The Republican National Convention is coming to town (in case you haven’t heard). Secretly, this pleases me greatly. Not only do I not have to travel to protest, but I think it’s fitting that what is shaping up to be one of the greatest debates of our lifetime, in part, takes place here.
I know of no place in the US that embodies the ideals of America quite like New York City. It’s not the most livable city. It’s not the cleanest, or safest, or most charming. It’s rough around the edges, sometimes brutal (though sometimes sublime), always challenging, and you really, really, really, need to get out of here every now and then. But there’s nowhere you’ll find a more vigorous and earnest yearning for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. New York is the American Dream undiluted, messy and thrilling. So if you’re coming, but haven’t been here before, here are some tips.
General New York Tips:
- TimeOutNY is a good source for what’s happening (including restaurants, shopping, activities for children, etc.) (you can also buy it on any newstand).
- The Subway is likely your best bet for getting around the city (taxis may sound tempting, but getting in and out of the Madison Square Garden area without a police escort may require patience in epic proportions). The Subway runs 24/7 and is so much safer than you’ve seen in movies. Just stay aware of who’s around you.
- Century 21 is the best bargain shopping (again, bring your patience, but expect to be amazed by the bargains).
- You can get same-day cheap tickets to Broadway Plays at tkts.
Edward’s Extra Special Tips:
- The best free, clean bathrooms are usually found in Starbucks. The counter kid may sneer at you, or even challenge you, if you ask for the key before a purchase, but just act indignant and suggest he/she should sample the breath mints and hold out your hand impatiently. Most will cave.
- You cannot, I repeat, cannot beat the guys with the three playing card game or shell game. I know it looks like others have won, but believe me, they’re in on it.
- Be really, really nice to the doormen, receptionists, bartenders, etc. Normally, they won’t feel even remotely compelled to please you (and yet some still expect to be tipped), but no one is a better source of information or help if you need it.
- Pickpockets can smell money. There are thousands of ATMs, literally everywhere. Don’t carry more than a few hundred dollars on you at any time.
- If you dine at an inexpensive Indian restaraunt, kindly refuse any free vegetable dishes offered because “you’re good customers” (unless you remembered to bring immodium). Or just take it, but DON’T eat it.
- Don’t pay full price at the Metropolitan Museum. It’s a “suggested” price. Give them half (or whatever). Believe me, they won’t bat an eye. Museums should be free anyway. (But don’t try this at the others, it won’t work.) And be sure to see the Frank Lloyd Wright room if you go…it’s perfection.
- The appopriate address for any woman you don’t know, regardless of age, is “Miss.” Do NOT address a woman (especially if she’s possibly under 50) as “Ma’am.” The appropriate address for any man over 20 is “Sir.” The appropriate address for any Policeman or Policewoman is “Officer” (variations are not smiled upon).
- The coolest new hipster bar (if you’re into that sort of thing) is The Delancey. One of the “best kept secrets” bars is The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central. The scenes at the Soho or Tribeca Grand or 60 Thompson are so-o-o-o-o over. (Stay out of Soho. Please!!!)
I offer this public service announcement as a counter to the escalating New York bashing I’m seeing in news stories and blog comments. It’s a big city and can take care of itself (don’t ever doubt that), but don’t confuse the pending clash with the city itself. It’s a wonderful town…really.
I’ll save these comments for the next time I visit New York – which, sadly, is unlikely to be any time soon. Last visited NYC in February 2002, and had a wonderful time.
It’s a wonderful town…really.
I agree.
Thanks, Ed. A great resource.
The coolest new hipster bar (if you’re into that sort of thing) is The Delancey. One of the “best kept secrets” bars is The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central. The scenes at the Soho or Tribeca Grand or 60 Thompson are so-o-o-o-o over.
Bit partial to the Ace Bar in Alphabet City, myself, but that’s probably a reflection of not having spend enough time in NY — and my own poor taste.
Von,
The Delancey is simply the newest one getting attention…but that in and of itself probably means you’ll have to fight yourway through B&T on the weekends…it’s big attraction is the roofdeck with the view of the Williamsburg Bridge.
There are undoubtedly better bars.
Can’t wait for the Convention! Great post Edward. Looking forward to all the opportunities to ‘focus group’ that week. And as far as i’m concerned NYC is clean, vibrant and always sublime (hey, it’s my town).
Ed —
Yeah, I saw some review of the Delancey in one of the snooty magazines I get. Looks like the kinda place I like to avoid. (When I go to get a drink, I like to focus on the drink. Thus, dives, near-dives, and drinking holes are the rule.)
Eddie,
You forgot about those fellows with the carts in Central Park sellin’ them healthy, little hors d’oeuvres in a bun. Last time I strolled thru, I et about 19 of ’em.
healthy, little hors d’oeuvres in a bun
You’re the one who eats those? I thought that was just a myth… they’re all just fronts for jewelry fencing….it’s not real food, Navy. ;-]
Thanks for the tips. I am taking my teenage kids to DC 8/24 to 9/1 and hope to make a side trip to NY. I’ll make use of this.
Coupla more hints, from a frequient business traveller to NYC:
* The motto of NYC is “keep it moving”. If you hold up the line or block traffic, expect to see Noo Yawkahs at their worst. This means have your order ready when you get to the head of the line, have your money ready at the register, and for God’s sake, read the instructions *carefully* before trying to use the subway.
* It is possible, although difficult, to get a bad meal in NYC. Chain restaurants taste exactly like they do back home; try something different. Bars generally have good food.
* Do not plan to drive in the City. Ever. For any reason.
* Don’t plan on getting a cab at Javits Center. Go somewhere else first; it’ll be faster. Walking a couple of blocks north is good.
* If you’re “mobility impaired”, you’re probably not going to have a very good time. Meditate on “market efficiency” and “the ADA” while you try to find a way into or out of the subway (or your hotel room, in some cases).
* Yeah, it’s expensive. You’re Republicans — why should you care? (:-)
Anyway, I’ve always had a really good time in NYC; folks there tend to be quite courteous, polite and helpful. (No, I’m not kidding. I’m just from DC.)
Well, New York is the “safest large city” in the U.S. Or at least the safest largest city in the U.S.
And while you’re there, soak in that legendary NY hospitality!
Allow me to reinforce lightning‘s point about “keep it moving.” This also applies to sidewalks. The Manhattan version of road rage is triggered by being trapped on a narrow sidewalk behind two happily-strolling tourists. If you want to gawk (and there’s plenty to gawk at), stay to one side of the walkway.
Also, DO NOT, for the love of GOD, waste your time going to the Hard Rock Cafe. The food isn’t good, and I can guarantee you that you won’t see anyone famous; you will simply see other tourists. The pasteurization of the Times Square area has also added familiar-seeming restaurants like “The Olive Garden,” “Applebee’s,” and such. You did not come to NY to find the familiar, did you? If you’re on a budget, check out funky little places like the great Ukrainian restaurant Veselka, on 2nd Ave and 9th Street, or the Sweet n’ Tart in Chinatown (20 Mott Street). Pick up any one of Calvin Trillin’s Tummy Trilogy books and eat at any of the places he mentions on the Lower East Side. Have a knish at Yonah Schimmel’s, on Houston Street. NYC is an ethnic paradise: bite the apple!
And here is the key to getting along with New Yorkers: we’re mirrors. We wait to see what your behavior will be, and then we give you back the same. Treat us with warmth, and you will be rewarded with legendary NY charm. Assume that we’re rude and treat us rudely, and you will have experienced a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If you’re pressed for time, don’t go to the Met. It’s too big and crowded. Go to the Frick, go to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, go to the Cloisters. But mostly? Just walk. Few cities reward the pedestrian as richly as New York. Pick a neighborhood and explore it — wonders (commercial, architectural, social) await you on every block.
Enjoy! It’s the greatest city in the world.