Going to NYC this weekend and staying with friends in Astoria, Queens. Seeing a show at the Bowery Ballroom tomorrow night and going to spend a day in Brooklyn Sunday. Hopefully also check out the NY Botanical Garden Monday.

For Saturday I was thinking of walking Manhattan from top to bottom (or vice versa). It's 13.3 miles and I'm looking for suggestions on what to see along the way.

So far I have going bottom up:

Battery Park
Wall St. / the Bull
St. Pauls Chapel
One World Trade Center
Washington Square Park
Highline Park (Chelsea)
Cut over to NY Public Library
Cut over to Carnegie Hall
Maybe up to 42nd St. to Times Square? (can skip)
If skipping ^ then go through Hell's Kitchen?
Walk up Central Park for a while
Cut over to Juliard and Fordham University
Up through the park some more until Columbia University?
....???

then I pretty much have no idea other than following parks until I reach Inwood Hill Park on the northern tip.

Will definitely need to stop for food along the way. I've never been to Katz's Deli or Carnegie Deli so I don't know if it is worth it and welcome food suggestions beyond that.

I've spent a decent amount of time in the city so I know the districts and train lines pretty well, and have seen a lot of the more touristy stuff. I'm cool with just walking through interesting neighborhoods - doesn't have to be destination to destination.

thanks!

5/26/2016 2:19:03 PM

If I get some time later on I can give you a lot more food suggestions, but right off I can tell you that stopping at Katz is absolutely worth your time and shouldn't be too much a hassle. Carnegie on the other hand is a pain in the ass and not as good anyways

5/26/2016 3:16:13 PM

paging dentaldamn

5/26/2016 3:19:00 PM

Katzs and carnegie deli are touristy but If you go to katzs, you should check out the low line lab. You should definitely go to williamsburg smorgasburg on saturday.

Going bottom to top might not be a good idea unless you are doing it for a milestone

5/26/2016 3:52:39 PM

I've only been to manhattan a few times, but I couldn't imagine doing all of that in one day.

5/26/2016 4:05:34 PM

I am not a New Yorker, but I did something similar when I was in NYC 2 summers ago for a week-long conference. On the first day I arrived my plane landed at 7am and I couldn't check into the hotel until 4 so I decided to go walk around. I started near Prospect Park in Brooklyn, went through Brooklyn and across Brooklyn Bridge, battery park, one world tower, and all the way to Central Park (stopping at misc places along the way). I was by myself, so I didn't dwaddle, but it took WAY longer than I thought. You have to wait for stoplights, walk around people, and just looking around means you walk a little slower than normal pace (and I walk at a brisk pace since I walk to work most days). I got halfway though Central Park and I turned around so I had time to walk back to the hotel. Once it got to be after 7 I said fuck it and took the train.

More power to you to take this on. I went to sleep at like 8:30 because I was so exhausted from the early flight and walking my ass off.

Have you tried looking at walking tour maps of Manhattan? They may be to able to let you hit the high spots and narrow down your options.

Some of the places I went that you don't have listed:
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Chinatown (to see all the random "food" they sell in the streets)

Good luck!

[Edited on May 26, 2016 at 4:27 PM. Reason : ]

5/26/2016 4:25:18 PM

Stop in at Fat Cat (7th Ave. and Christopher St.). It's in the West Village.

Skip the Bull - it's stupid.

Skip One World Trade Center and instead spend more time at the memorial reflecting pools behind it. They are quite classy.

While in that area, stop in at O'Hara's Pub, across the street. You'll get good stories from the bartenders, especially regarding 9/11 and the food/atmosphere is awesome. $2 Coors Lights all day every day.

Don't skip Times Square. Skip Carnegie Hall, unless you are going inside.

Do the Ghostbusters Firehouse at 14 N Moore St.

Stop at Pier One (up in the 70's, Upper West Side). Actually it's on the water so it may be unfair to say the Upper West Side.

I also recommend messaging Vulcan91. He lives in the area and is far more thorough and skilled at picking out the truly awesome, random shit to do.

5/26/2016 4:28:32 PM

^To be honest, this sound terrible

5/26/2016 4:43:23 PM

Skip Times Square.

5/26/2016 4:52:18 PM

^^Okay. I mean it's New York City. It's just a bunch of big buildings, bars and people. One World Trade Center is just an office building. And since he's walking all the way down, walking past the Ghostbusters HQ for some nostalgia is certainly not going to ruin the day. I'm not sure what else you take issue with.

I don't think any of us have seen your list of suggestions yet...

5/26/2016 5:56:55 PM

theres a million different things you can do. one persons terrible is another persons ideal day. There could be 100 different itinerary's that completely satisfy 100 different people.

As for the world trade center. You definitely should to the 9/11 museum if you haven't done so. I think everyone would appreciate that as its a well done museum and lets you relive the entire thing without being too depressing.

The idea of 1 days just sounds odd because you would be walking the whole time and passing a lot of stuff. It takes me a whole day just to do lower east side, chinatown, soho and the west village.

[Edited on May 26, 2016 at 7:12 PM. Reason : c]

5/26/2016 7:11:37 PM

^

5/26/2016 7:16:54 PM

Take the 1 train to the last stop in Manhattan and walk south down Broadway. It goes from 220th st to the tip.

DO IT! I did this awhile ago and it's fun.

5/26/2016 7:17:46 PM

Quote :

"I couldn't imagine doing all of that in one day."

5/26/2016 8:10:21 PM

Trying to "see it all" in NYC in one day is a rookie mistake. Assume you'll return and stick to a neighborhood or two and experience some quality over quantity.

5/26/2016 8:20:44 PM

I should clarify - I've been to NYC several times and have spent a good amount of time there as my best friend and his brother live up there, as do a few other friends that I went to State with. They're all in Astoria, Williamsburg, and Lower East Side. We've also spent a lot of time in the NYU area. We typically avoid Midtown. I also have a friend coming up from Philly to meet us.

One World Trade is just something I've never gotten around to, same with Katz.

Basically, every time I go up there we drink our faces off and I've really cut back on drinking and am on a diet also, so I thought this would be a good way to keep us busy without straight boozing the entire time. Or if we are doing a bar crawl, at least it will be a long one with some calories burnt along the way.

Quote :

"Going bottom to top might not be a good idea unless you are doing it for a milestone"

Is there a reason for that? Uphill at all, or just don't want to end up in Harlem at night?

Great suggestions so far!

5/27/2016 9:12:51 AM

Harlem is fine at night, but my guess on that suggestion is there's much more bar action downtown since you'd be there at night.

Here's a list of my favorite restaurants from south to north, though these aren't necessarily on the route you're taking:

Wo Hop - More of a 4:30 AM type of place, but the chow fun is always delicious

Shanghai Cafe or Joe's Shanghai - Soup Dumplings

Thai Son - Great Vietnamese pho (shit's not Thai son!)

La Esquina - great tacos and tortas, since you're not looking to sit down hit the taco stand on the north side of the corner

Cafe Habana - I'd only do this for brunch, but can get the elotes and either the chilaquiles verdes con pollo, huevos con chorizo, or molletes...also the cafe con leche is popular...there's a takeout version right next to the restaurant that should work for your purpose

Katz - clearly you're aware of it. It's plenty touristy but it's still hugely popular with locals and fucking delicious

Pommes Frites - apparently they just reopened somewhere in Greenwich Village. I assume they are able to replicate what they used to do which is a great stop on a walking tour

Downtown Bakery - Unassuming and authentic Mexican joint on 1st Ave that uses a lot of fresh ingredients

Luke's Lobster - Get the "Taste of Maine" - half lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls, 2 crab claws, drink, and chips for 24 bucks

Crif Dogs - hot dogs, hot dogs, hot dogs, delicious hot dogs

The Brindle Room - really, really good cheeseburgers

Hill Country - it's not my favorite brisket in NYC, but I'd say it's the best in Manhattan

PJ Clarkes - really old bar with great cheeseburgers

Burger Joint - burgers and fries are really good here (better than PJ Clarkes), but it's also in a cool location. Have to go into Le Parker Meridien hotel (which is really nice) and duck past the front desk into this roadside looking place

Big Nick's Burger Joint - good burgers and pizza

Barney Greengrass - good pastrami (not as good as Katz) but great potato pancakes

5/27/2016 9:34:17 AM

Top to bottom is all downhill.

Also there are a gazillion Dominican places to get a tasty breakfast in Inwood.

5/27/2016 9:39:15 AM

I think the Highline and WTC are both worth taking your time and exploring in depth, and Central Park in summer is really nice. I'd stick with those three main areas and play the rest by ear.

[Edited on May 27, 2016 at 11:50 AM. Reason : .]

5/27/2016 11:49:28 AM

Quote :

"Harlem is fine at night, but my guess on that suggestion is there's much more bar action downtown since you'd be there at night. "

Oh shit, speaking of Harlem, I do like the Lenox Sapphire, 127th and Lenox. Corner Social is one block south and is alright too.

^Definitely agree with high line, particularly if it's nice out.

[Edited on May 27, 2016 at 1:01 PM. Reason : a]

5/27/2016 1:01:08 PM

^I love Highline. One of the coolest things in NYC imo, especially at night.

Y'all have convinced me to go North to South.

Quote :

"Cafe Habana - I'd only do this for brunch, but can get the elotes and either the chilaquiles verdes con pollo"

I went there and that is exactly what I had lol - good stuff.

Also a big fan of Pommes Frites.

I'd like to get a Lobster Roll - Do you like Luke's better than Red Hook? I haven't been to either.

I'm also a huge fan of Belgian style mussels (moules frites) and have been going to BXL every time I'm in town but if there's something I'm missing, let me know.

My friend swears by Di Mara's Pizza in Brooklynn - it's a bit of a hike he's said so I've never been there but that's part of our trip to Brooklyn on Sunday. Will also check out Coney Island and I'm sure we'll hit up Williamsburg. Corny as it is, I love Surf Bar. And that beer hall Radegast.

5/27/2016 1:59:20 PM

I've been to Red Hook Lobster Pound. They're both good but I haven't had them side by side so it's hard to compare and contrast. I suggested Luke's mostly because of that crazy deal and that it's in Manhattan (not sure if there is a Lobster Pound in Manhattan other than the truck)

Di Fara's ...I can't say it's worth the trip to it or the potential wait, but it's definitely some of the best pizza I've had

Also not to throw stuff out that's not on your plans, but if you've not been to Red Hook it's a great half day. Lots of cool stuff to check out. Hometown BBQ is the best brisket in NYC and overall cool place. Next door Brooklyn Crab is pretty good and has a great backyard setup with mini golf and all kind of games and cornhole, etc etc. Steve's is a great little key lime pie stop. Can check out Widow Jane whiskey distillery and chocolate maker, or Raaka for just chocolate. Ice House is a cool bar with a funky little backyard and serves pulled pork sandwiches for $5 which aren't bad. Lot's more

[Edited on May 27, 2016 at 2:47 PM. Reason : asdf]

5/27/2016 2:41:50 PM

Since we're tossing around random shit, Rollin N Roaster in sheepshead bay is a fun place to eat. They have roast beef, beer and its next to the water.

5/27/2016 4:37:49 PM

Quote :

"Will also check out Coney Island and I'm sure we'll hit up Williamsburg."

Honestly, just skip Coney Island and spend all your time in Williamsburg instead.

5/27/2016 6:26:35 PM

You can always go to the rockaways which is a beach Williamsburg took a shit on.

5/27/2016 7:45:32 PM

Quote :

"Hometown BBQ is the best brisket in NYC and overall cool place."

What do you think of Fette Sau? I thought it was the best BBQ I've had outside of NC. Bear in mind, I have no palette so it's entirely subjective.

http://www.fettesaubbq.com/

5/27/2016 7:45:55 PM

avoid coney like the plague not because its bad but because it will be too crowded this weekend.

5/28/2016 12:52:31 PM

smorgasburg and staten island ferry were PAAAAAACCCKED today

5/28/2016 9:13:59 PM

I still haven't done Smorgs. Been meaning to.

Where you stay at E?

5/28/2016 10:37:39 PM

The best bar in all of Manhattan is Jimmy's Corner on West 44th.

5/29/2016 3:28:41 AM

That's a mighty bold claim for any bar in Manhattan, let alone one right off Time's Square!

5/29/2016 1:09:56 PM

I used to work down the street from Jimmys Corner. It's certainly the only decent bar in the area.

5/29/2016 2:41:42 PM

Quote :

"What do you think of Fette Sau?"

I haven't been in about 4 or 5 years, and when I went it had been so hyped up to me everyone that my lasting impression of it was overrated, and that I liked Hill Country better.

I should go back, because one mediocre tasting after having my hopes set sky high shouldn't keep me away. What does keep me away is that I live in Park Slope, and getting to WillyB is just too much a pain in the ass. At this point I'm only in the area if there's a band I want to see or I have friends going to Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Bowl, or Gutter.

5/31/2016 11:20:59 AM

Had a great weekend.

Friday we went to see a show at Bowery Ballroom, which was an incredible experience. Filligar was the main band but their opener, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, fucking crushed it. They'll be in Carrboro at Cat's Cradle in a couple of weeks - I highly recommend seeing them live.

After that we went to Great NY Noodletown in Chinatown and it was very good and cheap. Then we met up with my friend who had just run this midnight half marathon and went to the after party for that. Then back to his place where we were staying in Astoria to have a couple beers on the roof and just chill.

Saturday we went to Brooklyn Bagel in Astoria. Then We took the train to Brooklyn and walked all around Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. After that we went to Di Fara's Pizza, which was as epic as it is made out to be. Basically the same old man has been making pizza there since the sixties and stays open as long as he feels like it. Lines around the block and when he's done, he's done. We were among the last few to get a pie and it was the best I've ever had - unlike any other in NYC. After that we went to Coney Island and had a blast. Rode the Cyclone a bunch and hung out on the boardwalk and beach. We also got some hotdogs at Nathan's.

Our Uber driver tried ripping us off on the way back to Astoria. He drove over the Ferranzano bridge to Statan Island and my friends were like wtf and the guy after being called back just pulled a U-turn and went back the exact same direction we came. Ended up costing $75. I ended up getting Uber to reduce it down to $29 but still, you gotta watch out for assholes like that.

Back in Astoria we went to Sweet Afton's and then got more beer and drank on the roof.

Sunday we were supposed to walk Manhattan but my friend was still sore from running his half marathon Friday night. So we walked from Astoria to a statue park thing and across a bridge to get to Roosevelt Island. Walked all over that. Then we took this gondola sky tram thing over to Manhattan, which was cool. We had drinks and snacks at The Jeffrey right by the sky tram and they had a fantastic rare beer menu. We then walked across the Queensborough Bridge to Long Island City and went to Dutch Kils speakeasy type bar and had cocktails and met up with some girls. Then we walked to Bierocracy, which was my favorite. Amazing import draft Czech and German beer and hard to find European foods. We had steak tartare, brussel sprouts, mussels, pretzels and beer cheese, fries, etc. Then we walked a few train stops down and went back to Astoria to watch GoT.

Monday we were too tired to do anything so we just chilled til I had to fly home.

Had a great time.

5/31/2016 1:40:55 PM

How much did you tip your Uber driver?

5/31/2016 4:33:40 PM

I live in Park Slope/West Village.

Quote :

"What does keep me away is that I live in Park Slope, and getting to WillyB is just too much a pain in the ass."

yeah i'm sick of the gtrain. uberpool is only like 12-17 dollars though. Its worth it considering all the hip stuff is in bushwick and would take 1 hour on the subway. Plus i like riding through seeing all the jews out on friday night.

5/31/2016 9:45:05 PM

I took Uber Pool once and the guy had to get off the highway to pick up 2 drunk chicks who didn't realize they had ordered Pool so they argued with the driver for 5 minutes before getting in...I suppose I should try again

Lately I've been using Car2Go instead (which is a pretty awesome service I recommend to anyone living in Brooklyn) and it runs about the same price as what you just said. My last trip from Bushwick cost just under $15

6/1/2016 9:04:42 AM

You should have known you were in trouble when you figured out the bridge's name starts with a V, not an F

I haven't been in years (maybe it's in decline?) but you stayed in Astoria and never went to the Astoria Beer Garden? Man...


BTW Arturo's pizza is some of the best in Manhattan (IMO) and seems underrated. Never busy, like Lombardi's.

[Edited on June 1, 2016 at 4:54 PM. Reason : ]

6/1/2016 4:54:23 PM

I tried to walk from the WTC site to about 43rd street and was really tired about 2/3 of the way there, ended up hailing a cab. (this was not planned it was just really nice out and there was cool shit to look at)

I definitely recommend walking around as much as possible but I think you are gonna be pretty damn tired if you try to walk the whole way you will not be able to enjoy the walk.

6/1/2016 7:20:47 PM

^^ I fully support this statement about Arturo's, I just didn't mention it above because it doesn't really fit in a walking tour

Their pasta dishes are great too

6/2/2016 8:58:52 AM

Quote :

"you stayed in Astoria and never went to the Astoria Beer Garden?"

I've been there a few times, my friend has lived in Astoria for years so I've been up to see him a dozen times or so. It's a cool spot for sure

6/2/2016 9:54:33 AM

Quote :

"BTW Arturo's pizza is some of the best in Manhattan (IMO) and seems underrated. Never busy, like Lombardi's."

If you mean Arturo's on Houston, I 100% agree with you except on one point - it's always crowded, haha.

6/2/2016 1:08:05 PM

Compared to Lombardi's it's nothing though, and not a certainty

6/3/2016 8:58:20 AM

Good point, haha.

6/3/2016 10:21:41 AM

Quote :

"I live in Park Slope/West Village. "

you live in both Brooklyn and Manhattan? lol

6/5/2016 2:10:51 PM

I am an Uber driver PT (not in NYC) and I sure as hell would never take an UberPOOL request. It is hardly worth doing on UberX nevermind that BS (fares have been cut to ridiculous levels in a lot of places). Anyway as far as NYC goes I would agree with choosing quality over quantity.

6/5/2016 4:45:23 PM

Quote :

"If you mean Arturo's on Houston, I 100% agree with you except on one point - it's always crowded, haha. "

I've never had to wait for a table, though the last time I went was a Saturday afternoon. The time before that, can't recall when it was. So that probably has something to do with it.

6/6/2016 12:06:59 PM

yeah i bounce back and forth

6/6/2016 5:06:53 PM

Sounds exhausting

6/6/2016 11:26:30 PM