The 7 Apps You Need to Have While Living in NYC

by Taylor Majewski
October 14, 2015

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A young, tech-savvy population short on patience but big on smartphones has generated a wealth of software geared towards irascible New Yorkers. Apps of the moment are increasingly mitigating the everyday hurdles of urban living, allowing city dwellers to easily navigate the city’s nexus of subway routes or quickly order a late night food delivery. While residing in one of the largest cities in the world is assuredly hectic, these apps make day-to-day life in New York a little bit simpler.

1. Embark NYC Subway

The Embark NYC Subway app allows users to find out where their train is and when it will arrive. The platform also functions as a trip planner that sends schedule updates based on service changes. Additionally, the app works without a cellphone signal, which is helpful in the depths of the city’s ill-connected metro system. If Embark isn’t for you, you can also use Apple’s iOs 9’s mass transit directions, which acquired and uses much of the beloved HopStop app’s technology. RIP HopStop.

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2. Fever

Fever is an event discovery app that helps locals and tourists find things to do and see. Tailored to the user’s interests (i.e. food, music, art, etc.), the app provides a curated list of New York events happening today, tomorrow and within the upcoming week. The app also features weekly lists of the best concerts, exhibitions, parties, comedy shows, restaurants, tours, attractions, nightlife and places to visit in the city.

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3. Citi Bike App

The Citi Bike App works in conjunction with New York’s city-wide bike sharing program. During the muggy summer months where biking is permissible, the app functions as a catalyst to get you riding. Based on the user’s location, the app showcases a map of nearby Citi Bike stations and directions on how to get to them. The app also lists the number of bikes available at each station as they are checked in and out, as well as the number of empty spaces where riders can drop their bikes.

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4. Seamless

New York is infamously known as the city that never sleeps. And with no sleep comes late night eating, which is where Seamless comes in handy. The app allows users to order food directly from your smartphone, upholding the ultimate convenience in the realm of online food ordering.

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5. Arro

While Uber currently stands as the predominant app to use for ride-sharing services, the iconic New York yellow cab is making a comeback. CMT recently partnered with Arro, a ride-hailing app that syncs cabs using CMT technology to the app’s users. While Uber is often less expensive than a traditional taxi, Arro does not include surge pricing in its platform. With Uber’s frequent and high surge charges throughout the city, especially during rush hour, Arro is a necessity for getting around. The only downside? Arro takes the rush out of spontaneous street hails New Yorkers are known for.

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6. Happy

Happy allows users to drink for cheap at any time with participating bars. Based on your location preferences, the app features an interactive map of happy hours happening at the moment or in the future. And whether you’re craving craft beer, margaritas or a glass of wine, you can sift through the restaurant's different deals and time frames. The app also allows you to view bar profiles, which offer an overview of their “vibes,” regular happy hour times, and hours of operation.

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7. OpenTable

You can book dining reservations with a few clicks using OpenTable. The app allows you to choose from various cuisines, price ranges, times and locations, as well as invite friends to eat with you. The app also rewards you for eating out. When you honor a reservation made through the app, you accumulate Dining Points, which you can then redeem for a Dining Reward. The app also provides profiles of restaurants, complete with user reviews, payment options and dress code.

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Related: 5 startups to help you navigate New York's food scene

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