What are the MUST DO's in New York??

furrypig

I am gonna be soo busy fitting in all these must do's!

Thanks everyone

stockmarket-diva

Greenwich Village is a must.

The Magnolia Bakery there (as featured in Sex and the City) does the most amazing cupcakes.....there is a limit to how many you are allowed to buy but believe me you wouldn't want that many, they are so rich.

'Autumn' restuarant also in Greenwich Village is a really cute little bistro/diner. Could just imagine Sarah Jessica Parker and her crew meeting there for lunch.

I vouch for Canal street by the way...was desperate for someone to ask if I was interested in LV and evenually someone did. They took me to a locked room at the back of the shop (a bit scary) but came away with an amazing LV holdall which cost only $50. I can also vouch for Serendipity (have you seen the film).

furrypig

stockmarket-diva wrote:

Greenwich Village is a must.
I can also vouch for Serendipity (have you seen the film).

No I have not seen Serendipity. Is it something I should watch before I go??

naughty_10382

Not so much a 'must do' as a 'must get'... A metrocard for the subway. I can't remember how much it was when i went a couple of years ago, but I got a 7 day one and definitely got my money's worth.

Reading this thread has made me realise how much I am looking forward to going again next year, and how much I missed when I went for the first time.

GardenMillie

I've been twice and am thinking of maybe going again next Spring - I totally love it.

Loads of brilliant deli's on Broadway for breakfast, try a few different places they are all so good. Would recommend (for the ladies) going for a manicure and pedicure - really cheap and such a nice way of relaxing.

A must is a visit to China Town (Canal Street subway station) loads of fakes - Gucci, Hermes etc also some excellent Chinese restaurants.

Shopping: Definitely Century 21, Macys and if you've time I would recommend the shopping outlet Woodbury Common you can get a bus from the Port Authority (bus station). It takes around 40 minutes but there are about 200 stores there.

Drinks: Gotta have a cocktail at Carnegies (bar at Central Station) top!

Enjoy and have a totally fab time - remember to post and let us know how you got on.:j

consultant31

stockmarket-diva wrote:

I vouch for Canal street by the way...was desperate for someone to ask if I was interested in LV and evenually someone did. They took me to a locked room at the back of the shop (a bit scary) but came away with an amazing LV holdall which cost only $50. I can also vouch for Serendipity (have you seen the film).

We were warned about these places by our New York guide.
Apparently they are raided by the NYPD quite often and if you happen to be in there at the time you will be arrested :eek:
He also told us that the stuff they sell is fake (though it's often difficult to tell).
Sorry to scare-monger, but it definitely put me off!

alison74

Ok, I have read this thread and the advice has been great.

I would like to add to the list of 'must sees and dos'.


Having been to New York many times (I am aware that I am lucky) , I always try and do something different each time I go.

I got a guide through http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/ which is FREE as they are a voluntary organistion.

I don't know when you are going, but if it's a few weeks away, you would have time to book a tour guide.

They are native New Yorkers who will take you around ANY part of New York you want and give you the history behind it. I can't recommend them highly enough for a true New York experience.

Since I had already done Mahattan, I booked a tour for him to take me around Brooklyn and it was just fantastic. They spend about 4 hours with you (but you can make it shorter if you want) and you will be blown away by their enthusiasm for New York.


I also recommend that you do a Harlem Heritage and Gospel tour, using
this company.

http://www.harlemheritage.com/gospel.shtml

There are many others, but this is the best and I did the tour last year and again was blown away with the tour and the fantastic service I witnessed (not all religious, but felt something special that day !!)


Also, if you are going to be in town for a few days, it is worth getting a 7 day metro pass for subway and buses etc (even if you are only there for 4 or 5) as it works out cheaper if you will use this sub way 3 or 4 times a day.

Check our the www.tripadvisor.com New York forums as 'must sees' are always on there and answers given by real New Yorkers.

Have a fabulous time !

alison74

consultant31 wrote:

We were warned about these places by our New York guide.
Apparently they are raided by the NYPD quite often and if you happen to be in there at the time you will be arrested :eek:
He also told us that the stuff they sell is fake (though it's often difficult to tell).
Sorry to scare-monger, but it definitely put me off!

These are fake, made by the Chinese population of New York and near impossible to tell they are not real. It's scary to do, but exciting at the same time !!

alison74

One last thing................. don't forget to get your Macy's visitor card from the information centre on the first floor (our first floor, their 'second' floor)

It gives you 11% off everything you buy - just because you are a tourist ! Can't beat it and it's almost like getting the tax of the goods for free (taxes are more than 11%)

alison74

Oh, one more thing........... this map

http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-York-Popout-Map-S/dp/1845875028/sr=8-3/qid=1158515948/ref=sr_1_3/026-7086979-8359604?ie=UTF8&s=gateway


if by FAR the best New York map there is for handiness and not sticking out like a tourist so much.

I have the updated version for my trip in November (and will pass it to my friend who lives there) and we have both been using these maps for the last 5 or 6 years.

They will fit into the back pocket of your jeans / handbag and open up to see everything you will need. Convienantly splits itself around Times Square so you only need to open up one side at a time !