Apps to use in New York City

When I remember about my first international trips – Buenos Aires and Europe (London and Paris) – and I realize that we had no smartphones, I get surprise. With easy internet access in mobile phones and the launch of several apps, it’s easy to travel, right? Google Maps, Foursquare and other apps show that there is always an app  to  make our trip easier. I’ve written three posts on the blog talking about apps – you can check out the first one here, second here and the third – only about Uber and other apps – here. And as technology always helps, today I bring more suggestions of apps to use here in New York.

LookBooker – Occasionally, someone asks me about hair salons in New York. LookBooker is an app that was recently launched in the city and brings together a lot of salons of the city – more than 10 thousand. You can filter by service – blowout, nails, haircut – and neighborhood. You also check price menu and ratings as well. The coolest thing is that you can book your appointment through the app – and can also pay through the app, with your credit card. I’ve used the app to book an appointment for haircut – I chose Davida Salon in the Upper East Side. The haircut was $ 35, but with the discount coupon was $ 25 + tax + tip. Yes, you have to tip – and most places prefer that you do it in cash. Use my code to get $10 OFF www.lookbooker.co/r/laura765

GoldStar – New York has many attractions and GoldStar app is great to find special discounts on some of them. Particularly, I think the app is better than the website. It has Broadway plays, concerts, plays, exhibitions – all with special discounts. You can do a search in the app before your trip and see what’s going on. You can also buy the tickets through the app. In addition, the app also shows Groupon deals!

NYC Subway – I love this app! In addition to the map showing all lines and stations – that is the part that I most use – the app also has Service Status, which shows if there is any problem in any line, delays, etc. Obviously, for this specific functionality, you need to be connected to the internet. But the map and Route Planner – that allows you to trace a route and tells you which line to use – works offline.

àtoi – I found about this app very recently and it is simple but amazing! àtoi is an app that shows the Sample Sales calendar in the city. If you do not know what’s Sample Sale, just click here and check out this post where I explained everything about it. Basically, Sample Sales are sales with prices much more affordable than traditional sales in shops here. There are always some Sample Sale happening in the city and the best part of this app is that it brings together all the information, such as brand, date, location, etc. Remember that Sample Sales dates information always come from one week to another, with usually a calendar for one month. If your trip is just in some months, check before come – or even during your stay here – to see if there are any Sample Sale that interests you.

MTA Bus Time – I know many people who come here don’t use the bus system – but be aware that they are a great alternative in some cases, such as crossing from west to east or even replace the subway route, having the chance to see the city from above. The MTA Bus Time uses GPS to track the location of buses in real time. So you get to know the time the bus will arrive at the stop.

Time Out – Discover your city – is one of the best New York entertainment websites. It has an intense schedule, which tells several things that are happening in the city, as well as reviews of plays and restaurants. The app could not be different. With categories like “top things this week”, “recently announced concerts” and “restaurants reservations”, is a great tool to stay on top of what’s happening in the city!