Sunday, January 31, 2016

Visiting New York City: 5 Insider Tips

New York City can be overwhelming on so many levels and when you're visiting from out of town you only have about a million questions that need to be answered. So before your trip, you Google and Google until your fingers fall off, or you call your second cousin who lived in Queens twenty years ago, but everything you find or anyone you talk to is only telling you about the latest Broadway show or the new museum exhibit that's an absolute must. In the midst of all the exciting things to do and see, here are some tips that will help you to survive your visit to the Big Apple:
1. Manhattan vs. Other Boroughs
New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island. Manhattan is most likely where you'll spend the majority of your time. The other boroughs require you to cross a river to get there. Most of the popular hotels, theaters, museums, etc. are on the island of Manhattan and depending on how many times you've visited before, you may or may not choose to venture out to the surrounding boroughs. I guess you'll literally cross that bridge when you come to it. 
2. "The Subway" and "The Train" are the Same 
There's the Long Island Railroad, the New Jersey Transit and the MetroNorth, but you will be dealing with what's called the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) which consists of the New York City Bus and Subway System. When people tell you to take "the subway" or to take "the train", they are referring to the MTA subway system--any trains that run underground in Manhattan. So don't hop on that train in Grand Central Station because the cool guy on the street said to "take the train." Lovely as it is, I'd hate for you to end up in Connecticut. 
3. Public Restrooms
Sure, there are plenty of parks with public restrooms and some subway stations but I would avoid those at all costs quite honestly, because what awaits you in those restrooms is always a mystery--a less than pleasant mystery. You're much better off strolling into a hotel lobby nonchalantly and making your way to the restrooms there. Also, some of the larger department stores or chain stores (Bloomingdale's, Old Navy, Apple, etc.) provide a pleasant environment for relief when nature calls. Starbuck's is a good idea in theory, but unless you're willing to wait in a 20-minute latte line, I'd steer clear of that option as well.
4. Layering
I understand that you don't want to look like a GAP window display gone terribly wrong, but no matter what the season in NYC, you'll be sorry if you don't layer. When you're out and about in 20-degree weather and then head into a building that's pushing 88 degrees, you'll thank me. On the flip side, when it's a humid, sticky 90, and you decide to go to the museum, if you don't have a top layer on-hand, you may very well end up frozen and put on display next to the wooly mammoth.
5. Always ask for the Cross Streets 
New York City is mapped out as a grid with streets running east to west and avenues running north to south for the most part. No matter what your form of transportation (Uber, taxi, walking, etc.), when asking for directions or looking at a map always ask for or take note of the cross streets. It will save you a great deal of time, not to mention backlash from upset New Yorkers as you stand dazed and confused in the middle of the sidewalk staring blankly at Google maps on your smartphone.

Friday, February 7, 2014

ShopNYC Tours - 2013 Best of Manhattan Award Recipient


Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ShopNYC Tours Receives 2013 Best of Manhattan Award
Manhattan Award Program Honors the Achievement
MANHATTAN December 11, 2013 -- ShopNYC Tours has been selected for the 2013 Best of Manhattan Award in the Tours category by the Manhattan Award Program.
Each year, the Manhattan Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Manhattan area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 Manhattan Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Manhattan Award Program and data provided by third parties.
About Manhattan Award Program
The Manhattan Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Manhattan area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Manhattan Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: Manhattan Award Program


CONTACT:
Manhattan Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@bestofbusinessawards.org

URL: http://www.bestofbusinessawards.org

Our Self-Guided Shopping Tour Itineraries were Featured on CNN Travel!


Self-guided shopping tours

She prides herself on her ability to guide New York shoppers to the city’s unique boutiques, but Natasha Malinsky, founder of ShopNYC Tours, also knows that some shoppers would prefer not to have her around.
That’s why she came up with the idea of the self-guided shopping tour, an e-mailed itinerary complete with map and directions, for those who want the insider take on New York shopping but would rather do the act solo.
“Many people want to take their own time shopping and don’t want to be stuck to a guided tour schedule,” Malinsky says.
Her self-guided shopping tours are either thematic (specialties include a Fashionista Fave tour, Unique Gifts tour and a Recessionista tour), or can be customized depending on what people want to buy. (Yes, she can get as narrow as just scarves.)
Purchase pre-designed tours online for US$14.95 and receive a pdf itinerary. Or, e-mail for a customized tour, which costs approximately US$99-US$199, depending on needs. An iPhone app is forthcoming.

Check Out our NEW Brooklyn is the New Manhattan Tour


$79 per person and up for 3.5-hour guided tour (Pricing varies with number of people)
Ever wonder what life is like on the other side of the river?  On this tour you'll visit some of the newest, hippest and edgiest boutiques in neighborhoods including Fort Greene, DUMBO and Williamsburg.  Take in the beautiful architecture and see some of the most breathtaking views of the Big Apple skyline along the way.

Luxury Transportation Tour Includes:
  • Exclusive boutique discounts (up to 20% off)
  • Comfortable Transportation with Personal Chauffeur
  • Complimentary glass of "champagne while you shop"
  • Style Tips from your Style-Savvy Guide
  • Emailed Shopping Guide
  • Visits to some of the hippest neighborhoods in Brooklyn
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel
  • Optional dinner reservations at a trendy restaurant in DUMBO

Subway/Walking Tour Includes:
  • Exclusive boutique discounts (up to 20% off)
  • Subway crash course while traveling to shopping destinations
  • Visits to some of the hippest neighborhoods in Brooklyn
  • Style Tips from your Style-Savvy Guide
  • Emailed Shopping Guide
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel

Saturday, March 31, 2012

2012 Prom Shopping Experience!


This teen had a successful Prom Shopping Experience with us! She found her dress, shoes and even got a makeup tutorial at the Makeup Forever Flagship Store in Greenwich Village!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

One of our absolute FAVORITE boutiques in NYC is now offering a special promo for ShopNYC Tours clients! http://ping.fm/7EcUw