5.19.2012

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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 


7 comments:

  1. Yeah, a lot of people assume a large population means a large land area. New York is very small compared to cities in the midwest and west.

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  2. Go to the Sandra Cameron Dance Center or Dance Manhattan if you are into ballroom or salsa and swing.

    I agree, New Yorkers are very friendly; at least, they were to me.

    Did you go to the Met yet? Or the Guggenheim? I missed going to the Whitney.

    Did you try an Italian Ice? Might be good right now, especially if it's hot.

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    1. I did go to the Met...it was HUGE. Just like the Lourve, I suppose.

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  3. I changed the weblog address. I won't post it up here, but you can click my name. I have been going through a lot of stark contrasts lately.

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  4. Hahah, that baby is giving you the side eye!

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