Good things to do in NYC

[MrsAmera 41]

Hi everyone. My fiance and I are leaving for New York tomorrow to spend Spring Break. We're staying with his brother and sister-in-law so we have some direction but they will be working all week. We are looking for some ideas about fun things to go and see. We like history, art, cultural stuff and he would like to move to New York in a few months (well that would mean "we" are considering it). I want to show him the city and what it's really like and have fun too. Does anyone have any ideas of things that you enjoy or that were free or cheap and were fun?!? Thanks for the help! Amera

[CarolineM 0]

1. Central Park - you could spend DAYS exploring it and it's almost all free.

2. Pick up a Time Out New York - tons of free art exhibits, concerts and events will be listed.

3. Gray's Papaya on Broadway and 60 something - Best hot dogs in New York not too expensive.

4. Take the subway NOT taxis. THe subway is NOT dangerous. PEople are friendly, mostly, and will help you if you can't figure it out.

5. Go down to the South Street Pier (I think it's called) - Huge pier with shops and cool bars and things - you can walk around and watch the sunset.

6. Find a good dive bar and take advantage of happy hour...MUCH cheaper.

7. If you want a "swank" experience go to a swanky hotel like the W for happy hour for a nice cocktail in the lobby bar. It's super fun and makes you feel swanky even if you aren't like me!!!

8. Walk around Soho - neat (but expensive) shops - but cool art shops and galleries that are...FREE

9. WAshington Square park is eccentric and fun!!!

10. Don't eat or do anything much in the high tourist areas (like central park) Go and people watch and explore but don't eat there - it's WAY more expensive then it needs to be!

Edited March 15, 2006 by karo112

[britbird 4]

karo is totally correct about Greys Papaya...those dogs are AWESOME!

New York is wonderful for just walking around and seeing neat things. You can get a City Pass which lets you do a bunch of touristy stuff (like go up the Empire State Building, go for a boat trip, go to MOMA etc) for much cheaper than if you were going to them separately. Alternatively if you search around certain places like MOMA have special times during the week when they are open for free.

You should go to Little Italy and get a cannoli at Ferrara's http://www.ferraracafe.com/aboutus/bakery_cafe.asp

You can also go to the various university campus's also (like Columbia) - those usually have cheaper food places around them and a nice atmosphere.

[CarolineM 0]

I went to Columbia and there are definitely some great places and little dive bars around there. There is an AMAZING italian place on AMsterdam and like 125th or something. Can't recall the name but it's good.

YES ferrara!!! Cannoli!! YES YES YES Eat at Puglia (sing the wave your napkin song) and then go to ferrara for dessert!

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Statue of Liberty. Here's the tip of the day. Get your tickets online and pick them up the day you go. To get in the statue is free. you just have to pay for the ferry.

You want the "MONUMENT ACCESS PASS" to go inside the statue.

http://www.statuereservations.com/index1.html

[pax 0]

You MUST see the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Take the 1 train to 110th/Cathedral Parkway and it's right around the corner. It's one of the most awe-inspiring, meaningful, moving things you'll ever see; I just took my mom there for the first time last weekend.

[CarolineM 0]

That's so funny Pax....if you walk uptown from the cathedral, turn right on 113th - i lived in the second building on the right.

511 W. 113th Street

Lived there for two years and went to St. John's every Sunday

PS - Pax is right - it is a must see - it's absolutely beautiful and amazing!!

Edited March 15, 2006 by karo112

[pax 0]

Awww, how cool! I'd love to actually go to church there sometime; I've only walked around during the day, usually during the week or on a Saturday.

[CarolineM 0]

It's a bit odd going to church when there are tourists walking around snapping photos but the services are AMAZING. Really - Easter was my favorite but they are really great.

[pax 0]

Maybe when I'm living in the city I'll check it out.

[flipside 0]

Don't forget to get a slice from the "Orignal Ray's Pizza"

[CarolineM 0]

i'm in the minority - I HATE nyc pizza. yuck. Even ray's. even famiglia.

[designermedusa 0]

Grey's Papaya does have the best hotdogs. Get the recession special, two hot dogs and a drink for less than $3.

I wouldn't eat in Times Square because those restaraunts are tourist traps, way to expensive.

There is a pizza place in the Theatre district called John's Pizza. I love their pizza and meatballs.

I love Central Park and Madison Square dog park. Madison Square dog park is a must for anyone that loves dogs.

The subway is the best way to get around, faster than the buses and faster and cheaper than a taxi.

Many museums have free or discounted days. Check their websites. A good NYC website is www.nycvisit.com.

As mentioned get a copy of Time Out New York, it's a weekly magazine covering music, films, clubs, theatre and more. Also, get a copy of The Village Voice for free.

Edited March 15, 2006 by designermedusa

[kc456 0]

My favorite museum was the Frick Collection. Check it out!

http://www.frick.org/

Admission

$15, adults; $10, senior citizens (62 and over); $5, students with valid identification. On Sundays, pay what you wish from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The price of admission includes the ArtPhone audio guide. [this is very helpful]

[moroccogirlny 100]

I live in New York, if you like you can send me a IM at moroccogirlny@yahoo.com. You and your hubby will probably enjoy the village and there are some good moroccan restaurants here as well.

Leila