shopping in new york?

Question

I have arranged to go to new york with a friend but she is now unable to go. We were going to shop and do some sight seeing. We booked for 4 days. But I feel quite worried about going alone. It will be my first time in new york. Any suggestions would really be appreciated.

Answer 1

Get a subway map!!!!

What kind of shopping do you want to do? I recommend 5th Avenue, 34th St, and Times Square.

There are a LOT of museums. I like the Museum of Natural History the best, but that's my preference. Before you go, get a travel guide for NYC so you can see what type of museums they have that you are interested in.

The book should also have restaurant suggestions, depending on what you like. (Best hot pastrami - Ben's Best, on Queen's Blvd.)

I highly recommend going into Central Park and see the street performers. I have seen a huge variety of different acts. (The best I ever saw was men who had duck puppets lip syncing to a boom box.) If you like any, you should give them a a bit of money.

And, of course, see some plays. Off-Broadway are cheaper than Broadway, and they have some good stuff too.

Pay attention to your surroundings, and you should be OK. Lots of people live there and survive to a nice old age.

Answer 2

Don't be worried about being alone. NYC is quite safe and not the scary, out of control, guns going off everywhere place that people want to make it out to be. Yes, of course, know your surroundings and be aware of your belongings, but that is true of anywhere.

As for shopping, it depends on what you're looking for. The East Village and Lower East Side will have funkier shops. SoHo has become a bit of a high end area unfortunately and doesn't have as much of the artist feel it once did, but is still worth a look. The West Village will also have some interesting places to shop. Don't fall for the fake purses, watches, wallets...on the street or in Chinatown. There are some really great street vendors, but if they're trying to sell you a Prada for no money, there's a reason.

If you're into books, there are some great used book stores. The Strand is probably the most well known. There's also one called Skyline Books on W18th or 19th St around 6th Ave or so. There are used record stores all over.

It really depends on your interests where to shop. Go to newyork.citysearch.com and do a search for things that interest you. Also yelp.com might be of some help.

Get yourself a good street map too to help you out. Streetwise sells a great map (Barnes and Noble) that is a layout of every street and has the subway stops on it too.

Try these sites to find stuff to do also:
www.mustseenewyork.com
www.nyctourist.com
www.nycvisit.com
www.iloveny.com

Go to a bookstore and check their tourist section to see if there's anything about off the beaten path sort of tour guides.

Have fun!

Answer 3

If your going into the city than it will be very intimidating if you've never been there, but it is also a great experience. If your into the whole sight seeing thing, I'd say go to the Statue Of Liberty [of course] and Times Square. There is shopping to do everywhere, it depends on what you want to spend. If your looking for great deals and or knock offs, stop by the venders on the streets. I heard there is an underground vender area/mall, but I've never got the chance to go myself. Since its your first time you might want to be careful, because you could spend money quickly depending on what you buy and how many places you visit. I'd say walking around is sight seeing in its self. There is always something to see. I also suggest seeing a play; they're always great. Oh and if you like taking pictures you should walk on the Queensboro Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge. I hope you have a good time =]

Answer 4

You shouldn't be worry, as long as you stay in Manhattan. It is wonderful and you'll have a great time.