New York City Places of Interest
Times Square
Home of the New Year’s Eve ball drop, a host of Broadway shows, and live television broadcasts, Times Square is a great meeting destination. Over 26 million people visit Times Square every year. Times Square is the location for numerous films and live broadcasts including ABC’s Good Morning America and MTV’s Total Request Live. Major businesses like The New York Times Company, Ernst and Young, Reuters and Conde Nast Publications are also based in Times Square. Times Square hotels abound, including the Marriott Marquis, W Times Square, the Ramada Renaissance Hotel and the Sheraton New York.
The Empire State Building
Although the Empire State Building is no longer the tallest building in the world, its splendor, grace and classic Art Deco architecture make the 102-story building a popular, must-see destination in the city. It took 60,000 tons of steel, 10 million bricks, 2.5 million feet of electrical wire, 120 miles of pipe, and 7 million man-hours to build. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as 80 miles away from the exterior observatory on the 86th floor. The observatory is open seven days a week, from 9:30 am to midnight (the last tickets sold at 11:15 pm). The admission charge is $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for military personnel, senior citizens and young adults between the ages of 12 and 17, and $4.00 for children aged 6 to 11.
New York City Entertainment
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
Madame Tussaud's New York, of the famous London museum takes on "the face of the place" presenting New York's most famous and infamous personalities, as well as figures of international fame and acclaim. This interactive attraction contains nearly 200 incredibly life-like wax figures and provides visitors the opportunity to pose for photographs with their favorite entertainers, sports figures, world leaders, and historical personalities. For more information: 800-246-8872
American Museum of Natural History
Many exhibits and shows can be found at the American Museum of Natural History. The four-story-tall planetarium sphere hosts the spectacular Harrison Ford-narrated Space Shows. The shows are short but phenomenal, known as the most technologically advanced sky shows in the world. The “Cosmic Collisions” show allows visitors to explore hypersonic impacts that drive the evolution of the universe. “Exoplanets” presents the science and techniques behind the study of planets orbiting nearby stars. “SonicVision” is an animated alternative music show that collaborates with Moby, and many other well-known artists.
There are also family and kid-friendly exhibits like “Gold” which provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the finest gold specimens on Earth firsthand. The “Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins” exhibit offers comprehensive evidence of human evolution. The Hall of Biodiversity is an impressive multimedia exhibit, and predicts the future of rainforests and other natural habitats. Another must show at the Museum is in the Big Bang Theater, which re-creates the theoretical birth of the universe. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially on weekends. For more information: 212-769-5100
New York City Restaurants
The Stanton Social
Chef-cum-proprietor Chris Santos and Tao owner Richard Wolf recently introduced a new restaurant dubbed The Stanton Social to Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
The soaring main dining room makes an impression with its high tin ceiling, softly-rounded retro banquettes and small back balcony, all framed by the restaurant's 2,000-bottle wine selection. The "fun" factor is high with a diverse menu of multi-ethnic plates full of flavor that are designed for sharing. The Stanton Social has two lounges offering both a raw bar and cooked bar experience. With its distinctive 40s vibe, The Stanton Social is one of the hippest original restaurants in New York City. For more information: 212-995-0099
Tao
A favorite destination for celebrities and athletes, this Pan Asian restaurant specializes in original Hong Kong Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisines. Tao has 3 levels of dining including the prized "Skybox" which offers spacious balcony views of the interior, including a towering buddha. In addition to its 300 seats, Tao includes a sushi saloon, lounge and two bars where diners can enjoy delectable food and people-watch. The Satay of Chilean Ocean Bass brushed in Miso, Prawn served with Green Beans in a Sunny XO Sauce, and Crunchy Spring Rolls liberally stuffed with Duck represent only a few of the dishes that come highly recommended. For more information: 212-888-2288
Aquavit
Ranked as one of the top ten restaurants in New York City by New York Magazine, Aquavit Restaurant is housed in the bottom of a glass tower on East 55th Street. Its sleek Scandinavian style and modernist furniture create a refreshing ambience for dining. Aquavit offers Swedish fusion cuisine from ambitious master chefs Johan Svensson and Marcus Samuelson. The main room can accommodate up to 120 guests, the private dining room up to 50 guests, and the adjoining sunlit café up to 70 guests. For more information: 212-307-7311
The Tasting Room Restaurant
While the original Tasting Room Wine Bar & Café was a tiny restaurant located in the East Village, The Tasting Room Restaurant opened in the Summer of 2006 allowing owners Renee and Colin Alevras to realize there dream . With a larger kitchen, Colin has been able to expand his reportiore and dishes offering visitors a menu that is constantly changing, often on a daily basis. The bar offers many speciality cocktails, as well as a wine list that could be compared to a bible for small American wineries.
The Tasting Room prides itself in providing the freshest ingredients possible. Appetizers like the Bacon-wrapped Country Style Pork Terrine and the Flash-fried Scallop Balls are two prime examples. A main course favorite is the Angus Steak served with one of the Chef’s specialities, Morel Mushrooms. The restaurant can seat up to 80 guests, the back dining room up to 45 guests, and the Wine Bar & Café up to 30 guests.For more information: 212-358-7831
New York City Nightlife
Alligator Lounge
This remarkable hole-in-the-wall has turned into a loveable hangout that's a great first or last stop on your barhop. Enjoy a free brick oven pizza every night until 3:30 am. Complement your pizza with a selection of eight draft beers, Karaoke on Thursdays, Buckhunter II Gaming and a booming jukebox. Its proximity to the L train guarantees easy accessibility. For more information: 718-599-4440
Cleopatra's Needle
Cleopatra's Needle caters as equally to jazz aficionados looking to catch live performances as it does to diners seeking a place to chat. With cream-colored walls and strings of white icicle lights, Cleopatra’s Needle rounds up each night with a jam session that stretches to the wee hours. Feast on the distinctive spices of Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as European and American favorites. Cleopatra's Needle is a gem that features unparalleled 360-degree views, a chic vibe and great drinks. For more information: 212-769-6969
Spamalot on Broadway
The Tony award winning musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot, stars Harry Groener as King Arthur. Spamalot is produced by Ostar Boyett Productions and directed by Mike Nichols. Telling the renowned saga of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table and the pursuit for the Holy Grail in song, Monty Python's Spamalot features unforgettable musical numbers. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone.
Family Activities in New York City
Statue of Liberty
Located on a 12 acre island in the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most identifiable icons of the United States, representing liberty and freedom. From 1886 until the jet age, the Statue of Liberty served as the first glimpse of the United States for millions of European immigrants traveling to the United States by sea. The statue was presented to the United States as an emblem of friendship from France and also celebrates the Centennial of the United States. Since 2005, more than 4 million people have visited the Statue of Liberty. Roundtrip ferryboat tickets are available at $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $4 for children from 4 to12 years old. Be sure to allow plenty of time for this visit as it will take approximately 2 to 3 hours if you participate in a tour. If you want to visit both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, you should anticipate a visit of about 5 to 6 hours.
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
For a hundred years the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City has embraced the widest variety of ethnic, cultural and religious traditions. In 1888, the cathedral’s board of trustees announced an international competition for the design of St. John the Divine. The Byzantine-Romanesque design of the Firm of Heins and Lafarge won.. The cornerstone was laid on December 27, 1892, St. John’s Day. The cathedral boasts approximately 150 stained glass windows, including the rose window in the West Façade, which has more than 10,000 pieces of glass. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the largest cathedral in the world and is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00am-6:00pm and Sunday from 7:00 am-8:00 pm. The entry fee is $3.00. For general information call 212-316-7540.
Recreation and Outdoors in New York City
Central Park
New York City’s Central Park is a 7-mile-long stroll that winds through a fantastic urban forest, around the reservoir, and past some of the finest museums in the U.S. Stretching 51 blocks between 59th and 110th streets, this 843-acre, green rectangle has served its city well since 1859. One of the most beautiful areas in Central Park is Bethesda Fountain on the Lake. During summer months, enjoy a lazy afternoon rowing across the 22 acre lake, take a ride from a gondolier or experience Central Park's most popular sculpture, Alice in Wonderland. Children are invited to climb and explore the statue, which is located on the East side of the park near 74th Street. During the fall and winter months, enjoy ice skating on either of Central Park’s two ice rinks while feeling the bite of New York’s crisp air and enjoying the sounds of holiday music. Trek up to 79th Street any time of year and climb to the top of Belvedere Castle for sweeping vistas.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a tiny area of lower Manhattan, which has remained an immigrant community and retained its unique cultural personality. The district offers unusual foods and remedies, while serving as a cultural haven full of ancient and exotic traditions. A walk through the crowded aisles exposes visitors to a world of curious fruits, roots, authentic rice bowls, and tea services. With over 300 restaurants, Chinatown is the perfect location for visitors searching for authentic cuisine amidst exotic atmosphere.
New York City Tours
Helicopter Sightseeing Tours
The Helicopter Sightseeing Tour offers breathtaking views of Manhattan. Tours last from 10-25 minutes and range in cost from $129-$275. Other less expensive tours include the New York Helicopter Tour and the Liberty Helicopter Tour. The Liberty Helicopter Tour offers five unique tours of New York City, each lasting from 20-30 minutes in length and ranging in cost from $30-$300. All tours require reservations and at least 2 passengers.
CitySights NY Top-Deck Buses
The most historic and newest places of interest in New York City are best experienced with the CitySights NY Top-Deck Buses. These open air buses offer a unique perspective for touring Manhattan, as well as the convenience of traveling around the city without getting lost. The CitySights Tour features the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty Ferry, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, Chinatown, SoHo, Tribeca and Madison Square Garden.
