New York

NEW YORK

Whenever we go on holiday we do the guidebooks, we look at all the websites, but when we actually get there we have to do all the finding-out that many people have done before. We don't want you to have to duplicate our work. So while this page isn't everything about New York, it's the things that might save you a bit of time.

Getting to Town

At JFK, ignore the taxi touts and head outside to where the shuttle buses are. They will drop you to your door for a reasonable rate, and you get an early chance to see some sights on the way.

Hotels have a tax added on, so to save money, rent an apartment for a week or more. We recommend one in the Atrium building on Bleeker Street in the Greenwich Village. We got it through Metro-Home NYC, 212.813.2244, Metro-Home

What can we say? Get a MetroCard. Get on the subway. Get on a ferry. Get on the Roosevelt Island cablecar.

On the corner of Bleeker Street and Broadway is deli which has a hot pick'n'mix dinner, with veg, noodles, meat, and lots beside. We can't remember the name but look for it anyway!
If you visit Flushing (see below) the best hidden treasure is Szechuan Gourmet, a really good Chinese restaurant. 135-15 37th Ave, 718 888 9388
Best pizza in town ... John's of Bleecker Street. 278 Bleecker St, 212 243 1680
Noodles as good as Wagamama and just as stylish can be found at Republic. 37 Union Square West, 212 627 7172, www.thinknoodles.com
For a brilliant diner experience, try the oddly named University Restaurant. Perfect for breakfast! 101 University Pl at 12th St, 212 475 7727
When we heard about Rice to Riches we couldn't believe it. A cafe that just sells rice pudding? But it's great and really chic. 37 Spring St between Mott and Mulberry St, 212 274 0008

Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building (great at night), Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Station (go on a tour - well worth it) etc, You were going to see these anyway...
Great art? Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Whitney (great architecture too!), New York Public Library, MOMA.
Ellis Island is the next stop on the Liberty ferry, and is worth at least half a day. Learn about the history of American immigration. Search for your own relatives.
Queens has lots to offer, even if it seems relatively out of town. The Queens Museum of Art has a fantastic scale model of Manhattan and the surrounding area - try to find your hotel! It also has good temporary exhibitions. Corona Park, Queens, 718 592 9700
Then explore round the rest of the Park, site of the 1965 World's Fair. Marvel at the Unisphere. Flushing Meadows is nearby, where the tennis US Open happens each year.
Then get back on Line 7 and go to Flushing. This town has fantastic sights and shops, and one of the oldest buildings in New York. Also a great place to eat (see above).
Like great design? The National Design Museum at the Smithsonian has a shop with objects to die for, and great exhibitions. 2 E 91st St, 212 849 8355
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum offers tours of an apartment building recreating the 1870s and 1930s.90 Orchard St, 212 431 0233
In NYC for Easter or Christmas? Need a church? Try the Church of the Ascension. Traditional services and a great welcome. Fifth Ave at 10th St, 212 254 8620
Take a day off sight-seeing. Go to Brooklyn. Wander through the park.

Maybe like us you're a Seinfeld fan. In which case you have GOT to go on the Kramer's Reality Tour.
Kenny Kramer, Larry David's ex-neighbour and the inspiration for Seinfeld's neighbour Cosmo Kramer, runs his bus tour with all the Seinfeld sights.
Visit www.kennykramer.com for lots more info.

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