New York City Things to Do Tips by emilienoelle

Eataly

Eataly is a huge, upscale Italian market cum restaurant located in the Flatiron, recently opened by celeb chef Mario Batali. After reading an article about the place in "Food and Wine" I wanted to check it out. It seemed to have all the qualities I like: high-quality food, nice atmosphere and interesting stuff that you usually can't find all in one place. Once I got there there, however, the place turned out to be a badly-organized, overpriced tourist trap.

If you can beat your way past the crowds, you may actually get a chance to browse the aisles of $20 pine nut-studded chocolate bars and $12 bags of pasta. If you want to eat there, though, you're probably going to have to wait--a long, long time--and pay upwards of $16 for a single glass of wine while struggling shoppers squeeze past your table.

On a positive note, the food this place sells is very nice. It's just nothing you can't get someplace else, especially in New York, for about a third of what Eataly charges.

Address: 200 5th Avenue

Directions: In the Flatiron district.

Website: http://www.newyork.eataly.it/index.php

American Natural History Museum Natural History Museum Review

This is a great museum to visit either with kids or without, as it has something in it for everyone. Its location across from Central Park is also very beautiful. The museum was built in dedication to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President and once the governor of New York. There is a statue of Roosevelt, an avid outdoorsman, in front of the building.

The main attraction for many here are the dinosaur fossils, and they do have an impressive collection. They also have great exhibits dedicated to the native peoples of Asia, the Americas and Africa. One of my favorite exhibits here was the gem and mineral collection where you can see giant meteors, impressive mineral collections and gorgeous gem stones. The museum is very big, so plan on spending at least half a day here. There is a food court on the lower floor as well as a parking garage.

One helpful tip: Purchase your tickets at one of the computerized kiosks rather than waiting in line. It's much faster.

Interesting Fact: The December 2006 Ben Stiller film "A Night at the Museum" was filmed here.

Address: Central Park West at 79th Street

Directions: Across from Central Park West

Website: http://www.amnh.org/

Just to Say that You Did Empire State Building Review

The very first time I went to New York City I was seven years old. On that trip I distinctly remember hounding my Dad until he took me to the top of the Empire State Building. I loved it! You can still take the trip to the top today, but unless you choose your timing carefully you may have to wait in a really long line to do it. The best time to go is early in the morning on a week day. Weekends and holidays can be nutty. But no matter what day of the week you go, try to go on a clear day so you can get the most of the great view.

Address: 350 5th Avenue

Directions: 1, 2, 3 or 9 (Seventh Avenue Lines), A, C or E (Eighth Avenue Subway) to 34th Street/Penn Station.

Phone: (212) 947-1360

Website: http://www.esbnyc.com/

Radio City Music Hall Radio City Music Hall Review

I've been to New York many times and never once had it occurred to me to see the Rockettes at Radio City. It just seemed too touristy. But I took my daughter to see the Radio City Christmas show this year and was I blown away! Not only is Radio City Music Hall one of the most gorgeous theatres I have ever visited, but the show was just like they said would be: spectacular. Wow. I was really impressed. Between the live orchestra, moving stage and real camels in the Nativity scene I really got my money's worth. The Rockettes are amazingly talented dancers, too.

Here's a tip: If you want to try to meet some of the Rockettes head over to the Duane Reade drug store across from the theatre right after the show. Many of them go over there to buy water and snacks.

Address: 1260 6th Avenue

Directions: Rockefeller Center

Website: http://www.radiocity.com/eventcalendar/home

Touristy, But Cool Rockefeller Center Review

Rockefeller Center is pretty touristy. There's no doubt about that. But there is no place else like it in the world at Christmastime. The atmosphere there is electric with all of its lights and bustling shoppers hauling around loads of bags. The area is full of places to shop including Saks Fifth Avenue and American Girl Place as well as many smaller specialty shops. Rockefeller Center is also home to a famous ice skating rink, and even if you don't skate it's a lot of fun to watch. Also located here is the headquarters of the NBC television network and Radio City Music Hall. You can take a tour of NBC's building or peek your head into the window of their Today Show studio for fun. And of course, Radio City is the home of world-famous Rockettes.

Address: 47th-51st Streets and between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Directions: B,D,F,V Subways to 47-50th Sts, Rockefeller Center.