The Real
Essentials
Our go-to supermarket, this place has everything you need in a typical NYC grocery store space (i.e. narrow aisles that might give anyone accustomed to suburban markets claustrophobia).
33 locals recommend
Associated Supermarket
367 Waverly AvenueOur go-to supermarket, this place has everything you need in a typical NYC grocery store space (i.e. narrow aisles that might give anyone accustomed to suburban markets claustrophobia).
Super handy deli just a skip away from our place, with pretty much everything you need in the way of staples including a surprisingly good selection of organic stuff and basic drugstore items. Their produce selection is good, too, and the prices are fair. Open late.
8 locals recommend
Green Farm
179 Lexington AveSuper handy deli just a skip away from our place, with pretty much everything you need in the way of staples including a surprisingly good selection of organic stuff and basic drugstore items. Their produce selection is good, too, and the prices are fair. Open late.
Let's hope you never need this place, but it's good to know it's there just in case. Open 8 AM - 8 PM, you'll see a doctor right away (unlike a hospital emergency room) and in my experience (I've been here twice) the care is excellent, and the staff conscientious and friendly.
8 locals recommend
CityMD Boerum Hill Urgent Care - Brooklyn
457 Atlantic AveLet's hope you never need this place, but it's good to know it's there just in case. Open 8 AM - 8 PM, you'll see a doctor right away (unlike a hospital emergency room) and in my experience (I've been here twice) the care is excellent, and the staff conscientious and friendly.
The closest 24 hour pharmacy to our place. Well-stocked, they generally have what you need.
25 locals recommend
Neergaard Pharmacy
454 5th AveThe closest 24 hour pharmacy to our place. Well-stocked, they generally have what you need.
A lifesaver, open noon to midnight. We've been here several times for various kid-centric emergencies and the doctors have always been top notch - friendly, calming, professional. Brand new, spotless facility, no waiting and much better care than the average ER.
PM Pediatrics
240 Atlantic AveA lifesaver, open noon to midnight. We've been here several times for various kid-centric emergencies and the doctors have always been top notch - friendly, calming, professional. Brand new, spotless facility, no waiting and much better care than the average ER.
Super friendly, super knowledgable Aussie proprietors run this neighborhood favorite with a really well-curated selection of boozes of all types. Excellent, extensive $12-and-below wine table (where I do most of my shopping) as well as more exotic and refined bottles for all tastes. Regular tastings, very helpful staff, free delivery.
18 locals recommend
Bondi Wines & Spirits
350 Franklin AveSuper friendly, super knowledgable Aussie proprietors run this neighborhood favorite with a really well-curated selection of boozes of all types. Excellent, extensive $12-and-below wine table (where I do most of my shopping) as well as more exotic and refined bottles for all tastes. Regular tastings, very helpful staff, free delivery.
Typical not-so-super NYC supermarket: narrow aisles mean cramped quarters, but this place has most everything you need. Check the expiration dates, though, especially on dairy and meat items. Good beer selection.
150 locals recommend
Metropolitan Citymarket
1142 Bedford AveTypical not-so-super NYC supermarket: narrow aisles mean cramped quarters, but this place has most everything you need. Check the expiration dates, though, especially on dairy and meat items. Good beer selection.
The 'gourmet' part of the name is a little misleading, as it's really just a typical NYC supermarket. They have all the staples, however, and their produce is better than Metropolitan Citymarket, the other nearby grocery store.
11 locals recommend
Waverly Gourmet Market
367 Waverly AveThe 'gourmet' part of the name is a little misleading, as it's really just a typical NYC supermarket. They have all the staples, however, and their produce is better than Metropolitan Citymarket, the other nearby grocery store.
Bagels are a New York staple, as vital to the operation of the city as the subway and coffee. Greenberg's, an old-school handmade operation, is the perfect exemplar of the city's best bagel traditions.
34 locals recommend
Greenberg's Bagels Bed Stuy
1065 Bedford AveBagels are a New York staple, as vital to the operation of the city as the subway and coffee. Greenberg's, an old-school handmade operation, is the perfect exemplar of the city's best bagel traditions.
Hands down the best market in the neighborhood (and the only one that's even close to 'super'). Clean, bright, new and - for NYC - pretty spacious. You'll find everything you need here, including a fish and deli counter.
154 locals recommend
The Food Emporium
810 8th AveHands down the best market in the neighborhood (and the only one that's even close to 'super'). Clean, bright, new and - for NYC - pretty spacious. You'll find everything you need here, including a fish and deli counter.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is our local - friendly, unpretentious, fireplace in the back and booths in the front, plus a nice long bar full of [mostly] locals, staffed by chill bartenders. Can get crowded on Thurs/Fri/Saturday, but never so packed it's uncomfortable.
COVID update: there is outdoor seating.
329 locals recommend
Dynaco
1112 Bedford AveThis is our local - friendly, unpretentious, fireplace in the back and booths in the front, plus a nice long bar full of [mostly] locals, staffed by chill bartenders. Can get crowded on Thurs/Fri/Saturday, but never so packed it's uncomfortable.
COVID update: there is outdoor seating.
Bar/concert venue/indie dance club with a lively crowd and an ambitious lineup of live acts and DJs. A friendlier, cooler alternative if you like to dance and don't want to be packed into a huge club. Goes late!
COVID UPDATE: temp closed
135 locals recommend
C'mon Everybody
325 Franklin AveBar/concert venue/indie dance club with a lively crowd and an ambitious lineup of live acts and DJs. A friendlier, cooler alternative if you like to dance and don't want to be packed into a huge club. Goes late!
COVID UPDATE: temp closed
It's called 'Do or Dive', which tells you what you need to know about the atmosphere. Good, strong, reasonably priced drinks served up by friendly smartass bartenders to a mostly young (20s/early 30s) crowd. A welcome addition to the local drinking landscape after the closure of the much-loved One Last Shag (R.I.P.)
361 locals recommend
Do or Dive Bar
1108 Bedford AveIt's called 'Do or Dive', which tells you what you need to know about the atmosphere. Good, strong, reasonably priced drinks served up by friendly smartass bartenders to a mostly young (20s/early 30s) crowd. A welcome addition to the local drinking landscape after the closure of the much-loved One Last Shag (R.I.P.)
Chill and cozy neighborhood bar with good prices and [unhurried] service. Great for daytime drinking in nice weather, as they have sidewalk tables where you can watch the colorful world of Clinton Hill go by.
110 locals recommend
Fulton Grand
1011 Fulton StChill and cozy neighborhood bar with good prices and [unhurried] service. Great for daytime drinking in nice weather, as they have sidewalk tables where you can watch the colorful world of Clinton Hill go by.
Exactly what you want in a neighborhood bar: warm and woody vibe, friendly bartenders, great beer selection. Great meet-up spot, can get kind of crowded on popular nights, but generally pretty low key.
105 locals recommend
Glorietta Baldy
502 Franklin AveExactly what you want in a neighborhood bar: warm and woody vibe, friendly bartenders, great beer selection. Great meet-up spot, can get kind of crowded on popular nights, but generally pretty low key.
Dark, sleek bar with dining area in the back that serves good pub food. Good beer selection, friendly staff, local vibe, a great place to meet up with friends. The best Bloody Mary in the neighborhood.
505 locals recommend
Black Swan
Dark, sleek bar with dining area in the back that serves good pub food. Good beer selection, friendly staff, local vibe, a great place to meet up with friends. The best Bloody Mary in the neighborhood.
If you only go to one bar in Brooklyn, it should be this one. Old, woody, cozy, unpretentious, fun. It'll make you want to move next door and start working on that novel you've always had in you. A great spot for a quiet afternoon drink and conversation, it gets busy later but the crowd is always cool - a welcome oasis from the Smith Street BroZone.
82 locals recommend
Brooklyn Inn
148 Hoyt StIf you only go to one bar in Brooklyn, it should be this one. Old, woody, cozy, unpretentious, fun. It'll make you want to move next door and start working on that novel you've always had in you. A great spot for a quiet afternoon drink and conversation, it gets busy later but the crowd is always cool - a welcome oasis from the Smith Street BroZone.
My second favorite bar (after the Brooklyn Inn, and it's a very close second) in the borough, this comfortable joint mixes time-capsule decor (everything is original) and superb mixology. Inventive bartenders can mix you up anything, so give them some basic guidelines and let them surprise you. Solid bar food menu, too.
59 locals recommend
The Long Island Bar
110 Atlantic AveMy second favorite bar (after the Brooklyn Inn, and it's a very close second) in the borough, this comfortable joint mixes time-capsule decor (everything is original) and superb mixology. Inventive bartenders can mix you up anything, so give them some basic guidelines and let them surprise you. Solid bar food menu, too.
Teeny tiny music venue in the back of a buzzing local bar, this place is the quintessential Brooklyn experience - community-minded, mostly local, friendly, fun. The music in the little back room is always top-notch (bring some cash, as they pass a hat for the entertainers). A special place, and an easy G-train ride from our place to Park Slope.
206 locals recommend
Barbès
376 9th StTeeny tiny music venue in the back of a buzzing local bar, this place is the quintessential Brooklyn experience - community-minded, mostly local, friendly, fun. The music in the little back room is always top-notch (bring some cash, as they pass a hat for the entertainers). A special place, and an easy G-train ride from our place to Park Slope.
The best jazz club in the city has only been around since 1993 but it feels like an institution. As the name would suggest it's tiny, with room for just 50 or 60 people, but the jazz (with an emphasis on bop styles, mostly, although it's pretty eclectic) is world class. It is THE place to see up-and-coming players. If you're a jazz fan, this joint is a must.
149 locals recommend
Smalls Jazz Club
183 W 10th StThe best jazz club in the city has only been around since 1993 but it feels like an institution. As the name would suggest it's tiny, with room for just 50 or 60 people, but the jazz (with an emphasis on bop styles, mostly, although it's pretty eclectic) is world class. It is THE place to see up-and-coming players. If you're a jazz fan, this joint is a must.
A great pre- or post-theater dinner - always happening, great energy and fantastic Cuban cuisine. One of the best restaurants in the theater district, and an all-time fave of mine.
11 locals recommend
Victor's Cafe
236 W 52nd StA great pre- or post-theater dinner - always happening, great energy and fantastic Cuban cuisine. One of the best restaurants in the theater district, and an all-time fave of mine.
Parks
Get away from it all in the middle of it all.
Head down DeKalb Avenue (lots of little shops, bars and restaurants) and then relax at this nice little park with a distinctly local flavor. Excellent greenmarket on the weekends, some of the best tennis courts in the city (you'll need to buy a pass) and a big dog run.
791 locals recommend
Fort Greene Park
South Portland AvenueHead down DeKalb Avenue (lots of little shops, bars and restaurants) and then relax at this nice little park with a distinctly local flavor. Excellent greenmarket on the weekends, some of the best tennis courts in the city (you'll need to buy a pass) and a big dog run.
Brooklyn's newest park is also one of its best, with amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Lots of open spaces to lounge about and read or just soak up the sun, but there are plenty of activities as well, with roller skating, basketball courts, a big barbecue area with grills and tables and lots of great concessions in season (Ample Hills ice cream!) - you could easily make a day of it down here, as the park encompasses the waterfronts of Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights and Columbia Street. There's a lovely little kiddie park with water features by Pier 6, and sunset drinks on the rooftop at Fornino is a must.
951 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman StBrooklyn's newest park is also one of its best, with amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Lots of open spaces to lounge about and read or just soak up the sun, but there are plenty of activities as well, with roller skating, basketball courts, a big barbecue area with grills and tables and lots of great concessions in season (Ample Hills ice cream!) - you could easily make a day of it down here, as the park encompasses the waterfronts of Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights and Columbia Street. There's a lovely little kiddie park with water features by Pier 6, and sunset drinks on the rooftop at Fornino is a must.
New York's other great outdoor space was preferred by its designer, Frederick Olmstead, over his more well-known achievement across the river, and it's a great spot to meander or have a picnic (there are grilling areas throughout the park, but they fill up quickly on the weekends), fly a kite or toss a ball around. You can rent goofy 4-person pedal-powered cars or bikes, and the at LeFrak Center has two beautiful ice skating rinks where you can rent skates in the winter (Pro tip: go during the weekday when it's almost empty). Excellent greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza on weekends in season (late Spring to Autumn). The summer BRIC concert series at the bandshell, where you can see national acts for free, is one of the city's best deals.
3418 locals recommend
Prospect Park
New York's other great outdoor space was preferred by its designer, Frederick Olmstead, over his more well-known achievement across the river, and it's a great spot to meander or have a picnic (there are grilling areas throughout the park, but they fill up quickly on the weekends), fly a kite or toss a ball around. You can rent goofy 4-person pedal-powered cars or bikes, and the at LeFrak Center has two beautiful ice skating rinks where you can rent skates in the winter (Pro tip: go during the weekday when it's almost empty). Excellent greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza on weekends in season (late Spring to Autumn). The summer BRIC concert series at the bandshell, where you can see national acts for free, is one of the city's best deals.
Stretching all the way from Battery Park to 59th Street, Hudson River Park is a beautiful place to stroll or bike (or jog or chill). Amazing, wide-open views of the mighty Hudson, periodic cafes and places to sit, parks and playgrounds for the kids and easy access to Tribeca, the West Village and Chelsea, three of Manhattan's most interesting neighborhoods. The skatepark at Chelsea Piers is the best in the city, and you can catch a sunset cruise here, too.
155 locals recommend
Hudson River Park
Stretching all the way from Battery Park to 59th Street, Hudson River Park is a beautiful place to stroll or bike (or jog or chill). Amazing, wide-open views of the mighty Hudson, periodic cafes and places to sit, parks and playgrounds for the kids and easy access to Tribeca, the West Village and Chelsea, three of Manhattan's most interesting neighborhoods. The skatepark at Chelsea Piers is the best in the city, and you can catch a sunset cruise here, too.
Arts & Culture
Great permanent collection, and they always have something interesting going on; plus the building itself is beautiful, and a great starting point for adventures in nearby Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Nearby Washington Avenue has some great restaurants and bars.
3011 locals recommend
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern PkwyGreat permanent collection, and they always have something interesting going on; plus the building itself is beautiful, and a great starting point for adventures in nearby Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Nearby Washington Avenue has some great restaurants and bars.
A jaunt to Governor's Island feels like a mini-vacation. Catch the free ferry at Brooklyn Bridge Park (check the schedule at https://govisland.com/info/ferry) and wander around what used to be a Coast Guard station and is now one of the city's greatest green spaces. There are frequent art shows and happenings, food vendors and wide-open lawns for lounging and picnicking. You can bring your bike on the ferry, too, and enjoy car-free cycling.
249 locals recommend
Governors Island
A jaunt to Governor's Island feels like a mini-vacation. Catch the free ferry at Brooklyn Bridge Park (check the schedule at https://govisland.com/info/ferry) and wander around what used to be a Coast Guard station and is now one of the city's greatest green spaces. There are frequent art shows and happenings, food vendors and wide-open lawns for lounging and picnicking. You can bring your bike on the ferry, too, and enjoy car-free cycling.
The Earth Room
141 Wooster StIt is a room full of dirt in Soho. Check it out. Seriously.
One of my favorite spots - the building is as interesting as the artwork, and while you might have to wait in line for a bit, the staggered entry system creates a relaxed strolling environment.
1126 locals recommend
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th AveOne of my favorite spots - the building is as interesting as the artwork, and while you might have to wait in line for a bit, the staggered entry system creates a relaxed strolling environment.
A fantastic addition to the American Museum of National History, with a great planetarium that features a changing lineup of immersive shows - great for kids (and adults, too!).
15 locals recommend
Rose Center for Earth and Space
200 Central Park WestA fantastic addition to the American Museum of National History, with a great planetarium that features a changing lineup of immersive shows - great for kids (and adults, too!).
It's a bit of a trek to get here, but this calm, uncrowded and beautiful museum is my favorite in NYC, whether or not you're familiar with Noguchi's work. An under-appreciated gem, you can combine a visit here with the wonderful Socrates Sculpture Park nearby on the East River, with great Manhattan views.
192 locals recommend
Noguchi Museum
9-01 33rd RoadIt's a bit of a trek to get here, but this calm, uncrowded and beautiful museum is my favorite in NYC, whether or not you're familiar with Noguchi's work. An under-appreciated gem, you can combine a visit here with the wonderful Socrates Sculpture Park nearby on the East River, with great Manhattan views.
Entertainment & Activities
Why would you come to NYC and go bowling? I don't know. But if you do get the urge, come to this strange and wonderful old spot in Sunset Park and roll like Lebowski. The weekend bartender - I forget his name - is a genius, and he's got a generous pour and the best muttonchops in the world. He also wears a dapper tux.
24 locals recommend
Melody Lanes NY
461 37th StWhy would you come to NYC and go bowling? I don't know. But if you do get the urge, come to this strange and wonderful old spot in Sunset Park and roll like Lebowski. The weekend bartender - I forget his name - is a genius, and he's got a generous pour and the best muttonchops in the world. He also wears a dapper tux.
The best way to see a movie in NYC - reserved seating (buy tickets on line), big and comfortable seats and tables where you can eat and drink during the show. Great drink selection, and the food is actually quite good; service is quick and discreet and not at all distracting, and they show first-run flicks as well as classics, oddities, double features, etc. A great spot for movie lovers, it will spoil you - you'll never want to go to a conventional movie theater again.
266 locals recommend
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown Brooklyn
445 Albee Square WThe best way to see a movie in NYC - reserved seating (buy tickets on line), big and comfortable seats and tables where you can eat and drink during the show. Great drink selection, and the food is actually quite good; service is quick and discreet and not at all distracting, and they show first-run flicks as well as classics, oddities, double features, etc. A great spot for movie lovers, it will spoil you - you'll never want to go to a conventional movie theater again.
Yes, another bowling spot! Great with kids on a rainy day, this spot turns into a music venue at night and fills up with the hepcats from the local neighborhood. Excellent beer selection and good food on the bar chow tip. Roll away!
825 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe AveYes, another bowling spot! Great with kids on a rainy day, this spot turns into a music venue at night and fills up with the hepcats from the local neighborhood. Excellent beer selection and good food on the bar chow tip. Roll away!
Classic Harbor Line
62 Chelsea PiersSightseeing
A total tourist trap that most locals avoid, but definitely worth a quick visit. Nighttime is the only time to go. Spend a few minutes looking around, take some pictures, and then go to the North end of the triangular pedestrian island located at Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets, and listen: you'll hear Max Neuhaus' sound sculpture, "Times Square" wafting up through the grates, which it's been doing since 1977. Most people walk right over it without knowing! Check it out!
And then get the hell out of Times Square!
2037 locals recommend
Times Square
A total tourist trap that most locals avoid, but definitely worth a quick visit. Nighttime is the only time to go. Spend a few minutes looking around, take some pictures, and then go to the North end of the triangular pedestrian island located at Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets, and listen: you'll hear Max Neuhaus' sound sculpture, "Times Square" wafting up through the grates, which it's been doing since 1977. Most people walk right over it without knowing! Check it out!
And then get the hell out of Times Square!
The iconic statue is best viewed from a boat cruising past in New York harbor. You don't need to climb to the top - there are far better views in NYC (Empire State Building, for one), and the lines are really long, you'll waste half a day getting to and fro, and it's hot as hell in the summertime. Take a Circle Line cruise instead!
1303 locals recommend
Statue of Liberty Museum Shop
1 Liberty Island - Ellis IslandThe iconic statue is best viewed from a boat cruising past in New York harbor. You don't need to climb to the top - there are far better views in NYC (Empire State Building, for one), and the lines are really long, you'll waste half a day getting to and fro, and it's hot as hell in the summertime. Take a Circle Line cruise instead!
Definitely worth a walk across for the views, and to appreciate what a monumental undertaking the whole project was back in the day. It gets very crowded, however, especially in the summertime, so go in the morning (and stay out of the bike lane, please!). For a post-walk meal, the rightfully famous Juliana's Pizza on Fulton Landing in Brooklyn (right under the bridge) is great, and on the Manhattan side we love Dim Sum Go Go (reviewed in our guide).
77 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge BoulevardDefinitely worth a walk across for the views, and to appreciate what a monumental undertaking the whole project was back in the day. It gets very crowded, however, especially in the summertime, so go in the morning (and stay out of the bike lane, please!). For a post-walk meal, the rightfully famous Juliana's Pizza on Fulton Landing in Brooklyn (right under the bridge) is great, and on the Manhattan side we love Dim Sum Go Go (reviewed in our guide).
It's touristy, and the guides can be kind of corny (in a fun way), but it's comfortable and relaxing to see Gotham from the water, especially in the summer when the streets are baking in the sun. NYC is a harbor town, and this is the best way to get a sense of the city's seagoing roots (and sailing under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges is awesome).
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
89 South StIt's touristy, and the guides can be kind of corny (in a fun way), but it's comfortable and relaxing to see Gotham from the water, especially in the summer when the streets are baking in the sun. NYC is a harbor town, and this is the best way to get a sense of the city's seagoing roots (and sailing under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges is awesome).
On a clear day a visit to the top of this icon is totally worth the wait. The crisp, clear days of fall and winter are the best (it's less crowded, too) but any time the weather is clear will afford breathtaking views; the building itself is gorgeous as well. As with most popular tourist spots, it's better to get there early in the day.
1787 locals recommend
Empire State Building
20 W 34th StOn a clear day a visit to the top of this icon is totally worth the wait. The crisp, clear days of fall and winter are the best (it's less crowded, too) but any time the weather is clear will afford breathtaking views; the building itself is gorgeous as well. As with most popular tourist spots, it's better to get there early in the day.
Stand in the center of the main terminal and feel the pulse of New York City, then gaze up at the gorgeous roof mural, then head to the Oyster Bar (open since 1913) for some Oysters Rockefeller - happy hour is fun, but crowded as you'll be rubbing shoulders with commuters as well as tourists. An NYC classic.
781 locals recommend
Grand Central Terminal station
89 E 42nd StStand in the center of the main terminal and feel the pulse of New York City, then gaze up at the gorgeous roof mural, then head to the Oyster Bar (open since 1913) for some Oysters Rockefeller - happy hour is fun, but crowded as you'll be rubbing shoulders with commuters as well as tourists. An NYC classic.
The best view of Manhattan, bar none. Combine this with a visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park (take the 'bouncy bridge' pedestrian walkway from the park up to the heights) or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or Governor's Island. Sunset is fantastic, and then you can stroll through Brooklyn Heights (one of NY's prettiest neighborhoods) down to the Long Island bar for a cocktail and a snack.
32 locals recommend
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Brooklyn Heights PromenadeThe best view of Manhattan, bar none. Combine this with a visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park (take the 'bouncy bridge' pedestrian walkway from the park up to the heights) or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or Governor's Island. Sunset is fantastic, and then you can stroll through Brooklyn Heights (one of NY's prettiest neighborhoods) down to the Long Island bar for a cocktail and a snack.
My son has always loved this restored WWII aircraft carrier (there are other vessels as part of the museum complex, too), and if you're looking for a few hours of kid-friendly exploration this is a good spot; you can combine this with a Circle Line cruise, and Times Square is nearby, too.
379 locals recommend
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
West 46th StreetMy son has always loved this restored WWII aircraft carrier (there are other vessels as part of the museum complex, too), and if you're looking for a few hours of kid-friendly exploration this is a good spot; you can combine this with a Circle Line cruise, and Times Square is nearby, too.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by NYC and need a quick vacation without actually leaving city limits, this is the place: green, tranquil, quiet, with one of the best views of lower Manhattan around. Bikes, kites, food stalls (in season) and historical buildings, as well as frequent art and music shows. Check out govisland.com for ferry information and upcoming special events.
249 locals recommend
Governors Island
If you're feeling overwhelmed by NYC and need a quick vacation without actually leaving city limits, this is the place: green, tranquil, quiet, with one of the best views of lower Manhattan around. Bikes, kites, food stalls (in season) and historical buildings, as well as frequent art and music shows. Check out govisland.com for ferry information and upcoming special events.
One of the best ways to experience NYC is by boat, and Classic Harbor Line has a wide range of beautifully restored vessels and specialized cruises (including an architecture tour); tickets are pretty spendy, but the elegant boats, limited number of passengers and gracious, professional crews deliver a lovely experience and stunning views of the city. In good weather, a sunset sail, with cocktails, is near the top of my Top Ten things to do while visiting the city. Check their web site for seasonal events and schedules. Highly recommended.
11 locals recommend
Classic Harbor Line
62 Chelsea PiersOne of the best ways to experience NYC is by boat, and Classic Harbor Line has a wide range of beautifully restored vessels and specialized cruises (including an architecture tour); tickets are pretty spendy, but the elegant boats, limited number of passengers and gracious, professional crews deliver a lovely experience and stunning views of the city. In good weather, a sunset sail, with cocktails, is near the top of my Top Ten things to do while visiting the city. Check their web site for seasonal events and schedules. Highly recommended.
One-of-a-kind shopping
The sign says "Flowers, Skateboards, Dry Goods", and that's all true. A beautifully curated little shop where you can get a gorgeous custom flower arrangement as well as Park Delicatessen branded skate decks and other skateboard gear, clothing and unique merchandise.
21 locals recommend
Park Delicatessen
722 Classon AveThe sign says "Flowers, Skateboards, Dry Goods", and that's all true. A beautifully curated little shop where you can get a gorgeous custom flower arrangement as well as Park Delicatessen branded skate decks and other skateboard gear, clothing and unique merchandise.
Graffiti writer, provocateur and career wiseacre Steve Powers has been on the NYC street art scene for years, and his little Brooklyn corner shop (formerly 'disguised' as a sign painting joint called Icy Signs) is a joy to browse. An always-changing selection of prints, posters and other ESPO merch are available for friendly prices, and the work is always witty and playfully subversive in a way that captures the attitude of the city. A gem, and a great place to buy non-corny NYC gifts for your friends back home!
Espo's Art World
72 4th AveGraffiti writer, provocateur and career wiseacre Steve Powers has been on the NYC street art scene for years, and his little Brooklyn corner shop (formerly 'disguised' as a sign painting joint called Icy Signs) is a joy to browse. An always-changing selection of prints, posters and other ESPO merch are available for friendly prices, and the work is always witty and playfully subversive in a way that captures the attitude of the city. A gem, and a great place to buy non-corny NYC gifts for your friends back home!
The perfect record store, with a savvy but friendly staff, new arrivals all the time, listening stations and a great mix of covetable rare finds and $2 bargain bins. I hate to blow up this spot because I love it so much, but it's a great vinyl spot with good prices and if you love records you have to go.
28 locals recommend
Human Head Records
289 Meserole StThe perfect record store, with a savvy but friendly staff, new arrivals all the time, listening stations and a great mix of covetable rare finds and $2 bargain bins. I hate to blow up this spot because I love it so much, but it's a great vinyl spot with good prices and if you love records you have to go.