New York

[vers la flamme]

I'm going to be in NYC for a couple days this weekend. I've never been. Any recommendations for things to do while I'm there? Art, music, literature related or otherwise.

[TheGSMoeller]

It's been about 7 years since I was last there but I loved visiting the Neue Galerie, devoted to early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and design.

https://www.neuegalerie.org/

[Spotted Horses]

Years ago I lived in New York. If I could go back I think I would want to walk down Broadway and just take in a slice of the City's History. Probably if I did that I'd be shocked at how much it has changed since I've been there.

I live in a subdivision which was all built the same year, in a township that was developed over 20 years. I place like New York, with a history, has layers of architecture that you won't appreciate by ticking off a list of landmarks and tourist attractions.

You can start at Time Square and walk to the Battery. If you are really ambitious you could start at the Cathedral of St John, the Divine, on 110th St and Amsterdam Avenue (one block East of Broadway) and walk to the Battery. Along the way you'll pass buildings old and new, decrepit and grandiose, Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square, Union Square, Park Row, City Hall, The New York Life Building, the Woolworth Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, the location where George Washington was inaugurated, The World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty. One thing I'd detour for is the Jefferson Market Library (formerly the Jefferson Market Courthouse) at 6th Avenue and 10th Street. Unfortunately it is currently closed for renovation so you can't go inside.

There are the museums, of course, The Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Frick, MOMA, The Whitney. But in my opinion, if you in a place you've never been to you shouldn't waste your time in museums.

[(poco) Sforzando]

I hardly consider visiting museums a waste, especially since the OP expressed an interest in art. About six years ago, when our esteemed colleague Brian was visiting from Dallas, I took him on an all-day tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I consider a must-see.

If you have just two days, among the possibilities would be:
1) Visting the Metropolitan Museum and the MoMA.
2) A concert at Carnegie Hall (though I can't say this weekend looks very interesting there).
3) An opera at the Metropolitan Opera (on this weekend: Elektra, Figaro, Butterfly, Onegin).
4) Eating in Chinatown.
5) Seeing the World Trade Center site.
6) Seeing the Statue of Liberty.
7) A walk around Greenwich Village.
A Broadway play.

[MusicTurner]

A good list above, but you'll not have the time for all of it. I liked the Roerich museum (free) as well, close to Central Park and Guggenheim. It's a minor, but interesting sight.

The Rockefeller Center/Top of the Rock for views from above.

Nice walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Concerning the Statue of Liberty, maybe just a trip with the Staten Island ferry.

The Poe museum in Bronx: it's rather time-consuming to get there, and definitely a minor sight, but would be 'something different', including Bronx. However, it's much more suitable for a longer stay in NY,  other sights are surely more important.

[Herman]

There are the museums, of course, The Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Frick, MOMA, The Whitney. But in my opinion, if you in a place you've never been to you shouldn't waste your time in museums.

And gawk at the tacky attractions of Times Square instead?

I'd go to one or two museums. Too bad the programming this weekend @ Carnegie Hall isn't too hot (tonite however, the Quatuor Ebene is playing, and tomorrow Hamelin), but there's lots of other stuff to do. You could go to Brooklyn, too, for lunch, and enjoy the vibe there.

[(poco) Sforzando]

A good list above, but you'll not have the time for all of it. I liked the Roerich museum (free) as well, close to Central Park and Guggenheim. It's a minor, but interesting sight.

I said "among the possibilities." I would suggest prioritizing the events/places for each day the OP wants to do, and working in anything else around them. Important also to get a feel for the geography of the city; some of you are suggesting very long walks or visits to areas that would take lots of precious time merely to get to. The Met Opera, Met Museum, and MoMA are all within easy access of each other. When you start adding Brooklyn, the Bronx, St. John the Divine, etc., you start talking about much more remote locations.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I'm going to be in NYC for a couple days this weekend. I've never been. Any recommendations for things to do while I'm there? Art, music, literature related or otherwise.

This is a restaurant that I've been wanting to check out for some time.  It's a Ukrainian/American restaurant which has a great reputation and is known for being a popular late-night hangout for people like Jimmy Fallon and other late night talk show hosts as well as regular folks.  Neat story behind it too.   

https://www.veselka.com/story/  It used to be open 24-7, but it looks like that has changed (perhaps temporarily due to Covid?).

And lots of other great restaurants in NYC too of course.

PD

[Karl Henning]

Years ago I lived in New York. If I could go back I think I would want to walk down Broadway and just take in a slice of the City's History. Probably if I did that I'd be shocked at how much it has changed since I've been there.

I live in a subdivision which was all built the same year, in a township that was developed over 20 years. I place like New York, with a history, has layers of architecture that you won't appreciate by ticking off a list of landmarks and tourist attractions.

You can start at Time Square and walk to the Battery. If you are really ambitious you could start at the Cathedral of St John, the Divine, on 110th St and Amsterdam Avenue (one block East of Broadway) and walk to the Battery. Along the way you'll pass buildings old and new, decrepit and grandiose, Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square, Union Square, Park Row, City Hall, The New York Life Building, the Woolworth Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, the location where George Washington was inaugurated, The World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty. One thing I'd detour for is the Jefferson Market Library (formerly the Jefferson Market Courthouse) at 6th Avenue and 10th Street. Unfortunately it is currently closed for renovation so you can't go inside.

There are the museums, of course, The Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Frick, MOMA, The Whitney. But in my opinion, if you in a place you've never been to you shouldn't waste your time in museums.

I grew up in north Jersey, and many is the long more-or-less-idle walk I took on Manhattan. Your post refreshed nice memories.

[Szykneij]

As a folk music fan, I enjoy strolling through the Bleeker Street area during my infrequent visits to NYC.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

I hardly consider visiting museums a waste, especially since the OP expressed an interest in art. About six years ago, when our esteemed colleague Brian was visiting from Dallas, I took him on an all-day tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I consider a must-see.

If you have just two days, among the possibilities would be:
1) Visting the Metropolitan Museum and the MoMA.
2) A concert at Carnegie Hall (though I can't say this weekend looks very interesting there).
3) An opera at the Metropolitan Opera (on this weekend: Elektra, Figaro, Butterfly, Onegin).
4) Eating in Chinatown.
5) Seeing the World Trade Center site.
6) Seeing the Statue of Liberty.
7) A walk around Greenwich Village.
A Broadway play.

Nice list!
Have fun there Vlf!
There are strip clubs on 8th Avenue between 42nd and 45th street. I strongly advise you not to be there. Again, it is on 8th Avenue between 42nd and 45th street. Please avoid the area.
Many years ago, I visited NYNY many times. I ate crabs and fish in China Town as well as nice pastas in Little Italy. Plus I enjoyed drinking and/or live music in Greenwich Village, East Village, Spanish harem and harem.
Galleries in Soho area are fun as well.

[vers la flamme]

Nice list!
Have fun there Vlf!
There are strip clubs on 8th Avenue between 42nd and 45th street. I strongly advise you not to be there. Again, it is on 8th Avenue between 42nd and 45th street. Please avoid the area.
Many years ago, I visited NYNY many times. I ate crabs and fish in China Town as well as nice pastas in Little Italy. Plus I enjoyed drinking and/or live music in Greenwich Village, East Village, Spanish harem and harem.
Galleries in Soho area are fun as well.

Hint taken, but I'm traveling with my lady so I may have to pass on that part of 8th Avenue. That being said I would definitely love to walk around the Village, which is not too far from where I'll be staying I think.

I'll definitely be hitting a museum or two (probably the Met, and possibly MOMA or the Guggenheim) but I will try my best to take Spotted Horses's suggestion not to waste too much of my very limited time in them. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to attend any operas, but that's on my bucket list, maybe for a subsequent trip. As I've said I've never been to the city before, but I don't think this will be my last time visiting. (Unless I hate it.)

[bhodges]

This is a restaurant that I've been wanting to check out for some time.  It's a Ukrainian/American restaurant which has a great reputation and is known for being a popular late-night hangout for people like Jimmy Fallon and other late night talk show hosts as well as regular folks.  Neat story behind it too.   

https://www.veselka.com/story/  It used to be open 24-7, but it looks like that has changed (perhaps temporarily due to Covid?).

And lots of other great restaurants in NYC too of course.

PD

Another vote for Veselka. I've been there dozens of times, and if you're in the mood for comfort food (e.g., pierogi, bigos, borscht, goulash), it's wonderful. And looks like they're open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

--Bruce

[T. D.]

I said "among the possibilities." I would suggest prioritizing the events/places for each day the OP wants to do, and working in anything else around them. Important also to get a feel for the geography of the city; some of you are suggesting very long walks or visits to areas that would take lots of precious time merely to get to. The Met Opera, Met Museum, and MoMA are all within easy access of each other. When you start adding Brooklyn, the Bronx, St. John the Divine, etc., you start talking about much more remote locations.

This is really good advice. If you're there for just 2 days, forget about long subway rides, extended walks, etc. Planning and prioritizing are critical. You may not be able to do as many things as you'd hope to. I'd avoid crowded destinations that entail waiting in long lines.

I'm too many years removed from NYC to offer current food advice, but always found Manhattan Chinatown dining vastly overrated. I imagine Flushing or Sunset Park (among other neighborhoods) are better, but travel rules them out. There are good places around Chinatown (I recall some in the vicinity of E. Broadway, for instance), but I'd do some reading/research and give the tourist traps on Mott St., etc. a wide berth.
In my time Veselka had a lot of atmosphere but the food was "meh". These days, particularly on weekends, I'd expect it to be absolutely packed.

[(poco) Sforzando]

I'm too many years removed from NYC to offer current food advice

The food scene in NY changes almost daily. You may want to look at a Zagat's guide, or an online resource like -
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/100-best-new-york-restaurants
https://ny.eater.com/maps/best-new-york-restaurants-38-map
- to see what appeals. And be sure to make reservations.

[vandermolen]

Never been there but I'd love to visit MOMA and also see the Statue of Liberty.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I'm going to be in NYC for a couple days this weekend. I've never been. Any recommendations for things to do while I'm there? Art, music, literature related or otherwise.

How was your trip?  And what all did you end up doing? 

PD

[bhodges]

How was your trip?  And what all did you end up doing? 

PD

Yes, adding my "inquiring mind" to PD and others! Hope you had a fantastic time.

--Bruce

[LKB]

I too am curious...

[Spotted Horses]

Did he ever return?
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearn'd
He may ride forever
'neath the streets of New York.
He's the man who never returned.