Guidebook for New York
Sightseeing
The largest natural history museum in the world is also one of the most impressive sights in New York.
1623 locals recommend
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park WestThe largest natural history museum in the world is also one of the most impressive sights in New York.
Columbia is the oldest university in New York and one of the oldest in the United States.
539 locals recommend
Columbia University
116th and BroadwayColumbia is the oldest university in New York and one of the oldest in the United States.
This spot is so much fun! You can rent row boats or a gondola. If you're not into boating it's still a beautiful spot with a small outdoor cafe by the lake where you can get a cocktail.
169 locals recommend
The Loeb Boathouse
East 72nd StreetThis spot is so much fun! You can rent row boats or a gondola. If you're not into boating it's still a beautiful spot with a small outdoor cafe by the lake where you can get a cocktail.
This spot is featured in many movies. Check out the kids and adults sailing their model boats. It's a beautiful spot!
8 locals recommend
Central Park Model Boat Sailing
East 72nd StreetThis spot is featured in many movies. Check out the kids and adults sailing their model boats. It's a beautiful spot!
Great Spot! If you go here be sure to also check out the Standard Beer Garden underneath which has ping pong tables and Chelsea Market!
2323 locals recommend
The High Line Park
Great Spot! If you go here be sure to also check out the Standard Beer Garden underneath which has ping pong tables and Chelsea Market!
The relocated home of U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. They have many free tours. If you go- grab a bite at The Grange Restaurant up the street.
175 locals recommend
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
414 W 141st StThe relocated home of U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. They have many free tours. If you go- grab a bite at The Grange Restaurant up the street.
Free Boat Ride on the Hudson!! Just get on board and grab a seat- you can get food & drinks which is self service from the bar- or just enjoy the free ride.
20 locals recommend
North River Lobster Company
West 41st StreetFree Boat Ride on the Hudson!! Just get on board and grab a seat- you can get food & drinks which is self service from the bar- or just enjoy the free ride.
Just walk five blocks from our apartment and rent your bike here! Then loop all around central park- gorgeous ride! Takes about 1 hour. Or bike along the hudson river or go out to Randall's Island.
26 locals recommend
Larry's Freewheeling
301 Cathedral PkwyJust walk five blocks from our apartment and rent your bike here! Then loop all around central park- gorgeous ride! Takes about 1 hour. Or bike along the hudson river or go out to Randall's Island.
Beautiful spot. If you ever saw Home Alone II you'll recognize this immediately.
51 locals recommend
Bethesda Terrace
72 Terrace DrBeautiful spot. If you ever saw Home Alone II you'll recognize this immediately.
Beautiful Spot. You'll know it well from many movies. When Harry Met Sally has a nice scene here.
The Mall and Literary Walk
The MallBeautiful Spot. You'll know it well from many movies. When Harry Met Sally has a nice scene here.
5th floor of the MET, self service. The MET doesn't advertise this- but it's pay what you wish. You can go up to the counter and make a small donation and then go up and see this great view!
6 locals recommend
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar
1000 5th Ave5th floor of the MET, self service. The MET doesn't advertise this- but it's pay what you wish. You can go up to the counter and make a small donation and then go up and see this great view!
Archibald Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York. Built in 1799, it is located in Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street.
40 locals recommend
Gracie Mansion Conservancy
East End AvenueArchibald Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor of the City of New York. Built in 1799, it is located in Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street.
This is a great stroll from our apartment and it's a gorgeous area of the park that tourists seldom travel uptown to see. Don't miss it!
159 locals recommend
Conservatory Garden
1233 5th AveThis is a great stroll from our apartment and it's a gorgeous area of the park that tourists seldom travel uptown to see. Don't miss it!
This is where New Yorker's go on lunch break in nice weather. There are lots of free activities and it's a beautiful spot.
688 locals recommend
Bryant Park
This is where New Yorker's go on lunch break in nice weather. There are lots of free activities and it's a beautiful spot.
Strawberry Fields is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon who lived at the Dakota which is steps away. There is usually someone there playing in the guitar.
121 locals recommend
Strawberry Fields
West 72nd StreetStrawberry Fields is dedicated to the memory of John Lennon who lived at the Dakota which is steps away. There is usually someone there playing in the guitar.
Arts & Culture
Famous for launching the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Duke Ellington. Amateur night on Wednesday remains the headline attraction.
893 locals recommend
Apollo Theater
253 W 125th StFamous for launching the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, and Duke Ellington. Amateur night on Wednesday remains the headline attraction.
The Juilliard School in NYC was founded in 1905, and is one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the country.
18 locals recommend
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center PlazaThe Juilliard School in NYC was founded in 1905, and is one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the country.
The world's leading performing arts center, Lincoln Center occupies over 16 acres on the Upper West Side. It has 26 different performance venues and is home to 12 performing arts organizations.
621 locals recommend
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center PlazaThe world's leading performing arts center, Lincoln Center occupies over 16 acres on the Upper West Side. It has 26 different performance venues and is home to 12 performing arts organizations.
Amy Poehler's improv theater. This place is awesome because you'll often have a star sighting, there is no drink minimum and tickets are like $15.
81 locals recommend
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
555 W 42nd StAmy Poehler's improv theater. This place is awesome because you'll often have a star sighting, there is no drink minimum and tickets are like $15.
The headliners are usually really good and the ambiance is very fun! Cool neighborhood to check out and close to Little Italy- maybe have some pizza first!
323 locals recommend
Comedy Cellar
117 MacDougal StThe headliners are usually really good and the ambiance is very fun! Cool neighborhood to check out and close to Little Italy- maybe have some pizza first!
If you're in town in the spring/summer/fall look up Shakespeare in the Park- they're free tickets if you can wait in line early in the morning. This castle is the backdrop of the theater.
46 locals recommend
Belvedere Castle
If you're in town in the spring/summer/fall look up Shakespeare in the Park- they're free tickets if you can wait in line early in the morning. This castle is the backdrop of the theater.
Food Scene
Steps from our apartment! Has a great bar, dining room is very modern, food is excellent and be sure to check out the lounge downstairs! Their Chef Andrew Welch worked with David Burke.
69 locals recommend
Row House
2128 Frederick Douglass BlvdSteps from our apartment! Has a great bar, dining room is very modern, food is excellent and be sure to check out the lounge downstairs! Their Chef Andrew Welch worked with David Burke.
Iconic Harlem Restaurant. “Down-home” Southern dishes including a “fan-favorite” chicken ’n’ waffles.
138 locals recommend
Melba's
300 W 114th StIconic Harlem Restaurant. “Down-home” Southern dishes including a “fan-favorite” chicken ’n’ waffles.
Bar & Grill that is great for watching a sports event (lots of TV's) and has a beer garden feel. Very busy and can get loud.
428 locals recommend
Harlem Tavern
2153 Frederick Douglass BlvdBar & Grill that is great for watching a sports event (lots of TV's) and has a beer garden feel. Very busy and can get loud.
Comfort food with a modern atmosphere. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends.
62 locals recommend
Harlem Food Bar
2100 Frederick Douglass BlvdComfort food with a modern atmosphere. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch on the weekends.
Brandon & I love this place. You walk in and order at the counter. They're open for breakfast, lunch & dinner and serve beer & wine. It's very casual and full of Columbia Students studying.
80 locals recommend
Cafe Amrita
301 W 110th StBrandon & I love this place. You walk in and order at the counter. They're open for breakfast, lunch & dinner and serve beer & wine. It's very casual and full of Columbia Students studying.
This place is hipster heaven! Modern coffeehouse serving pastry, sandwiches, salads & juices in a really nice brick-walled space.
23 locals recommend
Café Frederick
2104 Frederick Douglass BlvdThis place is hipster heaven! Modern coffeehouse serving pastry, sandwiches, salads & juices in a really nice brick-walled space.
Nakajima At Jado Sushi
2118 Frederick Douglass BoulevardGreat Sushi!
Marcus Samuelsson’s chicken joint for roasted birds, noodles, sides & cocktails in funky digs. Really fun young atmosphere. This Chef owns several other restaurants in Harlem.
86 locals recommend
Streetbird Rotisserie
2149 Frederick Douglass BoulevardMarcus Samuelsson’s chicken joint for roasted birds, noodles, sides & cocktails in funky digs. Really fun young atmosphere. This Chef owns several other restaurants in Harlem.
This hip cafe & bar offers Middle Eastern eats such as shawarma & falafel, plus live music.
197 locals recommend
Silvana
300 W 116th StThis hip cafe & bar offers Middle Eastern eats such as shawarma & falafel, plus live music.
They also have a location at 74th street. These are the best cookies you will ever eat. There is a small counter but mostly this spot is for taking your cookies to go.
197 locals recommend
Levain Bakery - Harlem
2167 Frederick Douglass BlvdThey also have a location at 74th street. These are the best cookies you will ever eat. There is a small counter but mostly this spot is for taking your cookies to go.
Italian Restaurant. Brandon loves this place for its bottomless mimosa brunch. I could go here anytime.
253 locals recommend
Lido Harlem Restaurant
2168 Frederick Douglass BlvdItalian Restaurant. Brandon loves this place for its bottomless mimosa brunch. I could go here anytime.
Amazing coffee! In nice weather there is a terrace open in the back! Order your coffee at the counter and enjoy the ambiance! Lots of people studying/working.
147 locals recommend
Double Dutch Espresso
2194 Frederick Douglass BlvdAmazing coffee! In nice weather there is a terrace open in the back! Order your coffee at the counter and enjoy the ambiance! Lots of people studying/working.
Bad Horse Pizza
2224 Frederick Douglass BoulevardBrandon's favorite pizza spot. Really interesting pies!
Chic, contemporary spot pairing wine & cocktails with upscale Italian- & Spanish-influenced cooking.
169 locals recommend
VINATERÍA
2211 Frederick Douglass BlvdChic, contemporary spot pairing wine & cocktails with upscale Italian- & Spanish-influenced cooking.
Shake Shack
Madison AvenueThe line will be long, but I promise you it's worth it!
Mario Batali's Italian Market that has everything. It will be crowded. Have an espresso/gelato. Take a seat at the wine bar or go up to the rooftop tap bar. They also have many restaurants inside.
592 locals recommend
Eataly NYC Flatiron
200 5th AveMario Batali's Italian Market that has everything. It will be crowded. Have an espresso/gelato. Take a seat at the wine bar or go up to the rooftop tap bar. They also have many restaurants inside.
Brandon and I love this place. The food is great and it's very close to the Hamilton House which offers free tours on Sundays!
357 locals recommend
The Grange
1635 Amsterdam AveBrandon and I love this place. The food is great and it's very close to the Hamilton House which offers free tours on Sundays!
Also a great bar. Right on the water, inexpensive and a cool spot. Can get loud.
127 locals recommend
Boat Basin Cafe
West 79th StreetAlso a great bar. Right on the water, inexpensive and a cool spot. Can get loud.
We love this spot. You order at the counter and they have a good variety of food/beer/Sangria. Seating is all right on the Hudson and it's really relaxed with lots of locals.
62 locals recommend
PIER i CAFE
500 West 70th StreetWe love this spot. You order at the counter and they have a good variety of food/beer/Sangria. Seating is all right on the Hudson and it's really relaxed with lots of locals.
Order at the counter, but make sure you know what you would like by the time you're ready to order in the line. It's casual, delicious and you've seen it in movies.
690 locals recommend
Katz's Delicatessen
205 E Houston StOrder at the counter, but make sure you know what you would like by the time you're ready to order in the line. It's casual, delicious and you've seen it in movies.
Grab a cupcake here and walk over to strawberry fields in the park. You'll walk right by The Dakota first and then walk straight into the park.
401 locals recommend
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker StGrab a cupcake here and walk over to strawberry fields in the park. You'll walk right by The Dakota first and then walk straight into the park.
Drinks & Nightlife
German drafts plus sausages & bar bites in a beer hall-style space with communal & outdoor tables.
182 locals recommend
Bier International
2099 Frederick Douglass BoulevardGerman drafts plus sausages & bar bites in a beer hall-style space with communal & outdoor tables.
Speakeasy steps from our apartment. Really great bar with fantastic atmosphere & delicious cocktails.
132 locals recommend
67 Orange Street
2082 Frederick Douglass BlvdSpeakeasy steps from our apartment. Really great bar with fantastic atmosphere & delicious cocktails.
Cozy bar pouring craft beer, bourbon & original cocktails in a narrow space with a back patio.
84 locals recommend
Mess Hall
2194 Frederick Douglass BlvdCozy bar pouring craft beer, bourbon & original cocktails in a narrow space with a back patio.
Go! Near Wall Street & Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty Boats! NYC's oldest bar opened in 1762- George Washington bid farewell to his troops here after the revolution. Museum attached. Great live music!
52 locals recommend
Fraunces Tavern
54 Pearl StGo! Near Wall Street & Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty Boats! NYC's oldest bar opened in 1762- George Washington bid farewell to his troops here after the revolution. Museum attached. Great live music!
One of NYC's oldest bars. They only serve their own beer and your options are simply: dark or light. When you order they automatically bring you two small glasses so you can order one of each!
142 locals recommend
McSorley's Old Ale House
15 E 7th StOne of NYC's oldest bars. They only serve their own beer and your options are simply: dark or light. When you order they automatically bring you two small glasses so you can order one of each!
I love this rooftop bar because it's not as expensive as most, has a casual atmosphere and an amazing view of the Empire State Building and you can spot the Chrysler Building on the other side.
18 locals recommend
Wharf Bar & Grill
587 3rd AveI love this rooftop bar because it's not as expensive as most, has a casual atmosphere and an amazing view of the Empire State Building and you can spot the Chrysler Building on the other side.
From May to October this docked Coast Guard Lightship is home to a vibrant bar scene on the Hudson. It's a grab a bucket of beers and relax kind of spot, but it can get loud.
141 locals recommend
Frying Pan
207 12th AveFrom May to October this docked Coast Guard Lightship is home to a vibrant bar scene on the Hudson. It's a grab a bucket of beers and relax kind of spot, but it can get loud.
Susan Sarandon is a part-owner. It's a ping pong bar. Really fun! We suggest reserving a table ahead online.
47 locals recommend
SPIN New York 23
48 E 23rd StSusan Sarandon is a part-owner. It's a ping pong bar. Really fun! We suggest reserving a table ahead online.
Essentials
Best Market Harlem
2187 Frederick Douglass BlvdOur local grocery store! We love it!
Shopping
Rite Aid Pharmacy
2170 Frederick Douglass BlvdYou can get all of the essentials here and it's open 24/7.