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Day 05 |
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Rockefeller Center
+1 212 632 3975
Rockefeller Plz and W 49th Street
New York City, NY 10020
United States
Description:
Always filled with people, Rockefeller Center stretches for blocks. There is plenty to do here: in winter an outdoor cafe is transformed into an ice-skating rink, and there is a shopping plaza with stores, restaurants and bars. The GE Building at 30 Rockefeller Plaza houses NBC, which offers guided tours of its premises, as well as the Top Of The Rock observation deck. Visitors can also take a tour of Radio City Music Hall on 50th Street at Sixth Avenue . In December, be sure to check out the enormous lighted Christmas tree.
Hours: 6AM 10 PM Daily.
Website: www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html
Directions from Hotel to Rockefeller Plaza (walking):
- Start out going NORTHWEST on E 49TH ST toward LEXINGTON AVE.
- End at Rockefeller Plz & W 49th St , New York , NY 10020 , US
Distance: .4 miles | .65 km
Enjoy lunch in the outdoor café (weather permitting)/Visit Macy's
Macy's
+1 212 695 4400
151 West 34th Street
New York City, NY 10001-2101
United States
Description:
This Macy's claims to be the largest department store in the world. It is housed in a 20-story building that covers an entire city block. Indeed, the store is so large that it is easy to get lost in it. Fashion sections blur into jewelry, beauty, housewares, luggage and much more. There is even a post office, pet shop and a fish market. The store sponsors the famous annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks each year.
Hours: 10AM 8:30 PM Monday through Saturday, 11AM 7PM Sundays.
Directions from Rockefeller Center to Macy's (walking):
- Start out going NORTHWEST on W 49TH ST toward ROCKEFELLER PLZ.
- Turn LEFT onto BROADWAY.
- BROADWAY becomes 7TH AVE.
- Turn RIGHT onto W 33RD ST .
- Turn RIGHT onto 8TH AVE / PENN PLZ.
- Turn RIGHT onto W 34TH ST .
- End at 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001-210, US
Distance: 1.5 miles | 2.4 km
Central Park Zoo
+1 212 439 6500
Central Park
64th Street and Fifth Avenue
New York City, New York
Description:
Central Park Zoo is a wildlife oasis in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Located in New York City 's Central Park at 64th Street and Fifth Avenue , the zoo features two separate areas: the wildlife center and the petting zoo.
At Central Park Zoo, visitors can view sea lions, penguins, polar bears, tropical birds and rare monkeys. One of the most visited events at the zoo are sea lion feedings which take place in the Central Garden several times per day.
The zoo presents tropic, temperate, and polar habitats, featuring more than 1,400 animals and over 130 different species. Visit the Polar Circle part of the zoo to observe penguins dive into their pool of water. Watch the polar bear through a thick window of plexiglass swim underwater.
The Leaping Frog Cafe serves snacks and offers outdoor seating during the warmer months.
Admission: $6 USD for adults, $1.25 USD for seniors 65 and older, $1 USD for kids 3-12, and FREE for children under 3.
Hours: The Central Park Zoo is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm, weekends from 10 am to 5:30 pm from April to October; and daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm
from November through March.
Website: www.centralparkzoo.com
Travel by Taxi to Central Park.
Distance: 2 miles | 3.25 km
Dine at Tavern on the Green
+1 212 873 3200
Central Park at West 67th Street
New York , New York
10023 United States
Description:
Tavern on the Green: With a half million patrons a year, Tavern on the Green must be doing something right. Once home to Central Park 's flock of sheep and its shepherd the building was converted into a restaurant in the 1930s. But it wasn't until 1976, when Warner LeRoy became the proprietor, that the restaurant earned its current popularity.
To a degree unusual for a restaurant, the building itself is part of the dining experience. LeRoy spent over $10 million to refurbish the old Tavern. Crystal and mirrors and stained glass reflect light onto elaborate murals and works of art. There are six dining rooms reached through a twisting hall of mirrors. Three dining rooms Crystal , Chestnut, and Park form a horseshoe around a central garden. The largest, the Crystal Room, is filled with chandeliers; the Chestnut Room is cozier, with chestnut paneled walls and live entertainment; and the Park Room is smallest of all, overlooking Tavern's main entrance with a garden and working fountain. Opposite the Chestnut Room is the Rafters Room with a high beamed ceiling; it too overlooks the garden. A Crystal Gazebo room rounds out the end of the Crystal Room . And the Terrace Room, with its own terrace garden, overlooks Central Park West.
In the garden outside the Crystal Room you can enjoy a drink at the forty-foot bar built from pruned trees recycled from New York City parks. Visitors can see the original Victorian brick structure designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. Minton tiles are used as a decorative element.
There is no risk of missing the restaurant. Tiny white and blue lights outline every twig, branch, and trunk of its surrounding trees a city substitute for stars in the night.
Reservations are recommended. A la carte reservations are accepted up to 45 days in advance by phone or internet.
Hours: Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10AM 3PM, Lunch Monday through Friday 11:30 AM 3PM, Dinner Sunday through Thursday 5PM 10PM, Dinner Friday and Saturday 5PM 10:30PM. Open 365 days a year.
Website: www.tavernonthegreen.com
Enjoy a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride through Central Park
+1 212 360 3456
Central Park , NY
Description:
No single other activity can match a carriage ride through Central Park . Reminiscent of a past age when carriages were the choice form of transportation along the busy streets of New York a ride through the Park makes you feel as if you've suddenly been transported back into time.
With the rhythmic beating of the horse's hoofs on the black pavement a visitor can sit back and be enchanted by what awaits them on their short tour of the most traveled areas of the Park.
Location:
Central Park South ( 59th Street ) along the bottom of the park.
Cost: Varies by driver, but typically $35 USD - $45 USD. Feel free to ask questions and negotiate with the driver this is New York after all.
Hours: Year-round during Park hours.
Return to Hotel
Travel by Taxi from Central Park to Hotel:
Distance: 2 miles | 3.25 km
Day 06 |
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Greenwich Village
Travel by Taxi to Greenwich Village
Description:
The neighborhood is roughly bounded by Broadway on the east, the Hudson River on the west, Houston Street on the south , and 14th Street on the north . The neighborhoods surrounding it are the East Village to the east, SoHo to the south, and Chelsea to the north.
Greenwich Village is also known as the West Village or 'The Village' and more of an upscale area as compared to the East Village . This particular part of town has become home to many artists and writers, nonconformists, entertainers, intellectuals, and bohemians since the turn of the 20th century.
At night, Greenwich Village turns into a lively town with sounds coming from the late-night coffee houses, cafés, experimental theaters, and music clubs. Bars and restaurants ad infinitum serve a variety food and drinks from cranberry martinis and celestial sushi to pita-wrapped shwarma. Looking for the roots of the Beat generation? Fabled coffeehouses like Caffe Reggio and Café Figaro, you have the option to order a double espresso or cappuccino and for a few minutes, pretend that you are Allen Ginsberg, Jack Keruouac , or William Burroughs.
Spend the day exploring the Village and be sure to check out some of these highlights:
Washington Square Park
W 4th St and Macdougal St
New York City, NY 10012
United States
Description:
An open space with a tradition of nonconformity, the park's fountain area has long been one of the city's popular spots for residents and tourists. Washington Square has been a center of the cultural life in New York since the middle of the 19th century.
It is surrounded today by academic and residential halls belonging to New York University . The park is home to the university's graduation ceremony and many school related activities and is considered the core of the schools campus. Additionally the park is home to children play areas, landscaped gardens, commemorative statuary and a dog park. For this reason it has changed considerably from its once bohemian origins to becoming a family and student oriented park. Washington Square Park is also a notable chess players' haven.
Hours: 24 hours/7 days per week.
New York University/Washington Square Arch
Description:
New York University (NYU) is a major research university in New York City . Its primary campus is in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan . Founded in 1831 by Albert Gallatin and a group of prominent New Yorkers, NYU has become the largest private, not-for-profit university in the United States with a total enrollment of 39,408 (excluding another 12,526 enrolled in noncredit programs). The University comprises 14 schools, colleges, and divisions, which occupy six major centers across Manhattan . NYU also has its own facilities in London, Paris, Prague, Berlin, Ghana, Madrid and Shanghai .
Website: http://www.nyu.edu
Despite being public property, the Washington Square Arch is the unofficial symbol of NYU, expanding the 5th avenue axis into Washington Square Park . The arch was designed by Stanford White in 1889 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration in New York City . Originally of wood and papier mache, it was rebuilt as a massive marble and concrete structure from 1890-1895. Today, thousands of NYU graduates march through the arch into Washington Square park to participate in the annual commencement exercises. The arch was renovated in a $2.7-million restoration project from 2002-2004. [
The Cooper Union
+1 212 353 4100
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Cooper Square
New York, NY 10003-7120
Description:
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, established in 1859, is among the nation's oldest and most distinguished institutions of higher learning. The college, the legacy of Peter Cooper, occupies a special place in the history of American education. It is the only private, full-scholarship college in the United States dedicated exclusively to preparing students for the professions of art, architecture and engineering.
Website: http://www.cooper.edu/
and be sure to check out the local galleries, eclectic shops and popular cafes.
Dine at Butter
+1 212 253 2828
415 Lafayette Street
New York,
NY 10003
Description:
Butter's evolving menu under Executive Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli features re-interpretations of classic New American fare. Desserts combine familiar ingredients with European technique for temptations such as Bittersweet Chocolate Crème Bruleè.
Hours: MON-FRI 12 pm-11:30 pm. SAT-SUN 5:30 pm-11:30 pm.
Price: Moderate.
Visit Astor Place Theatre and see the Blue Man Group
+1 212 307 4100
434 Lafayette Street
East Village
New York, NY 10003
Description:
Who would've thought that a show about three bald mutes with blue skin would become a runaway sensation in New York and now, around the world? That's exactly what happened once Blue Man Group opened back in 1991. Since then, it's become the most accessible performance art piece in the known world, branching out to audio CDs, commercials, late night TV appearances, even a Las Vegas run. Featuring flying food, flying paint, and lots of paper, Blue Man Group has earned its place as part of the New York experience.
Blue Man Group is all about the senses - the five familiar ones, plus one that doesn't get free reign in theatres very often, the sense of fun. Dress comfortably, park your inhibitions at the door, relax, and enjoy.
Admission: $63 USD - $70 USD
Show Times: Tue - Thu at 8PM; Fri at 7PM, 10PM; Sat at 4PM, 7PM, 10PM; Sun at 2PM, 5PM and 8PM.
Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes with 1 intermission
Website: www.blueman.com
... OR Enjoy Comedy at the Comedy Cellar
+1 212 254 3480
117 MacDougal Street, between W. 3rd and Minetta Lane
Greenwich Village, NY
Description:
The Comedy Cellar is a famous comedy club in Manhattan, where many top New York comedians perform. It is located in the heart of Greenwich Village between West 3rd and Bleecker Street .
Regular performers there are some of the best stand-ups performing, including Tough Crowd host Colin Quinn , Opie and Anthony regular Jim Norton, Greg Giraldo, Mitch Fatel, SNL star Darrell Hammond, Insomniac with Dave Attell star Dave Attell, Nick DiPaolo, and Allan Havey. Also, some rising stars in comedy frequently perform, including Dov Davidoff, Robert Kelly, Sherrod Small, Keith Robinson, Gregg Rogell, and Ben Bailey .
Each week consists of two shows a night on Sunday through Thursday, three shows each Friday, and four shows on Saturday. The Cellar is located under and connected to the Olive Tree Cafe, where many of the comedians hang out.
Also, some of the famous stars in stand-up occasionally stop by unannounced to try new material, including Dave Chappelle, Ray Romano, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, and Robin Williams. The New York Post regularly rates the Cellar as the best comedy club in New York.
Reservations are recommended.
Admission: $10 USD cover plus *2 item minimum Mon Thurs, $15 USD cover plus *2 item minimum Friday and Saturday. *See Comedy Cellar website or phone for details.
Hours: Sunday Thursday 9PM and 11PM, Friday 8PM, 9:45PM and 11:30 PM, Saturday 7:30PM, 9:15PM, 11:00 PM and 12:45AM.
Website: www.comedycellar.com
Return to Hotel via Taxi
Day 07 |
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Coney Island
+1 718 372 5159
1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
New York City, NY 11224-2816
United States
Description:
Brooklyn's Coney Island is home to Astroland Amusement Park (open from Memorial Day through Labor day), the Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation, and of course the beach. A three-mile-long boardwalk runs the length of Coney Island into Brighton Beach . There is sometimes a circus, and always something strange to see. Do not let the cooler months deter you from a visit to Coney Island -it is much less crowded, and all the stores remain open.
Hours: Call or check website for details.
Website: www.coneyislandusa.com
Directions:
Travel by subway - take the D,Q,N or F train from various points around midtown Manhattan to Stillwell Avenue (last stop). Allow 45 min.-1 hour travel time.
Return Via Subway to Hotel
Day 08 |
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Visit the Guggenheim Museum
+1 212 423 3500
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street )
New York, NY 10128-0173
Description:
The Guggenheim collection online premiered in April 2001 with a selection of works of art from the New York museum's holdings. Currently representing 169 artists, the collection online encompasses both the classic and the newfrom the Guggenheim's earliest work, an 1867 landscape by Camille Pissarro, through more recent acquisitions, a 199899 sculpture by Robert Goberstriking a balance that reflects the dynamic tenor of the institution as a whole.
Travel by taxi from the Hotel.
Distance: 2.5 miles | 4 km
Admission (includes complimentary audio tour): Adults USD $18, Students and Seniors (65 years +) with valid ID USD $15, Children under 12 FREE, Members FREE.
Hours: Sat Wed 10AM 5:45PM, Fri 10AM 7:45PM. Closed Thursdays.
Website: http://www.guggenheim.com/new_york_index.shtml
Return to Hotel
Taxi to John F. Kennedy International Airport from 145 East 49th Street:
Distance: 17.5 miles | 28 km
OR Taxi to LaGuardia Airport from 145 East 49th Street:
Distance: 8.5 miles | 13.5 km