If you’re a business traveler, you know just how meaningful your New York visit can be. New York is the center of the world when it comes to business and it’s 100% true that if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. But this city is also huge and crowded and scary, especially for first-time business visitors. If you want to have a smooth visit that will advance your career instead of just giving your anxiety, here’s a little NYC guide for business travelers:
Arrival
When arriving in NYC, you’ll have a choice of three airports—JKF, LaGuardia and Newark. JFK is the biggest one, but hard to navigate, especially with its notorious immigration lines. And you certainly don’t need to add more time to your already long and exhausting trip. When you pass through immigration, you’ll be facing a $60 Uber ride to Manhattan, but if you don’t want to spend any more unnecessary money, you can take the AirTrain to Howard Beach or Sutphin Boulevard Station for $7.50 and take a subway from there.
Your second airport option is LaGuardia, famous for delays and cancellations, therefore, not perfect for business travelers on a tight schedule. However, it’s only 18 km away from Times Square or just a $30 Uber ride. Similarly, we have Newark that’s also close to Manhattan (25 km) and also well-connected by public transport, but very boring.
Accommodation
Your accommodation choice should depend on your office location and your budget. Of course, no one expects New York to be short on hotels, and they mostly range from $50 to $500 a night. There are many budget options, but if your company is willing to pay for style and comfort, The Mark and The Mandarin Oriental New York are top of the class. But don’t feel like hotels are your only option, after all, you’re at the birthplace of Airbnb. New York has hundreds of Airbnb listings you can rent, which is especially practical if you’re staying for longer.
Learn how to get around the city
One of the fastest and cheapest ways to get around the urban jungle that’s New York is by bike. If you’re an experienced biker, you won’t find NYC more intimidating than any other city, but you will surely get everywhere on time and get some exercise in the process. Plus, it’s possible to find practical bike rentals anywhere from Brooklyn Bridge to Harlem so you can cross the entire Manhattan on two wheels. If you don’t want to bike, your safest bet is to choose the subway. New York subway is huge but easy to use, and very affordable. No matter where you’re going, you’ll pay a flat rate of US$2.75 with a Metrocard you can pick up at the airport or subway vending machines. Just load this puppy up and you can ride the subway as much as you like.
Remote work in NYC
If you need to do some remote work or catch up with your work after hours, there are plenty of options for business travelers. Those who need something very professional and a little more permanent can book a spot at a co-working space. For $20 and up, you can get a desk in a beautiful space and share your workday with other hungry entrepreneurs. You can also visit your nearest coffee shop because most have free internet and amazing coffee to keep you pushing forward. If you need a space for meetings, brainstorming or work and you can’t risk being interrupted, you can check out spots like Breather that rent rooms with desks, whiteboards and other necessary work gear.
Experience the city at night
If you spend your days at the office or working from your hotel room or co-working space, don’t worry—you’ll still get to experience New York in the little free time you have. Use your time after work to visit some of the most iconic spots like Broadway. Every night, you have various options of shows, all of them a unique experience. If you love a good laugh, you can catch a standup performance at one of the many comedy clubs. Giants of standup like Louis CK, Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock all started their careers right in New York. And if you just need to relax and enjoy a drink, hit one of New York’s 1500 bars and clubs (check COVID-19 regulations for all of these indoor events).
Where to book your business dinners
Most business deals are made over delicious food and drinks, so if you have some negotiation to do in NYC, make sure to take your partners or clients to a good restaurant. Downtown Balthazar and Midtown Blue Smoke’s Jazz Standard are great ideas for good food and entertainment, but if you’re ever in Queens, make sure to book Brooklyn Grange and enjoy the views of the Manhattan skyline.
If you follow this business travel guide, you’ll have a successful NYC adventure and maybe even strike a deal of a lifetime!
