Eight Hours in NYC.

June 18, 2011 7:53 AM

8 hours alone in New York City tomorrow. What should I do?

In the New York Metro area this weekend to see friends. Tomorrow, I have some free time between 9-5. What should I do?

I'm very familiar with NYC, haven't spent any time there in probably two years. Here are my thoughts so far:

1. Any great new places that would be good to dine solo for lunch? (any price range is fine, I think one of the Chang places is no reservations?)
2. Any interesting art exhibitions in town?
3. Any neighborhoods that have developed over the past two years?

Any other suggestions appreciated. Otherwise, I'm probably just going to pick a neighborhood and walk around. Any location that is convenient to the subway is fine.

posted by hazyspring to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (10 answers total)

The new East River Ferry is running for free all weekend. You can use it to get to Greenpoint, Williamsburg, 34th Street, Wall Street, and a few other locations. Great views, cool breezes, and easy access to a bunch of places!
posted by hermitosis at 8:02 AM on June 18, 2011

Check out the high line?
posted by dfriedman at 8:05 AM on June 18, 2011

The Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met is the big-ticket exhibition going on right now, if you're into art and/or fashion. I'd go in the morning to avoid lines.
posted by oinopaponton at 8:17 AM on June 18, 2011

Oh my god there is so much to do!! The "Chang" places in the EV are definitely no reservations. There are two right around the corner from each other, I think one is on 13th and 2nd and the other is on 11th and 1st? Try them! Although...they may open at 5, better check on that. There is also the milk bar dessert place across from the noodle bar...in case you don't have time to sit and/or wait. (even though it will be worth it).

Art- it is always worth walking around the MOMA even though the $20 price tag is a bit annoying. Not sure what current exhibit is though. (also if you stay in EV area, there is the "New Museum" on the Bowery...has mixed reviews though).

Always good too is just walking through chinatown (some quick dim sum, dumplings etc?), up through little Italy etc..into Soho. If you area already familiar with all of that...why not check out little Italy's arch-enemy- the big "Eataly" on 5th and 23rd, Batali's Italian emporium.

Wow, i live here and i am almost jealous that you get to check everything out tomorrow in 8 hours, NYC is so fun especially through the eyes of the visitor (and especially one with no limitations on lunch bills!:)) HAVE A GREAT TIME!! (ps brooklyn is where it's at in terms of developing neighborhoods i think...but in 8hours i would stick with manhattan and just walk walk walk.).
posted by bquarters at 8:30 AM on June 18, 2011

Cory Arcangel has an exhibit at the Whitney if you're into that sort of thing.
posted by griphus at 9:45 AM on June 18, 2011 [1 favorite]

Eat at The Rissotteria on Bleecker st!
posted by TangoCharlie at 10:05 AM on June 18, 2011

I went to the New Amsterdam Market last Sunday. There are lots of things to eat on sale there, and lots of interesting tastings available - the grapefruit and smoked salt marmalade has to be tasted to be believed, it was epic. I wish I hadn't been carry-on only so I could've brought some home with me.
posted by essexjan at 11:23 AM on June 18, 2011

Adding to the above, the New Amsterdam Market reminds me a lot of Shoreditch in London before it was fully developed. The old fish market is closed (there is no lingering fish smell) and when you walk down Fulton Street from the direction of City Hall you come to this part that has a few trendy stores, market stalls and stuff like that, there's some touristy stuff with a ship you can tour or sail on, and then at the bottom is this wonderful food market with all these independent food producers. The touristy stuff isn't bad as those things go, but it's really worthwhile going down there for the food market.
posted by essexjan at 11:29 AM on June 18, 2011

Even though I'm from New York, my favorite place is still Grand Central Terminal -- it's the kind of place people pass through without noticing it. Consider starting or ending your journey there, or stop along the way. The Oyster Bar is like having lunch in a time capsule, the Market is terrific, and it has more shops than ever before. There are also some amazing architectural details, like the art deco rats hiding in the metal balustrades over the Lexington Avenue entrance, and the WPA ceiling mural in the Lexington Passage (the north fork of it).

Anyway, just a thought; it's not off the beaten path, but most people don't see it as a place to actually spend some time.
posted by flyingsquirrel at 1:59 PM on June 18, 2011

Response by poster: Thank you everyone! Went to New Amsterdam market which was great. Also went to Eataly which scared the crap out of me. I had to leave immediately! I had heard about it since it opened and wanted to go, but it was just so ridiculously crowded. I went to Shake Shack instead.

And next time I'm in town, I'm going to the high line for sure. Heard wonderful things about it.
posted by hazyspring at 7:31 PM on June 22, 2011