Whether you are a tourist or a native New Yorker, like me, there is always somewhere to go and see when in NYC. But, when asked, or just trying to come up with somewhere to go, even I can come up with brain freeze. This list should keep you and me busy for days.
1. Governors Island Park
Ferry Line Rd. Carder Rd., New York, NY
“The island’s name stems from British colonial times when the colonial assembly reserved the island for the exclusive use of New York’s royal governors.”
2. Wo Hop Restaurant
Growing up this is where we went all the time.
17 Mott St. btwn Worth & Mosco St., New York, NY
“A NYC tradition since 1938 and always full of characters day or night,I recommend the delicious duck lo mein or anything from the ‘oriental specialities’ menu”
3. Grand Central Oyster
89 E 42nd St. Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Sometimes I am tempted to take the train in just for the Chowder
4. Ideal Cheese Shop
942 1st Ave 52nd St, New York, NY
“A unique place and for serious cheese lovers. Walk in and take in the wonderful cheesy aroma and sample cheeses from all over the world.”
5. Gazala Place
709 9th Ave 48th St, New York, NY
“This is an amazing little middle eastern/Druze cooking. My friend turned me on to it on my last trip to NYC. Incredible, authentic food. Really fresh and interesting -Susan Feniger, Top Chef”
6. New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd. at Bronx Park Rd., Bronx, NY hire software developer
“The Village Voice voted this Best Garden in our Best Of New York Poll!”
7. Grand Central Terminal
87 E 42nd St btwn Vanderbilt & Park Ave, New York, NY
“Have time to kill? The closest thing to a mall in NYC, the shops at Grand Central Station run the gamut from high-end lingerie to French pastries.”
8. American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park W btwn 77th & 81st St, New York, NY
9. Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Plaza btwn 50th & 51st St, New York, NY
10. Empire State Building
350 5th Ave btwn 33rd & 34th St, New York, NY
11. National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center
1 Albany St btwn West & Greenwich St, New York, NY
12. Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island, New York, NY
13. Top of The Rock Observation Deck
30 Rockefeller Plaza btwn 5th & 6th Ave, New York, NY
“A breathtaking view of Manhattan.”
14. The Empire Hotel Rooftop
44 W 63rd St btwn Broadway & Columbus Ave, New York, NY
“This is the most amazing place for drinks at sundown. A great view of the city, and a beautiful rooftop. Make sure to dress up!”
15. La Bergamote
515 W 52nd St. btw 10th & 11th Ave, New York, NY
“Take a trip to France without leaving NYC. What they lack in service, they make up for with delicious bistro food and fresh baked goods. Get the almond croissant or the brioche.”
16. Buttercup Bake Shop
973 2nd Ave btw E 51st & E 52nd, New York, NY
“Red Velvet cupcake is by far the best in the city!! I also suggest the Peanut Butter & Jelly cupcake- jelly filled with peanut butter frosting 😉 .
PS. They are now in White Plains!!!!!!!!!!
17. Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker St. at W 11th St., New York, NY
“Legendary cupcakes, absolutely get the Red Velvets! Well worth standing in line for this New York classic.”
18. Crumbs Bake Shop
109 Montague St. btwn Hicks & Henry St, Brooklyn, NY
“Cupcake heaven! Try the S’mores and the Cookie Dough cupcakes. The café has plenty of room for you to sit and enjoy your sweets.”
19. Alice In Wonderland
Central Park at 5th Ave., New York, NY
“Before 9 a.m., dogs are allowed to roam free in Central Park. That has spawned gatherings of unleashed canines like the Norwich terriers that regularly get together with their owners at this statue.” Read more.
20. New Museum
235 Bowery btwn Stanton & Rivington St., New York, NY
21. Molly’s Cupcake
228 Bleecker St. at 6th Ave., New York, NY
22. Thunder Jackson’s
169 Bleecker St Sullivan St, New York, NY
“Super cheap drinks. Great music. Place is a little cramped, but super fun.
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Great list, Stacy. I’d highly recommend Top of the Rock versus Empire State Building, the lines tend to be shorter, the staff friendlier. Plus, you get a great view of the Empire State, something you don’t see from, well, the Empire State.
The Oyster Bar is fantastic – sit at the Oyster Bar itself for a real old-New York feel, and great fun watching the staff shuck and bustle. Don’t forget the “Whispering Wall” just outside the restaurant’s entrance.
One thing not on your list that I always recommend – a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Grimaldi’s Pizza is just across the bridge on the Brooklyn side, and makes a great reward for your walking efforts before hoping the train back to Manhattan.
Great list, Stacy. I’d highly recommend Top of the Rock versus Empire State Building, the lines tend to be shorter, the staff friendlier. Plus, you get a great view of the Empire State, something you don’t see from, well, the Empire State.
The Oyster Bar is fantastic – sit at the Oyster Bar itself for a real old-New York feel, and great fun watching the staff shuck and bustle. Don’t forget the “Whispering Wall” just outside the restaurant’s entrance.
One thing not on your list that I always recommend – a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Grimaldi’s Pizza is just across the bridge on the Brooklyn side, and makes a great reward for your walking efforts before hoping the train back to Manhattan.