The Best Things to Do in New York City: 1001 Ideas

Having lived in Manhattan for a few months now, I foolishly thought that I had seen all that deserves seeing. Bored, I picked up this book and found so many new places to explore that I hadn't heard of before. Every time I open this book, I seem to fall on a page I haven't read before - The Best Things to Do in New York doesn't focus on the main touristy attractions, like going to the Statue of Liberty or Empire State Building - it's much more specific, and brings out tidbits of New York Culture, which I find refreshing and delightful. For instance, since buying this book, I've made sure to visit City Bakery in February to experience its different flavor of hot chocolate every day of the month, to compare pizza slices from the 'Eating and Drinking' section's "Slices of New York" list, visited a number of movie sites (there's a list), "engaged in a legendary NY food war" (I compared pastrami sandwiches from Katz and Carnegie Deli), saw the narrowest house in the city, found the Bela Bartok plaque in midtown, and finally learned what the number counter in Union Square is (it's called Metronome and tells the time to the second). Still, I've barely touched upon the other ideas in the book - though there are no pictures, each idea is dressed with a story or explanation, often funny, but always helpful, with appropriate website and contact information, and subway directions. The authors also really cover the gamut of New Yorkers - every chapter is helpfully sub-categorized -- in particular, the food chapter names some of the city's most authentic international restaurants by cuisine, (of all price ranges), by New York tradition (donuts, pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, etc.), and by price range. A great resource - only wish I'd bought it when I first moved here!

I purchased this book for a friend who has a daughter going to school in NYC. She and her husband were visiting their daughter quite often and I thought this book would help them discover fun things to do in the city. Their reviews have been great and this book has been a real resource. I would purchase again for travelers to NYC.

This book is right, the things to do in New York are endless. My family and I have made many trips to New York, everytime we go we find something new to do. I enjoyed taking my daughter to see the Rockettes at Christmas time and then taking her on a carriage ride. Last Thanksgiving we went to see the Macy's Day Parade and it was incredible. Always something exciting to do in the Big Apple. Read the book and then take your family on a new adventure!! Billy Wannyn

Do you marvel at how sometimes, a complete foreigner knows more about your city than you ever cared to know? I have lived on the outskirts of Manhattan for my entire life: Brooklyn, Queens, and mostly Long Island. However, I made many frequent forays into Manhattan on the weekends, and I considered myself not the complete tyro regarding the nooks, crannies, and interesting activities that 'The City' had to offer. This book was recommended to me by a Russian immigrant, who had come to New York 10 years prior. I often marveled at all the interesting places she went, and how she knew so many good places to eat. It turns out that this is the secret! Although some of the 1001 ideas are very touristy, the vast majority are applicable to even native New Yorkers. So far I've had free hot dogs with my pints of red beer, had the strongest shots I've ever had (watermelon-flavored too!), spent more on one meal than I usually spend in one month, and I plan on doing so much more. This book doesn't only give you interesting things to do and see, it also stokes your curiosity to discover things on your own. I'm not a great reviewer, but I want to get across the point that I did thoroughly enjoy this book, and I plan on checking off the vast majority of things listed!

Although I've lived in Gotham for several years, this book helped me to fall head over heels in love with the city again. After reading "The Best Things to Do in New York: 1,001 Ideas," I decided to take the authors' advice and give New York City every spare moment I had left in my very busy schedule. In 2007, I'm going to tour the tombstones at Trinity Church, take a 3-hour Circle Line cruise, record a story in Grand Central Station, drink afternoon tea at the Waldorf-Astoria, buy lunch at Zabar's and picnic in Riverside Park, take in a comedy show at Caroline's and walk through several neighborhoods just to revel in their historical and architectural treasures. This is a top rate guide to Gotham, one that's ideal for tourists, transplants or natives. Pick it up and I guarantee you'll be scheduling dozens of new adventures on your calendar as well.