The one thing that I know for sure is that the guest needs to go to Time Square twice. The first time so that they can have that moment when they know they are in the heart of the city. The second time so that they can shop in at least one of the mega stores (six story Forever 21, M&M's store, Toys R us with a Ferris wheel inside, etc...). Time Square is the ultimate tourist trap, but you do have to go there. There is really nothing like it anywhere else in the world. And once you've completed your second trip there you never have to go back, unless you live here and you will always go back because there will always be another visitor who needs to see it. We had some guest this fall who stayed with us while they protested with the Occupy Wall Street group, so you would think that they wouldn't have any interest in anything as commercial as Time Square, but they loved it and even went to the M&M store twice!
The next most obvious place is Rockefeller Center. There is really nothing to do there, but it is visually familiar and the gold statue at the ice-skating rink is a classic backdrop for the obligatory photo op. I will add that there is a Nintendo Store in the plaza area and my children and their friends consider this a must see. And for any early birds there is the opportunity to see the Today Show host if you want to get down there first thing in the morning. During the holidays there is also the Christmas tree, but read my blog on crowds before attempting that tourist attraction. You also have an above average chance of seeing a celeb if you get there when interview guest are arriving at the Today Show or for the Jimmy Fallon show. I would say that Soho is a must see. But that is a tricky choice with anyone younger than 13 or with a boy. My son, Hunter, was having a fit down there at Christmas fighting the masses and he had no interest in going into the shops (except for a few chocolatiers who had samples out). When my teen aged nieces where here this summer they could have spent all of their time there shopping at trendy boutiques and street vendors, but I knew their budget so we limited them to one day. Between people watching, galleries, restaurants, and shopping you could easily kill two days there, but be prepared for crowds and a lot of walking. There are no fast food anythings so if you get tired or thirsty be prepared to pay the piper for a spot to get a refreshment.
One place that we always go with visitors is the East Village. My mom would tell me, and does, that this a huge mistake. May-be I just like to take a walk down memory lane from my early days in NYC, but I think it shows the often unseen and grungier side of the city. Again there is a lot of walking with very little reward except for peirogies at Veselkas. Between the massive number of Japanese restaurants that have moved in and the NYU dorms closing in on the neighborhood the vibe has certainly changed in the last 25 years, but I don't care what anyone says, I'm keeping it on my list.
My least favorite sight has be to the World Trade Center Memorial.. The space is strange and haunting, and the buildings being erected in place of the void that was the World Trade Center is fascinating, but there is no feel good factor. I'll put this on the list of "upon request".
Museums? If they are old enough send them on their own and if not let them chose three galleries at the MET and be done with it. Groups of more than three do not work. (I am laughing as I write that because I have only been with four or more people, so I know what I'm talking about) Everyone has a different method of viewing art, so keeping the styles limited helps in keeping things moving. I am a walk through and stop and look at what I like and Jeff is a start at the beginning and read every plaque. Even as husband and wife we differ, don't try to add Grandma to the mix. Tip: At many museums the posted price is the suggested price. Be generous if you can, but don't miss the museum because you don't think that you can afford it.
I could go on. But the real point is that there is something for everyone, although narrowing it down to your particular interest, time and budget can be challenging.
Walking, waiting, and weather are actually three factors that can foil even the best laid plans.
I can not press the walking thing enough. If you feet are not bloody nubs by the end of the day then you have not seen the city. I am not joking. One of my nieces actually sat down on the morning of her third day and said that she could not go on (she did). Although my feet no longer hurt after a day touring around, I have not forgotten the pain. Suck it up and keep going. How often are you in New York City?
Waiting. If you go in to a good restaurant at a regular meal hour you will wait. If you aren't waiting for a table then you might want to go somewhere else, lines are usually a good indicator in regards to the best restaurants (this does not include chain restaurants in Time Square where tourist flock because they recognize a restaurant name).
Weather. Summer is hot. It is beyond hot. It is humid. Unless you are one of those women who's thighs don't rub together because you are so thin then be prepared for chaffed inner thighs, or you could wear shorts or Spanks to avoid your sweaty legs from sticking together. Fall and spring are rainy, but as long as you don't mind frizzy hair and umbrella wars on the crowded sidewalks it is actually a good time to visit. Winter is cold. The wind tunnels caused by the tall buildings is a unique phenomenon to the city and it is very real. But if you dress appropriately it can actually be a great time to see the city. "There is no bad weather, only bad clothing choices" (I stole that motto from a local high school with an extensive outdoor curriculum).
Where to go? and what to wear? and when to come? You tell me and I'll do my best to show you the town with as little pain as possible.
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