"New York City: Exciting, Beautiful, Resilient" New York City by londonlover

New York City Travel Guide: 15,557 reviews and 30,993 photos

Lady Liberty in front of Manhattan - New York City

America's City--The Big Apple

Nowhere is the strength and vibrancy of the human spirit so evident as in the streets of New York. The city has managed to press on and flourish after suffering a terrible blow, and yet many of the things that always made NYC great are still there to enjoy...the theater, Central Park, the neighborhoods, restaurants, monuments, historical landmarks...a truly incredible city.

I hope you will enjoy the many pictures that follow on this page.

After my hometown of Chicago, New York is my favorite US city. My last trip was a five-day visit just to soak up the sights in the Big Apple, and I could have easily spent twice as long without seeing everything I would have liked. I would love living here if the rent weren't so astronomically high.

Tara's Tips on How to Do New York Right

A Yankee fan's ultimate stadium tour

1. Don't rush it.
New York needs to be savored! If you rush through, you won't get a good feel for the geography, the people, the food, or the spirit of the city. Basically, you'll just be able to say, "I was there!" and get a few pictures of the Statue of Liberty--everyone's first stop. :) So allow yourself at least three full days here if possible--preferably five or six.

2. Do your research.
The Big Apple is expensive, and it can be overwhelming and mind-boggling if you aren't prepared. Get a good map (I love the Insight laminted map of Manhattan!), and check out your favorite guidebooks ahead of time. (Surfing VT for NYC tips isn't a bad idea, either, but you'll need something more focused, too.) :) For instance, I was rewarded for my research by finding the film locations for some of my favorite movies, and by finding the best times to visit certain attractions and restaurants to avoid longer waits.

3. Plan ahead!
Some people can make spontaneous trips work, but it's harder in NYC. I booked my theatre tickets three months in advance--same for my Yankees game and stadium tour tickets. Unless you want to just stroll the streets (which is plenty entertaining itself!), you're better off spending the extra money and time to reserve things in advance. For me, wasting sightseeing time by standing in line at the half-price ticket booth at Times Square for three hours is not worth the money saved.

Tara's Top Ten List: Best Things to Do in New York City

10. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan

9. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

8. Have a "Frrozen Hot Chocolate" at Serendipity3.

7. Visit Central Park on a Sunday afternoon.

6. Eat a slice of chocolate babka from Zabar's on Broadway.

5. Go to the top of the Empire State Building at night.

4. Have pizza at Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge (followed by homemade ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory)

3. Remember at Ground Zero.

2. Take an open-top bus ride around Manhattan.

1. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Best of my NYC page

"Frrozen Hot Chocolate" at Serendipity in New York

The Restaurant Section:
I've eaten well in the Big Apple, so have a look at my restaurant tips!

Have a look at my travelogues below for in-depth looks at Yankee Stadium, Ground Zero, and the Empire State Building.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A microcosm of American ingenuity, character, and resilience
Cons:Like any huge city, you deal with crime, crowds, and high prices
In a nutshell:The symbolic and financial backbone of America

Last visit to New York City: May 2005
Intro Updated Jun 24, 2010
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Reviews (52)

Unassuming Greenwich Village landmark Restaurants (13)

John's is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, on historic Bleeker Street. It's very tempting to stop in at one of... more travel advice

Mom with our lovely pizza pies - New York City

Very good pizza! (just not the best) Restaurants (13)

Considered by many to be the best pizza in New York, I give it a strong second place award, behind Grimaldi's of... more travel advice

The pizza at Lombardi's Restaurants (13)

My pizza here was a mushroom, olive, and onion thin-crust. It had a great coal-fired taste, but I prefer the crushed... more travel advice

Lombardi's of Little Italy - New York City

Oldest Pizzeria in the USA Restaurants (13)

Lomarbi's of Little Italy has a loyal following of New York-style pizza aficionados, and it holds the honor of being the... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All The best way around town!
Nightlife (2)
See All The main attractions here....
Hotels (3)
See All A great room at a reasonable NYC price
Favorites (4)
See All Liberty Rules!
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Travelogues (3)

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Comments (56)

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KernelPanic Dec 30, 2009 at 7:51 PM

Good info on Grimaldi's. I was just there few days ago; nearby the Brooklyn Bridge.
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rmlopez74 May 15, 2007 at 4:08 PM

Thanks for your comment on my NY page. Yours is built with a definite love for the City! Nicely done. I love Serendipity3...
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high_d Mar 22, 2007 at 8:20 PM

NYC has the best eats/drinks:)I'm so envious, I have yet to go to Zabar's:o) Yup, I usually get inspired too, to visit some places because of the movies. Hope I could go back to visit NYC again soon.
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Redang Feb 23, 2006 at 10:03 PM

Excellent page!
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goingsolo Jun 26, 2005 at 6:26 PM

Thanks for visiting my Chicago page. Enjoyed reading your tips on another of my favorite cities. Still haven't had authentic NY pizza. I'm hoping to do that on my next visit. Thanks for the tips. :)
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GrantBoone Jun 23, 2005 at 4:35 AM

I remembered the Yankees stadium from my trip. AND go easy on those pizzas!!
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madamx Jun 17, 2005 at 2:52 PM

Hi Tara, great tips on NYC! I see you weren't sharing your frozen hot chocolate ;o) ~ Helen
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Gage17 Jan 30, 2005 at 7:21 AM

Thanks for visiting my NY page... yours covers all my favorite spots! I am so jealous that you will be back there in May, but I can't wait to see the additions to this page! Have fun!
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MissyWQ Dec 13, 2004 at 8:13 PM

Very interesting tour of NYC. Glad you remembered to add photos of the World Trade Center.
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850prc Dec 1, 2004 at 4:47 PM

Interesting stuff on NYC, Tara. I am a new convert to the I love NY club. There is so much more there that I want to enjoy. And, I'm with you on the Beatles. Love 'em. : ) Greetings from Florida.