Having lived in New York for two years, I can tell you that there is no place like it in the world.  I think it’s really important for anyone to visit New York City once in their lives (though, of course, living in New York is the best way to experience it).  I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen a lot of different examples of a New York City Travel Guide, and they are all derivative and unhelpful.  Here is my modest and short New York City Travel Guide with some insider tips.

For whatever reason, a lot of people want a New York City Travel Guide without the big landmarks, the “real New York City”.  I never understood that.  I think that if you go to New York City, you should go see some of the things that makes it famous, but do it the right way.  For instance, go see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  But – the ferry runs from Manhattan to Liberty Island (where the statue is) and then to Ellis Island.  Do yourself a favor and, when you get to the statue, take pictures, but stay on the ferry, there’s nothing great you’re seeing by getting off the boat there.

Likewise, no New York City Travel Guide would be complete without advising you to go to the top of the Empire State Building for breathtaking views of Manhattan.  I say, don’t.  Instead, go to the “Top of the Rock”, the observatory at Rockefeller Center.  This gives better city views, with shorter lines.

Check out the outer boroughs, especially Brooklyn. Central Park is amazing, but Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is equally spectacular.  Both parks can actually trick you into forgetting that you are surrounded by eight million people.

Personally, I would avoid 34th Street, Macy’s, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden if possible.  34th Street and Broadway might be the busiest and most congested intersection in the city.

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Finally, I think every New York City Travel Guide should recommend checking out the Chrysler Building.  There’s no observatory, but it has a beautiful lobby and perhaps the most distinctive architectural stamps on an already unique skyline.

A stop by a traditional New York deli is a must, but take it easy on ordering.  The portions are quite likely bigger than you are used to.  The phrase “sandwich as big as your head” is not an exaggeration.  They are gigantic.  As for the best pizza, head to Grimaldi’s under the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, it is worth the trip.