"I Heart New York." Top 5 Page for this destination New York City by shutterlust

New York City Travel Guide: 19,521 reviews and 30,170 photos

Ooh give me a home, where the 6 train does roam...

"I LOVE NEW YORK” is the oldest one in the book, conventional wisdom in all caps. And yet, it still somehow retains its potency, and why is that? Because only a fool would think otherwise. Consider the evidence that we have amassed (for the second year running) in the pages that follow. We are a city that rains prosperity down on the whole country, exporting everything from war heroes to canny socialites to great filmmakers rediscovering their top form. We offer hot dates, hot waiters, hot bands, and hot neighbors. We are the base of more political mojo than any state in the nation and of an angry guy who is single-handedly holding up one of the biggest real-estate projects in the city’s history. Plus we hold fast to the faith that our drinking water tastes better than everyone else’s, even though that is almost certainly not true. But if all that is just a little too hard-core for you, wake up early tomorrow morning and walk the streets at dawn. At that hour, the city belongs neither to the corporate machers who run the town nor even to the hardworking millions who sustain it. It belongs simply to you."
-New York Magazine, 25 December 2006

I'm a born and bred New Yorker and I'm proud of it. This is my home. And I love it. It's real. It has it's ups and downs, it's harsh realities and fantasy moments. It's beautiful, in all its facets, even the ugly. It teaches you independence, self-reliance. It's true when they say, "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere." I adore the people, the places, the restaurants, the tiny $1200(edit, make that $1500) studios, the potholes, the scaffolding, the delivery men on their bikes, the models strutting in Choos, the familiar faces in my local grocery or corner bodega, the smells of bakeries and Chinese dives, the neighborhoods, the parks... I adore this city and I hope you learn to love it too.

I am shameless.

NYMAG Jefferson photoshoot

I'm a restaurant/food photographer for NY Magazine and disclaimer!: many of my restaurant recommendations actually started out as job assignments. Which explains why I quote NY magazine in some of my restaurant tips, because our writers are the best in the business and no one can better encapsulate the true sense of these restaurants. But fear not! You'll still get my opinions. Don't worry about that. :-)

My tips are from a local's point of view. A local who enjoys fine cuisine! So you will notice that most of my tips are for restaurants, bars, lounges, cafes, coffeeshops, etc. I love food. It's amazing. It satisfies all human emotion through one bite. Why do you think we have 'comfort food'?! and there IS a reason why God made us prefer chocolate and cheese over celery.

While most of my tips are about places to wine, dine, dance and listen to music simultaneously, you'll find that my other tips are mostly on transportation and NY culture/customs. You'll also notice that my NY culture/customs tips may sound a bit like ranting, but I love and adore my city and I only wish other can love and adore it to the point of respecting it and its inhabitants.

What These Tips Are All About

Me + Kayleigh

While most of my tips are on restaurants and bars, please check out my Off-The-Beaten Track/Things to Do tips. Ask me personally where I think you should go and I will almost certainly recommend the TV/Radio museum and the Sony Wonder Center, both listed in my tips. I will insist you go to the Comedy Cellar. And I would hope you pass by Chelsea Market, if only to try the lobster bisque and stick your hand in the waterfall!

Ask me What-To-Wear-While-In-New York and I will direct you to my General Tips, which give you an overview of everything 'New York' from HopStop (an excellent tool for learning which trains/buses take from one address to another) or OverHeardinNewYork for hilarious New Yorker quotes. My General Tips and Local Customs tips will give you some important insight into everything from local behavior (things such as No Staring or how to tip properly) to suggestions on what to bring and common NY stereotypes (in my "Actual New Yorkers" Pt 1 and 2 tips).

Oh, and ignore those hotel tips. They're absolutely useless. (I'm actually being really serious. They're rubbish.)

So if you're coming to Manhattan, need some extra help with itineraries, specific places to go, asking about certain restaurants (I'll gladly check out a restaurant for you! Any excuse to try some place new!), please let me know! I'm glad to help anyone who wants to love NY as much as I do!

and with that, Welcome to Manhattan!

Pros and Cons

Pros:If you can't take the cons along with the pros, don't bother.
In a nutshell:I Heart New York. 'Nuff said.

Intro Updated Jan 26, 2007
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Reviews (108)

NYMAG ASSIGN: The Jefferson Restaurants (35)

The big eye tuna and the striped bass. And you must try one of their house specialty cocktails!! more travel advice

NYMAG ASSIGN: Mexicana Mama - New York City

NYMAG ASSIGN: Mexicana Mama Restaurants (35)

under construction the taquitos are absolutely delicious as is the chile rellenos! more travel advice

NYMAG ASSIGN: North Square Restaurants (35)

under construction more travel advice

NYMAG ASSIGN: Peculier Pub Nightlife (9)

under construction Casual. more travel advice

Favorites (8)
See All New York Natives on Facebook
Shopping (10)
See All NYMAG ASSIGN: The Shop Around the Corner
Tourist Traps (9)
See All Dylan's Candy Bar
Things to Do (7)
See All International Center of Photography
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All St. Joseph's Church

Local Customs (6)
See All Stay to the Right
Hotels (2)
See All New York Marriot East Side
Warnings Or Dangers (5)
See All Taxi Drivers going the Long Way 'Round
Transportation (9)
See All Airport Alternative Transport
What to Pack (1)
No one said NY was cheap...

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (72)

kgaug Feb 5, 2011 at 6:04 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for all of your advice! I am visiting in a few weeks with a few friends of mine and this information is very helpful! What do you think about the restaurant 'TAO'?
iandsmith Oct 18, 2010 at 12:32 AM Report Abuse

Can't work out whether you're in England or New York. Still, your enthusiasm shines through and I'm finally heading towards the Big Apple. Hope it's as good as you suggest. Cheers.
packat Mar 25, 2010 at 7:44 AM Report Abuse

Great suggestions Shutterlust! My 13 yo daughter and I will be in NYC this week for her 1st visit. We'll be checking out Chelsea Market and CUB. Looking for good vintage stores...can you recommend a neighborhood? Thanks!
artbybec Aug 18, 2009 at 11:47 AM Report Abuse

Thanks Shuterlust, we will plan on going to the Comedy Cellar.
gtirloni Dec 21, 2008 at 2:55 PM Report Abuse

"""Don't wear all white sneakers. It bothers me so much when tourists wear those.""" Bothers "me"? I don't think tourists are looking for ways to please you but to have a general filling about how the city behaves.
brewjohnson Nov 21, 2008 at 2:14 PM Report Abuse

Running away from home to a Marriott? Your poor parents. You must have been a handful.
twinnstarr Nov 16, 2008 at 8:50 PM Report Abuse

youre partially wrong on this. while im sure some are scams, plenty of reputable salons do this. bumble and bumble (a very upscale expensive salon) has free cuts/colors if you model your hair - the tend to approach people on the street.
toonsarah Aug 19, 2008 at 12:19 PM Report Abuse

Great insider tips for our return visit after 26 years (in just 3 weeks - whoopee!) Your "keep moving" tip reminded me so much of London and my "how to behave on the tube" one ;-)) Will be back for your restaurant tips!
irishmellie Jun 27, 2008 at 6:03 AM Report Abuse

FYI...many places in europe also have a smoking bann e.g. Ireland and the UK
husker_mike May 22, 2008 at 7:31 PM Report Abuse

What if I want to see a Broadway play? Should I avoid seeing a show because you want me to avoid Times Square? Have you tried all of the restaurants to know the food is terrible? You must have been busy!