Lonely Planet New York Encounter [With Pull-Out Map]

Its a great little guide to find some of the small things you would never find by yourself. First night in New York we found a small bar on a side street to Times Square with cheap beer and lots of history. Just what you expect out of a travel guide! I do recommend getting the city guide instead though as it is much more comprehensive.

What I liked most about this book was its size. Unlike the books toted around by my companions, this little book fits easily into an average purse. It may not have been as thorough as the full-size Lonely Planet books I am used to, but it was very easy to use.

It is a small book, but it did a pretty good job in providing readers necessary information on where to go with clear metro map on the back. I found the color-coded pages are quite easy for me to scout a district. The only drawback may be it's a little bit official.

Very Useful Guide to the Big Apple, it includes pretty much all you need: metro maps, street maps, major attractions, descriptions, and properly selected Tips. Unfortunately no real insider news. The chosen listing into different districts is great since it shows detail maps for every sightseing spot shown in every district, a rip out full fold map of manhatten is included though too. Negative: The suggested "hot clubs" are the common meat markets of the city. The recommended "harlem soul food restaurant" disappointed as well Nothing special... Buttom Line: For a short trip to NYC this Book is all you need. Major phone numbers, sight seeing, tips to save money, culture, arts, shopping you'll find it all! To find the really sneaky places you have to talk to the locals!

I was recently in the area for a business trip and had a couple days to spend in the City. LP's "NYC Encounter" book was invaluable as a quick resource for addresses, the subway map, and highlights of the more touristed Manhattan districts. To its credit, and unlike many other guides which believe visitors have no business leaving Manhattan, it also included a brief overview of some Brooklyn sights. For a short visit I found New York City Encounter perfect, but when I return for a longer visit a more detailed guide would work better- hopefully with more coverage of the other boroughs.