Cool Ways to Get Around NYC (Beyond the Subway!)

When most people picture getting around New York City, the subway often pops into their heads first. And sure, it’s super handy for zipping from one place to another. But for visitors and even locals looking for a fresh perspective, there are tons of other awesome ways to explore the Big Apple that offer a whole different vibe. Ditching the underground for a bit can turn a simple commute into a mini-adventure, letting everyone soak in the city’s unique energy from a new angle.

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Hitting the Water: Ferries and Boats.

One of the most scenic (and often breezy!) ways to travel around NYC is definitely by boat. The city is surrounded by water, which means there are some incredible views just waiting to be discovered from the deck of a ferry or a chill tour boat. It’s a fantastic way to see the skyline without battling street crowds.

• The Iconic Staten Island Ferry: This one’s a total classic for a reason – it’s completely free and offers stunning, postcard-perfect views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It’s a fantastic way for anyone to grab some fresh air and snap truly memorable photos without spending a single dime.

  • Perfect Time to Visit: For the clearest views and best photos, a daytime ride is perfect. If you’re looking for something extra special, try to time a trip for sunset. The city lights start twinkling as the sky turns orange and pink, which is just magical, though it can get a bit more crowded. Weekday off-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) are usually less packed if you want more space.
  • How to Access: Folks can just hop on at the Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan. It’s super easy to get there by subway; lines like the 1, R, or W trains all have stops right nearby, making it a convenient start to a little adventure. The ride itself is about 25 minutes each way.

• NYC Ferry: Think of this as a super cool water-based public transit system. It connects various neighborhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, offering a unique commute with fantastic views for about the same cost as a subway ride. Routes like the East River or Rockaway ferry can turn a practical trip into a delightful sightseeing excursion.

  • Best Time to Visit: These ferries are great almost any time, but sunny days really make the views pop. If you’re looking for a relaxing ride and fewer crowds, aim for weekends outside of peak commute hours. Some specific routes, especially those on the East River, offer lovely sunset views as well.
  • How to Access: You’ll find NYC Ferry landings all over the connected boroughs. Getting tickets is easy: simply download the NYC Ferry app on a phone, use a ticket vending machine at the landing, or even tap a credit card or OMNY-enabled device directly at the ferry gate, just like on the subway.

• Sightseeing Cruises: For a more guided and often luxurious experience, numerous companies offer boat tours that loop around Manhattan, or focus on specific landmarks.

  • Perfect Time to Visit: These cruises are best enjoyed during the warmer months (think late spring, summer, and early fall) when the weather is pleasant for being out on the water. Daytime cruises offer crisp, clear views, while sunset cruises provide that famous golden hour glow and stunning twilight cityscapes. Evening cruises, with the city lights sparkling, are incredibly atmospheric.
  • How to Access: It’s usually best to book these in advance online, especially for popular times or special event cruises. Departure points are typically found along the west side of Manhattan, often around Midtown West (like Pier 83) or Downtown (around Pier 17). There are lots of different types of cruises available, from quick hop-on/hop-off tours that let you explore different areas, to relaxed dinner cruises, or even specific tours focused just on the Statue of Liberty.

Rolling Through the City: Biking Adventures

NYC has truly embraced cycling, and getting around on two wheels can be an exhilarating way to see the sights up close. The city has put a lot of effort into creating bike-friendly routes, making it easier and safer for everyone to explore by bike. It’s a fantastic way to cover a lot of ground while still feeling connected to the street-level buzz.

• Citi Bike: This popular bike-share program is everywhere, with docking stations all over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of the Bronx. It’s perfect for short trips or even just leisurely rides along scenic paths. Users can pick up a bike from one station and drop it off at another, making it a super convenient option for spontaneous exploration.

  • Recommended Time to Visit: Mid-morning to late afternoon on weekdays are often ideal for less crowded paths. Weekends can be busy, especially on popular routes like those in parks. Spring and fall offer comfortable riding weather, but a crisp sunny day in any season can be great.
  • How to Access: It’s really easy to get started. Just download the Citi Bike app on a phone, choose a pass (single ride, day pass, or membership), and unlock a bike directly from the app. There are literally hundreds of stations, so finding one nearby is usually not a problem. Just check the app’s map for real-time bike availability and dock locations.

• Dedicated Bike Paths: NYC boasts some fantastic paths perfect for a leisurely ride, offering both stunning scenery and a safer experience away from car traffic.

  • Hudson River Park Greenway: This gem on the west side of Manhattan offers miles of car-free riding with stunning river views. Cyclists can pedal all the way from Battery Park at the southern tip up to the George Washington Bridge. It’s flat, well-maintained, and passes by cool spots like Chelsea Piers and the Intrepid Museum.
  • Central Park Loop: This iconic park offers a 6.1-mile loop that’s perfect for both casual cruisers and those looking for a bit of a workout. It’s entirely car-free most of the time, letting riders soak in the beauty of the park, passing by famous landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and the Conservatory Garden. There’s even a “lower loop” if someone wants a shorter ride or to avoid the bigger hills up north.
  • Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway: Riding across the Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute must-do for many, offering iconic views (though it can get super busy with pedestrians, so a slow pace is advised!). Once over, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway offers a beautiful waterfront ride with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, extending through DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights.
  • Governors Island: For a truly car-free escape, taking a ferry to Governors Island is a fantastic choice. The island boasts 7 miles of wide, paved paths, offering amazing views of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, and the harbor. It’s a relaxed spot for a bike ride, especially on a sunny day.
  • Prospect Park Loop: Over in Brooklyn, Prospect Park offers a picturesque 3.35-mile loop that’s also car-free. It’s a favorite among locals, with rolling hills, scenic meadows, and beautiful architecture, providing a great alternative to Central Park.

• Renting Bikes: For those who prefer their own set of wheels for a longer outing or a more specific type of bike (like an electric bike for an easier ride), many shops around the city offer daily or hourly bike rentals.

  • Popular Rental Spots: Many rental shops are conveniently located near popular biking areas like Central Park (around Columbus Circle or the park’s southern entrances) and near the Brooklyn Bridge in Lower Manhattan or DUMBO. These shops usually offer a range of bike types, and often include helmets, locks, and maps with the rental. It’s a straightforward way to get set up for a day of two-wheeled exploration.

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Taking it All In: Unique Walking Tours

Sometimes, the absolute way to truly get to know a place like New York City is simply by putting one foot in front of the other. NYC is a total walker’s paradise, and while just wandering around is fun, there are some really cool guided tours that dive deep into super specific aspects of the city. These aren’t just walks; they’re like unlocking secret levels of discovery.

• Neighborhood Deep Dives: Instead of just getting a general overview of the city, many tours zoom in on a single neighborhood, exploring its unique architecture, quirky historical tidbits, or even its distinct culinary scene. These walks are led by guides who often feel like local experts, ready to share hidden stories and lesser-known facts.

  • What to Expect: Folks can learn about the intricate details of a brownstone’s design in Brooklyn Heights, uncover the artistic evolution of street art in Bushwick, or explore the fascinating history woven into every block of the Lower East Side. These tours really reveal layers of the city that might otherwise be missed.
  • Best Time to Visit & How to Access: These tours run year-round, but spring and fall offer ideal walking weather. Many tour companies offer various durations, from quick one-hour strolls to more in-depth three-hour explorations. It’s generally a good idea to book online in advance, especially for popular tours or if you prefer a smaller group experience. Most meeting points are easy to reach by subway or bus, right within the neighborhood being explored.

• Food-Focused Walks: These tours are an absolute dream for foodies! They’re designed to let participants sample diverse dishes from various eateries in a specific area, learning about the neighborhood’s culinary history and local favorites along the way.

  • What to Expect: Imagine taking a dumpling tour in Chinatown where you taste different regional variations, or a dessert crawl through the West Village, hopping from bakery to ice cream shop. Beyond just eating, guides often share stories about the immigrant communities that shaped the food scene and introduce guests to local vendors.
  • Best Time to Visit & How to Access: These tours are awesome anytime hunger strikes, but weekday afternoons or weekend mornings can be good to avoid peak mealtime rushes. It’s definitely smart to book these tours ahead of time since spots can fill up, and of course, make sure to show up hungry! Information about meeting spots and booking can usually be found on the tour company’s website.

• Specialty Tours: NYC is packed with a huge variety of niche tours, catering to almost any specific interest imaginable. These offer a unique lens through which to view the city.

  • What to Expect: There are spooky ghost tours that explore haunted spots after dark, movie location tours that take fans to famous film sets, jazz history walks through Harlem, and even serene tours focused on hidden gardens or the architectural marvels of the city’s bridges. These types of tours often provide fascinating insights and a perspective on New York that goes beyond the usual tourist stops.
  • Best Time to Visit & How to Access: Some specialty tours, like ghost or mystery tours, are particularly atmospheric in the evening. Others might be seasonal, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific tour operator’s website for availability and departure times. Booking online is the standard way to reserve a spot, and meeting points vary depending on the tour’s theme but are usually clearly communicated upon booking.

• DIY Walking Adventures: For those who prefer to explore at their own pace without a guide, New York is perfectly set up for self-guided walks.

  • What to Expect: Folks can grab a good map, download a walking tour podcast, or follow a detailed online guide to create their own adventure. This approach allows for spontaneous detours into interesting shops, extended stops at scenic viewpoints, or simply soaking in the vibe of a neighborhood for as long as desired.
  • How to Access: Just open a map app, search for “walking routes” or “self-guided tours” for NYC, and off they go! Many websites offer free downloadable maps or audio guides for popular areas like Central Park or historical districts.

Exploring New York City goes far beyond just jumping on the subway. By taking to the water, hopping on a bike, or joining a specialized walking tour, visitors and locals alike can uncover hidden gems, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience the city’s vibrant character in truly unforgettable ways. It’s all about choosing an adventure that fits the mood!