So this weekend, Torsten and I are taking Yohan to New York for just two days and one night (all we can afford at New York hotel prices). Given that the drive from DC to NYC is over three hours, this is fairly ambitious of us--but Yohan has never been to the US before (in fact, this is the first time he's been outside of western Europe), and it would be cruel to be so close to NYC for two weeks and not even visit.
So, we're going. Now, Yohan doesn't have the first clue about NYC. He didn't even read up on DC before he came here--he had no idea that this was the capital of the US, that the president lived here, etc. Though he was very excited to find that out and has been roaming the city during the day while Torsten and I are at work and apparently having a great time. He even asked a cop for directions to the Metro yesterday and understood the response.
Anyway, Torsten and I have been to NYC a million times before, and we know the stuff that we like there. But if you were French, and naively and unabashedly loved America and everything in it, and were going to New York for the first and potentially only time of your life, what would you want to see? We know the obvious stuff like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. But what else do you recommend? What's a must-see? I want this trip to be as fun and interesting as possible for him, and maybe not entirely, stereotypically touristy. Whether you live in NYC and know all about the little-known spots or whether you've never been and never plan to go, I need your opinion, please.
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Well of course all I think about is food. Pizza? Carnegie Deli?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Broadway shows are must-see for me, but I maybe not in the budget for you guys this go around? The last time I was in NYC we saw Contact which is great since it's mostly music/dance and not much language if that's a barrier.
Let us know what you do! I would LOVE to go back to NYC.
I feel like I could write a novel!
ReplyDeleteI definitely recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art (it's my favorite) and of course a stroll through Central Park (which is right next to the Met). If there's great weather, I would definitely rent a row boat for a little while - it's actually a ton of fun.
Also, the West Village is a great neighborhood to just walk through, maybe get a bite to eat at one of the many adorable cafes.
SoHo is great for shopping! There's a stretch of Broadway that's just jam-packed with stores.
If you have time, there's nothing quite like walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. Plus, once you get to the other side, you can go to DiFara's for some of the best pizza EVER.
And, to be honest, I've heard GREAT things about the bus tours. My mother, despite having grown up in NYC, recently took one and she said it was amazing.
Omigod I could go on and on and on. But I'll stop now.
Oooh, I agree with Clink on the Brooklyn Bridge and the row boat in Central Park (but make sure you have a strong guy to row, I'm sure Torsten can handle it!).
ReplyDeleteEveryone who comes to visit me has absolutely loved Little Italy - granted it's a tourist trap, but everyone I've taken there are tourists!
Maybe I'll see you around this weekend! :)
I definitely agree with Clink about walking the Bridge and getting some pizza. I love, love, love the Met, too. Some GREAT exhibitions just opened up there on September 19, I believe, so it will be a great time to be there.
ReplyDeleteI think just walking around is the most fun in New York. Of course, popping in to all the great little eateries while walking around is fantastic, too!
Have fun!
I went to New York for the first time not long ago (on a strict budget) and I loved the following:
ReplyDeleteThe Brooklyn Bridge
A pizza place in Greenpoint
SoHo
China Town
And I really, really wanted to see Central Park, but didn't make it there.
Also, I wanted to see someone famous but didn't do that either. Arrange a famous person siting for him - he'll love it.
(I kid of course. Unless you know famous people. And if you do tell me where they are. I would like to have a famous person siting please.)
Roof top of the Met has a spectacular view and is good for a martini and snack. Always great for a visitor who loves NYC.
ReplyDeleteThat was meant to say sighting, not siting. I'm the worst speller in the world.
ReplyDeleteWELL. There are, of course, a billion and one museums that are a must see. Like the Guggenheim and the Natural History museum, everyone loves the Met... i second Central Park... i don't know if you'd be interested, but there's Ground Zero, which even Yohan had to know about... um.. OH! Check out the Circle Line Cruises. Very, very cool. Especially now with the leaves starting to change. They tour the harbor and you can see the Statue of Liberty up close, Ellis Island and the NY skyline. Is definitely worth it. http://www.circleline42.com/index.ihtml?page=sightseeing
ReplyDeleteHope i'm not too late with my comment.
Oh, and! (I can't help it, i live on Long Island - an hour away)
ReplyDeleteSome people like Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum (I've never been there, and i don't really get the appeal, but it's a big tourist attraction) and there's Rockefeller Center (unfortunately, you're too early for the Christmas tree, but it's still cool), Radio City Music Hall, the lovely art deco Chrysler Building...
Have dinner at Jekyll & Hydes http://www.jekyllandhydeclub.com/home.htm
The food isn't great, but the entertainment is totally worth it. Try to sit on the Library level. :)