New York City tourist tips

off to the big apple for the first time next week and would appreciate some hints and tips on sightseeing, shopping and eating out!!

thanks!

Could you be any less vague about what you're looking for? NYC has everything. I'm pretty sure that you have little interest in a lot of the stuff I like and the places I go. Few people do.

There is almost every type of restaurant imaginable. Would you ever believe that two Tibetan restaurants would be competing within three blocks of each other?

2nd Ave. Deli. Katz' Deli. Famous Ray's Pizza. East Village and the Bowery for nightlife. Or maybe you're more a China Club sort of person. Or maybe Hogs 'N Heifers (if you want to get up on the bar, dance for everyone and lose your bra which will be thumbtacked up to the ceiling amid 5000 others). Or maybe you like to hang out with the Guidos over at the clubs in the meatpacking district.

You need to be a bit more specific.

woof.

As much as I take no pleasure in agreeing with the Hound of the Baskervilles I have to do so here. I've never been to New York but even with my limited knowledge your question is the equivalent of asking how long a piece of string is. Even for New Yorkers on the board like DW (well kinda) it's far too vague a question. What kinda stuff do you like, what are you looking for, etc, etc. It's a US city of over 8 million people so it's gonna be able to offer pretty much whatever you want.

Well, according to New York I'm a New Yorker only. Texas recognizes that I'm New York born and raised but a naturalized Republic of Texas citizen.

Anyway, I'd suggest:

- Take the Circle Line around Manhattan and the Staten Island Ferry which I think is still $0.25 (but just for the view - head back to Manhattan as soon as you get to Staten Island).
- Go to Little Italy and Chinatown which are literally across the street from each other (gives an interesting insight on how different cultures used to and still do make NYC their own).
- Times Square is a must but save it for after dark - avoid the tourists traps: Bubba Gump shrimp, Virgin Megastore, that kinda stuff. If you want to eat around there I'd suggest Virgil's BBQ. BBQ in New York? Yes! I lived in Tennesse and Texas and spent plenty of time in Kansas City (all think they make the best BBQ in the country) but Virgil's has the BEST BBQ of anyplace I've ever been.
- Eat real pizza for the first time in your life. Eat a NY street vendor hot dog with kraut and relish.
- A Broadway show (see above) can be great but of course depends on the show itself. Go to the Tkts sign in Times Square for deals.
- For a walking itinerary: I'd suggest walking form the Empire State building up 5th avenue. Between 41st and 42nd you'll see the NY Public Library on your left (note Ghostbusters opening scene - there's also a great and fairly cheap outdoor restaurant behind it in Bryant Park). Keep going north on 5th and you'll see Rockefeller Plaza on your left (worth a look around, stop at NBC studios if you've ever been a fan of their stuff). Again head north on 5th until you reach the southeast corner of Central Park. Tool around the park - it's very cool.
- Greenwich Village. 'nuff said. It's awesome. If it appears to be not happening where you are just ask somebody. New Yorkers are (often) more friendly than their given credit for.
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to, uh, Brooklyn - best view you'll get of Manhattan in my opinion.
- See a TV taping if you 're familiar with one of the shows. Personally, I'd love to see a taping of The Daily Show and Dave Letterman but the rest seems kinda dull (and/or girly - like The View).

If I had to pick one museum in NY to go to... I couldn't. It would probably be a tie between the Metropolitcan Musem of Art or the American Museum of Science and Natural History.

NY really does have everything so it can get daunting. Make a list of must see things, a few nice to see things, and leave of time just to tool around.

Enjoy it, it's incredible (getting all homesick right now...)!

Nice DW. Victoria, from a previous post here are a few, NYC shopping tips.

I concur with my esteemed TT "colleague" DW regarding the food, museums and the shows. For US visitors and/or if you're remotely interested in baseball, I'd throw in a visit to yankee stadium if you can get tickets.

If I had a day in NYC i'd start of with a vendor hotdog for breakfast (what, its the city version of a semmel and the kraut and the relish have vitamins), a slice of pizza for lunch with extra garlic powder shakes. Dinners a toss up between little italy and chinatown but probably HopKee in chinatown. (Most europeans i know tend not to like Italian American food as much as what they can get at home anyway). Somewhere in there I'd throw in an Italian ice. Get the lemon, it should be so sour your face screws up. Awesome. If your not counting calories than a slice of cheesecake. Keep in mind the restaurant portions in the US tend to be rather large so look around before your order.

Also some of the best things in NYC are on the street and free. Check out the hustlers on the street selling watches, you'll see some really sweet Swiss Navy watches. That always makes me laugh. And when you're cruising through Lincoln park (I think), check out the hip hoppers, some of the best break dancing moves you'll see outside of a big screen movie.

Just random tips: theres a heat wave going on in the states but go on and bring a light sweater or a wrap with you. If you don't have one you can pick up a wrap (or anything else for that matter) on the streets for 5-15 USD. Most of the stores and restaurants should be airconditioned. Avoid seats near the doorway if you can, as you'll be hit with blasts of hot air. Avoid the "private cars", unless its been arranged for you by your hotel. Taxis are by far the better bet. Oh and if your a germaphobe like me, pick yourself up a travel size bottle of hand sanitizer, available at any pharmacy. It'll cost you less than 1 USD, doesnt require any water and great for getting you free from big city germs. And, last but not least, if Im traveling outside my home country, I always grab the number of my embassy and program it into my cell phone.

Have a great time!
jml

Thank you DW and JML, that was just what i was looking for. I have no idea what i want to see or do apart from eating and shopping and sightseeing! im pretty much open for anything. i know the question was vague but i would still have had something to say if someone said what can i do in london??!! its personal preference anyhow. everything sounds great-i cant wait although it all semms VERY daunting! this is only my first trip though - i plan to go back so everything i dont do this time can always be done next time!

thanks again, vick

pastrami on rye... garlic pickles... sweet cole slaw.

ooohhh myyy gwwooood, NYC has THE best deli food!! Take me with you! Please!!!

She's going to New York, not Chicago. Stick to the deli counter.

what exactly is pastrami (clueless brit i know!!)

What is it?? It's delicious.

Wiki

Just read that and now I've come over all hungry like!

Cupcake and bagels. If you get a chance try them (but not together). To die for. The staten island ferry is not 25 cents , but it is still worth it. I didn't even get off it, I just did it to take the trip and it was really really nice. If you get homesick for Europe, go to Bloomingdales, it is a department store and feels a lot like Le Bon Marche in Paris. Macy's is okay, it soooo huge though it's almost not worth going in.

true. so very, very true.
(side note: when in Chicago and seeking a great deli, Ashkenaz Deli is THE place!)

oh, and the sushi in NYC is also great (and surprisingly cheap).

Go up this...

Go and see a silly american sport