Trip To NYC

I posted a thread before but for some reason when I search for things…everything that comes up is completely irrelevant. I'm leaving for a trip to NYC this week and had a few questions I was going to see if anyone could help with.

1. Is the NBC studio tour all it's cracked up to be?

2. Can you just go into the NY Public Library?

3. Any suggestions for restaurants in the midtown/theatre district area.

4. I've gone before but it's been with a guide group, is Chinatown "safe"?

NBC Tour: If you watch lots of their shows, indeed. Especially SNL. Other than that, it's 'ok'.

Restaurants: SO many to go to and try out. What kinds of food do you like -- do you like little family run places or touristy places?

Chinatown: I agree that it's safe, just like being in any city, keep your wits about you and don't go in the back rooms of any shop.

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I would never send anyone to a nation wide chain. But there are NY Touristy restaurants, which are good, but not everyone likes those kind and is only looking for little places. Great sushi, great italian, great ANYTHING can be found...and all pretty easily.

NY has great museums: my favorites are The Guggenheim (depending on the exhibit) and Museum of Modern Art.

If this is your first time, I'd suggest one of the Greyline tours...either by boat or bus. Some are on and off and others are not. A great way to get a taste of the whole city.

You should definitely spend an afternoon in Central Park. Grab a blanket and a lunch and relax.

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Chinatown gets sketchy at night when all the shops close, but I wouldn't call it unsafe. Just watch your wallet/purse/bags carefully.

In midtown, I love Kodama Sushi. It's great for pre-theatre. I also like Cara Mia, Turkish Cuisine, and Afghan Kebab House- all on 9th Ave. 9th has a great selection of ethnic cuisine.

I'd recommend checking out the Union Square Green Market (Farmer's Market). It's open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and it has some great vendors. Really fresh produce and delicious homemade baked goods and jams. While you're in the area, you can check out Washington Square Park and walk through the West Village or East Village. Both have great restaurants. If you're into LGBTQ history, you can visit Stonewall, Gay Street (which is actually not much to see), and just walk around the "gayborhood." Especially around now, since Pride is next weekend.

Whats the price range of Plataforma?