It's up to you

October 22, 2007 3:35 AM

Last-minute NYC recommendations?

I'm going to be in NYC tonight and for the next few nights, staying at the Ramada New Yorker on 8th avenue (which, as I understand, is really close to Madison Square Gardens). Never been to New York before. Won't have a ton of time - I'm going on the company ticket, and they've got the days and most of the evenings pretty full - but is there anything really can't-miss to do/see/eat, preferably walking distance from the hotel?

posted by jbickers to travel & transportation (14 comments total)

For the typical tall building view, if you go only one place make it the top of the rock.

Bryant Park ice skating is close, at 6th ave & 42nd.

If you get an unlimited metrocard, everything is close and I'd recommend going out to eat somewhere nice downtown. Describe your tastes for better food/drink recommendations.

Walking distance from your place (say 1 mile, although I've walked from NJ) you'll find:
N: Times Square area, theme restaurants, tourist stuff.
S: Chelsea, gay bars, galleries, a few nice restaurants
E: Garment district, Korea town, The empire state bldg.
W: The Javits conv. center, circle line cruises.

I work at Reuters in Times Square. feel free to ring me up for more specific recommendations, or to have a mini-meetup in the bar of your choice. Email me for my cell number, email in profile.
posted by bashos_frog at 4:08 AM on October 22, 2007

P.S. the ice skating doesn't start til Thursday.
posted by bashos_frog at 4:09 AM on October 22, 2007

If you have any interest in Photography, film or electronics in general you should visit B&H Photo at 34th and 9th. Crazy store, with anything you could ever want to buy.
posted by blaneyphoto at 6:05 AM on October 22, 2007

I second Top of the Rock as the best view of the city. Go just before dusk and watch night fall on New York. Beautiful.
posted by unclejeffy at 6:09 AM on October 22, 2007

Katz's Deli, Houston & Ludlow. Best. Pastrami Sandwich. Ever.
posted by jonmc at 7:25 AM on October 22, 2007

Please also be aware that B&H is one of the few reputable photo/electronics dealers (outside of the chains) in the area - there are lots of fly by night stores in Manhattan. Also, you may want to browse the store, and hit the website to avoid sales tax.
posted by Calloused_Foot at 8:19 AM on October 22, 2007

The Museum of Modern Art.
posted by R. Mutt at 8:46 AM on October 22, 2007

or The American Folk Art Museum.
posted by R. Mutt at 8:52 AM on October 22, 2007

Seconding Calloused-Foot. As a first-time visitor, please, for the love of your wallet, do not visit any of the numerous camera or electronics stores in the neighborhood you'll be staying in. Or in any neighborhood, really. They exist to rip people off.

You're staying in my old neighborhood and I must say it isn't the most scenic. But if you've got some time, and want to window shop, walk down 8th Avenue to 14th Street - this is the heart of gay Chelsea, and it's full of restaurants and shops to match. Walking back up 9th Ave will take you by the Chelsea Market, which has a fantastic bakery (Amy's Bread), wine shop and market. Amazing building, too. Further up 9th and you'll go by some higher-end home and decor and antique shops, if that's your thing. (Le Cafeterie has wonderful french linens and gifts.)

Or, you could head uptown from your hotel. Walk over the 6th Ave/Herald Square. Gawk at Macy's and notice the amazing restored mechanical clock in the pocket park at 34th and 6th. Get there on the hour and you'll see a good show. Going north on 6th will take you through midtown to both Bryant Park (of the aforementioned ice rink) and, after that, on to Rockefeller Center (where I also recommend you go to Top of the Rock at dusk).

If food is your thing, walk over to 32nd street between Broadway and 5th Ave - Koreatown. I recommend the friend chicken at Restaurant Fotre Baden Baden!

My favorite bar in the area is down on 23rd street - The Half King.
posted by minervous at 9:39 AM on October 22, 2007

Yeah, The Half King is not bad.
posted by R. Mutt at 9:51 AM on October 22, 2007

If you're near Half King don't forget Billy's Bakery. :-D
posted by Mikey-San at 11:04 AM on October 22, 2007

Also, you could head up to 59th st/8ave and check out the AOL TimeWarner complex, and my favorite of favorites across the street - Central Park.
posted by bashos_frog at 11:09 AM on October 22, 2007

Times Square, yeah, it's touristy, but if you get the chance, wait until evening and go into the times square subway station. There are people with great signs about damnation, just walk around a little bit. It'll be great people watching, two dollars, and then you can catch a train somewhere else.
posted by sondrialiac at 3:01 PM on October 22, 2007

B&H isn't open Saturdays, but Katz's is - and their microwave their reubens. Stay away. Visit Pastrami Queen if you must have some.
posted by kcm at 10:41 PM on October 22, 2007