Travel has been paused for many Americans for much of 2020 due to COVID-19, but as cities are reopening and people are venturing out for the first time in months, it’s important for us to support our local businesses. If you’re like me and live near a large city, but rarely visit because of crowds of tourists, now is a perfect time to explore your city.
Living just outside of Washington, DC, I can count the number of times I’ve visited a museum or just explored. My general rule is that “stuff” is for tourists and I save it for when friends or family visit. But if you’re up for exploring your city, these free apps will save you from getting lost, help you find a toilet, and the best non-chain cup of coffee.
*Note that not all app recommendations below are as useful in this COVID-19 time, but when cities fully re-open and you’re able to enjoy live performances and other group events, all of these apps will help you AND your city get back on its feet.
City Mapper
Using public transportation is second nature to me because my commute to work involves a bus and a train. But navigating a new city’s public transportation system can be daunting. City Mapper to the rescue!
The City Mapper app will tell you which part of the train is the least busy, where to enter and exit each train station, and how many stops to your exit. Bonus, if you lose cell service, your phone will vibrate telling you to get off the train.
Walking is almost never the fastest way to your destination, but the City Mapper app always makes me giggle when it tells me that I’ll burn .38 of a cupcake or .11 of a ramen burger. As if I needed more incentive to eat another cupcake or burger? Bonus, City Mapper works in several US cities and internationally as well.
TodayTix
It really is hard for me to pick my favorite thing visiting a new city, but the theatre is right near the top. I was told by a friend that the best way to score cheap Broadway tickets was to spend time in line at TKTS in Times Square. Ummm, no. That line was so long and spending any of my limited time in line felt wasteful. I had seen an ad for TodayTix on the subway so I downloaded the app and found a show at a time and price that worked for me. And picking up tickets is as easy as finding the person outside the theatre in a TodayTix shirt/jacket. The app works in several major cities as well as internationally.
Caviar
Calories don’t count on weekends, am I right? ? My favorite way to explore a city is to eat my way through all the streets. Instagram is my research tool of choice, but just walking around, you’ll discover so many options for delicious food. But sometimes, plans change; the weather turns nasty or you had to wear chic shoes and ended up tearing up your heels. But you had your mind set on a restaurant, what are you to do?
You likely have food apps on your phone and most likely, they’ll work in most cities you visit. On the off chance that you don’t have a food app on your phone, I suggest Caviar. Caviar has access to many of the “it” restaurants in the city and while you’ll miss the Instagram pic (if there’s no pic, did you really visit?), sometimes ordering in is better than waiting in line.
SitOrSquat
I can spend hours wandering city streets staring into storefront windows and marveling at homes I’ll never be able to afford. But I don’t know about you, after a cup of coffee or two, I typically end up needing to use a toilet. I see your side-eye skepticism. Why not go back to your hotel or pop into the closest Starbucks or McDonalds, you ask.
As a frequent city traveler (city lights over starry nights for me), I give you my word in saying that neither of those are reliable options. Yes, Starbucks is everywhere and samesies for McDonald’s, but if there isn’t a lock on the door, turn around. Heck, even if there is a lock, you might be better off looking somewhere else. SitorSquat is the app you never thought you’d need but will thank me for later. Free and easy to use, SitOrSquat will help you find a public restroom in many national and international cities.
Fever and AirBnB Experiences
After visiting all the big name tourist traps, I really like to explore off the beaten bath things. And the Fever app definitely delivers on unique experiences. Did you know that NYC has catacombs? Me, neither! Other interesting options are scavenger hunts, wine tastings, amongst others.
Similar to Fever is AirBnB Experiences. I booked a hatmaking experience in Paris in 2019 with Marie Marquet. Best. Experience. Ever! Both apps can be used both nationally and internationally.
Bonus City App: Cups
If you love coffee and shopping from small businesses, the key to discovering independent cafes is with the app, Cups. Yes, there is a Starbucks on nearly every corner in NYC, but with the Cups app, you’ll find coffee shops that offer food, restrooms for customers, and free wifi. Plus, the app offers discounts of 15% on any size of any coffee drink (to stay or to go) at participating shops.
Do you have a favorite app for exploring a city? Share with me in the comments.
*Originally posted on May 20, 2018, at Kate & Moose, and revised in 2020.
