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Things to do in New York City

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    I will be in new York City next week. As a foreigner who's lived for quite a while in this country (I am from Italy, but I have been living in California for the past 7 years) I have been to New York many times, and have done all the "standard" New York things (Broadway, Empire State Building, Central Park, etc.). Now I would like to take it further and explore all the wonderful things this city has to offer.
    My parents will be meeting me there (from Italy), and they've been to New York many times as well. I have dinner reservations at Craft and want to hit Momofuku, so I food is almost taken care of. What I am wondering is- what else am I going to do? And what will my parents do while I work?
    I was thinking- auctions? hidden museums? special events?

    Can anyone let me in the "special" New York? I would really appreciate it!

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    I think the Morgan Library is a great choice. J.P. Morgan's midtown mansion on Madison Avenue was transformed into a museum after his death, and houses his enormous personal collection of artifacts and works of art from around the world.

    If the weather's nice, The Cloisters are worth the trip uptown. It's where The Met houses its Medieval collection and it's usually not full of tourists. You won't believe you're in Manhattan! John D. Rockefeller not only bought the land for it, donated most of the collection, and had the 5 French cloisters that house the museum dismantled in Europe and rebuilt on the grounds in Northern Manhattan, but he also bought hundreds of acres of land across the Hudson in New Jersey and donated it to the State with the instructions that it never be developed in order to preserve the view of the Palisades from the Cloisters. It's way up in the North part of Manhattan and is accessible by bus or by taxi. Oh, and it's open all year, but always closed on Mondays.

    The Museum of this City of New York is another favorite. It often has good exhibits. Normally I'd recommend that you walk over to the hidden Conservatory Garden after visiting the museum. It's the only place in Manhattan where you'll find a few acres of formal English, French and Italian gardens. The entrance is at 105th and 5th ave, not too far from the museum. But, given that you're going in December, it's probably not the best time for a stroll in a garden.

    Those are my three favorite less-famous museums. Enjoy.

    Thanks from: Vanessa
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    Momofuku is a great idea. There is Momofuku Ssam and Momofuku Noodle Bar (3-4 blocks from each other). Both are great. By then, the new Noodle Bar should be open (4 doors from its current location). It's a highly anticipated opening, now rumored for Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week.

    One of my favorite places to spend a day, especially if it's not great weather outside, is The Museum of Natual History. One can spend an entire day roaming the many exhibits and seeing some of their specials, shows, IMAX, etc.

    So many other possibilities.

    Good Luck!

    Thanks from: Vanessa
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    Lunch at the Museum of Modern Art (they'll throw in a ticket for the museum too).

    A walk round the reservoir in Central Park, then come out on to 5th and the Guggenheim Museum.

    A ferry ride over from Battery park to Hoboken or Jersey City for the view.

    A stroll through Soho down Spring St and West Broadway, lots of cool restaurants, shops and bars.

    A walk across Brooklyn Bridge and then a cocktail at the River Cafe:
    http://www.rivercafe.com/

    Oysters at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central.

    I could go on and on!

    Thanks from: Vanessa
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    If you have some cash to spend, haggling at the diamond district is fun!

    Thanks from: Vanessa
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    In my opinion, the diamond district is noisy and crowded and it's just a seedy tourist trap. Everywhere you turn there are neon lights flashing deals, people trying to get you into their store, and it's only a block long. Hardly worth the trip and not exactly fun for the entire family. Go only if you want discount diamonds where you take a chance at getting questionable quality.

    My recommendation for your family is the Frick Collection http://www.frick.org The artwork is some of the best in the city, next to the Met.

    I also recommend the Tenement museum. http://www.tenement.org where you'll find a building that is constructed and furnished as it would be when many European immigrants first arrived in America, way back when. It's really special, and you almost feel as if someone from another era is going to come home and find you in their apartment. You should reserve tickets in advance if you plan to go.

    Thanks from: Vanessa
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    There are very nice parts of Brooklyn to visit as well. I'd suggest coming into Park Slope on a Saturday or Sunday (only if the weather is nice, as it's all about being in the outdoors)- just 15-20 minutes in a cab, or an easy ride on the F or Q.

    Lots of schools have yard/thrift sales where you can pick up funky furniture, clothing, and beautiful antique jewelry. Lots of tiny cafes and eateries (I'd recommend Sweet Melissa at 2nd St and 7th Ave), and lots of wonderful shopping at boutiques.

    Then, you're only a few short blocks from Prospect Park- not only are there fun summer activities to enjoy, its beautiful for a nice stroll, especially if you have a dog. Very pet friendly.

    You're also close to Brooklyn museums to visit- and the nightlife is very fun as well!

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    I think that these are some really fun uniquely New York experiences:-

    -Going to roof top bars like 230 Fifth Avenue where you get wonderful views of the Empire State and Crysler Buildings

    -Going to the wonderful concerts in the parks like Broadway in Bryant Park and the concerts in Central Park.

    - Doing a New York City Photoshoot where you will have lovely pictures taken of you with famous New York landmarks - www.nycityphotoshoot.com

    - Eating at Tavern on the Green in Central Park -www.tavernonthegreen.com

    Hope that is useful

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    I would avoid Tavern on the Green. The food is actually pretty bad, and the atmosphere is cheesy and touristy. In fact, the only thing that's good about Tavern on the Green is that their land lease in Central Park requires that they offer public restrooms. They are among the cleanest in the park.

    But, if you really want a fine meal and a beautiful view, The Boathouse in Central Park is a far better choice.

    http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com

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