HELP plan my NYC trip!

Man NY has so much to offer, just depends on what you're looking for. I've been living here for 6 years, so what I enjoy most is just the energy of the city, people watching, going out for drinks, live music, rather than the traditional "sights."

Off the top of my head:

I hear the Modern restaurant at the MOMA is good for drinks and dinner. Times Square and midtown in general sucks IMO, once you see it at night and maybe catch a show you should check out other neighborhoods. They did close off part of Broadway north of TS for pedestrians to sit and hang out. I'm a downtown snob, so I'd suggest a walking tour through the West Village (cupcakes at Magnolia?). Eff John's, go to Lombardi's in Little Italy for the best NY-style pizza in the city. But be prepared to wait if you go at peak hours. Best burgers I've ever had (and a fun experience in itself) are at Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. If you must eat near TS, go west to Restaurant Row on 9th Ave. (btw. 45-55th st. or so), lots of affordable and good restaurants.

I think Top of the Rock (rooftop of Rockefeller Center) may be better for views and less crowded than the Empire State. SoHo is worth walking through even if you don't like shopping. You can grab brunch or coffee at Union Square to people watch, there's always stuff going on during the weekends. If you're into architecture there are a lot of beautiful buildings, like the Flatiron, Grand Central, the court houses (like the state courthouse you see in Law and Order) and various churches. Walking on Brooklyn Bridge is great on a nice day. Chinatown is crazy on weekend afternoons but worth a walk around and a meal. Nightlife for me is a major highlight, you could buy a Time Out magazine and just browse around for any bars/clubs/shows that look interesting.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you have an awesome time, the city can be a little daunting at first but if you like constant stimulation and diversity I think you'll like it. For me, there's no other place on earth!

Oh yea, buy a weekend Metro pass. Trains run a bit slower on the weekends but they're easily the best and cheapest way to get around town.

Shake Shack is pretty good and its decently priced. I wouldnt say CHEAP but its cheap for NYC

Lombardis >>>>>> John's for pizza

Steaks are expensive but Peter Luger's is a classic. and The Modern is an amazing restaurant, but very expensive.

MurphGuide Entertainment - Connecting the Fun to the Fun People




Grimaldi's Pizza (Patsy's) Under the Brooklyn Bridge, in front of the Jehovah's Witness Watch Tower, in Brooklyn Heights (Dumbo), If you like old fashioned style Neopolitan Pizza.
Frank Sinatra's favourite place to eat. Small, crowded, great Pizza, and pictures of stars all over the walls, and that great Italian "Family", *cough cough* feel. Grimaldi's Pizzeria


Jeckyl n Hyde , Greenwich Village.......burgers, beer, and other things. They put on a great comedy show while you eat, day or night. Jekyll and Hyde, New York City

Jacksons Hole ,, awesome burgers!!! - Jackson Hole Burgers, New York: 7 oz Burger Restaurants and Catering Services offer Burgers, Mexican dishes, Salads and Sandwiches




Dangerfields Comedy Club - Dangerfield's Comedy Night Club

I live one block away from the bayside Jackson Hole location

Skip all the restaurants in Times Square and head two avenues over to 9th Ave. Between about W40th St and W50th St are more restaurants than you would believe. Also, W46th between 8th and 9th Ave is known as Restaurant Row, so check that out too. These are all ~5 min walk from Times Square.

When touring the WTC site, make sure you get a chance to view it from the Winter Garden in the World Financial Center. That provides an excellent view and you will be standing under an enormous glass dome that was completely shattered that day. Also, do yourself a favor when downtown: hop on the Staten Island ferry (especially if the weather is decent). Take it from Manhattan to Staten Island and then just hop on the next one back. It's free and will give you the best view of the skyline, the harbor, and the statue of liberty. This is the single best piece of advice you will receive in this thread.

Also while here, consider visiting Grand Central Terminal. They did a nice job restoring it. Have a drink at the Campbell Apartment.

I think you can skip the Museum of Natural History. If you feel a burning desire to hit another museum (you already have 2 good ones), then check out the Whitney.

Check out Katz's Deli on the Lower East Side. Overrated, but it's an institution.

Get Metrocards and take the subway everywhere. It's cheap, fast, and safe. Just remember to stay use common sense and stay alert. Also, ask for a subway map from one of the token booth operators. The map and Metrocard will make nice souvenirs.

I'll post as I think of more. Feel free to PM me. Enjoy your stay!

It takes about 25 minutes each way. Schedule here: Staten Island Ferry Schedules

Personally, I think there's more to see than the WTC, but I understand that's a very personal decision. Also easy for me to say since I pass the WTC every day.

Actually, there's not much to see at the WTC site as it's basically just a construction site. I do understand why people are drawn to it though.

Actually, most New Yorkers probably would prefer that you take the building and scram. I can't stand having the UN here.

Going back to 9th Avenue restaurants ... really the best bet for cheap eats ... read what others say here:

Best of 9th Avenue - Manhattan - Chowhound

I agree with many of the suggestions! Plus this is (part of) the real NY ... you are hitting mostly tourtist stuff on Saturday. 9 pm dinner in a 9th ave place Friday night will be perfect.