Updated on 10/06/24
When planning a trip to New York, iconic yellow taxis and subways will most likely spring to mind when you start thinking about how you’ll get around the city. And while the extensive public transit system is super impressive, there are a variety of other options for getting around and exploring the incredible city.
We’re talking ferries, aerial trams, private bus tours, and the good ol’ fashioned walking by foot!
Let’s jump right in…
If you’re wondering how to explore New York, the best ways of exploring the city include:
- Public transportation
- An aerial tram
- Booking a private tour
- On foot
- Taking a ferry ride
1. Public Transportation
One of the great things about visiting New York City is its public transportation system. In fact, the city actually boasts one of the best public transportation systems in the entire world, according to a survey of over 20,000 city-locals across 50 cities.
Their transportation system includes one of the largest and busiest subway systems in the world, the world’s first mechanically ventilated vehicular tunnel, and an aerial tramway.
Using the New York Subway
The New York Subway is a rapid transport system operated by the MTA that serves the five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Incredibly, there are over 400 subway stations throughout New York City, and unlike other major cities in America, New York’s subway trains run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Here are some of our top tips for using the New York subway system:
- Get a MetroCard – the primary method of payment for subway rides
- If you have mobility concerns, check the subway map for wheelchair-accessible stations
- Use a subway map, the MYmta app or Google Maps to stay ahead of service updates and to help plan your route
New York Buses
The MTA also looks after the city’s buses, and its fleet includes nearly 6000 vehicles. New York’s buses run on a grid, and routes cover uptown, downtown, and crosstown, with stops on every (or every other) corner.
Another super accessible and affordable way to get around and explore what the city has to offer!
Iconic Yellow Taxis
Of course, you can’t visit New York without getting a ride in one of the iconic yellow taxis that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
To get a taxi, look for one with its rooftop lights on and raise your arm to signal you require pickup. If the lights are off, this is a sign that a taxi is occupied or off-duty. If you’d prefer to plan ahead, there are a range of apps, including Curb, Waave, and Myle, that let you book rides with TLC-licensed cabs in advance.

2. An Aerial Tram
If you’re looking to visit the East River’s Roosevelt Island, packed with historic architecture, green spaces, and incredible skyline views, there are plenty of ways of getting there – by subway, bus or ferry. But taking the aerial tram is hands down the most fun.
The tram crosses over the East River, reaching a maximum height of 250 feet (76 m) above the water and provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline. A super-fun way of exploring the city from high up above!
3. Booking a Private Tour
If you’re wondering how to explore New York, one of the best ways (in our opinion) to see what the incredible city has to offer is to book yourself a private tour.
Not only do private tours offer comfortable & safe transportation to popular attractions across the city, private tours are tailored to your interests and preferences, and can really take the pressure off your shoulders when it comes to planning where you want to go and how to get there.
At Yellow Moon Tours, our New York City private tour guides can curate an entirely bespoke private tour of New York City for you and your family. From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, we will work with you to maximise your time in New York so you can get as much as you can out of your trip.
Our tour guides are knowledgeable, licensed experts filled with energy and humour, and are here to give you a truly unique experience – bringing stories, history, smiles and laughter to your adventure.
If you’re interested, be sure to get in touch with a member of our team today for your fully tailored tour of New York City.
4. On Foot
If you’re questioning how to explore New York, why not swap public transportation for some good old-fashioned walking?
It does get harder to walk around New York the further from Manhattan you travel, but if you’re more infield, walking is a great way to explore the city, especially in the warmer summer months.
The Benefits of Exploring New York on Foot
As long as the weather is on your side, there are countless reasons why you should explore New York on foot … or at least part of it.
- It’s Completely Free
While public transportation around New York is super affordable, you can’t deny that walking is the cheapest way to explore the city. All you need to do is put on your comfortable walking shoes and hit the sidewalk! No matter how near or far you want, you can certainly reach it without having to pay anything (as long as it’s within Manhattan).
- Environmentally Friendly
Walking is one of the most eco-friendly ways to get around the city without causing pollution or emitting emissions into the air. Although sharing lifts with others going to the same destination helps decrease the pollution produced, the best way to completely avoid it is by walking.
- You Can Take In Your Surroundings
Exploring New York by foot is a fantastic way to stay connected with your surroundings and provides a real opportunity to immerse yourself in street art, observe the hustle and bustle of everyday life, feel the energy of the city at night and enjoy spectacular views of the cityscape.

5. Taking a Ferry Ride
Another way you can explore the stunning views of the city is via New York’s ferry system. Seeing New York from the water can be a super fun yet low-cost addition to a day out with the whole family, allowing you to see the city from a whole new perspective.
The Staten Island Ferry runs from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal in lower Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island. It’s also a great way to take in waterside views of the incredibly iconic Statue of Liberty. And the best thing about it is that it’s absolutely free. Winner winner!
If travelling to New York with your family, here are more family-friendly activities to keep you entertained during your visit.

There we have it! Whether you’re inspired to explore New York on foot or considering using the New York subway like a local, we hope this post helped you learn how to explore New York.
For more tips about travelling to New York, check out our tour planner blog, including ‘The Best Winter Activities in New York City’ and ‘5 Must-Try New York Food Experiences’.
For inquiries or questions about our tours, please send us an email at info@yellowmoontours.com or give us a call at +44 (0) 20 3290 3665 to book your private tour today.
Written by Kate Jones for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering London, Paris, New York and Ireland.