Times Square, known as “The Crossroads of the World.” It’s a must-see, especially at night.
- See a Broadway Show: Catch a live performance of a Broadway musical or play in the Theater District for a world-class theatrical experience.
- Grand Central Terminal: While it’s primarily a transportation hub, Grand Central Terminal also offers boutique shopping and dining options in an architectural masterpiece.
Local Favorites:
Book Lovers’ Paradise: Visit renowned bookstores such as:
- The Strand Bookstore: Known for its vast collection of new, used, and rare books, as well as its famous “18 Miles of Books” slogan.
- Rizzoli Bookstore: A beautiful and elegant bookstore specializing in art, design, and architecture books.
- Shakespeare & Co.: A cozy and independent bookstore with a wide selection of literary treasures.
- The Ripped Bodice: A romance focused independent brick-and-mortar bookstore founded by two sisters in Los Angeles with a second location based in Brooklyn!
- Chinatown and Little Italy: Discover the bustling streets of Chinatown, where you can shop for Asian goods, sample delicious cuisine, and then venture into nearby Little Italy for Italian dining and boutique shopping.
- Union Square Greenmarket: Visit the Union Square Greenmarket for fresh produce, artisanal products, and a taste of local New York City culture.
Shopping:
- Shopping on Fifth Avenue: Explore the world-famous Fifth Avenue for high-end shopping, including flagship stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. It’s a shopper’s paradise.
- Fifth Avenue Window Shopping: Even if you’re not planning to buy, window shopping along Fifth Avenue during the holiday season is a delightful New York tradition, with elaborate displays at stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Lord & Taylor.
- Macy’s Herald Square: Shop at the world’s largest department store, Macy’s Herald Square, for a wide range of fashion, home goods, and cosmetics.
- Thrift Shops: Sustainably sourced second-hand clothing has become a trending force in the younger generations and New York is bursting at the seams with the best thrifting spots:
These activities offer a well-rounded experience of New York City, combining cultural exploration, retail therapy, and a taste of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for fashion, books, or unique treasures, NYC has something for everyone.
Best Places to Work Remotely in New York City
New York City offers a very wide range of fantastic places for digital nomads to work remotely, each with its unique atmosphere and amenities. Here are some of the best options:
Coworking Spaces:
- Bat Haus is a modern style venue with front and back, ceiling-to-floor window walls providing you with all the natural lighting you’ll need to stay alert and motivated. Their belief is that creativity and productivity is fostered in a true workspace where members share respect and resources.
- The Wing: A women-centric co-working space with several locations in NYC, known for its stylish and supportive environment.
- Spacious: Provides access to workspaces in stylish restaurants during their off-hours, offering a unique remote work experience.
- Galvanize: Offers co-working spaces and tech-focused events, fostering a strong tech community.
- Alley Chelsea: Known for its supportive environment for startups and freelancers.
Cafes:
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Known for its high-quality coffee, Stumptown has several cozy locations perfect for working.
- Blue Bottle Coffee: Offers a minimalist yet welcoming environment for remote work.
- Sunrise/Sunset: Doubles as a wine bar in the evening and brings you everything from sandwiches, lattes, chaga or mushroom coffee in the meantime!
Parks and Libraries:
- Bryant Park: This urban oasis in Midtown has free Wi-Fi and ample seating, making it a popular spot for remote work.
- Central Park: Find a peaceful spot amid nature to work or unwind in this iconic park.
- New York Public Library: The iconic main branch on Fifth Avenue as well as many neighborhood branches offer free Wi-Fi and quiet spaces for remote work.
- Columbia University’s Butler Library: If you prefer an academic atmosphere, this library welcomes visitors and has free Wi-Fi.
- NYU Bobst Library: Another academic option in Greenwich Village with Wi-Fi and study areas.
Hotel Lobbies:
- The Ace Hotel: Known for its hip lobby with communal tables and a buzzing atmosphere, it’s a great place to work and network.
- Some hotels with rooftop bars, like The Standard High Line and The William Vale, provide stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere for remote work.
Museums:
- The Met Cloisters: Offers a serene and culturally enriching environment for remote work with medieval architecture and gardens.
- The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): MoMA’s design and art-inspired surroundings can provide creative inspiration.
Remember to check the hours of operation, Wi-Fi quality, and any membership requirements before visiting these places. New York City’s dynamic landscape ensures that digital nomads can find the perfect place to be productive while enjoying the city’s vibrant culture and diverse neighborhoods.
Weather & Best Time to Visit New York City
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and Fall: These seasons are generally considered the best times to visit due to milder weather, fewer crowds, and numerous outdoor activities.
Summer: If you enjoy warm weather, outdoor events, and a bustling atmosphere, summer can be an exciting time to visit, but expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Winter: Visiting in winter can be enchanting, especially during the holiday season. Hotel rates may be lower, but be prepared for cold weather.
Ultimately, the best time to visit NYC depends on your preferences. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, aim for spring or fall. If you’re looking for a specific experience like the holiday season or outdoor summer events, plan your trip accordingly. Keep in mind that New York City is a year-round destination with activities and attractions to suit all seasons.
Best Places to Eat in New York City
New York City is a culinary paradise with an incredible array of dining options. Here’s a list of ten top places to eat in the city, offering diverse culinary experiences:
Fine Dining:
- Le Bernardin: Known for its exquisite seafood dishes and three Michelin stars, this upscale restaurant offers a world-class dining experience.
- Per Se: Another Michelin three-star restaurant, Per Se offers a luxurious and innovative tasting menu by Chef Thomas Keller.
- Marea: A Michelin two-star restaurant specializing in Italian seafood dishes, including exquisite pastas and crudo.
Local Favorites:
- Russ & Daughters: A Lower East Side institution serving exceptional smoked fish, bagels, and classic Jewish appetizers.
- Joe’s Pizza: Savor a classic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza, known for its thin-crust, no-frills, and delicious pies.
- Angelo’s Coal Oven Pizzeria: A 4th generation pizza-making family dynasty originating back to the 1930, Angelo’s is a slightly hidden gem that promises the most mouth watering thin crust pies, pastas and calzones made with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes!
- Di Fara Pizza: A legendary pizzeria in Brooklyn where each pizza is meticulously crafted by the owner, Dom DeMarco.
- Xi’an Famous Foods: Offering bold and flavorful Chinese noodles and dishes, this small chain is a hidden gem for foodies.
- Momofuku Noodle Bar: Founded by Chef David Chang, this restaurant is famous for its inventive ramen dishes and pork buns.
These are just a few of the exceptional dining options in New York City. The city’s food scene is ever-evolving, so don’t hesitate to explore different neighborhoods and try a variety of cuisines during your visit. Whether you’re seeking fine dining or street food, NYC has something to satisfy every palate.
Enjoy your trip to New York City!
Always blue skies ✈️
