Going to the top of the Empire State Building, horse drawn carriages through Central Park, seeing a musical on Broadway; these are all examples of the typical and stereotypical New York vacation. While these are nice, fun and some would say necessary if one is to visit New York, there are many other activities which are slightly off the beaten trail. For the traveller who likes to feel like a local, or for a second or third time visitor, the following activities are truly New Yorker in character but are not strictly for tourists.
Pizza at Lombardi’s
Opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1897 this century old restaurant is the home of the modern pizza. It became the first pizzeria in 1905, and still sells the original American pizza.
This always popular restaurant and pizzeria does not take reservations, and after 6 one can expect long waits, especially for large parties. Don’t go starving, but don’t be too full to enjoy the wonderful pizza either.
Dinner at Lombardi’s can be followed by a walk through Little Italy at night, which is particularly beautiful after dark.
Lombardi’s is located at 32 Spring Street, between Mulberry and Mott.
http://www.firstpizza.com/home.html
Hookah Bars in Alphabet City
New York, particularly Manhattan, is full of strange little neighbourhoods. Alphabet City is one of these. This small city within a city truly never sleeps, there are often bars open until 4 or 5 in the morning.
In the summer time or whenever it’s warm is the best time to visit one of the area’s many hookah bars. The large bed-like couches often open onto the street, which adds a wonderful sense of atmosphere. These are great places to go after a night out to either continue the party or to relax.
Grab the Bull by the Horns (or Balls!)
The Wall Street Bull is seen in many films and TV shows. It is a New York icon which symbolizes free trade, capitalism, and the American ideal of pursuing one’s dreams. Hundreds of thousands of tourists take their picture with the Wall Street Bull every year, most stand near its head or sit on its neck. For a slightly different souvenir photo walk around to the back of the bull for a humorous view of its backside, and maybe even grasp the shining orbs. This is the same view witnessed in the film For Richer or Poorer.
The Wall Street Bull (also called the Bowling Green Bull or the Charging Bull) is located at the bottom end of Broadway, at the tip of Bowling Green. Any taxi driver should know where the bull is located.
Visit a Sex Shop (Adults only!)
Downtown New York is renowned for its selection of sex shops and adult shops. They come with variety and usually quite a large range of goods for both men and women. The people working in these shops are for the most part very knowledgeable about the goods that they offer, but most do not take offence to people who laugh and point at various sex toys. Whether the goal is to find a unique toy to satisfy a fetish or to have a good giggle these shops are worth a visit.
To find one just go to the Greenwich Village (a.k.a: The Village) or Soho and simply have a walk around. For a more upscale version visit Babeland (43 Mercer Street, at Grand Street) or the overly decadent Kiki de Montparnasse (79 Greene Street, by Spring Street).
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