Any suggestions on great places to go in NYC?

Show all answers

rosco

Hi I have a great web site for you both to see the finer things in the Big Apple.The site is "new york on tap".It has every thing in it that a person needs to plan a great trip.I hope you both have a wonderful time.Good Luck.

catwoman

you have the obvious sites of Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Central Park and Times Square. i Say focus on these sites. St Patricks catherdral. Madison Square garden, Yankee Stadium, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (even though they belong to New jersey) Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge the list goes on...

take a subway
Ground Zero
Statue of Liberty
Radio City Music Hall
Empire State Building
NY Stock Exchange
Yankee Stadium
Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Natural History
Museum of New York City
see a Broadway play with half price tickets the day of the play
find an ethnic restaurant you have never tried before
So allow me to list great places..
Lower Manhattan: World Trade Center site; boat to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty (same boat, one price, get off and explore, take later boat onward, start early as LONG lines form); Fraunces Tavern; Chinatown (eat at Wo Hop on Mott Street); South Street Seaport; Chase Bank Money Museum.
Midtown: Empire State Building; theater district (great restaurants just uptown of theaters); window shopping along Fifth Avenue 47th to 58 Streets; United Nations (the gift shop is a great place for souvenirs); FAO Schwartz (the apotheosis of toy stores, and includes an ice cream parlor).
Uptown: Central Park and zoo; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Museum of Natural History/Rose Space Center.
Way Uptown: The Cloisters (most beautiful spot in NYC, has the unicorn tapestries and other pre-Renaissance art, out door gardens, and music); Dyckman House (British army HQ in the Revolution).
Bronx: Zoo; botanical gardens
Brooklyn: Aquarium; Coney Island
Queens: Bowne House (stop on the Underground Railroad, good restaurants nearby); Flushing Hall of Science and the adjoining zoo with an aviary where you walk at tree top level to see the birds).
Staten Island: view the harbor from the ferry, then on the SI side take a bus to Richmondtown Restoration (restored colonial village, free admission); Marchais Tibetan Museum (only Tibetan Museum in the entire USA); Conference House, site of the only peace conference between American (Ben Franklin & John Adams) and the British during the Revolution. While on SI eat at the Bay Street Bistro, really delicious Mongolian food!

If you want the exact locations of some places to eat,let me list it over here
The choices are so great that it is almost overwhelming. I've lived here so long and there are still restaurants that I've intended to get to and just haven't had the time.
Here are a couple of suggestions that will give you a feel for some of the types of places here.

*Big Nicks is a must. It is a real NYC joint. An Upper West Side institution. Tiny space but a huge menu and amazing food. Cheap prices.
*Philip Marie in the West Village. The Brunch is amazing.
*Mary Ann's in the East Village for Mexican.
*Balduccis for Indian Cuisine (several locations, my favorite on 6th Ave in the Village)
*Angels Restorante - Upper East side for Italian at 1135 1st Ave, New York, NY
4.1 mi NE - (212) 980-3131
*Little Poland - Great Polish food.
Outside of Manhattan try 5th Avenue in Park Slope or Smith Street in Cobble Hill, both in Brooklyn.

*Desert oh yea, Juniors for Cheese Cake or Veniero's for everything else.

get a copy of the Village Voice - free on the street

get a good guide book - there is no end of things you can do in New York....

smiles

oh it is tons of fun. here are a few things to do/try:

try to get out and see a broadway musical. do some research. it is hard to recommend anything not knowing your tastes. i say avenue Q is good all around for people who like leud comedy and not so much of the singing and dancing. tickets are around 50 and upwards.

you cant skip central park. a must see on a nice warm day (which it should be).

a cool restaurnt by central park on the uptown side, is a horror themed restaurant. its a bit touristy but so fun. you HAVE to go. they have amazing pizza and its fun to watch the little show things going on. the servers are actors and they are fun to talk too.im pretty sure it is called JACKEL and HYDE.

if you want to go to a ritzy dinner, the RAINBOW ROOM is the one of the best. it'll cost you but the view is killer.

i think the empire state building is over rated. lines are killer long. i didnt think the 2 hour wait was worth it.

the MOMA. aka modern museum of art. i missed out last time but i have heard it is at least interesting even if you dont like art. it may even be funny.

take a walk down 5th ave. to see all the expensive shops that hardly anyone can afford then make a run for the barneys bargain basement or H&M to buy some real people clothes.

take a walk in times square at night. need i say more? the lights are famous.

the carnige deli by carnige hall is a famous, and yummy, deli. i recommend.

i think it is called JOES pizza? there are quite a few of them within blocks of eachother. they have cheap and good pizza and gyros. big big pizza with a small price.

you just have to soak it up and explore. just walk down a street and go in somewhere that looks interesting. and use the subway, its cheap and always an experiance. just watch your purse and other belongings.

HAVE FUN.

prfulmer

Catwoman is right... try to do it all. And, there is a candy store on the East side called Dylans. Very fun stop. Be sure to see Harlem and the Dakota.

pitsargenaf

From a native Queens girl:

-grab a slice of pizza at Original Famous Ray's (not to be confused with Famous Original Rays's)
-stop at a local deli to get delicious, cheap coffee and the best bagel you could ever eat
-stroll up and down the streets of the Village (Bleeker is my favorite) for great food and reasonably priced drinks for an all-night binge
-splurge and go to a nightclub (probably between 11 and 12 st) to party and dance until the sun rises
-nothing like a romantic carriage ride through Central Park late at night

Have fun, and take care! You will love this city! ~N

joeydogs2003

For a little taste of down-home New York City, try Katz' Deli on the lower East Side of Manhattan, on E. Houston Street. The place has been there since 1912, and has the best pastrami anywhere.

Bad Man Kalia

If Cirque du Soleil is playing...definitely check them out in NYC. In case you dont know...it's basically an artsy circus (leaning more along the side of artsy). Haven't really gone to any theaters or musicals in the city but that is pretty big there so you might want to check that out as well.

Aside from that...try to take the train into the city because parking is a pain in the a** and once you do find a spot...its usually like a $1000 for 2 minutes of parking. Any way, have fun and don't get robbed.

Goethe

Try McSorley's by CooperUnion for gritty, old NY. Try Top of the Rock at Rockefeller center for something old that's new again, with great views and less kitsch than Empire State Bldg. Try Denino's Pizza in Staten Island if you want to explore the outermost borough (and a free Ferry Ride).

HOPEFUL

If you like to read, I like the United Nations Bookstore... It has many unusual titles on many subjects and is a great place to visit.

lil jake

My roommates and I are big on the cool places to eat.

Pastis - French cafe, very chic, go on a Saturday for brunch and you'll probably see celebs - corner of Little West 12th and 9th Ave

BED - American, VERY cool, turns into a nightclub after ten, you sit on beds and eat your food, two floors and the top floor gives you a gorgeous view, especially on a summer night - 530 W 27th St

Four Seasons - American, I shouldn't even have to hype this one up. A little pricey - 99 E 52nd St (Men must wear jackets)

Indus Valley - Indian, very cute and the food is amazing, not as pricey as the rest - corner of 100th and Broadway

Virage - Mediterranean, food is delicious, open 24 hrs - corner of 2nd ave and 7th st

Naima - Italian, really cool deco, great for groups, very chic and modern atmosphere, waiters are fantastic, very romantic - 513 W 27th (between 10th & 11th)

Cafe Lalo - Cafe/American/Pastry, this is the cafe featured in several movies, most prominently "You've Got Mail" and it's really cute and fantastic for brunch - 201 W 83rd st

Serendipity III - American/Italian, also featured in many movies (namely, Serendipity) it's perhaps a little too touristy for you but their desserts are amazing. However, the wait is usually around 2 hours EVERY SINGLE TIME, and reservations must be made months in advance - 225 E 60th st, right by Bloomingdale's

La Caverna - Italian, also turns into a nightclub at night, deco is cool (like a cave!) and the food is inexpensive - 122-124 Rivington St

Bull and Bear Steakhouse - Steakhouse, absolutely to die for, very pricey, dresscode: elegant - Waldorf=Astoria, 49th st and Lexington ave

Magnolia Bakery - Bakery/Pastry - world-famous cupcakes, I don't care if you don't want to do anything touristy, you must go here - 401 Bleecker st

As for shows, I would go for something on Broadway because you definitely will not be disappointed (I've been to some off-Broadway's, on the other hand, that haven't come full circle). Other things we locals do in NYC? Shop. Shop, shop, shop. If it's summer, find a park to sit in, people-watch (Union Square is great), go to South Street Seaport (there're a lot of cute little shops, cobblestone paths, and boardwalk restaurants), Go to the Met (I go there all the time and I am not a tourist), it's beautiful. I mean, generally, there's not a lot of superly-New York things us locals do. Not sure if you're into the bar/club scene, but if you are, the clubs we frequent are Pacha, Marquee, Butter (is great on Mondays but you've gotta know people), Pink Elephant, BED, Bungalow 8. All are dress-to-impress, some will turn you down at the door just because they don't know you, and most are pricey once you get inside.

4 Sisters 1 Account

Trapeze School.com :-) on the Hudson!

Butter (nightclub)

Sapa (restaurant)
Tao (restaurant/bar)
Nobu (restaurant sushi, celebs)
Maritime (bar restaurant)

Pastis (meatpacking district nightlife people, celebs, food, drink)

Silk (spa for couples!)

Reebok/LA Sports (gym/workout, star-gazing ;-)

Union Square 14th street anytime on a sunny day around noon - the people, the street performers, the vendors...the freaks too!

The Great Walrus

Ray's Pizza (Seriously, everyone should go to Ray's Pizza)
Central Park
See a show. The Blue Man Group is awesome.

But really, if I were you, I'd wing it. Walk around, and if you see somewhere that looks interesting, go in. It's the best way to do New York.

Carlos V

Check out Little Italy. It's great because you'll walk and meet many people and try all sorts of Italian food. A good show is always available at Central Park and most are free. Just check for time and exact location. Most of New York is packed no matter where you go so be ready to bump into allot of people. If your in New York you gotta watch a sporting event. Baseball or Basketball, they are the craziest fans ANYWHERE!. I'm sure you guys will have a great time. Good Luck!

Monica H

When you plan to go? There are tons of things to do during summer in the New York City. East village and soho is a must place for shopping and food. There are many upscale restraunts in Chelsea. Central park and lincoln center have many free concerts and play in summer. and Congraulation !

izzy

are you kidding me?you cant go to NYC and not go to the empire state building crysler building statue of liberty or broadway!i mean your going to one of the funnest cities.

toddk57@sbcglobal.net

Well: according to the "City of N.Y an famous home of New York Yankees Baseball Stadium & yes they has 3 theaters for Performing Arts there down town in Big Apple areas plus some Fancy Resturants at Mathatten Island very popular too visit http://www.travel.ny.com

lis

Check out Botanical Gardens in the Bronx, Go for authentic greek food in Astoria, Queens, There is a great Steak house called Dinosaur in Harlem that orginated in Syracuse, NY, Coney Island, walk through central park. Cultural fesitvals are also good, depends on when u are going which ones are on. Go to www.offbroadwayonline.com for listing of many off broadway shows.

drklatn8

There is so much to see and do in New York, that is for certain (Empire State Building, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum, Statue of Liberty, et al). With that said, if you want to go off the beaten path and discover the many facets, nooks and crannies of the city, check out:

Lucky Cheng's and Lips (Restaurants with crazy drag queens)
East Village neighborhood
Canal Street/Chinatown (for designer knockoffs)
Museum of Sex
Brooklyn Museum of Art
Coney Island
Plenty of street fairs in the summer
Trapeze School
SoHo shopping
Sunday worship tours in Harlem churches

If anything, check out www.villagevoice.com, and you will find a plethora of listings for concerts, restaurants, and events.

tward_084

Go down to little italy at night and go to dinner at one of the little restaurants. Sitting there with a nice italian meal and wine will make u feel like your in italy. Its gorgeous with the lights over the streets. Very italian feeling. Dont forget some home made gelato for dessert

Mark L

You should go shopping at Fairway on the upper west side at 6pm. It's great people watching and will give you a true NY experience. Very crowded, lots of hustle and bustle. Additionally, walk around central park on the weekend and watch the roller skaters and street acts as well as walk down and watch all the wedding photos being taken. One other real unique thing you can do is take the Long Island Railroad to one of the beaches for the day. Long Beach is really a great area not pretentious like the Hamptons and has some restaurants, shops... good bagels, etc.,

di12381

Coney Island.

curiusvudu102

I suggest a nice dinner at Rossini's. Wonderful Italian cuisine!!!! The best food I have had by far in NYC. Here's the link for the restaurant http://www.rossinisrestaurant.com/RossinMainFrameset.htm

Then , after dinner go to the Majestic Theater and see Phantom of the Opera....Ive seen it 4 times and I can easily go back a dozen more. Here's the link for the theater...
http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/majestictheater/theater.html

Enjoy!!

Dee-Dee

rockefeller center

actormyk

After a show, go to Don't Tell Mama, it's a little bar, so it's liable to be crowded but there's a pianist and the waiters sing and get the audience involved.

chelsyrox1010

If you want a low budget trip your not going to the right city. But new york is great... there's the obvios answers of time square, the statue of liberty and the empire state builing.. But there's also so great places to shop like the largest Macy's in america which is right down the street from the Empire State Building along with other great stores. There's a lot of traffic so walking is nessecary and there are lots of different resturants with food from all over the world and a chinatown... A LARGE chinatown. There's TRL in timesquare and you can go to Hotels.com to get a great hotel. The stuff there is pretty expensive but it's a great city to visit and the Park is wonderful. There's also a couple great mueseums and like 5 different parks.

barbara

I can e-mail you some walking tours/maps. I may even be able to get you a museum pass or 2.

I do recommend Brooklyn. I call it the real New York.

e-mail me and I can send you the documents by e-mail.

Jon

Just walk around the city and enjoy the sights and sounds of NYC from day to night. Its not touristy but you would surely be acquainted with the liftestyle of new yorkers.

seanied2003

New York City has lots and lots of attractions. Most of them depend on age and your interests, but i'll list a few of my favorite.
Without a doubt, The Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Googenhiem- especially if you are into art. I'd also take a walk around Grand Central.
If Music Interests you, check out the concerts at Lincoln Center which feature The Metropolitan Opera, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and the New York Phillharmonic. In that same area of Lincoln Center, do check out the Sony Imax Theater. 4 Stories Tall, featuring the most advanced sound system ever developed, it wows me every time. The Empire State Building is far from touristy. Seeing the city, especially at night 86 stories in the air gives you the best view of New York City, and is the best place to take pictures. Hold on to your hats- it gets windy up there. Most definatly before leaving New York City, Broadway shows I'd reccomend would be Chicago, Spring Awakining, and Rent. Off broadway you'll find Stomp(also in the east village) and Blue Man Group. Links Below. Congrats on gettin married!!! Have an awsome honeymoon.

www.ticketmaster.com
http://www.lincolncenter.com/
http://moma.org/
www.amnh.org
www.esbnyc.com
www.imax.com

insidewmizit

Local NY'ers spend time in the many museums and parks we have available. Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn is steeped in turn-of-the-century history. The brownstones, on tree lined streets are beautiful. Walk to 4th and Court St. and have a beer in the oldest Bar in Brooklyn. Or have some real Brooklyn style Italian Pizza at Vinnies on 3rd and Court.
Take the F train to Carroll Gardens, walk 1 block from Smith St. to Court st. and then just walk south.
Depending on when you're coming, Look online for Shakespeare in the Park. "Central" in Manhattan or "Prospect" in Brooklyn. These parks are vast, and were both designed by the same architect in at the turn of the century. Central Park and the New York Botanical Garden, located in the Bronx, offer guided bird walks, and spring in Queens brings thousands of migrating shore birds to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refugeâ€™s 10,000 acres. You're invited to join New Yorkers who jog, walk, bike, in-line skate, horseback ride, ice skate, rent row boats, play basketball, softball, soccer, tennis and enjoy special events and festivals, in the cityâ€™s more than 1,700 parks and playgrounds Have a great honeymoon.

elizibeth888629

I live in NYC and I have to say just do what you would regularly do. I don't know if you just want to be like regular New Yorkers and such but I would recommend some places that are near tourists spots. One store I like to go to a lot would be Kinokunia and Miyamoto Kitchen which is more japanese themed like Kinokunia sells Japanese themed items and Miyamoto's sells sweets.

This might be a bit strange but I would also suggest this certain library that is not really a library. It's mostly for kids and such, I don't really remember the name right now.

Another idea would be to see a broadway show or something. My friends always go there even though they aren't tourists but be careful about prices.

The Museum of Art is a good place too. You might need a map or you'll get lost. I sure did. The entry fee is $20 per person which I don't think is too bad and the giftshop there is nice.

Medieval Times is a great place as well. As you can tell by the name what's it about. It's pretty much authentic, no forks and stuff which might be gross but I would say its closer to the real things then movies.

Liberty's Science Center is loads of fun. I've only been there twice for school trips but all the kids in my class did not want to leave. They usually have performances on the lowest floor which is cool.

You could always go somewhere for lunch like a fancy restaurant and such or go around in a taxi but McDonald's and the subway is the way to go if you don't want a touristy feel.

Hope I was of some help !

boldkevin

Take the L train to Bedford ave In Williamsburg. (First Stop In Brooklyn) Walk around the art galleries,(Its all Free). Ask for Teddys, Its a great bar with a good burger, walk down to Greenpoint and check out the Polish Neighborhood, Don't forget McLaren Park. Walk down to the river and check out the NYC Skyline at night Ask for Joes Place, good contemporary music. Walk up Lorimer street and grab a canoli and an espresso in the Italian neighborhood.

The average age is about 25 down there. several great restaurants and bars. an awful lot of friendly people too.

You will have a blast. Its very much like The Village used to be, but hurry up, its getting gentrified.

Any suggestions on great places to go in NYC? pic 1
Any suggestions on great places to go in NYC? pic 2
Any suggestions on great places to go in NYC? pic 3
Any suggestions on great places to go in NYC? pic 4

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: