How do I get around NYC?

Well, what you don't want to do is take a friggin' taxi! Unless you're hammered (as in drunk), lost, stranded in the piss poor rain, carrying a buttload of bags or very late for an important date, a taxi is not the preferred method of transportation in New York City, at least not for us regular folk. No siree bob!

So how do you get around? If you're smart, and it's not practical to walk to your destination, you take public transportation. That means the bus or subway, but really means the subway. Why? Because unlike a bus that is slow as ass and falls victim to traffic, the subway runs, you guessed it - underground. It also runs often, like every few minutes for most lines, so if you miss a train, you just wait for the next one. Hence, you don't have to concern yourself with schedules (outside of weekday/weekend and holiday).

Taking the subway is not only the preferred method of travel for us locals (outside of walking), it's the most economical - yep, even for tourists! Paying per ride can add up, so what you want to do, even if you're traveling one time, is purchase yourself a MetroCard. Lets say you're going from your hotel to the Museum of Sex and then coming right back afterwards. Instead of buying one ride for $2.50 a pop each way, select MetroCard and enter $4.50 as the amount. Hey, it's not a lot, but this will save you .50 cents every time you do this (pay per rides are $2.50 each). But it doesn't end there folks... ready for some real savings?

You can also buy an "Unlimited" ride MetroCard. These bad-boys come as 7-Day, 7-Day Express Bus Plus, and 30-Day Unlimited Ride varieties. What does that mean? It means, Nitz, that if you're staying in NYC for a week, you can buy a 7-Day pass that will allow you to use local bus and subways as much as you want for a flat fee! Dig it? You buy the card and ride as often as you need. Here's the current breakdown..

Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard (instead of $2.50 single ride)

Buy as many rides as you want from $4.50 to $80*. Put $10 or more on your card and receive a 7 percent bonus. For example, a $20 purchase gives you $21.40 on your card. Refill your card to use the balance. You get an automatic free transfer between subway and bus, or between buses.

7-Day Unlimited Pass
Cost: $29, reduced fare $14.50
Good for unlimited subway and local bus rides until midnight, 7 days from day of first use. 
  Where to Buy

7-Day Express Bus Plus MetroCard
Cost: $50, no reduced fare
Good for unlimited express bus, local bus, and subway rides until midnight, 7 days from first use. This card is protected against loss of theft when purchased at a vending machine with a creditor debit/ATM card. 
  Where to Buy 

30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard
Cost: $104, reduced fare $52
Good for unlimited subway and local bus rides until midnight, 30 days from day of first use. This card is protected against loss of theft when purchased at a vending machine with a creditor debit/ATM card. 
  Where to Buy 

You can download the New York City subway map here!

And, when it comes to short trips, consider walking! It's not just how many of us locals get from point A to point B, it's also a great way to explore our city! Just make sure you bring some comfy shoes and sneakers.

Remember, taxi cabs should be avoided or at the very least, treated as a luxury. that you don't need - just like that third slice of pizza!

***FARE INCREASES WILL BE TAKING AFFECT IN MARCH 2013!!***