chloedickensonLast Updated on 17th September 2026
This post about the best apps for New York City is written in partnership with Airalo; all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. Please see my disclaimer for more.
After many visits to New York City, I think I’ve finally perfected my roster of the best travel apps for NYC to make every trip as easy and convenient as possible.
From the best apps for booking accommodation and attractions to useful apps for navigating the city and making restaurant reservations to ensuring that you have the most reliable eSIM so you can access the internet and actually use your phone in the US, I’ve rounded up just some of the best apps for visiting New York City below!
If you’re looking for more NYC tips and advice, grab a copy of my Ultimate New York City Travel Guide ebook and join my FREE NYC Facebook Group for more inspiration!
The best apps for New York City
While I don’t think you absolutely need every single one of these travel apps for your trip to New York City, I do think it’s handy to make a note of all of them to see which ones might be required to make your visit to NYC as easy and convenient as possible!
My personal must-haves are 1, 4, 5, and 7!
1. Airalo
Best eSIM app for NYC
If there’s one app that I’ve used more than any other in this list of the best apps for NYC, it would have to be Airalo; a super handy and easy-to-use eSIM app that allows you to stay connected online, without the need to purchase a new physical SIM card.
I’ve used Airalo eSIMs in over a dozen countries so far, and it’s always my go-to eSIM provider when I’m in New York City. I love how quick and easy it is to install an Airalo eSIM, and I’ve never had any connectivity issues using the data provided by the eSIM. They also offer unlimited data which is fab as you never need to worry around running out!
Airalo really is one of the best apps for NYC travel as it allows you to use the internet (and access other apps such as Google Maps, GetYourGuide, and Booking.com) on your phone without incurring extortionate data roaming charges!
If you need more information about how eSIMs work and exactly why I think Airalo is the best eSIM provider, you can check out my helpful Airalo eSIM guide!
2. MPC (Mobile Passport Control)
Best app to download before flying to NYC
The MPC (Mobile Passport Control) app is a free app by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that allows certain eligible travellers to speed up their entry into the United States.
You simply download the MPC app and prepare your submission by inputting relevant data such as your port of entry (e.g. JFK Airport), who you’re travelling with, your name, date of birth, and passport information, as well as a selfie to verify your identity, and then you simply proceed to the MPC queues at passport control to finalise your entry into the United States.
The MPC app can only be used by eligible travellers, but it can dramatically reduce time spent at passport control once you enter the US, so it’s definitely worth downloading the app if you’re an eligible traveller (check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more information).
3. Booking.com
Best app for booking hotels in New York City
I’ve stayed in over 500 hotels in my time as a travel blogger for the last ten years, and my most-used website for booking hotels and accommodation is Booking.com.
While I often prefer to search for and book hotels directly on the Booking.com website, I have also used their mobile app for many years and I think it’s a super handy app to have on your device, especially when it comes to arriving in NYC and checking your hotel confirmation details.
4. Google Maps
Best NYC travel app for navigating the city
I have included another alternative navigation app for NYC below, but my personal favourite app for navigating my way around New York City is Google Maps. I use Google Maps for everything from walking and subway directions to finding the best restaurants and reading reviews to saving some of my favourite spots in the city to refer back to later.
I even have a dedicated NYC map with over 250 pinned locations across the city (which has also been used by over 1.7 million people!).
If you’d like to create your own Google MyMaps for NYC, check out my guide about how to plan your New York itinerary using Google Maps!
5. Monzo
Best New York travel app for payments
Monzo is actually an app that I’ve used every single day for the last 6+ years, regardless of whether I’m travelling or not as I use it as my every day banking app, but if you’re heading to NYC and you’re looking for a banking app with no foreign transaction fees, I would definitely recommend downloading Monzo!
It’s completely free to open a Monzo account and super easy to set up, and you can enjoy no extra fees or transaction costs, as well as free cash withdrawals up to £200 every 30 days. The app also displays your transactions in real time, with up-to-date exchange rates, so you can see exactly how much that $10 NYC bagel cost you in pounds as soon as you’ve paid for it!
6. GetYourGuide
Best NYC travel app for tours and attractions
GetYourGuide is one of my most-used travel apps for booking tickets to individual attractions in NYC.
While I do also use the Go City Pass (more on that below), I usually use GetYourGuide to purchase tickets for attractions that aren’t included in the New York Passes, such as Summit One Vanderbilt, the Museum of Ice Cream, and helicopter tours.
7. Go City
Best New York City app for attraction passes
I’ve used the Go City Pass in numerous cities around the world, including Prague, Singapore, Miami, and, of course, New York City.
It’s the best NYC app for tourists who want to save money on their trip to New York City as it allows you to visit multiple sights and attractions, all with one pass (depending on exactly which pass you opt for).
It’s super easy to use the app and once you’ve bought your pass, you can then use the app to show your entry tickets for various sights and attractions across the city.
I have an entire guide about how the Go City New York Pass works here and whether it’s actually worth it or not, depending on what you want to see and do!
8. The Official MTA App
Best app for New York City subway
The Official MTA App is one of the best apps in NYC as it allows you to check real-time arrivals and departures for subways and buses, receive updates on delays and planned service changes, and use maps to navigate your way around the city.
The app is completely free to download and use and it’s super handy for first-time visitors to NYC who need extra guidance navigating the New York subway system.
9. Citymapper
Best New York City travel app
Similarly to Google Maps and the MTA App, Citymapper is another useful NYC travel app that you might want to download as it’s super handy for navigating public transportation, including subways, buses, Citi Bike, PATH, commuter rail, and even ferry routes!
Personally, I prefer using Google Maps, but I know a lot of travellers enjoy Citymapper, so I’d suggest downloading both and having a play around to see which one you prefer.
10. NYC Ferry
Best app for NYC ferry
The NYC Ferry app is somewhat niche and not entirely necessary for your trip if you don’t plan to use the NYC Ferry system.
However, it is a great app to have if you are planning to take a ferry in NYC as the app allows you to check routes and timings and purchase tickets, so there’s no need for physical paper tickets.
11. OpenTable / Resy
Best New York apps for restaurant reservations
While it’s definitely not essential to pre-book most restaurants in NYC, there are a few establishments that require reservations, especially the more high-end and luxury restaurants, such as Carbone, Don Angie, Torrisi, and Una Pizza Napoletana, amongst others.
However, even if you don’t wish to dine at these popular restaurants, and just want to make sure you have all of your dinner reservations made in advance, OpenTable and Resy are the two most popular apps in NYC to make restaurant reservations.
12. Ticketmaster / TodayTix
Best New York travel apps for Broadway shows
I’ve used Ticketmaster many times to book tickets for shows like the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and tickets for Broadway shows like The Lion King, as well as various sports games.
TodayTix is very similar to Ticketmaster in that you can purchase tickets for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and live events in NYC, but it’s also the best app to use to sign up to same-day Rush and Lottery tickets for select Broadway shows.
13. SeatGeek
Best NYC app for concerts and sports tickets
Similarly to Ticketmaster and TodayTix, SeatGeek is another one of the best apps for New York City tourists looking to buy tickets for concerts, sports games, and various other live performances.
You’ll often find cheaper, last-minute tickets to concerts and sports fixtures, so if you miss out on initial tickets via Ticketmaster, for example, it’s usually worth checking for tickets on SeatGeek.
It’s also one of the best apps to use to sell tickets if you’re no longer able to attend an event that you already have tickets to!
14. Citi Bike
Best travel app for New York’s bike share system
Citi Bike is another app that I wouldn’t say is absolutely necessary to download before your trip to NYC, as it’s a dedicated bike sharing app, so unless you plan to cycle around parts of the city, you probably won’t need this app.
However, if you plan to cycle along the West Side Highway (a very popular cycling route in NYC) or through Central Park, for example, Citi Bike is the best app to use as there are more than 35,000 bikes and over 2,300 stations across the entirety of New York City!
It’s super quick, easy, and relatively affordable to use (with rides starting at $4.99 for 30 minutes), and you simply find a bike, unlock it using the Citi Bike (or Lyft) app, enjoy your ride, and then return the bike to any available docking station.
15. Uber
Best app for New York transportation
Uber is another app that I don’t personally use very often in NYC, simply because I’d much rather take the subway or walk where possible. However, it is a useful app to have downloaded before your trip, just in case you want to get a ride somewhere, so you don’t have to wait around for taxis.
I know many people also prefer to take an Uber from the airport into Manhattan, which I totally understand if it’s your first time in the city.
However, I do have an entire guide dedicated to the best ways to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan, without paying $100+ for an Uber or taxi!
Bonus: Facebook
Best for travel tips in my New York City Facebook Group!
I’ve included Facebook as a bonus entry in this guide to the best apps for New York City, as I personally believe that my New York City Tourist Tips, Advice & Inspiration Facebook Group is one of the most useful travel planning resources for your trip to NYC!
With over 360,000 members, my NYC Facebook Group is one of the biggest (and best!) online New York travel communities and it’s an absolute goldmine for useful tips and advice, not only from myself, but from so many other travellers sharing and seeking inspiration!
Conclusion – best apps for New York City
I really hope you found this guide to the best apps for New York City useful and I hope it’s shown you exactly which NYC travel apps are worth downloading before your trip!
P.S. Remember to use the discount code NYC2026 for 10% off Airalo eSIMs!
Do you have any other recommendations for the best NYC apps for tourists to add to this list? Let me know in the comments or in my New York Facebook Group!
