I’m heading to NYC on Friday for a few days, does anybody have any suggestions as to what I should do/see? I’ve been a couple times before, never really done any of the tourist things except go to the MET. So I ask the millions, what should I do?
Keep in mind, I’m a slacker who likes jazz, ska, rap, rock and I only have $200US to play with for entertainment. I love the cinema and art, so suggestions related to those would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Really any help would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise I’ll probably end up chillin’ in Long Island for the whole trip, not experiencing all that NYC has to offer. I forgot to specify before, but I’ll mostly be in Manhattan so any info relating to that borough would be just lovely.
Thanks again
If you want to do the tourist thing, go to the Empire State Building, Radio City, or the Statue of Liberty. Museums to visit include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, The Gugenheim, or the Metropolitan Museum.
With your budget, you should go to a Broadway show; drop by the TKTS booth at Broadway and 47th to get half-price tickets on the day of the show.
Manhattan is a great place to walk around. I’ve always liked the Times Square area (even when it was sleezy) but you can also visit places like Chinatown (though all Chinatowns look alike) or Little Italy. Don’t worry about missing the South Street Seaport: it’s just glorified shopping mall.
Once you’re above 14th street, it’s easy to find your way around Manhattan – it’s a simple grid system, with numbered streets foing east and west and avenues (mostly numbered) going north and south. Broadway is the exception – it cuts diagaonally.
First thing to do when asking about New York City and things to do is to do a search on stuyguy. He’s our resident expert on all things New York (but don’t let Ukulele Ike hear you say that).
You’ve picked a great time of year to come to New York. There are lots of really cheap or free things to do. You may want to check out Time Out New York or New York Press (the free weekly that carries Cecil’s column) for listings.
A favorite of mine is the Brooklyn Museum, which is right next to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. I’d also recommend Ellis Island, which you get to by the Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty ferry. I’d skip going onto Liberty Island because the statue itself is closed, but Ellis Island is fascinating. If you don’t want to do that, I’d try a cruise out to Staten Island and back on the Staten Island Ferry, the best ride in NY and it’s free.
Thanks guys!
Bill, I’m blushing, I’m blushing.
jb, check out my suggestions here.
If there’s nice weather, take the A or C to the first stop in Brooklyn (High Street), then walk over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. The bridge itself is cool looking, you’re above the level of the traffic, and you have gorgeous views of Manhattan and the downtown skyline. And all it costs is the subway fare. You can then walk around Chinatown, like RealityChuck mentioned, since it’s not very far uptown of there. (Note that unlike many places, in New York, “downtown” actually means further down (south) - it’s not just the business district.) Really, pick some interesting neighborhoods, like Greenwich Village, and just walk around. There’s no better way to get the flavor of a place.