​A Key Thing About NYC I Wish More Visitors Understood

Subway options around Times Square (from MTA map)

As a tour guide specializing in private, customizable tours of Brooklyn neighborhoods (plus a few in Queens and Manhattan), I meet many visitors who've already been to New York City--well, mostly Manhattan--multiple times.

But some don’t fully grasp a question in my client questionnaire: “On the day of the tour, where (address, or cross streets, or hotel) will you be leaving from, if you know?”

Despite an addendum urging them to be as specific as possible (though I don't want their apartment number!), I still get responses like “Midtown,” “Times Square,” or “Upper East Side.”

Then I ask them to be more specific. After all, given the multiple subway lines and transit options, only a specific location can help me estimate travel time and offer the best advice on where to meet me.

Where's "Times Square"?

For example, I often meet visitors near the York Street stop on the F train in DUMBO. If they’re in “Times Square” east of Seventh Avenue, I’ll advise them to get the F train along Sixth Avenue at either 42nd Street or 47-50th Street, depending on their specific location. (Yes, I know we locals would take the D or the B express if it comes first, then switch at West Fourth Street.)

But if they’re west of Seventh Avenue, I’ll advise taking the A, C, or E train along Eighth Avenue to West Fourth Street and then transferring downstairs to the F. See the screenshot at right, from this map.

Some clients, trying to be cooperative, say, “I’ll meet you wherever you want in Brooklyn” or “I’ll just Uber to meet you.”

I appreciate the sentiment, but I'd still like specifics! First, I’d like to be able to estimate their travel time, so I can better anticipate our meeting time.

More importantly, if I know where they’re starting, I might adjust the meeting spot, or the tour route, to take advantage of their travel options, whether by subway, bus, taxi/Uber, or even ferry.

I aim to help visitors make the most of their experience, and justify the premium paid for personal service. To do that, I need more information.

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