Electric Zoo Hyperspace is just a few sleeps away! As we prepare all our intergalactic spaceports for arrival, we want to prepare you for a weekend in the most fantastic city on earth, New York! Summer in the Big Apple is unique, and we want to ensure you make the most of it. 

When you aren’t riding the rails, shuffling your heart out, and exploring the newly expanded festival grounds, we suggest you check out some of the best The City offers. From an authentic New York slice to cap off your night to the best brunch spots to recharge before you do it all over again, this is your complete guide to New York by New Yorkers. We’re also dropping some tips on how to get around outside the festival and the quickest ways to get to all the official afterparties.

New York Pizza is the Best Pizza

Everyone knows that New York has the best pizza. This is not debatable. But with so many joints around town, it may be hard to get the picture-perfect cheese pull. In Manhattan, John’s of Bleecker is the spot. They don’t serve by the slice, so bring some friends, share a pie, or pick from the menu of other Italian favorites. 

We also love world-famous Roberta’s (in Brooklyn and Manhattan) for a whole pie. If you’re taking the Brooklyn shuttle to EZoo and are in Williamsburg, slide over to Best Pizza for a slice straight out of the century-old brick oven. And if it’s a quick slice you’re after, Joe’s Pizza (the original was featured in Spider-Man) has six locations all over Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Brunch is the Best Meal of the Day

It’s unlikely you’ll get up early for a proper breakfast, but it’s no biggie since brunch brings the best of two meals together with mimosas. Westlight, located at the William Vale Hotel, is just a hop away from the Brooklyn Shuttle drop-off. Beyond its spectacular 360-degree views of Manhattan, the food, cocktails, wine, and craft beers are top-drawer.

If you’re staying in Manhattan, head to Barn Joo Nomad in Midtown. The Korean Gastropub has an extensive menu of small bites, family-style dishes, and delicious seafood. Regardless of your diet, Barn Joo has something for you: vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free options a-plenty. It’s a great spot when dining with a mixed crew.

Getting Around Town

New York streets are busy, especially on a holiday weekend. Ubers are always around but can get pricey—keep your phone charged for easy pickup. You can hop in an iconic Yellow Cab if one is available. However, your best bet is to take advantage of the subway when you can. It’s the easiest way to avoid traffic and an unmatched New York experience. Here’s a list of the closest stations to our epic afterparty locations:

• Avant Gardner/Brooklyn Mirage: Jefferson Street, Morgan (both on the L train)
• Superior Ingredients: Nassau Avenue (G train), Bedford Avenue (L train)
• Musica NYC: 50 Street (1 train)
• Marquee: 23rd Street and 8th Avenue Station (C and E train), 34th Street Hudson Yards (7 train)
• Nebula: 191st Street (1 train)
• Elsewhere: Jefferson Street, Morgan (both on the L train)
• Somewhere Nowhere: 23rd Street (F train)

A True New Yorker’s Says

• Times Square, while iconic, should be avoided at all costs.
• Keep an eye (and a hand) on your valuables.
• Walk in groups, and never leave a friend behind. 
• Looking for a cheap breakfast? Grab a bagel or a bacon, egg, and cheese. You won’t be disappointed.
•  Wear comfortable shoes. No matter where you go, if someone says something is a short walk away, it’s always slightly further than you think.

Decompressing Post-festie

After a weekend of stomping the festival, there’s nothing like a relaxing spa day. If you’re staying in Manhattan, check out AIRE Ancient Baths. Detox, refresh, and revitalize your mind, body, and spirit in a series of meditative baths and massages for singles and couples. AIRE is in a gorgeously appointed building and is a bit indulgent but well worth it.

If you’re in Brooklyn, Bathhouse is an oasis for massages, scrubs, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. Plus, they offer affordable day passes that allow you to taste a little of every amenity.