Best Apps to Download Before Visiting NYC

Before you visit New York City, there are several apps you will want to download on your smartphone that may make your life a lot easier. These apps will help you navigate the subway, book NYC attractions, find delicious restaurants, and even locate public bathrooms. Many of these apps are absolutely free. Here is our ultimate list of apps to download before visiting NYC.

Google Maps

It may seem obvious to download Google Maps, but if you haven’t already, do it now. Google Maps will let you easily find directions to anyplace you would like to visit in New York City. Google Maps will give you accurate subway information and gives you estimates of arrival times you can trust. You can even download an area in advance, so you don’t get stuck without mobile service or a map when underground!

New York Subway MTA Map

Nervous about riding the subway? New York Subway MTA Map is the best app for navigating the subway. This app has a NYC subway map, train arrival times, and will help you out with directions. Other options if you’d like to shop around, are: Citymapper, Transit, and Underway.

Bloomberg Connects

The Bloomberg Connects app is your guide to arts and culture. The Bloomberg Connects app has expertly created free tours of everything from Central Park to the Morgan Library. Seriously, this app has guides to over 800 museums, galleries, gardens, and cultural spaces. Bloomberg Connects is easy to use, and will help you get the most out of New York City’s cultural institutions. Bloomberg Connects is one of the best NYC apps out there.

TodayTix

TodayTix is a must-have NYC app for theatre fans. TodayTix lets you effortlessly buy tickets, often discounted, to Broadway shows. TodayTix also hosts many Broadway ticket lotteries and Broadway rush tickets. If you want cheap Broadway tickets, TodayTix is your go-to app.

Got2GONYC

Got2Go NYC is a comprehensive map of every publicly accessible bathroom in NYC. Got2GoNYC is not technically an app, it’s a downloadable map from Google maps. You can find it by visiting Got2Gonyc.com Bathrooms are very difficult to find in NYC, so this map may literally be a lifesaver.

City Pass or Sightseeing Pass Travel Guide

City Pass and SIghtseeing Pass are two companies that let you potentially see multiple NYC attractions at a discounted price. The easiest way to use both of these passes is by downloading their app. This will let you easily and effortlessly book attractions with your pass.

Tap to Pay

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly suggest you set up a tap-to-pay system on your smartphone. Apple Pay or the like will help you quickly pay for everything from a subway ride to dinner at Le Bernadin. New Yorkers like to do things fast, and tap-to-pay lets you pay fast.

Google Translate

Over 800 languages are spoken in New York City. Google Translate will help you communicate with all 8.8 million People who call New York City home.

OpenTable

Many of New York City’s top restaurants require reservations, sometimes made as much as three months in advance! Apps like OpenTable and Resy will help you be sure to make those reservations and get the most coveted tables.

9/11 Memorial Audio Guide

The 9/11 Museum did a fantastic job with their audio guide. The main guide is narrated by none other than Robert DeNiro! There is also a special guide for kids narrated by a child. It’s respectful, engaging, and educational. You can listen to this guide in the museum, or use it to prepare for your visit.

Get Your Guide

Did you know that you can appear on a Times Square Billboard with Welcome to Times Square? And you can book Welcome to Times Square, as well as thousands of other experiences, on Get Your Guide? Get Your Guide lets you book tours, cooking classes, Times Square billboard spots, and more, with just a touch of your finger and easily in the palm of your hand.

Throughout your entire NYC experience, take tons of photos and show off your best on a Times Square Billboard. Make yourself an NYC star! Check out how you can be on a Times Square Billboard for as low as $150 with Welcome to Times Square!