New York - A Second Chance!

A January 2005 trip to New York by ShereeZielke

Cheese Ones, Please!More Photos

The first time we visited The Big Apple, we hated the place. It was dirty, scary, and unfriendly. But we gave this famous city another chance. And it won us over - in a BIG way!

  • 8 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 4 photos
Cheese Ones, Please!
Ride the subway! Buy a MetroCard for and ride for the next 7 days trouble-free! Spend Sunday walking in Little Italy. Visit Penn Station. Stand in a "lottery line" to "win" tickets to a Broadway show. Eat at Ellen's Stardust Diner. Go to the bathroom whenever you see one, as they are difficult to find. Carry some of your own toilet paper and wet wipes, as some of the public washrooms leave much to be desired. Eat a cheese-filled pretzel from a street vendor. Ride a ferry to see Lady Liberty! Hang out with the bull near Wall Street. Visit Times Square at least once.

Quick Tips:

Learn how to get tickets at the hottest, most sold-out Broadway shows by going to the theatre and asking about their "lottery" and their "cancellation" lines. Learn one day and put your knowledge to work the next day. Be prepared to stand in line, but you will get a ticket.

Best Way To Get Around:

Forget the taxi--ride the subway. It is safe and efficient. But buy a MetroCard first. If you get on a wrong train, get off at the next stop and reverse. Get a map first! They are free and make great souvenirs. Ask for directions. We were responded to in a friendly, helpful manner 100% of the time.

Pan American HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Pan American"

This hotel is convenient, clean, and efficient. There is a small fridge and TV in the room. You can also hear the noisy street traffic, but there are very pleasant front-desk staffers. It is 15 minutes from a subway entrance and next door to a great diner.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 15, 2005

Pan American Hotel
79 00 QUEENS BOULEVARD New York, New York 11373
718-446-7676

Bar PittiBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

An Italian we met on our plane suggested this restaurant to us. It is very tiny. Go early if you don't have a reservation. Be prepared to be squished in. The food is simple and good. Service is simple and good.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 14, 2005

Bar Pitti
268 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10014
(212) 982 3300

Mr. BroadwayBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

It has a wonderful old-city feel. They have an outstanding chicken matzoh ball soup and outstanding corned beef on rye sandwich. There are also very interesting customers. And there's kosher sushi! It was one of our very favorite experiences.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 15, 2005

Mr. Broadway
1372 Broadway New York, New York 10018
(212) 921-2152

Eat 50s-style diner foods while being entertained by the waiters and waitresses who double as karaoke pros. They are amazing as they sing well and continue to perform their waiter duties. It is a very crowded, active place. The food is simple and good.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 15, 2005

Ellen's Stardust Diner
1650 Broadway New York, New York 10019
(212) 956-5151

Pomodoro PizzaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Terrific food comes from this very tiny place. There is no pretense, just great food and great service. Try the lasagna!! And the Nathanson Creek house wine. Ooooh, good!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 15, 2005

Pomodoro Pizza
51 Spring Street New York, New York 10012
(212) 966-9229

American Museum of Natural HistoryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Museum of Natural History"

A local referred us to this attraction as the place of "great taxidermy." He was right. It is overcrowded with school kids and is as exciting as a walk through a gravel pit. Spend your time elsewhere.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 15, 2005

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West New York, New York 10024
(212) 769-5100

Broadway TheatreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Broadway Shows"

Do your research right at the theatre. Stand in the lottery line, but have your $25 cash handy. Or stand in the cancellation line and be ready with your $100 cash per ticket. It is possible to get tickets to the hottest shows on Broadway with a little perseverance and time. It is also a great way to meet people.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by ShereeZielke on February 15, 2005

Broadway Theatre
1681 Broadway New York, New York 10019
+1 212 944-3700

Ground ZeroBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

This is a must-see in spite of all the wire and mesh. Take the time to walk around the entire site. This is not a morose adventure. In fact, it is quite the opposite. There is the atmosphere of hope and transcendence. Rebirth!

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