New York

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New York: New energy, new experiences every time!

A December 2004 trip to New York by Dutchnatasja

Brooklyn BridgeMore Photos

New York has stolen my heart! It reinvents itself every day. I love to come to this great city. The great architecture, the people, the whole atmosphere. I love walking down the street and seeing faces and drama and happiness and sadness and dirt and cleanliness. It's New York!

  • 14 reviews
  • 8 stories/tips
  • 40 photos

New York: New energy, new experiences every time!Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Brooklyn Bridge
New York is the place were it all began for so many people. How lucky am I that I can travel to New York whenever I want. I love New York for the architecture, the people, the museums, and for many more things. I've never walked in any other city as much as in New York; the eyes are filled with images, and my legs are constantly moving. I enjoy every minute of the city. It gives me energy!

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Park Central New YorkBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Park Central"

The lobby of Park Central
Great hotel with a perfect location. You can walk out the door, take a left, and be in Central Park within four or five minutes. You can easily get to Times Square and Fifth Avenue. Our room was large (they are bigger than the standard rooms in New York), with a king-size bed and plenty of room to relax and move around. You can also choose for a room at the concierge level. Than you'll have breakfast, newspaper, afternoon snacks, and drinks. You can also use the Internet for free during the time when breakfast and dinner is served.

We stayed in this hotel twice, both times in December (2003 and 2004). It was great. From our room, we had a view of Times Square.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on March 21, 2005

Park Central New York
870 7th Ave. New York, New York 10019
(212) 247-8000

Helmsley Park LaneBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

We visited the Helmsley Park Lane in May 2003. We printed an upgrade coupon so that when we arrived, they gave us a room on a higher floor, with a view overlooking Central Park. I was amazed by the view. Each room has an oversized window that offers panoramic views of Central Park. The hotel room was very clean, large, and spacious. It is walking distance to all the Midtown attractions. In the guest rooms, look for the hotel’s special walking/jogging map of Central Park, hung on a convenient neck cord. I would have chosen this hotel in December if it wasn't so expensive in the Christmas period. Besides that, I highly recommend this hotel.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on March 21, 2005

Helmsley Park Lane
36 Central Park South New York, New York 10019
(212) 371-4000

Carnegie DeliBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Carnegie Deli in New York
Although I have never tasted one of these sandwiches (I don’t like huge sandwiches with more meat than bread), I’ve read a lot about it. The most were positive, but there were also a few negative reviews. Anyway this famous deli draws big crowds, and mostly you’ll see long waiting lines on the sidewalk. Sometimes the lines are a half-block long!

I wonder why it draws so many people; is it really the corned beef sandwich, which they say is delicious, or is it that they are able to say, "I ate at the Carnegie Deli"???

WEBSITE: www.carnegiedeli.com
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 6, 2005

Carnegie Deli
854 Seventh Ave. New York, New York 10019
(212) 757-2245

Brooklyn DinerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Brooklyn Diner in New York
We always visit the Brooklyn Diner, when we are in New York. The interior is nice; it takes you back to the 1950s. On the walls hang many pictures of many stars who have visited the Brooklyn Diner. Great food, always cooked just right. The portions are huge and well prepared. Because it is a popular restaurant, you have to be prepared to wait for a table.

They have many various menu items, like a hot brisket-of-beef pot roast sandwich, a Coney Island jumbo lump crab-cake club, or an oven-roasted "Dodger" pot roast, all kinds of pastas, and for dessert, they recommend the house specialty: the Strawberry Blonde Cheesecake.

They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and they have an "after the gym" menu.

Favorite Dish: My favourite is the Brooklyn Diner Cheeseburger Deluxe with bacon, onion rings, and shoestring fries. The cheeseburger is the best I have ever had. The cheeseburger was enormous, and the burger was juicy, cooked to perfection, and very tasty. The onion rings were thin and not greasy at all, and the french fries were enough for two people.

I highly recommend the Brooklyn Diner!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 6, 2005

Brooklyn Diner
212 West 57th St (between Broadway and Seventh Avenue) New York, New York 10019
(212) 581-8900

Heartland BreweryBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is a must-visit for beer lovers!

If you like beer, you can’t miss this one. Heartland Brewery is located at several places in Manhattan. The one we visited is located at 35 Union Square, between 16th and 17th Streets. The Heartland Brewery has a dark-wood interior and mix of high-top tables near the front bar and deep wooden booths toward the back.

Menu items range from expected starters, such as onion rings, mini-burgers, and quesadillas to sandwiches and more adventurous items, such as grilled rib eye.

Let’s talk about the beer. They have a good variety of fresh-brewed beers and a lot of tasty seasonal beers. Our favourite is the Old Red Nose Ale. This is one good seasonal beer (during Christmas/winter). It’s a copper-brown, almost reddish in colour. The flavour is rummy and sweet, tasting of orange and ginger. The body of this beer is full, rich, and spicy. You order this beer in December and January.

Sit, enjoy your beer, and don't worry about how long you're there... it’s perfect!

DIRECTIONS:
Between 16th and 17th Streets Subway Stops: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to 14th Street - Union Square

WEBSITE:
www.heartlandbrewery.com
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 6, 2005

Heartland Brewery
35 Union Square West New York, New York 10003
(212) 645-3400

Lobby LoungeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Lobby Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental"

Enjoy your drink and the view!

The Mandarin Oriental New York is part of an exclusive, new development on floors 35 to 54 of the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle. It is a stunning blend of modern design and oriental flair in the heart of Manhattan.
The lobby lounge has beautiful views of Central Park and the city’s skyline. The interior is classic, contemporary, and residential in golds and browns.

You can enjoy a enjoy light fare, afternoon tea, or late-night desserts.

Menu Highlights:
- Sake-Cured Salmon, Thinly Sliced Salmon, House-Cured with Sake, served with a Wasabi Crème Fraiche

- Bento Box, Selection of Mushroom Chopsticks, Crab Quesadilla, Shanghai Chips and Tamarind Chicken and Beef Sate

It is a very expensive hotel; rates start at $479! You can always drink a cocktail in the lobby lounge, just to get a feeling of this magnificent hotel. It’s an experience not to be missed.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 6, 2005

Lobby Lounge
Mandarin Oriental New York, New York 10023
(212) 805 8800

Statue of LibertyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Statue of Liberty
As you approach on the ferry, you can imagine what millions of immigrants felt as they got their first glimpse of America. From the ferry, you have a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. If you're going to be in the Big Apple, this is one sight you've got to see. If you have the change, then try to see the Statue of Liberty during the sunset. You can make beautiful pictures.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on March 21, 2005

Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island New York, New York 10004
(212) 363-3200

Greenwich VillageBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Greenwich Village
The Village of Greenwich has certainly got its charm! Today it is a joy to walk through the streets of Greenwich Village. It has quiet streets with beautiful homes, so it was almost like staying in another city. Greenwich Village offers a great respite with its calmer, more manageable feel, and Greenwich Village's shorter buildings allow more sunshine to reach the streets. There are many secret courtyards and small gardens nestled between townhouses in the residential blocks of Greenwich Village. Manhattan's Greenwich Village offers visitors an escape from the skyscrapers. I highly recommend a walk through this area.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on March 21, 2005

Greenwich Village
Houston to 14th streets New York, New York 10014

Soho StreetsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Soho"

Soho
Squeezed between Little Italy, Chinatown, and Greenwich, SoHo (South of Houston Street) is another distinct area of New York. The area is also renowned for its architecture. Iron-clad buildings line the streets, emergency stairs hanging out of the houses. What once were industrial buildings were gentrified and turned into loft spaces with many art galleries and boutiques. SoHo is constantly changing. SoHo is also easy to cover. You just walk the length of its blocks between Houston and Broome, turning the corner and seeing what's coming next.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on March 21, 2005

Soho Streets
Soho New York, New York

Christmas at Rockefeller CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Christmas in New York"

Saks Fifth Avenue
One 'must' is to stroll along 5th Avenue to view the store windows, which are decorated for the holidays. Many stores decorate their windows beautifully. If it wasn't for the yellow cabs, you would think that you were in Disney World. They have actual lines to lead the people along the windows. There are several stores that are particularly famous for this. The windows attract a lot of viewers, and lines of people walk by them day after day before Christmas. The many stores compete to make the most beautiful and interesting windows. Just taste the atmosphere of Christmas in the Rockefeller Center area. It is so beautiful. Don't walk too fast, and take some time to enjoy the Christmas decorations. It is also fun to watch the people around you. There are so many cultures enjoying the same thing as you are.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on March 21, 2005

Christmas at Rockefeller Center
Between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues New York, New York

New York Public LibraryBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Public Library, New York
Constructed in 1911, this library building today contains over 6 million books, 12 million periodicals, and almost 3 million pictures. These numbers are just part of the 40 million items contained within the New York Public Library system. The entire system itself is considered to be the largest system in the world.

The great lions that guard either side of the entrance to the library are part of what makes this site a National Historic Landmark. Actually trademarked by the library (look at the library's logo), these lions have had a number of nicknames. Since the 1930s, they've been known at Patience and Fortitude. Patience still guards the south side of the library's steps and Fortitude sits unwaveringly to the north.
They have been photographed alongside countless tourists, replicated as bookends, caricatured in cartoons, and illustrated in numerous books. One even served as the hiding place for the cowardly lion in the motion picture The Wiz.

Look up when you’re in here. What you’ll see is a unique ceiling with its paintings. The ceiling murals had suffered badly over the decades, and by the 1990s, had become barely discernible. The ceiling murals could not be restored, but the $15 million budget allowed the painting of new clouds, and now the main reading room at the New York Public Library is back to its former glory.

Although paintings are not well represented at the library, most of the other artistic crafts are, and visitors should look carefully at ceilings, doorknobs, fountains, and furniture.

Directions:
Getting there by Subway: B, D, F, Q, 7 take you there directly; 4, 5, 6 leave you close by
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 6, 2005

New York Public Library
Fifth Avenue and 42nd St. New York, New York 10018
(212) 930-0830

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Museum of Modern Art"

Museum of Modern Art, New York
"An ideal environment for art and people."


You will find works of Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gaugin, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, James Rosenquist, Mies van der Rohe, Andy Warhol, and many more. You have to explore it yourself.

The first floor, which is at street level, houses the lobby, where tickets are sold. This is also the area where you can walk into the Sculpture Garden. Prints and Illustrated books, along with the Media Gallery, are on the second level. Architecture and design are on the third floor. The top level is devoted to temporary exhibits. The fourth and fifth floors house MoMA's considerable collection of paintings and sculptures.

Exhibits are constantly changing, and there is something for everyone. It is easy to understand. I believe it is nearly impossible to see it all in one day. Above all, don't rush. See what you can and enjoy what you see.

MoMA has two restaurants (not very large, and most of the time, crowded) and a museum store. The MoMA Store always has great gadgets and gizmos perfectly designed. They also sell books, CD accessories, and home furnishings. The museum has restrooms and water fountains on every level.

Museum Hours
Saturday 10:30 am–5:30 pm
Sunday 10:30 am–5:30 pm
Monday 10:30 am–5:30 pm
Tuesday closed
Wednesday 10:30 am–5:30 pm
Thursday 10:30 am–5:30 pm
Friday 10:30 am–8:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

The best time to go is late Friday afternoon, when the museum is free and open till 8 pm.

Website:
www.moma.org

The museum is easy to get to and has a parking garage that gives discounts with validated tickets. See the museum’s website for details.

Admission:
Adults $20, Seniors $16, Students $12, Children (16 and under and accompanied by an adult) free
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 8, 2005

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
11 West 53rd St New York, New York 10019
(212) 708-9400

Shops at Columbus CircleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

The Shops at Columbus Circle offers an upscale mall in the middle of Manhattan.

This mall is perfect for any weather condition. In the winter, when it’s raining and cold, you can warm up in this place. In the summer, it's air-conditioned inside.

The floors are connected by escalators. In this building, there is a railing over which you can look through the glass wall to Columbus Circle, see a bit of the park and all the way across 59th Street.

Here are some shops that are located in the Time Warner building.

Ground Floor: Hugo Boss, Davidoff, Coach, Godiva Chocolatier, Cole Haan, Maurice Jeweler, and much more.

Second Floor: Sephora, J.Crew, Dean & Deluca, Sisley/Benetton and more.

Third Floor: A/X Armani, Bose, Aveda, J.Crew and more.

Some Restaurants: Whole Foods Market, Cafe Gray, Bouchon Bakery, Charlie Trotter Restaurant, Jean Georges Steakhouse, Stone Rose, Per Se, Masa, and Bar Masa.

But there is more; Whole Foods Market

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sunday 12 - 6pm

Closest Subways to Shops at Columbus Circle: A/C, 1/9, B/D to 59th Street/Columbus Circle

Website:
www.shopsatcolumbuscircle.com

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Dutchnatasja on April 8, 2005

Shops at Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle New York, New York

Take time for the sax playerBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Sax Player in Central Park
Every time I’m in New York, I go see the sax player in Central Park. This time, in December, he played Christmas songs. Although it was cold, we sat down and listened to his music. Many people walk by and ignore him, but I just can’t. He has given our visit to the park some extra charm. As a reward, I gave him a few dollars. So the next time you see him, take a minute to listen to his music. I think he will appreciate that.

Don't miss the Wollman skating rink!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Wollman skating rink in Central Park
Wollman skating rink is one of the most famous rinks in New York City. It is located in Central Park. The rink opened in 1950 following a gift from Mrs. Wollman, but is now in the hands of Donald Trump. He took it over in 1986 and put serious money into renovating the rink.

During the winter holiday season, tourists flock to skate on the famous ice rink. Ice-skating lasts until the second week in April; afterwards, Wollman becomes a roller rink.
The rink looks superb, with an excellent view of the New York midtown skyline. If you don’t want to skate (there can be long wait lines), then it is fun to watch the people skate.

Website:
www.wollmanskatingrink.com

Keep your eyes open!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Avril Lavigne performence at Rockefeller Center
Always keep your eyes open in New York City, because you never now what you are going to see. For example, you could witness a movie scene or concert. We were walking on 5th Avenue when we bumped into Avril Lavigne. At first we didn’t know that Avril Lavigne was going to give a performance; we just stood there, and just like the rest of the crowd, we waited for almost an hour, but finally she came and did her performance.

New York, December 16 – Avril Lavigne really gave the tourists something to talk about when they got back home. As if it wasn’t already a trial walking on Fifth Avenue amidst the Christmas-shopping hordes, Lavigne blocked up the sidewalk for a live show Thursday night, right where the Rockefeller Center tree meets the Saks department store. The diminutive teen rocker was taping a performance for Carson Daly’s New Year’s Eve show on NBC, which will be “live” from Rockefeller Center. We guess those camera crews don’t want to work on the holiday, either.

Sunset on Statue of LibertyBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Sunset Lady Liberty
If you have the change, try to see the Statue of Liberty during the sunset. You can take beautiful pictures. You must do this! There is not much to say about this; the view says enough.

Directions:
Take the no. 5 train to Bowling Green or no. 1 to South Ferry

The naked who???? The Naked Cowboy!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Naked Cowboy, New York
The Naked Cowboy! Well, what can I say about this guy? Properly, that he makes a lot of money!

After many tours back and forth across the country, countless photo shoots, and live performances, The Naked Cowboy slowly became an entertainment icon, now boasting national recognition as an urban legend of sorts and several notable TV appearances (Friends, MTV, and The Today Show).
Standing, as he is daily, at the intersection of 45th Street and Seventh Avenue in the heart of Times Square, he may look the very picture of sideshow clown or outright lunatic (especially when the temperature drops below freezing).

When we saw him, it was December and freezing cold. Whether you like him or not, he’s the only walking, talking, and singing tourist attraction of New York.

Directions:
At the intersection of 45th Street and 7th Avenue in the heart of Times Square

Website:
www.nakedcowboy.com

Empire-Fulton Ferry State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Manhattan Bridge
Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park is a waterfront park, established in 1978 by Governor Carey along the East River in Brooklyn. It's located between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. It has an lawn and riverfront boardwalk. Empire Fulton Ferry State park provides visitors the perfect place to view the skyline of Lower Manhattan. You can picnic, stroll, view the ships, and enjoy the sun.

You can take wonderful pictures of the spectacular views like the bridges and lower Manhattan.

Incredible how only a few people know about it. We were there last December and we were the only one there. So quiet, so perfect for taking pictures. We did spend some time here. I highly recommend this spot!

Brooklyn Heights PromenadeBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Photo 3: Sitting on a bench
Brooklyn Heights Promenade is great! If you have the time; go, you won't be sorry!

Photo 1: Brooklyn Heights Promenade

With its excellent views of the Manhattan skyline, the promenade is one of the most popular spots in town. People stroll or jog along the Promenade, and tourists come to snap photographs.


Photo 2: The Promenade

The Promenade is lined with grand townhouses and mansions, and is part of Brooklyn's first Historic Preservation District.

The Promenade is also lined with flowerbeds, playgrounds, and two rows of benches. Many people come to sit and look at the view, read, relax, eat or talk.


Photo 3: Sitting on a bench

Stroll along the Promenade or just sit on any of the benches to enjoy the view, like we did. The view is amazing.


Photo 4: The view

Offering magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge

Is New York City as Dangerous as they say?Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

I have never felt unsafe in New York

I don't think so... especially with those two guys next to me.

I have always felt safe in New York. One important thing: don’t act like a tourist. It attracts criminals. Look confident. The important thing is to notice your surroundings and the people around you. This is not only for New York, but it's a rule for every city. It can happen anywhere.

Some tips for your safety:

- When arranging transportation, take a cab. Keep your valuables in the hotel's safe. When you are shopping, keep your handbag closed and zipped, and put a hand on it. Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist. Avoid Central Park after sunset when it’s dark.

Let’s keep in mind that it is important how you feel in a city like New York! That what you're feeling, that's what people see.

Let's not forget: New York City is one of the safest large cities in the country.

About the Writer

Dutchnatasja
Dutchnatasja
Etten-Leur, Netherlands

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