Made famous by Seinfeld, Tom’s Restaurant is a Columbia student staple that has been around since the 1940s. It is perfect for Greek-American diner classics or a milkshake and gravy fries at 3 a.m. Read more.
There is no substitute anywhere in the world for Junior's cheesecake. -Emily Sprissler, Top Chef
Hidden place in Le Parker Meridien Hotel. Look for the neon burger sign by the lobby's curtains and follow your nose! One of the best burgers, fries and shakes in town. They have beer, too.
Amazing food! Friendly service! And great live gospel music on Sundays! As a Southern transport in the Big Apple, I highly recommend!
Try a strawberry, key lime, peanut butter fudge, lemon berry, lemon blossom, and milk chocolate birthday. Also, check out the Georgetown Cupcake fb/twitter for the free "secret" cupcake of the day.
Can anyone say Red Velvet cupcakes???? Oh My God.... (Christopher loves them) When Al and I are in the city it's a definite stop. -Caroline Manzo, Real Housewives of NJ
Grab a seat at the bar and watch the owner, Chika, create all the ethereal desserts. Get the Prix Fixe with wine pairing ($22) and try anything from the daily menu.
Peruse all the fresh goods at the Chelsea Market and pick up some milk and cookies at Ronnybrook Milk bar, then walk the Highline.
For many years, Apollo was the only theater in New York City to hire black talent. Ella Fitzgerald made her singing debut at 17 at the Apollo, on November 21, 1934.
This area was originally named Longacre Square but was renamed in 1904 when the NY Times moved to the skyscraper now known as One Times Square at 42nd St., famous for the Times Square Ball drop.
Don't miss the cherry blossoms this spring. Remember to check the status map: http://www.bbg.org/exp/cherries/map.html
The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world from its opening until 1903 and the first steel-wire suspension bridge.
The best waterfront in NYC offers a unique view of the lower Manhattan skyline, aquatic features, such as a salt marsh filled with native cordgrass, and Jane’s Carousel, a restored ride from 1922. Read more.
The best place to remember why you love Manhattan takes you above the city while keeping you rooted in urban life: Walk through a field of wildflowers as cabs zoom along the street beneath you.
Always busy, always awesome! Check out the Farmer's Market for some awesome fresh, local food! Always something art related going on too! Sit, relax, watch the street performers.
The best museum to spend the day in boasts unparalleled holdings in 20th- and 21st-century art, the Sette MoMA restaurant, a plush movie theater and the MoMA Design Store. Read more.
The best place to gawk at priceless art has a collection that is seemingly endless, spanning creepy Egyptian tombs to the shimmering Impressionist paintings to an unparalleled costume collection. Read more.
Frank Lloyd Wright's postwar jewel was protested by many artists when he debuted, but it has become a modern landmark for the city. Read more.
Check out the famous Unicorn Tapestries, the 12th-century Fuentidueña Chapel and the Annunciation Triptych by Robert Campin.
Home to some of New York's most famous concerts. Diana Ross literally singing in the rain, Simon & Garfunkel, Garth Brooks and Dave Matthews Band have all played Central Park.
After John Lennon's death, Yoko Ono donated a million dollars to the city to create a memorial in his favorite section of Central Park, directly across the street from their home in The Dakota. Read more.
Visit the graves of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leonard Bernstein and Mae West; and check out the 1911 chapel designed by the same firm behind Grand Central Terminal.
go to brooklyn heights promenade and look out at the view. take pictures!
Sweat is rarely sexy, unless we’re talking about watching shirtless St. Judes boys work out. Come to work out . . . but stay for the show. Read more.
In 1853-54, NY's first world's fair, the Crystal Palace Exhibition, took place here. A huge iron-and-glass structure was erected to house 5,272 exhibitors from 23 foreign nations and across the U.S.
From inside the park, you can get a great angle on the surrounding buildings for a Panoramic Stitch. Outside the park on the west side, looking south, is a fantastic shot of the Flatiron Building.
This triangle shaped building was built in 1902 and is considered the World's first Skyscraper. It has become famous in recent years as the setting of The Daily Bugle in the "Spider-Man" movies.
$1 mugs and phenomenal fresh-ground coffee. Now my kitchen smells like Zabar's every morning.
A beautiful park and a must see for any visitor. It's perfect when you just want to sit on a bench and read a book or do some people watching. On nice days you can find all sorts of live music too.
Take in unparalleled views as seagulls fly, the waves lap, and the sun sets over Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
You talkin' to me? In 1976's "Taxi Driver" Robert Deniro gives himself a new haircut and sets out to Columbus Circle to assassinate a senator. Spotted by Secret Service, he quickly flees Read more.
Thank publisher Joseph Pulitzer—yes, that Pulitzer—for stimulating enough American donations to pay for Lady Liberty’s pedestal. His statue is at the walkway near the left entrance to the statue. Read more.
Here on the observation deck of the Empire State building, Meg Ryan meets Tom Hanks for the first time after being setup by his son on a call-in radio show in 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle." Read more.
The Empire State Building opened ahead of schedule in 1931 taking only one year and 45 days to build. It is currently the tallest building in NYC.
This is one of my favorite places in NYC to walk around and window shop. I've even had the chance to perform here a few times! Def a classic NY spot!
This is where it all begins. Or ends. Where S returned from boarding school, where B headed to Yale, and where D and S struck up an unlikely romance. (I Will Always Love You) Read more.
Old-time residents still call it South Brooklyn, near Carroll Gardens and Red Hook, but Columbia Street Waterfront District is starting to take on an identity of its own. Read more.
Best icecream in BK, w/the BEST view ever. Long lines but its worth the wait.
Winner of Best Mess in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! The ice cream sandwiches will make you love to use napkin stacks.
Artichoke pizza! Great for hangovers! Crab pizza is supposed to be great too.
One of the most beautiful parks in the city allows you to escape the mayhem, watch an outdoor concert or let your dog off leash in one of the most pet & queer friendly neighborhoods in NYC. - Whitney
The best place to remember why you love Queens contains the Mets stadium, the New York Hall of Science, the home of the US Open, the iconic Unisphere. and the Queens Museum of Art. Read more.
The NBC Experience Store has amazing merchandise from all the hit NBC shows. Also, the NBC Studio Tour is located on the second floor of the store. I had the best experience on the tour! Read more.
An oasis of transporting sculptures and calm, Zen-like environments designed by Japanese-American modernist Isamu Noguchi.
Make sure you see Paul Thek's "meat" sculptures and other objects on display; this pioneer of installation art influenced such contemporary art stars as Damien Hirst. Oct 21–Jan 9.
Once an abandoned landfill, in the 1980s this area was turned into an open studio and exhibition space for artists, as well as a neighborhood park. Read more.
Not to be missed: French fries dipped in salted caramel, a.k.a. the stuff stoner dreams are made of.
MoMA store is open later than the Museum, so you can shop after the galleries close.
My new favorite New York hotel. The restaurant is all that and perfect for midtown business meetings or an evening of theater. -Ilene Chaiken
With cocoa beans from family farms in Madagascar, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, the Mast bros create delicious, homemade chocolate by following their beans every step of the way. Read more.
This weekend the Williamsburg flea turns into an entirely grub-oriented market called Smorgasburg, with over a hundred vendors trying to feed you stuff like fresh local tempeh and heirloom beans. Read more.
Hands-down the best burger in NYC. I order mine with blue cheese and caramelized onions. The mac and cheese with bacon can easily feed a family of four or one very hungry chef. -Jacqueline Lombard, To
Awesome brunch, but be prepared to WAIT. Try the Egg Rothkos or the Biscuits & Gravy. Less of a wait for dinner, when you should try the Fried Oyster Sandwich or the Carolina Kale.
Try the chorizo taco at this Bushwick tortilla factory. It's one of NYC's 26 best tacos! Read more.
Pizzas are nicely singed. Also good: arugula with bresaola, pickled pig’s tongue, mackerel with lemon jelly, wood-roasted chicken, wood-roasted Berkshire pork chop. Read more.
Sample quirky treats like the decadent Salty Pimp, a chocolate-dipped vanilla cone with dulce de leche and sea salt. The shop is small, so get your cones to-go. Read more.
This is where I am a pastry chef. How could I leave this off the list? Get the whoopee pies. My favorite. -Eric Wolitzky, Top Chef Just Desserts
This is a must-stop for me when I’m in NYC, but you can’t go wrong at any of David Chang’s restaurants. -Monica Pope, Top Chef
PHOTO: NYPD arrest and pepper spray protesters during Occupy Wall Street march. Photo at the link! Read more.
You'll need a nap after the Breslin Burger, a griddled LaFrieda patty covered with a blanket of assertive, mature English cheddar & topped off with supple slabs of house-cured Berkshire pork belly. Read more.
The restaurant's signature dish is the result of what happens when you sandwich half a chicken between a roaring hot skillet and a 35-pound brick. One of our 5 favorite roast chickens in the city! Read more.
The Blue Note located is located in the heart of Greenwich Village. It is known to many as a Manhattan legend with many new and old jazz groups performing on a nightly basis. Read more.
The original Smalls was a raw basement space that quickly became the late-night hangout for a multi-generational assortment of jazz musicians.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s stainless steel crown jewel served as the centerpiece of the 1964 World’s Fair and was made and donated by U.S. Steel as a symbol of peace.
Opened in 1968, it is the longest active major sporting facility in the Metropolitan area & is the 4th incarnation of the arena in the city. The Garden hosts approximately 320 events a year.
Try the luminous blood-orange doughnut: stretchy, yeasty dough, slathered with a tart citrus glaze and crowned with a candied slice of the fruit. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
Try the Stamina Soba, which combines savory and briny seaweed-bonito stocks and features pork belly, scallion and a plump ginger-chicken meatball. It’s one of our #100best dishes and drinks of 2011. Read more.
Grand Army Plaza, a National Historic Landmark, is the heart of Brooklyn. Within blocks are the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park.
NY. A beautiful German and Austrian art and design museum. A must-see if you are in NY. Read more.
Beneath the delicate, artistic top layers lie homemade fruit fillings and rich ganaches in flavors like cardamom, Champagne and saffron. Also a must-try: chipotle-spiked hot chocolate.
Winner of Best Picnic Spot in the Village Voice 2011 Best Of issue! There's a Whole Foods nearby at Lincoln Center for all your munchie needs.
Created in 1959 by Jose de Creeft (1884-1982), this bronze sculpture features characters from the 1865 Lewis Carroll story‚ "Alice in Wonderland."
Put your back to the fountain and shoot through the arches. This is a beautiful shot day or night.
Try one of the simple favorites: Plain Chobani with olive oil, salt and pepper, served with pita chips is a unique and savory treat!
Relax and enjoy lunch or a good read a in this beautiful “secret garden”. Best to go when all the springtime flowers are in bloom. Fido is allowed too!
This is a great place for Brunch or Lunch. Try the Cream of Tomato Soup and the Grilled Smoked Mozzarella Sandwich. The burger is pretty tasty too!
Here on June 02, 2011, the partnership of the DUMBO BID and Two Trees Management announced a free wireless network, the first such network provided by a neighborhood in NYC. Read more.
This UES haven offers an exceptionally tasteful pastrami platter consisting of thick juicy slices of spicy pastrami and rye bread. A bit on the $$ side but well worth it!
Get a coffee & tasty pastry & head for long row of benches out front to sit in morning sun & watch folks across street in Starbucks who paid more for less & are inside in the shade.
Great sausage platters but they're made even better with the beer options. Be wary, if you want to drink out of the 2 liter boot, it takes a $60 cash deposit.
The Hakata Tonkotsu is cooked with pork bones in the broth 'til they release their marrow, giving it a "creamy consistency that rivals milk, melted butter, or gravy." In other words: It's delicious. Read more.
This place has a HUGE selection with racks chock full of vintage clothing. The staff is friendly, prices are great, and there a few more thrift stores just around the corner.
When you order a burger and you have to choose between truffle fries and regular fries. Get the truffle. Read more.
The fresh sparkling bevs are charged by P&H Soda & Syrup syrups, while the menu is packed with treats like sundaes, strawberry rhubarb pie, egg creams, & an egg cream-topped shake. Read more.
Can anyone say Red Velvet cupcakes???? Oh My God.... (Christopher loves them) When Al and I are in the city it's a definite stop. -Caroline Manzo, Real Housewives of NJ
Everyone loves a good cupcake and Sprinkles just does it right. Get the Peanut Butter Chocolate cupcake for an experience your taste buds won't be ready for.
When I go to New York, I always go to Century 21 to scope out the deals. It’s the place where I can afford to buy Armani! -Maria Hines, Top Chef
Want to delve into a traditional NY bagel? The fluffy bagels at this Midtown East establishment are not only delicious, but very cheap. Get it with some cream cheese and lox for the classic sandwich.
Free one-hour tours of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tours meet at the reception desk in Astor Hall. Read more.
You have to wait for a table, but then: hot ramen, porky and rich, with dumplings on the side, cold beer. One of the city’s best meals.
Go spend the day on Roosevelt Island, make sure to visit the old hospital and other historic sites. Does not feel like NYC, despite being surrounded by it.
A really beautiful and small market with a great selection of fruits & veggies. Come for lunch and grab a delicious sandwich. Come after 8pm and it’s half off the prepared foods.
Great selection of organic products and great selection of sugar derivatives for people with diabetes. I did a dinner and made desserts using Stevia. -Ed Cotton, Top Chef
Awesome Japanese drinking spot. Great for big groups. Cheap food and drinks. So much fun. There's a do it yourself cotton candy machine. -Francine, The Real L Word
The gay rights movement began here during a riot on June 28, 1969. Today, Gay Pride events are held annually throughout the world toward the end of June to mark the Stonewall riots.
Sit on one of the benches by the East River, toward the top of the park behind Gracie Mansion, and you'll get a cool breeze, a great view and a bit of serenity of soaking up the water vibe!
Everyone has to try the Compost Cookie (a standardchocolate chip with potato chips and other unexpected crunchy things) atleast once. Trust us, it's a salty-sweet revelation!
Great ice cream and original flavors. -Eric Wolitzky, Top Chef Just Desserts
Opened in 1846, this Gothic Revival style building is the third and current home of Trinity Church, part of the Episcopal Diocese of New York City.
Cronuts!! Best hybrid of 2013: croissant meets bagel meets filling and frosting <3 (Excuse the bite in the photo).
Pastrami On Rye With Brown Mustard: A thing of unparalleled beauty. Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations
Menu highlights include the tandoori half-chicken and all of the lamb dishes and fresh breads. On weekdays, Jackson Diner offers a sensational lunch buffet. [Eater 38 Member]
Catch N before he sails into the sunset on his boat, The Charlotte. Or go with him—he’s been known to take impromptu trips (and even more impromptu guests) around the island. Read more.
most amazing bagel & lox on the face of this earth. ues jews are doin it and doin it and doin it well. #highlyrecommend
Get the lox with wasabi cream cheese on a bagel of your choice for a nice change of pace.
This East Village gathering point is one of the City of New York's early wi-fi adopters in partnership with AT&T. Read more.
Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese: Doesn’t get more New York than this. Unreproducible. - Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations
Thirty-seven raw-oyster varieties, from Bluepoints to Beavertail, are the main attraction here, though the most popular dish is grilled swordfish over a frisse, mache and radicchio salad ($27.95). Read more.
Girls happened here. Adam and Ray had a boys-bonding moment when Ray confessed to turning down a threesome and the guys boarded a Staten Island Ferry to return Adam's "break up dog, 'Dog.'"
Try the papas y rajas taco at this Nolita warehouse, the vegetarian combination is surprisingly addictive. It's one of NYC's 26 best tacos! Read more.
More than 30,000 fans pack the corner of Surf and Stillwell to watch the masters of competitive eating. For a more traditional thrill, stroll down the block to the Cyclone rollercoaster. Read more.
Nothing better than a Luger steak on a Sunday night with hash browns. -Jill Zarin, Real Housewives of New York City
Nothing is like getting up on a weekend morning and getting a coffee and a creame cheese bagel from H&H. -Alex Eusebio, Top Chef
Get the small rice bowl w two vegetables for $3. It is a filling meal and tastier than an entree at a typical sit-down joint in Curry Hill
Seats about 25 people, nice-looking dark wood and interior design, w/ plugs & wifi. They use 49th Parallel from Vancouver, although the espresso needs work. Drip coffee is pretty good.
Cash-strapped daters should visit this uptown institution on Sundays for free admission. Explore exhibits such as “Harlem Postcards,” which uses photography to examine changes in the neighborhood. Read more.
Make sure you check out the museum's Oralfix Cafe. Equal parts apothecary and soda shop, it's filled with "potions" containing aphrodisiac ingredients to help you get it on.
Head to the visitors’ center and follow the Tree Trail, a marked pathway with helpful descriptions of each species.
Girls happened here. Jessa orders a White Russian, misses an appointment, and meets a phoneless boy here.
Work began in 1858 but was halted during the Civil War and resumed in 1865. It was completed in 1878 and dedicated on May 25, 1879. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Displayed in its current location since 1989, this 7,000-pound bronze sculpture has become a famous symbol of American capitalism.
Get in free with a MoMA admission ticket that’s less than 30 days old.
Get katsudon w/ miso soup-a nicely fried pork cutlet cut in strips, mired in an oniony egg omelet w/ a salty tang, & deposited on a big bowl of white rice. Satisfying meal, & you'll be out in 15 mins
Pancakes that are worth the five-hour wait on a Saturday, but if you go during the week you just might beat the crowd...
Their rice pudding is made daily in their super high-tech kitchen. Try the original flavor which is always good, or mix it up with their unconventional flavors and toppings.
Established in 1854 - McSorley's can boast of being New York City's oldest continuously operated saloon. Everyone from Abe Lincoln to John Lennon have passed thru Mcsorley's swinging doors.
By far the BEST place to have breakfast in New York. This tiny jaunt has a line around the corner and out the back door for Sunday Brunch. You can also inquire about their cooking classes! - Nikki
Check out the New York Interiors (1690-1906) permanent exhibition. It features elements of New York domestic environments from the late 17th through the early 20th centuries. Read more.
Try the refreshing $5 margaritas during happy hour – with their chips and salsa. The music is a little loud for conversation, so probably not a good first date restaurant.
Before you wrinkle your nose at this unconditioned used book store, take a look around. You just might find a literary loving intellectual like D (Don’t You Forget About Me) Read more.
One of our all time favorite coffee shops around! Counter culture coffee+great baristas+cool space+free wifi = you have to go here immediately! You'll have some of the best espresso around!
At the top of The Standard Hotel, the rooftop bar mixes fun with function, combining fun details like astro-turf floors and an indoor pool with four-star service.
Visit on Lobstah Feast Fridays between 6-9pm (and 5-9pm on Sat), when you can chow down a 1.5-lb lobster with sides for $25.
This tiny little venue has tiny little prices for their delightful dumplings. The sesame pancakes are also great, and perfect to grab to-go on your way to picnic in the park, just a block west.
A Japanese bakery oasis in the City Hall area, with rabbit-shaped pastries and fried oyster sandwiches.
We’ve all done the BK bridge, so it's time to step it up with a walk across this bridge. It’s steeper, so you’re gauranteed to feel the burn!
