New York Habitat Blog

Each summer, images flash across our television screens of international cyclists dashing across one of Europe’s most scenic countries, France. We watch as the lean riders pass by villages still bearing World War II scars in Normandy and over bridges in Ardeche that were built by the Roman Empire. We gaze at the cyclists as they climb up and down the Pyrenees and up and over the Alps, but really we are looking out past them, imagining ourselves in the idyllic landscapes of modern France. More and more travellers are forgoing the dirtied windows of the tour bus and are renting bicycles to explore places and people at their own, more intimate pace. Visitors to New York are doing just that as those in the travel industry have seen a noticeable shift in the way in which voyagers move from one place to the next. In addition to being an active and free way to enjoy a city, bikes allow visitors to step off of the beaten path and to explore areas of a city that they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. And the Bronx is one of those places.

New York apartment: 2-bedroom in Midtown-East (NY-14340)

Much like the rest of New York City the Bronx is enjoying a long resurgence. The crime and neglect that still defines the borough for many out-of-towners has been largely contained and eliminated. Neighborhoods that were once abandoned are now feeling the full force of gentrification. Even the infamous South Bronx is being populated by Manhattanites in search of cheaper rent. Today’s Bronx is a culturally vibrant and architecturally-rich community of working class New Yorkers, which is a great place for travellers to discover on the seat of a bike. For visitors not familiar with the Bronx it’s better to ride with a group. On October 18th, the Tour de Bronx bike event will be held for the 15th consecutive year. The ride features normally inaccessible thoroughfares closed to vehicular traffic, as the mapped-out ride takes cyclists past historic districts, numerous parklands and the Bronx shoreline. There is both a 25-mile route and a 40-mile route for more-experienced cyclists. Police escorts, safety staff and volunteers will all be on hand to make sure that the event goes smoothly. The Tour de Bronx is a wonderful way to visit a borough that normally sits off of traveller’s radar but is worth a visit.

Below are a few New York Habitat accommodations to get your apartment search started:

• This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Hamilton Heights, Uptown (NY-12770) offers hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and comfortable, modern furnishings.
• This 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Harlem, Uptown (NY-14323) also offers hardwood floors and exposed brick. The apartment also features a fireplace and an ideal Harlem location.
• This 2-bedroom rental apartment in Midtown East (NY-14340) features a fully renovated space with a designer’s touch.

The Strand Bookstore is a New York Institution. Opened in 1927 and still operated by the same family, the store has withstood the Great Depression, The Second World War and, perhaps most impressively, the watershed changes from text to digital literacy practices and the onslaught of the corporate bookseller. Despite a massive Barnes and Noble bookstore just a few blocks away, The Strand is the preferred bookshop for any New Yorker in the know. But more than just a bookstore, The Strand is an essential stop for any visiting bibliophile looking to be overwhelmed or traveller in search of yet another example of this city’s gigantesque.

The Strand Bookstore New York City

The Strand’s name is fondly followed by “18 Miles of Books.” This bold phrase describes the length and depth of the bookstores crammed shelves. It’s really that big. The phrase was first coined in the 1970’s as “8 miles of books” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist George F. Will. The store has grown some “10 miles” since then. The iconic store caters to just about every literary interest, from readers looking for the latest on the best seller’s list to students in search of the classics at cheap prices, to people interested in the occult, sciences and just about every other type of book in print. And for all of the tourists packing Strand isles there is a large section on travel books, which could come in handy should you find yourself in the big city without a clue. Bibliophile or not, the Strand is a must-see simply for what it means to New York and the Union Square section of Manhattan as much for the books contained within its creaky space.

New York accommodation 1-bedroom in the Lower East Side (NY-11706)

New York Habitat has apartments all around the island of Manhattan that are within a short jaunt of the fabled bookstore. Here are a few to get your search started:

-This studio apartment rental in Upper West Side (NY-7620) offers hardwood florrs, lots of direct sunlight and a classic New York feel.
-This 1-bedroom accommodation rental in Upper East Side (NY-14325) features parquet wood floors and is on the 1st floor of a pre-war building.
-This 1-bedroom rental apartment in East Village-Lower East Side (NY-11706) is bathed in direct sunlight and features a balcony with skyline views.

Ever been to the Strand Bookstore? If so, what section did you gravitate to the most? Foreign languages? Literary Classics? The Occult?

Welcome back to another edition of our video series on free things to do in New York City.

If your watching this video, you are likely coming to New York City soon and you are also looking to save some money.  If you haven’t already, you really should consider renting a furnished apartment.  It’s a great way to save money over a hotel and it’ll give you a true authentic New York experience.

Get the Flash Player to see this player. Click above to watch this video: Free things to do in New York – Free Guided Tours. (2:34)

Take a look at this studio apartment just a few blocks from Times Square (NY- 12272).

We’ve also got this fantastic one bedroom rental apartment in Midtown East (NY-12611).

New York Studio: Midtown West NY-12272

Everyone knows it’s easy to spend money in New York.  But what if you don’t want to?  I’m here to show you more great things you can do… without having to take out your wallet.

Walking tours of New York are a great way to learn about the city.  And most of them are well worth the money spent.  But if you’re looking for a more independent (and free) alternative, you should definitely consider a pod tour. 

Pod tours are unique because you can pause your iPod at any time during the tour to stop and explore on your own.  Stop for lunch, do some impromptu shopping or take a phone call.  You are in control of the pace of the tour.

You can find free pod tours for Central Park, the Lower East Side and even the Museum of Modern Art.  Check out a few that I found online.

• Free MoMA Pod tours
• The Lower East Side free pod tour
• Central Park – pod tour
• The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council

If you prefer to have a real live guide, there are also some great free group tours in New York. 

For example you can catch the 8th Street Walking Tour in Greenwich Village where you’ll see where Jimi Hendrix built the Electric Lady sound studios and Barbra Streisand debuted at the Bon Soir.

And instead of just visiting Grand Central Station, why not take a free guided tour?  Every Friday at 12.30, you can catch a free tour of Grand Central and the surrounding area led by one of New York’s most renowned tour guides, Justin Ferate.

Other great free guided tours you can find in New York are:
Orchard Street Walking Tour
The Union Square Walking Tour
Times Square Tour

Another fun thing to consider during your next trip to New York is Big Apple Greeters.  It’s a non-profit organization that matches visitors with friendly and enthusiastic New Yorkers who are happy to share the city they love.  This is truly a way to see New York through the eyes of a New Yorker.

What’s great about the pod tours and many of the guided tours, besides the fact that they’re free, is that you will learn many lesser-known aspects of New York.  Many of the free guided tours are led by true New Yorkers, meaning you’ll get some authentic exposure to this massive city.

Well I hope this video has given you more ideas on how to save money and still have fun in New York City.  Don’t forget to check out our selection of thousands of furnished apartments and vacation retnals throughout New York.

New York Vacation Rental Studio Apartment on the Upper East Side (NY-12486)

With yachts bobbing in the marina, a salty breeze coming in off the bay and dozens of seafood restaurants lining its main street, City Island doesn’t exactly sound like a scene set in New York City. But that’s why it’s one of New York’s little-known gems. While it’s hard to believe that such a tranquil setting could be part of the bustling metropolis, this tiny seaside community located in the northern part of the Bronx is indeed just that.

Surrounded by the waters of the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay, City Island is steeped in nautical history. Originally home to the Siwanoy Indians, and later claimed by the Dutch and then the English in the 1600s, the island quickly became home to fisherman, oysterman and shipbuilders. In 1896 the island’s residents voted to become part of New York City proper. Today the population remains small, with only 5,000 residents, but the town is flooded with visitors in the summer. 

New York Accomodation 1 Bedroom on the Upper East Side (NY-12551)

The tiny isle offers a respite from urban living, especially when temperatures in New York City climb well into the 90s. The island’s main street, City Island Avenue, is where you’ll find seafood restaurants, art galleries, cafés and antique shops. Check out Johnny’s Reef or the Crab Shanty for some delicious fried seafood and cold beer. There’s also Le Refuge, a French bed & breakfast, if you’re looking for finer dining.

There’s only one hitch to City Island — getting there. The community’s only connection to the mainland is via the very tiny City Island Bridge, which means no direct subway access. For those without a car, you can get there by taking the No. 6 subway line uptown to Pelham Bay Park, and then transferring to the BX29 bus. The fresh sea breeze makes it absolutely worth the trip.

New York Habitat has hundreds of amazing apartments that let you discover both the big island of Manhattan and the smaller (and calmer), City Island. Check out:

- This gorgeous 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental on the Upper East Side (NY-12551), located on the 28th floor of a luxury building with concierge service and its own private garden. The apartment features a balcony with spectacular views of the East River and upper Manhattan.

- This spacious Studio Vacation Rental on the Upper East Side (NY-12486), located in a classic UES brownstone between Lexington and Park Avenues. Enjoy the large southern-facing terrace with both an open and closed, gazebo-style space.

Have you ever been to City Island? Do you have a favorite seafood restaurant to recommend? Share your comments with us!

I’m back with another video dedicated to showing you free things you can do in New York City.  Two of the most expensive aspects of traveling to any city are tourist activities and food. 

Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Click above to watch this video: Free things to do in New York – The Great Outdoors and Indoors (3:20)

I can help you save money right away in the food department.  If you haven’t already done so, hop on our website and find a New York Vacation Rental.  I’ve said this before, and it’s still true, in a furnished apartment you will have a fully equipped kitchen that will allow you to eat in, as opposed to spending tons of money at restaurants for 3 meals a day.

Take a look at this luxurious studio with a den in the heart of Times Square, in Midtown West (NY-12424)

Or maybe you’d prefer this one bedroom loft in Gramercy/Flatiron on Park Avenue South in Midtown East (NY-12330).  The kitchen is fully equipped and ready for your favorite home recipes.

So with food out of the way, that leaves tourist activities.  We’ve produced this series of videos in an effort to show you how to enjoy your trip to New York with fun and free activities. 

The Great Outdoors

If you love the great outdoors, you may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of outdoor opportunities here in New York.  So where are they? 

Central Park:
Well, if you guessed Central Park, you’d be right – especially in the summer.  When the weather is nice, you’re sure to find things like free outdoor concerts and theatrical performances.  Don’t believe me?  Just check out Summerstage.org with its full calendar of free outdoor concerts.  Or for your thespians out there, check out Shakespeare in the Park for some free quality theatre productions.

New York Apartment: 1-bedroom in Midtown East (NY-12330) pict

Bryant Park:
Another one of my favorite parks in New York is Bryant Park.  Located at 42nd St and 6th Avenue, Bryant Park has lots of great free things to offer.  Like Central Park, you’ll find free concerts, but Bryant Park also offers a free outdoor film festival every summer.  And lastly, another big reason why I love Bryant Park is because they offer free outdoor wifi.  You’ll be able to email your friends and tell them you’ve just watched a movie… in the middle of a park… in New York City… for free!!

Free kayaking in Riverside Park:
If you’re looking to get wet, head over to New York City Downtown Boathouse at 72nd Street for some free kayaking.  Located in Riverside Park at 72nd St. the Downtown Boathouse is dedicated to providing access to the Hudson River for everyone.  It’s generally open from May through October and is run by volunteers that will teach you everything you need to know.

The Bronx Zoo:
If you’d like to venture out of Manhattan, why not pay a visit to the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States.  You can be one of the 2 million people that visit the zoo each year.  And if you go on a Wednesday, admission is a pay-what-you wish donation.

The New York Botanical Garden:
Just next to the zoo, you’ll find the New York Botanical Garden.  It’s a collection of over 50 gardens spread out over 250 acres.  Now that’s a lot of plants !!  It’s free on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Free Show Tapings:
What better way to finish off a fun day outside than to catch a live TV show taping in an air conditioned New York theater.  Many televisions shows are filmed in New York City.  Being part of the studio audience is a fun and memorable experience.  Saturday Night Live, for example, made its debut in 1975 and has remained a staple of American television since.  To get tickets, go to the NBC Studios marquee on the 50th St. side of 30 Rockefeller Plaza.  There you can wait in line for stand-by tickets.  They only give out one ticket per person and a stand-by ticket doesn’t guarantee admission.

There are many other TV shows filmed in New York that offer tickets to the public.  Hop on the internet and you can find out how to get tickets for shows like

New York Apartment: Midtown West (NY-12424) photo

The David Letterman Show
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The View
 Good Morning America
The Today Show
Live! With Regis and Kelly
The Colbert Report

Don’t forget, to check out the other videos showing you free things to do in New York:

• Free Music and Museums
• Free Views of New York

One last piece of advice, hop online and search for free things to do in New York.  You’ll find tons of great ideas.  If you find any that aren’t in our videos, be sure to share them in the comments section below. 

And if you’re already in New York and you need a free internet connection, beyond Bryant Park, remember that you can find free internet in most of New York City’s libraries.

While you’re online, be sure to visit New York Habitat’s webiste.  You’ll find thousands of vacation rentals and furnished apartments in New York.   A furnished apartment is an exciting and authentic alternative to a hotel room, and is a great home base to explore all of the free indoor and outdoor activities you can find in New York.

Well I’m back with another installment of our video mini-series dedicated to showing you how to have fun in New York… for free.  That’s right, one of the most expensive cities in the world offers a seemingly endless supply of fun and free activities.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

If it’s the arts and music you are after, there are plenty of opportunities for the frugal traveler to get into major New York museums and concerts for free.

Museum of Modern Art:  (MoMA)
Many of New York’s museums have certain days where they have free entry.  The MoMA is a great example.  It is normally $20 for adult admission, on Friday afternoons from 4 to 8pm, the MoMA is free for everyone.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: (The MET)
With its 5 million visitors per year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City’s most popular attractions.  Entrance is based on a donation, so you get to decide your price of entry.

Read the entire story here… »

New York Accommodation: 2-bedroom vacation rental in Noho (NY-12499) photo

Spring has sprung and New York Habitat is ready to unveil its number one pick for Best Springtime Activity in New York City. There are thousands of things to see and do in the city but perhaps the best activity involves doing nothing at all. Coming in at #1: Whiling away the hours at one of New York’s many outdoor restaurants and cafes. Whether you stop for brunch, lunch or happy hour cocktails, you’ll fall in love with New York’s sidewalk scene.  

Your New York itinerary will no doubt be jam-packed so slowing down the pace for some leisurely cafe time will feel like a luxurious treat. While there are fantastic outdoor options in every neighborhood of Manhattan, the two Villages – the West Village and East Village – are probably your best bet for a day under the spring rays. The two downtown neighborhoods are dotted with outdoor tables, most of which will be occupied by the young and trendy, and, if you’re lucky, famous.

If you’re in the West Village, check out the concentration of restaurants and cafes along 6th and 7th Avenue near Bleecker Street. Neighboring Italian hot spots Bar Pitti and Da Silvano compete for the see-and-be-seen crowd, and up the street Sushi Samba, a Latin-Japanese eatery, offers both sidewalk and roof seating.

On the opposite side of the island, in the East Village, you’ll find dozens of outdoor options that will satisfy any food craving – Italian, Mexican, Indian…you name it. Local favorites include seafood haven The Mermaid Inn and romantic trattoria Cacio e Pepe – both on 2nd Avenue.

Ready to watch the vibrant street scene from your own outdoor table? New York Habitat has tons of vacation rentals in both the West and East Village, just steps from the best outdoor spots. Check out:

This spacious 2-Bedroom Loft Vacation Rental in Noho - East Village - Lower East Side (NY-12499), with high ceilings and a large sky light. Enjoy the stainless steel appliances and tasteful furnishings.

This charming Studio Vacation Rental in Greenwich Village - Soho (NY-12563), quietly situated on the third floor of a prewar walk-up building. The apartment is brightly furnished and overlooks a small courtyard. 

It’s time to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. Bring a book, the New York Times or your best pals and drop into one of New York’s many outdoor cafes and restaurants.

Check out our previous top springtime activities:

• The Best Springtime Activities in NYC: #2 Brooklyn Bridge Walk
• The Best Springtime Activities in NYC: #3 Cherry Blossom Season

 Do you have a favorite outdoor spot in New York City? Please share your comments with us!