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So my boss just told me today I have to go to New York City for a week early next year to help sort out a mess the bank I work for has gotten into.
I've noticed a few New Yorkers posting here and since this is my first trip to the United States and New York, I was wondering if anyone has any tips on what to see and do while I'm there (beyond the obvious tourist stuff like the statue of liberty and similar...)?
Most of my work will happen during the daytime, so I should have some free time after 6 pm.
I'll be in New York from February 9th to 15th.
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The great big Apple cube! I'm not a mac guy myself, but any store that is entirely clear is worth seeing. I'd also suggest the Nintendo centre (or whatever it's called). My bro's gf went and said it was outright fascinating. assuming you like nintendo of course. Bear in mind I'm not from NY, but were I to go there these two are at the top of my list.
It all depends on your proclivities really.
I am a huge fan of the museums. Sometimes they have free or cheap days during the week. Aside from the obvious ones (Nat'l History, MoMA, The Met) there are also some lesser known ones. The Frick Collection (real life model for the Avenger's mansion), the Museum of Broadcasting, etc. that are totally awesome and generally less crowded.
Also, a lot of TV shows tape in NYC and for the trouble of reserving a ticket or waiting in line, you can attend such a taping. Since your trip is fairly soon, it might behoove you to reserve now. Popular shows like Colbert and Daily Show have long wait-lists.
Cheap tickets to broadway shows can be obtained in Times Square if you wait at the TKTS booth (can't miss it) as they sell off tickets there cheap at the last minute.
Personally, I am a fan of the music scene and walking around the village there are a dozen or so bars and clubs that have nightly bands, comics and such.
Central Park contains something for everyone, and is generally considered a must-see. From the memorial to John Lennon (about a block away from The Dakota, a historic building for many reasons besides the pop-star's residence there) to the zoo to an honest to goodness (Belvedere) castle. If you were going in the Summer, I'd recommend Shakespeare in the Park, but since you are visiting fairly soon.
The architecture in NYC is pretty amazing too. There are many unique and beautiful buildings, some hidden between skyscrapers. Especially of note are the churches. From the Cathedral of St John The Divine in Morningside Heights to St. Patrick's in midtown to smaller churches (there's an amazing little church on 27th? or so on the West Side that just has to be seen to be believed) these are some of the best examples of historic New York to be found.
The city has been the scene for many many movies so if you are a movie buff, you could check out locations used to film such movies as Ghostbusters, Kramer vs. Kramer and Spiderman. Many of them are in midtown so if you do a little internet digging you can map out a route you could walk while enjoying other sights such as the shop windows on fifth avenue or parts of Central Park.
Last but not least the city is home to several great comic and gaming stores. Neutral Ground and The Compleat Strategist (both great gaming stores) are within walking distance of one another. Jim Hanley's Universe and Forbidden Planet are great comic book stores which are relatively nearby as well.
Hope that helps! If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to help. And, no, I'm not an employee of NYC tourist bureau, lol.
ZeroCharisma has a lot of good recommendations.
On a budget, you can't beat the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can get in for a quarter and spend days wandering around. The Frick is also an amazing place; museum in a mansion, all Baroque and Mannerist art, usually with a good special exhibit in the basement. If you're into German and Austrian art, the Neue Gallerie near the Met has a lot of good stuff.
I would also recommend The Cloisters. It's kind of a hike to get there, but it's worth it. An entire medieval cloister shipped to New York and reassembled brick by brick. Full of art in the International Gothic style (pre-Rennaisance) and boasts a fine view of the Hudson river.
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Make sure to save some time to visit Ground Zero, and the Statue of Liberty. I would also suggest Ellis Island if you have the time and money. #3 Cherry Street is also a must see. While the building is no longer there, it is now a park and was the site of the "White House" when George Washington was President. Also visit the U.S.S. Intrepid museum if you have the time. Also check out Club Free Time which is updated everyday with free and inexpensive things to do, that even most locals might not know about. And here is another website with lots of free activities as well
Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
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You probably aren't going to have enough time to see everything you want to see, let alone everything people here mention. That said, the more suggestions the better. I was just in New York last year, and here are some of my recommendations:
1. Take some time to simply walk through Central Park. You can do this getting from point A to point B, but it really is worth the stroll. The park is beautiful, the people-watching is great, and the views of the skyscrapers from the center of the park are like nothing else.
2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is fantastic. I didn't get a chance to go to the Moma or the Frick (both of which also sound great), but this museum has pieces by many, many famous artists and there's also a room with all sorts of awesome suits of armor and stuff.
3. If you like books, try to get to the Strand bookstore.
4. Spend at least a couple hours one night wandering around Times Square. The giant neon and electrical signs are unlike anything you've seen, and are definitely worth the time. There's a giant FAO Schwartz in the square with a huge selection of toys and life-sized dinosaurs and stuff. Plus, you can take a quick diversion to pick up a true piece of New York culture by grabbing a copy of Al Goldstein's SCREW magazine at Showworld. Ahem.
5. You should at least see the Statue of Liberty from shore, if not go on a full tour. It's pretty amazing.
6. They have GREAT coffee in New York city at a place called Starbucks. Be sure to plan ahead, though, as it can sometimes be difficult finding a Starbucks in downtown Manhattan.
--Erik
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6. They have GREAT coffee in New York city at a place called Starbucks. Be sure to plan ahead, though, as it can sometimes be difficult finding a Starbucks in downtown Manhattan.
--Erik
One day, one of you Seattle people are really going to have ot tell me where y'all's fascination with over-roasted, bitter coffee stems from...
;)
Now, on to the topic. NYC is cool, i'll admit, but I did prefer the raw '70s and '80s versions to the somewhat sanitized new version. It's harder to picture Serpico or the French Connection happening in modern NYC...
Now you all are making me want to go to NTC!
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Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre (founded by Amy Poehler and others) is worth checking out. Improv comedy with different players and organized around different rules/themes for each set show. But you will reasonably see actors from SNL and other shows based in ny with a few random oddballs thrown in- for anywhere from free to $10 with $1 or $2 beers.
Some groups are much better than others. You want the Sunday show ASSSCAT 3000 for the most celebrities and generally high level comedy. At 7:30 it is $10, the the same show again at 9:30 free. It's not a big theatre though. It will fill to standing room on those shows and may (will) involve some line standing which might be unpleasant for you in February. You might be able to get advance tickets for the 7:30 show- I'm not sure about that.
Here's the schedule
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Director of Brand Strategy
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Make sure to save some time to visit Ground Zero, and the Statue of Liberty. I would also suggest Ellis Island if you have the time and money.
I would suggest against going and gawking at Ground Zero because a) I don't think you're that kind of tool and b) it will make New Yorkers hate you. As a New Yorker, don't make me hate you. But Lady Liberty and Ellis Island are cool, especially if you're interested in the immigration boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Coming from overseas, though, I could see this not being of as much interest as other things.
Now, as to your initial question, rather than make suggestions, my best advice is to ask those of us from NY for specific suggestions based on what you'd like to do. If you want Indian food, we can suggest the best place (Curry Row on 6th St. between 3rd & 4th), or if you want modern art (the Guggenheim or MoMA), or even if you're looking for an adult-themed night club (Scores or Larry Flynt's Hustler Club). Since you'll be here several weeks, it might even be cool to have a Paizo get together of local board members.
So what are you looking to do while you're in my backyard?
Make sure to save some time to visit Ground Zero, and the Statue of Liberty. I would also suggest Ellis Island if you have the time and money. #3 Cherry Street is also a must see. While the building is no longer there, it is now a park and was the site of the "White House" when George Washington was President. Also visit the U.S.S. Intrepid museum if you have the time. Also check out Club Free Time which is updated everyday with free and inexpensive things to do, that even most locals might not know about. And here is another website with lots of free activities as well
I have mixed feelings about tourists putting Ground Zero on their to-do list, particularly since I live close to the city (and was born and raised there). I can understand why you might want to go, but please remember that you're visiting a mass grave (of people who were put to death horribly, quite recently), not a theme park.
Personally, I love downtown. South Street Seaport is wonderful, although it may be a bit chilly when you are in town. You probably know that the city started downtown and gradually built up, which means there is a lot of history down there. I think it is worth seeing city hall, and also the financial district. Who knows whether New York will maintain primacy in the wake of everything we're going through, but it's quite remarkable to visit the financial capital of the world.
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Obviously I hit a nerve when I suggested visiting Ground Zero. I can understand the concern as one of my best friends was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. I certainly would suggest that you show due reverance when going there, just as I would expect people to do if they visited Auschwitz. I made my suggestions based on my own outlook as a historian, which are slightly different than the average tourists outlook would be. Honestly I would be offended to if people went just just to gawk without paying proper respect. The few times I have visited the Titanic artifact exhibit in Las Vegas I have had to restrain myself from yelling at certain people, more so since I learned that my grandfather's cousin was a stoker on the ship and was one of the people who died.
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Thank you for all the great suggestions everyone.
As for what I'd like to do in New York:
I'm a great fan of the iconic architecture of pre-WW2 buildings, so I would love to see some of the incredible buildings built during the 1920's and 30's.
I also love antique history (greek and roman), and I'm already planning to stop by the Metropolitan Museum.
I also love military history, and would love to visit something along the lines of London's "Imperial War Museum".
I love art, but I prefer the older styles, especially baroque, so any place I can find that would be excellent. Dark age european exhibits (medieval armor and the works) would also be great.
I've also heard great things about the dining in New York, so I'd like to visit some of the better restaurants in the city, some suggestions would be appreciated. Especially upscale places that won't cost an arm and a leg and don't need reservations a few weeks in advance. Also, where can I find the best pizza in NYC?
Finally, are there any places in New York I should avoid? (bad neighborhoods and the like). Also, what should I expect with regards to crime in NYC? (pickpockets and similar)
Thank you for all your help.
The Frick is the place for Baroque art. I'm both a quasi-vegetarian and fairly poor, so I'm not the best person for restaurants. If you like thai food, Republic in Union Square is (I've heard) a pretty good noodle place. I've found it hard to figure out where the best pizza is in NYC. A lot of it is kind of bad. Lombardi's on (I believe) Spring street is decent, but there's always a line and the pizza didn't really knock my socks off. Chinatown has a lot of good dumpling places. Avenue A sushi is pretty good, though not super fancy. It's a disco/sushi restaurant and it's open fairly late.
Don't worry too much about crime, especially in Manhattan. Just keep your eyes open, keep your wallet in your front pocket and take a cab if you're out after midnight (though I've never had trouble, even stumbling around drunk). The financial district can be kind of spooky late at night, though not really dangerous. It's just one of the few places that felt deserted when I was there late at night. Everyone goes home after work at the stock exchange.
The Society of Illustrators on 63rd street off of Lexington Avenue usually has a good exhibit up and if you can get into the dining room, there are NC Wyeth and Norman Rockwell paintings up there.
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You need to visit China town...Just head toward Canal street until you see duck hanging in the windows and you are there!!!!!
Seriously though.. China Town is great for really cheap knock off shopping..
And find yourself a small Faimly owned pizzeria, sit your self down and order a pizza and some garlic knots... you will thank me!! make sure you start off a conversation with the people working there and you will find out some great stuff!!
Don't take taxis...always use the subway... They are easy to figure out..
If you are working until 6..you will miss most of the muesuems and the better shopping.. :-(
Visit Time square for late night shopping but bring alot of money!!!
People mentioned good stuff here.
I grew up most of my life in NY..
Edit: Atrocious what country are you coming from?
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I doubt I will be working as late as 6 pm every day, so I should be able to hit some of the museums before they close, and I make a good living as a bank executive so I can afford to go to the better restaurants, but I'd rather not spend more than 100$ for dinner every day.
Edit: Atrocious what country are you coming from?
I'm flying in from Norway.
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Director of Brand Strategy
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I'm a great fan of the iconic architecture of pre-WW2 buildings, so I would love to see some of the incredible buildings built during the 1920's and 30's.
Then be sure to check out the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Woolworth Building and the Flatiron Building. And unnamed buildings all over town. Some give tours of the inside, but others do not. In any case, seeing them from the outside is still amazing.
I also love antique history (greek and roman), and I'm already planning to stop by the Metropolitan Museum.
You could spend a full day in the Met looking at these exhibits alone. Their Egyptian, Indian, and Impressionist exhibits are also not to be missed.
I also love military history, and would love to visit something along the lines of London's "Imperial War Museum".
The USS Intrepid museum doesn't have much in terms of older military artifacts but does have modern aircraft and such. It's on a docked aircraft carrier, so that alone is pretty cool.
I love art, but I prefer the older styles, especially baroque, so any place I can find that would be excellent. Dark age european exhibits (medieval armor and the works) would also be great.
The Met has some excellent stuff from the medieval an baroque periods, including a whole room of armor and weapons. You might also check out the Fricke Collection for baroque, or The Cloisters for more medieval stuff.
I've also heard great things about the dining in New York, so I'd like to visit some of the better restaurants in the city, some suggestions would be appreciated. Especially upscale places that won't cost an arm and a leg and don't need reservations a few weeks in advance. Also, where can I find the best pizza in NYC?
It's difficult to recommend a restaurant without knowing what type of food you're looking for, but for pizza I'd suggest Michael's Pizzaria (in the west 40's near Times Square). I'm more partial to the pizza in nondescript corner pizza places, but Michael's is in an old Monastic temple, so the atmosphere is unlike anything you'll get at other Pizza places. Keen's Steakhouse on W36th st. is a great atmospheric place that used to be on old pipe smoking club and they have scrimshaw pipes smoked by all sorts of famous people on display. Getting a Zagat guide is also a great way to discover great restaurants of all price ranges and cuisines.
Finally, are there any places in New York I should avoid? (bad neighborhoods and the like). Also, what should I expect with regards to crime in NYC? (pickpockets and similar)
Not really. The City (at least Manhattan) has been cleaned up quite a bit from the gritty, dirty New York of the 70's and 80's. You still have to be aware, meaning, don't walk around with your head in a map or gawking at the scenery so much that someone thinks they can take advantage of you. But I've been living here almost a decade and have never been the victim of a crime on the streets, even late. There's always people around, and if you're at a restaurant or bar and leave at 2am, chances are it's a lit street with cabs and such, so you'll be fine. If you venture into parts of Brooklyn or the Bronx (though I don't see why you would) you have to be a bit more careful, but in Manhattan you should be fine.
Thank you for all your help.
You're welcome!
If you like beer and don't have to be up early, I would recommend the Brooklyn Brewery. Take the tour, sample the brews, have a pizza delivered.
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It's difficult to recommend a restaurant without knowing what type of food you're looking for, but for pizza I'd suggest Michael's Pizzaria (in the west 40's near Times...
When in Rome...
I was thinking american cuisine.Is Ray's Pizza any good? I know it's a pseudo-chain, but it's also the only place I've heard of in NYC.
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If you venture into parts of Brooklyn or the Bronx (though I don't see why you would) you have to be a bit more careful, but in Manhattan you should be fine.
Hey! What is wrong with the Bronx?
Mind you, one of the biggest draws, the Bronx Botanical Garden, is pretty irrelevant to visit in February, and a second, Yankee Stadium, is irrelevant to visit this coming February (it is being torn down and the new one finished), and the third is significantly lessened in February (the Bronx Zoo), but there is quite a bit to see in the Bronx.Brooklyn is another story. There is no reason to go there unless you really feed the need to visit the aquarium or get lost on the confusing streets.
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Is Ray's Pizza any good? I know it's a pseudo-chain, but it's also the only place I've heard of in NYC.
Generally, no.
It is more like a dozen stores and a couple of chains all using the name "Ray's" with various qualifiers. Overall though, Manhattan pizza tends to be thin and weak. Only the Bronx, and some parts of Brooklyn and Queens, makes decent pizza.|
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I doubt I will be working as late as 6 pm every day, so I should be able to hit some of the museums before they close, and I make a good living as a bank executive so I can afford to go to the better restaurants, but I'd rather not spend more than 100$ for dinner every day.
I'm flying in from Norway.
Edit: Atrocious what country are you coming from?
Though The good famous restaurants are ok..... The small Family owned ones are much better!
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I'm flying in from Norway.
Being in Norway.. I doubt you get good Chinese food up there... So I suggest heading to China town.. And checking some of the restaurants down there.
another food you need to try in NY... is a Bagel....I am serious.. Get a Bagel... with Cream Cheese... or other toppings..you can either get them at a delicatessen or a Bagel Shop.
I personally enjoy a everything bagel with cream cheese... mmmmmm
Had anyone mentioned the NY Library?
They have an Antique Map section where you can browse through really old maps and get photo copies of them.. I got myself a 14th century map of Venice from there.. Worked great for my Dark ages Vampire game!
Stay away from the Hot Dog street vendors... they or overrated..
But the roasted nuts and bagels from the street vendors can be good.
mmmmm... sorry I just think too much of food when i think of NY....
There is also a good steak house/brewery under the empire state building... can't remember the name of it..
When we were in New York, we visited Ground Zero by accident (stayed on the Path Train too long in the wrong direction). It’s…still, but it’s an angry, sad calm.
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Just to say the obvious- do you know Time Out magazine?
You should pick up a copy while you are there. Comes out every Thursday I think and it covers nearly everything going on in town that week from ongoing exhibits to dance performance, theater, bands, comedy, whatever. Just flip to the category and the day of the week and scan through what is going on. Very useful.
Don't go to any version of Ray's. There is one place for pizza at the Brooklyn end of the Brooklyn bridge... starts with a G though I don't recall the name right now. Lombardi's was potentially the first pizzeria in America and is in ny. It makes lists, but I've never been so can't offer a real recommendation.
James mentioned The Strand bookstore before. I'd like to second that. It is a mostly used bookstore that carries the personality of its staff and owners. A very good (huge) bookstore to wander through and it is right off Union Square.
The Met and MoMA are must-sees, and a Lincoln Center or Broadway show if you can afford it.
Every time I have a visitor come I take them to Max Brenner's chocolate restaurant at Union Square; every one of them has loved it.
The Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn will please almost any non-vegetarian.
If you like clubbing, Marquee is a wonderful hotspot.