It’s been almost two years since I last posted my Paris blog, and I decided that it was time to post again, this time to probably one of my favorite cities.
First, New York is unlike most cities in the sense that
Hotels:
I’ve stayed in many hotels in New York, next few are my favorites:
The library hotel:
It’s a somewhat book themed hotel, different rooms sizes and themes as well. However, I recommend you go with your couple instead of family/friends (you can, but I don’t recommend it.) since it’s a small and expensive hotel. They have small rooms, and get progressively bigger and more expensive, but their “special room” is the erotica (cough, kama sutra, cough) themed one.
Oh, it’s also near the NY Public Library.
Sex room -- I mean Love room
Affinia 50:
Probably my favorite hotel to stay in solo/family, it’s small and comfy and has a great Club Room (hotel common area), with snacks, books, and TV. It also has a great location (on 50th streeth between 5th and Madison.)
Other decently memorable hotels: Grand Hyatt, Waldorf-Astoria, etc.
Dining:
Eating in New York is the most amazing experience anywhere, because you can find any type of food, at any price range and it’s all pretty near by (but not always true).
Spice Market
One of my favourites. Asian street cousine catered to upscale costumers, the website description says:
it's a real nice looking place
Inspired by the street food Mr.Vongerichten enjoyed while traveling in Southeast Asia, Spice Market’s menu authentically uplifts its inspirations while offering guests the additional delight of family-style dining – food comes continuously throughout the meal and is placed at the center of table for all to share. With each new dish, patrons are transported to the idealization of a Vietnamese street market or a Thai food stall. Regional fish sauces, curries and spices are tweaked to tantalizing effect in dishes like chicken samosas with cilantro-infused yogurt, a vinegar-infused pork vindaloo and halibut cha ca la vong.
Note: I don’t recommend that allergic eaters dine here (there have been serious reports of allergic reactions to certain foods @ the place).
Another asian style restaurant, this one has much more of an upscale but casual vibe. However, at times the restaurant has lots of live events and music (it acts as a sort of lounge) which makes it prone to overcrowding and somewhat slower service.
Food is, however, very good. I recommend the giant furtoune cookie. (Who doesn’t love a big fortune cookie?!).
Other: Like I said, there is plenty of places to eat, apart from upscale restaurants I really enjoy the fast food. So there are plenty of Chili’s, TGI Friday’s, and my favourites Sbarro and Taco Bells. Also, don’t forget to get some roasted peanuts (of you find them) or new york pizza.
Stuff to do:
If you enjoy the nightlife, there is plenty of things to do. However, I recommend finding places to go in advance and plan them (as I’ve said before, places are prone to overcrowd in N.Y.C) accordingly. Plenty of DJs come and play year round. Also, there are plenty of cheap places to go to have fun.
Places to visit: Apple store on 5th (I think) is pretty cool. The big square glass entrance (a la Louvre’s glass pyramid), and the store itself being located underground. It’s right near the old Plaza Hotel and Central park.
Central park is great (don’t go at night, however), and there’s enough of it to walk around for a few days exploring.
The Public library is a good place to explore as well .
Time square I personally recommend to be visited at night, since the change in crowd and lights make it extremely spectacular.
Now, I don’t usually recommend people to go to the movies, but the cinemas near timesquare as extremely cool. The AMC (I think) in particular with the big glass windows and the tall stairs right next to them is pretty nice.
Don’t forget broadway either. Last time I went to a broadway show I managed to get into The Producers with Matthew Broderick. He’s not all that great but it was a nice experience. Also got to watch Cats a long time ago. There’s plenty of things to watch from really child friendly shows (Lion King, etc) to Les Miserables (I think it’s back).
Alternatively, you could head north and visit some of the more popular Hollywood destinations (cough, Southhamptom) but it’s really not my cup of tea.
I love NY too! I've only been there once tho and it was recently, in August (it was also my first flight and first time outside Sweden!)
NY is amazing because of all the things you said. So many different places, if you want food you can get any kind at really high quality (better than most I've tasted in Sweden).
Time Sqare is a must visit during night, just amazing.
On December 09 2010 05:56 Roe wrote: how's the public transit in NY?
Very thorough but a bit confusing to the average newbie. There are buses, subways, and cabs so you can get wherever you want.
i beg to differ. Compared to all other major cities ive been to and had to use public transport extensively(minsk, moscow, warsaw, DC) new york has teh most straightforward transit system.
On December 09 2010 05:56 Roe wrote: how's the public transit in NY?
Very thorough but a bit confusing to the average newbie. There are buses, subways, and cabs so you can get wherever you want.
i beg to differ. Compared to all other major cities ive been to and had to use public transport extensively(minsk, moscow, warsaw, DC) new york has teh most straightforward transit system.
Hmmm I haven't been to those other countries (language barrier probably wouldn't help...) but I didn't find DC more confusing... eh I guess if you do your hw it isn't bad at all.
On December 09 2010 05:56 Roe wrote: how's the public transit in NY?
Very thorough but a bit confusing to the average newbie. There are buses, subways, and cabs so you can get wherever you want.
i beg to differ. Compared to all other major cities ive been to and had to use public transport extensively(minsk, moscow, warsaw, DC) new york has teh most straightforward transit system.
Hmmm I haven't been to those other countries (language barrier probably wouldn't help...) but I didn't find DC more confusing... eh I guess if you do your hw it isn't bad at all.
yea actually thats a good point. I went to DC only a year after i came to the US. maybe if i went now it wouldnt have been such a hustle.
Now, I don’t usually recommend people to go to the movies, but the cinemas near timesquare as extremely cool. The AMC (I think) in particular with the big glass windows and the tall stairs right next to them is pretty nice.
The theaters in Times Square suck ass. They are filled with teenagers that won't shut the fuck up during the film and also with people who go SHHHHHH really loudly at those teenagers. Although the Saw movies were pretty good there.
I went to NYC with my girlfriend and my best friends in the early summer this year and I had a lot of fun. My girlfriend has always been interested in art and we really enjoyed going to the various museums in NYC. There's a lot of great museums in NYC and you'll really love it if you're into that kind of thing.
Oh, and the people that we met in NYC were really friendly and helpful, which I wasn't really quite expecting. I can't even count the number of times people actually just came right up to us to help us with directions even when we never asked. I guess people in Manhattan are really used to seeing tourists and can just tell by looking when they're confused or lost, haha.
On December 09 2010 05:56 Roe wrote: how's the public transit in NY?
Depends on where you're going. Subway is the best way to go most places, and it's quite easy to move in (as long as you're good at reading subway maps and directions). As for everything else, taxis are somewhat expensive and I don't recommend them unless it's within the city. However, you can always arrange for private taxis to the airport which is pretty handy if you're taking a comfortable SUV or something.
Edit: I also recommend the huge Toys 'r us in time sq. with the big ferris wheel inside.
Blogs about NY always makes me feel lucky to live here Compared to Washington DC, The public transit is shit, but then again, its a much bigger area of transport. The trains are slower and the subway always smell like piss.. The trains are all bundled up and you may take a express to a local only or vice versa.. But, the trains are pretty convenient access points once you get it right and theyre cheap ($2.25 for a ride and i know the quarter is gay -_-) I only been to train stations in NY and DC so all i said are based off NY and DC. Buses arent recommended because you might not get off when you have to! Cabs are rather nice and never exceeds $20 (unless youre travelling pretty far)
BTW, Time Square is where the lights are up. If you had been inside a building since the sun was out, youll think its still sunny at 8:00pm beause of all the bright lights. Even at midnight, hence NY got the name "The City That Never Sleeps"
This is exactly what I'm looking for :D I'm planning to go to NYC with some friends for New Years (first time, gonna do touristy stuff and hopefully party it up!). Looking forward to a lot of the stuff you listed in this blog!
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.libraryhotel.com/media/images/library/gallery/photos/library_astronomyjuniorsuite.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.libraryhotel.com/media/images/library/gallery/photos/EroticLiterature.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://spicemarketnewyork.com/files/f43fa6d9b4bfe52f15066fbbf0710857_full_size.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.trekexchange.com/images/NYC_Times_Square.jpg)
I've only been there once tho and it was recently, in August (it was also my first flight and first time outside Sweden!)
![[image loading]](http://www.logodesignlove.com/images/classic/i-love-new-york-logo.jpg){kind=logo}
