Fun things to do solo in Midtown and Harlem?

Question

Going up for a conference and really want to get out and do something for a change. I know there's a million things to do, esp. since I'm staying right in Times Square but I'm on overload with too many options and don't want to end up just walking around. I'l' be free on Monday afternoon, Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday night. A good meal (italian, steak and soul food are faves), a cheap show, maybe a museum or art gallery...I'm open to anything reasonalby close and moderately priced.

Answer 1

The museum of Television and Radio is on West 57th Street in Midtown. If you go to Harlem, go to Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. on 125th and see the Apollo Theater. There is a tourist kiosk there to give you sights to see in Harlem. You could go to U.S. Grant's tomb by the Hudson River in Harlem. In Midtown, you should go to Rockefeller Center on 53rd Street. When I worked in Manhattan, I used to eat lunch at the deli next to the Ed Sullivan Theater in Midtown, now where David Letterman films his show, all the tourist used to tell me as I ate my corned beef on rye sandwich that Manhattan is pure electricity. They kept on telling me as I ate my sandwich that they never felt so much energy in their lives. That's the NY experience. Pure energy. And dam good corned beef and pastrami sandwiches with spicy deli mustard.

Answer 2

My first suggestion is to get Time Out New York. It's one of THE best resources for New Yorkers who want to know what's going on in and around the city. You can find out what shows are going on on and off Broadway as well as exhibits that you would love to see. The double decker tour buses are great too. Many time the tour guides know some hot spots to go to for people in general...they are a great and underutilized resource. Also, with the tours, get on the one where you can get on and off of the bus so that it will give you a chance to explore the city and really get a chance to indulge your passions. I hate finding out that there was something going on in a city or somewhere I should definitely have visited after the I have gotten back home. Also, go to www.nytimes.com (it's free) and you can find out what folks are talking about.

As far as cheap shows, the Joe Papp Theatre downtown is great because that's where movie stars, actors, etc., will go and work on their shows before they it Broadway. Also, in Times Square, you can get Theatre tix for the day of the performance at half price.

You're going to have a blast!