Top 10 Ways to Show Off New York City

by Citysearch_editors - 0 Reviews - 1,720 Lists

Updated: January 01, 2004

From the Cloisters to Bowery Ballroom, impress out-of-town guests with a truly local experience in New York.

On this page:The Top 10, More Spots to Impress.

The Top 10

  1. 1 3 Star Rating: Average Lenox Lounge
    Read Reviews

    288 Lenox Ave, New York, NY 10027 (map)

    Skip the mainstream midtown spots and instead, catch a weekend jazz show or a Monday night jam session at this legend.

  2. 2 4 Star Rating: Recommended Comedy Cellar
    Read Reviews

    117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    Up-and-coming comics test their material here nightly, but there's no telling when one of the "SNL" stars or other famous comics will stop by for a set.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Brooklyn Botanic Garden
    Read Reviews

    1000 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 (map)

    The expansive gardens are a peaceful oasis year-round, nestled between two other noteworthy attractions, the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Grimaldi's
    Read Reviews

    19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (map)

    It may be cliche, but grabbing a pie at one of the city's best pizzerias and then hoofing it over the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most fun and affordable ways to show off NYC.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Canal Street Bicycles
    Read Reviews

    417 Canal St, New York, NY 10013 (map)

    Locals know that the best way to see the city, no matter the season, is on two wheels. Rent a bike and head up the West Side Highway path, stop by the Boat Basin cafe for a beer and burger, and see Central Park all in one afternoon.

  6. 6 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended The Cloisters
    Read Reviews

    Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040 (map)

    This medieval European museum and garden is a favorite escape, with an impressive view of the Hudson River and the Palisades.

  7. 7 3.5 Star Rating: Average Spice Market Restaurant
    Read Reviews

    403 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 (map)

    Superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Meatpacking District spot not only serves outstanding Asian eats, but the decor is even more impressive.

  8. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bowery Ballroom
    Read Reviews

    6 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002 (map)

    CBGB may be the more popular T-shirt, but to see up-and-coming bands with the locals, this place can't be beat.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Frick Collection
    Read Reviews

    1 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021 (map)

    Pass by the Met on your way to this, a unique collection housed in the mansion of its collector.

More Spots to Impress

  1. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Balthazar
    Read Reviews

    80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 (map)

    Keith McNally's boisterous Soho bistro continues to attract throngs of scenesters and Francophiles alike.

  2. 11 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel
    Read Reviews

    59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036 (map)

    The landmark Algonquin Hotel houses this historical venue, once world-famous as the New York literary set's salon of choice.