NYC Suggestions

Do Top of the Rock. You go up to the very top of the Rockefeller Centre, look out over the city, and ooh and aah at the views. It's a bit like the Empire State Building (albeit not as tall), but the queues are shorter, and your views of the city will actually *include* the Empire State Building. I reckon the Empire State Building holds far more historic interest, but if you look within yourself and find that really you would just be in it for the views, then I would be a rebel and say Top of the Rock is better.

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Updated On: 7/27/08 at 10:23 PM

In general, my advice to visitors is to get out of the "touristy" areas as much as possible. You'll see enough of Times Square while buying tickets, getting back and forth to your shows, etc. (I do second Top of the Rock, though. The view from there is STUNNING, especially if you go at night.)

Try and do at least one museum--my personal favorite is the Museum of the City of New York, at 103rd and 5th. You'll love the Perform! exhibit, which chronicles theatre history in the city. (While you're in that neighborhood, be sure and check out Conservatory Garden, which is almost directly across the street in the NE corner of Central Park.) The New York Library for the Performing Arts (at Lincoln Center) usually has an interesting theatre-related exhibit, too, and it's free.

For a fun "only in New York" food experience, check out Veniero's in the East Village. It's dessert-only and the line is usually out the door, but it's SO worth it. It's affordable and open late, so it's a nice spot for after theatre if you don't mind the trip downtown.

I third (?) Top of the Rock. My friend was here a couple of months ago, and I suggested that we go. The ticket is a little expensive going up there at $20, but they have Rock/MoMA tickets that's $30, so if you're planning to go to MoMA too, you save like 5 bucks for each of them. If you don't want to spend the money, there are views of the city by the promenade under the Brooklyn Bridge (in Brooklyn), and the park in Hoboken. Both are great, but I prefer Hoboken.

Great that you're not planning on doing only touristy stuff. I don't know why people don't realize that Times Square sucks. It's crowded, and it's filled with everything you can find back home. I wouldn't even go to Times Square if it wasn't for seeing shows. Union Square 14th St. is kinda like Times Square for locals. It's quite laid back, even though most New Yorkers aren't.

Central Park is wonderful! From the Bethesda Fountain, walk up the stairs, and walk south towards 59th St.

A couple of weeks ago, I walked from Brooklyn to the city via the Brooklyn Bridge. It's a very nice walk.

I've never been to the Museum of the City of New York, but it sounds interesting. The Met is great but just way too big if you have limited time.

There are a couple of places to eat on St. Marks / Astor Place. One of my favorites is Yakitori Taisho 1, which is a Japanese grill place. There's a fallafel place called Mamoun's on St. Marks (also one on MacDougal in the Village) that's really cheap and decent. It'll fill you up. There are also a bunch of places to eat on 9th Ave in Hell's Kitchen (42nd St. up). Check out this site that was suggest by a fellow poster http://www.cheapassfood.com/ One quick piece of advice, don't forget to tip the waiter. Doubling the tax is sufficient. Some waiters don't deserve that much, although generally service in New York is decent.

I'm not a big fan of Veneiro's but I know people who are. I prefer something smaller and low key. Le Bergamote on 9th Ave and 21st St. is a fantastic patisserie. The fruit tarts are $4, which is a steal and they are so good. Don't go to the Magnolia Bakery. It's not worth waiting in line for. That area is very nice to walk around though. Take the 1 train to Christopher and walk west then east. Also, don't go to Junior's. That is not good cheesecake.

If you're up for some shopping, do a little research on where the stores you want to visit are. Some stores are a little hidden. Take the R/W train to Prince and walk down from there. There are a bunch of stores on Broadway, as well as on Prince St. and Spring St.

What other things are you interested in? What kind of food are you looking for?

I second the Top of The Rock suggestion. When I went, I was trying to decide between this and the Empire State building. TOR won because I'd heard the line for ES is ridiculously long.

Central park is not to be missed! And PLEASE don't just go to Bethesda Terrace. The park in general is beautiful and there is so much more to see. One can literally spend hours walking around enjoying nature in the middle of the city. (Some of my favorite places in the park...the mall, Wagner Cove, Strawberry fields)

Food...check out menu pages (www.menupages.com). You can search for restaurants based on your location, type of food you wish to eat, and price of the restaurant. I DO happen to like Junior's cheesecake...I don't think I've had better cheesecake as of yet. I know a lot of people rant and rave about Magnolia's bakery. There is a new(er?) location at 69th St. and 200 Columbus Avenue. (The line was short) I thought the cupcakes were okay, but nothing to write home about (whereas my friend swears by them!)

Have fun on your trip!

Do keep in mind that you're looking at the statue over a construction barricade (for the tkts booth). It's not something you can just walk around.

I love just walking around all different places. Union Square is a lot of fun and a great place to people watch. :)

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