Top 5 fun things to do in nyc!

[Sidney Rama]

Hi Gentlemen,

 

I am currently based in Las Vegas and will be in NYC April 1-9. The dates are getting closer and I am very excited about my FIRST trip to NYC.

 

I am also available to meet gentlemen in NYC. Please click on the following links to my ad and reviews.

www.rentboy.com

www.daddysreviews.com

 

Here come the question... If I only have time to do 5 things in NYC during my trip, what would they be? Of course meeting and spending a great fun time with you guys are TOP 1 PRIORITY!

 

I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you in NYC!

[Kevin Slater]

If the weather is nice, be sure to check out the High Line Park. http://www.thehighline.org/

 

The tenement museum is also very interesting and fills an afternoon nicely, giving a lot of NYC (and American) history. http://www.tenement.org/

 

Kevin Slater

[adriano46]

If you have the time, aside from the jusual touristy things like the Em;ire State Bldg and the boat trip to the Statue of Liberty, just take a walk through Times Square (dat or night), a quick walk through Central Park, and depending on your interests... maybe a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 5th Ave or the Museum of Natural History -- and if downtown, a visit to South Street Seaport and Chinatown/Little Italy are always fun.

[gcursor]

see a Broadway show?

[adriano46]

see a Broadway show?

 

I would definately add that but with the hope he finds a generous client to take him.

[+ beethoven]

The best thing in New York is a trip to Ellis Island. This takes most of your day, but is an unforgettable experience. It's all about what made this country great. And the boat stops at the Statue of Liberty.

 

And, yes, I'd take in a Broadway show. If you can, see "The Importance of Being Earnest." Probably a tough ticket; however, there are good shows that you can get tickets for. If you're on a budget, go to the TKTS booth at 47th St. & Bway. Just be sure to stay FAR away from "La Cage Aux Folles." A wonderful musical, but the producers have completely ruined it with the new cast. And don't get sucked into seeing "Spiderman." And I loathed "That Championship Season." It all depends on what you like, and I don't know your tastes.

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

Times Square is a must. And if your schedule allows, taking in a taping of Late Show with David Letterman is fun. On the day of the show, you can request stand by tickets.

[Doe Be Doe]

Visit Battery Park and then walk up the parks along the Hudson River.

Ride the Staten Island Ferry.

Bronx Zoo

Go to the top of the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock.

[Cooper]

Big Apple sights...

 

Sidney,

 

The suggestions mentioned are very good but since this is your 1st time in NYC don't try to schedule too many sights in one day.

 

I agree that Broadway is a must but if this is your 1st B-way show, I'd suggest Lion King, Wicked, or War Horse. Go to http://www.broadwaybox.com/ and print out some discount tickets.

 

Not sure if you're into museums but there are many to choose from. Starting out, I'd recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Planetarium. Do a search for times and location.

 

If it's a nice day, definitely take the Circle Line cruise around Manhattan. Suggestion, only take the 1/2 Island trip. You'll see enough.

 

For views of the skyline, either the Empire State Building or "The Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center. Check the visibility first.

 

Central Park and Strawberry Fields. Lots to see, you can even rent a bike to ride the paths.

 

Learn to take the subway to get around. You'll find the people very helpful in giving directions.

 

For your 1st visit and for a short stay, this should be more than enough.

 

Enjoy your visit to the Big Apple.

 

Coop

[RockHard]

Memories.

 

It's been a long time since my first trip to NYC but I remember it as if it was yesterday. Here's what I would do (based on actual first-time experience):

 

1. Take in a Broadway or Off-Broadway show and take advantage of Times Square when the lights are brightest and the streets are packed with theater-goers. But I would only do this after a fair amount of research. I can't sit through just any form of entertainment and most musicals bore the daylights out of me. I'd probably pick a kick-ass drama. (But given this is your first time, a cheesy musical would suffice.)

 

2. Treat yourself to a kick-ass meal or find someone who will go dutch or pick up the tab. NYC is a city about great food and I wouldn't miss the opportunity to visit one of its top ten dining spots. You'll need some planning for this, too, unless you don't mind eating at 5 PM or 10:30 PM.

 

3. On a clear day, there is no experience like the top of the Empire State Building 1 hour before sundown. The view from this perch is unlike any other and, even though it's an extremely touristy thing to do, once you do it you'll know why it's a must. The lines are usually long so you need to plan for this as well.

 

4. Better than the Empire State Building is a helicopter ride above Manhattan. I've taken family members and friends who visit me numerous times and the thrill never ends. I use Liberty Helicopter. In fact, I was in a helicopter and flew over the do-over night of Diana Ross' concert in Central Park. Some folks might remember what fabulous weather we had that day, which was amazing considering how bad it was the night before.

 

5. I couldn't imagine going to Paris and not visiting the Louvre or to Rome and not visiting the Vatican or the Galleria Borghese. I couldn't imagine dating a gay guy who didn't appreciate art and history. The Met is fabulous and I try to go when the crowds are at a minimum. Even with the crowds, the place is fabulous.

 

6. (Just in case you have some extra time) Shopping! I love to shop and no matter where I visit, I always reserve at least one day to do some shopping. NYC doesn't disappoint. The hardest thing is deciding where to go. The fabulous choices never end here.

 

7. And last but not least, instead of the horse and buggy (which is controversial), select one of the good-looking bicycle-buggy dudes hanging around The Plaza Hotel and have him chauffeur you around Central Park while you grab lunch. You could have some lunchtime fun as he drives you through the Rambles. Or, go to Central Park Bike Rentals and ride through the park on your own. Central Park is fabulous and it's changed a lot since the Mayor Koch years. On a gorgeous day, it's the preferred place to be for thousands of New Yorkers.

 

Good luck and safe travels.

[+ beethoven]

All of these suggestions are excellent! One thing -- if you want to go to the taping of a TV show, I'd suggest "The Daily Show," which I like much better than David Letterman. Jon Stewart tapes the show in mid-afternoon on 10th or 11th Ave in the 50s.

Also, a walk around Battery Park and Wall Street is very rewarding. On a nice day, you can't beat the scenery, and the area is dripping with history. Across the Street from the NY Stock Exchange is Federal Hall, where George Washngton was inaugurated. There's a small museum inside. If the weather is good, a Circle Line tour around the island is a great idea.

[Decatur Guy]

1. Empire State Building -- at night. It's magical up at the top at night.

 

2. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.

 

3. The Cloisters museum (way upper Manhattan)

 

4. First visit? Take that Circle Line boat ride around Manhattan. Touristy, but awesome.

 

5. This is free -- find some neighborhood and just walk. Go where people live. I vote for some place in Brooklyn -- Park Slope, perhaps.

[Guest GQ Pro]

I went to NYC for the first time this past year and had an amazing time. I was there for a week and had so much to do. I think the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must but way too much to see in one day. Next time I go back I'll see the rest of it. Times Square and seeing a show there was also awesome. Walking around ground zero was very emotional. Of course going to Ellis Island is a must as well....so much to see and do there. Just walking around was fun as well

"Secret Escapades of A Gay Gigolo"

My insights and experiences as an escort

http://gqpro.tumblr.com/

[Sidney Rama]

Hi Guys,

 

Thanks for all the great suggestions, ideas and of course... appointments! I had taken into consideration of all the fun things to do, as suggested. In conclusion, I need more than ONE trip to NYC this year! Not only NYC offers great history, food, shows and sight-seeing... most importanly, I have the opportunity to meet some fine gentlemen too!

 

Please keep it coming and continue to provide me with your personal travel experience in NYC, those that you cannot find it from a travel book.

[skynyc]

May I suggest that should you have a picture perfect day and want to do one of the high-view venues, you do Top of the Rock and not Empire State Building...quite simply because from the Top of the Rock, you can see the Empire State Building. And since it is on 50th Street, you can also look north and see Central Park. The view of Central Park from the Empire State Building (at 34th St.) is blocked by...Top of the Rock.

You can get discount coupons (10% or 15% depending on the season) to the TotR observation deck on line, and even at the info booths near the skating rink.

 

The Whitney has a terrific Edward Hopper show right now, and depending on when you are coming, there is a sensational Houdini show at the Jewish Museum. (It closes pretty soon.) And my favorite museum is the Cloisters. Especially if you have a nice day to explore the gardens and grounds. (The Unicorn Tapestries are incredible.)

 

If you are into horticulture, the NY Botanical Garden is having it's annual orchid show through late April...and this year features a lot of theatrical prints by Hirschfeld. A great afternoon.

 

And I concur with previous posters...try some great restaurants while you're here...many have pre-theater prix fixes, but require reservations.

[instudiocity]

You know it is amazing that...

 

no one has posted the names of any escorts as the top five things to be done in NYC... ROFLMAO!!!

[+ Axiom2001]

no one has posted the names of any escorts as the top five things to be done in NYC... ROFLMAO!!!

 

Yes, yes, indeed to what instudiocity so facetiously but seriously wrote! Don't forget MOMA, the Village, Chelsea, and........! There is virtually way too much to do in this world's finest city of culture! But you did cite that you wanted FIVE top..., and the guys did you well!!!!! - - -

[cany10011]

Hi Sidney, welcome to nyc Without knowing too much about you and your interests it's hard to make more valuable suggestions than those already provided. I'd suggest picking a few neighborhoods and just walking around and making your own discoveries and memories.

 

That being said, here are a few things I usually do with my friends when they visit town:

 

1. Chelsea: Stroll south along 9th Ave in Chelsea from 23rd street down, visit the Theological Seminary, enjoy the gardens, grab a coffee/snack at Bergamote, walk down to Chelsea Market, window shop in the Meatpacking district, walk the High-line, visit a few galleries along 22nd 10th. Depending upon the time of day, you might want to do dinner at Budakan, Matsuri, or one of the few restaurants in the meatpacking district or Standard hotel.

 

2. Gramercy park down to Union Square to East village/St. Marks Place down on Bowery into chinatown for some dimsum or chinese noodles/food. My favorites are Congee Bowery, Oriental Garden, Noodle Village, New Green Bo, and Danny Ng's.

 

3. Take a train to Brooklyn and walk over the Brooklyn bridge for views of lower manhattan. You can do this on the same day you visit the World Trade Center site as well as take in some shopping at J&R (electronics) or Century 21 (discount clothing outlet). The brooklyn botanical gardens is also a good choice to view cherry blossoms but you might be coming a little too early as it is still cold here. Brooklyn is so much fun and a whole trip can be spent here but i only mention it in passing.

 

4. Lincoln center complex- the met offers a few tours of behind the scenes and if you are interested in the opera, take a look at metopera.org for rush/student tickets.

 

5. Metropolitan Museum of Art- the views from the terrace are pretty cool and often there is an art installation. You might want to pace yourself here and choose 1 or 2 galleries to enjoy and save the rest for another trip or day. Museums in new york often have a free day, so you might want to do some research ahead of time. Another gem of a museum besides the Cloisters, Tenement Museum (both already mentioned) is the Frick Collection (upper east side) and the Rubin Museum of Art (Chelsea) both are quiet spots and may be a good break in the day if you are running around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Gentlemen,

 

I am currently based in Las Vegas and will be in NYC April 1-9. The dates are getting closer and I am very excited about my FIRST trip to NYC.

 

I am also available to meet gentlemen in NYC. Please click on the following links to my ad and reviews.

www.rentboy.com

www.daddysreviews.com

 

Here come the question... If I only have time to do 5 things in NYC during my trip, what would they be? Of course meeting and spending a great fun time with you guys are TOP 1 PRIORITY!

 

I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you in NYC!

[wild2east]

I'm a big fan of the Met, BUT.....

 

How many have heard of or been to the Leslie Lohman Gay Art Museum? :-) Here's the link: http://www.leslielohman.org

 

And their new location is just a few blocks away from Chinatown/Little Italy!

[Guest Merlin]

At the tip of Manhattan is an area with some older ships in dry dock. There is a small, 50' or so, sail boat which takes passengers out for a several hour sail around the end of the island, and close to the Statue of Liberty. On a nice sunny day it is a wonderful experience.

[Sidney Rama]

Thanks guys with all the tips and advices!

 

I am leaving the Sin City and heading to the Big Apple in 2 days time, Yeay!

 

I look forward to a wonderful time and experience in NYC.

 

I hope to have the opportunity of meeting some of you guys in person.

 

Yours sincerely, SR.

[Rhinestone Cowboy]

Hey Sidney!

 

You're going to have a great time. It looks like you might get some rainy weather next Mon & Tues (bring an umbrella/rain jacket). The gay neighborhoods are Chelsea (8th Ave between 14th and 23rd streets), Hell's Kitchen (9th Ave between 42nd and 57th) and the West Village (West of 7th to the river, south of 14th). Between Chelsea and the West Village is the MEATPACKING DISTRICT (9th Ave and 14th street) which is where you will find the HIGHLINE PARK. Phenomenal! Walking around the Meatpacking District is fun (cobblestone streets) and then go the the Highline...it's an elevated park and there are entrances every several blocks. It's free, and great peoplewatching...more of an esplanade where people parade around than a "park" with trees and grass. Also in that area is the CHELSEA MARKETPLACE, which is an indoor market (entrance on 9th ave and 15th street, goes all the way to 10th ave). Fun place to stroll and people watch, and lots of food stalls and shops to get good quality, inexpensive food. On 10th ave around 17th street is ARTICHOKE PIZZA, which has great pizza...and you HAVE to have NY pizza while you're here!!

 

In NYC, 20 north-south blocks equals a mile...so strolling through Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, the Highline and the West Village is all do-able in a few hours. The big shopping street in the West Village is BLEECKER STREET. Walk down CHRISTOPHER STREET towards the Hudson River, and you will find the Christopher Street Piers, which is a fun park where people hang out, bike, run, rollerblade, cruise, read, etc. All of these places are very popular and safe, by the way.

 

GREENWICH VILLAGE is home to Union Square (14th street, east of 5th Ave) but Union Square is kind of nasty and not that exciting...much better is to walk south to WASHINGTON SQUARE (5th ave, just south of 8th street). They've just recently done a lot of work fixing up Wash Sq and there's a great fountain and NYC students hang out there and you'll find outdoor musicians and all sorts of interesting characters. Just south of Wash Sq on MacDougal street is a little hole in the wall called MAMOUNS FALAFEL (America's first Falafel stand!!) which is sort of a cheap-eats institution. $2.50 gets you a falafel sandwich, which is the best deal in NYC. Their shawarma (grilled lamb) is even better. Usually a line...but it moves fast and is well worth it.

 

I just saw PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT on Broadway, and it was a lot of fun. Everyone is saying THE BOOK OF MORMON (by the guys who created South Park) is supposed to be the best thing in years...so if you're going to a show you might try to see one of those and you'll be sure to have a good time.

 

The other great neighborhood to stroll around is SOHO, which is south of Houston (pronounced "how-ston"), west of Broadway. More cobblestone streets, GREAT architecture, upscale shopping. East of Broadway you'll find Little Italy and then Chinatown.

 

You will definitely want to get yourself a week-long subway card (you can pick these up at any station). Subway is by FAR the fastest way to get around the city (not to mention the least expensive). It's also part of the fun and flavor of NYC...and worth experiencing the world's biggest subway system. Traffic can be irritating, so short cab rides suddenly turn into expensive gridlock nightmares and you'll wish you had taken the train. I always, ALWAYS, bring headphones with me on the subway to shut out irritating noise from screaming babies, would-be messiahs and various other noise-making irritants. But the subway is very safe, and people are generally happy to help you get where you're going if you ask. Don't be afraid to ask for directions on the subway or on the street. Anyone walking a dog is a local, so they are always good people to ask.

 

I think you said in one of your responses that you're probably going to have to come back again...and I think you're right. I'm going to be out in California while you're here, otherwise it would have been nice to meet you! But have a GREAT time; I know you will.

[bobchitown]

Scanning this list right now, I can't believe that a bunch of gay guys haven't mentioned ABC Home:

 

http://www.abchome.com

 

You don't need to actually buy anything, but you'll begin to feel light headed and start to get a cold sweat before you're off the first floor.

[Steven_Draker]

Some very good advice above. Additionally here are the 10 Most Popular New York City Tourist Attractions and Landmarks: (according to About.com)

 

1. Empire State Building

 

Tired of staring up at New York City skyscrapers? Check out the view of New York City from atop the Empire State Building. You can avoid waiting in the ticket line for the Empire State Building if you buy your tickets online in advance.

 

2. Statue of Liberty

 

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life.

 

3. Grand Central Terminal

 

Renovations since its opening in 1913 have turned Grand Central into more than just a hub for transportation -- there are shops, dining and more available to visitors. There are group tours available, as well as free tours for individuals on Wednesdays and Fridays.

 

4. Rockefeller Center

 

The Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan, is known for its Christmas tree, ice skating, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Radio City Music Hall and numerous shopping and dining opportunities. Rockefeller Center is a great destination for visitors any time of year.

 

5. Ellis Island Immigration Museum

 

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum offers visitors a fascinating look into the immigrant experience. Interactive exhibits, walking tours and movies reveal the hardships and challenges faced by immigrants passing through Ellis Island.

 

6. Staten Island Ferry

 

The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry from lower Manhattan to Staten Island, used by commuters and tourists wanting a view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

 

7. American Museum of Natural History

 

Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and regular exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History hosts a revolving series of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see.

 

8. Central Park

 

Central Park has offered a welcome escape from the concrete jungle of New York City for over 150 years. Take a walk, a boat ride or just enjoy a picnic in Central Park and discover for yourself why Central Park is so popular.

 

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

Over 2 million works of art from around the world and throughout history are housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic art museum that is well worth a visit.

 

10. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

 

Founded in 1929 as the first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, the MoMA is host to an impressive collection of modern artistic efforts. From painting and sculpture to film and architecture, the Museum of Modern Art's diverse collection has something for everyone.

 

There's nothing like New York City! Enjoy!

[Kevin Slater]

Subway is by FAR the fastest way to get around the city (not to mention the least expensive). It's also part of the fun and flavor of NYC...and worth experiencing the world's biggest subway system.

 

I was going to type some snarky remark asking why he'd want to go to London while staying here in NYC, but turns out to be a matter of semantics:

 

- Route km = London

- Track km = New York (which usually has four tracks per km while London has two)

- Stations = New York

- Ridership = Moscow

 

And yes, the subway is great here, and runs 24/7!

 

Kevin Slater