Where to Take Tourists and Still Enjoy Yourself
So, you have a friend or family member coming to visit; they want you to show them all of the tourist traps that you would rather avoid. While you're going to have to give in once or twice and go see the Statue of Liberty or Times Square, you may want to have some other cool things lined up that everyone would actually enjoy doing without being surrounded by crowds of tourists for the whole visit. After all, your family or friend won't enjoy their visit so much if their tour guide is cursing about how much he or she hates Times Square and tourists the whole time. So here is a list of tourist and local friendly activities and places to visit:
Drinking & Dining- If your guest craves the spectacle of a theme restaurant, don't waste your money at tacky and unappetizing restaurants such as Mars 2112 and Planet Hollywood. Ninja New York has just as much, if not more spectacle than your typical theme restaurant, but much better quality. While it is expensive, it would likely be much better food and a better experience for both of you than the usual Times Square suspects. If you're a little more daring, there are the Dark Dining Projects that take place at Camaje Bistro in Greenwich Village, where guests are blindfolded before you sit down to dinner. According to the website, eating blindfolded "awakens the senses and presents new pleasures."
If you're looking to spend less money, but still looking for an interesting and delicious place to take a guest, then try the Meatball Shop in LES or Mama's Food Shop in the East Village.
For drinks after, try Mama's Bar around the corner from Mama's Food Shop. It's nothing special, just a small, local dive bar, though the times I have gone they have had interesting infused liquors, like bacon bourbon, jalapeno tequila, and cucumber gin, for more reasonable prices than other more stuffy, upscale bars. For a less divey feel,Pianos in LES is also a good place to go; they have shows every night of the week in the back, but if you're not into that, the upfront bar area is fun with decently priced drinks. Or just take your visitor to the bar you frequent the most, but all in all, I would ignore requests to go to a place in hopes of a celebrity sighting or just to be able to brag to friends back home.
Museums- As far as museums go, it is best to look more for a specific exhibit that is interesting to you and your guest instead of just heading to the Met because it's "a must." This way, you can assure that you're going to see something neither of you have seen before, instead of wandering around a museum you've been to countless times. After all, some of these museums are overwhelmingly large, that a tourist would have to rush through in order to see everything in one visit. Take your time in experiencing one exhibit, and use the rest of your time wandering aimlessly. Or, just visit one small museum; my personal favorite is the Frick. It's in a beautiful former mansion, and the art featured was Henry Clay Frick's personal collection. You can take your time and go through the whole museum in an hour or so.
Visit Time Out New York's website for upcoming and current exhibitions going on throughout New York City. Be sure to check individual websites for hours and prices, as well as if there is a free or day where you can pay what you want.
Film & Music- Are you and your guest not ones for Broadway shows? Take them to a film or concert instead. New York is a great place for independent films and great, cheap concerts. For film, look at listings for The Angelika, Sunshine, IFC, and Film Forum.
As far as music goes, check out the Bowery Presents for listings of what's going on at some of New York's best small venues, such as Webster Hall, The Studio at Webster Hall, Mercury Lounge, and Bowery Ballroom. A lot of times you can check out a cool local band for a low cover charge or free.
Souvenirs- Souvenirs should be a little bit more meaningful than I Heart NY t-shirts, 10 for $5. If you go to Union Square on the right day, typically on Greenmarket days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday), you will find dozens of art vendors selling prints, jewelry, paintings, and more. Though you won't get 10 for $5 of anything, friends and family would likely appreciate one of these artists' pieces more than a snow globe. Other places of interest are the Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories stores on Bleecker & Perry. They're actually just right down the block from each other, but both offer affordable and fun accessories, like jewelry, purses, wallets, and scarves. The bigger store has a lot of the same accessories, but also has more expensive shoes, purses, and clothing. Both are fun places in which to buy souvenirs and waste time.
By: Jessica Verderame
Read more about New York City Living at www.allmediany.com!
About the Author
Jessica Verderame is a staff writer at AllMediaNY.com.
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