You’ve heard about the $12 tiramisu latte, but did you know you can now get a latte with your face on it in NYC?
Moka Matcha, with its newest location in Urbanspace 570 Lex’s Food Hall, gives customers the chance to print their own pictures atop their latte’s milk foam for the most Instagrammable coffee to date.
So how does it work? Coffee drinkers can scan a QR code upon ordering where they can upload their picture of choice to have printed right on top of their drink! Plus, it only costs a dollar extra to add your printed image.
Of course, it doesn’t solely have to be a selfie of you, but it could be a picture of your furry friend, or a happy birthday message for your bestie!
Moka Matcha opened their first location last October at the Urbanspace Vanderbilt. Beyond printed lattes, they serve an assortment of matcha beverages, like their specialty moka matcha and iced matcha cream strawberry lemonade. For bites, customers can pair their selfie beverages with an assortment of delicious pastry items.
According to the “Pizza Principle,” an urban theory that shows that the price of an NYC slice and the cost of subway fare are positively correlated, some New Yorkers would claim they’re now overpaying for a slice of pizza in the city—but not by much.
Thanks to Liam Quigley, a man who tracked the cost of an NYC slice for eight years, we know the average NYC slice costs anywhere from around $3-$5 as of 2022. Currently, commuters are paying $2.90 for a MetroCard swipe. But if you take into account the price of subway fare in 2022 to match the latest known data from Quigley, it was $2.75 a ride. Either way, an NYC slice, whether in 2022 or present day, is still more expensive than a ride on the subway, disproving the Pizza Principle.
In an article from The New York Times back in the 1980s, the Pizza Principle was used to predict a ripple in subway fare if the cost of a slice went up. At that time, an NYC slice cost less than a dollar and subway fare was just increased to 60 cents per ride.
If you analyze subway fare hikes, the MTA agreed to increase fares every two years prior to the pandemic. On August 20th, 2023, the cost of a subway ride increased from $2.75 to $2.90. Come 2025, the MTA is expected to increase fare again by another 4%.
Until then, let’s just hope we don’t see anymore increases to an NYC slice. And of course, you can still find some pizzerias offering dollar slices.
Looking for things to do this week in NYC, or even today? Scroll no further, we’ve found perfectly selected events and happenings that you should check out! From brand new museum exhibitions to the best spring activities, there’s so much to do! Here’s Secret NYC’s picks for the best things to do in NYC before the weekend rolls around:
NYC’s biggest music festival kicks off this week, starting Friday June 7 in Queens! Governors Ball is back again this year hosting headliners Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA alongside so many more incredible artists this weekend. Plus, there’s plenty of amazing food and drink vendors, brand activations, and surprises waiting to happen. Learn everything you need to know before going to this weekend’s festival here!
Tribeca Festival, the ultimate film and experience festival, is kicking this week for its 2024 iteration starting this Wednesday, June 5. Theaters and venues across NYC will host all sorts of film debuts, from blockbusters directed by celebrities to smaller indie films. Alongside that, expect plenty of panels (with Andy Cohen, Robert de Niro + more), live podcasts, game debuts, immersive experiences, and more. Learn more about this week’s kickoff here!
3. Films on the Green Festival
Source / Films on the Green
Beloved French film festival Films on the Green is kicking off this week with a screening of Sink or Swim by Gilles Lellouche in Central Park. The film follows a group of middle-aged men who meet and conquer synchronized swimming as a form of coping with mid life crises. The screening is a part of Olympics-themed films leading up to this summer’s games in Paris. The movie begins at sunset and is free and open to the public! Learn more here.
One of our favorite summertime outdoor concert series continues this week in Bryant Park on Thursday and Friday! Two contemporary dance performances headline this week, including Naomi Funaki + Jared Alexander feat. Ayodele Casel, Sidra Bell Dance New York, and It’s Showtime NYC on Thursday, and David Dorfman, Soles of Duende, and Joffrey Concert Group on Friday. They start at 7 pm on the lawn and it’s completely free! Learn more and see the whole summer’s Picnic Performances lineup here.
Now in full swing, Brooklyn Bridge Park is hosting their annual free kayaking program, which grants access to boats all summer long! No matter your skill, you’ll be able to partake in a free 20 minute kayak session around NYC waters. Sessions this week will happen on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 – 7 pm. Learn more about it and RSVP here!
Although Shakespeare in the Park is on temporary pause at the Delacorte Theater this year due to renovations, the show must go on and the season kicks off this week! This year, the Public Theater will be in charge of managing The Mobile Unit’s bilingual musical adaptation of “The Comedy of Errors,” which will tour around various NYC venues this summer. See below where you can watch this week:
June 4: Wolfe’s Pond at 420 Cornelia Ave (Staten Island)
June 5: J. Hood Wright Park at 351 Fort Washington Ave (Manhattan)
June 6: Hudson Yards at Public Square & Gardens (Manhattan)
Learn more about the performance and how to grab tickets here!
7. Brooklyn Film Festival
Source / Brooklyn Film Festival
The Brooklyn Film Festival continues its 10-day run of competition for independent films this week! The festival will have debuted 138 features and shorts from 35 countries over the course of its stay. You’ll be able to watch screenings at the festivals main venue, Windmill Studios in Greenpoint, as well as additional screenings at Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg and online. See the full list of films debuting and grab tickets here!
Although Shakespeare in the Park is on temporary pause at the Delacorte Theater this year due to renovations, the show must go on and the is happening this week! This year, the Public Theater will be in charge of managing The Mobile Unit’s bilingual musical adaptation of “The Comedy of Errors,” which will tour around various NYC venues this summer. Learn more about the performance and how to grab tickets here!
9. Wonderland: Curious Nature
Source / New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden just unveiled a brand new, enchanting exhibition, Wonderland: Curious Nature, which is based off the popular fairytale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The one-of-a-kind botanical experience lets you get up close and personal with settings, sights, and scents inspired by the classic tale and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There.
We’re talking magnificent flower displays, contemporary art installations, fantastical tea parties and a whole lot more. It’s officially open now, and you can learn more about the exhibit here!
New York City officially has a brand new Banksy-inspired museum! The Banksy Museum has opened up on Canal Street and features over 160 Banksy-inspired works created by a number of other anonymous street artists…including the likes of “Girl with Balloon” and “Flower Thrower.” It’s 15,000 square feet of greatness, and a must-visit for any fan of the artist.
Stop by the American Museum of Natural History this week, who just unveiled a new exhibition last Friday showcasing stunning jewelry pieces that trace the history of hip-hop from the 1980s to today. It celebrates hip-hop’s cultural influence through stunning jewelry, boasting some of the most impressive chains and accessories you’ve ever seen…like Nicki Minaj’s sparkling ‘Barbie’ pendant, and pieces from Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, FERG, and Tyler, the Creator, among others. It’s open now and you can learn more about it here.
12. Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion
Source / The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met Gala is now behind us, but that now means The Met’s exhibit in which the night’s theme was centered around, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, is open to the public! The Costume Institute’s spring 2024 exhibition features approximately 220 garments and accessories spanning four centuries, and taps into themes of nature. What makes it incredible is the exhibit invokes sensory elements, allowing you to hear, touch, and smell it too. Learn more about the exhibit here!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art officially have unveiled their newest rooftop exhibition for 2024, and this year’s commission is courtesy of Kosovar artist Petrit Halilaj. His exhibition, Arbetare, is inspired by inspired by childhood doodles and other upbringing memories from the traumatic environmental conflicts in the ’90s in his region. Learn more about the exhibition here!
14. Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm
Source / Danny Perez
Stop by the Brooklyn Museum to check out a brand new photography exhibition straight from the camera of The Beatles star Paul McCartney! The collection showcases 250+ photos from his traveling Pentax camera, portraying an inside look at the frenzy of Beatlemania in 1963–64. From chronicles on their buzzing US tour to never-before-seen images of the bandmates, this personal exhibit is not to be missed by Beatles fans! Learn more about the exhibit and plan your visit here!
15. BLOOMTANICA
Source / Matteo Prandoni & BFA.com
A first-of-its-kind floral exhibition by celebrity floral artist Jeff Leatham just opened in the Meatpacking District titled BLOOMTANICA! This immersive oasis invites guests to embark on a journey through a surreal world of floral reflections and digital immersions that highlight the harmony and balance between nature and technology.
Inspired by the lush atmosphere of traditional Korean gardens and Leatham’s signature design aesthetic, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with multi-dimensional, sensory flowers that are absolutely beautiful. It’s happening at Genesis House on the west side through June 9!
Get your walking shoes on because NYC’s summer street fairs are officially open for business! This week alone we have plenty of choose from, like the 52nd St Fair and Hester Street Fair, but you can see the whole list of places to shop outdoors this week here!
CityPickle’s pickleball courts are officially back in Central Park this year, after a smashing debut last summer! Wollman Rink has transformed into 14 pickleball courts, where players can come put their skills to the test! Court hours run from 8 am to 9 pm, with prices of $10 per player during off-peak times and $12.50 per player during peak hours. Learn more about CityPickle’s return and reserve your spot here!
18. “The Insect World” at IMAGINARI
Source / Harol Baez
IMAGINARI, an immersive gallery experience in Hudson Square just opened a brand new exhibit called “The Insect World”, and we suggest checking it out this week! This larger-than-life experience allows visitors to get up close and personal with bugs, with features like towering 6-foot bees and flowers, a magnificent 12-foot cherry blossom tree adorned with over 200 monarch butterflies, a metamorphosis milkweed garden teeming with caterpillars, and 6-foot tall clouds surrounded by giant morpho butterflies.
Plus there will be tons of interactive programs like beekeeping, floral design workshops, and more! Learn more about the exhibit here!
19. The Great Gatsby on Broadway
Source / Matthew Murphy and Ever Zimmerman
Get ready to follow the green light…because one of Broadway’s most anticipated productions, The Great Gatsby, is now on Broadway! Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada star in the stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel at Broadway Theatre.
The Secret NYC staff got a sneak preview of the show a few weeks ago and we can confidently say it’s one of the best Broadway shows we’ve ever seen. The acting, the music, the stage design…chef’s kiss. Learn more about the show and grab tickets here.
20. Whitney Biennial: Even Better Than the Real Thing
Source / Filip Wolak
The Whitney Museum of American Art’s annual Whitney Biennial is officially up and running! The longest-running survey of contemporary art in the country features 71 artists and collectives, displaying different works and exhibits themed on today’s most important issues. This year’s rendition, Even Better Than the Real Thing dives deep into how the world of AI is affecting society. Learn more about the Whitney Biennial 2024 here.
21. Apollo: When We Went to the Moon
Source / Intrepid Museum
The Intrepid Museum recently opened a brand new astronomical exhibit exploring the history of the Apollo program and setting the stage for NASA’s current Moon to Mars campaign. Apollo: When We Went to the Moon shows off rare media, photographs, and rarely-seen artifacts from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center® archives, and tells the tale of what it took to beat the Soviet Union and be the first on the moon. Learn more about this enthralling new exhibit here!
22. TheMasked Singer: BehindtheMask! Spotlighting the Costumes That Captivated America
Source / Paley Center for Media
The Paley Center just debuted their latest blockbuster exhibit, which showcases the stunning costumes from FOX’s hit show, The Masked Singer. Open now, you’re able to get up close and personal with fan favorites like fan-favorites Miss Monster, Flamingo, Chameleon and Gazelle. Plus, there are also video highlights from the show, artifacts, photography, and family arts & crafts. Learn more about the exhibit here.
Our favorite open-air food market is officially back open for the 2024 season, and they’ll be popping up all weekend long, starting Friday in the Financial District! You’ll be able to stop by the row of vendors selling mouthwatering food from 11 am – 6 pm at The Oculus, near Fulton St and Church St. Plus, during the weekend their Saturday location in Williamsburg and Sunday location in Prospect Park will be open too. Learn more here.
A brand new exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum opened, and it’s straight from the collection of music icons Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys! Giants is a collection of works straight from the pair’s personal vault, which highlights works by Black diasporic artists including Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many more! Learn more aboutGiants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys here.
25. The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism
Source / Anna-Marie Kellen
This brand new exhibit just opened up at The Met over the weekend, and it pays homage to the influential Harlem Renaissance era of 1920s-40s NYC. It features over 160 works highlighting the booming rise of Harlem as many African Americans fled from the segregated South during the Great Migration. Featured artists include Charles Alston, Aaron Douglas, Meta Warrick Fuller, and more. Learn more about the exhibit here.
26. Amateur Night at The Apollo
Source / Apollo Theater
Legendary Harlem venue The Apollo Theater is hosting their 90th anniversary of the theater’s signature program, Amateur Night at The Apollo on Wednesday! The show will feature a dynamic new group of artists who will battle it out in one of NYC’s most famous talent shows for a $20,o00 grand prize. Over the years the event series has launched the careers of stars like Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill, and H.E.R (just to name a few), so you don’t want to miss it! Learn more about Amateur Night at The Apollo and grab tickets here.
27. Four Seasons of Central Park
Source / Brad Farwell for MCNY
A brand new NYC-themed exhibit just opened up at the Museum of the City of New York called Four Seasons of Central Park, which you should check out this week. They’re 4 watercolor masterpieces of the iconic Central Park, crafted by New York artist Frederick Brosen. Capturing the landmark across summer, fall, winter, and spring, these paintings “capture a year in some of the most historic places in this verdant urban masterpiece.” Learn more about the exhibit here.
28. Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature
Source / Janny Chiu
The Morgan Library & Museum recently welcomed a new exhibition showcasing the works 0f famed children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter! Take a trip down memory lane and get up close and personal with old friends like Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle…or step inside a recreation of her home where you can hang out with a book and read for a while. It’s on show through June 9. Learn more about the exhibit here.
The theater is always alive during the week, with nearly every Broadway show offering weekday performances. From Aladdin to The Book of Mormon, there’s many options to choose from. Check out every show that’s playing on Broadway this week here.
Start off your New York City morning with a tasty martini, scrumptious stack of pancakes, and avocado toast! Brunch in NYC is now a food and drink staple in the city, and there are so many great places to try out. Grab a late morning/early afternoon reservation at one of these NYC brunch spots!
Looking for somewhere to dance out on the town this week? From Manhattan dancefloors to under-the-radar Brooklyn clubs, there’s so many spots for nightlife in NYC. Check out our favorite places to dance in New York City right now here.
Treat yourself to a lovely midweek dinner at one of NYC’s most tastiest restaurants! From pasta and Italian to the finest sushi around, there’s so many great dining spots to be discovered! Check out the best restaurants in NYC right now here.
One of the world’s busiest pedestrian areas, Times Square is a symbol of New York City’s vibrancy, bustling with activities around the clock. Once known as Longacre Square, it was renamed in 1904 after the headquarters of The New York Times was moved to the newly built Times Building, marking the beginning of its transformation into the iconic hub it is today.
It’s now known for its bright lights and iconic flashy billboards and draws millions of visitors each year to its stores, restaurants, and attractions. Alongside numerous businesses offering 24/7 services, Times Square is also the hub of the ‘Broadway Theatre District’ and a prime center of the world’s entertainment industry.
Background on Times Square
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the history of Times Square dates back to the early 20th century when it was commonly known as the ‘Longacre Square.’ In 1904, the headquarters of the famed newspaper New York Times was moved to the newly built ‘Times Building’, which is now known as ‘One Times Square,’ prompting a name change of the area to Times Square.
The iconic building is particularly famed for the event called the ‘Times Square Ball Drop’ that takes place on its roof every New Year’s Eve, a tradition that began in 1907. The event now attracts over a million visitors every year.
Where is Times Square and how do you get there?
Times Square is a vast area that sits at the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street in Midtown, Manhattan. Together with adjacent Duffy Square, it forms a five blocks-long plaza, stretching from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Getting to Times Square is convenient, thanks to NYC’s extensive public transportation system.
There are numerous subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, and W trains, all stopping at the Times Square-42nd Street station. Also, the Port Authority Bus Terminal offers several bus routes. While driving is an option, remember that parking is limited and traffic can be heavy.
What to expect when you visit Times Square
The first thing that’ll draw your attention at Times Square is the dazzling array of billboards and electronic displays. Key attractions include the Broadway theaters, where you can catch world-renowned musicals and shows. Exploring Broadway and Theatre District will give you a chance to learn about the interesting history of the area.
Street performers, vendors, costumed characters, and interactive attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum add to the lively atmosphere. It’s also a prime shopping destination, with flagship stores of Disney and M&M’s World being popular sites.
Times Square also hosts numerous public events such as the ‘New Year’s Eve Ball Drop’ and ‘Broadway on Broadway,’ an outdoor concert showcasing performances from current Broadway shows. The dynamic venue also hosts live primetime broadcasts, promotional events, and movie premieres.
Things to Do Around Times Square
Beyond the main attractions, Times Square and its surrounding neighborhood offer plenty to explore and experience. The Theater District, located just steps away, is home to legendary theaters like the Majestic and the Palace Theatre. Bryant Park, a short walk away, provides a peaceful retreat with seasonal activities such as ice skating in the winter and watching exciting outdoor movies in the summer.
The nearby Museum of Modern Art(MoMA) offers a rich collection of contemporary artworks.
You can opt for guided walking tours, bus tours, and boat cruising tours to explore the neighboring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial, the Rockefeller Center, and many more. Outdoor enthusiasts can also join a running tour or rent a pair of rollerblades to explore the area.
Observation desks at the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and others offer stunning panoramic views of the NYC skyline. Private walking tours and vintage car tours are also available to deliver delightful experiences.
Architecture enthusiasts can marvel at the Manhattan architecture by exploring Grand Central, the Chrysler Building, and the New York Public Library.After-dark low-light photography is another popular activity among shutterbugs to capture the neon magic at Times Square.
While the neighboring Fifth Avenue is a haven for shopaholics, the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual, cozy eateries to glitzy fine-dining establishments. Additionally, exploring the hidden gem bars and historic speakeasies around the Times Square area is always a fun experience!
FAQs
Is Times Square safe for tourists?
Times Square is a safe place, especially with a strong police presence. However, as with any major city square, it’s always wise to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
When is the best time to visit Times Square?
Times Square is vibrant year-round. Visiting in the evening allows you to experience the full effect of its dazzling lights and electric atmosphere.
Is there any entry fee for Times Square?
There is no fee to enter Times Square or the New Year’s Eve celebration area. However, certain areas like the observation desks, library, and museums require entry fees.
Times Square is more than just a tourist destination; it’s a symbol of New York City’s energy and diversity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a seasoned traveler, or a local enthusiast, the vibrancy and excitement of Times Square are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Coming in at #15 and #28 on the list is Los Tacos No.1, which has several locations around NYC (which is why we’re assuming it made the list twice, though it doesn’t specify locations).
The restaurant is the brain child of three close friends hailing from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, who decided to bring the authentic Mexican taco to the East Coast.
Each dish promises a “bit of true Mexican culture and flavor” with a menu consisting of an assortment of tacos, tostados, plates, quesadillas, and mulas. Their carne asada tacos are a huge hit, but vegetarians will also love their nopal tacos, or grilled cactus!
Some advice though: Yelpers mention there’s often a long line and you should expect to wait for 20 mintes or more.
Source / Los Tacos No. 1
Beyond Los Tacos No. 1, NYC also made the list as follows:
