I love New York. The architecture, the energy, the food, the museums, just about everything tantalizes the senses.
These are my top picks for spots to hit on your New York trip.
Architecture
The Flatiron Building is one of New York's best know buildings. Located not far from the Empire State Building it is stunning. But I think the door around the side (seen in the picture below) is really remarkable.
History
Grand Central Terminal is loaded with history. We took a history tour and learned about hidden platforms, rockets on display, Jackie O, etc. Plus the building is breathtaking. This tour was one of my favorite things ever about New York.
The Whispering Gallery or Whispering Wall is located in front of the Oyster Bar in Grand Central. I have to admit that when I tried this out it made me giddy. It works! You can whisper in one corner and the person in the corner across from you can hear plain as day.
Secrets
Look on Groupon or Living Social because I've heard every once in a while they have parties and special tours in the closed but beautiful Subway Station. It was closed because of the sharp turn. When trains became larger the passengers could not stand safely on the platform. If you cant find a way in no worries. Take the 6 train and stay on when it makes the loop around.
Museums
One thing you should know about me, I am a museum snob. I have been spoiled rotten after living in DC. Therefore I am insanely tough on museums.
I say that in preface to my review on the American Museum of Natural History. I know this is supposed to be my top picks but I feel this is such a big one for most people I should address it.
It is rather expensive at $19 a person for a basic ticket. The layout isn't brilliant. The flow doesn't work well and with as busy as it is it just doesn't work. I also enjoy more description and story for the exhibits and displays than they currently have.
That being said the views of Central Park are wonderful and well taken advantage of. The pieces are beautiful and you are hard pressed to see such a variety of rare pieces in one museum.
Now on to one of my real winners, the Brooklyn Museum! I absolutely rave about this museum. And like I said I am a museum snob so that is a big deal. I love the detailed history, stories, and descriptions for each exhibit. I love the layout. I love the way they have thought of viewing each piece from multiple angles. It is wonderful!
The instillations I saw were inventive and displayed inventively as well.
This was one of my favorite parts. The museum obviously cannot display everything that it has at all times, but this museum does give you teasers of the archives. They have a rotating archives exhibit.
The Egypt exhibit I saw was one of the best I have experienced. Because it was just that, an experience.
Food!
I am a bit of a foodie. I truly enjoy food and so for me Chelsea Market was spectacular! For me it is not a New York trip without a visit to Chelsea Market.
In Chelsea Market is one of my favorite restaurants. Friedman's Lunch. They make simple, local, and fresh food. They make bread daily - including gluten free breads. Their burger is insanely popular.Their brunch is not to be missed! They have my husbands favorite Rueben ever!
My favorite is the grilled cheese on fresh gluten free bread.
