Some
more useful tips on what to do in NYC (US) |
In addition to "Crazy week in NYC" there are some more tips, interesting places and things to do in NYC (and outside within a weekend time) that I watned to share with you. It will be probably most useful for those staying here for longer and living in NYC but still those just visiting for few weeks might find intererting to. It is a dynamic page - I am updating it regularly as I discover new things! So check it out regularly!
On This page you can find: 1. Useful Links 2. Things to do in NYC over the week 3. There are things to do in NYC all year long 4. What can you do if you need a break from NYC and want to get out of town for a weekend? 5. My dining experience in NYC 6. Nightlife (best bars and clubs) - comming soon 7. Shopping - my favourite shops
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Useful
Links |
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| Cheap flights in US: | |||||
| City Search and recommendations: | |||||
| Transport: | Cheap China Bus | Which subway/bus/train to take to get to. | |||
When |
What |
More details |
| Monday | Metropolitan Opera | You can buy cheap tickets for 20$ for the comming weekend from 10.00 am on Saturdays in the Metropolitan Opera. Its the best to be there as soon as they open. Although these are the standing seats you can always find some empty chairs and seat there. |
| Tuesday | FRENCH TUESDAY | Every second Tuesday trendy European crowd parties in the best clubs of NYC. Make sure someone puts you on the list (otherwise you usually can get in but need to pay 20$) For more details see the FT website |
| Wednesday | Salsa party at LQ | LQ - Latin Quarter (511
Lexington Avenue & 48th Street) - Clasic Salsa Wednesdays, Live Salsa Music & Dancing |
| Thursday | aSmallWorld party | At least once a week aSW orgnises drinks or party in different locations. Unfortunatelly you need to be a member or know someone who is to know where the party is, Link to the website for members |
| Friday | MOMA for free | Friday afternoon is for free! Line is long though! Target Free Friday Nights: 4:00–8:00 p.m., MOMA ticket website |
| Saturday (& Sunday) | Street Market and Brunch in HK Restaurant | Street Market on the 38th St between 9 and 10th Ave - great on Saturdays and Sundays. You can find lots of cool staff starting from furniture, jewelery, new and second hand clothes and shoes, paintings ect. Nice atmosphere and nice people. After that you have to go for brunch at HK Restaurant where you can have unlimited Mimosas or Bellinis and seat in the outside garden overlooking the market. |
| Saturday & Sunday | The Skate Circle in Central Park | Every Weekend starting in April till November at 2.30-6.30 pm between Summer Stage and Sheep Madow in Central Park there is amazing place for rollerbalding! Perfectly organized Circle, with a proper DJ and super friendly people! Most of the people skating are regularly there and they can "fly" - some amazing dancers! Lot of fun - my favorite place for Sunday afternoon. website |
| Sunday | Jazz concert in HARLEM | From 4:00-6:00 pm, Take C Train to 155 Street. After you go out of the subway go up to 159 st and turn right till you get to 555 Edgecombe street, flat 3F. It is a private apartment, only about 30 people can fit in. There is no charge although donations are expected. Amazing atmosphere! Do not be late so you do not interrupt the concert with the door bell! |
| Sunday | Brunch in SOHO: FELIX or DIVA | Go to Felix for brunch around 2 or 3 pm and stay for the party afterwards. Very crowded with stylish people drinking Mimosa and Caipirinia. From 4:00 pm 2 Danish DJs transform the place in the party spot! Its packed so people dance even on the street! If its to crowded or if you dont like the music across the street there is other Sunday Afternoon Fun place - DIVA. I actually like it even more as there is great House Music and because its less crowded and there is more space people dance like crazy! |
| Sunday | Salsa Social | There are different Salsa Socials on Sunday: from 6:00 to 10:30 pm, 26th street |
When |
What |
Why |
Links |
| January | CHINESE NEW YEAR Parade in Chinatown | Each year on the first full
moon after January 21& before Feb. 19, around Mott Street in Chinatown. |
More info: Chinatown Online or 212 431 9740, 212 941 0920, or go to Explore China website |
| June, July, August | BRYANT PARK Summer Film Festival | This is a series of free, outdoor, classic movie screenings, playing on Monday nights (after the sunset) throughout the summer months in Bryant Park, Manhattan. | For the film festival calendar click here |
| July, August | PS 1 Warm up Party | This amazing party takes place on Saturdays in summer. It starts around 2:00 pm and go on till :009 in the evening. Its outside the museum of modern art PS1. You can actually also visit the museum. Very nice people, great atmosphere and very good house / jungle music - towards the end EVERYONE is dancing! Its really nice in summer to party outside as well. | PS1 Warm up website |
| July, August | BROADWAY IN BRYANT PARK | Experience the glamour of Broadway in the great outdoors. Each week, several of current year’s biggest hits come to the park for a dazzling afternoon song and dance revue. (When: Thursdays from 12:30-2 pm) | For the calendar click here |
| July, August | HUDSON RIVERFLICKS | Enjoy all-time great movies under the stars! Every Wednesday evening at Pier 54 and Friday evening on Pier 25. Movies begin at dusk. Seating is available. Free Popcorn. Pier 54, West Street at West 13th St |
Hudson Riverpark website, go to "Celendar" for the film schedule |
| June, July, August | SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK | These performances are offered free of charge and are seen by approximately 80,000 New Yorkers and visitors each summer. Pick up your free tickets on the day of the performance beginning at 1pm at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park or from 1 to 3 PM at The Public Theater. Delacorte Theater – Central Park -located at mid-Park and 80th Street -Southwest corner of the Great Lawn |
The Public Theater website, for the Calendar click here The Delacorte Theater website |
| June, July, August | CENTRAL PARK SUMMERSTAGE | SummerStage is one of New York’s greatest summer institutions, filling Central Park with music, theatre, opera and dance for two months each summer. Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, 72nd Street & Fifth Avenue |
For the calendar click here; Central Park Summerstage The concerts are for free so for the more popular artist be prepared to wait in line and come 1 or 2h in advance! |
| July | LINCOLN CENTER OUT OF DOORS FESTIVAL | Free festival with something for everyone: Lincoln Center Out of Doors presents over 100 different events: world music, internationally acclaimed dance, cutting-edge performances, special events, cool jazz. Lincoln Plaza (64th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam) |
For the event calendar click on this link Main Lincoln Center website |
| September | US Open | If you are in NYC in September and you are sports fan you definatelly should not miss US Open. You can get tickets for the finals even for less than 100 $ if you buy it in advance. Its great experience to see stars playing on Flushing Medow live! | You can buy tickets from the US Open website |
| November | Halloween Parade | The Parade runs straightup 6th Ave from Spring Street to 21st Street. The streets are most crowded between Bleeker and 14th Street, so you might consider getting there early or another place along the route.The Parade starts at 7 pm and ends around 10:30 pm |
For more details on the parade click here |
| December | Rockefeller Center | Lighting up the Xmas Tree and the ice skating ring. | For the details go to Rockefeller Center website and than go to "See & Do" and "The Tree" |
| December | Bryant Park Pond | Xmas market and the best in NYC ice skating ring | For the detaisl click here |
| December |
MACY'S |
This is something you should see not
more than once unless you have a small child. The parade 2.5 mile route
begins on Central Park West (CPW) at 77th street and travels downtown
to 59th street at Columbus Circle then down Broadway to Macy's. |
More Info: 212-494-4495. Macys.com Apparently the best spot to view the parade is Duffy Square (where Broadway crosses Seventh Avenue at 46th Street) |
My dining experience in NYC |
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Name
of the restaurant |
Description |
Address |
Website |
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FAMOUS places |
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| TAO | Posh Asian fusion, laud music, good before going out, expensive | 42 E 58th St (Madison Ave), 212 888-2288 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spice Market | Posh Asian fusion, laud music, good before going out in Meatpacking, expensive | 403 W 13th St (8 Ave), (212) 675-2322 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sushi Samba | Posh Asian fusion, laud music, good before going out, expensive | 87 7th Ave South, 212 691 7885 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buddakan (NEW!) | Another Asian fusion pricy and posh place - the only difference - its new kid on the block so its even more in and you can see more celebrities! | 75 9th Ave (cross 16th St), 212 989 6699 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BuddahBar (NEW!) |
Long awaited Buddah Bar in NYC finally opened but it seems it is not going to repeat its success from Paris. The Buddah is much smaller and the crowd is not that cool, lots of wannabies and B&T, still as always in new hot spots there is a line in front. I have not eaten so no comments on the food. Its just oposite to Cielo so you can always go there is you dont like Buddahbar. | 416 W 13th St, (212) 647-7314 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia de Cuba | Flavorful Asian-Latin fusion cuisine. Kind of Sushi Samba Uptown version. Good party Vibe, nice people and good food. I went there for my birhtday with big group of people and it felt like we waited for the food forever but apart from that we had great time! | 237 Madison Ave btw 38 & 37 St, (212) 726-7755 |
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| Butter | Posh, expensive and place to be seen at - especially on Mondays! There is a small club downstairs which is absolutelly the hottest spot on Mondays nights. Almost impossible to get in - the trick is to book a table and go earlier for dinner. Still it does not guarantee you gonna enter so make it down early - before they close the rope and start brutal selection! Food is good, it did not make me do WOW and was not cheap but wasn't bad neither. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pastis | Crowded French Bistro, laud, scene, good before going out in Meatpacking, not cheap | 9 9th Ave, New York, (212) 929-4844 |
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| Balthazar | Very crowded French Bistro, best for Saturday lunch break while shopping in Soho, not cheap | 80 Spring Street (Broadway),212.965.1785 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Felix | Another posh French bistro in Soho. The best on Sunday afternoon when after brunch it turns into a party around 4 pm. 2 Djs from Denmark spinning and people killing hangover with Mimosas and Caipirinias. | 340 West Broadway- Soho (Grand st), 212 431-0021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Morimoto | The owner of Matsuri and Buddakan opened another big hot spot restaurant - Morimoto. It is Japanease cousine - the food is delicious and the presentation amazing! Of course it is not cheap. The interior is pretty cool to - and location perfect for going out aftrwards. I liked it more than Matsuri. You need to book few weeks in advance. | 88 10th Ave , btw 15 & 16th St,
(212) 989-8883 |
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| Matsuri | Posh Japanease in Maritime Hotel. It used to be very in few years ago. Nice interior and very expensive. | 1.9 miles N - 88 9th Ave, New York, (212) 243-6400 | website |
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| Nobu | Considered to be the best Sushi in NYC! Expensive and need to book even few weeks in advance! There is new one NOBU 57 uptown if you did not have luck with booking. |
105 Hudson St at Franklin St, New York, 10013 - (212) 219-0500 New: 40 W 57th St, New York, (212) 757-3000 |
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| Mr Chow | This Chinese Restaurant has Prix Fixe Menu.You don't order off of a menu, you just tell the waiter what your feeling like and they go off of that. Having the waiters order for you is the point! And yes, it is expensive, deal with it, or go to Taco Bell! The food itself is pretty damn good.. Shripms in green sos and the Squab lettuce were are outstanding! Apparently it used to be even better before the main Chef left for his new place but it still draws celebs and fashionistas (P. Diddy, Noami Cambell, Lenny Kravitz...) | 324 E 57th St (btw 1 and 2 Ave), New York, (212) 751-9030 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philippe | When after 26 years of loyal service, the Chef of Mr.Chow restaurnat - Philippe Chow - has up and taken almost all of Mr. Chow's menu, a waiter or two, and many of Mr. Chow's cooks - all the cool customers followed him. New Philippe is definatelly new hot spot and attracts all the most "posh" NYC crowd. The food and prices are similar. You'd be hard pressed not to enjoy the food and atmosphere. | 33 East 60 th Street Tel: (212) 644-8885 |
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| Le Souk | This Marrocan restaurant does not have the best food in town but is definatelly a lot of fun. Loud music, belly nacers, people smoking shisha, small dancing floor and bar downstairs. Good on Fri and Sat for the before going out dinner (lot of fun, fix menu for big groups) and on Sunday to chill to great House music. | 47 Avenue B (East Village) between 3rd and 4th Sts. 212-777-5454 |
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| 5Ninth | In the center of Meatpacking so good for dinner before going out. Its not cheap, but very cozy.This small 3 floors house has also very nice bar on the top floor - good after dinner around midnight when its still to early to go to the club. Once a month on Fridays they have great House Music after party till early morining! | 5 9th Ave, 212 929 9460 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Son Cubano | Posh Cuban/Spanish Tapas, laud music, often life, good before going out in Meatpacking, expensive. If you dont have a reservation on Friday night and its just 2 of you - go and eat on the bar. | 405 W 14th St (9th Ave), 212 366 1640 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cafe Habana | Another small place in Nolita great for brunch on weekend after shopping. | 229 Elizabeth St on the
cross with Prince St, (212) 625-2002 |
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| Cafe Noir | Cool Tapas place. Close to Felix and similar vibe as Felix, bit more relaxed and less posh though. Great vibe & great Sangria! | 32 Grand St, (212) 431-7910 |
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| Cafeteria | This new American cousine brunch place is opened 24h and located in the center of Chealse which makes it very popular spot for brunch and mostly breakfast - especially on weekends after they close the clubs on 27th everyone who still does not want to go home comes here. There is quite a line at 6 am! You can see some famous people and its definatelly "people watching" place. Good vibe and my nr one choice for killing the night :-) | 119 7th Ave (17th St), 212 414 1717 | more info | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| L'Express | This French place is opened 24h a day ad is one of the most popular places for killing the night out - meaning breakfast at 6 am when they close all the clubs! You will find it more crowded at 6 am (there will be a line...) than during the day! Good vibe and fun place to be at that time. | 249 Park Avenue South, corner of 20th St, 212 254 5858 | website | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Raul's | Another French bistro, but this time smaller and less crowded and very good for a date! | website |
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LESS
FAMOUS but really nice! |
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| La Esquina | It's really a must do for everyone. It's very romantic in a cool-edgy way and a great place to take someone whom you may want to impress the hell out of. The whole hidden basement, secret password and conspiracy atmosphere adds to the place - and the Mexican food is delicious! So diffucult to book, but if you are 3 or less just get in, say you are comming only for a drink and eat on the bar. | 106 Kenmare St at Lafayette Nolita , 646 613 7100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Totto | This casual Yakitori Japanease restaurant is the mostly Japanease place i have been in NYC so far - my Japanease girlfriens confirm! Try Onigiri, Gyoza, and other small plates to share. Have a feeling of realy Tokyo restaurant without going to Japan! | 251 W 55th St, (btwn 8th & Broadway) , 212-245-4555 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Celeste | Small and very cozy Italian Uptown. Very good quality italian food and not expensive. Great for Sunday evening. Very friendly owner may seat with you at the table for a while. | 502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, 10024 - (212) 874-4559 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gnocco | This is another very cozy not expensive Italian restaurant - but this time in East Village. Good for relaxing dinner with friends after work during the week. Best enjoyed on leisulerly summer evening with a glas of wine in the back yard garden! | 337 E 10th St (Btw A & B), NYC, 212 677 1913 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inoteca | Another Italian restaurant in East Village. Often called "Best small plates" restaurant. Amazing selection of Italian wines. Its always crowded and booking are not possible for less than 6 people, so be prepared for waiting. But its worth it! | 98 Rivington St (at Ludow St), NYC, 212 614 0473 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cookshop | This Modern American Restaurant in Chealsy has some really amazing dishes - my favorite was wood oven mashrooms..You should also try thier famous snacks - hominy! good wine selection and nice ambience. Not to posh, not to crowded, not to laud- really nice to have dinner with friends | 156 10th Ave Cross 20th Street New York, (212) 924-4440 |
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| Thor (Rivington Hotel) | The Chef is Austrian but the menu is European. One of the few places in NYC and Lowe East Side that is great but not crowded! Amazing interior of Rivington Hotel is just one of the reasons to come here. After dinner you can relaz on huge couches in the downstairs bar or have a drink in very intimate small room on the first floor. | 107 Rivington St, New York,
NY (212) 796-8040 |
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| Peasant | This Nolita treasure presents its riches in a simple manner.Great Italian food and brick oven Pizza! Rustic, brick oven and wooden banches make the place really cozy. The best for cold winter evening. There is also "mini" version donwstairs in the celler where you can get smaller and cheaper plates. | 194 Elizabeth St, New York, (212) 965-9511 |
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| Casa | This tiny place in West Village not only serves delicious Brazilian food but is also cozy and romantic. The neighbourhood is great so its nice to have a walk afterwards. When i asked my Brazilian friends which is the best Brazilian restaurant they said CASA! | 72 Bedford St cross to Commerce,
212 366-9410 |
more info | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Esperanto | Nice Spanish Tapas place in LES. Great for normal, mellow dinner but the best for Sunday brunch! Brazilian music life and very cheap brunch menu (9.90!!!). | 145 Avenue C, New York, 10009 - (212) 505-6559 |
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| Cafe Gitane | Small place in Nolita is great for brunch on Saturday. It has very good not expensive food - specialiases in Kous-kous. There is usually a long line in front but there are many nice shops around you can visit while waiting. Knows for Leonardo di Caprio and Giselle often poping in. | 242 Mott St, New York, 10012 - (212) 334-9552 |
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| Alfama | This not cheap portugese restaurant has great Portugese food and romantic atmosphere. Nice if you want to try something else than Asian fusion / french and when you go on a date. | 551 Hudson St, New York, 10014 - (212) 645-2500 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DIVA | If Felix is to crowded on Sunday evening (and it usually is) just cross the street and try Diva. Its very similar - have fun on Sunday evening - atmosphere but its much less crowded and insted of classic cheasy music hits they play great light house music. | 341 W Broadway at Spring St, New York, (212) 941-9024 |
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| BUBBY's | Fresh cooking and a guaranteed scene are what's behind this Tribeca brunch institution. Very cosy, especially when the weather is nice and you can seat outside. You can bump into celebrities like Uma Thurman. Best for brunch! | 120 Hudson St Cross Street: North Moore Street, New York, (212) 219-0666 |
website | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 44 & X | "A New England beach house" - serves modern American food. Not cheap but still afordable and definately the best place in the neighbourhood. Very nice inside and all the waiters are sooooo handsome - unfortunatelly for me - all gey :-) | 622 10th Ave btw 44 and 45th St, 212 977-1170 | more info | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Breeze | This tiny place in Hells Kitchen has some great Thai-French fusion dishes. Very afordable, very laid back, great for a quick relaxing dinner during the week if you are around. | 661 9th Ave, btw 45 and 46 St, 212 262 777 | website | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eatery | Another modern American food restaurant in Hells Kitchen. It has a great vibe and usually there is a line in front. Similar to 44&X lot of handsome gey waiters. I definatelly recommend if you are in the area. | 798 9th Ave at 53rd St | website | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HK | This cool Diner in Hells Kitschen is the best for brunch on the weekends when there is a Street Market on the corner. Lots of cool and funky people. You can seat in nice outside area and have unlimited Mimosas, Bellinis or Bloody Mary with any Entre. | 523 9th Ave (39th St), New York, (212) 947-4208 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tereska | The best Polish restaurant in Manhattan. Its very cozy, has great food and is incredibly cheap. (I recommend pierogi, nalesniki - pancakes and great selection of polish soups) | 103 1st Ave, New York, 10003 - (212) 228-0604 |
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SHOPPING -
My favourite shops in NYC |
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| Silhouettes | This small shop next to Bryan Park has some great deals! I found plenty of great dresses 3 times cheaper than in other "elegant and cool" butiques! Very friendly staff makes it even better experience. | 36 West 40th St, New York, 212 719 9807 | |
| IRAMO Shoes | Great shoes - usually quite expensive but be patient and resist the temptation as most of them will go on sale, sometimes even more than 50% and you can bargain even for more! | 89 Spring St (close to Brodway) | |
| LOUNGE Shop | One of the new generation shops where not only buying counts but the overall experience. You can find here not only funky clothes upstairs, shoes downstair but at the same time you can listen to the great music played by the DJ Lui that run the small stand with best electronic music CDs - so if you like the music you can also buy a CD! |
593 Broadway near Houston St, | website |