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NYC ideas- hidden gems
Mr. BT and I are going to Manhattan for a few days. We've both been multiple times so we've done all the first-timer things, so I'm looking to branch out a bit for experiences and activities. I've taken notes from the "3 Things" thread starrs started, for sure! We have tickets for shows in the evening, and our meals are set. We're staying in Soho. I'd love to hear about other favorite NYC experiences for those not totally new to the city. (We're not shoppers but if that's your bag, go ahead and share. I'm sure others can benefit from the advice. And it doesn't have to be seriously hidden- I'm just steering away from the usual Top 10 Must-Sees.)
To get us in the spirit, I'll share: the Frick Museum. It doesn't have the name recogntion of the Met or MoMA, but I find it to be less overwhelming and to have a delightful collection. |
The Rubin Museum of Art, West 17th Street The collections focus on Indian and Himalayan Art. A beautiful space.Good café.* |
Have any literary interests? There are three major exhibits marking the bicentennial of Walt Whitman's birth. All three are worth a visit, even if you've never read a line of Leaves of Grass.
The Grolier Club (world class bibliophiles-- free admission) https://www.grolierclub.org/Default....d=322448&vnf=1 The Morgan Library and Museum https://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/walt-whitman In addition, several other special exhibitions and the Library, medieval artifacts, treasures from the vault. The New York Public Library https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/waltwhitman In addition to other exhibits and the library itself, which offers two free tours a day, one on Sunday. |
Have you been to Roosevelt and Govenor's Islands?
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Ride bikes around Central Park. Sunday morning is the best because the road is closed.
Economy Candy for all the retro candy from our childhoods. A second for the Morgan Library. My son would tell you, hang out at Grand Central. Eat. Play in the Apple Store. People watch. |
Cloisters, if you haven;t been there.
Nom Wah on Doyers Street. Small Street filled with history and COULD be the old dim sum restaurant in the US There are scores of galleries in Chelsea. Some building you can start at the top and work your way down. https://www.newyartcity.com/ Ess-a-Bagel, one of the best bagels in the City. Tenement Museum. Intrepid Museum |
Drinks at the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central. |
Besides the Campbell Apartments, Bemelman’s Bar, both classic NYC places for cocktails. |
I'm surprised that no one has recommended walking the High Line. That should be #1 on the list!
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Agree with Howard about the Highline, but thought that would already be on the Top 10 List the OP had.
Perhaps you get Fodor news and have already seen this. I'm not making any recommendations on the list but for you to peruse. Maybe others will have comments on some of the places suggested. https://www.fodors.com/world/north-a...-new-york-city |
On a recent trip to NYC we stayed in SoHo.
Dining - we really enjoyed our dinner at Aquagrill. Old school raw bar & seafood restaurant. Reservations highly recommended/required. If you are driving into the city (or taking a taxi from train or bus depot), be aware of Holland tunnel traffic, any time from ~noon onwards can clog up many of the local SoHo area streets. Our hotel (Hampton Inn) was unfortunately on one of the approach roads and it took a lot of extra time to go the last 1/2 mile. The hotel was nice, and Sat/Sun the area was very quiet. While not a tourist site, going to the Warby Parker showroom on Spring St. and getting a new pair of Rx glasses for $99 was a bonus. If you currently spend $200 or more for glasses and haven't found them online yet, then stop in to check them out. |
Yes, the High Line is, for better or worse, a top ten these days.
Now, yesterday I walked the Low Line -- a hundred yards or so of fenced in weeds along the East Side Esplanade, between the roar of FDR Drive and the boat traffic on the East River. No crowds. |
I have never seen anything like the success of the Highline. From decades of dilapidated buildings in a neglected area to a very popular tourist sight and ridiculously high housing prices.
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“Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door”. Seriously, the High Line is fantastic on so many levels - redevelopment, design, landscaping, people-watching. I can’t think of anything negative to say about it. |
No objection to the HL per se, but it's hardly a "hidden gem." A bit out of the way and once you've done it once or twice, that's enough (I live in Manhattan). Much prefer walks in Central Park, which are longer and for the most part, less crowded.
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We visited the Cloisters, Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini Shrine and Morris-Jumel Mansion one day. Link below with photos details the day.
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/20950-2/ The Cloisters https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1320e06aa.jpeg |
I like the Jewish Museum (up 5th Ave from the Met) for both its permanent collection as well as its temporary exhibitions. I’ve never been disappointed with a visit there (we go 4-5 times a year). The Neue Gallery also has good temporary exhibitions as well as their in situ Klimts (Woman in Gold) but I think they are currently only showing one exhibit while they install a new one on the other floor. New York Historical Society, on the other side of Central Park from the Met, also has some wonderful temporary exhibitions, not necessarily art but always something interesting going on there. |
Originally Posted by HowardR
(Post 16949839)
I'm surprised that no one has recommended walking the High Line. That should be #1 on the list!
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Do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!
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If you got the Highline eat at Hector's cafe, a true throwback to NY diners/coffee shops. It is UNDER the Highline.
A bit more eclectic Cooper Hewitt New Museum on the Bowery The Strand-one of the grand indie bookstores in the US At night-take the Staten Island ferry. The city is beautiful as the lights grow as you return to the City. Starboard side out, port side back for a view of the Statue At night go to the Brooklyn Promenade for a view of Manhattan seen countless times in movies and TV shows. Eat on Atlantic Avenue for mid-eastern food including the Hadramout for Yemeni food. Ray's across from Tompkins Square Park for a real egg cream Zabar's on the UWS for one of NY best selection of Jewish style and other prepared foods, breads, and cheeses. |
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