Thinking in going to NYC

[Villavic]

After 6 years, I'm thinking to visit my relatives in NJ and visiting NYC again.
It would be my 7th time in the big Apple.

Besides the classical attractions (main museums, Lib. statue, the skycrappers,) what places (newyorkers and those who know it well) do you recommend?

Ok, what I like? walking a lot! Visiting interesting and different places, looking nice places, streets, houses, etc.

I remember I enjoyed interesting bookstores in the Village, thai restaurants, Central Park, etc.

What I want to see this time is the Intrepid ship, I was there in 1988 but this time they have a Concord airplane (British Airways) and since I love planes, this is a must.

But I'm looking for cultural and bohemian places, too. If you have suggestions please share.

I'v heard visiting Greenwich Village at night is very cool, but not sure what exact places or streets visit. I have NY maps so you can be as specific as you want

[amber]

Why don't you go around May 19th and see Night of 1000 Stevies?

[DavidMn]

Boy I wish I could help you but I've only been to New York once, and I was only there for a day to see the Yankees.

[Rickypt]

I go to New York for the theater. At least one Broadway and one off-Broadway is a must for all my trips.

There is a restaurant in Greenwich Village that used to be an underground watering hole during Prohibition, which I found fascinating. It's really hard to find, but if you're interested, I'll get directions from my friend who lives there.

Have fun!

[Tango]

It's definitely one of the best cities in the world to visit!

If you like museums, check out this website (there are some amazing ones that most folks don't visit):
http://www.ny.com/museums/all.museums.html
(I recommend The American Museum of Natural History and/or The Metropolitan Museum of Art if your time is limited)

You can take a long walk along 5th Avenue and take in all sorts of things: Tiffany's, FAO Schwartz, The Plaza Hotel, Central Park (at the end), lots of shopping.

Maybe check out a Broadway show. You can buy tickets ahead of time, or check out the TKTS booth in Times Square to get discounted tickets to shows that haven't been scooped up or ones that are released the day of the show.

Spend some time in the Virgin Megastore on TimeSquare if you happen to be in that area. If you are a music or movie fan, this is a MUST STOP HERE place.

If you want to have a fun lunch, check out Ellen's Stardust Diner on 51st and Broadway. It's a 1950's style diner with singing waiters and waitresses. BUILT IN entertainment and decent food, to boot.

Depending when you go, you might be able to get standby tickets for the David Letterman show. Even if you don't get in, stop in and visit Rupert Gee's "Hello Deli" around the corner.

If you are into Italian Food check out Carmine's near TimeSquare. It's BIG, it's family style, and it's an institution. It's also on west 44th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues.

There's so much to do and see in NYC, and for most folks, so little TIME! Have a great time. When are you going? As the weather gets warmer and spring arrives, a trip to NYC is always wonderful.

[DavidMn]

I know one thing I want to see the next time I go is the place where Studio 54 used to be.

[BklynBlue]

Depending on how much time you have and how adventurous you are, you might want to consider traveling beyond just Manhattan and crossing the bridge over to Brooklyn.
You can actually walk there if the weather is nice, highly recommended(right over the Brooklyn Bridge from lower Manhattan - or take the subway - ten minutes)
on the other side of the bridge is an area called Brooklyn Heights - very old, beautiful houses, lots of churches (Brooklyn was once called the City Of Churches)and there is a promenade and park that you can walk with the Manhattan skyline right across the water - the restaurants are small and very good - and there is also a large Lebanese community (with the attendant shops and restaurants right on the main commercial strip.
A similar area, about 45 minutes from Manhattan by train is called Park Slope - when I lived there about eight years ago, it was just coming into its own - it was not unusual to find actors like Steve Busecmi pushing his child down the street in a stroller, or John Turtturo having a bagel at one of the local shops - you must have a NY bagel and the pizza in Park Slope is among the best the city has to offer -
Man, I miss New York...

Enjoy your trip

[DavidMn]

Speaking of Brooklyn, although I've never been to this place, if you like a good steak, try Peter Luger's. Ive heard its the best.

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by Rickypt

There is a restaurant in Greenwich Village that used to be an underground watering hole during Prohibition, which I found fascinating. It's really hard to find, but if you're interested, I'll get directions from my friend who lives there.

Have fun!

Yeah sure!! I'd appreciate it! Sounds interesting thoug... err.... prohibition of what?

[Villavic]

Originally Posted by DavidMn

I know one thing I want to see the next time I go is the place where Studio 54 used to be.

I've been there last time. Now is a theater, but you can enter the first lobby. The typical sign in the street is still there. There's no more but to me it was enough to wish going back 25 years to enjoy the disco (well if Steve Rubell let me in).

Originally Posted by BklynBlue

..consider traveling beyond just Manhattan and crossing the bridge over to Brooklyn.
You can actually walk there if the weather is nice, highly recommended(right over the Brooklyn Bridge from lower Manhattan - or take the subway - ten minutes)
on the other side of the bridge is an area called Brooklyn Heights - very old, beautiful houses, lots of churches (Brooklyn was once called the City Of Churches)and there is a promenade and park that you can walk with the Manhattan skyline right across the water -

You just READ my mind (never been in Brooklyn so this time I won't miss it), I'm planning to do that, and started to read about Brooklyn Heights. Thanks for the Park Slope info, I didn't know. I will research about it too!!

[Rickypt]

Originally Posted by Villavic

prohibition of what?

Alcohol--it was against the law from 1920-1933. So there were a bunch of underground bars. I'll try to get the directions and will PM you.

[Villavic]

I reborn this thread. Cause I'm traveling to NYC this friday!!! I arrive on saturday morning (unfortunately too late for 1000 Stevies night )

I just took note of all of your tips. Thanks!

And I'm going to Broadway shows!! I found ticket for the new Disney TARZAN show, and I'll see Phantom of the Opera for my 2nd time!!! (my fave)

Besides I found some interesting music stores (used cds, oldies, etc),

sure it'll be fun

[Sahara]

I would love to see New York one day. The coastal city, the lights.... and so on.

Hope your trip is awesome!

[wondergirl9847]

Originally Posted by Villavic

And I'm going to Broadway shows!! I found ticket for the new Disney TARZAN show...

The guy who plays Tarzan....Josh Strickland...tried out on American Idol. I REALLY liked him and wanted him to go further, but stupid Simon ragged on him about looking like frickin' Seacrest (whatever...Josh is gorgeous!) and he never had a chance. I would love to know how the show is and how Josh is in the role. Let us know when you get back!!

Have a fun time in NYC, Vic!!

[Red]

Originally Posted by amber

Why don't you go around May 19th and see Night of 1000 Stevies?

Crap, I didn't even THINK of that! Damn, I'm there on May 20th.
Ah well, its for work anyway, I wouldn't be able to go. But still. Still!!!