Saturday, May 30, 2009

New York Top Five

This list is for my cousin's, Keith and Sammie. They are headed to NYC for their 10 year Anniversary in a couple of weeks, and here's some of my favorite things to do (most involve food) that are a little off the beaten path (I figure Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building are things you're already planning on doing).

Ferry to Staten Island: One of the best deals in NYC, this free ferry takes you to Staten Island and back. The view is

Map image
great of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island etc. Plus you're on the water for a bit. One of my other favorite things to do that is similar is get off the Subway at the first stop after the Brooklyn Bridge and walk back to the City on the Bridge. Best done at Dusk or just after dark. Don't worry, it's safe. There'll be a ton of people on the Bridge.

Metropolitan Museum of Art: I hear the admission is 20 dollars now, but the Met is still worth it. Take the Best of tour, it's free with the price of admission, and the tour guide gives you a tour of their favorite pieces in the museum rather than a preset tour. The pieces you see give a great introduction and overview of a grand ol' museum. Then go see what you're interested in--you'll probably have already seen at least the Egypt room in Movies. Great view of Central park, and one of the coolest Museum rooms I've ever seen.

Greenwich: Dunar Kebabs, Magnolia Bakery banana pudding, pizza by the slice, etc etc. Greenwich is great to just walk through, but I always find myself eating my way through. The funky shops, the people watching, it's a great place to spend a few hours. I almost find myself a little disoriented in Greenwich, but don't worry-it's small. You'll figure it out. Lower East Village is another great place to eat your way through.

My favorite Subway stop: This is a silly one, but I really like 72nd and Broadway a lot. The subway station is picturesque as is the neighborhood. There's a Grey's Papayas (ht dogs done right--and cheap, ask either of my brothers about these) across the street, several places to eat.

5th Avenue: If it's a hot afternoon, and Keith is willing-going into Tiffany's, FAO Schwarz etc. Both are worth just seeing, and ask prices on the rings. You'll be amazed-at least I was.

One More: If you're going to Palmyra, go see Niagara Falls. Crazy tourist trap, but still impressive. I like the view from both the American and Canadian Side, and find both to pretty developed. Canada is fun to spend a few hours in however. I didn't do the boat ride as it was closed, but did pay on the Canadian side to walk down to where you're right next to the falls.

Tips:

New York is a cash mostly town.

Bring comfortable shoes.

Public Transportation is fun, walking is one of my favorite things to do in this city.

I'm sure you know the tips to get the cheaper Broadway tickets.

Yes, the Subway is dirty, and don't look at the tracks too long, but it's easy, pretty cheap, and you'll have a good time figuring it out.

Also, if you can-go see either the Mets or Yankees play. Baseball games in NYC are a TON of fun...even if you're casual fans.

If anyone else wants to give Keith and Sammie any suggestions, please feel free!

12 comments:

adamf said...

"Don't look at the tracks too long"? Maybe I shouldn't ask... I went a few years ago--the advice on cash would have been very helpful!

Brenda said...

I had the same question: Why not look at the tracks too long?

Joy said...

Hmm,guess?

adamf said...

Hmm... dirty rat water? Leftovers from people being killed? Old copies of Bill O'Reilly books?

Brenda said...

I'm thinking of every disgusting thing that could be down there. Philly's subs were bad but NYC probably has worse.

Anonymous said...

Sweet! Great tips. Thanks Cousin!

Anonymous said...

Take notice of Hoboken Harbor on the Hudson when you are at the top of the Empire State Building (or another tall building). That is where great-grandpa George Roundy boarded a troop ship bound for Frnace/Belgium during World War I.

Janette said...

I hope I get the chance to use these tips someday... you're awesome! And a little fam history thrown in from anonymous. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Wow. I'll need to bookmark this page for when we go eventually.

I've always wanted to see Greenwich. Especially (shamed confession) after reading the Princess Diaries series.

Steve said...

On a quick trip a few years back, one place STILL is my favorite "tourist trap"! There is a restaurant just south of Times Square called Jekyll and Hyde's. It's very campy and safe for children. And the food is awesome!

Sammie said...

Just wondering how much cash we need when you mentioned that it's a cash mostly town.

Joy said...

Sammie-There's ATM's in the town, and CVS's too. Alot of main attractions and large restaurantstake credit cards, but many small restaurants, tourist places, street food vendors etc don't accept credit. I'd have enough cash for the day, or for incidentals like a slice of pizza. As far as the Broadway trailer goes with the cheap tickets, I'm not sure if they take credit or not.