Tips from a New Yorker

06/19/2019

More than 8.5 million people from all over the world call New York home, and another 70 million (data from 2018) visit it every year. There is a reason for this. No matter what you like, you can rest assured you can find it in New York City --  food, art, architecture, shopping, sightseeing, excursions, theater, music, street arts, graffiti, historical landmarks, icons, legends, adventures but also lots of romance. Let's see together some interesting things that will satisfy all the different "palates". 

Choose yours and have fun!

Do you like Jazz? New York and Live Jazz Bands - Where to listen good Jazz in New York City

Try one of these (or all) well-known jazz venues in New York -- the modern Dizzy Club at Lincoln Center, Smalls, Village Vanguard and the Blue Note. The last two have about a century of history, but they all showcase the best talent out there and have great atmospheres that will surely make your night special.

If you are in the Upper West Side, stop to Smoke Jazz Club, at 2751 Broadway, choose between a table or a seat at the bar, good food and great jazz. (Also recommended for Brunch.)



And last but not least, there is also another place that we recommend if you want  to really feel inside the history of Jazz and music: Dizzy's Club is Jazz at Lincoln Center's, and do you know who is the Artistic Director? Wynton Marsalis!

Intimate club with a breathtaking view of Central Park,  good food and the best Jazz in the city. You can reserve a table or take a sit at the bar. You never know who you can meet at the next table, we once happened to spend the evening alongside Tony Bennet.

Performances start at 7.30pm and 9.30pm each evening, with a Late Night Sessions from Tuesday to Saturday at 11.15pm.



The Baseball Season starts in April and continues into the Fall, when only the first ranked teams will move to the playoff and later the top 2 will start the final series also known as the World Series (in November.) Try to guess which is the winningest team of all times? But the Yankees of course! With a staggering 27 World Series to their books, it's by far the most awarded team in Baseball History.

Why you should take the 7 Train and go to Queens

If you have never heard of the train that takes you to Queens, we will explain why you have to take it... Well, because we believe in equal opportunities, and here you have The Mets, the other NY-based baseball team with the new Citi Field Stadium, and even if you are not a baseball fan, it's still a good opportunity to appreciate some local grub at one of the food stands managed by Danny Meyer of Union Square Café or by Shake Shack, an excellent burger or a fish sandwich. The No. 7 Subway Train runs through the entire borough Queens, which has the most diverse population in the United States. Each subway car is a small " melting pot ", where 5 or more different languages ​​can be heard in less than ten minutes.

If you decide to stop in Long Island City, don't miss the Gantry State Park to admire a breathtaking view of the Midtown Manhattan Skyline with the United Nations glass building, the Empire State Building and the beautiful and elegant Chrysler Building.

In the footsteps of Martin Scorsese and Lower Manhattan known as Five Points.

If you happened to see Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York, you already know that Lower Manhattan, specifically the East Side of Lower Manhattan from 14th Street down, was once known as the "Favelas / Slums" of New York with his infamous fulcrum called Five Points for its 5 intersections that were controlled by different gangs. It is in this neighborhood that McSoley began serving amber beer (Pale Ale), a top-fermented beer, starting in the early 1900s. If you avoid the weekend and arrive early, you can perhaps avoid the long lines that tend to form during rush hours. Beer orders and tastings are available in 8.5-ounce glasses, usually four at a time ... beware that once you "empty" the glasses, you are asked to order another round or leave the room!

Also in this neighborhood, between the East Village and Lower East Side, you will find some of the most historic restaurants, Delis, Shops, etc. in New York who will introduce you to the city through foods such as Pastrami, Bagel, Bialy, various variety of Pickles and much more. If you love food and drinks, you should not miss a stroll in this area.

Here some advice from Irene, our local insider, to those who are organizing 7 days in New York.

If you book in advance the transfer from JFK, Newark or La Guardia airport to your hotel or apartment you will be able to enjoy the city from the first moment riding across the different boroughs ... plus, you will skip the long lines once you arrive in New York and start enjoying the view from the start from the back seat of your car.

This could help you -- Choose your Transfer.

Check in at the hotel and you are ready to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world. Organize in time with one of the PASSes that offers Museums, Attractions and Tours. When you book online, you immediately receive an E-Voucher that can be printed or used on your smartphone, presenting it at the entrance of each attraction.

The Explorer New York Pass, for example, offers you the possibility to choose from over 50 attractions, museums, and tours in New York. Save money and have 30 days to use the PASS.
No pre-selection is required at the time of booking.
Once in New York, you will only need to present your PASS depending on which attraction you want to visit in total freedom.

You can save money by buying the weekly MetroCard for $33, you have unlimited subway rides for seven days. The MetroCard is valid for both the subway and bus rides, please note that the same card cannot be used again at the same subway station or on the same bus line for at least 18 minutes.

New Subway Payment system is called OMNY

To learn how to use the metro read our article -- The Subway of New York - A Guide to the MetroCard