Things to do in NYC? (intermediate level)

[NDallasRuss]

People familiar with NYC - I could use your suggestions.

We're going up for 4 days in mid-June. This will be about the 10th time we'll have been there. By now we've done most all the "base level" Manhattan museums, building, sights, attractions, and general "touristy" stuff. I'm looking for some suggestions of other things that we could do during the day that we might not have hit yet. Outside of going to a Yankees game, I haven't really ventured beyond Manhattan. Our nights are booked up with shows, but I'd appreciate some ideas of other (family-friendly) things we could do during the days.

Thanks!

 

[ericram]

Hard to answer not knowing what you have or have not done. The Ellis Island tour and museum is pretty amazing. The High Line is cool. Battery Park is cool. Renting bikes and riding around Central Park is fun too. Exploring China Town great. Even watch the filming of Blue Bloods the last time we were there. Of course MOMA you could spend several days there and not see the same thing.

 

[ericram]

Oh forgot Coney Island.

 

[LesClaypool]

Why go back for a 10th time? Work have you there already or something?

 

[1fsu1966]

Tenement museum buildings are interesting

 

[NDallasRuss]

Hard to answer not knowing what you have or have not done. The Ellis Island tour and museum is pretty amazing. The High Line is cool. Battery Park is cool. Renting bikes and riding around Central Park is fun too. Exploring China Town great. Even watch the filming of Blue Bloods the last time we were there. Of course MOMA you could spend several days there and not see the same thing.

I was trying to avoid listing out all the things I'd done, but I can see how it's hard without knowing.

We've done the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MOMA, the Guggenheim, the Natural History museum, and the tour of Carnegie Hall.

We've done the Statue of Liberty, but opted not to do Ellis Island - family vote went against it.

We've done Central Park a lot, including the Central Park Zoo maybe 4 times. Also Bryant Park lots of times.

We've done the Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Bldg, Rockefeller Center, the 9/11 memorial/One World Trade, and walked around the outside of the UN Bldg

We've done Broadway/Times Square, Chinatown, Financial District, Battery Park, SoHo, 5th Avenue, and probably other neighborhoods that I didn't know we'd ventured into.

We've had pastrami sandwiches from Katz's and cheesecake from Junior's.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Why go back for a 10th time? Work have you there already or something?

Nah, we go periodically to see shows, and general hanging around. This trip is to go see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and also a show called "Puffs", which is a comedy about being at Hogwarts when you're not Harry Potter - supposed to be really funny.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Tenement museum buildings are interesting

This may be interesting. And I haven't done the High Line walk before either.

 

[FSUdawg]

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Once in Brooklyn go to Grimaldi's for pizza. It is an easy walk from the bridge.

 

[FSUTribe76]

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Once in Brooklyn go to Grimaldi's for pizza. It is an easy walk from the bridge.

Grimaldi’s is good, but it has outposts in Tampa and other spots in Florida that have the same food. I’d suggest going to Totonno’s near Coney Island or another NY only place. Go to Grimaldi’s when you want pizza in Tampa.

 

[FSUdawg]

Grimaldi’s is good, but it has outposts in Tampa and other spots in Florida that have the same food. I’d suggest going to Totonno’s near Coney Island or another NY only place. Go to Grimaldi’s when you want pizza in Tampa.

They may be in Tampa and other places, but I'm sure it doesn't taste the same as the original in NYC. Valid point though to find a different place which is NY only.

I stand by my suggestion to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

 

[SeaPA]

We enjoyed renting bicycles down near the seaport and riding a bit. Went across the path on the Manhattan Bridge, then came back across the Brooklyn Bridge. Have to go slowly on the BB, the bike path is adjacent to the walking trail. That gets very crowded and a lot of the walkers don’t pay attention. I clipped a few people and had no choice but to blast one guy with a forearm when he stepped in front of me, but it is a pretty ride.

 

[Fijimn]

I was trying to avoid listing out all the things I'd done, but I can see how it's hard without knowing.

We've done the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MOMA, the Guggenheim, the Natural History museum, and the tour of Carnegie Hall.

We've done the Statue of Liberty, but opted not to do Ellis Island - family vote went against it.

We've done Central Park a lot, including the Central Park Zoo maybe 4 times. Also Bryant Park lots of times.

We've done the Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Bldg, Rockefeller Center, the 9/11 memorial/One World Trade, and walked around the outside of the UN Bldg

We've done Broadway/Times Square, Chinatown, Financial District, Battery Park, SoHo, 5th Avenue, and probably other neighborhoods that I didn't know we'd ventured into.

We've had pastrami sandwiches from Katz's and cheesecake from Junior's.

Yankees tickets will probably be hot. The new stadium is pretty nice and it's a easy train ride to the Bronx. I never have enough time to really site see when I'm, but I did take a train up the Hudson River valley. That was really cool. Also, if you wanted to get our of town, head out the vineyard (train/ferry). There is a Nole that owns a BBQ place on ISLIP called Dang BBQ.

 

[seminoledq]

Halal Guys on 53rd & 5th (I believe those are the cross streets). Right across the street from the Hilton.

 

[cfbfan23]

Head on over to Ozone Park in Queens and dine at Don Peppe. Baked Clams, Linguine with clams, Shrimp Luciano, Veal Don Peppe and Lobster Fra Diavolo are all delicious. The red wine goes down well. No credit cards.

I always try to make a stop here on my NYC trips. It's a little out of the way.

 

[GoNolesTX]

Is there a Billions tour you could go on?

 

[NDallasRuss]

Halal Guys on 53rd & 5th (I believe those are the cross streets). Right across the street from the Hilton.

I'm definitely familiar with Halal Guys!

They've started franchising now - I believe there are a couple here in Northern Virginia.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Yankees tickets will probably be hot. The new stadium is pretty nice and it's a easy train ride to the Bronx. I never have enough time to really site see when I'm, but I did take a train up the Hudson River valley. That was really cool. Also, if you wanted to get our of town, head out the vineyard (train/ferry). There is a Nole that owns a BBQ place on ISLIP called Dang BBQ.

I looked and Yankees tickets are as cheap, or as expensive, as you want/need them to be. They range from $20 to >$1000/ticket. Decent seats for that weekend - against the Rays - can be got for ~$70.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Head on over to Ozone Park in Queens and dine at Don Peppe. Baked Clams, Linguine with clams, Shrimp Luciano, Veal Don Peppe and Lobster Fra Diavolo are all delicious. The red wine goes down well. No credit cards.

I always try to make a stop here on my NYC trips. It's a little out of the way.

That sounds good - thanks!

 

[SeaPA]

If you like pasta dishes, there's an area where there are a bunch of Italian restaurants real close together. I forget what it's called but if you're interested I'll see if I can find the name of the area.

 

[nynole1]

Hard to answer not knowing what you have or have not done. The Ellis Island tour and museum is pretty amazing. The High Line is cool. Battery Park is cool. Renting bikes and riding around Central Park is fun too. Exploring China Town great. Even watch the filming of Blue Bloods the last time we were there. Of course MOMA you could spend several days there and not see the same thing.

2nd vote for High Line, interesting food market a block from there too with lots of ethnic varieties. For more touristy, I would suggest the Circle Line near the Intrepid museum. If you are into Astronomy, head up to American Museum of Natural History and catch a show at the Rose Planetarium.

 

[Fijimn]

If you like pasta dishes, there's an area where there are a bunch of Italian restaurants real close together. I forget what it's called but if you're interested I'll see if I can find the name of the area.

Sbarro in Times Square.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Sbarro in Times Square.

That and the big Olive Garden.

 

[NDallasRuss]

If you like pasta dishes, there's an area where there are a bunch of Italian restaurants real close together. I forget what it's called but if you're interested I'll see if I can find the name of the area.

That would be appreciated, thanks.

The only food plans we have for this trip is Keen's Steakhouse: http://keens.com/

 

[Fijimn]

That and the big Olive Garden.

Yep - after Guy Fierri's restaurant closed down, there is really no where else good to eat in midtown.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Yep - after Guy Fierri's restaurant closed down, there is really no where else good to eat in midtown.

You can still get good seafood.

 

[Fijimn]

You can still get good seafood.

And..

 

[funksouljon]

I've only been three times. Once to see FSU beat Tamu and the second/third to go to the diamond district for diamonds (one for my wife's ring, one trip for my buddy to shop for his lady friend).

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Tenement museum buildings are interesting

Yes. Fantastic museum/experience. Great to teach the little ones about America's history as a nation of immigrants and the struggles they went though.

I especially loved it as I lived a couple blocks away in a renovated tenement building. Was eye opening seeing the hardships, illness, dealth and deceit that dozens (or hundreds?) likely went though in my own apartment unit, which until then I took for granted as a place to host pre and post parties. Never looked at my apartment the same way again (didn't stop me from partying though), just had a new respect for the building.

Halal Guys on 53rd & 5th (I believe those are the cross streets). Right across the street from the Hilton.

53rd and 6th. Go to the cart on the southwest corner of the intersection - line is longer but the line is part of the experience. You can cut the line if you give Mustafa a $10.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Other than the above (+1 for Highline - and the Whitney since it's along the way), since you've been to Manhattan plenty, I'd say get out into Brooklyn and Queens.

Jackson Heights in Queens has food and culture from all over the world - pick a country and try a food. Fantastic dim sum, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Colombian all within a mile or so of there.

Astoria for Greek food and the Bohemian Beer Garden. PS1 in Long Island City for a day party at a museum (starts late June)

Hit up Bushwick in Brooklyn to see some hipster gentrification first hand - and some fantastic street art (can also hit up the Roberta's pizza there). (Bed-stuy is also another place to watch gentrification in progress -- Check out Speedy Romeos [pizza also])

Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Garden along the edge of Prospect Park

NYC Transit Museum in Boerum Hill/Downtown BK -- Visit the Dekalb Market Food Hall for a ton of food choices.

Brooklyn Bridge Park for great views - wander around Dumbo (a neighborhood) while you're there.

Wander Williamsburg to see what happens when the hipsters get gentrified themselves. Head to the top of the William Vale Hotel for a quick drink and great view of .. well everything.

Venture to Red Hook and snag a table on the roof at Brooklyn Crab or check out Red Hook Lobster Pound. Do a tour or sample some whiskey at Van Brunt Stillhouse.

Get some midday drinks at the Frying Pan (huge barge on the Hudson [Manhattan]) or their sister property The Wheelhouse in Industry City (BK) where you can also check out Brooklyn Flea.

Find out where Smorgasburg is (either Williamsburg or Dumbo usually) and enjoy some outdoor foods, beers, and people watching.

Honestly, I'd say pick a country you're interested in, find the neighborhood its diaspora settle in, and wander around. You been enough that you don't need to over plan or do touristy crap.

 

[Pay_county]

McDowell's in queens

 

[NDallasRuss]

McDowell's in queens

Do they have the Big Mac?

 

[NDallasRuss]

Other than the above (+1 for Highline - and the Whitney since it's along the way), since you've been to Manhattan plenty, I'd say get out into Brooklyn and Queens.

Jackson Heights in Queens has food and culture from all over the world - pick a country and try a food. Fantastic dim sum, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Colombian all within a mile or so of there.

Astoria for Greek food and the Bohemian Beer Garden. PS1 in Long Island City for a day party at a museum (starts late June)

Hit up Bushwick in Brooklyn to see some hipster gentrification first hand - and some fantastic street art (can also hit up the Roberta's pizza there). (Bed-stuy is also another place to watch gentrification in progress -- Check out Speedy Romeos [pizza also])

Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Garden along the edge of Prospect Park

NYC Transit Museum in Boerum Hill/Downtown BK -- Visit the Dekalb Market Food Hall for a ton of food choices.

Brooklyn Bridge Park for great views - wander around Dumbo (a neighborhood) while you're there.

Wander Williamsburg to see what happens when the hipsters get gentrified themselves. Head to the top of the William Vale Hotel for a quick drink and great view of .. well everything.

Venture to Red Hook and snag a table on the roof at Brooklyn Crab or check out Red Hook Lobster Pound. Do a tour or sample some whiskey at Van Brunt Stillhouse.

Get some midday drinks at the Frying Pan (huge barge on the Hudson [Manhattan]) or their sister property The Wheelhouse in Industry City (BK) where you can also check out Brooklyn Flea.

Find out where Smorgasburg is (either Williamsburg or Dumbo usually) and enjoy some outdoor foods, beers, and people watching.

Honestly, I'd say pick a country you're interested in, find the neighborhood its diaspora settle in, and wander around. You been enough that you don't need to over plan or do touristy crap.

Thanks Ostrich - I appreciate the suggestions!

 

[EconSean]

Another vote for a stroll on the High Line. Finish it off with eating your way through Chelsea Market.

The Roosevelt Island Tram is a cool ride, IMO, and gives an interesting perspective of the skyline.

 

[Pay_county]

There Big Mac, is on a hoagie type of bun and they also have a sexual chocolate milkshake. No joke

Do they have the Big Mac?

 

[Pay_county]

It's pretty much 2 big macs, 1 bun

 

[Gonolz]

Grimaldi’s is good, but it has outposts in Tampa and other spots in Florida that have the same food. I’d suggest going to Totonno’s near Coney Island or another NY only place. Go to Grimaldi’s when you want pizza in Tampa.

So, does this mean that Grimaldi's in Tampa has the Tribe seal of approval? I'm not going to NYC for pizza but I am in Tampa from time to time.

 

[LesClaypool]

 

[ReliableOstrich]

So, does this mean that Grimaldi's in Tampa has the Tribe seal of approval? I'm not going to NYC for pizza but I am in Tampa from time to time.

I’ll be honest the Grimaldi’s in nyc doesn’t get my seal of approval.

There are far better pizzas here, there, and everywhere.

 

[FSUTribe76]

So, does this mean that Grimaldi's in Tampa has the Tribe seal of approval? I'm not going to NYC for pizza but I am in Tampa from time to time.

I like it quite a bit. It’s an almost textbook example of a quality NYC pizza. Grimaldi’s is probably the fourth best NYC pizza that I’ve had behind Totonno’s, Difara and Lombardi’s in that order. But for Tampa it’s the best I’ve had.

I’ve heard Jake’s Pizza in Palm Harbor has a good version of the St Louis style pizza (using provel cheese instead of mozzarella) but I haven’t had it yet.