CONTACT
+1 (516) 266-2700

logo ×

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

New York City is an incredibly vibrant and exciting city, filled with unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. From the bright lights of Broadway to the incredible skyline views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the city that never sleeps. But if you want to really make the most of your time in New York, there are some experiences that you just can’t miss. From checking out the city’s many landmarks to enjoying a performance at the legendary Apollo Theater, here are 10 unique experiences in New York City you shouldn’t miss out on!

Food: Order from a bodega or a local deli

A deli is one of the quintessential New York City experiences, and if you visit one of the many delis around the city, you’ll understand why. From the authentic New York deli cheeses to the sandwiches that are stacked high with enough meat to feed an army, delis are a slice of New York culture that you can’t miss out on. You can find delis all across New York, but if you want to really experience the deli culture, you’ll want to check out some of the most authentic delis in the city, such as Katz’s Deli and the 2nd Avenue Deli. Ordering a pastrami sandwich or a reuben from a deli is the best way to experience New York culture while enjoying a delicious meal at the same time.

Another New York City food experience you don’t want to miss out on is ordering from a bodega. Bodegas are small convenience stores found throughout New York City, with the highest concentrations located in East Harlem, the Lower East Side, and the Financial District. You can find just about anything in a bodega, from food to toiletries to everyday household items. Best of all, they are a lot cheaper than getting food from a regular restaurant. An egg & cheese breakfast sandwich is only $3.99 at a bodega but would cost as much as $10-15 in a restaurant.

Food: Grab a slice of authentic New York City Pizza

Pizza is one of the most iconic foods in the world, found in almost every country around the globe. But the pizza you’ll find in New York City is unique to the city and one of the best experiences New York has to offer. New York City has many different styles of pizza, with each pizza place having their own unique take on what makes a great New York slice. You can find pizza places all across New York City, but if you want to get a taste of what New York City pizza is all about, you’ll want to check out some of the most authentic pizza places in the city, such as Di Fara Pizza, Lombardi’s Pizza, and John’s Pizzeria at Times Square. Like with the delis, a few of the pizza places in New York City have been around since the 1950s, and even though they have been around for decades and have had many different owners, their pizza recipes have remained the same, making them some of the most authentic and New York-like pizza places in the city.

Food: Get the full New York experience by ordering a hotdog from a street vendor

New York City is known for its street vendors, especially when it comes to hotdogs. You’ll find hotdog stands all throughout New York, and while you can enjoy a hotdog anywhere, there’s something unique about eating a New York City hotdog. There are plenty of different types of hotdogs in New York, everything from your usual hotdog to a more fancy footlong hotdog, but one of the most authentic New York City experiences is ordering a plain hotdog, known as a New York Dog.

When ordering a New York Dog, you’ll want to remember the cardinal rule: always get it with everything. Everything means ketchup, mustard, chopped onions, and a few other secret ingredients, making a New York Dog one of the most authentic New York City experiences you can have.

Visit: Spend some time in Central Park

Central Park is one of the most iconic landmarks of New York City, and it’s also one of the best places to experience the city’s beauty and culture. There are plenty of things to do in Central Park, whether you want to go for a hike, enjoy some time admiring the city views, or visit one of the many landmarks found in the park. But visiting Central Park is truly the best way to experience New York City. There are so many iconic landmarks in Central Park, such as the famous Bethesda Fountain, the Central Park Fountain, the Shakespeare Garden, and of course, the Central Park Zoo that you can’t visit New York City without visiting Central Park.

Visiting Central Park is the perfect way to experience New York City without feeling too overwhelmed or underwhelmed by the city’s culture and beauty.

Visit: Take advantage of Free Museum Days

Most museums in New York City offer free admission one day each week, making it easy to experience the city’s culture without breaking the bank. If you want to go to New York’s popular museums that sometimes have high admission charges, you may want to take advantage of museums that offer free admission on certain days. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) offers free admission every first Friday of the month from 4PM to 8PM (website reservation required). The Guggenheim Museums offers free admission Saturdays 4PM to 6PM, and New Museum of Contemporary Art ‘pay what you wish for’ at Thursdays 7PM-9PM.

There are also a few museums in New York City that are free every day, such as the New York Public Library, the New York City Hall of Records, and the New York City Fire Museum. Visiting a New York City museum on a free day is the best way to experience New York City culture without having to pay an entry fee.

Visit: Catch a show on Broadway

New York City is known around the globe for its Broadway theater, with some of the best shows and productions in the world being performed on the famous Broadway stage.

Watching a Broadway show is an experience you can’t have anywhere else in the world and is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture. There are dozens of different Broadway shows being performed in New York at any given time, making it easy to find a show that interests you. Whether you’re a Broadway newbie or a theater aficionado, there are Broadway shows for everyone. If you only have time to visit one Broadway show while visiting New York, you should make it one of the city’s most iconic shows, such as Wicked, The Lion King, or Hamilton.

Trip: Take a trip to Governor’s Island

If you’re looking for an exciting and unique New York City experience, then you can’t miss out on a trip to Governor’s Island. Governor’s Island is an island located between Manhattan and Brooklyn that is part of the city’s parks department. The island is open to the public for a few months each year, making it a must-visit New York City experience for tourists. During Governor’s Island’s open season, you can visit the island and enjoy incredible views of Manhattan and Brooklyn while enjoying a variety of free activities, including visiting the island’s art installations and museums, hiking the island’s trails, or enjoying a picnic on one of the island’s many lawns.

Trip: Go for a hike without leaving NY in Fort Tryon Park

Fort Tryon Park is one of the most beautiful and scenic parks in New York City, making it the perfect place to go for a scenic hike without actually having to leave New York. Located in Upper Manhattan, just north of the George Washington Bridge, Fort Tryon Park is home to a stunning waterfall, incredible views of the city

Trip: Take advantage of free tours with Big Apple Greeters

If you’re looking for an easy way to explore some of New York City’s most famous spots, then you can’t go wrong with Big Apple Greeter. This organization pairs tourists up with locals who are more than happy to show off their city. As a Greeter, you’ll get to enjoy a personalized tour of the city, visiting some of your favorite spots and learning more about New York City. Greeter tours are completely free, making them perfect for tourists on a budget. You can also book tours for specific interests, so you can find a tour that’s perfect for you, no matter what you’re interested in.

Tip: Don’t forget LinkNYC for tourist assistance

If you get lost or need help while exploring New York City, you can always rely on the city’s free WiFi hotspots. These hotspots, often referred to as LinkNYC, are installed across the city and are perfect for getting online while you’re on the go. You can also use the WiFi to connect to the city’s iAdvize app, which gives tourist information, including directions and nearby attractions. You can even use the app to call for help, or to report unsafe or suspicious activity in the area. So, if you’re ever in need of assistance while exploring New York City, you can rely on these useful WiFi hotspots.

When you travel to a new place, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things only tourists do. While this can make for fun stories later on and help you remember your trip, it also keeps you from getting the full experience of what a location has to offer. If you want to truly immerse yourself in a city or town while on vacation, try staying in an apartment or home closer to its heart. You’ll be close enough that walking around is easy but far enough away that it doesn’t feel like there are too many other people around (while still providing amenities like Wi-Fi and cable TV).

Looking for a vacation property that is closer to the heart of its community helps travelers feel like locals.

A vacation property that is closer to the heart of its community helps travelers feel like locals.

Take advantage of your proximity to attractions by exploring local culture and activities on foot.

The best way to experience a new city is by exploring it like a local. By focusing on activities that are within walking distance of your hotel, you can immerse yourself in the community and learn more about what makes this place special.

You can also get a better sense of what life is like for the locals by walking around: you’ll see how they shop, eat and play while getting exercise at the same time!

Local businesses are often overlooked by tourists, giving people staying close to downtown a chance to try new places.

Local businesses are often overlooked by tourists, giving people staying close to downtown a chance to try new places. Local businesses have the advantage of being more affordable than chain stores, but they’re also more authentic and environmentally friendly.

For example, if you want to eat at one of those fancy steakhouses with a $50 entree that your friends back home are always raving about, you can probably find one nearby. But if you want something different from what everyone else is doing this summer? Try checking out some small-scale restaurants or cafes instead—they might not be as well-known around the world as big name restaurants, but they might also surprise you with their quality and value!

Community events are fun and educational ways for tourists staying in downtown areas to learn about local culture.

Community events are a great way to get involved in the local culture and meet new people. This is true even if you’re staying in downtown areas where the community center or other local venues are within walking distance. For example, if you’re staying in Oak Bluffs and want to learn more about Martha’s Vineyard’s history, check out one of the cheap Island tours offered by the locals. Learn from your guide about the island’s history and residents as you seel places such as the historic towns of Edgartown, Menemsha and Aquinnah.

You can also take part in community events that are related to your interests. For example, if you love sports but aren’t into professional sports teams because you don’t live close enough or have other reasons for not supporting them—you can still attend community sporting events like softball games or pick-up basketball games at parks located near your hotel or apartment building!

Community events will give tourists staying in downtown areas an opportunity to meet locals who share their interest area(s) so they can learn more about each other’s background knowledge/experiences/etc. It’s an excellent opportunity for tourists looking forward to making new friends while also having fun doing something different during their vacation time!

Vacation rentals can make it easier for people to feel like locals because they provide home-like accommodations

Vacation rentals are a great way to get the local experience. They often come cheaper than hotels, and they can be found in residential areas or downtown areas.

Staying close to the heart of a community makes it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture.

Staying close to the heart of a community makes it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture. Renting an apartment or house is important for this, as it allows you to live in the neighborhood and develop relationships with locals. You’ll be able to access public transportation easily if your home is near town or close to a bus stop that can take you anywhere you need to go.

Guests can ask host personalized recommendations on restaurants, places to go and other activities

You can ask your host to recommend a restaurant, museum or activity. They know the area well and will be able to tell you about local food, culture, and activities that tourists might miss. He or she may also be able to steer you clear of tourist traps—like restaurants with bad food or overpriced souvenirs—and offer advice on how to avoid crowds during high season.

Avoid touristy places and spend your time with how the locals do.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

When you visit a place, there is no reason to avoid touristy places. In fact, they can be a lot of fun. But when you are trying to learn about the local culture and experience what life is like for those who live in that area, it is best to spend time with people who do not work for tour agencies.

There are two ways that we would recommend:

Conclusion

We hope that these tips will help you enjoy your vacation like a local. If you need more information on how to find the perfect place to stay in New York, Martha’s Vineyard, or the Hamptons, we’re happy to help! Contact us at our website or give us a call at (516) 266-2700 We can answer any questions about local activities and transportation options for people who want to feel like locals when visiting New York!

Guests are looking for more than a place to sleep when they rent their next vacation home. They want the latest and greatest in amenities, including high speed wifi, smart TVs, and access to Netflix. But beyond those basics, what else do guests look for?

Here’s a list of the top 5 things that guests look for in their next vacation rental:

High speed wifi

WiFi is a must for vacation rentals. It’s a standard that guests expect, and it’s something they want to feel connected to even if they are on vacation. Guests want to be able to connect multiple devices at once, especially in the kitchen and living area of your rental home—this way you can have dinner parties or game nights with friends and family!

There is nothing worse than slow internet when you’re trying to catch up on work or keep up with your favorite shows.

Smart TV, Netflix

Guests love to watch TV. It’s a top amenity for vacation rentals and when guest are on vacation, they want to unwind in front of the TV with their family or friends.

Netflix is available on most smart TVs, so it can be one of the best options for your guests who want to watch movies and shows while they stay at your rental property.

Full size kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and many renters want to be able to cook their own meals while they’re staying in your property. A full-size kitchen is a must for most guests. If you have an apartment or condo with a small kitchen, consider adding a microwave and mini-fridge so that your tenants can prepare simple meals and snacks without having to eat out every night.

Pool/ Hot tub

The pool or hot tub is always an attractive amenity for guests. Pool owners enjoy the fun, carefree atmosphere that a pool creates. Hot tub owners love to relax in their hot tubs while they unwind from work and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature.

Pool owners often host family parties with their friends so they can cool off, play games and have fun with others in the same age group. Hot tubs are great for entertaining adults because they allow you to relax after a long day at work while taking in the outdoors or watching television by yourself.

Porch or balcony

For guests, the porch or balcony is often a second living room, great for relaxing and enjoying a drink or meal. If you have pets, it’s also the perfect place to let them roam free without worrying about them getting into trouble. And if you’re smoking cigarettes, the porch or balcony is where you can do just that (assuming your host has given you permission).

Washer and Dryer

If you like to travel for extended periods of time, washers and dryers are something you can’t do without. They are perfect for those who would like to pack light, or who spend more than a few days in one location.

For families staying in vacation homes, this can be very useful for them as they will not have to worry about carrying their dirty clothes with them or having their children wear the same outfit every day. A property manager can also offer laundry service for guests at their request; this is especially helpful if you need someone else to do it instead of doing it yourself or having your child do it by themselves.

Pet friendly amenities

Pet friendly amenities are a great way to attract a larger audience and make sure you’re in line with the lifestyle of many of your guests. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what pet-related amenities might be right for your property.

The first step is deciding whether or not having pets across the board is something that would work with your vision as an owner. You then need to have rules in place when guests bring their pets along on vacation with them so that everyone can enjoy their stay together.

The next step is whether or not there will be any kind of cleaning fee charged for small pets that aren’t allowed inside the home (such as cats). Many owners choose not to charge anything more than a modest fee for this type of oversight because it’s so easy for pet owners who travel with their animals on vacation to clean up after them (allowing them access into certain areas without paying extra fees)

Conclusion

Whether you’re a guest or a host, it’s important to know what amenities your guests are looking for when they come to stay. They may not always be able to find them and therefore, will be forced to look elsewhere. With all that being said, it is up to us as hosts to make sure we keep up with the trends and provide our guests with what they want so that we can continue having a successful business!

Are you looking for a new way to travel? Why not consider staying in a vacation home instead of a hotel? You’ll get more space, be able to cook your own meals, and save money on all the extras. Plus, with so many people living in cities these days, it’s nice when you can travel like a local and take advantage of all that suburban life has to offer!

More space for you and your family

Let’s face it: hotel rooms are small. And when you’re staying in one for an extended period of time, you’ll want space to stretch out and relax. You also want a place where your kids can play—a hotel room isn’t exactly the best place for that.

A vacation home offers much more space than a traditional hotel room, so you can spread out and get some peace from each other (and maybe even from yourself). It also means there are more options if you want to cook or entertain friends at home rather than going out every night like so many people do on vacation

Travel with a bigger group

One of the biggest advantages of staying in a vacation home is that you can bring more people with you.

When it comes to traveling with friends, couples, or families, it’s important to have enough space. Some hotels may not be able to accommodate everyone in your party and this could lead to uncomfortable situations down the road. A vacation home provides more privacy than a hotel room because there is no one else living above or below you so there are no worries about noise levels affecting your stay! Another great reason why traveling together as a group can be beneficial is because they allow all members of your party to spend quality time together while on vacation which creates memories worth making for years to come!

Cook at home with a full size kitchen

Let’s start with the obvious: When you cook your own meals, you save money. Especially in New York City, eating out is expensive! The average family or group spends about $100 per day on food when they’re away from home, which adds up quickly if you’re paying for multiple people and eating at restaurants every night.

Live more like the locals do

When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

When you stay in a hotel, you’re living in their world, not your own. You rarely get to know the local community because there is no incentive for them to share it with you. But when you stay in a vacation home, you can live as if you were really a resident of a city or the community. You can learn about what’s important from the people who actually live there – not just from some concierge who works for the hotel.

Save more money

When it comes to traveling, you always want to save as much money as possible. And the best way to save money on your vacation rental is by booking it early, so that you have the best selection available. In addition, the longer you stay in a vacation home, the more money you can save!

More amenities

Vacation rentals have access to amenities that hotels simply can’t provide. A common feature of vacation homes is a pool and/or hot tub, which are great places to relax after a day of sightseeing or playing on the beach. Many vacation homeowners also provide games rooms with pool tables, arcade games and even football tables.

Vacation homes also come with private balconies where guests can enjoy their morning coffee or evening wine without disturbing anyone else in the house; many even offer outdoor amenities such as grills and a heated pool!!

Easier to travel with pets

One of the biggest perks of staying in a vacation home is that you can bring your pets. Most hotels have strict rules about pets, but if you’re staying in a vacation home, there’s usually no issue with bringing them along (with the exception of some timeshare properties).

Pet owners know how difficult it can be to travel without their furry friends by their side. Fortunately, most vacation homes will permit dogs and cats (and sometimes other pets) as long as they are well-behaved and don’t damage property or cause problems for other guests. You should always check with your host about their specific pet policy before booking your stay!

If traveling with a dog or cat sounds like something you’re interested in doing on your next trip, consider bringing along one of these:

Parking access

Parking access is a convenient feature of many vacation homes. You can park your car in front of the house so that you don’t have to carry luggage through the city or up flights of stairs. Or, if there is ample space, you can park your car in a garage or parking lot. Some properties also offer driveways and curb cuts for easy access to and from the street.

Conclusion

When you stay at a vacation home, there are more things to do than just lie on a beach or go swimming in the pool. You can cook meals for your family, play games together and even save money by cooking in the kitchen. With so many benefits to staying at a vacation home instead of a hotel, it’s no wonder why so many people choose them!

There is a lot of money to be made in the short-term vacation rental market. In fact, according to a research done by Airbnb, an average host can earn $30,000 a year by listing their property in vacation marketplace platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or a property manager’s direct booking site like Elevate Properties.

While it has huge potential, it’s important for homeowners to understand what they’re getting themselves into before jumping into the industry. As anyone who has ever rented out their home knows, there are many factors that need to be considered before investing in this type of venture (and many more after).

Not every home is a fit for the vacation rental market, and you need to make sure that yours meets the criteria before you take the leap and try it out. Here are five things you should know before deciding if this route is right for you:

Identify if your home is suitable as a vacation rental property.

Before turning your home into a vacation rental property, consider the following:

Ask yourself. If it was listed as a vacation rental property, would you stay in it? If the answer is no, then chances are that someone else won’t either. Ask yourself why you wouldn’t stay there. Is the room too small? Do you have all the necessary amenities that make guests feel at home? Answers to these questions will help determine if your home has potential as a successful short-term rental property.

Check if there is demand in your area for vacation rentals. If you live in New York City, Florida, or Martha’s Vineyard and have been thinking about taking advantage of this growing trend by converting your home into a vacation rental listing, then chances are good that there will be demand for such properties within driving distance from these destinations. Even more so if you live near restaurants and places of interest that attract tourists from around the world!

Be prepared for the investment needed

A vacation rental property is an investment. And there are typical investments expected in maintaining your home but it’s another when you list it as a vacation rental.

Invest in high quality furniture that can stand wear and tear, home automation technology that lets guests automatically check in or control lights, and home security systems that protect guests and hosts from theft.

Additionally, maintaining a vacation rental property can also require additional investments throughout the year. Fixing any property damages that may arise during guests’ stay (such as spills or broken windows), fixing appliances if it breaks down, cleaning carpets, changing bulbs and other unforeseen costs along the way.

Comply with the legal requirements

Before you start renting out your home, it’s crucial to check the legal requirements that may apply to your city and state where your property is located.

If you live in a community association or condominium complex for example, a homeowners association could have rules about vacation rentals or other short-term rentals. Your city may also have some regulations about such issues as noise levels, parking spaces and garbage disposal that affect guests staying at your property during their stay.

Also, keep in mind that many cities have enacted ordinances requiring potential rental properties to obtain business licenses, which means paying taxes on income generated from short-term rentals. In addition, most cities require businesses offering short term accommodations through web platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) provide proof of insurance coverage when they register with local municipalities before listing their properties online

Understand the business you’re going into

As a homeowner, you need to make sure you have an understanding of the vacation rental business before jumping in. It’s a market that’s constantly changing. Keep in mind that there are ups and downs in the market, off peak and peak seasons, and guests that may cause issues along the way.

While there are property management companies like Elevate Properties that can help manage and market the listing for you, this doesn’t mean they will be able to cover all aspects of the process. Homeowners have to secure the proper legalities, insurance and documents before they can list it.

Lastly, homeowners should acknowledge that listing their home will affect their ability to use it when they want to. And this may mean booking their property as a guest themselves!

Have a property management partner

Having a reliable property management partner is crucial for making sure your guests have a pleasant and memorable stay, managing daily upkeep – and not to mention helping you address potential property damages.

A good property management partner will guide you through everything from marketing your property to ensuring it will be priced competitively. They can help you set up the necessary licenses, requirements and additional documents before you can list your home.

Technical expertise and local market knowledge of your property management partner can also help you make the most of your vacation rental property. So this is why choosing an experienced property management company like Elevate Properties can help you manage your property on your behalf, unlocking the full value and potential of your home as a vacation rental property!

If you want to know more about how to list your home as a vacation rental property and the potential income it can make, book a call with one of our Elevate advisors!

×