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Last Minute City Guide to New York City

posted in: last-minute-city-guide  |  posted by: Jennifer Gregory on February 8, 2009  |  2 Comments

One of the most incredible cities in America, New York City boasts a collection of cultural and historical landmarks second to none.

New York City Skyline

With activities designed to suit almost any budget, you’ll have no problem filling your itinerary with fun and exciting museums, restaurants, and sights!

Traveling in New York City

Unless you’re a brave driver, as an incidental visitor you should avoid attempting to navigate New York City by car. The best way to get around is by utilizing the monstrous subway system and then walking. Your two feet will get you almost anywhere in New York City – guaranteed.

NYC Subway

The subway system will take you to any neighborhood in the city and a simple map of the city will help you gain a quick grasp on the grid-like pattern of the streets. Take a taxi only if you are a stickler for comfort and don’t think you can handle the crowds on the subway system (especially during rush hour). Just remember that the $2 subway fare is a lot cheaper than the $10 or more you’ll pay for a taxi.

Hot Places to Eat in New York City

Burger Joint

New York City is jam packed with restaurants and cafes, whether you’re looking to spend $5 for lunch or hundreds of dollars on a gourmet meal. For those looking to eat on a minimal budget there are, of course, a fair share of regular fast food joints in town, but for a taste of New York you should consider a stop off at the Burger Joint in Midtown West for a spectacular college-style burger, or Great New York Noodletown in Chinatown for unbeatably delicious soup and noodle dishes.

Fatty Crab

Travelers looking for something just a little more formal will enjoy a nice bowl of chili crab at the Malaysian style Fatty Crab in the West Village. Another favorite is Roberto Restaurant in the Bronx where you’ll be rewarded for waiting in line with a gigantic portion of your favorite Italian dish.

Craft

For something a little more upscale head on over to Craftbar in the Flatiron District where you’ll be able to choose your meal a la carte. Those looking for an incredibly romantic or gourmet meal might enjoy Jean Georges in the Upper West Side. It’s here that the French creations of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten are sure to challenge and amaze your taste buds.

Incredible New York City Attractions

Times Square

Times Square

There are, of course, a few places that no visitor to NYC should leave without seeing. The first of which is Times Square. The famous square is full of flashing billboards, crowded sidewalks, and tons of jam-packed NYC style shopping opportunities. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of one of your favorite NYC based television shows taping live in the square.

The Empire State Building

Empire State Building

You’ve seen it in movies, but nothing beats seeing the Empire State Building in person. The building itself stands 1,050 feet high and if you visit on a clear day you can see up to 15 miles away from the observatory on the 86th floor. The views of the city from the Empire State building are simply stunning – day or night.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is considered to be the largest art museum in not only the United States, but the entire Western Hemisphere! The startling large museum houses works of art from every geographic area or chronological time period you can imagine. You could easily spend the entire day (maybe even two) touring the museum’s halls.

The Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo is also famous, ranking amongst the largest urban zoos in the world. There aren’t many cities where you’ll find acres of simulated rain forests snuggled within a concrete mecca. The gorillas, lions, and tigers aren’t complaining, though.

New York Style Entertainment

Visiting New York City doesn’t limit you to the standard fare of touristy attractions. There are also hundreds of clubs, bars, and theaters scattered throughout the entire city.

Ballet in NYC

The American Ballet Theatre, for example, is located on the Upper West Site and is famous for its two annual seasons of stunning performances. Stop by the ABT to see dancers in action, or visit them during their performances at the Metropolitan Opera House or the City Center to see the culmination of the dedication of each of the dancers in the group.

Brandy's Piano Bar

Brandy’s Piano Bar in the Upper East Side is a relaxed environment where you can stop by for a drink and to relax. Just don’t get too comfortable – the singing waitstaff will do all they can to engage you in the activity!

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Chicago City Limits (no, you’re not lost) is an incredible comedy club in Midtown West and is home to one of the longest-running comedy shows in New York. There’s nothing like a good improv performance to get you laughing before you head back out to explore.

Map out your route, grab a bite to eat, and head on out to explore the streets of New York City. You’ll never run out of things to do in NYC, whether you enjoy shopping, walking, art, or history. Enjoy the Big Apple!

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2 Responses to “Last Minute City Guide to New York City”

  1. anjeeta says on

    Fatty Crab is great though it doesn’t take reservations and you may have to wait in line for a while to get a table which can be quite troublesome when its freezing. You can get authentic Malaysian cuisine in New York City’s bustling Chinatown as well at restaurants like Jaya Malaysian, Nyonya and New Malaysia. Here you dont really have to wait and are seated almost immediately.



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