NYC Parking Authority

Your Home for NYC Parking

NYC PA BANNER AD
  • Home
  • Neighborhoods
    • Chelsea Parking
    • East Village Parking
    • Greenwich Village Parking
    • Lower East Side Parking
    • NYC Financial District Parking Guide
    • SoHo Parking
    • Upper West Side Parking
    • Downtown NYC Parking Guide
    • Upper East Side Parking
    • Brooklyn Parking Guide
  • Venues & Attractions
    • Madison Square Garden
    • Barclays Center
    • Central Park
    • Metropolitan Museum of Art Parking Guide
    • One World Trade Center Parking Guide
    • Port Authority Parking Guide
    • Times Square Parking Guide
    • Rockefeller Center Parking Guide
    • Lincoln Center NYC Parking Guide
  • Monthly Parking
  • Airports
  • Hotels
  • Tips & Coupons
    • Parking Garages
    • Parking Tips
    • Parking Tickets
    • Parking Rules
    • NYC Parking Apps
    • NYC Parking Violations
    • NYC Parking Companies
    • Getting Around
    • NYE in NYC Overnight Parking Rates and Tips
    • Thanksgiving Day Parking Tips
    • Sledding in NYC and Where to Park
  • Blog
  • Contact

How Parking Valets in NYC Aren’t Typical

March 1, 2016 By

Valet parking is ideal for a number of occasions; whether you don’t have time to spend circling lots for a spot or you won’t be able to walk more than 20 feet in your heels. However, when it comes to valet parking – as with so many other things – New York City does things a bit differently.

tightly parked cars
Parking Attendants in NYC are masters at getting the most amount of cars in a lot or garage.

NYC Parking is About Garages

First of all, you’ll only find traditional valet parking – as in drop your car at the entrance to your destination – in the outer boroughs of the city. Don’t plan on finding any in Brooklyn or Manhattan (the exception being hotels – some will accommodate guests). It sounds inconvenient, but there are more than enough parking options in these areas that will get you as close as possible to where you’re going where valet parking isn’t necessary. New Yorkers seek out garages. Also, many shops and restaurants negotiate parking deals for patrons in local garages increasing the appeal.

The World’s Best Tetris Players

That being said, most paid parking options will actually include a valet taking your car. Whether in a garage or lot, parking attendants are true experts in fitting the most amount of cars in the least amount of space possible (seriously, check out some of the things they’re able to do behind-the-scenes in a garage if you can.) Of course, this takes a significant amount of headache out of your parking process, since you simply drop off the keys and pick them up, similar to traditional valets.

not every day nyc valet parking
Don’t expect the luxury feelings when everyday parking in NYC when it says “Valet Parking.”

Valet Parking Doesn’t Mean Luxury Parking

Keep in mind, these valets are parking attendants, as in they will only be parking your car. While traditional valets may be employed or contracted by the location they are in front of and tasked with providing you exceptional service, parking attendants in NYC are handling a heavy volume of parkers leaving their cars for a number of reasons.

They aren’t going to provide you with luxury service or bend over backwards to make sure you’re happy, but they will take good care of your car.

Some tips to keep in mind? Never leave valuables visible (a good idea no matter where you are in NYC) and tip as you would with any other valet.

Parked car image credit: Michelle Brown / Shutterstock.com

Filed Under: NYC Parking Tips

4 Essential NYC Parking Apps for 2016

February 24, 2016 By

Whether driving in for a day or exploring the Big Apple at a leisurely pace, apps hit the sweet spot for visitors. Take advantage of new to be released and current applications for an easier driving (and parking) experience.

Get the Low Down on These NYC Launches

  1. Slated for the end of 2016, all parking meters in the metro area will be able to be paid via a mobile payment app. 85,000 metered parking spots will be payable remotely through the app. It is currently being tested on approximately 200 parking meters in the Bronx. Information can be entered via the app. Extra bonuses include the fact that drivers who do not use all of the time for which they have paid for can receive a partial refund and the app notifies motorists prior to the meter expiration time.
  2. Even earlier than that, check into the web app, https://www.dotprs.nyc, for NYC DOT municipal garage reservations. Available starting January 27th at 10a.m., this Parking Reservation System (PRS) will allow motorists to make their reservations for the following month and requires a driver’s license check at the garage. This affords visitors that plan ahead a cheaper parking solution.

The Staple Mobile App for iPhone and Android

  1. SpotHero is a useful app for NYC drivers. SpotHero, a web and mobile app, can be downloaded on iPhone and Android, allowing users to book discounted parking, up to 50% off, in lots and garages from a phone or computer. Online reservations are required.

Remember to slow down when driving. Once getting out of parking spots, motorists are expected to adhere to 25 MPH speed limits on all NYC streets unless otherwise noted. Drive safe and have an amazing time in NYC.

Filed Under: NYC Parking Tips

Free NYC Parking Under Overpasses

February 18, 2016 By

parking under an overpass nycFinding free parking in NYC is a headache. You’re typically left choosing between an expensive garage or trying your hand at street-parking (and you thought you’d never need to parallel park again).

However, there are some ways to get around the expense and challenge of finding free parking – one is to find cover under one of NYC’s overpasses. Remember, no matter where you park in the city, always make sure to take any valuables or personal items with you.

It’s Free

Free street parking in NYC is like the Holy Grail – you won’t know if you’ll even be able to find it unless you set out on the quest. That being said, travelers to the city probably don’t want to see the sights by car, circling blocks endlessly. That’s why insiders like to look for parking under a bridge or highway overpass. It’s free, under cover, spaces are typically always available, they’re in high-traffic areas to alleviate safety concerns, and you won’t have to deal with parallel parking!

It’s Accessible

This parking used to be available all over the city, but savvy garages quickly caught onto the practice, so free spots in highly-populated areas like lower Manhattan might be hard to find. But upper Manhattan and the outer boroughs are full of options easily accessible by public transit. Parking under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Brooklyn is possible in both the downtown area and in the hot spots of Williamsburg and Greenpoint. Bonus? Outer boroughs often have far less traffic than you’ll find in Manhattan and are just a quick subway ride away.

Don’t Forget Alternate Side Parking

If you don’t park in a garage in NYC, you’ll have to deal with Alternate Side Parking. Each area will have signs that indicate what days of the week cars must be removed for street cleaning, and any overpass parking will also be subject to this. Make sure you know when you have to move your car by, and when you can bring it back – you’ll usually have a 2-hour window where you’ll be subject to tickets or towing if you don’t move your car.

Places to Look for Free Parking in NYC

70 Lewis St. (Manhattan) – Though not technically under cover, these back-in spots put you right in lower Manhattan.

free parking nyc lewis st
Park for free north or south of Lewis Street under the Williamsburg Bridge.

242 Nagle Ave. (Manhattan) – Also not technically under the overpass, but no parallel parking needed!

free parking nagle ave
You can find free parking here just five minutes from the subway.

Broadway and 129th (Harlem) – Take advantage of the Metro-North trains that travel briefly above-ground in Harlem.

free parking harlem
Park for free under the bridge here in Harlem, just steps north of the subway

(Brooklyn) – Most of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) between Downtown Brooklyn and Greenpoint is overhead, with plenty of parking underneath, and this spot is close to DUMBO, Ft. Greene, and Clinton Hill.

free parking brooklyn bqe
This long row of free parking along Park Ave. also follows a bus line.

Metropolitan Ave. & Union Ave. (Brooklyn) – Literally in the heart of Williamsburg, you won’t actually want to go anywhere else.

free parking met union
Check along Meeker Ave. in this area for parking under the BQE

Meeker Ave. & Kingsland Ave. (Brooklyn) – Midtown is a quick hop over the river via train, ferry, or the bridge.

free parking meeker kings
Find more free parking along Meeker Ave

See any we missed or have trouble at these spots? Help others and let us know.

 

Filed Under: NYC Parking Tips

Alternate Side Parking in NYC: What you Need to Know

February 5, 2016 By

Visitors driving into NYC should be well aware of Alternate Side Parking (ASP) regulations. No driver needs the hassle and expense of a parking ticket- they are not getting cheaper- or have to retrieve a car that has been towed. Alternate Side Parking regulations were put into effect to allow for street cleaning but inadvertently catches visitors and New Yorkers unaware and adds money to the city’s coffers.

Know everything about ASP to comply with the regulations.

How do you know what parking sign applies to ASP?

A sign with the letter “P” that include a broom running through it, denote an ASP sign and specific times for street cleaning. See below for a picture of the ASP sign. Follow posted signs when in doubt of a suspension due to construction, weather, emergencies or a holiday.

nyc-alternate-parking-sign
Alternate parking signs in NYC feature a broom and times parking is prohibited. Photo credit: Jon Sobel on Flickr

How do you know when ASP will be suspended for emergencies and weather-related conditions?

You can’t just check the calendar and the city does not have a magic eight ball for weather. As a visitor, you can stay abreast by checking the news on local television and radio channels as these outlets cover alternate parking rules suspensions. For the tech-savvy, consider downloading the 311 Mobile App for automatic updates impacting ASP status.

Did you know that there are unusual periods when ASP is not in effect?

February 8th, is the next date that ASP will be suspended. Keep your cars where you like without worrying about a specific time or date. Why February 8th? It’s the Asian Lunar New Year. During many holidays, not always well-known, the ASP will suspend the regulations. Do not disregard other parking regulations and metered parking. Such rules remain in effect on most non-major legal holidays. Get the breakdown and printout the calendar for ASP suspensions in 2016. Keep your car where it is for observances for the Solemnity of Ascension and Eid al-Adha.

Can you ever ignore the ASP regulations?

Yes. ASP is not applied on Sundays. Visitors need not follow the ASP sign on this day or have to pay the meter. Other parking signs for other regulations may still be in effect. Be aware of signs that specifically include Sundays or are in effect every day of the week.

Is there a map for Alternate Side Parking?

Yes. The city maintains a map of all parking regulations at http://www.nycdot.info/. There is also this user-friendly map maintained by NYCparklife.com to see if alternate street parking rules are in effect in your neighborhood.

NYC is an exciting place to explore but can be confusing for first time visitors. Common misconceptions include that when ASP is suspended, so are No Standing Anytime and other no-parking zone regulations. Enjoy your stay and avoid such mistakes.

Filed Under: NYC Parking Tips

Sledding in NYC and Where to Park

January 22, 2016 By

When New York City is awash in snow, many kids – and kids at heart – set out to the nearest sled hill.

nyc sledding

The Department of Parks and Recreation provides a comprehensive list of sled hills in NYC to help you find that perfect spot.

If you decide to drive to your sledding adventure, you can save precious time by booking a parking spot in advance.

Here are some of the NYC favorites where sledders can find convenient nearby parking on SpotHero. Look out below!

Manhattan
Central Park – Pilgrim Hill – iconic Central Park sledding
Central Park – Cedar Hill – tamer altenative to Pilgrim Hill
Morningside Park – Southend Hill, Northend Hill
Inwood Hill Park – Scenic sledding near the Hudson River
Riverside Park – Intense tree-lined sledding, not for the faint of heart

Brooklyn
Prospect Park Sled Hill

Filed Under: NYC Parking Tips

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

NYC Neighborhood Parking

  • Chelsea Parking
  • East Village Parking
  • Greenwich Village Parking
  • Lower East Side Parking
  • SoHo Parking
  • Upper West Side Parking Secrets
  • Upper East Side Parking
How to Find NYC Parking Coupons Online

How to Find NYC Parking Coupons Online

NYC parking coupons are a popular solution to high parking prices in New York. Several parking companies offer coupons, and in this guide you'll learn how to find them. Or: skip the trouble, and use an online parking reservation company like SpotHero to get affordable … find NYC parking coupons >

NYC Neighborhood Parking

  • Chelsea Parking
  • East Village Parking
  • Greenwich Village Parking
  • Lower East Side Parking
  • SoHo Parking
  • Upper West Side Parking Secrets
  • Upper East Side Parking

Search for NYC Parking

Copyright © 2023 · Enterprise Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in