New York: My Favorites, and Tips for Travelers

Favorites: 

1. Bryant Park: Central Park is magical, of course, but there's something about Bryant Park that I liked the most. It's a little slice of serene green wedged in between a slew of tall buildings. I always found myself taking a breather in Bryant Park.

2. Top of the Rock: As in, top of the Rockefeller, which has 360-degree views of New York, without the huss-and-fuss of waiting in line for the Empire State Building. 

3. New York Pride: I love any place where the people love their stomping grounds. This trickles all the way down to babies in Yankee hats. It's charming, really. 

4. The Fierce Energy: It was contagious. New York is always go, go, go and it makes you want to really get moving! I'm pretty sure my procrastinating ways would be squashed here. 

Impressions: 

• Not sure what I was expecting, but I thought the buildings would be even bigger than they are. 
• Furthermore, Manhattan is fairly small, mile-wise. 
• Harlem is not as unsafe as everyone says. 
• Cheesecake and Pizza really are better here. 
• New York tap water is the nastiest in the US. I can easily assume this without going to every state.
• Contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are friendlier than people say. People often asked us if we needed help with the subway and directions. 
• "Fuggedaboutit" is a phrase we heard quite often. Love it.  

Tips and Tricks: 

• When visiting the museums, you'll notice there is a "Suggested" price for tickets. What this means is you can donate whatever you choose (I payed $5), instead of paying the full suggested price. 
• Buy the unlimited subway pass, as it will save you moolah. 
• Don't eat out in Times Square. Prices are doubled as this is the touristy part of NY. 
• Download the Hopstop app on your phone, which gives you subway, bus and walking directions and makes it much easier to navigate the concrete jungle!
• If you still have a student ID, you can try to get student rush tickets for Broadway shows. Lainey and I saw Mamma Mia for $30 through this trick (it's good to go the morning of the show and ask the ticket vendor). 

Favorite Restaurants and Bars: 

• Lombardi's: Some of the best pizza I've ever had. (Located in Soho) 
• Sip Sak: The most authentic Turkish Food I've had in the U.S. (Located in Upper East Side) 
• Katz's Deli: BEST. SANDWICH. EVER. (Located in Lower East Side) 
• bOb bar: A hoppin' bar, if you're tired of hearing techno, and want some straight-up 90's hip-hop in your life, this place is perrrrrrfect (with reasonable prices). (Located in Lower East Side)

New York is simply smashing! So get your butt over there...and if you do, I hope these tips and tricks fare you well.