AboutJennifer Expertise I travel to Manhattan frequently and can offer a unique perspective because I am a tourist.I have so much curiosity about Manhattan and that has led me to gather lots of great information about the city. I consider myself a hotel buff of sorts, and touring them and analyzing their attributes has become a hobby for me. I can give some good advice on restaurants, shopping, and in general just how to maximize those "new york moments" we all want to experience. Whether it is something as small as how to hail a cab, where to enjoy a cocktail and a romantic stroll, or how to dress so you don`t stand out as a tourist, go ahead and ask.
Experience Traveling to Manhattan, reading about the city
Organizations Allexperts.com, expert for travel in Arkansas
Expert: Jennifer Date: 6/26/2008 Subject: Student New York Trip and Nightlife
Question My friend and I are taking a trip to New York from July 21st through 27th and staying at the Pod hotel as sort of a senior trip type thing. We are both 18 and want to experience a hip and exciting New York together. Other than the touristy things we want to experience Jazz, art exhibits, clubbing, and things off the beaten path (something bohemian maybe). What kind of things would you suggest that we do? What clubs are good and will we have a problem getting in because of our age? I want this trip to be especially thrilling, so any advice would be great.
Answer First let me say that you may have trouble getting into bars and clubs because you are not 21. I know sometimes the rules bend but I don't know where. For example, the idea of jazz is great for you...I recommend calling some places first and asking them what the age limits are. From what you have told me, I am sure you need a good guide book. I recommend Frommers NYC 2008 available at www.amazon.com. My favorite jazz place is in Greenwich Village and it is called The Blue Note. You can easily find them on the web and give them a call. Try to do this. I also think that you and your friend would enjoy exploring Greenwich Village ...try to hit a good coffee house and have lunch at Johns Pizzaria on Bleeker. Your guide book will have maps of each area and you will want to bring the guide book with you wherever you go.
Seeing the museums is a great idea. Also, remember...you want to focus on seeing NYC neighborhood by neighborhood. For example, one day you will want to see Metropolitan Museum of Art in the upper east side. This is a good time to explore that area. Be sure to take a nice long stroll all the way down fifth avenue after seeing the MET along Central Park. Also, you can take a footpath from upper east side to upper west side cutting thru central park...use a footpath not a major street. Do stay out of the park after dark. When you reach the upper west side you can hit the Museum of Natural History. Don't miss the planetarium show " Passport to the universe" or what ever they have on. It costs extra but you won't be sorry!!! A great place for lunch near here is Whole Foods at Columbus Circle near the Time Warner Shopping complex. Also, see museum of modern art...and for something bohemien...think about going to Chelsea and seeing the art galleries where the up and coming artists display their work. This is really interesting. Eat at Pastis in the area.
Seeing the Statue of Liberty is lots of fun. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds...and after...walk to Chinatown and have lunch...then stroll onto Soho ( super hip area) and goto Dean and Deluca for coffee and hotel room snacks on Broadway in Soho. You guys will love Soho. If you want to cool of with a coke or something you could slip into a hotel bar. I think you might enjoy this. Soho Grand is one. Having a beverage at a hotel is a nice way to take a break and use the restroom...plus the scenery is usually awesome. The staff are laid back. Here are a few hotels you might like to just pop in to cool off in----( hotels are an easy way to people watch, view awesome architecture...just kinda take it all in....and easier to experience than bars)
Also, near St. Patricks Cathedral ( which you should see) is Peninsula Hotel bar and King Cole Bar at the St. Regis Hotel.
One day stroll around Fifth Ave and 57th street and see Crate and Barrel, Barneys, Bloomingdales, Fao Shwartz, Saks Fifth ave...and the list goes on and one. Be sure not to miss Sephora Cosmetics store...they have various locations.
Think about walking the footpath across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring Brooklyn Heights for something a little bohemien.
Check out what is going on at Carnegie Hall or catch a Broadway show.
So, get your guide book ---it will answer all the questions that you are thinking right now! Be sure to learn how to use the subway but be very careful or avoid after dark. The rule in NYC is there is safety in numbers. Don't be anywhere desolate at night. Always be prepared to fork over the money for a cab when the time comes.
