Getting into NYC Nightclubs

So you want to enjoy New York City's legendary nightlife filled with dancing, drinking, socializing, and a story to go home with? Well we got good news for you. You can make this desire a reality as long you follow some unwritten nightlife rules. Some of these tips may be obvious, all are simple, but they are also key to having a successful clubbing experience in the city that never sleeps. The first step to enjoying a NYC nightclub is to actually GET IN the club. There's more to this than you may initially think so be prepared to get turned down if you don't take these things into consideration.

• Get on the list
• Planning to party at a nightclub does not have to be last minute. If you plan ahead and get on the guest list, you have a lot better chance of getting in. Go on the desired club's website or a promoter's website and look to sign up. It's always a good idea to get on a few club's guest lists if you are unsure of where you may end up.
• Get in with promoters
• If you decide to get on the list of a nightclub promoter make sure you get their name and number so you can give them a heads up when you arrive. Promoters make their money by getting people in the club, so they want you there. All you have to do is let them know when you show up and you'll jump that long line.
• Book a table ahead of time
• If you are traveling with a group or meeting up with friends at the same club, booking a table in advance is a great idea. It is a lot more convenient and you'll be able to cut the line. Booking a table can be done through promoters or nightlife tour companies, just remember to name drop the promoter or company at the door.

So far these tips have been for planning at least a day or two in advance. What if it's the day of and you haven't done any of the above? You may not be totally out of luck, but realize that it will be a bit tougher to get in and will most likely require waiting. Even if you did plan ahead, there are still things you need to take into consideration for the night of. Here are some last minute tips

• Dress to impress
• What you wear not only reflects what kind of person YOU are, but also reflects the club's image. Some clubs are more lenient with dress, but you're better off overdressing. You could also check out pictures from the club's website to get a basic idea of what others are wearing. In general, women have an easier time getting in than men.
• Check out this site for an overview of what men should wear
• Click here for an overview for women.
  
• Arrive with women
• Bouncers will let women in first so you'll probably get in faster if you're with a group of them. If you're a social butterfly and you're flying solo, you might want to get to know some ladies while on line.
  
• Respect the bouncer
• If you annoy the bouncer, you won't get in anytime soon it's as simple as that.
• Asking stupid questions or being cocky won't help your chances but trying to be buddy buddy with the bouncer won't either. They aren't there to make friends, they're working
• Tipping the bouncer is risky. Many bouncers won't accept tips and plenty will take your money and simply not let you in any sooner. With that in mind, I suggest saving your money to spend on a drink for the cute girl inside.

There you have it. If you keep these things in mind and follow some of the advice offered, you should have no problem getting into a NYC nightclub. Once in, expect to pay a cover charge at the door, especially at popular clubs on the weekends.

Enjoy the clubbing experience in New York City and don't hesitate to add suggestions or ask questions about these tips.

If you want the ultimate nightlife experience, including two free drinks, line cutting, drink specials, and the opportunity to meet new people, book Uncle Sam's New York's Chelsea Nightclub Tour operating every Friday and Saturday night.

NYC Taxi Tips

It's nearly impossible to walk a few blocks in New York City and not see a yellow cab. There are over 10,000 taxis in New York City and while it may be one of the more expensive ways to travel, it is also the most convenient and most safe at night. Whether you're a tourist or a local, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while riding in a New York City Taxi. Everyone may know to refrain from smoking and to wear a seat belt, but some things may not be as obvious...

Finding a cab

• Hail a cab by standing at a street corner in the direction you want to be going in and stick your hand straight out. It may be harder to get a cab during peak hours so don't be discouraged when taxis zoom by you.
• Accept only yellow taxis with a TLC medallion on their hood. Taking other vehicles will cost you more money and aren't as safe.
• It is important to note that an empty cab will have its numbers on the top illuminated (pictured left below), while an occupied cab will not (pictured right below). Also keep a lookout to see if the "Off Duty" light is illuminated or not.
  

  

Taxi Fares

Initial fare.............$2.50

Each 1/5 mile (4 blocks).$0.40
Each 1 minute idle.......$0.40
Peak surcharge...........$1.00 (after 4pm until 8pm Mon-Fri)
Night surcharge..........$0.50 (after 8pm until 6am)
Tolls....................$extra
Additional riders........FREE

Rides outside NYC

• The above fares apply only to trips within NYC and to Newark Airport.
• Trips oustide these zones will result in separate flat rates, which can be negotiated with the driver but don't expect it to be cheap.

Tips

• Pay the amount on the meter and a tip even if it isn't technically mandatory
• You should tip your driver 10-20% depending on the quality of service

These are the basics for riding NYC taxi cabs. Follow these simple procedures and you'll have a safe, easy ride to wherever your destination may be. For more information check out New York City Taxi Tips and Hints

NYC Buses Tips

Using the bus system in New York is convenient and can be very efficient, but there are several things you must know before you take that first step on the bus. NY.com released a great guide that narrows down the important tips under 8 essential steps. We condensed them down to 3 so let's quickly run through these...

1. Find the RIGHT bus stop

• Bus stops are always on street corners and displays a bus emblem and route numbers.
• Most stops have a "Guide-A-Ride," a rectangular box that displays route maps and schedules.
• Bus routes are designated by a letter by a number and it is important to take note of the prefixes: "M" buses operate mainly in Manhattan, "B" buses in Brooklyn, "Bx" buses in Bronx, "Q" buses in Queens, "S" buses in Staten Island, "X" buses are Express buses.

2. Getting on the Bus

• Once the bus arrives at your stop wait for passengers to get off the bus BEFORE you start to get on. Most drivers will enforce this so don't get too pushy.
• All buses are "kneeling" making them wheelchair accessible.
• Pay the $2 fare as soon as you get on the bus with either change or your metro card. Bus drivers do not have change and will not accept bills or pennies.
• If you plan to transfer to an intersecting route, you must ask the driver for a free transfer ticket. Note that the ticket is only valid for one hour in a SINGLE direction.

3. Getting off the Bus

• Signal the driver to stop by pressing the tape strip located above the windows.
• When exiting from the rear door, you will see a green light indicating these doors can be opened and are sometimes automatic.

There you have it. If you follow these simple tips you will be able to ride the buses without any problems. If you have an ending address, check out HopStop.com for precise directions made quick and easy.

Please feel free to share any additional tips!

Greenwich Village Travel Tips – 2009 is a must experience year!

By Jared the tour guide Goldstein, Exclusively for Uncle Sam’s New York

2009 is an exciting year for Washington Square Park and its Greenwich Village neighborhood. The main part of Washington Square Park re-opened in late May after being closed for a couple of years for the park’s first renovation in decades. The 40^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising this June 2009. The 400^th Anniversary of Hudson exploring New Netherlands Dutch Party in September 2009. The 36^th Annual Halloween Parade.

After community oversight, some lawsuits, some lost trees, the newly re-opened and redesigned Washington Square Park enjoys increased access to the lovely grass, and pedestrian flow and seating abound in the new plan, which is sort of neo-proto-Vaux. The fountain has been centered behind the Washington Arch. Flowers in beds were abundant and lovely. The old seedy weed dealers were nowhere in sight, but there were plenty takers for chess playing partners just like in "Searching for Bobby Fischer".

The Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969 is the touchstone for the Gay Civil Rights movement. The Heritage of Pride Parade will start in Bryant Park at 2 PM on June 20, 2009 and end on Christopher and Greenwich Streets at 6 PM, followed on June 28, by a huge party on Pier 54, the pier which never saw the return of the Titanic. To learn more visit http://www.nycpride.org

NYC 400 Week is coming September 8–13, and the New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion, a gift from the Netherlands designed by Ben van Berkel, will be unveiled in Battery Park in late 2009. For more information, visit http://www.nycgo.com and search “NYC 400.” To experience Battery Park and environs, take the Alexander Hamilton Financial District Tour.The 36^th Village Halloween Parade is a must-experience for all adults, and anyone can march! This Halloween Year will be a haunted Saturday Night!! Don’t come to NYC without a costume, or expect huge lines with picked over selections and put-upon sales clerks who were raised as Marilyn Manson’s kids. Read more about the parade on our older blog post here! To join the parade or the party visit http://www.halloween-nyc.com. Make your Greenwich Village 2009 plans ASAP, and book the Edgar Allen Poe Greenwich Village Tour now. Get the lay of the land with an expert Uncle Sam’s NY Guide.

Battery Travel Tips

By Jared "the tour guide" Goldstein, exclusively for Uncle Sam’s New York

Many subways go the Battery, since it is in the Financial District; Manhattan also gets really narrow here, and the Battery is close to the Staten Island Ferry and Brooklyn. You can take:


4 & 5 to Bowling Green


R & W to Whitehall St / South Ferry


1 to South Ferry or


J, M, Z to Broad St.


You can take a cab to #1 Broadway, or the intersection of Broadway and Battery Place. There is so much to do in and around the Battery, and it is all within short walking distance to discount shopping, dining, drinking, small, affordable, very good museums that are not crowded, historic sites and churches, architecture, the Staten Island Ferry, the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island Ferry, and the NY Water Taxi.

Get the most from the Battery by experiencing the Alexander Hamilton Financial District Tour.

Click here to reserve your tour now!