I tried using GPT-o1 as a travel buddy. Here’s how it went down.
During my latest visit to the Big Apple, I gave GPT-o1 a try at being my local guide. Here’s what worked and what didn’t work, based on my experience.
Brainstorming interesting and spontaneous adventures within specific guidelines and requirements was pretty good.
Prompt: I’m leaving times square area and flying from LGA tonight at 7pm. I have TSA precheck. I’m having lunch in koreatown Manhatten. I’m looking for something interesting and offbeat to do in the time between lunch and leaving LGA, using the subway
ChatGPT
Thought for 15 seconds
Given your location in Koreatown after lunch and your need to be at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) by around 5 p.m. for your 7 p.m. flight (accounting for travel time and TSA PreCheck), you have a window of approximately 2–3 hours for an interesting and offbeat adventure accessible by subway.
Suggestion: Explore Roosevelt Island via the Roosevelt Island Tramway
Why Roosevelt Island?
Unique Experience: The Roosevelt Island Tramway offers panoramic views of Manhattan and the East River, providing a memorable and offbeat experience that’s different from typical tourist spots.
Accessibility: It’s easily reachable from Midtown Manhattan and positions you closer to Queens, making your subsequent journey to LGA more convenient.
Attractions on the Island:
Four Freedoms Park: A serene park dedicated to FDR with stunning views of Manhattan.
Smallpox Hospital Ruins: Explore the eerie and historic remnants of the Renwick Smallpox Hospital.
Lighthouse Park: A quaint spot at the northern tip of the island.
Itinerary and Directions:
Head to the Roosevelt Island Tramway Station:
From Koreatown, walk or take the M or F subway from 34th Street–Herald Square to Lexington Ave/63rd Street.
The tram station is located at E 59th Street & 2nd Avenue.
Ride the Tramway:
Purchase a MetroCard swipe ($2.75), the same fare as the subway.
Enjoy the approximately 4-minute ride with spectacular views.
Explore Roosevelt Island:
Time Allocation: Spend about 1.5 to 2 hours strolling and visiting the sights.
Lunch Option: If you haven’t had lunch yet, consider dining at one of the local eateries like Piccolo Trattoria or Nisi Kitchen.
Proceed to LaGuardia Airport:
Option 1: Public Transit
Take the Q102 bus from Roosevelt Island to Astoria Blvd, then transfer to the M60-SBS bus directly to LGA terminals.
Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Option 2: Taxi/Ride-Sharing
For a quicker and more direct route, consider a taxi or ride-sharing service from Roosevelt Island to LGA.
Estimated Travel Time: Around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Alternative Option: Visit the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens
If you’re interested in film, television, and digital media:
Directions:
From Koreatown, take the N or W subway from 34th Street–Herald Square to 36th Avenue Station in Queens.
Walk a few minutes to 36–01 35th Ave.
Highlights:
Interactive exhibits, classic film artifacts, and behind-the-scenes looks at production.
After Your Visit:
From the museum, you’re closer to LGA. You can take a taxi or the Q101 bus to Astoria Blvd and then the M60-SBS bus to LGA.
Final Tips:
Luggage Storage: If you have luggage, consider using a luggage storage service near Koreatown or your point of interest.
Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock to ensure you leave ample time to reach LGA, considering NYC traffic can be unpredictable.
Check Schedules: Verify the operating hours of any places you plan to visit and the schedules of public transit.
Enjoy your offbeat NYC adventure before your flight!
This actually worked really well for my needs, even though Roosevelt Island didn’t particularly interest me (I’ve been there before, it’s great, check it out for yourself sometime). Its mention of museum exhibits reminded me that I wanted to visit the Banksy Museum, which is what I ended up doing (it was fantastic).
I think this is a great use case for this type of chat — to get your brain going and help you think things through.
Simple and direct directions were great.
Prompt: I’m in times square at 50th Street and I need to meet my friend next to Penn station. What’s the best route?
ChatGPT
Thought for 11 seconds
From Times Square at 50th Street to Penn Station, you can take a quick subway ride or walk, depending on your preference:
Option 1: Subway (Fastest)
1. Head to the 50th Street Subway Station (near Broadway).
2. Take the 1 train downtown (towards South Ferry).
3. Get off at 34th Street–Penn Station (2 stops).
4. Exit the subway, and you'll be right at Penn Station.
This subway ride takes about 5 minutes.
Option 2: Walking (if the weather is nice and you prefer)
Walk down 7th Avenue from 50th Street to 34th Street.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk (approximately 0.6 miles).
Both options are quick and straightforward!
Since I’ve done this trip before, I really just needed to jog my memory, so the response perfect — simple, accurate, and to the point. I ended up using the subway since I had my luggage with me.
Complex directions weren’t so great, address information could be incorrect, and instructions lack the helpful visuals and features readily available in Google Maps
Prompt: I’m near Penn station and want to to go the banksy museum, what’s the best route?
ChatGPT
Thought for 17 seconds
Certainly! You’re looking to get from Penn Station to the Banksy Exhibition, which is likely located at 526 6th Avenue (between West 14th and West 13th Streets) in Manhattan. Here’s the best way to get there:
This time, I encountered a problem. This address was incorrect. So I had to correct it.
Prompt: The correct address for the banksy museum is Banksy Museum New York, 277 Canal St, New York, NY 10013
ChatGPT
Thought for 36 seconds
Thank you for providing the correct address for the Banksy Museum New York at 277 Canal St, New York, NY 10013. Let me guide you from Penn Station to the museum.
Option 1: Subway via N/R/W Trains (Recommended for Proximity)
1. Walk to 34th Street–Herald Square Station:
From Penn Station (located at 34th Street and 7th Avenue):
Exit onto 34th Street.
Walk east for one block to 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas).
The 34th Street–Herald Square Station entrance is at the intersection of 34th Street and 6th Avenue.
2. Take the Downtown N, R, or W Train:
Enter the station and follow signs for the N, R, or W trains heading downtown.
Board any of these trains toward Downtown & Brooklyn.
3. Ride to Canal Street Station:
Stay on the train for 5 stops.
Stops are: 28th St, 23rd St, 14th St–Union Square, 8th St–NYU, Prince St, and then Canal St.
Total Subway Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
4. Exit at Canal Street Station:
Upon arrival at Canal Street Station, follow signs to the Canal St & Broadway exit.
5. Walk to the Banksy Museum (277 Canal St):
277 Canal St is located right next to the station exit, between Broadway and Lafayette Street.
You should see the museum within a minute’s walk from the subway exit.
Option 2: Subway via A/C/E Trains
1. Enter the Subway at Penn Station:
Use the 34th Street–Penn Station entrance located at 34th Street and 8th Avenue.
2. Take the Downtown A, C, or E Train:
A Train (express) toward Downtown & Brooklyn.
C Train (local) toward Euclid Avenue.
E Train toward World Trade Center.
3. Ride to Canal Street Station:
For the A or C trains:
A Train: Ride for 3 stops (34th St–Penn Station, 14th St, West 4th St, Canal St).
C Train: Ride for 6 stops.
For the E train:
Ride for 5 stops and get off at Canal St.
Total Subway Time: Approximately 10–15 minutes.
4. Exit at Canal Street Station:
Follow signs to exit at Canal St & 6th Avenue.
5. Walk to the Banksy Museum (277 Canal St):
From Canal St & 6th Avenue:
Walk east on Canal Street toward Broadway (~10-minute walk, 0.5 miles).
You’ll pass streets like Greene St and Mercer St.
277 Canal St will be on your right, just before you reach Broadway.
Option 3: Taxi or Rideshare (Simplest but May Be Slower Due to Traffic)
From Penn Station:
Hail a taxi outside the station or use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft.
Input 277 Canal St as your destination.
Estimated Travel Time: 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Note: Traffic in Midtown and Downtown Manhattan can be heavy, especially during peak hours.
Additional Tips:
Subway Fare: A single ride costs $2.75. You can purchase a MetroCard at any subway station.
Time of Day Considerations: Subways run frequently, but if you’re traveling late at night, check the MTA website for any service changes or delays.
Accessibility: If you require elevator access, note that not all subway stations are fully accessible. The 34th St–Herald Square station has elevator service.
Area Highlights: The museum is located in the SoHo/Chinatown area, known for its vibrant art scene, shopping, and dining options.
Return Trip: When heading back, you can reverse these directions or ask for assistance if you plan to go elsewhere.
Enjoy your visit to the Banksy Museum New York! If you have any more questions or need further assistance with directions or recommendations, feel free to ask.
As you can see, the explanation was very thorough. However, this long explanation of medium to complex directions ended up being too complicated to mentally picture and remember, so I quickly resorted to Google Maps.
Again, using GPT-o1 for spontaneous adventure recommendations was great.
After the Banksy Museum, I had a few hours to kill, so I prompted o1.
I’m finished with the banksy museum and have about 1 hour to see something cool. What’s close by?
ChatGPT
Thought for 9 seconds
Certainly! Since you have about one hour and you’re in the Canal Street area, here are some cool and convenient options to explore nearby:
1. Explore Chinatown
Distance: You’re already in the heart of Chinatown.
Highlights:
Walk through bustling streets like Mott Street, Doyers Street, and Bayard Street.
Visit local shops selling exotic fruits, teas, and unique souvenirs.
Try authentic snacks like dumplings, pork buns, or bubble tea from street vendors or quick-service eateries.
Check out Columbus Park, where locals play mahjong and practice tai chi.
2. Stroll Through Little Italy
Distance: 5-minute walk north along Mulberry Street.
Highlights:
Experience the charm of old New York with Italian cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.
Grab a cannoli or gelato from famous spots like Ferrara Bakery & Cafe.
Enjoy street art and murals that depict the area’s rich history.
3. Visit the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)
Address: 215 Centre Street
Distance: 5-minute walk northwest.
Highlights:
Explore exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Chinese Americans.
Interactive displays and personal stories that provide insight into the immigrant experience.
Note: Check the museum’s operating hours; typically open from 11 AM to 6 PM, closed on Mondays.
4. Discover SoHo’s Art Scene
Distance: Just west of Canal Street.
Highlights:
Browse contemporary art galleries featuring works by emerging and established artists.
Admire the cast-iron architecture and cobblestone streets unique to SoHo.
Window-shop at high-end boutiques and designer stores along Broadway and West Broadway.
5. Visit the International Center of Photography (ICP)
Address: 79 Essex Street
Distance: 15-minute walk east or a quick subway ride to Delancey St/Essex St Station.
Highlights:
Engage with thought-provoking photography exhibits covering a range of social and cultural topics.
Perfect for a quick visit, as you can explore the main exhibits within an hour.
6. Relax at Sara D. Roosevelt Park
Distance: 10-minute walk northeast along Chrystie Street.
Highlights:
Enjoy a peaceful break in a local park with gardens, sports courts, and walking paths.
People-watching opportunity in a community space frequented by locals.
7. Check Out the Tenement Museum Shop
Address: 103 Orchard Street
Distance: 10-minute walk east.
Highlights:
While the full museum tours may exceed an hour, the museum shop offers a range of interesting books and gifts related to New York’s immigrant history.
Learn about the Lower East Side’s heritage through informative displays within the shop.
8. Canal Street Market
Address: 265 Canal Street
Distance: Right next door!
Highlights:
Indoor market featuring a curated selection of food vendors and retail shops.
Sample diverse cuisines from local chefs, perfect for a quick bite.
Shop for unique goods, including handmade crafts, jewelry, and art pieces.
Suggested Option Based on Time:
Given your one-hour timeframe, exploring Chinatown or visiting the Canal Street Market would be both convenient and fulfilling. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, try some delicious food, and still make it back in time for your next appointment.
Need Directions or More Information?
Maps and Directions: Let me know if you’d like walking directions to any of these spots.
Operating Hours: I can provide the latest info on opening times or any entry fees.
Other Interests: If you have specific interests (art, history, food), I can tailor recommendations accordingly.
Enjoy your time exploring the neighborhood! If you need anything else, feel free to ask.
This ended up being much better than long-winded blog posts or YouTube videos that I’ve got to watch and skip around to find some valuable information.
Since I just finished a museum and have already explored Little Italy and Chinatown on previous excursions, I ended up checking out the Canal Street Market — which was very cool.
In the end
ChatGPT continues to do a good job at helping you think for yourself. It’s like a buddy, here to help, but still capable of mistakes such as incorrect addresses, or overly complex instructions that leave you resorting to a classic map.
