I have friends from Australia who I am meeting in NY in November. They have booked an apt on the upper west side. I am flying in to show them around as I lived there years ago and go back often. Problem is, I don't really spend much time wandering around the upper west side, they booked near 81st just off the park. Would appreciate any recommendations for reasonably priced restaurants, and maybe some cheaper affordable shopping close to there. Can't think of the last time I wandered past the Museum of Nat History as I typically have 2 kids in tow! Thanks!

Kefi on Columbus at 84th has really good Greek food and is not too expensive.

What kind of shopping/stores would you and your friends be interested in?

Thanks....women's clothing shops, more casual, think Banana Republic...younger men's stuff and knick knack souveniers. My girlfriend of many years is bringing her nephew who just turned 21, great aunt she is!!!...and he's never been out of Australia! Here is a panicked question: I've just read an article banning short term apt rentals and they have booked about 10 days. The article says the law goes in effect next year, should they be worried...or should I? I plan to stay with them for a few days??!!

There is a Gap on Upper Broadway about every ten blocks.

The new law clarifying the already existing illegal status of short-term apartment rentals doesn't go into effect until May, but most apartment rentals are already either illegal or banned by the building's coop or condo bylaws. Your friends have good reason to be concerned about the legality of their rentals. Most of these go off without a hitch, but in case something happens, there is absolutely no legal recourse for your friends. Many are outright scams. It's especially unwise to book a short-term rental in NYC. And during the busiest and most expensive time of the year, your friends would have few options in case something did happen. There just won't be any last-minute hotel rooms in the city for less than $400 or $500 per night. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. It's not a chance I would ever take in NYC, but many people do it, so what can I say? We New Yorkers on the forums have been warning people about this issue for years.

There are tons of souvenir stores in Times Square, but I have gotten my favorite souvenirs at museums and sightseeing venues. I collect snowglobes, and my two favorites are from the Guggenheim Museum store and the store at Top of the Rock.

As Akislander mentioned, there are several Gap stores in the area. Lululemon is a great store for workout and yoga clothing and it's at 1928 Broadway.

Magnolia Bakery has a branch at 69th and Columbus. Also, there is a P. J. Clarke's for burgers, etc. at Lincoln Square (63rd and Columbus).

I love the store at the Folk Art Museum branch at 2 Lincoln Square, across from Lincoln Center (Columbus near 66th).

There are plenty of stores along Columbus from 64th to 74th.

There is a Whole Foods at Columbus Circle, which is a place to get a quick (quick once you get through the line) bite to eat for lunch. Also there are pizza and sandwich shops on Columbus.

For shopping there are TONS of stores on Broadway from 72nd all the way up to 96. On Columbus, there's alot more, includings GAPS, Banana Republic, local boutiques, and more chains.

For restaurants, on Columbus there are several per block so you won't have a problem finding something for everyone's taste. I walked Amersterdam yesterday and found a great little sushi place on 75th and again each block all the way uptown has several per block.

A favorite in the area for really good Italian is Pomodoro, on Columbus, just south of 72nd.

Hope this helps and have a GREAT time.

Have they done due diligence on the apartment to be sure 1) it actually exists, 2) the people they are sending the money two are actually tenants and 3) they are not illegal (don't have to hide from doormen or other residents)?

As Doug mentioned renting an apartment in NYC has a bunch of issues built in. It may work or it may not. Earlier this year someone n the boad was scammed out of all the money they paid for an apartment (sent the money and never heard form the "renter" again).

As for shopping there is a Filene's Basment at 79th and Broadway. Also a bunch of other stores along Broadway most of which are usually having some sort of sale. For food - and great kitchen stuff - check out Zabar's at Broadway and 80th.

Also have a look at Barney Greengrass at Amsterdam at 80th - incredible lox et al for breakfast (but do expect a line).

Thanks to you all for the recommendations for shopping and where to eat. I am especially concerned about the apt rental now and will write them. I had offered a few hotel choices initially but they went ahead with this and my concern is strong as it was booked from Australia, I will have to get specifics. Be that as it may, I am now wondering if anyone has suggestions for that same area, for small boutique/reasonably priced hotels? I had originally looked for just myself, but hadn't heard of most. Prices are incredible right now and I am also wondering if anyone knows of a suite hotel that will suit all of us? Thanks so much for all of your help!

In that area the Beacon has some suites and is moderately priced. In other areas of the city check out the affinia group - all suite hotels with a variety of room configurations again well-regarded and moderately priced. (But do realize that November is high season and moderate is a moving target.)

I lived at 82nd and CPW a few years ago and this is my list of shopping recs. It's a few years old, so please double check the listings in case anything has gone out of business.

The entire stretch of Columbus and Amsterdam through the 70s and 80s has pretty good shopping. If you start down at 72nd and Amsterdam, there is an Olive and Bette's, which is a very cute clothing store. At 72nd and B'Way, there's a huge Urban Outfitters, a North Face store, and Sephora.

These are a few a other stores in the neighborhood that are good:
BOC, 84th & Columbus (trendy clothing boutique, expensive)
Montmartre, 78th & B'Way (trendy clothing boutique, expensive)
Pookie and Sebastian, Columbus & 75th, more affordable, cute boutique
CPW, 84th & Amsterdam (trendy clothing boutique, expensive)
Town Shop, 85th & B'Way (legendary lingerie store on the UWS known for bra fittings)
Laila Rowe (chain of CHEAP jewelry)

Also have a look at The Milburn on W76th St.

on the ave is another uws hotel option that sometimes has good rates. i was able to book it on quikbook.com last october for under $200/night.

Thanks to all of you. Haven't heard back from them, I am assuming my girlfriend is looking into things, but I feel much more organized for her, and I think we can work things out. I suddenly can't wait to go shopping.....THANKS!