The Barb's Unique Guide to New York
Cheap Tourist Things to Do
The most fun thing (and most free) is just to walk around looking. It's a pretty stimulating city. Lots to see. However, if you actually want to DO something:
- First thing you gotta do is visit the Times Square Visitor's Center (47th and Broadway). Pick up every free brochure, map (bus AND subway) you can. Lot's of free stuff to be had that tells about every tourist attraction there is. This is also where the free internet is. They have five stations where you can send your e-mail (you're limited to 20 minutes and it takes FOREVER to sign on - small hint: the computers are run by "Yahoo". If you have "hotmail", go to "MSN.com" to get on it). There's also a free "video postcard" computer where the camera takes a "video" of you and then you type in the e-mail address of the person you want to send the postcard to. You can book full price broadway tickets there (but it's better to go to the box office as there's no surcharge at the box office)
- Staten Island Ferry Ride/Cheap Way to See the Statue of Liberty You might want to save this near the last when you've had enough of the noise (did I mention that New York is terribly loud?). The Staten Island ferry is a commuter ferry that goes from the Southern Tip of Manhattan to Staten Island (which is actually a city built up on a landfill -- ooh how nice). It goes past Ellis Island (where the Statue of Liberty is. It doesn't stop there, but if you want to stop there, go pay $32 bucks for a "real" tour.) Cost for the Ferry Ride is 50 cents. That's right (well that and a subway token to get to the Ferry). How to get there: Take the downtown subway (either the Green or Yellow Line) to "Bowling Green". Walk a little bit until you see the ferry port (you used to be able to get the subway right into the station, but that changed the line used to go under the World Trade Center) Very fun. The ride is soothing and fun, and the Statue is no big deal. Speaking of which....
Look how small the Statue of Liberty is next to Gail.
Not so very impressive is, it?
- ...Actually that "Statue" is just outside the David Letterman Theatre, (B'way and 55th). If you're a fan, write ahead for tickets (sorry, don't have the address -- check the credits on his show). Also those two guys, Mujibur and Sirajul, that have the store next door -- one of them is ALWAYS there for photos and autographs. They're no fools. They know what's driving their business. The "Hello Deli" is harder to find. It's actually around the corner. You really have to keep an eye out for it.

Either Mujibur or Sirajul, I can't don't know who is who
- Some of you may want to check out the World Trade Center Site - Ground Zero. You do NOT require tickets. Just take the downtown subway (the number 6 downtown is recommended) to Fulton Street (yes, the same stop you use for TKTS downtown) and walk west. You can't miss. There are TONS of vendors hawking memorbilia and the very moving tributes posted to the fences. Just follow the signs around and you will get the viewing area. It currently looks a whole bunch like a very big construction site.

Megan at the World Trade Center Site
- All you artsy types must really check out Lincoln Center (61st and B'way). That's where all the major highbrow performing arts stuff takes place: the Met is there (opera), the Ballet dances there and the famous Julliard School is there as well. Julliard gives free tours daily (usually around 2:00, inquire at the desk). Very fascinating. I found out they only take 20 students a year in their drama program -- and that 97% of them find work in their field after. They also have so many pianos that three full time piano tuners are on staff. Also of interest -- those of you who watched and liked the tv show "FAME" -- well, in the opening credits, when the dancers are all dancing and around a water fountain (for the dancers out there -- they're doing the pique turns around the fountain) -- its the fountain at Lincoln Center that they circle. Like a true dork, I had to take a picture of myself doing a Pique turn around the fountain the first time I visited New York. It was fabulous. In the summer time, Lincoln Center offers FREE CONCERTS for their series "Summer in the City". Check out the latest Time Out New York to find out what's being offered and when.
The Barb at the "Fame" Fountain at Lincoln Center
- Central Park. It's one big honking humongous park. Goes from 65 street all the way to 125 Street (Harlem). You can't miss it. Very lovely (during the DAY). I wouldn't trust going there at night. According to Dawn "nature person" MacDonald, there's a lovely bird sancturary there that you can visit. (I turned down her invitation to look at it -- why would I go to NY to see NATURE?!). There is FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK which attracts all sorts of big name celebrities anxious to prove they are "serious actors" by doing the Shakespeare stuff. The carriage rides aren't cheap, but if you must...
- The museums are to die for. Plan an entire day for the Metropolitan Museum (5th Ave, 85 Street). I've been there on every trip and I STILL get lost in it. (Misc fact: The Met is 1.5 million square feet -- that's a lot of real estate!). Entrance fees approx. $12. Students get a discount (only with current ID -- they're snarky about it). Also cool is MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). Although the Manhattan one is currently closed for renovations, they've opened a temporary branch in Queens. Much smaller and quite do-able in one afternoon. Both have really nice gift shops. Also worth checking out is the Museum of Natural History. The planetarium has just been rebuilt and there's a half hour special show that is way cool. (The Barb is a geek, she likes planetariums.)
- Have you seen the well to do, up and down 5th Avenue. Yep, the rich are definitely NOT like you and me. The stores on 5th are always locked and you have to be buzzed in. It's fun just to window shop cause there's no way in hell you'll be able to afford anything....Check out the ultra-tacky gold coloured Trump Towers.
- The diner from Seinfeld is located approx 91 and B'way. Take your picture in front of it. It's actually called "Tom's Restaurant", but they crop the "Tom" part out when they're shooting it.
- Rockerfeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are both on 6th (approx 48 Street) and within spitting distance of each other. Great photo ops providing you can avoid being trampled on by other tourists. They also have the NBC gift shop at Rockerfeller Center where you can pick up mugs, t-shirts, keychains, bags featuring your fave NBC show (warning: highly overpriced). Another great photo op is Carnegie Hall on Broadway and about 55th.
- Chinatown and Little Italy (way down in lower Manhattan) are also worth a walk through. They look quite different from the rest of Manhattan. And you can get ANYTHING in Chinatown (including the latest bootleg movies) for supercheap. That's the best place to find a fake Gucci (a must for every tourist).
- Celebrity Stalking. If you feel the need to see Celebrities, the best thing is to hang around on opening night (outside the theatre) of any opening broadway show (check your Time Out New York). Mind you, these are not your typical A-list, movie opening celebrities. These are theatre geek celebrities (ie: Rosie O'Donnell, Bebe Neuwirth, John Lithgow, etc). If a celebrity you like is IN a broadway show, then hang around the stage door afterwards (stage doors are clearly marked) and wait for an autograph or to pose with you for a photo. Unless they're MEGA celebrities, most will happily sign and pose for you.

The Barb posing with Steven Weber after a showing of "The Producers"
Overview/Introduction
Before You Go
Where to Stay
Shopping!
How to Get Tickets
Choosing Shows
Cheap Tourist Things to Do
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