As city dwellers, New Yorkers generally care about five things – their neighborhood streets (and the cost of their rent or mortgage), the quickest way to get from A to B using mass transit, upcoming must-see special events, art openings and food.

They're also highly engaged with the cultural history of the city, and eager to define and safeguard what makes New York, well, New York. The websites that meet these needs are sure to win followers.

The decision to write about New York from the perspective of a modern-day flâneur (or in my case, flâneuse) has allowed me to incorporate the cultural and literary history of New York in my strolls along the streets.

When I moved to the city a few years ago, I brought with me an academic spouse, two dogs, a Texas accent, and a graduate degree in American Studies, all of which are critical to my well-being.

BACKGROUND

• Six hours in Zurich

• The Dolder Grand, Zurich

• Four great rail journeys across Europe

The bloggers' travel guide to... Singapore

One of the six finalists in The Bloggers' Guide search for the best worldwide travel blogger on his home town

The bloggers' travel guide to... Marrakesh

One of the six finalists in The Bloggers' Guide search for the best worldwide travel blogger on her home town

• Tangier: the complete guide

The bloggers' travel guide to... Barcelona

One of the six finalists in The Bloggers' Guide search for the best worldwide travel blogger on his home town

The bloggers' guide to... Lima

One of the six finalists in The Bloggers' Guide search for the best worldwide travel blogger on his home town

While working on the degree, I had studied modern urban architecture, 20th century literature, and the history of photography, disciplines that I've put to use in Walking Off the Big Apple. The blog, beyond the practical matters, often drifts off into musings about how cultural artifacts shape our understanding and meaning of the city.

My Top 5 useful New York websites

New York Songlines

A masterful project of the streets, Songlines charts the city block by block, with commentary on the history of notable places as well as their current configurations. Begin with any street, let's say Barrow Street, in the Village, and learn about fascinating locations even before stepping out the door. As a virtual walking tour, the site has few peers. It's author, Jim Naureckas, is busy enhancing the site with photographs and additional commentary.

MTA Trip Planner

While my preferred form of transportation is my own two feet, getting around efficiently in New York means the subway. I like using the planner on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's own website for its straightforward simplicity. While other sites offer these sort of directions, the MTA knows best if the actual trains are running on schedule. Check for service advisories on the site.

NewYorkology

The comprehensive NewYorkology provides daily updates for events in the city, and their similarly-named sections - Arrivology, Drinkology, Foodology, etc. function as a complete visitor's guide to the city. Their hotel listings include current discounts and special packages. I like to browse their well-edited list of New York "new" links, although those less familiar with the city would be advised to read the Basic NYC Guide.

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