Planning your fall trip to Europe just got easier.
Play Airlines just dropped a deal for $79, one-way tickets to Iceland and tickets to London, Paris, Dublin or Berlin starting at $98—if you book by Monday, July 8.
The cool thing is that if you fly to London, Paris, Dublin or Berlin, you can add a stopover in Iceland and stay for up to 10 days at no extra cost.
The catch? The deal only works for travel between September and December 2024 and you’ve got to fly out of New York Stewart International Airport in Orange County, New York, which is about an hour and a half north of the city.
If you don’t know, Play Airlines is a low-cost Icelandic airline that operates a fleet of Airbus A320neo family aircraft. You can read reviews of travelers’ experiences on airlinequality.com.
For many of us, Citi Bikes are the best way to get around in the summer. Depending on where you live, the bikes will likely be faster than a train and cheaper than an Uber.
But if you’re a loyal Citi Bike rider, then you’ve probably also noticed that the prices have been going up for the past few years—and we’re just about to witness a second annual hike.
Starting next Wednesday, July 10, e-bike fees are going to increase from 20 cents per minute to 24 cents per minute for those with an annual Citi Bike or Lyft Pink All Access membership. Fee increases are going to be even steeper for non-members: from 30 cents per minute to 36 cents per minute. That means that, for non-members, a 15-minute e-bike ride will go from $4.50 to $5.40, about a dollar difference.
Keep in mind that all these changes will only be affecting e-bikes and not regular ones.
E-Bikes are pretty popular among New Yorkers: according to a report by Curbed, even though they make only about a third of all bikes in the system, they constitute 65% of all trips taken.
When analyzing the reasons behind the price increase, the report explains that the bikes aren’t charged at the stations themselves. They need to be manually taken to a warehouse facility in Long Island City every time they lose battery to be recharged by Citi Bike workers, which is part of why overhead costs are so high.
Citi Bike also cited the higher-than-expected costs of swapping the bikes’ batteries, vehicle expenses and insurance costs as primary reasons for the latest price increase.
The company did, however, recently announce a partnership with Con Edison and the Department of Transportation in order to add more pilot charging stations that will allow the e-bikes to be charged on site.
For now, the price of standard bikes will remain the same, and e-bike hikes will not be affecting Citi Bikes in New Jersey.
Nestled in New York Harbor, Governors Island spans 172 acres, offering a tranquil escape just a stone’s throw away from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s a world unto itself, rich in history and natural beauty. Known initially as Paggank, or nut island, for seasonal foraging by the Lenape, the Island became a significant military base. Today, it boasts a public park with 52 historic buildings, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams. Whether you’re biking, exploring art installations, or enjoying other recreational activities, there’s plenty to experience on this beautiful Island.
The Governors Island website
Background on Governors Island
Governors Island has played a pivotal role in developing New York City. Since the early 1600s, this beautiful Island has served various purposes. It was a military base for American and British forces and played a crucial defence role during the Revolutionary War.
Later, it housed U.S. Army and Coast Guard bases. Fort Jay, Castle Williams, the whimsical English Gothic Chapel, and other historic buildings still proudly stand, offering a glimpse into its storied past.
Since opening to the public in 2005, the Island has become a cultural and recreational hub. It is famous for its creative art installations, events, and vibrant festivals that draw thousands of visitors annually. The Island has several distinct areas, each offering unique experiences. As the name suggests, the Historic District brims with history and showcases well-preserved military buildings like Castle Williams, Fort Jay, and many others.
Where is Governors Island, And How Do You Get There?
Governors Island is in New York Harbor, less than a mile from Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Island is easily accessible by ferry.
Ferries from Manhattan depart for the Island from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. It’s a short cruise of just 8 minutes, but you can enjoy the extra perks of stunning views of the iconic Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline.
Ferries also depart from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The brief journey offers sweeping views of the harbor and Lower Manhattan. Bring your bike aboard or rent one on the Island to explore its extensive bike trails and paths.
What to Expect When You Visit Governors Island?
You can visit Governors Island from Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Friday and Saturday, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. Note that South Island Park, which includes the Hills, Hammock Grove, and Picnic Point, closes daily at 6:00 pm.
The Island is entirely car-free, so its serene weather and lush greenery instantly soothe, offering a perfect retreat.
Starting in 2021, for the first time in history, visitors have enjoyed the Island’s open space and recreational resources year-round. This makes it an accessible destination throughout all seasons.
Foodies can explore several pop-up restaurants and food vendors on the Island, offering a variety of delicious cuisines and delectable snacks. Alternatively, visit the Island’s oyster bar for freshly shucked oysters, rosé, and cocktails with waterfront views. Families can also bring their meals and enjoy a delightful picnicin one of the many designated picnic areas.
Governors Island is a haven for families with young children, featuring dedicated play areas like the Hammock Grove and Adventure Playground. Adults can also indulge in activities with jungle gyms, basketball, soccer, and mini-golf courts.
The Island hosts various cultural events, from music festivals and street fairs to food fairs and art exhibitions. Each summer, the historic row of abandoned military barracks becomes the backdrop for the Governors Island Art Fair, highlighting works by budding NYC artists.
In addition to exploring the Island, you can enjoy several attractions and activities in the surrounding area. A short ferry ride from the Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty are nearby. Close to the Manhattan ferry terminal along the East River, you can discover the historic district of South Street Seaport, ideal for shopping and dining experiences. For a stroll, Battery Park awaits adjacent to the Manhattan ferry terminal, inviting you to explore lush gardens and charming waterfront paths at your own pace.
The Governors Island website
FAQs
When is Governors Island open to the public?
The Island is open to the public daily year-round.
Is there an admission fee for visiting the Island?
Access to the Island is free, but there is a fee for the ferry ride. Tickets are reasonably priced, with discounts for seniors and children.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed on the Island, except for service animals with a State or New York City-recognized service animal license.
Are there guided tours available on the Island?
Yes, guided tours of the historic areas and other parts of the Island are available. These tours provide detailed information about the Island’s history and current uses.
Governors Island is your perfect retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or Brooklyn. It’s more than just a getaway; it’s a sanctuary where history, culture, and recreation blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.
The Island is dotted with historical landmarks that reflect its rich past and is surrounded by expansive green parks that invite you to unwind away from the city’s rush. Whether cycling through its bike trails, strolling along its paths, or relaxing in garden hammocks, this scenic Island offers an ideal escape from urban life.
You can also explore nearby places such as Brooklyn Bridge Park. It offers stunning waterfront views, playgrounds, and sports facilities suitable for visitors of all ages.
Governors Island promises a refreshing getaway where relaxation meets exploration. It’s the perfect destination for locals and tourists seeking a peaceful respite just minutes away from the vibrant streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
New York City’s reputation as the city that never sleeps has waned in recent years, but a new 24/7 diner is seeking to breathe new life into the epithet we’re so proud of.
Gramercy’s new Diner24, which opened in May, is hoping to make it as one of these “open-late” spots despite a still-recovering economy and a city not yet fully back to its pre-pandemic self.
At 22nd Street and Third Avenue, it shares many characteristics with other diners in New York City: customers can have breakfast for dinner; the waiters are in dress-shirt-bow-tie getups; the tile floor is black and white; and the tables have shiny, metal striations around them that may have been considered “Space Age” in the 1950s.
In an age when these kind of 24/7 restaurants are few and far between, it’s remarkable when a new spot enters the scene. That’s why last Saturday I took a stool at the counter from 11pm to 7am, to experience the late-night hours that put the 24 in Diner24.
11pm
Photograph: Garrett Owen for Time Out New York
“I Will Survive” plays as the staff busies themselves with arriving customers, orders and plates of food. Stratis Morfogen, the diner’s owner, leans against the bar in his black T-shirt and blue jeans, tortoiseshell glasses and silver watch, typing away at his phone, promoting the diner on social media. New York City’s iconic all-night diners are an endangered breed and Morfogen knows it.
“Unfortunately, during these COVID shutdowns, not just 24-hour diners but a lot of restaurants got shut down,” he tells me. “I believe a lot of these places were on their way out…I think COVID pushed it along faster.”
The Queens-born restaurateur has seen the decline coming for a long time. He is the son of a diner owner and a former president of the Queens Diner Association. He jokes that he has been a restauranteur “since the womb.” Morfogen owned his first restaurant at 20 years old and to date, he owns or has owned 35 licensed and franchised restaurants, diners and nightclubs. It’s something his father and many diner-owning fathers of the mid-20th century didn’t actually want for their children.
“Most of the sons have become doctors, lawyers, bankers. That was really the message that our parents gave us: ‘Why do you want to be in this business? I hate this business. Go get yourself a job at Bear Stearns or Lehman Brothers!’”
Midnight
Photograph: Garrett Owen for Time Out New York | Bondon and the floor manager at Diner24
“Did you order something?” Phillip Bondon, the co-owner, asks me. As if on cue, a man from the kitchen hands me a plate of zucchini kabobs: strips of crispy zucchini wrapped around feta cheese with tzatziki. I inhale it and finish off the Greek sauce with some toasted pita.
The older customers have gone home. Most of the young people are here for a meal before they go out. Some are finishing off an early night.
“The street taco place wasn’t open, and Google recommended this place,” says Joe, a young investment banker from New Jersey.
Flying out of the kitchen are plates of fried chicken, burgers and fries, strawberry-smothered waffles, mac-n-cheese, tall and rich chocolate milkshakes, massive salads and stacks of flapjacks.
“Word on the street is getting better,” says Bondon. Originally from Paris, Bondon is Morfogen’s business partner. Since opening, the two have put in 16-to-18-hour days, trying to get everything off to a good start. “When it takes you 11 months to get open, you have to,” he says, shrugging. This will be their schedule for some time. “It takes three to four months to establish a process for the operation,” Bondon says.
Morfogen reckons in another month, operations will stabilize. They are in the training process, whittling two teams of around 35 employees down to two stalwart teams of 10. “It’s a lot of money, it’s a lot of time, and it’s a lot of customer dissatisfaction. We have to learn if that employee is good or bad on the customer.”
Photograph: Garrett Owen for Time Out New York | Zucchini skewers at Diner24
1 am
Morfogen’s grandfather and father were among the pioneers of the classic New York City diner. After all, much of what we think of when we picture a classic diner comes from the last century. But as popular as those were, Morfogen believes they did not keep up with the changing times. “My Dad’s generation’s idea of technology was Mom on the cash register—a Casio they just got from Staples.”
Cleaning a plate of burgers and fries at 1:30am is a familiar pastime for Justin from Roanoke, Virginia. “Twenty-four-hour diners is somethingI grew up going to,” he says. The commercial and film director had places to go in high school with his “nocturnal” friends once things got late. They always find their way to a Waffle House or IHOP. He finds it “surprising” to find “substantive food” nowadays at this hour in New York City.
2am
Photograph: Garrett Owen for Time Out New York | Friends hanging out at Diner24
The staff is hustling. Waiters are headed back to the kitchen area as runners dash out with plates. Orders get mixed up, ignored, forgotten. This is all part of a necessary process for Morfogen and Bondon. And they’re here for every minute of it.
At this point, it is all about who sinks and who swims. Such is the nature of getting a restaurant going properly.
Cheyenne and Ali, friends from UCLA now living in Manhattan, miss the diners in L.A. “We used to go to diners in L.A. after nights out,” says Cheyenne. They heard about Diner24 from a review video posted on TikTok. Ali likes the authenticity of the place. “I wanted something that felt like someone took the time to do it.”
3am
I order the flapjacks with whipped cream and strawberries. Sugar and calories will keep me going until 7. Morfogen turns the lights down, and I start to feel like it’s the middle of the night but the patrons are still coming in. There have been at least 20 people in here at all times since 11.
I smother my flapjacks with whipped cream and strawberries. Morfogen seats a table of energetic post-club women. They tell the owner how excited they are to have a diner in this part of town, and he is all too happy to chat them up. They’re New York City influencers, they say, who will be sharing part of their late-night meal on TikTok for nearly 500,000 followers. Morfogen is moving heaven and earth for them, always performing when he presents them with a dish or drink.
Bars have closed, and the place is filling up. Morfogen is back in the kitchen, cracking eggs on the grill. Bondon is managing the food window, keeping dishes moving.
4am
Photograph: Garrett Owen for Time Out New York | The Bartender at Diner24
The diner is popping. Morfogen is calling out to the bartender for the Frangelico. Bondon is managing orders from the window. Runners and waiters work the nearly full dining area. With this influx of the hungry and drunk, often both, the hard-pressed mechanisms of the staff are finding a kind of conveyor-esque quality. The service must be as good at 4am as it is at 4pm.
“It’s going,” says Bondon, simply. Even as Chef Eric shakes a rueful hand at the order screen, Bondon has a winning smile.
“I’ve never seen this place where the booths are not full,” says Morfogen. “It’s another day at the office.”
Morfogen sold his last diner in 2004 and vowed never to open another one but opportunity brought him back. The prior diner owner at 3rd and 22nd retired and convinced Morfogen to carry on the tradition. After a lease agreement and a “cosmetic overhaul,” Morfogen had his new diner.
But why open an all-night diner at a time when so many are going under? Why did so many fail to keep up with the times? “They don’t understand analytics. They don’t understand search engine optimization (SEO),” quips Morfogen.
He compiled an analytical report showing that over 1 million searches were being generated a month for the phrases “24-hour diner,” “24-hour breakfast,” “24-hour burger,” and so on within 30 blocks of this spot. “Out of my 35 years of opening restaurants in Manhattan, I’ve never seen a perfect fit of concept and location like this.” The area boasts two universities, some 10 middle schools, two hospitals, and 25 bars within five blocks. Plus, thousands of apartments.
5am
Photograph: Garrett Owen for Time Out New York | the writer, Garrett Owen, at Diner24
Finally, the energy ebbs for the first time since 11pm. Only nine people remain in the diner. One of them has fallen asleep in a booth by themselves. Soon, only the bleary-eyed person in the booth is the lone survivor of the night.
Morfogen is content with his operation. In his view, it is a great time to run a diner. “Now, the opportunity is wide open. If you go and search ‘24-hour diner,’ guess what pops up at the top?”
Diner24, obviously.
“So obvious,” says Morfogen. “The name was obvious.”
6am
It is time for a shift change. “Look at that! No more orders! No more,” Chef Eric says, staggering out of the kitchen like he had a rough day at the gym. He has been going nonstop since before I arrived (he will only work the night shift since the days are even crazier). He sighs heavily, “I love my job, believe it or not.”
Just before 7am, the lights come up. A group of four men walk in and take a booth. They are the first of the breakfast crowd. The brief 30-minute lull is about to end. Morfogen and Bondon are out. The day manager is on shift and readies the staff for the morning rush.
The Intrepid Museum isn’t just a collection of exhibits but a vital part of American history. In the 1940s, the USS Intrepid actively participated in World War II. Now redesigned as a museum, this aircraft features the Concorde SST, Lockheed A-12 supersonic reconnaissance plane, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise. You can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wonders, interactive displays, live events, and Concorde experience housed in and around the legendary aircraft carrier.
Background on Intrepid Museum
The USS Intrepid has played many roles, from an aircraft carrier in World War II to an anti-submarine carrier, a recovery ship, and finally, a museum. The Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum opened in August 1982. With exhibits housed on three decks, some describe the Intrepid Museum as the largest naval museum in the world. Over a million people visit it each year.
Restored aircraft like the E-1B Tracer and the F-14 Tomcat stand alongside the Space Shuttle Pavilion on the flight deck. The Gallery deck showcases a Combat Information Center and anti-aircraft guns in World War II and Vietnam War-Era Bunks. The flight simulator, 4D theater, and other immersive exhibits stand on the Hangar Deck.
Unsplash | Jets parked on the deck of the Intrepid Museum
Where is the Intrepid Museum, and how can you get there?
The Museum is situated at Pier 86, conveniently located where 12th Avenue meets 46th Street in New York City. It offers easy access via public transportation, including nearby bus routes and subway stations.
Bus: Hop on M34, M42, or the M50.
Subway: You may take the A, C, E, N, Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train to 42nd Street or the 7 train to the 34th Street – Hudson Yards station
Ferry: Take the NY Waterway ferry from Hoboken, NJ transit Terminal, Lincoln Harbor, or Port Imperial Ferry Terminal to Manhattan Midtown / W. 39th St
Note there is no parking facility at the museum complex.
The Museum is open seven days a week and allows entry until one hour before closing time. Planning your visit on a weekday morning can help you beat the crowds.
The museum is wheelchair accessible. Tactile braille guides and assistive listening devices are also available.
You can explore the Intrepid Museum regardless of the weather. Indoor spaces house numerous exhibits and interactives anytime.
If you are an aviation enthusiast or eager to delve into history, don’t miss Exploreum Hall. It offers the most hands-on activities, ensuring an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Head to Aviator Grill, the largest restaurant on-site, to grab a bite.
Buying tickets online is advisable, as the line at the box office can be long. Museum members, people serving in the US military, and veterans enjoy free admission. Spouses of active-duty service members, groups, and NYC residents can get discounted tickets.
Unsplash | Front view of an aircraft at the Intrepid Museum
What else can you do when you visit the Intrepid Museum?
Many familiesand school groups favor the Museum for outings and excursions. In addition to the dynamic exhibits and guided tours, the museum offers a virtual reality experience for space enthusiasts. You can enjoy 3D/4D films for an immersive journey through space and explore interactive flight simulators that put you in the pilot’s seat. The museum also hosts a variety of exciting workshops, movie nights, and other events.
Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the Museum shop. You can enjoy lip-smacking food at the café onboard the USS Intrepid or sit at a nearby waterfront restaurant. Nearby, you can explore the vibrant Hudson Yards neighborhood, known for its modern architecture, shopping, and dining options. Want more excitement—take a speed boat ridedown the Hudson.To wind up the day, you may enjoy a cruise.
Keep at least 2 or 3 hours to see all the main exhibits at the Museum.
Are the planes in the Intrepid Museum real?
All the aircraft displayed at the Museum are authentic restorations of retired aircraft.
What are the Intrepid Museum timings?
The Intrepid Museum is usually open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. During spring and summer, the museum may extend its hours by an additional hour to 6:00 pm on weekends.
Explore iconic exhibits like the world’s first space shuttle or immerse yourself in live events aboard this historic aircraft carrier. The restored exhibits are special because they bring legendary stories of service and sacrifice to life.
Discover the USS Intrepid’s rich legacy—from its wartime roles to its transformation into a museum in 1982. Explore restored aircraft, combat centers, and immersive exhibits across flight, hangar, and gallery decks.
After exploring the Museum, you can shop or dine in the vibrant Hudson Yards neighborhood. The nearby Chelsea Market, housed in a historic factory building, also offers a bustling atmosphere with unique food vendors, shops, and art galleries.
With so much to offer, the Intrepid Museum promises an unforgettable journey through military and maritime history.
Plan your visit wisely to beat the crowds. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for an experience to share with the family, the Museum promises an unforgettable adventure.
Hot Dog summer is here. While my love of hot dogs is an all-year affair, summer is when it hits an all-time high. And clearly, I’m not the only one. In New York alone, we have over 4,000 hot dog stands, hot dog races at the Brooklyn Cyclones are built into each game and Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is as traditional as the 4th of July fireworks. Heck, here at Time Out, we celebrated the power of the tube-shaped meat for our first-ever Hot Dog Week. Lucky for us, Crif Dogs (113 St. Marks Place) knows what’s up, and is giving us a killer deal to feed our habit.
Every Monday and Wednesday in July, Crif Dogs, which is on our best hot dogs list this summer, is giving out free hot dogs for all to enjoy. Using the Blackbird app—a loyalty program that rewards restaurant regulars—hot dog enthusiasts can grab any dog on the menu for free, from the Everything Dog with cream cheese and scallions to the bacon-wrapped Elote Dog with chipotle mayo, corn and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Since you are saving all this dough, we recommend snagging the East Village Tater Tots (Parmesan cheese, truffle oil and herbs) and a frozen cocktail for the ultimate summer snack.
To get in on the fun, download the app and tap at the counter to secure your dog. And that is, “Frankly the best.”
The Charging Bull, also known as the Bull of Wall Street, is not just a financial symbol. Its has unique features such as an aggressive design with a lowered head and flaring nostrils, make it a powerful image of the New York City Financial District. This 11-foot-tall, 7,100-pound bronze sculpture draws many admirers for its bold existence and assertion on the stock market and big business.
History of the Charging Bull
The Charging Bull, was created by Italian artist Arturo Di Modica. The 11-foot-tall, 7,100-pound bronze statue was installed without permission in front of the New York Stock Exchange on December 15, 1989. Di Modica spent approximately $360,000 of his own money to create the sculpture as a response to the 1987 stock market crash, aiming to uplift the spirits of New Yorkers and Wall Street traders.
Initially seized by the authorities, the statue was moved to its current location at Bowling Green after public outcry and support from the Parks Commissioner. The statue’s fierce design, represents a bullish market’s unstoppable energy and drive. Over the years, the statue has become a cultural icon symbolizing the NYC’s financial sector’s resilience and determination.
Visitors worldwide flock to see the Charging Bull, often rubbing…various parts for good luck. Despite some criticism, of the statue remains and the NY financial institutions it represents, it still remains a must-see attraction in Manhattan. A response to the bull and notable rivalry is the Fearless girl statue which represents gender diversity in the workplace and is meant to symbolize a need to bring in more women into higher positions of power.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Where is the Charging Bull Statue, And How Can You Get There?
It is located on Broadway on the northern tip of Bowling Green in Manhattan. To reach it, take the 4 or 5 subway trains to Bowling Green station or the 1, R, or W trains to Rector Street. Visitors can also use bus routes that stop near the Financial District. Parking is available in nearby garages but can be challenging to find, public transportation is highly encouraged especially in this area.
What to Expect When You Visit?
Charging Bill is very popular, especially during peak tourist seasons, so be prepared for crowds. Many visitors flock to take photos with the statue and see it in person.
For a richer experience, consider joining aguided tour of Lower Manhattan, where you can learn about its history and the evolution of Wall Street from a modest Dutch trading post to the world’s financial capital. Don’t miss the chance to see this iconic symbol up close!
Visiting the Charging Bull is free. However, various guided tours of Wall Street and the Financial District include detailed information about the statue’s history and significance. Thesetours offer a comprehensive experience of the area’s rich history.
Some of the activities at the Financial District include visiting the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall, and Battery Park. The district also highlights historical constructions and recent structures in high-rise buildings. If you’re looking for a blend of history and architecture, St. Paul’s Chapel, which survived the Great Fire of 1776 and served as a relief center after the 9/11 Memorial, is a must-see.
For a unique shopping experience, visit the Oculus Center at the World Trade Center, known for its impressive architecture and wide range of stores. The area is rich in dining options, from historic steakhouses like Delmonico’s to trendy spots with scenic skyline views. For more history, go on this incredible tour to learn about Alexander Hamilton and see Lower Manhattan through a different lens!
It is located on Broadway, just north of Bowling Green Park, in Manhattan’s Financial District. It is easily accessible by subway and bus.
Is the Charging Bull open to the public?
Yes, it is a public sculpture that is accessible to everyone at all times, making it a famous landmark for both locals and tourists.
Can I take a guided tour that includes the Charging Bull?
Various guided tours of Wall Street and the Financial District include detailed information about the Charging Bull’s history, offering a comprehensive area experience
Standing before the Charging Bull, it’s clear why it attracts many visitors. (Be sure to see the Fearless Girl Statue too!) Whether you are a financial enthusiast or just a curious traveler, the venue offers a unique glimpse into the mind of Wall Street. History, shopping, dining, are all around the Charging Bull which in a prime location to visit!
Manhattan Small Group Tour: Attraction Packed w/ Wall Street and 911 Memorial
